January 4, 2013

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

PartnershipTRIP2Gether:

January 4, 2013 21 Tevet 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 16

This A unique Israel Mission Week

The Food Issue Look for stories throughout the paper

Beth El’s ‘Eight Days of Giving Back’ Page 8

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, Center for Jewish Life During the past several years, anyone attending a Partnership2Gether Steering Committee meeting has heard a discussion that started with a simple comment: “Wouldn’t it be fabulous to have a Partnership mission?” While enthusiasm and excitement was high, planning and scheduling a mission has remained elusive.

The perfect opportunity then presented itself this past year when Partnership was introduced to an extraordinary program produced by Ballet Austin entitled Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project. A fulllength contemporary ballet, Light includes a Holocaust Sunset in Akko. education partnership that promotes against bigotry and hate through the protection of human rights arts, education, and public dialogue.

Surprise luncheon for departing Marty Ricks

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Marty Ricks has served as the Executive Director of the Jewish

and governmental entities, the impact of Light has spanned an impressive cross section of the communities in which it has performed. Since its world premiere in Austin in April 2005, Light has travelled to Philadelphia and Miami and will be presented in Denver in January through March.

After being introduced to the project, there immediately began a dialogue to find a way for Partnership to be involved with the project. Conversations with Ballet Austin and other supporters ensued and after a few months, it was announced the international debut of Light would take place in Israel, Sept. 18-Oct. 2, 2013, during a three city tour that will include Akko, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Credit: PionTool With the dates of the perPromoted and embraced by busi- formance secured, it was decided it nesses, educational organizations Continued on page 2

Future, Beware!

Exhibit and lecture at UNO

tremendous growth that directly benefits Omaha’s Jewish community.

In September, it was announced that Ricks will leave his position at

When it comes to eating local, kosher consumers are split Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

12 14 15

Credit: Ophir Palmon, Artistic Visions - Pictures of Life

This Month The Women’s Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Staff: Janet Henthorn, left, Marty Ricks, Mary Bort, Laurie Peatrowsky.

Federation of Omaha (JFO) Foundation since 1998. During his tenure, the Foundation has seen

the Foundation to begin serving as the JFO’s new Chief Development Officer. Ricks’ last day with the Foundation was Dec. 31.

In December, the Foundation Board of Directors surprised Ricks with a farewell luncheon held at Flemings Restaurant.

Board President Jay Noddle; Foundation Board members; incoming Foundation Executive Director Howard Epstein; JFO CEO Mike Silverman; JFO CFO Jordana Glazer; Foundation staff members Continued on page 2

by OPHIR PALMON Artistic Visions - Pictures of Life Future, Beware! an art exhibit by photographer Ophir Palmon will open to the public on Monday, Jan. 7, in the H. Don and Connie J. Osborne Family Gallery at UNO’s Criss Library. A special opening reception hosted by the UNO History Department will take place on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the gallery.

The exhibit’s images were taken in 2010 when Palmon followed a group of BBYO members on that year’s annual March of the Living.

Using his camera to explore and document how young people today understand and relate to the Holocaust, Palmon’s project and pictures resulted in the published book by the same name. The book

has been expanded to this feature exhibit.

Future, Beware! challenges the viewer to consider the roles and choices made by Perpetrator, Victim and Bystander during times of conflict. Like the book, the exhibit asks us to examine not only the impact of war atrocities, but also inspires us to reflect on the moments and occurrences which all of us will face at some time in our lives, a missed opportunity to engage or raise a voice, a decision to act or ignore, that are just as threatening to our humanity.

Future, Beware! is sponsored by the Frances and Sam Fried Holocaust Education Fund, the H. Don and Connie J. Osborne Family Gallery, the Natan and Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

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PartnershipTRIP2Gether Continued from page 1 was finally time to develop the long awaited Partnership mission. The itinerary presents a trip with a distinct flair that will appeal to community members throughout the twelve city Partnership Consor-tium of which Omaha is a part.

“I am absolutely thrilled our Partnership has developed this mission” reports Zoë Riekes, co-chairman of the Partnership2Gether Central Consortium. “This has been a goal of mine for a very long time, and being able to include the international debut of Ballet Austin’s Light and to also be a part of the Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts makes this trip that much more special.” Zoë continued, saying, “This mission will be a great opportunity for those who have always wanted to visit Israel and for those who just need another ‘Israel fix’. We’re looking forward to sharing this experience with community members from each of our Partnership cities and I hope that Omaha will be a big part of the group.”

The Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts is a yearly draw for people throughout Israel. It is held each year during Sukkot. Albert Ben-Shloosh, is general director and producer-in-chief for the festival, and he and Kim Goldberg of Omaha are co-chairs of the Partnership Arts and Community Task Force. In October, Goldberg participated in the festival.

“For two years I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Israeli Festival for Alternative Theater in Akko” reports Goldberg.

“The festival is the second largest in Israel,” she continues.

“It’s an incubator for new performances both on-stage and in the streets, and because of this cutting-edge creativity, it’s filled with energy and excitement. Celebrating its 34th

anniversary this year, it runs for four days and draws over 250,000 people with the main action happening in the Old City of Akko. The city is transformed with colorful street performers, streams of people, and Mediterranean sights and smells. It’s an experience like no other.”

The mission dates are Sept.

21 through Oct. 1, and the trip has been designed with three distinct “experience” segments.

• Discover and Learn: Touring will include the new Yitzhak Rabin Center, the newly renovated Israel Museum, the City of David Tunnel excavation, Yad Vashem and a visit to the Kotel. Other stops will include the galleries and shops of Old Jaffa and old Akko plus a tour of A Better Place, Israel’s emerging electric car business.

• Recharge Your Soul: Attend the opening gala and performance of Ballet Austin’s Light/The Holocaust and Humanity in Akko. Experience the Israel Festival of Alternative Theater and the Arts in Akko, participate in art workshops and sail into the caves at Rosh Hanikra.

• Make a Difference Together: Meet Lone Soldiers and MASA youth and learn about the many programs and projects of Partnership in the Western Galilee.

The mission is $2,980 per person, which covers land expenses, and is priced for double occupancy. The cost includes three nights in the north at the Hacienda Lodge and Spa, four nights in Jerusalem at the Mamilla Hotel, one night at the David Intercontinental in Tel Aviv, program and entrance fees, guide and driver. The price does not include airfare, and the cost of a single supplement is $1,240.

For more information on the mission, please contact Jan Goldstein at jan.israeljouneys@cox.net or call Mary Sue Grossman at 402.334.6445.

Surprise luncheon for departing Executive Director

“Tyler loves to visit his Grandpa Sam at Remington Heights!”

– Laurie E. Granddaughter of Sam E., a happy resident of Remington Heights

12606 W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE 68154 402.493.5807

Continued from page 1 Laurie Peatrowsky, Janet Henthorn and Mary Bort; and Iris Ricks were in attendance.

“I thought we were just having our quarterly board meeting,” noted Ricks. “This was a delightful surprise.”

After a brief board meeting, a video was shown during the meal that included messages to Ricks from Foundation Board members, Foundation staff and a number of representatives from JFO agencies. Ricks’ commitment, integrity, leadership and caring nature were some of the topics that were addressed in the video. People frequently commented that they would miss his presence at the Foundation, but looked forward to working with him in his role as JFO Chief Development Officer.

