Vol. LXXXVII No. 17 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
26 Tevet, 5768 January 4, 2008
Blumkin Home’s new addition nears completion
by OZZIE NOGG A recent look inside the new addition at the Rose Blumkin Home found painters and finish carpenters at work in resi-
dent rooms and common areas. Carpet and hard flooring is in place, the kitchen is being outfitted with stainless steel appliances, two cozy lounges now sport 42” and 60” TV
sets, and the sun-filled private dining room awaits its furniture. The entire community will have an opportunity to tour the new addition later this month.
Idea of McCainPerforming Arts Series continues Lieberman ticket is the with family flute concert formed and recorded LISA LIEB buzz at Orthodox parley byFederation Communication with Jazz and Salsa bands,
AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by SUE FISHKOFF
LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Radio host Michael Medved, a hardcore Republican, and political scientist David Luchins, former adviser to the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), disagree on just about everything related to the presidential race. Except the idea of John McCain. In a campaign that they say is filled with adulterers, fundamentalists, crooks, bigots and wildcards, the GOP senator from Arizona is the only candidate both men say they could endorse -- especially if his running mate were Senator Joe Lieberman, the Sabbath-observant Democrat-turned-Independent who crossed party lines last month to endorse the Republican war hero. On Dec. 23, at the Orthodox Union’s West Coast Torah Convention in Beverly Hills, during a session titled “Should Torah Jews Vote Democratic or Republican?”, Medved and Luchins examined the campaign lineup. With about 100 people in attendance, they ruminated on which candidates deserve the support of Orthodox voters, the majority of whom bucked the overall Jewish trend and voted for President Bush in 2004. The two men trashed one candidate after another, until a woman in the back of the room offered the final question of the day: What about a McCain-Lieberman ticket? Heads swiveled back to enjoy what would surely be another of Medved’s sharp witticisms, as he skewered the woman’s political naiveté. But no. Medved paused. He’d had lunch several times with McCain, he confessed. And maybe … no, he couldn’t tell about it. It was off the record information. “Turn off the tape!” one man shouted at the video technician recording the session. Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Director played and composed After years of studying music for dance theatres folk music, traveling and performed premier around the world, and solo flute compositions at the New York Expericollecting flutes and other mental Intermedia. exotic instruments, Hagit Since finishing her Rosmanrin and Gil studies and returning to Bohadana present "Flutes Israel, Rosmarin has played around the world," a colin the Israeli Irish-Celtic orful and dynamic show band Black Velvet, accomthat sweeps the audience panied dance shows, and into a musical voyage. composed for Austrian The Halil BaGalilee dancer Martina Heger. She Flute Concert will take Hagit Rosmanrin Gil Bohadana currently leads a new show place on Saturday, Jan. called “Riding the wind,” 26, 7 p.m.,in the theater and she also accompanies of the Jewish Community the Israeli Flamenco Dance Center. This concert is Company. Combining the second program of music and education, the Jewish Federation’s The musicians featured in the Halil BaGalilee Concert Partnership with Israel live in Kibbutz Yasur, which is located in the Western Rosmarin teaches others Performing Arts Series, Galilee -- Omaha’s Partnership Region. For four years, this how to play the flute, and which debuted in Kibbutz had been unable to raise enough money to put a she conducts amateur ensembles of youth and November with the roof on their new kindergarten. Keshet Eilon Violin After learning about their plight, several families partici- adults. In “Flutes around the Concert. pating in last summer’s Family Mission teamed up and “Flutes around the donated the funds for the kindergarten roof. This is just world,” Rosmanrin will world” features tradition- one of the many ways members of the Omaha Jewish com- play a wide array of flutes from places near and far, al ethnic music in addi- munity are making an impact in the Western Galilee. including Indian flutes, tion to original pieces composed by Rosmanrin and Bohadana. Their music is flutes from the Balkan and Ireland, wooden and baminspired by the many places they encountered on their boo flutes from the Far East and the Middle East, varitravels, as well as the sounds of the Western Galilee, ous clay flutes, ocarinas and more. A wind instrument player and landscape designer, Gil where Rosmanrin and Bohadana reside. Through the distinct flavors of unique sounds, the musicians encour- Bohadana spent four years traveling to such places as age understanding and acceptance of the different voic- Australia, Central America and the Far East, collecting flutes and learning indigenous musical traditions. He es of our globe. Flutist Hagit Rosmarin studied music at the presti- integrates landscaping design with music by designing gious Rimon School of Music in Israel and Mannes musical parks that contain unique musical instruments College of Music in New York City. She performs con- and educational centers. Bohadana has performed with temporary and ethnic music as a soloist, and has accom- various groups including the South American musical panied various bands in New York, Israel and Europe. band Canaan, playing original and ethnic music. During her stay in the United States, Rosmarin per- Continued on page 3
Family mission participants raise the roof for Kibbutz Yasur
This Week: Nominate a teacher for Sokolof Award: Page 11 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Tight races mean Jewish votes could matter: Page 2
Coming Next Week: Tax and Financial Planning Temple sends 22 to Reform bienniel in San Diego: Pages 4 and 7
Beth El’s cantor builds bridge between two continents: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
Idea of McCain-Lieberman ticket is the buzz Continued from page 1 Smiling slightly, Medved relented: “I don’t think it’s an unthinkable possibility, and it would be a very strong ticket.” Although he’s not ready to give up on the Republicans, and although Luchins is still holding out hope for a strong Democratic ticket, the two agreed that McCain-Lieberman 2008 wasn’t a bad idea at all. The two men are close friends, Medved noted, “and people would love a unity ticket that would put America’s interests first.” Lieberman, a four-term Connecticut senator, was an unabashed Democrat in 2000, when he was tapped by Al Gore to be his running mate. Since then, however, Lieberman’s vocal support for the Iraq war has put him at odds with many Democratic lawmakers and the party’s liberal base. Last year, in Connecticut’s Democratic senatorial primary, he lost to an anti-war challenger, businessman Ned Lamont, before winning as a third-party candidate in the general election. These days, he describes himself as an “Independent Democrat,” and caucuses with the Democrats, securing their control of the Senate. The hope in the McCain campaign is that Lieberman’s endorsement will help give McCain a further boost among independents in New Hampshire, where they have a choice of voting in either party’s primary. Recent polls show McCain making a comeback in the Granite State, where Lieberman joined him last week to announce his endorsement. In addition to defending the U.S. mission in Iraq, both McCain and Lieberman have taken a tough line on confronting Islamic fundamentalism, especially the mullahs in Tehran. For Medved, Iran is the only Jewish issue in this election. “Do you believe we’re facing an existential threat to the state of Israel and the United States from IslamoNazi terror?” he asked with rhetorical flourish at one point during the session at the O.U. event. “Or do
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Front-loaded schedule, tight races mean Jewish votes could matter
FRIDAY, JANUARY 4 Visions Board Meeting, 9 a.m. Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Lessons for the Jewish Soul, 10 a.m. at Beth El C BESTT Classes Resume, 10 a.m. L Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad I Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m. P Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, JANUARY 7 & JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. The Life of Joshua, Son of Nun, 7 p.m. S ADL Workshop Dr. Amy Jill Levine, 7 p.m. A Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. V Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m. E TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 WOW Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL Workshop with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, 11 a.m. Eye on Israel, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad The Many Faces of Extremism, 7 p.m. at Beth El ADL Cyberbullying Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El AIPAC Nebraska Council Meeting, 11:45 a.m. Friedel Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Know Thy Neighbor, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel C Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel L JFS’s Love and Logic Parenting Class, 7p.m. at Beth El I Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad P Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. & S A V E
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Javitch Music Composition Concert, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel 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)
This Space For Rent Call Terri Greenwood 334-6559
you believe, as the Democrats do, that President Bush is more of a threat to world peace than the Iranian mullahs?” Across the board, Medved insisted, the Republican candidates are more solidly pro-Israel and ready to take on Iran than any of the Democrats. “Luchins will say, Jews vote Democrat, they just do,” Medved quipped. “Like salmon swimming upstream.” In fact, Luchins, a vice-president of the Orthodox Union, was quite equivocal in his support for his party. Like Medved, he’s switched party affiliation more than once in the past few decades, and this year he’s less happy with the current crop of Democratic candidates than Medved is with the GOP offerings. Saying that he’s “very uncomfortable” with Obama and Edwards, both of whom he considers “too partisan,” Luchins held out hope for “the centrists -- Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, and, yes, Hillary Clinton.” Luchins shot down every one of Medved’s glowing reviews of the Republican hopefuls. “Both parties are a problem,” Luchins stated. “Both are filled with people who are not our friends.” Earlier in the day, Los Angeles resident Mark Abraham echoed the feelings of many attendees, saying “I’m more disheartened by this election than any. I don’t see in any one candidate a real leader.” One woman, a registered Republican, had said she might vote Democrat “as long as it’s not Hillary.” Another man, a registered Democrat, said he would support Clinton in the primaries and then vote Republican in November. In the end, it was the McCain-Lieberman scenario that buoyed many people’s spirits and got the room buzzing. If only, sighed Dr. Allan Levine, a self-described “disappointed Democrat” from Los Angeles. “But,” he continued, bringing up the huge war chests already amassed by the leading candidates in both parties, “where would they get the money?”