“I never expected this luncheon since I am not leaving the campus, so I was totally thrown off guard,” said Ricks.

“With all those nice things said about me in the video, Iris thought they could not have been referring to me!”

“The end of the video was very special when they captured our two kids and grandkids who were visiting earlier in December when I was otherwise occupied,” he continued. “I am so grateful to Jay Noddle and the entire Foundation Board for the unbelievable opportunity I have had to lead the JFO Foundation for almost 15 years.”

Clockwise from left: Marty and Iris Ricks; Board Member and former Board President, Steve Bloch, left, Marty Ricks, and Current Board President, Jay Noddle; and Board Member, Don Goldstein and Marty Ricks.

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Future, Beware!

Continued from page 1 Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish studies, the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the UNO History Department, the UNO College of Arts and Sciences, and the UNO Criss Library. Both the exhibit and the opening reception are free and open to the public with the exhibit on display through Friday, Feb. 22, 2013.

The UNO History Department is also sponsoring three lectures to coincide with the Future, Beware! exhibit. The lectures, also free and open to the public at the Criss Library on the UNO campus, are: • Thursday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. - Auschwitz: A History of the Camp from Incarceration to Extermination, Dr. Waitman W.

Beorn, Assistant Professor of History and Louis and Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

• Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. - Escaping Nuremberg: How Adolf Eichmann Fled Justice, Dr. Gerald Steinacher, Assistant Professor of History and Hyman Rosenberg, Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

• Sunday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. - The Ambitions of the SS in the East: Visualizing the Built Environment of Auschwitz, Prof.

Paul B. Jaskot, Professor of the History of Art and Architecture at DePaul University.

For more information about the exhibit and lecture series, visit www.avpol.com, and www.library.unomaha.edu.

January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Yada Yada and even more

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life Dreading the winter doldrums? Interested in stimulating your brain and having fun at the same time? The Center for Jewish Life has just the ticket to help out. In its mission to maximize the involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences, CJL is offering the following classes in January, February and March.

Learning from Seinfield - “Yada, Yada, Torah” - Beginning on Tuesday evening, Jan. 15 and continuing on Jan. 22 and 28, Ilana Weiss will present “Yada, Yada, Torah” from 7:308:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

You are sure to be fascinated and enlightened as you participate in discussions that lead you to discover how three separate Seinfeld episodes teach aspects of the Torah and Jewish values.

“At our first class, we’ll talk about Judaism’s attitude towards humor and comedians as a means for spiritual growth” explains Weiss. lana Weiss “From there, the discussion will turn to the Torah’s law of Eved Ivri – a servant whose reason for becoming a servant is because he needs to repay a person but does not have the funds. We’ll look at a Seinfeld storyline in which Jerry gets into a car accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. A judge sentences the driver to be Jerry’s butler.”

The second session will focus on kashruth when Kramer spots lobster in a trap on the beach and takes it as his own to share with the gang. Jerry’s girlfriend is Jewish and observes the laws of Kashrut, therefore abstaining from eating lobster.

The following morning George seeks revenge in a sinister way. On Jan. 29 the classic Seinfeld episode in which the issue of “double dipping” with chips and dip at a social event leads to banter between George and George’s girlfriend’s brother, Timmy. “Believe it or not, there is almost an exact parallel in the Gemara of two rabbis having the same dis-

cussion,” laughs Weiss.

The fee for these classes is $27, reduced to $21 for those who are in good standing with their contributions to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Hebrew Anyone? “Hebrew 101” and “Hebrew 102.” No celebrities are involved in the Hebrew classes taught by Mor Sheinbein but Mor takes what could be drudgery in learning and transforms it to the joy of communication by her user friendly approach to Hebrew.

If you’ve ever thought of learning Hebrew or brushing up on what you have learned earlier in your life, now is the time. Classes begin on January 24 with “Hebrew 101” meeting Thursday Mor Sheinbein evenings from 6-7:15 p.m. through March 13. “Hebrew 102,” which also begins on Jan. 24, will meet from 7:30-8:45 p.m., ending on Feb. 27.

“I definitely recommend taking Hebrew 101 and 102 with Mor. I went from not being able to read or write anything to being able to write the alphabet, sound out words, know some vocabulary, and even have some basic conversation.

Mor is a patient and smart teacher, plus she makes learning Hebrew fun!” remarked Robert Dorton who participated in Hebrew classes with Mor last year.

Sophie Ambrose also participated in Mor’s classes last year. “I appreciated that Mor was able to adapt her instruction level to ensure that everyone in the class was appropriately challenged, regardless of their level of Hebrew knowledge.” Both levels are designed for beginners and near beginners – Hebrew 102 requires familiarity with the alefbet, some previous working knowledge and use of Hebrew, and a willingness to step out of a comfort zone a bit and practice basic conversational interactions.

The fee for “Hebrew 101”, an eight week class, is $72, reduced to $56 for those in good standing with their contributions to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “Hebrew 102” is a six session class and the class fee is $54 with a $42 reduced rate for donors.

Forgotten Jews but Definitely Jewish. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. From his extensive knowledge and considerable teaching experience, Dr. Greenspoon has prepared a series of four classes that will pique your curiosity in an area you may not have previously explored. The class title is “Forgotten Jews but Definitely Jewish: Susanna, Judith, Tobit and Other Ancient Characters,” but don’t let long titles intimidate you! Dr. Leonard Greenspoon Greenspoon’s engaging personality and ability to connect with his audience allow him to present information in a way that ensures that participants will not be sneaking glances at their watches waiting for the class to end.

“Susanna, Judith, Tobit, and a lively cast of other characters are found in books that now comprise the Apocrypha,” commented Dr. Greenspoon. He continued, saying “But initially these books, and the people that inhabit them, were written by Jews for Jews between the fourth and the first centuries BCE. Although these books are not part of the Hebrew Bible, they nonetheless contain many stories that can educate and entertain Jews today. And they also give us an unparalleled look into how some of our ancestors looked, lived, and laughed.”

Dr. Greenspoon’s classes will be held on Monday evenings, Feb 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The fee for this class is $36, reduced to $28 for those who are in good standing with their contributions to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

All classes are presented through the Center for Jewish Life and pre-registration is requested. Punch cards, available for $50, may be used for the sessions and provide additional tuition savings. For class registration, please call 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff@jewishomha.org.

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Representatives from Israel teen programs and gap-year programs – NFTY, USY, NCSY, BBYO, MASA – you can learn about the hundreds of options available for

ISRAEL TRIP RAFFLE

the cold

Two $500 prizes will be raffled to current high school students! Entrance into the raffle is your attendance at OJC events – one raffle ticket for each OJC event you have attended this year, including the January 9th event. $500 prize will be added to a teen’s Israel Experience Grant.

Funding for the Israel Trip Raffle is generously provided by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

traveling to Israel.

The Center for

Jewish Life Celebrating Judaism

For more information, contact Beth Cohen at the Center for Jewish Life, 402-334-6446 or bcohen@jewishomaha.org.

Discover

Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Wednesday, January 9, 2013 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the JCC AN ISRAELI DINNER WILL BE SERVED DURING THE PROGRAM.