C L I P
AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by AMI EDEN
& S A V E
C L I P & S A V E
Primary season has traditionally been a spectator sport for Jewish voters (as opposed to big-time Jewish political donors), thanks to an electoral schedule that has historically favored states with tiny Jewish communities. In 2004, for example, by the time a state with more than 100,000 Jews held a primary, Howard Dean was long gone, John Edwards was on his last legs and John Kerry had essentially locked up the Democratic nomination. This election cycle, as the nation readies for the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3 and the John Edwards New Hampshire primary on Jan. 8, it appears as if the Credit: United States Senate Jewish vote could play a role in deciding the Democratic nomination. That’s because this time around many big states have pushed up their primaries and polls show a tightening race for the Democratic nomination. The Republican picture is even tighter and more complicated, but with the bulk of Jews identifying as Democrats, the question is whether Edwards and U.S. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-IIl.) will still be battling come Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, when primaries will be held in 23 states with about two-thirds of the country’s Jewish population. Just six states are voting ahead of Super Tuesday this year -compared to 14 states in 2004 -- which means fewer chances for the race to be wrapped up before Super Tuesday. And with polls showing a tough three-way race
in Iowa, and Obama and Clinton neck-and-neck in New Hampshire and the Jan. 26 South Carolina primary, it will be difficult for any of the top three Democrats to knock out the other two before the overwhelming majority of American Jews get to vote. Assuming the race is still on coming out of South Carolina, the nation could once again end up turning its collective eye to Jewish voters in South Florida. The Sunshine State -- boasting the third largest Jewish population, behind New York and California -- is poised to provide a major momentum boost, as the only state
Sen. Clinton in NH Rudy Giuliani Credit: Marc Nozell/ Credit: Jason Bedrick Creative Commons scheduled to hold a primary on Jan. 29 and the last to vote before Super Tuesday a week later. In addition to New York and California, Feb. 5 will feature primaries in several other states with sizeable Jewish populations -including New Jersey, Illinois, Georgia, Connecticut and Arizona. A recent American Jewish Committee phone survey of 1,000 Jewish Americans found that Clinton was rated favorably by 53 percent of American Jews, with Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani finishing second at 41 percent, ahead of the rest of the Democratic field. The survey, with a margin of error of three percent, found that among Jewish Democrats, Clinton scored a 70 percent favorable rating, compared to 48 percent for Edwards and 45 percent for Obama.
January 4, 2008
Family flute concert Continued from page 1 Bohadana is currently conducting a program called “ECO,” which combines music and ecology. The project is based on “The Groovy Junkyard,” and features musical instruments made of recycled materials created by Bohadana. This talented musician has been invited to perform in the Kneset, and he has also been acknowledged by the ministry of environmental protection. Several of Bohadana’s instruments are featured in Haifa’s Science Museum. Bohadana will accompany the flutes on a variety of unique instruments such as the djembe, kalimba and mbira from Africa, rain stick, Tibetian bowls, Swiss hung, Hungarian zither, bugles and bells. Stacey Rockman, Omaha’s Partnership with Israel Chairman, had the opportunity to hear Rosmanrin and Bohadana perform in Israel last summer. “These musicians are very talented, have lots of energy and are able to engage listeners of all ages. They are lots of fun, and it will be a real treat for all who attend,” Rockman said. Tickets are $7 per person, with children and students admitted free of charge. Families can also take advantage of the special ticket package rate of $18 per family, which includes admission for each family member to attend the flute concert and the upcoming Ga’aton Dance program on Feb. 23. Funding for the Performing Arts Series is being provided by the Herbert Goldsten Trust, the JCC Theatre Program Endowment Fund, the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund, a Special Donor-Advised Fund, the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund, the Myron (Mike) Milder II Memorial Fund, the Morton A. Richards Endowment Fund, and the Samuel and Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the JCC at 334.8200.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Tri-Faith partners to present “...Know Thy Neighbor” at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator With tri-faith partners Father Ernesto R. Medina from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and Shakil Ahmed of the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture (AIISC), Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will take a look beyond our own Jewish community at the faiths of our neighbors. On Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m., the priest, the rabbi, and the vice president of the AIISC, will present “Know Thyself, Know Thy Neighbor” at Temple Israel to discuss the tensions between practices and beliefs of different faiths and everyday secular life in America. “After December,” pointed Father Ernesto R. Medina out Rabbi Azriel, “how do we keep our identity in America as Jews, Christians, and Muslims in light of such an onslaught of merchandising? How do we secure our religious identities in secular America?” Father Medina, who has been at Trinity Episcopal Church since August 2007, said his calling is “to empower others’ ministries in the community of faith. Each of us brings our shared experiences and our own unique perspectives to the common life of the church. My vocation is to live and work joyfully in the midst of this exciting blend and to help others do the same.” He also said that he spent years working on interfaith projects while in Los Angeles. “My specialty was design of liturgy for tri-faith.” In addition to serving his church, Father Medina was an animal show trainer at Sea World in San Diego, and a bilingual case worker in family crisis and gang intervention, juvenile drug diversion, and community development.
Ahmed, who has already spoken at Temple Israel on several occasions, was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and immigrated to North America in 1978. He’s been living in Omaha with his wife and three children since 1989. AIISC, a Nebraska-based Islamic educational and cultural organization, is dedicated to tri-faith dialogue,
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Shakil Ahmed speak to the crowd at one of four “Know Thy Muslim Neighbor” sessions. relationships, and interactions among its followers. Ahmed has been making presentations on basic and specific Islamic topics to various academic and religious organizations and speakers’ forums in Omaha and Lincoln since 1993. In addition to the AIISC, Ahmed belongs to the Islamic Speakers Bureau and the Islamic Center of Omaha. The community is welcome to join Rabbi Azriel and his guests to learn how other faith communities engage in worship and enhance spirituality as we all search for common bonds. Sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, there is no fee to attend “Know Thyself, Know Thy Neighbor,” but please register with Program Director Rosie Zweiback at 556.6536 or at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.
DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.
The Karen Javitch Sokolof Music Fund presents
A Concert
featuring the Works of the Finalists of the Emerging Jewish Composers’ Competition
The finalists are from Israel, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. 2 works by 20 and younger | 3 works by 21 and older
7 p.m. | January 10, 2008 | Jewish Community Center Vote for your favorite work at the reception. Award presentation will follow.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
Temple Israel sends 22 to Reform biennial in San Diego by CLAUDIA SHERMAN awareness to Parkinson’s, his foundation Temple Israel Communications Coordinator has donated more than $50 million to With the music of Shabbat ringing in research, and he has testified on Capitol their heads and hearts, with the inspira- Hill in favor of stem cell research. tional messages of Rabbi Eric Yoffie, Another recipient of the Eisendrath Michael J. Fox, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Bearer of Light Award was Jeffrey D. and Dr. Ingrid Matson touching their Sachs, professor of health policy and souls, and the magical feeling of commu- management at Columbia University and nity shared by more than 5,500 Jews, 22 director of the Earth Institute. Widely members of Temple Israel returned home considered to be the leading internationfrom the 69th Biennial of the Union for al economic adviser of his generation, Reform Judaism (URJ) in San Diego Sachs has been in the forefront of protired but inspired. moting policies to help all One member of parts of the world benefit from the Temple Israel expanding economic opportudelegation, Ducky nities. A leading voice for Milder, summed it combining economic developup by describing ment with environmental sus“the Biennial as a tainability, Sachs leads largemagnificent Jewish scale efforts to promote the journey that I wish mitigation of human-induced every member of climate change and extreme Temple Israel could global poverty. be part of. The Michael J. Fox received a standing Sachs’ speech and then meetShabbat services, ovation of several minutes as he ing him was the highlight of the study, music, social took the stage to accept an award Biennial for Mimi Silverman, justice, and com- from the Union for Reform Judaism. co-coordinator of Temple’s munity that we participated in and bring Social Justice Committee. “The most back to our congregation and communi- amazing thing that he said was that the ty surely will make a difference in tikkun U.S. has agreed to help meet the United olam -- repairing the world. Six thousand Nations’ Millennium Development goals people left the Biennial with hope and joy to end extreme poverty by 2020. But we in their hearts,” she declared. have not met our obligations,” she added. Highlights of the mid-December “‘The richest countries agreed to spend Biennial at the vast San Diego seven-tenths of a percent of their Gross Convention Center were the awarding of Domestic Product,” Sachs said. “If the the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Pentagon could take off next Thursday, we Light Award to Michael J. Fox, a political would really appreciate that.’” activist and award-winning actor. Debbie Friedman, whose songs have Afflicted with Parkinson’s disease in brought the message of Torah to people 1991 when he was 30, Fox has been of all ages, all walks of life, and many reliworking to develop a cure for the debili- gions, received the first Alexander M. tating illness. In addition to bringing Schindler Distinguished Service Award at
a tribute concert in her honor at the Muslims in North America today,” he Biennial. Her music has become part of said. Yes, thank God, most American and the prayer tradition at many synagogues Canadian Muslims are treated with digniand camps and is enjoyed throughout the ty. But since 9/11, we do not lack for Reform Movement. purveyors of hate who see Muslims as a Jeff Schweid, Jon Meyers, and Jill fifth column and who engage in the ugliIdelman were members of the 120-mem- est form of stereotyping, casually ascribber Biennial choir which included people ing to all the guilt of a tiny minority. from across the United States, Canada, “We chose ISNA as our partner, and the Netherlands. “...singing with because it is the closest equivalent to the Debbie Friedman, a once-in-a-lifetime Union with the American Muslim comopportunity, gospel munity,” Rabbi Yoffie continversions of “Hinei ued. “It has issued a strong Ma Tov” and “Mi and unequivocal condemnaChamocha” with tion of terror, including a speJoshua Nelson (who cific condemnation of performs ‘Kosher Hizbollah and Hamas terror Gospel’) show the against Jews and Israelis. It many different ways has also recognized Israel as a we can use music to Jewish state and supported a raise us up spiritualtwo-state solution to the ly,” said Schweid. Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After listening to The last thing that we want Dr. Ingrid Matson, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of the is to build alliances that rely president of the Islamic Society of North America, on or accept the trashing of Islamic Society of speaks at the Union for Reform another religion. And while North America Judaism's biennial convention's first we will fight Islamic extrem(ISNA), Schweid plenary Dec. 16. ism with every ounce of our Credit: Courtesy of the Union being, we have been the vicnoted that “we have a group of Muslim moderates to dialog tims of indiscriminate hatred for far too with (which) also gives me great hope for long to inflict it now on others. Jews,” he the future.” reminded the largest Jewish convention Rabbi Yoffie, URJ president, was the in North America, “have never taught first Jewish leader to address the ISNA, hatred as an answer to hatred, and we will which represents 300 mosques, when he not begin now.” spoke to the Muslim group’s convention He went on to say, “We enter into this in August. In his hour-long sermon at the dialogue with our eyes wide open,” Biennial’s Shabbat morning worship serv- pointing out that ISNA, “a large, ice, Rabbi Yoffie announced a new part- unwieldy coalition contains some elenership between the Union and ISNA. ments that cause us discomfort, We also “As a once-persecuted minority in know that while we have had extraordicountries where anti-Semitism is still a nary success with dialogue in Great Neck, force, we understand the plight of Continued on page 7
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ORGANIZATIONS
IN THE NEWS
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Sen. Ben Nelson will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan. 9, noon, at Reegency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Nelson will cover current issues for 2008. Since we are expecting a large turnout, reservations are needed. Please RSVP to Lois at 334.6443 or email her at lepstein@jewishomaha.org. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Enjoy fun with music with Dorothy Applebee on Monday at the JCC. Lunch is served at noon for $7 per person and the program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Join us for bingo with Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Membership dues to Visions for 2008 are due. Please mail your check to Visions for $7.50 to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinksy, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
An intergenerational experience
The Young Energetic Seniors, including Selma and James Shamberg, and students from the Friedel Jewish Academy enjoyed Cherrie Beam-Clark a Historical Storyteller. She captivated the audience in a first person Chautauque-style presentation, based on historical fact. Through a dramatic rendition, the audience was transported to the year 1869.