4 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

Hanukkah and Shabbat celebrated at South Street Temple

by DEBORAH SWEARINGEN A special Friday Night Live! Shabbat Evening Service was held at Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, the South Street Temple, on the seventh night of Hanukkah, Dec. 14. Ninety four people participated in the potluck latke feast that preceded the service. Maria Cadwallader supervised the potluck dinner and the latke making.

Leslie DelSerone and Peter Mullin said they enjoyed being part of the latke crew while their sons, Connor and Liam, helped with the table set up. The latke crew also included Jennifer Williss and David Rosenbaum.

Top photo: Peter Mullin and Leslie DelSerone get started on the daunting task of making latkes for about 100 people. Bottom photo: Temple Members light up the sanctuary with twenty-seven Chanukiyot -- that’s 216 candles.

Credit: Don Glaser Following the potluck, Rabbi Craig Lewis led a festive Shabbat service with worship music by the Star City Kochavim bimah band. Families had been invited to bring their Chanukiyot, and the service began with everyone lighting the Hanukkah candles. To add to the light from the twenty-seven Chanukiyot, Rabbi Lewis handed out glow sticks, so that everyone in the sanctuary could participate in making Hanukkah truly a Festival of Lights.

At the conclusion of the Shabbat service, the Star City Kochavim led the congregation in singing Hanukkah songs, as children and adults danced in the aisles. As the evening came to a close, Rabbi Lewis gave each of the children a special Hanukkah present: a “Happy Hanukkah” teddy bear. Attendees said it was the “best party in town” and “a joyous celebration.”

Chic made simple

by Esther Deutsch, Feldheim, $35.99 hardcover, 384 pp., January 2013 Reviewed by SYBIL KAPLAN “Chic” is defined as elegantly and stylishly fashionable, however Esther Deutsch, a New York-based food stylist, columnist and recipe developer, takes it to a different level.

In the introduction to her cookbook, she writes that she thrives “on creating fabulously chic recipes that require barely any prep time but look elaborate and taste amazing.”

And I might add, not only is each one more tantalizing than the one before, but they are truly gourmet, elegant and kosher. Yes, every one is really kosher and there are 185 of her favorite dishes.

Many recipes sit on the left-hand page with measurements and title in blue, ingredients and numbered directions in black, and an informative, blue-framed box with information related to that page’s recipe. On the right-hand page is a mouth-watering color photograph.

The same format is used when a recipe is on a page alone with smaller accompanying photographs.

Thus we have a highly readable, user-friendly layout.

There are 35 appetizers and sides including: scallion quinoa patties with lemon garlic paprika aioli, Mexican chicken-filled crepes with shallot sauce, skirt steak spring rolls with corn off the cob, minced garlic and rosemary pita crisps, and roasted eggplant and red pepper dip.

The soup chapter has nine soups such as: vegetable dumpling soup, roasted chestnut pumpkin soup and creamy broccoli asparagus soup.

In the salad chapter, the 19 salads include: Asian slaw with chow mein noodle and sesame dressing, smoked turkey and chicken salad with creamy avocado dressing, crispy beef salad with warm peppers and Thai sweet-chili vinaigrette, and tropical kani salad with sriracha lime dressing.

Fourteen poultry recipes include: savory chicken with papaya salsa, chicken fire poppers, Tuscan chicken with spaghetti and caramelized baked sticky sesame chicken.

Although there are meat recipes in other chapters, the actual meat chapter has 15 recipes including: Creole veal burgers with remoulade sauce, rack of lamb with orange

mustard rosemary sauce, and Tamari French roast or brisket.

Among the 14 recipes for fish are: sixty-second Cajun salmon with dill, sushi gefilte fish and Aburi sesame tuna with wasabi garlic cream.

Mini cheese babkas, linguine with wine cream sauce and

Above: Clementine Glazed Chicken and Baby Arugula Salad with Balsamic-Soy Vinaigrette, below: Spiced Mocha Mousse with Viennese Crunch.

mushrooms and Heirloom caprese salad on rosemary skewers are just a few of the 25 dairy recipes.

The amazing dessert chapter with 53 recipes includes: pomegranate strawberry mocktail with sorbet, truffles, pareve cheese mousse with white Viennese crunch, sea salt caramel bundt cake, tangerine glazed apple apricot strudel, and tiramisu with chocolate liquor.

Although one might consider this a look at, coffee table book, the recipes are definitely easy to make, impressive, creative, imaginative and even some will definitely look like works of art.

This is a great gift book for any kosher cook.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Jan. 9, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and, of course, complaints and insults!).

Come join us for fun and laughter. We meet in the boardroom of the Blumkin Home, every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.

For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

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January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

January Star Deli specials

by OZZIE NOGG not offered by any other caterer in town.

For those who love Friday Star Deli lunchFor more information on how Star Deli es and want inside info on upcoming menu can add spice to your meetings, parties and selections, here’s a list of the special entrees scheduled for January. Post this info on your fridge and be prepared for a treat each week.

Friday, Jan 4: Shepherd’s Pie, made with seasoned ground In addition to the weekly lamb and topped with mashed potatoes and baked to bubbly Friday specials, the Star Deli perfection. dishes up (among other Friday, Jan 11: Homemade Chicken and Noodles. delights) overstuffed corn beef, Friday, Jan 18: Kosher Sushi Plate with a combination pastrami and smoked turkey of California Roll, Salmon Sushi and Tuna Steak Sushi. sandwiches, matzah ball and Friday, Jan. 25: Falafel Sandwich with Star Deli homemade kreplach soup, salad platters, falafel balls in Star Deli homemade pita bread.

Dr. Brown’s Assorted Sodas, plus toothsome desserts. The Friday Deli is a popular lunch destination for chow hounds who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the kibitzing factor. When time is limited, you can order your meal to go, a big plus for people who have short lunch breaks. Star Deli on Main Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is open for business every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the two-and a half years since its inception, the Star Deli and Star Catering have become the premier source for Kosher meals in Omaha. The aroma of their matzah ball soup, for example, will remind you of sitting in Bubbie’s kitchen as a child. The authentic flavor of Star homemade hummus could transport you to a café in Israel. So, whether it’s a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a business meeting, give Star Catering a call. Their experienced culinary staff is eager to assist you and life cycle events -- on or off Campus -can provide a variety of choices -- both tradi- please contact Mike Aparo at 402.334.6522 tional favorites and new flavor creations -- or Regan Tinglehoff at 402.334.6523.

The funeral arranged around the country

by RABBI LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN for Chabad Center Mrs. H. was the daughter of parents killed in the Holocaust. For most of her life, she did not even know she was Jewish. Just weeks ago, she passed away in Lincoln, and her family could not afford a Jewish burial.

That’s when Chabad’s global network linked them with Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Omaha, and a national tale of kindness and generosity was born.

In the 1940s, Mrs. H.’s parents were activists that helped Jews escape from war torn Europe. On one such mission they were captured by the Nazis and never heard from again. Mrs. H. was raised by her loving grandparents, who felt that being a Jew would put her in great jeopardy and danger, just like her parents, and kept her Jewishness a secret. Mrs. H. married and raised her children catholic.

When her Jewish ancestry became known only several years ago, her family was intrigued. One of her granddaughters, Shiri, made it her life mission to learn, understand and live by her rich Jewish Heritage.

When Shiri heard the distressing news of her grandmother’s passing, she was even more distraught to learn that her family intended for her to be cremated. The Jewish tradition is to bury the departed, and the simple lack of funds was preventing Mrs. H’s soul from a final connection to her Jewish heritage.

Shiri immediately contacted her friends, Rabbi Baruch and Chaya Epstein, Chabad representatives in Chicago, who in turn contacted Chabad’s Nebraska representative, Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Rabbi Katzman set off to Lincoln where he met, comforted and

consoled the extended H. family. He also undertook the costs of the burial, and ensured he would take care of every detail.

He enlisted the dedicated help of Nancy Coren -- Lincoln Jewish Community Leader -- who took care of the Tahara. Robert Evnen rallied to help in any way he and the community could. Meanwhile, when Shiri’s friends in other Chabad institutions, such the Ivy League Study Program in New York, heard of Mrs. H’s plight, they began raising funds for the “kosher” burial of someone they had never met. Within a day, almost half of the required funds had been raised from friends and colleagues from numerous Chabad Houses across the United States. “I know that Chabad is everywhere,” said Shiri.

“But to be a central part of that chain, that was linking so many together in an act of pure kindness and generosity; it was surreal.”

The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic Movement, said that a Jew’s obligation is to love one’s fellow Jew as oneself even if the two are on the opposite sides of the world. The Rebbe put this ideal into action.

“No matter where we are in the world, and no matter our affiliation, we are all brothers and sisters and have an ingrained love and care toward our fellow Jews,” said Rabbi Mendel Katzman. “I wasn’t worried about the costs; I knew kind people would intercede, want to help. I am just humbled to be a part of a network that mobilized so quickly and so effectively to afford the soul of a stranger the respect and dignity it deserved.”

To find out more or participate in this and other Chabad Chesed (kindness) projects, please contact Chani at 402.330.1800 or email chani@ochabad.com.

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RBJH culinary ingredients: Part 2

by OZZIE NOGG In the September, 2012, New Year’s Jewish Press (the topic was food, you may recall) we introduced readers to four members of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home culinary staff -- Cindy

MARCO MARTINEZ Marco Martinez has been with the Blumkin Home for three years and is currently responsible for all catering, both on- and off-site.

Martinez is also the leading force for the Star Deli and is considered a very talented chef by his boss, Mike Aparo, Director of Food Services at the RBJH and Star Catering.

A native of Mexico, Star Catering star, Marco Martinez found the rules of Martinez. Try his BBQ kosher cooking new and mys- Baked Chicken. terious. “I didn’t know you couldn’t mix meat and cheese, but the mashgiach explained it to me and now it just comes naturally.” His job at the Home suits him fine. “I know most of the residents. Everybody says, ‘Hi, Marco.’ And Aparo is a good boss. He’s firm but easy to go to for help. If I make a mistake he tells me to fix it, now. He trusts me to learn.” On the afternoon of this interview, Martinez was scheduled to cater an event at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“We’re serving baked salmon with asparagus and wild rice, with a dessert of cranberry apple crisp with whipped cream on top.” Star Catering, under Martinez’s preparation, has also provided meals at The Omaha Children’s Museum, private dinners at customers’ homes, and two of the three synagogues. “We do a lot of catering on Campus, too,” Martinez said. “The entire campus uses our services for lunch & dinner meetings, special events of all types including the Outdoor Concerts Series and special Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Shiva meals. We’re available for whatever the community needs.”

In addition to his catering responsibilities, Martinez also rides shotgun on the popular Friday lunchtime Star Deli.

“We start preparing for the Deli on Wednesday,” he said.

“Cooking all the sandwich meat, slicing it, getting the soups and sides and salads ready. People really like the Deli menu and the crowds are always good.” BBQ Baked Chicken is

TYLER WOLLES Immediately after his High School graduation in 2005, Tyler Wolles, a Sioux Falls, SD native, enrolled in the Arizona Culinary Institute in Scottsdale. “I took a year-long accelerated course that covered everything from baking to classical French Cuisine to how to open a restaurant and manage it. After graduation I worked in hotels and big Tyler Wolles, RBJH chef, chain restaurants in Arizona. would like to star in a TV I started as a line cook, but at cooking show one day. the Blumkin Home I’m sort of an all around chef.”

According to Mike Aparo, “Lainey Seyler, who used to be on the Blumkin Home kitchen staff, is now fulfilling an internship with PBS’s America’s Test Kitchen. Before she left, she trained Tyler to make challah and also showed him how to create some amazing desserts. Tyler took over from Lainey and excelled to a point of no return. He works all the Home’s meals with great results. We now serve Tyler’s challah every week and his Jewish rye bread is also available. He’s been extremely creative in the bakery and his weekly Friday Deli desserts are a huge seller.”

For the record, bread bakers put in a long day. “To make sure we have enough challah for Friday, I start at 2 a.m. on Thursday morning and stay until 7 in the evening,” Wolles said. “I have to scale the ingredients, prepare and knead the dough, let it rise, separate it, divide the dough into pieces and form the braids, let the dough rise again, glaze the loaves and bake them. Maybe soon we’ll start to sprinkle them with poppy or sesame seeds. In any case, I make 150 loaves of challah every Friday.” His Jewish rye bread is used in Star Deli sandwiches and is also for sale by request.

“Roasting the rye seeds can be tricky, and the process has to

Armstrong, Jerry Harris, Bonnie Johnson and Kenneth Waytes. In this week’s special Food Section, we tip our chef ’s hat to Marco Martinez, Tony Smith and Tyler Wolles -- three more must-have ‘ingredients’ in the RBJH kitchen.

MARCO’S MARVELOUS BBQ OVEN BAKED CHICKEN 4 chicken leg quarters kosher salt spray canola oil 3/4 cup BBQ sauce -- best you can find or make your own 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Preheat oven to 375°. Line a sheet pan with foil. Put a rack in the pan and set aside.

Rinse chicken leg quarters and pat dry. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt.

Set a nonstick pan on the stove over high heat and spray with a canola oil. Heat for a minute or two. When pan is hot, drop in a few chicken leg quarters, skin-side down.

Don’t crowd pan or chicken will steam, not sear, so do this in a few batches. Cook on high for a few minutes, until skin is nice and brown. Only brown the skin side because intense high heat on the skinless underside can dry the meat out a little.

When skin is browned, transfer chicken to prepared pan.

Repeat with rest of chicken. When all chicken is browned, put BBQ sauce in a medium-sized bowl so it’s easier to work with. Using a brush, paint each chicken piece on all sides with sauce and bake for 15 minutes. Take pan from oven, brush chicken with more sauce and bake another 15 minutes. Take pan from oven and brush each piece of chicken on all sides with remaining sauce. Bake for 30-35 minutes more, until chicken is cooked through. (After 3035 minutes, chicken legs should have a nice crust.) Chicken should bake for a total of 60-65 minutes.

Transfer to serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Pass the napkins, eat and enjoy!

Serves 2 Note: The color of the BBQ chicken will vary based on the sauce you use and how much sugar is in it. The more sugar, the darker it will likely be.

Marco’s favorite dish. “My kids like it, too, especially in the summertime. Add some corn on the cob and we’re all happy.”