Cultivating Women’s Friendships will be the topic of discussions hosted by Omaha’s Women of Spirit on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. It is the second of three gatherings in the series Wisdom Circles: What Feeds Our Spirits, intended to explore multi-faith differences and discover common ground. Three women chosen from different faith perspectives will introduce the session by sharing how this theme plays out in their spiritual lives. Participants will then shift their focus to the small groups at their own tables to discuss the topic together in light of their individual experiences. The three-hour event will be at Servite Center of Compassion, 7400 Military Ave. The cost is $20. Paid advance registration is required, as seating is limited. Women intentionally walking spiritual paths are encouraged to attend. A registration form can be printed from the group’s website at http://groups.creighton. edu/womenofspirit. For additional information, contact Nancy Phillips at 280.2934. The final gathering in the series, Connecting with Mother Earth, is slated for Sunday, April 6. It will share a similar format with the upcoming February event. These follow the highly successful first session, Nourishing Our Inner Spirits, held in October. The series represents a break with tradition for Women of Spirit, which has sponsored large, single annual events in the past “Women eager for more personal spiritual interactions drives this change in our programming,” said Phillips, a founding member of the organization. “These ‘wisdom circles’ will encourage a new sense of community in a world increasingly defined by its spiritual divisions.” The events of “9/11” in 2001 had a profound impact on the organization, which began in the early 1980’s. It continues to expand and evolve in ever-widening circles to embrace all women of spirit.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Hejewa Adam has taken up arms in her homeland, joining a rebel group defending the Fur people and battling the Janjaweed and government forces. Ahmed Mohammed Abakar was forced to flee his village and is now the leader at a refugee camp in Hamadea, where some 50,000 displaced people live. And Oscar nominee Don Cheadle, after starring in Hotel Rwanda, has written a book, Not on our Watch, with John Prendergast, that helps people understand genocide--and gives them information on what they can do to stop it. Each of these people is making a difference in Darfur in a different way, through the legal system, legislation, the media, and even violence if necessary, in order to save and protect a people under siege. Show times are available at www.TheRoss.org, or by calling the MRRMAC film information line at 402.472.5353.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
LIVE GENEROUSLY. IT DOES A WORLD OF GOOD.
TM
The following people have contributed to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2007 Annual Campaign. Thank you for living generously and helping us reach our 2007 campaign goal of $3.2 million. Pacesetters and Lions of Judah are listed in bold print. Donors who have increased their gift are also listed in bold print. Pacesetters
Lion of Judah
(Men making an annual gift of $6,000 or more) Baker Family ❍ Harold Bernstein Bruce Baron* Steven Bloch ❏ Marc Brodkey Sherman Brodkey Ronald Blumkin ■ Jack Cohen Gary D. Epstein ❏ Harold Epstein ❏ Paul Epstein ❏ Robert Epstein Joseph Erman ❍ Michael Erman ❍ Tom Fellman ❍ David Friedland ❍ Friedman Family ❍ Sandy Friedman Willard Friedman ❏ Morton Glass ❏ Bruce Goldberg Donald Goldstein ❏ Buddy Goldstein ❏ Herbert Goldsten Trust ❍ Jeff Gordman Jerry Gordman Nelson T. Gordman ❏ Don Greenberg Paul Grossman Gary Javitch Arnold Joffe ❏ Lawrence Josephson Marcel Kahn Howard Kaslow ■ Jeff Kirshenbaum Joseph Kirshenbaum ❍ Kevee Kirshenbaum Forrest Krutter ❏ John Lehr Martin Lehr ❏ Bob Lepp* Leonard Lewis Michael Liddy* ❏ Edward Malashock* ❏ Jerome T. Milder ❏ Allan Murow Murray Newman ❍ Allan Noddle Jay Noddle ■ Steven Nogg Omaha Bedding Company ❍ Omaha Steaks ● Anne & Alan Simon Betiana & Todd Simon Eve & Fred Simon Stacy & Bruce Simon Alan Parsow Eric Phillips Steve Pitlor ■ Michael Platt Marty Ricks* Henry & Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund ❏ Andrew Robinson ❏ Jonathan Rockman* Blaine Roffman Larry Roffman Joel Schlessinger Charles Schneider Harley Schrager ■ Phil Schrager ❍ Ted Seldin ❍ Bruce Shackman ❏ Norm Sheldon* ❏ Mike Sherman Gerald Simons ❏ Mark Singer Stanley Silverman* ❏ Slosburg Family Charitable Trust ❍ Jerry Slusky Estate of Phil Sokolof Special Donor Advised Fund of the JFO Foundation Swartzbaugh FarberAssociates, Inc. Isidore Tretiak Maurice & Joan Udes ❏ Eugene Zweiback ❏
(Women making an annual gift of $5,000 or more) Judy Baker Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Marcia Cohen Susie Cohn ✡ Bobbie Epstein Ruth Erman Frances Fried Nancy Friedland Roz Friedman ▲ Thama Friedman Janet Glass Ann Goldstein Jan Goldstein Linda K. Gordman Nancy Greenberg Deborah Greene Karen Javitch* ◆ Fran Juro Andi Kavich Maxine Kirshenbaum ◆ Sharon Kooper ◆ Joanie Lehr Lyra Ann Monasee Jean Neff Sharee Newman ♥ Nancy Noddle ◆ Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Pearl Richman Giventer Dorothy Riekes Kimberly Robinson Cynthia Schneider Jan Schneiderman Beth Schrager Phyllis Sherman ◆ Sarah Seldin Norma Silverman Gail Veitzer ◆ Joodi Veitzer ◆
Men’s Campaign
Harold Abrahamson Lawrence Albert David Alloy Harry Alloy Samuel Alloy* Bernie Altsuler Jeffrey Aizenberg Rami Arav Izrail Aronchik Donald Baum Robert Beber Gene Beckerman Bruce Belgrade Robert Belgrade Mark Belmont Jay Benton* Harry Berman Terry Bernstein Thomas Bernstein Stuart Bernstein Morris Birenbaum Larry Blass Bernard Bogdanoff Cantor Gaston Bogomolni Howard Borden Bob Boumstein James Bresel Lawrence Brodkey Peter Brodkey Ronald Brodkey Alfred Brody Sanford Brophy* Sam Bukenholts Larry Cackin Frederick Cassman David Chait Jay Chasen Jeremy Chasen* Dave Chorney William Christensen Alan Cohen Carl Cohen Don Cohen Marc Cohen Paul Cohen Double Chai Sheldon Cohen (Women making an William Cohen annual gift of $3,600 Edward Cohn 5,999) David Cooper Gloria Kaslow Jeff Cooper Eunie Denenberg Sam Cooper Phyllis Glazer Meyer Coren Shirley Kulakofsky Jerry Dann Ramona Pepper Art Davidson Stacey Rockman* David DeLand Suzanne Singer Manuel Delgadillo George Demidovich Pomegranate Jack Diamond (Women making an George Eisenberg annual gift of $1,800Bob Endelman $3,599) Randy Endelman Chris Blumkin Robert Engel Jane Brooks Arnold Epstein Anne Cohen Gary Epstein Babe Cohn Howard Epstein Edith Epstein Irv Epstein Elaine Feldman Jack Epstein Caryl Greenberg Mel Epstein Cookie Hoberman Sam Epstein Joanie Jacobson Abram Erlich Joan Kaiman Mikhail Etus Bea Karp* Steven Evans Renee Kasner Max Falk Carol Katzman Lou Fedman Madeline Katzman Sam Fedman Rose Katzman Ted Feidman Sharon Kirshenbaum Ronald Feldman Sandy Kutler Richard Fellman Barbara Lashinsky Stanley Feltman Sandy Lehr Cantor Leo Fettman Deana Liddy Paul Fine Jody Malashock Glen Fineman Ducky Milder Steven Fingold Lori Miller David Finkle Janie Murow Doug Finnicum Arlene Richman Stephen Fischer Barbara Rips Hersz Flatowicz Jane Rips Pierre Flatowicz Hannah Schwalb Harold Fox Suzy Sheldon* Joseph Frank Eve Simon Ronald Frank* Selma Tretiak Jerry Freeman Nancy Wolf John Freeman Debbi Zweiback Robert Freeman Jim Fried Jr. Pacesetters Marshall Fried (Men under the age of 45 Bruce Friedlander making an annual gift of Walter Friedlander $3,600 - 5,999) Arthur Friedman Jeff Epstein* Jeremy Friedman* Mark Robinson Scott Friedman Steven Friedman Harry Gates Hymie Gendler