TYLER’S TERRIFICALLY EASY LEMON POUND CAKE 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, well-beaten 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup sugar Cake: Mix together 1 cup sugar and butter. Add eggs and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well. Add salt, flour and baking powder to mixture. Add milk. Bake at 325° in a well-greased loaf pan for 1 hour or until golden brown.

Glaze: Mix 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar. Use a toothpick to make holes in the top of the cake and drizzle lemon juice and sugar mixture over top of cake when removed from oven. Serve warm or cool. be the same every time you bake. I generally turn out sixteen loaves of Jewish rye every two weeks.”

Unlike bread making, which requires a degree of precision and consistency, the desserts Wolles whips up are often norules, flights of fancy. “I’ll go downstairs to the storeroom, see what we’ve got and then make something up. Like my Strawberry Banana Cake garnished with kiwi and strawberry sauce. Or my Orange Chocolate Cake. They’re both been big hits with residents and Deli customers.” Tyler Wolles aspires to star on a network cooking show or own a Bed and Breakfast with his wife. But for now, his work at the Blumkin Home is more than satisfying. “Working with the residents feels like I have an extra set of grandparents. I treat them like family, and that makes coming to work really nice. And Aparo is a good boss. Getting the job done is his main focus.

We all work well together. We have fun.”

Continued on page 7

In the news Stanford Lipsey, who has been Publisher of The Buffalo News for more than 30 years will become publisher emeritus as of Jan. 1.

Lipsey will continue to office in Buffalo serving primarily on the paper’s editorial board.

Prior to moving to Buffalo, Lipsey had been publisher of the Sun Newspapers of Omaha. In 1972, Lipsey and Warren Buffett won a Pulitzer Prize for The Sun. For many years he headed the Jewish Press committee in Omaha.

January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Articulate Architecture at Temple Israel

by DAVID GOLBITZ rooms, a social hall. You can learn a lot Temple Israel Staff Writer about a community by how they delegate When he was in rabbinical school Rabbi their space.”

Josh Brown took a class about synagogue Over the course of the 10-week class, architecture and became titled Articulate fascinated by the subject.

Architecture, Rabbi Brown And as construction conwill look at the earliest tinues on Temple Israel’s known examples of synanew building, what better gogues, which at least time to look back at the existed alongside the history of the synagogue.

Second Temple, if not pre“We’re in the midst of dated it outright, accordbuilding a synagogue, and ing to Rabbi Brown.

I thought it would be “We don’t know when the interesting to look at the first synagogues were trends over nearly three built,” he said. “But we can thousand years of Jewish still examine the spaces history,” Rabbi Brown said. that we know were utilized As part of Temple Israel’s by the ancient Israelites.

Thursday morning Adult We’re going to look at what Study with Clergy, Rabbi they tell us about how they Brown will examine synapracticed Jewish life and gogues both ancient and then we’re going to do the modern, and discuss what same with modern synaRabbi Josh Brown we can learn about a comgogues in America.” munity by how they built their holy places.

Rabbi Brown is hopeful that the class will “I love synagogue architecture,” Rabbi be informative and maybe even a little surBrown said. “Synagogue structures reflect prising. the way we utilize our space. There are syn“We have rules today that are pretty well agogues around the world that are just a known,” Rabbi Brown said. “Like, a lot of room with a Torah, and there are syna- people know you’re not supposed to put gogues like Temple Israel, both the current images of human beings in synagogues, but building and the one that’s under construc- we find in some of the oldest synagogues in tion, with lots of places for learning, class- history there are images of people, like

Women’s Birth

Abigail and Adam Kutler announce the Oct. 23 birth of their son, Samuel Louis.

Grandparents are Debi and David Kutler, and Judy and Mark Erpelding of Algona, IA.

Great-grandparents are Max Kirshenbaum and the late Shirley Kirshenbaum, and the late Harriet and Benton Kutler.

The

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Moses depicted as a Greek god.”

Adult Study with Clergy takes place on Thursday mornings, from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Articulate Architecture begins on Jan. 3 and runs through March 7. All are welcome.

The cost is $45 for Temple Israel members and $55 for non-members. For more information, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg.

RBJH culinary ingredients TONY SMITH According to the advertising campaigns, no kitchen is complete without a KitchenAid. And the R o s e Blumkin kitchen aid is Tony Smith who, for the past twentythree years, has been the go-to guy for every conThe Blumkin Home’s indisceivable pensable kitchen aid, Tony odd-job that Smith. keeps the culinary cogs turning. “Depending on what needs to be done, my days are never the same,” Smith said. “One day I’ll unload a truck from New York that brings the kosher meat, jello, pickles and Dr. Brown’s Soda.

Another day I’ll stock the shelves with groceries and produce and bread. I set up and prep for the Friday Deli. I set up and tear down the catering jobs. When Mike Aparo is on vacation, I do the inventory and ordering.

My hours and schedule vary, so it’s never boring, that’s for sure.”

Tony Smith is also the Campus Pizza Man. “Aparo taught me how to make pizza,” Tony said. “The kids at Friedel and

TONY SMITH’S KID FRIENDLY FIVE-CHEESE PIZZA 1 pie crust, boxed, frozen, whatever you like 1/2 cup pizza sauce, pre-made, from a jar 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Romano cheese, shredded 1/4 cup Asiago cheese, shredded Prepare pizza crust, according to the type you’re using. Grate cheeses, if you didn’t buy them pre-shredded. Spread pizza sauce onto crust. Spread Mozzarella cheese on top of sauce on crust. Mix the four remaining cheeses together in a bowl. Sprinkle this on top of Mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated 325° degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Keep an eye on it so as not to overcook.

Remove from oven when crust has browned lightly and cheeses have melted. the Child Development Center love pizza.

Nothing fancy. Just cheese. Once, I made sixty-two cheese pizzas in one day. Those little kids can eat a lot.”

The work environment at the Blumkin Home keeps Smith coming back, year after year. “The staff is friendly, easy to talk to and get along with. And I love the residents. We always say, ‘Hi’ to one another.

8 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

Beth El members come together during Hanukkah for ‘Eight Days of Giving Back’

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Festival of Lights became a festival of volunteering at Beth El, as dozens of congregants answered the synagogue’s social-action call to help others during Hanukkah’s ‘Eight Days of Giving Back.’ Community service projects included top right: helping renovate a Habitat for Humanity house; middle right: sharing an evening of Hanukkah stories and memories with Remington Heights residents; bottom right: enjoying a special Havdalah and holiday singalong at the Blumkin Home, led by Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman; and below left: sorting over 2,000 pounds of food items at the Food Bank of the Heartland.

Congregants also donated a variety of items to Hearts United for Animals, the Nebraska Human Society, SienaFrancis House, Nebraska AIDS Project, the Blumkin Home and the Food Bank. Bottom left: Ari and Dina Saltzman display some of the blankets and towels donated to the Humane Society.

New participants are encouraged to get involved with Beth El’s social-action programs, and creative ideas about giving back to the community are always welcome. For more information, contact chairmen Karla and David Cohen at userbitz@aol.com.

A modern day exodus

by BOB GOLDBERG Director of Strategic Initiatives, Jewish Federation of Omaha Each Passover we read the Exodus story of Moses leading the Jewish slaves’ out of Egypt and their long and difficult forty-year journey to the Promised Land.

There is a modern day exodus story that has many of the same elements.