Men’s Campaign
Men’s Campaign
Men’s Campaign
David Gerber Donald Gerber Paul Gerber Robert Gerelick* Moshe Gershovich Ron Giller Stu Giller Lawrence Ginsburg Arkadiy Ginzburg Pete Godwin Frank Goldberg Richard Goldberg Irwin Goldenberg* David Goldstein Gary Goldstein Howard Goldstein Michael Goldstein Brad Goldstrom Mark Goldstrom Alan Goodman Ellis Goodman* Thomas Goodman Bruce Gordon Gary Green Andrew Greenberg Barton Greenberg Bud Greenspan Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Joe Guss Victor Gutman Bruce Gutnik Mace Hack Michael Halsted Allan Handleman Sheldon Harris Kenneth Hoberman David Hoffman Edward Horowitz Richard Ivers Mace Jabenis Art Jacobson Fred Kader Robert Kahn Jerome Kaiman Howard Kaiman Leo Kamisar Gary Kaplan Myron Kaplan Sandy Kasin Richard Katelman Robert Katleman Jerry Katskee Milton Katskee Richard Katz Rabbi Mendel Katzman Michael Katzman Richard Katzman Michael Kaufman Les Kay Jay Kenik Kevee Kirshenbaum Matt Kirshenbaum Max Kirshenbaum Tom Kirshenbaum Donald Klein Harry Klein Milton Kleinberg Mark Kohn Doug Koom Joseph Kosinovsky Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Jack Kozlen Leonard Krasne Lloyd Krasne Joe Kravitz* Alan Kricsfeld Stanley Krieger Rabbi Myer Kripke Gary Kudym Abram Kukawka Gary Kuklin Allen Kurland Adam Kutler* Bruce Kutler* David Kutler Howard Kutler Matt Kutler* Sol Kutler Stuart Kutler Wayne Lainof Jeffrey Laudin Michael Lazer Ben Lebowich Joe Leff Michael Leibowitz Martin Leiserowitz David Lercher Gary Lerner Hugh Levin Rabbi Mordechai Levin Michael Levine Steve Levinger Vidar Levit
Roland Lewis Dmitriy Libov Rabbi Eric Linder* Mark Lippett Harvey Lipsman Boris Litvin Stephen Lubman Jerry Mack Bernard Magid Ben Magzamin Neal Malashock Stanley Mandler Justin Manvitz Todd Manvitz Gerald Marburg Irv Marcus Eyal Margalit Sonny Marko Leon Martin Sheldon Masnek Harold Maurer Dimitrios Mavropoulos Boris May Maurice Meiches Gabe Meyer Gerald Meyer Bruce Meyers Joe Meyers Larry Meyerson Leo Meyerson Carl Milder Myron Milder Paul Militzer Sidney Mirvish Stanley Mitchell Michael Mogil Igor Mosenkis* Gordon Moshman Jack Moskovitz Ken Munzesheimer Alan Muskin Leonid Nakhimovich Howard Needelman Steve Neesman Alvin Nogg Brian Nogg Jeffrey Nogg Steven Noodell Mark Ocheretyanskiy Robert Olesh Rabbi Brett Oxman Louis Pachman Gary Paskar Allen Passer Jeff Passer Jeffrey Passer Robert Perelman Stanley Perlmeter Edward Pesetsky Harvey Pickel David Pitlor Donald Polsky Alan Potash Merle Potash Ira Priluck George Quittner Paul Rabinowitz* Andy Raffel* Matthew Ray Leonid Raksin Steven Redler Miles Remer Tom Rice Harry Richman Gary Rifkin Dick Rochman Normand Roffman Lloyd Roitstein David Rosen Steve Rosen Gerald Rosenblatt Sidney Rosenblatt Martin Rosenstein Jerry Rosinsky Richard Rosinsky Lee Ross Steve Rothenberg Mark Rubezhin Michael Sadofsky Rodney Sadofsky Errol Saltzman Kevin Saltzman Fred Salzinger Abe Schloff Ben Schneider Edward Schneider Michael Schop Jack Schrager Julius Schreiber Dan Schuller Natan Schwalb Michael Schwartz Sidney Schwartz Solomon Schwartz Jeffrey Schweid
Nathan Seitelbach George Shafer Dave Shapiro David Shapiro Larry Shapiro Matt Shapiro Morris Shapiro Oleg Shats Rabbi Maximo Shechet Lev Shekhtman Mark Sherman Dave Shkolnick Rodney Shkolnick Michael Shnayder Howard Shrier Michael Shrier Martin Shukert Alan Shulewitz Gary Shyken Paul Shyken Gus Sideris Wayne Siegel Peter Silberstein James Silverman Michael Silverman Steven Simon Stuart Simon Harold Siporin Larry Siref Stephen Skulsky Dan Slusky Ramon Somberg James Sophir Justin Spiegal* Arthur Stein David Stern* Asher Stoller* Bud Studna John Sutin Marvin Suvalsky Mark Sweet Melvin Tatelman Scott Tatelman Marvin Taxman Roger Tederman Alan Tipp* Steven Tipp Stewart Tully Boris Turetsky Lazar Turetsky Jerald Venger Bennett Wagner Martin Warren James Wax Mike Weinberg Dale Weinstein Richard Wiener Bryan Wine Norman Wine Ernest Wintroub Leon Wintroub Alan Wolfson* Harry Wolfson Warren Wolpa Irvin Yaffe Adam Yale Harold Zabin Steven Zalkin Norman Zevitz James Zipursky Mort Zuber
Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign
Anonymous Helen Abrahamson Louise Abrahamson Gail Abramson Sheri Abramson Charlotte Adler Susan Aizenberg Eleanor Alexander Carol Alloy Doris Alloy Millie Altman Alexandra Aronchik Joyce Ashley Stacey Atlas Diane Axler Baum Tatyana Ayol Ruth Babendure Jill Baron Kathryn Beauchaine Joanie Bernstein Mary Bernstein Rose Bernstein Shirley Bittner Claire Blass Margaret Block Rachel Blum Cindy Bogdanoff Esther Bogdanoff Marge Bresel Susan Brezack Beth Brodkey Carol Brodkey Florence Brody Sandra Bromley Michelle Bucher Elaine Bukenholts Sandra Canfield Molline Cassman Reva Chapman Peggy Chasen Cathy Christensen Penny Cody-Cox Arlene Cohen Bernice Cohen Beth Cohen Doris Cohen Joyce Cohen Marla Cohen Helene Cohn Pam Cohn Sandra Cole Edith Comisar Sarita Cooper Susan Cooper Renee Corcoran Fran Coren Janey Dann Rose Davis Peggy DeLand Karen Delgadillo Minde Diamond Jean Duitch Tiffany Eisenman Lois Endelman Penny Endelman Renee Engel Audrey Epstein Emily Epstein* Etta Epstein Helen Epstein Laurie Epstein Laurie Epstein Epstein Ben Gurion Society Lisa Lois Epstein (Men or women under Lucille Epstein the age of 45 making an Nancy Epstein annual gift of $1,000 or Pam Epstein more) Rosaline Epstein Brett Atlas* Sharon Epstein Tom Baker Esther Erlich Ted Friedland Jill Erman Cindy Goldberg Mary Etus Danielle Gordman Valentina Etus Rabbi Jonathan Gross* Deirdre Evans Mark Javitch* Mildred Feidman Trenton Magid Judith Feigin Hap Pocras* Lillian Feldman Rebecca Rosen Marla Feldman Andrew Ruback* Bev Fellman Teresa Ruback* Mary Ferer Nancy Schlessinger Annette Fettman Richard Schrager Helen Finkel Anthony Scioli* Marti Finkel* Mike Siegel Barbara Finkle Charlie Sullivan Deborah Finnicum Tom Vann Janis Fischer Betty Fisher Rabin Society Claire Flatowicz (Men under the age of 45 Paulette Flatowicz making an annual gift of Hillary Fletcher $500-$999) Sonia Forbes Robert Goldberg Ruth Fox Jason Epstein Beverly Frank John McGauvran Tiffany Franklin Scott Meyerson Sally Fredricks