This past month marked the 25th Anniversary of the March on Washington to Free Soviet Jewry. On Dec. 6, 1987, a crowd of 250,000, including many Omahans, gathShirley Goldstein ered on the National Mall to demonstrate their support for those denied the opportunity to emigrate from the former Soviet Union.

The success of our efforts resulted in the resettlement of many families to the Omaha area.

On Sunday, Jan. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., we will celebrate this anniversary with a free concert in the JCC Theater. Russian musicians will present a classical concert followed by a reception featuring some of your favorite Russian foods.

Please join us as we pay tribute to those who made the long and difficult journey from the Soviet Union to Omaha, to those from Omaha who participated in the 1987 March on Washington, and to those who made significant contributions to the resettlement effort.

Like the biblical Exodus story, this modern day exodus has a happy ending and we want to celebrate the good that we do when we come together to make change happen. It has been our story and continues to be so.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, Jan. 27. We want to have a full house for this special event.

We want to thank Shirley Goldstein and our event committee of Anna Yuz-Mosenkis, Marina Sadofsky, Donald Goldstein, and special help from Gloria Kaslow. This Jewish Federation 2013 Annual Campaign event is made possible with funding from the Leonard & Shirley Goldstein Family Endowment Fund and the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, both of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

To RSVP, please call or email Bob Goldberg at 402.334.6431 or email to bgoldberg@jewishomaha.org.

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January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Beyond ‘Mom and Pops’: The evolving Kosher industry First supermarkets, then discount and con- mark on the entertainment world. Chef, venience stores, then television and trade author, TV personality and restaurateur shows -- kosher products continue to make Jeffrey Nathan is one of the most popular “inroads in different segments of the food chefs in today’s market. Since 1998, Nathan industry.” has been the chef-host of public television’s

by ROBERT GLUCK New Jewish Cuisine, the only international (JointMedia News Service) From large- gourmet kosher cooking series, which is scale exhibitions to health-conscious prod- seen in four countries and translated into ucts, television shows, and new ventures in Eastern Europe, the kosher industry continues to add seasoning and spice.

The 26th edition of the world’s largest kosher food and products trade show, Kosherfest, took place Nov. 8-9 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. Menachem Lubinsky, Kosherfest’s founder, president and CEO, said the ever-evolving kosher industry set this year’s event apart from other years.

“Kosher continues to make inroads in different segments of the food industry,” he said. “Years ago it was only the mom and pops. Then it moved into supermarkets. Now it is in discount and convenience stores. The expansion of kosher into all types of retail has been one of the recent highlights.”

New Trends in Eastern Europe Lubinsky said most anything that can be made kosher is being made kosher, proved by the sheer number of kosher products on supermarket shelves.

Kosher TV personality Jeff Nathan.

Additionally, he said many countries, Credit: Jeff Nathan especially eastern European nations, who weren’t plugged in before came to New three languages. His cookbooks, Adventures Jersey for this year’s Kosherfest. in Jewish Cooking, and Jeff Nathan’s Family “Many eastern European countries are Suppers, are available worldwide. investing in kosher with the idea [that] to “The kosher consumer has come a long make it in the U.S. market, you need to be way over the course of many years,” Nathan kosher,” Lubinsky said, citing Kosherfest said. “They have become more educated in exhibitors from Hungary, Ukraine, and the food; it is not just simple dishes anyRussia. more. They see and want what everyone else One such company is the Russian firm wants. The good thing about that is that big Ozersky Souvenir Confectionary. According companies like Nabisco and General Foods to Eduard Lazhko, chief of Ozersky’s export see that there’s a demand to make more sales, the company’s plant is one of the products kosher, which helps us all. The biggest confectionary manufacturers in kosher consumer has more choices.”

Russia.

When he’s not working as the executive Ozersky, Lazhko said, makes premium chef of The Abigael’s Group -- which segment sweets, refined delicacies for sweet- includes Abigael’s, the Green Tea Lounge, tooth gourmets. The segments come in four and Nathan’s restaurants in New York City different tastes with unique individual - or on his television show, Jeff works on names including “the taste of a successful research and development for food at Hanes day” and “the taste of a romantic evening.”

Celestial Corp, focusing on natural and “Our plant is located in an ecologically organic foods. safe area southeast of Moscow in Ozery,” Nathan received a James Beard Awards Lazhko said. “The plant was founded more nomination for Best National Television than 70 years ago. Since then it has become Cooking Series, for his work on New Jewish the Russian market leader in nuts, dried Cuisine. He also won a matzo ball soup fruits and chocolate.”

“Throwdown” challenge against Food Lazhko said modern market trends and Network personality Bobby Flay. growing levels of competition stipulated the Where’s the Beef? concept of the company’s development -Dallas-based A.D. Rosenblatt Kosher manufacture candies combining European Meats is another company making waves in quality with the best traditions of the the kosher industry. According to COO Russian confectioners. The products have Yaakov Rosenblatt, the company is a family kosher certification from the Orthodox operation producing beef, kobe, lamb, duck, Union. veal and goose.

“We use the most up-to-date European “We brought kosher kobe to the mainequipment and apply new exquisite tech- stream and are shechting (slaughtering) nologies we have developed,” he said. “Our geese next week,” Rosenblatt said. use of natural and often exotic raw materials Certified prime and glatt kosher by the makes it possible to produce the highest cRc and the Orthodox Union, the firm’s quality candies with inimitable taste. We pay kobe is all natural, has no steroids, horspecial attention to ingredients. Our choco- mones, or antibiotics, and the cows are late icing not only meets all Russian stan- raised in a humane, low-stress environment. dards but it surpasses them by a number of Asked where the kosher industry may go parameters.” in the future, Rosenblatt said Costco seems Lubinsky said one continuing concern for to be getting more business as clients move the kosher consumer is health. There were away from kosher-only stores. only a handful of gluten-free kosher prod“They sell case ready [tray packs],” he ucts three years ago, but that now there are said. “However, this is not our line in beef. almost 25-30.

We currently sell boxed beef. But we are “Lifestyle is another factor in terms of adding lines of specialty products. A glatt convenience foods,” Lubinsky said. kosher chorizo and a kobe sausage are our Kashrut on TV two new items. People want more and difThe kosher industry is also leaving its ferent, and they want it cheap.”

Omaha’s Team Hockey Jan. 4: UNO vs.

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Jan. 5: UNO vs.

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Basketball Upcoming Jan. 12: UNO vs.

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10 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

Food and Faith: Sixty years of Iowa Jewish cookbooks

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by OLIVER B. POLLAK Strudel.” The cookbooks guided temple and synagogue Emeritus Professor of History, University of Nebraska at Omaha kitchens that multiplied the measurements for larger gatherCommunity cookbooks reveal the role of women, family, ings. food and social organization built around faith and fellowAdvertisements and sponsorship from local merchants ship. The volunteer effort includes committees, gathering marked an exciting feature of cookbooks and increased the recipes, selling advertisements, organizing the book, proof- fund raising pot. For instance the early 1950s Iowa City reading, printing (usually a template from a publisher spe- Hadassah cookbook wedged 57 recipes between 261 advercializing in community cookbooks), and distributing the tisements, including middle class necessities, giving a finished book. Iowa sisterhoods and women’s leagues pro- unique view into local commerce. Among the advertisers duced eleven volumes, thirty were food related, eightHadassah 5 volumes, one day een automobile related, six school volume, and one Jewish pharmacies, six printers and community volume. Three bookstores, five cleaners, five cookbooks have particular disbanks, four furniture stores, tinctions. The first cookbook, three theatres, three hotels, Iowa City Chapter of Hadassah three flower shops, two funeral & Pioneer Women, appeared homes and monument makers, between 1947 and 1951. In 1952 and Penneys and Sears.