Joanne Freeman Norma Fried Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Debbie Friedman Gloria Friedman Lois Friedman Sheryl Friedman Marlen Frost Mandy Frost-Becker Susana Frydman-Levin Linda Gates Anne Gerber Bev Gilinsky Julie Ginsberg Cheri Ginsburg Elizabeth Ginsburg Larisa Ginzburg Donna Givner Kim Goldberg Wendy Goldberg Ruth Goldenberg Inna Goldman Judi Goldstein Dora Goldstrom June Goodbinder Dee Goodman Linda Goodman* Shirley Goodman Andrea Gordman Bridget Gordman Sandy Gordon Esther Graetz Sherri Green Carole Greenberg Naomi Greenberg Rosalie Greenspan Linda Gross Ethel Grossman Mary Sue Grossman Amanda Gurock Pauline Guss Karen Gustafson Margie Gutnik Janice Harris Florence Hauss Shari Hess Bonnie Hines Kathy Hirshman Jennifer Hoberman Nancy Hoberman Phyllis Hoffman Nancy Hornstein Bonnie Horwich Marilyn Ivers Elaine Jabenis Nancy Jacobson Ronnie Jacobson Linda Jess Sylvia Jess Sharon Joseph Ilse Kahn Roxanne Kahn Sylvia Kaiman Babe Kaplan Charlotte Kaplan Marilyn Kaplan Rose Kaplan Polina Karayera Frankie Kasin Lucille Katelman Esther Katleman Kari Katskee Amy Katz Nan Katz Estie Katzman Julee Katzman Shani Katzman Shevi Katzman Helen Kay Susan Kenik Jenn Kirshenbaum Kate Kirshenbaum Myrna Kirshenbaum Nikki Kirshenbaum Janet Klein Marsha Kleinberg Karen Klingberg Janet Kohll Sandy Kohll Patty Koom Leah Kosinovsky Alice Kosowsky Better Kozlen Natasha Kraft Ruth Kraft Peggy Krasne Jori Kravitz Cheryl Kricsfeld Debbie Kricsfeld Angie Krieger Robbi Kudym Traci Kugler Janie Kulakofsky Sandra Kurland
Jordana Kurtzman Barbara Kushner Harriet Kutler Nancy Kutler Carole Lainof Joan Latchaw Nancy Milder Lazer Grace Lebowich Cait Leff Cheryl Lerner Bonnie Levinger Lina Levit Vera Levit Barb Levitan Lisa Lewis Vera Lewis Rocky Lewis Marina Libov Lisa Lieb Libby Lincoln Lydia Linde Louise Lippett Marcia Lipsman Anna Litvin Bonnie London Doris Lubman Fritzi Luefshuetz Candee Mack Carolyn Magid Diane Malashock Paula Mandell Alissa Manvitz* Marilyn Manvitz Wendy Manvitz Judy Marburg Joan Marcus Harriet Marcus Ruti Margalit Sally Masnek Beverly Maurer Elizabeth May Kathy McGauvran Esther Meiches Rosalie Meiches Robyn Menin Emily Meyer Sarah Meyer Tina Meyers Jamie Meyerson Jenny Meyerson Miriam Meyerson Rhoda Milder Marian Miller Evie Mitchell Ethel Mogil Susie Mogil Anna Mosenkis Ann Moshman Amy Nachman Jeanette Nadoff Randi Nanfito Naava Naslavsky Lee Needelman Maria Neesman Babe Nogg Jamie Nogg Ozzie Nogg Sandy Nogg Rita Novak Donna Olesh Reva Oruch Ruth Oruch Ann Osborne Bede Ostrow Cori Oxman* Carin Parcel* Doris Parker* Margo Parsow Klara Paskar* Sandy Passer Ella Patkovsky Helga Patterson Betty Perelman Vicki Perlmeter Cheryl Phillips Gerri Phillips Shelly Pichik Ann Pickel Gilda Pieck Kim Placzek Karen Plotkin Yaffa PodbilewiczSchuller Shelia Polikov Ruth Potash Shelia Priluck Sharon Quittner Wendy Raffel Irina Raksin Catherine Rawlings Dodi Redler Lola Reinglas Eileen Remer Juliana Reno Floraine Rice
Jeanne Rice Helen Rifkin Chorney Nancy Rips Judy Roffman Phyllis Roffman Sivi Roffman Debbie Roitstein Cathy Rosen Rita Rosen Rose Rosen Shelia Rosen Toni Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Rachel Rosenberg Dottie Rosenblum Bunny Rothenberg Susan Rothholz Faye Ruback Marcia Ruback Betty Rubin Judy Rubin Marina Sadofsky Mary Saferstein Debbie Salomon Linda Saltzman Lynne Saltzman Betty Sanford Vicki Sanford Carol Schneider Melissa Schop Lillian Schrager Debra Schwartz Phyllis Schwartz Phyllis Schwartz Andee Scioli Betty Segell Dalma Seitelbach Diane Shandell Audrey Shapiro Sherry Shapiro Melissa Shapiro Jeanne Shechet Claudia Sherman Debra Sherman Patty Sherman Usha Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Phoebe Shkolnick Josie Shrago Aveva Shukert Cindy Shulewitz Liat Shyken Simmy Siegel Sissy Silber Michele Silberstein Esther Silver Susan Silver Mimi Silverman Susie Silverman Esther Simon Joie Simon Tootie Simon Judy Simons Maxine Simons Kathy Siref Andrea Skolkin Anne Skolkin Charlotte Slutzky Koom Susan Somberg Penny Sophir Merrian Spiegal Stacie Spies-Matz Dorothy Spizman Gayle Spooner Edith Stein Lorraine Stein Phyllis Steinberg Kim Stern* Rocky Stern Marlene Sukiennik Dottie Suvalsky Susan Swartz Lynn Sweet Barbara Taxman Linda Tederman Pearl Tieger Marilyn Tipp Shelia Tomps Margarita Treskunova Larisa Tsedrik Judy Tully Lucy Turetsky Margaret Turetsky Tevee Turkel Sally Venger Patsy Wallace Mary Lou Walker Phyllis Wasserman Joye Wees Anne Weitz Audrey Wiener Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Laura Wine Lois Wine
Sally Wintroub Sarah Wiseman Susan Witkowski Annette Wright Barb Zacharia Terri Zacharia Rosalyn Zeffren Dorothy Zevitz Marilyn Zevitz* Sally Zipursky Roz Zoob Bev Zuber Rosie Zweiback Evelyn Zysman
● Prime Ministers Circle (Individual, families, corporations: $100,000 & above) ❍ King Solomon’s Circle (Individual: $25,000-$99,999 & Corporations: $50,000-$99,999) ■ Chai Circle (Individual: $18,000-$24,999 & Corporations: $25,000-49,999) ❏ Joshua’s Circle (Individuals: $10,000-$17,000 & Corporations $18,000-$24,999) ▲ Platinum Lion ($100,000 & above) ✡ Emerald Lion ($25,000 & 99,999) ♥ Sapphire Lion ($18,000-$24,999) ◆ Ruby Lion ($10,000-$17,999) * New in category
Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign impacts the entire Jewish world. Locally, your ONE gift to the Campaign funds a wide variety of community services provided by the Federation and our Family of Agencies: ADL/CRC, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Senior Services and The Jewish Press. In Israel and overseas, your gift helps feed the hungry, rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism. Your gift will help empower the next generation to continue to build, support and grow the Omaha Jewish community.
The 2008 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign 333 South 132nd Street
Omaha, NE 68154
402/334-8200
info@jewishomaha.org
www.jewishomaha.org
Please note that this list of Federation donors is complete as of December 21, 2007. Every effort is made to ensure that the list is accurate and we sincerely apologize if any name was incorrectly printed or inadvertently omitted. To update information in this donor listing, please contact Joyce Uber at 334-6430.