Council Bluffs Hadassah pubAdvertisements disappeared lished What’s Cooking in by 1972 as women shifted their Hadassah, which is not in any volunteer efforts from raising known library. The 1953 Des money to preserving culinary Moines Beth El Jacob Sisterhood identity. Cover illustrations set a book appeared when Rabbi homely kitchen tone. Jews preIsaac Nadoff served there. He pare special tables for Shabbat, came to Omaha’s Beth Israel in Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom 1966. Synagogue fundraising Kippur fast breaking, Sukkoth, cookbooks are characterized by Purim, Hanukah and meals of plastic spiral binders. They exist consolation. The books are in Jewish homes and suffer from organized around the order of kitchen use often losing their the meal - appetizers, soup, covers. salad, main course (fish, fowl, I advertized my interest in the beef), and desserts. Three meals Omaha Jewish Press, contacted a day result in 1,095 opportunicurrent and former Iowa resities a year to eat, maintain varidents, wrote, emailed, searched ety, taste and balance nutrition.

An exhibit of the cookbooks can be seen at the Council google, Abebooks and eBay, and Iconic Jewish food includes Bluffs Public Library through Jan. 15, 2013. phoned Iowa synagogues, the challah, kreplach, bagels with Iowa State Historical Society, the Iowa Jewish Historical lox and cream cheese, borscht, knishes, chopped liver, potaSociety and used bookstores. Jews established synagogues in to latkes, matza balls, kugel, gefilte fish, chicken soup, at least sixteen Iowa cities including Ames, Burlington, blintzes, cholent, tzimmes, mandelbrote, and maybe New Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, York cheesecake.

Dubuque, Fairfield, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Keokuk, Reform congregation cookbooks included non-Kosher Marshalltown, Mason City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and recipes. These cookbooks reveal a band of kitchen sisters, Waterloo. local Jewish culture, society, education, celebrations, perDining at the temple and synagogue could include break- sonalities, business advertisements, and the retention of trafasts, lunches and dinners after services as well as banquets ditional foodways. for installations of officers, celebrations of bar and bat mitzI thank David Gradwohl of Ames, Beverly and Douglas vahs and weddings. Temple Judah in Cedar Rapids notes Jones and Steve Marsden of Iowa City, Debbi Josephson, that “typical menus over the years have included chopped Holly Fineman, Lois (Buck) Friedman formerly of Cedar Liver, Herring in Cream Sauce, Cheese Blintzes, Brisket of Rapids, Marshalltown and Sioux City, Mary Fellman, and Beef, Cabbage Rolls, Potato Pancakes, pickled beets, and Mark Walters of UNO Interlibrary Loan for their assistance.

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by MARTY ROSENSTEIN The store’s name, SMEJ’S, was derived from the Rosenstein Family in 1997: S= Sam, Marty and Jan’s Father who passed away in 1996.

M= Marty, who runs the store.

E= Ethel, Marty and Jan’s mother who passed away in 1997.

J= Jan, Marty’s sister who helps manage the store.

After 15 years operating as a convenient store SMEJ’S decided to change direction. After many hours of research on products and locations, SMEJ’S opened Nov. 2012 at a new location, 2060 N. 117th Ave. This store sells candy, snacks and beverages with an emphasis on nostalgia products.

This store is fun and exciting with the goal of SMEJ’S to put smiles on the faces of customers as they enter into a bright and colorful wonderland.

SMEJ’S carries many unique products from Mountain Dew flavored popcorn to Mountain Dew Pop, from Tequila worm suckers to Tootsie Roll pops, from Zagnuts to Snickers, from Laffy Taffy to Jolly Ranchers. Are you looking for greeting cards, glass bottles of pop, energy drinks, salty snacks (such as run UTS trail mixes or Larry The Cable Guy potato chips), beef jerky or maybe Willy Wonka Candy? Do you remember Candy Buttons, BB Bats, Kits, Necco Wafers, Black Cows or Bit-OHoney? You can find them at SMEJ’S. If you need a one-of-a-kind gift basket for any occasion, SMEJ’S can help you create it. We have pre-made baskets with candies from different decades available.

Smej’s combines the old with the new. Marty will always be searching for the newest products as they become available, as well as looking for any items from the past. SMEJ’S wants to help you create new memories as well as bring back old memories.

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Marriage EVANS/EPSTEIN Carrie Allison Evans and Cory James Epstein of New York City were married on Nov. 17, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park in New York City. The ceremony was performed by Rabbi Ronald Mass.

The bride, 29, received an undergraduate degree from Union College and earned a dual master’s degree in Special Education and General Education from Hunter College. She is a special education teacher in Brooklyn, New York.

She is the daughter of Linda and Murray Evans of Suffern, NY. The groom, 30, graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and received a master’s in Business Administration from the NYU Stern School of Business. He works in commodities risk management in New York, NY He is the son of Sandy and Paul Epstein.

The couple resides in New York City.

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January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Mainstreeters’ January programs

by OZIE NOGG The weather outside may be frightful, but Mainstreeters’ January programs are delightful. Put these dates on your calendar and come join the activities.

Express yourself at the ArtRoom in Rockbrook Village: Monday, Jan. 14 from 1 - 3 p.m. The ArtRoom, located in Rockbrook Village at 108 & West Center Road, is owned and operated by Kim Noddle. It’s an educational studio, where visitors can immerse themselves in anything creative. This Mainstreeters’ class is for men and woman -- and don’t think you need to be artsy! Instruction will be available for a group project, or feel free to paint on your own. The cost of $25 includes instruction and all materials. Deadline for reservations is Thursday, Jan. 10. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. If you need transportation from the JCC to the ArtRoom, call Maggie at 402.334.6521. More information is available from Rocky Stern, 402.393.4952.

Have a question? 7 Can Help with Larry Thompson: Monday, Jan. 21, 12:30 p.m. Lunch in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium.

Having a problem with your landlord? Need help getting a refund? KETV’s 7 Can Help team is in its 30th year of providing valuable information to answer your consumer questions and problems. 7 Can Help is a volunteer-driven division of KETV. When asked, the volunteers step in to find solutions, clear up misunderstandings and help the public’s interaction with business, government and other sectors.

Don’t miss this program. For your entree, choose meatloaf with mashed potato and gravy, or panko crusted cod with rice pilaf. Both entrees include chicken and rice soup, vegetable, challah, lemon meringue pie and beverage. Cost: $11.50 per plate. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Jan. 14. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. More information is available from Maggie at at 402.334.6521.

A day at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs compliments of Midwest Casino Tours: Thursday, Jan 24. No charge. The casino trip includes transportation by shuttle, complimentary buffet and a chance to earn up to $10 in free slot play during your trip! Depart from the JCC at 9 a.m. to arrive back at the JCC by approximately at 2 p.m.