January 4, 2008
Beth El Men’s Club announces upcoming guest speakers, special programming by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Men’s Club is looking forward to a busy new year, and President Scott Simon has announced an exciting line-up of events and programs for the entire community to enjoy. Here are a few events on tap: Sunday, Jan. 6: 10 a.m. Following morning minyan at 9 a.m., a breakfast event will be held featuring guest speaker David Miller, UNO Athletic Director. Miller joined the UNO administration last May; his extensive background in college athletics includes positions at Ohio University, Truman State University and Southern Methodist University. Also during the breakfast, prizewinners will be announced from the Men’s Club Hanukkah raffle. There is no charge to attend. Sunday, Feb. 3: At 9 a.m., the congregation is invited to participate in the Worldwide Wrap, an annual event which links Jews together from around the world as they learn about and wrap tefillin. The Wrap is sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (Beth El’s Men’s Club is an affiliate), and provides men, women and teens a wonderful opportunity to gain a new understanding about this important mitzvah. At 11 a.m., everyone is invited to enjoy a complimentary luncheon, featuring special guest Omaha Police Chief Thomas Warren. Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m.: Nebraska State Treasurer Shane Osborn will be the featured speaker during a special breakfast event at the synagogue. There is no charge to attend. Saturday, April 5, 9:30 a.m.: Annual Men’s Club Shabbat service. Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m.: Complimentary breakfast, with guest speaker and former Omahan Larry Raful, Dean of the Touro Law School in New York. Spring 2008: Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Program. According to Simon, future guest speakers on tap include Mayor Mike Fahey, discussing the issue of building a new baseball stadium versus saving Rosenblatt Stadium; Dr. Keith Lutz, Superintendent of the Millard Public Schools; and family therapist Glen Fineman, who will address topics relevant to work and family life. New Men’s Club members are always welcome, Simon noted, adding that anyone interested in joining or becoming more active in the organization is encouraged to contact him at ssimon@ssgi.com, or 616.4089. He also suggested that anyone with programming ideas direct them to contact social chairman, Mark Kelln, at markkelln@yahoo.com.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Temple Israel sends 22 to biennial Continued from page 4 St. Louis, and Omaha, so too have we had our share of failures. But none of this deters us. “We do this because of our deep conviction that America is different, one of the very few places where the promise of true pluralism is not too wild a hope; and because we know as religious Americans that in this great country, we are stronger and safer when we transcend our fears and work together, rather than apart.” In what has become the URJ “state of the Union” Danielle Gordman, president of Women of speech, Rabbi Reform Judaism-Omaha, and Jon Meyers, Yoffie spent president of the Temple Israel Board of much time Trustees, were part of the Temple Israel urging Reform delegation to the URJ Biennial in San Jews to work Diego. to increase Shabbat observance in their homes and congregations so today’s “stressed-out, sleepdeprived” families can “stop running around long enough to see what God is doing.” Indeed, Jan Schneiderman, president-elect of the Temple Board of Trustees, said “being in a room with over 5,000 like-minded people, worshipping together, was a most spiritual and inspirational experience.” Others from Omaha who attended the Biennial included Molly Goldberg, Aron Neesman, Magda Peck, PJ Wiesner, Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel, Cindy Goldberg, Wendy Goldberg, Danielle Gordman, Gary and Sally Kaplan, Denise Meyers, Jennifer Miller, Harlan and Jane Rips, Mimi Silverman, and Rosie Zweiback, and this writer. Rabbi Yoffie praised the Reform Movement’s transformation of Friday evening worship services. “We undertook to create services that were heartfelt, inspiring, and community-building. And we succeeded,” he acknowledged. “The glory of Reform Judaism has always been in its ability to reinvent itself to meet new spiritual situations...our Erev Shabbat services were radically transformed...from somber to joyful and from passive to engaging.” But he pointed out that the character of the Shabbat morning service has been “appropriated by the Bar and Bat Mitzvah families.” He noted that “our members who come to pray with the community often sit in the back of the sanctuary and feel like interlopers in their own congregation.” According to Rabbi Yoffie, the focus on Shabbat morning is “more on the child than on
the community. The result is that we in the congregation become voyeurs rather than daveners. We lose young families whose children cannot stay up late on Friday. We lose seniors who avoid nighttime driving. We lose those wanting to say Kaddish and those who are simply looking to join their community in prayer.” Admitting that it will not be easy, he envisioned serv-
Other members of the Temple Israel contingent were Mimi Silverman, left, Jeff Schweid, and Ducky Milder. ices “in which the child’s obligation is not to perform but to lead the congregation, a service in which parents are encouraged to reshape their speeches as blessings; a service that remains truly meaningful for the bar mitzvah family without feeling like a Musician Doug Cotler leads partic- private family event.” ipants in the Union for Reform In other proposals, Judaism’s biennial convention in a Rabbi Yoffie advocatFriday night song session, Dec. 12. ed that the Reform Credit: Courtesy of the Union for Movement immediReform Judaism ately support state initiatives to expand health insurance. “The health insurance situation in this country is a disaster,” he said. “If we continue to tolerate it, we will lose our humanity, and no matter our other accomplishments, we will have failed as a people and a nation. Let us work to change it...until no cry for help goes unheard. Only in this way, can we honor the image of God in every human being.” He also asked the assemblage “to work with your rabbi and to strengthen -- through programs, missions, and material support -- that web of love and obligation that links us to the Jewish state.” Concluding, Rabbi Yoffie said, “...ours is a Judaism not only of yesterday but also of tomorrow, a Judaism that blends the best of tradition with the best of what we encounter, a Judaism that is, as it was in days of old, a tree of life for those who hold it fast, bestowing happiness on all who cling to it.”
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
Bloodstains on your shirt? Readers who are Seinfeld afficionados might recall the comedy bit Jerry Seinfeld once performed about laundry. Satirizing a detergent manufacturer which claimed to “remove even bloodstains” he drolly commented, “If you’ve got blood on your shirt, maybe laundry isn’t your biggest problem!” That’s what the Middle East is like. While some Arabs and Muslims (and their extreme left-wing allies) point to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as the major problem that if solved will also solve all the other problems in that region, the country of Pakistan is at the boiling point. So we ask: what do Israel and the Jews have to do with the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the subsequent riots? Are there even any Jews living in Pakistan? Where there any Jews running against current President Musharaff for president (like Bhutto)? Yet, not 24 hours after she was assassinated, the “Arab street” again started calling for “Death to Israel” and “Death to the Jews.” Does this make any sense to anyone (except perhaps the fomenters of this kind of over-thetop radicalism)? And is the goal of these crazy fundamentalists really just wiping out Israel? We think not. What we do know about what occurred prior to the assassination, according to JINSA (the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs) is that President Musharaff did meet with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Kharzai, who also met with Bhutto. And maybe that annoyed the Taliban and their backers still running around those two countries. JINSA experts accuse the Taliban, Al-Qeada and the like with having no goals beyond that
of chaos. As is often the case with radicals who want to destroy, they offer little to put in its place. You rarely hear of thugs like these setting goals of creating more schools for more people (including women), more hospitals, more infrastructure (like roads, airports, seaports, trains, etc.), and more jobs. Instead it’s all death to (insert your choice here: Jews, Americans, Christians, infidels ...). The only good news that may come out of the fractured situation in Pakistan may be the uniting of the country against the violent actions of the anarchists. But listen to what former Bangladeshi prisoner journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury has to say about the Middle East today. Jailed for 16 months for publicly criticizing his country (and others) for disavowing knowledge of the rising influence of radical Islam in the world, Choudhury warns there’s more to come. In a speech given to JINSA supporters in September, Choudhury said of the Arab media: “They are ‘all biased against America and Israel,’ noting with disappointment that with few exceptions, Bangladeshi journalists hopped on the bandwagon against him, reporting ‘total fabrications as fact’ against the alleged ‘Zionist spy’.” Last year he told The Wall Street Journal, “When I began my newspaper, [The Weekly Blitz], in 2003 I decided to make an end to the wellorchestrated propaganda campaign against Jews and Christians and especially against Israel … In Bangladesh and especially during Friday prayers,
the clerics propagate jihad and encourage the killing of Jews and Christians. When I was a child my father told me not to believe those words but to look at the world’s realities.” For that, Choudhury was jailed. Now Bhutto has been killed. Maybe bloodstains -or in this case, the Jews aren’t the biggest problem of the Middle East. So when will their leaders and our political candidates recognize that? And when will the American public begin to understand the danger?
ADL lists top issues affecting Jews in 2007
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by MYRNA SHINBAUM and ALEXANDER FLAX New York, NY -- The restart of IsraeliPalestinian negotiations, the continuing threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, rising anti-Semitic attitudes in Europe, and the dawn of a new presidential campaign season with immigration and religion taking center stage were among the top issues affecting Jews in 2007, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual list. “The unexpected violent takeover of Gaza by Hamas created new challenges for peace, and some unforeseen opportunities,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “There was reason for guarded optimism that progress could be made through negotiations with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Yet there were still the old threats from Palestinian extremists such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad and from Hezbollah and Syria, and new ones on the horizon, as Israelis grappled with the prospect of living in an even more dangerous neighborhood with a nuclear-armed Iran,” Foxman added. “At home, we saw the dawn of a presidential primary campaign that promised to bring to the forefront of American discussion and debate many contentious issues, with immigration and religion taking center stage,” added Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chairman. “This year, immigrant groups, particularly Hispanics, bore the brunt of ugly, vindictive and hateful rhetoric at the hands of those seeking to derail much-needed immigration reform. Going into the 2008 campaign, religion became another focus, with candidates making appeals to the electorate on the basis of their religion, not just their stands on the
issues,” he said. Restarting the Peace Process At the U.S.-hosted Annapolis meeting, President George W. Bush met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an attempt to get the peace process back on track. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed their desire to achieve a peace settlement by the end of 2008. Top officials from 44 nations attended the conference, including Saudi Arabia and Syria.
The restart of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, the continuing threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, rising anti-Semitic attitudes in Europe, and the dawn of a new presidential campaign season with immigration and religion taking center stage were among the top issues affecting Jews in 2007 ... Yet many questions remained unanswered, among them what to do about Hamas, whose unrelenting rocket attacks from Gaza threatened southern Israeli towns. After routing Abbas’ more moderate Fatah faction in a violent takeover of Gaza, Hamas refused to recognize the legitimacy of the caretaker Palestinian government run by Abbas, and encouraged the daily barrage of rocket fire. As a result, Gaza and its people remained internationally isolated and cut off from the West Bank. The Iranian Nuclear Threat The U.S. Departments of State and Treasury moved forward with vital new initiatives to increase pressure on Iran to discourage it from going nuclear. Charging that Tehran supports terrorism in the Middle East, exports missiles and is engaging in a nuclear buildup, the U.S. administration announced sanctions that would cut off more than 20 Iranian entities, including individuals and companies owned or
controlled by the Revolutionary Guard, from the American financial system. The National Intelligence Estimate, released in November, documented Iran’s accelerated uranium enrichment program, a critical component in the development of a nuclear weapon, while indicating that Iran shut down its secret nuclear weapons program in 2003. The threat of a nuclear-armed Iran remained a real concern for the international community. The Myth of Jewish Control: Alive and Well Professors John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt, the two academics who reintroduced the age-old anti-Semitic canard of Jewish control to mainstream discourse, expanded their original essay into a book. In The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, they perpetuated classic anti-Jewish conspiracy theories and accused American Jewish groups of controlling U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and pushing the U.S. into war in Iraq. The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control, a response by Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, demolished their claims of an all powerful pro-Israel lobby and a global Jewish conspiracy, revealing their historic roots in the most virulent forms of bigotry. Ahmadinejad Continues to Incite During his controversial visit to New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University. He was asked about Israel, Holocaust denial, Iran’s nuclear program and human rights violations, but in all cases sidestepped or ignored the questions, or offered half-truths and obfuscations. He also tried to visit Ground Zero, but was rebuffed by city officials. Back in Iran and on his travels, Ahmadinejad continued his incendiary comments about Israel, calling it “impossible that the Zionist regime will survive.” Continued on page 9
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation. Highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $40 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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ADL lists top issues for religious liberty in the U.S. Immigration Debate in the Spotlight The national debate over immigration remained as divisive as ever and was a central issue in the presidential campaign. A number of mainstream anti-immigrant groups resorted to the tactics and rhetoric of racist and anti-Semitic groups, using hateful stereotypes and outright bigotry to demonize immigrants, particularly Hispanics. A number of media personalities in television and radio, as well as political leaders, adopted the same language when discussing immigration issues in this country. U.N. Report Card The United Nations perpetuated its historical record of singling out Israel, but also demonstrated some improvement with several small, yet positive steps. It adopted a resolution which “rejects efforts to deny the Holocaust”; Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon ordered an investigation into the launching of rockets at Israel by Palestinian terrorists from a U.N.-run school in the Gaza Strip; and, in an historic diplomatic achievement, a U.N. committee adopted an Israeli-sponsored resolution on agricultural technology. On the other hand, the U.N. Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a proposal for Israel to become a permanent agenda item due to its alleged human rights violations; and the Secretary General prepared welcoming remarks to a conference organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which has a history of singling out Israel for undeserved criticism, attacks and boycott threats.
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LETTER
Continued from page 8 Boycotts Continued to Target Israel In Britain, a number of unions voted in favor of economic and academic boycotts of Israel. An effort by the University and College Union (UCU) to boycott Israeli universities and academic institutions prompted a large chorus of university professors, chancellors, deans, and presidents in the United States and abroad to voice outrage. In September, the UCU announced that it would abandon any efforts to support the boycott of Israeli academics, acting on the advice of legal council that the boycott would violate British law. Religion & Politics: Leaving the Comfort Zone Religion was thrust front and center in the race for the presidency, with some of the candidates openly professing their faith on the campaign trail, and others feeling it necessary to explain their religious beliefs to voters. By the end of the year some candidates were making references to Christian beliefs and values in holiday campaign commercials. These appeals to religious Americans were a major concern of Jewish organizations and others who saw a troubling precedent in such an open discussion of faith and the potential implications for church-state separation in the United States, and for the sensibilities of those not of the majority faith, and those of no faith. Coupled with court decisions like the Supreme Court’s ruling in Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation making it more difficult for taxpayers to challenge violations of the First Amendment, this was an ominous trend
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Anti-Semitic Attitudes at Home and Abroad A nationwide U.S. survey showed the number of Americans who hold antiSemitic attitudes remained constant from its 2005 findings, demonstrating once again that anti-Semitic beliefs endure in America. The poll found that 15% of Americans hold views about Jews that are “unquestionably anti-Semitic,” compared to 14% in 2005. A large number of Europeans continued to be infected with anti-Jewish attitudes, holding on to the classical antiSemitic canards and conspiracy theories that have pursued Jews through the centuries, according to an ADL poll. Surveys of 11 European countries revealed that a plurality of Europeans believe Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their country and that they have too much power in business and finance. Vatican Prayer for Conversion of Jews In a return to the Latin Mass, the Vatican included a prayer that calls for the conversion of Jews. Following strong objections from the Jewish community, a senior Vatican official said the prayer could be removed from the re-introduced Latin liturgy. The inclusion of the prayer for the conversion of Jews in the Latin Mass presented a theological setback to the reforms of Vatican II and a challenge to Catholic-Jewish relations. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. To learn more, visit the ADL’s website, at www.adl.org.
TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor: Thank you to the Omaha community in showing your concern and support for the employees of Von Maur during the recent tragedy that claimed eight lives in early December. The outpouring of calls while mourning the loss of several colleagues as well as Von Maur customers meant a great deal to us. We especially found Rabbi Aryeh Azriel’s comments at our employee-only memorial service very comforting as did many of our co-workers. We appreciated that at Shabbat services on the Friday following this great and unexplainable tragedy that he read each victim’s name allowed as part of Yartzeit. We also appreciate the support of the Von Maur family who have allowed us to mourn while providing grief and counseling services. A special thanks to our first responders for their skills and to our elected officials who are working with various authorities to learn from this terrible tragedy. Renee Handleman and Linda Siref Simons (Editor’s note: The United Way of the Midlands, which has collected more than $952,000 for the shooting victims and their families, is still accepting donations. Taxdeductible checks may be sent to: Von Maur Victims Fund, c/o United Way, 1805 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68102; or online at: www.vonmaurvictimsfund.org.)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
Candlelighting Friday, Jan 4, 4:49 p.m.
Synagogue Listings 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 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.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 Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.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 Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Jan. 11: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Roger Schwartz, KETV 7 Meteorologist will speak about “Inside TV Weather.” The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Musical Shabbat services, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., led by Patty Nogg. Dinner will follow. Cost is $5 for adults, free for children ages six and younger. Open to all Jewish families in the community. For more information or to RSVP for dinner, call the synagogue office. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 4:55 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. led by Dr. Leonard Greenspoon. MEN’S CLUB: Sunday, 10 a.m. Complimentary breakfast event, featuring guest speaker David Miller, UNO’s athletic director. Prizewinners from the Hanukkah Raffle will also be announced. BESTT: Classes resume for grades K-7 on Sunday, 10 a.m. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., at Beth El. Theme: “A New Twist on Challah Baking.” RSVP to Margie Gutnik in the office. THURSDAY: Women’s Book Club will meet next on Jan. 17. THE MANY FACES OF EXTREMISM: Month-long mini course led by ADL Director, Alan Potash, Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. beginning Jan. 8 THE ART OF JEWISH STENCILING Make your own Judaic keepsake in this month-long course taught by Daniel Christensen, Wednesdays, 8-8:45 p.m., beginning Jan. 9. Cost of each class is $18. For information or to register, contact the office. LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING CLASS: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7-8 p.m. Monthly class led by Karen Gustafson, director of Jewish Family Service. SHABBAT MORNING LIVE Saturday, Jan. 12, 10:30 a.m.noon. New program led by Esther Katz, for 4-8 year olds and their favorite adult(s). Program includes music, puppet theater, dance, Shabbat-appropriate games and crafts. No charge, but RSVP to Margie in the office. HAZAK SHABBAT Saturday, Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m. Lunch following services will feature a musical performance by Jonathan Rathsam and Esther Wax. Cost is $9 for adults, $5.50
for children 6-12, and free for children five and younger. RSVP by Jan. 8 by sending a check to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha NE 68114. For more information, call Gloria Goodman at 333.3351. YOUNG FAMILIES’ SHABBATON Feb. 22-23 at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. Deadline for early bird registration is Monday, Dec. 31. All registrations needed by Monday, Jan. 15. For more information, call the office.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:49 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Gloria Friedman; Mincha, 4:45 p.m., followed by Suedat Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Oxman, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s teen class, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Sisterhood’s Spirits & Spirituality, 8 p.m. at the home of Susie Shyken led by Liat Shyken. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m. Make your reservations for the Jan. 11 “Rabbi-in-Residence” Shabbat Dinner featuring Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt speaking on, “Lev Banim: What the Jewish World Can Learn from Beth Israel.” Rabbi Rosenblatt will also give the sermon, “Creating a Culture of Honor,” on Jan. 12.
office or visit our website.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Snacks, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha through Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. “Lincoln and King: Prophetic Leadership in American History” will be taught by Dr. Scott Stanfield on Tuesdays, Jan. 15 and 22, 7-8 p.m., in the Temple Social Hall.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Elihu Milder. FRIDAY, Jan. 11: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by LOVE Members.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.
SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome. TUESDAY: Hebrew Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m.; Know Thy Neighbor, Know Thyself, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. TOT SHABBAT Friday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m. Bring your favorite instrument from home and let’s have a wild Tot Shabbat. Cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and no charge for children. Please contact the office or mkube@templeisraelomaha. com to RSVP.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:49 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha through Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For more information or to register, call the
Laughter is the best medicine RAMAT GAN -- It has been proven that the old adage -- laughter is the best medicine -- is really true. A New York based group of medical clowns visited Israel recently and enter tained hospitalized children. The organization was created in 2002 by clinical psychologist Neal C. Goldberg from Woodmere, NY. Local high school teens, including Zachy Adler, above, joined Goldberg’s ‘Lev Leytzan’ program undergo training in the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of clowning. The program enables teens to develop a creative interest which combines theatrical arts with medicine and basic human compassion in ways that benefit both the clown and the patient. While a relatively new field, medical clowning is gaining interest. Research studies have already proven that programs helping patients’ lives can assist in healing. A happier child is a more relaxed child who can be more easily treated and hopefully recovers that much more quickly from his illness or Credit: ISRANET trauma.
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January 4, 2008
Iran: an also-ran
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vaera We are told that the Lord appeared to Abraham as two men (or was it three?) to tell him about the approaching destruction of Sodom and Gemorrah. Forget Sodom and Gemorrah, Lord. The problem with bad guys now is Iran and the unspeakable president, Ahmadinejad. With Sodom and Gemorrah, it was only homosexuality that cause the problem. That is a mere nothing compared to what Iran wants to do: to wipe Israel off the map, and, by the way, to kill all the Jews of the world at the same time. So, Lord, the real bad guys are in Iran. Lightening and thunderbolts will not do. Because of your awesome power, how about dropping a little nuclear bomb on Iran and wiping IT off the face of the earth? But at the same time, I know that You will distinguish between whatever good people there are there and the plethora of bad guys that infest the country. I have nothing against ancient Persia. But its granddaughter Iran is a different problem, and Iran would do well to join all the ancient nations that have disappeared form the face of the earth. Now, how do You go about this? I have already been brash enough to tell You what to do. I shall not be forward enough to tell You how to do it. Earthquakes are pretty good, but they must be limited in area, for the present purposes. Fires and floods are also pretty good. But I have just said that I would not tell You how it should be done. I do, however, suggest that it should be done: Iran should become one of the Also-Rans of history. Do it now Lord. Don’t delay. Please.
To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.
DEATHS NORMAN S. ANON Norman S. Anon died Dec. 16 at the age of 87 in Cheyenne, WY. A memorial celebration of his life will be held Friday, Jan. 11, 6-9 p.m., at the Parkwood Terrace Clubhouse, 1010 No. 92 Plz. Born Nov. 28, 1920, in Thermopolis, WY, he was a businessman and owned the Hitching Post Gift Shop and Atlas Motel. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II, a member of Mt. Sinai Synagogue, the Cheyenne Shrine Club, Jesters, Acadia Lodge No. 11, B’nai B’rith, Korein Shrine, Shrine Indians Uniform Body and Wyoming Consistory No. 1. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Julie Anon, Cheyenne; daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Jeff Cohn, Cynthia and Alan Silverglat of St. Louis, Deborah and Scott Friedman; daughter, Laurie Merz of Orlando, Fla.; and eight grandchildren, Daniel Cohn, Andrew Miller, Michael Cohn, Jennifer and Angela Friedman, Kara Silverglat, Caden and Zoe Merz. Memorials to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Fairfax Road at Virginia St., Salt Lake City, UT 84103 or Mt. Sinai Synagogue, 2610 Pioneer Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001 or charity of choice. DENA ALTMAN Dena (Brody) Altman died at the age of 87. Graveside service was held Dec. 30 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Alick Altman. She is survived by her daughter, Gayle Humphrey, granddaughter, Jennifer Humphrey, and a great-grand daughter, all of Idaho; and sister, Mamie Lipsman of CA. Memorials to City of Hope or charity of choice.
New pilots join Israel Air Force HATZERIM - new Israel Air Force pilots throw their berets in a traditional graduation ceremony marking the completion of their course last week. Credit: ISRANET
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Beth El’s Rabbi offers online Nominate someone for $10,000 Sokolof award for ‘Thought for Shabbat’ BELMONT Outstanding Jewish Teacher byBethJILL El Publicity Coordinator by JANET HENTHORN Foundation Associate There is a very special way that you can thank a teacher who has made a difference in your life, your child's, or in the lives of any children in the Omaha area.. Nominate that special teacher for the third annual $10,000 Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund's Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award. This award was created by Phil Sokolof as a way of recognizing the tremendous contribution a single teacher can make in the education of his orher students. He knew there are teachers who "go that extra mile." Those whose dedication, creativity and passion make an impact on students’ lives. There is no nomination form for this award. You simply write (typed, if possible) why you think this teacher you are nominating deserves the Sokolof award. The teacher must currently be teaching in the Omaha metropolitan area, preferably in grades K-12. Be sure to include the teacher’s school and your name and telephone number. There is no limit to the number of nominations a teacher receives or to the number of years a teacher can be nominated. The nomination must be received by Feb. 18, 2008. Mail to the Teacher’s Award Committee, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Contact me at 334.6551 or jenthorn@jewishomaha.org with any questions.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Beginning this month, Beth El Synagogue will offer a second online mailing to the community titled “A Thought for Shabbat.” This new weekly correspondence, from Rabbi Levin, will include short messages helping to share the richness of Judaism, the teachings of the Torah and the Talmud, plus thoughtful insights of contemporary rabbis and other Jewish thinkers. Some weeks Rabbi Levin will send his personal thoughts; at other times he will share his own selections of wisdom found in Jewish sources such as the Bible and the Talmud. He will also use the e-mail to call your attention to important Jewish books, and plans to send excerpts, with the hope that these samples will feed your appetite to read the entire work. Each week, Rabbi Levin says he will select different Jewish web sites which will “open the gates to fresh Jewish news from around the world, and give our community the opportunity to watch and enjoy presentations by Jewish scholars speaking about a variety of relevant topics; to learn more about and better understand Conservative Judaism; and to read the weekly parashah, haftarah and Torah commentaries.” Everyone in the Jewish community is invited to subscribe; to take advantage of these thoughtful, informative columns, please e-mail Program Director Margie Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha.org, and ask to be added to the list.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 4, 2008
Beth El’s Cantor builds a bridge between Jewish communities on two continents by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator He’s worked his musical magic in Omaha during the past four years, and now Beth El Synagogue’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will create a special bond between his current congregation and the Jewish community in his native Argentina, during an exciting benefit concert on Jan. 9. The cantor will travel to Buenos Aires to premiere his new CD of Jewish music, Ta’am Latino (Latino Taste), during a performance benefiting The Tzedakah Foundation of Argentina, an organization that aids needy Jewish families, located at: www.tzedaka.org.ar/en/. The concert, to take place at AMIA, the Jewish Federation of Buenos Aires will be free of charge; those attending are being asked to donate food and clothing to the foundation. Cantor Bogomolni was especially pleased to point out that a connection has been forged between his current synagogue and his native home, as Beth El’s Music Fund is subsidizing this unique benefit performance. “Beth El’s support brings my past and my present together in a wonderful way,” he remarked. “By this gesture, our synagogue is reaching out and assisting needy Jewish people a continent away.” Ta’am Latino has been four years in the making, conceived by the cantor after realizing that “you can find Jewish music from around the world – India, Ukraine, Morocco, etc. – but until now, nothing has represented Latino Jewish music.” “I felt that I had a responsibility as an expert in Jewish music to compose this new music,” he said. “It is a
blend of my identity, representing myself as a Latin American Jew. “I’m planting the seed, hoping to see if others will compose more of this music.” The CD includes 12 new melodies, all prayers from Shabbat liturgy “with a Latin beat,” he said. Three selections were written by the cantor; the others were composed by the esteemed Maestro Norberto Vogel, who also created the instrumental arrangements and directed the 14 musicians who accompanied the cantor. Remarkably, the entire project was done via computer and MP3s, Cantor Bogomolni revealed: the instrumental music was recorded in Buenos Aires and e-mailed to him; he, in turn, recorded his tracks in Omaha and sent them back to the maestro, who combined everyone’s efforts into a beautiful and extraordinary CD. Ta’am Latino is available in the Beth El Judaica Shop, open on Sundays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cantor Bogomolni also noted that those in the Omaha Jewish community who would like to support the Tzedakah Foundation of Argentina may make a contribution to the Beth El Music Fund, and earmark the contribution for that agency. To make a donation, please contact the synagogue office at 492.8550.
Temple Clergy to lead guided tour of prayerbook by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Know Thyself, Know Thy Neighbor” is the theme of this year’s adult education curriculum at Temple Israel. To know thyself -- especially as a Jew -- you might have wondered why we rise, sit, and then rise again during the worship service. How is the order of the service determined, and what must be included in a Shabbat worship service? Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead a guided tour of the prayerbook in a new class, “Know Thy Service: A Guided Tour,” offered by Temple’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. The first of three sessions is from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Jan. 13, followed by Sundays, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3. “Join us on a journey like you’ve never taken before. Cantor Shermet and I will be your guides as we travel the pages of the siddur. We’ll give a general sense of what the prayers mean and why they’re in a certain order,” explained Rabbi Linder. “The main point,” he added, “is to clarify what the Hebrew words mean so you can find your way through the Gates of Prayer and not have to ever worry about getting lost.” You can attend one, two, or all three sessions. On Friday, Feb. 22, the class will participate in the Shabbat worship service.
Brachot Shabbat and Tu B’Shevat Seder at Beth Israel by MARY BORT For Beth Israel Synagogue In anticipation of Tu B’Shevat, Beth Israel will hold a special Brachot Shabbat on Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. during the morning service. A Tu B’Shevat Seder will be held the following day and the community is invited. “What better way to get ready for Tu B’Shevat than by brushing up on our brachot,” said Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “There are more than a hundred opportunities every day for us to express our loving gratitude to Hashem for the countless miracles that he ceaselessly performs for our benefit. Tu B’Shevat is a great time to re-examine the ancient and precious prac-
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tice of reciting brachot. We’ll dedicate our Brachot Shabbat to becoming more acquainted with our brachot - during services, Kiddush, and Seuda Shlishit.” The celebration of Tu B’Shevat will be held on Sunday, Jan 20, 5 p.m. Following the Seder and a spaghetti dinner, there will be a Bracha Bee held for the children. “Kids will be tested on their knowledge of different brachot for different foods,” explained Gross. “They’ll say the corresponding blessing that goes with a particular food. This should be a lot of fun. Last year we had a great time with the Bracha Bee.” Cost for the spaghetti dinner is $5 per person. RSVP for the dinner by contacting the office at 556.6288.
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Check out the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Merit Scholarships! Merit scholarships are also available from the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund for students currently in college majoring in or pursuing a degree in music performance, composition or music education. Applications can be printed from the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org. Select “The Center for Jewish Education”, then go to the “Scholarshps and Grants”page or contact Janet Henthorn, Jewish Federation Foundation, 334.6551; jhenthron@jewishomaha.org Students must be Jewish, from the Omaha metropolitan area.
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