Reservations by Wednesday, Jan. 16, are a must. Please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. And be prepared to tell her your birthdate. This info is requested from Midwest Casino Tours.

A Free Afternoon at the Movies: Hope Springs featuring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell. Friday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No charge for the film or the bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. Hope Springs is the story of Kay and Arnold, a middle-aged couple whose marriage has declined until they are now sleeping in separate rooms and barely interact in any meaningful loving way. Kay finds a book by Dr. Feld which inspires her to sign them up for the doctor’s intense marriage counseling sessions. Arnold reluctantly agrees to go on this expensive excursion. What follows is an insightful experience as Dr. Feld helps the couple understand how they have emotionally drifted apart and what they can do to reignite their passion. Even with the doctor’s advice, Kay and Arnold find that renewing their marriage’s fire is a daunting challenge for them both. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest. No dues are required to be part of Mainstreeters, but a $5 per person communication fee is needed to keep your name on the mailing list. Jim Wax, 402.393.4442, is the guy to call.

Beth Israel Hanukkah Carnival

by ILANA WEISS On Saturday night, Dec. 15, Beth Israel held its sixth annual Hanukkah Carnival chaired by Miriam Gross and Ilana Weiss. Children bounced in a Bounce House and earned tickets for prizes while playing carnival games like Plinko, Chicken in a Pot, Ring Toss and more. Adults had a chance to win prizes from the Beth Israel gift shop in a raffle supporting Beth Israel’s Sisterhood. All the while, everyone had a great time tasting authentic carnival food prepared by volunteers.

Passover Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue.

Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry these ads will only be accepted through February 20, 2013.

A $52

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Passover

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from Your names go here

C Passover $88

GREETINGS

Passover Greetings Ads Name ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip ________________ Check the size of ad you would like:

OA OB OC

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____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Please send a check for the amount listed along side the different sized ads with this form at the Jewish Press office in the JCC or mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154

12 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Together ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Here it is: the first Jewish Press of 2013. We have a brand new calendar year ahead, and while the number 2013 may seem strange for the first few days, we’ll get used to it soon enough. And to be honest, with some of the horrific recent events, I’d rather put this past year behind us. I’m sure many others feel the same.

However, “putting things behind us” is not what we, as a community, are about. The phrase implies closing our eyes, walking away, moving on. It’s tempting; we can’t be brokenhearted over every bad thing that happens in the world around us, and it’s uncomfortable. From the ravages of Syria to the shooting in Aurora, from Operation Pillar of Defense to the shooting at the Sikh Temple to hurricane Sandy to yet another shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, one wants to just hibernate. Wake me up when this is over, and we can be nice to each other again.

But the question remains: when we, as human beings, are confronted with the suffering of others, what do we do? The question of how we respond to tragedy is, I imagine, a central issue in any religion, culture, and community.

When there is a practical need, the answer is obvious: we give. We donate blood, money, medicine and cleaning supplies. We build new schools, houses and roads, and we give our time and attention. But when what is broken cannot be repaired, we are often at a loss. When all we have to offer is our thoughts, our prayers and our sympathy, we tend to feel as if we somehow fall short of expectations.

That does not necessarily need to be the case. The need to pray and cry for others, although we don’t know them personally; the ability to feel empathy and grief for people, especially when we don’t know them, is what makes us human.

The sense of helplessness, even, a shared feeling of despair in

the face of pain, it’s what sets us apart from animals. It is how we are meant to respond, we are supposed to feel something.

So, at the start of this new calendar year (which, granted, is a bit of a random date at best), can we ask more of ourselves? Can we become less cynical and more humane? That sense of community, those relationships and the connection to each other we need so badly when tragedy happens, can we work a little harder to maintain them when things are good?

I think we can. During the interfaith service remembering the victims of Newtown, CT, the opening statement included the words: “We need to be together.” It’s something we felt after 9/11; it is something we feel after every tragedy: that need to be with other people, to share our feelings, and it is something we must feel when we are not faced with tragedy as well. To be together: it does not mean we have to always agree, it does not mean we have to always believe or think or even pray the same. What we have to do is understand that we are better with each other than divided, no matter our differences.

No (wo)man stands alone.

When we remember that, we can become better versions of ourselves. So let’s continue to build a better community. Let’s be better neighbors, friends, sons and daughters, better parents. Even when we think we are doing pretty well -- for this is a great community -- we can always be better.

Let’s have a fabulous 2013. Let’s visit each other’s homes and synagogues; let’s respect, love, appreciate and support each other during the good times, and pray the bad times never come. Let’s really be together.

I know that sounds easier than it is; my personal limitation is that, at the end of the day, these are just so many words on the page, and words can ring hollow if we let them. So here’s my challenge to you: during the next week, start a conversation with someone you normally would not talk to. Reach out to someone at your synagogue, at your children’s school, at your gym. Make a connection where there was none before. You’ll make someone’s day, and you strengthen our community while you’re at it.

Im Tirtzu brings a lie to America

Behind the headlines DANIEL SOKATCH SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- It took only a few days for truth to become a casualty of Israel’s latest military operation in Gaza.

It is clear that the IDF sought to avoid civilian casualties under difficult circumstances. It is equally obvious that, as in every conflict, Israeli human rights groups monitored and reported, called attention to international law and criticized both Hamas and some aspects of the IDF operation. And, just as with Operation Cast Lead in Gaza four years ago, Israel’s extreme right wing almost immediately exploited an atmosphere of patriotism and fear to attack progressives and Israel’s vibrant human rights community.

A full-page ad, signed by municipal leaders in southern Israel, appeared in the Jerusalem Post calling on my organization, the New Israel Fund, to eschew what they called “blood libels” against the IDF. NGO Monitor, which somehow only manages to monitor progressive human rights and social justice NGOs, issued the predictable press release claiming that human rights organizations somehow “insinuated” this and that about Israel.

This week, another concerted attempt to repress dissent washed up on American shores. Im Tirtzu, an Israeli group infamous for its attacks on human rights organizations, Arab Israelis, and Ben-Gurion University, placed an advertisement in some American Jewish papers condemning the New Israel Fund and the human rights organizations we support.

Im Tirtzu claims on its website that NIF-supported human rights groups are calling Israeli soldiers war criminals. Completely untrue. It alleges in the ad that our organ-

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izations have concluded that IDF conduct was a clear violation of international law.

The truth is that, with one exception, all these organizations are asking is that the Israeli army investigate harm suffered by vulnerable civilian sectors, including journalists, medical personnel and children, who have special protection under international law. One organization signed a letter asking for UN investigation of possible breaches of the Geneva Convention by both sides in the conflict. And one organization did declare that the bombing of a civilian media center in Gaza violates the laws of war.

In demanding that we stop funding the organizations that have expressed our core values for more than 30 years, Im Tirtzu is again using a military operation as justification for repressing dissent from its definition of Zionism.

We understand why they think this might work. The Cast Lead operation four years ago damaged Israel’s international reputation considerably. Afterwards, the Israeli government refused to engage in a postwar inquiry. The investigation led

by U.N. Judge Richard Goldstone erroneously concluded that the Israeli army had deliberately targeted civilians in Gaza -- though the judge eventually recanted that error.

Elected soon after the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the threat from delegitimization efforts like the Goldstone Report on Cast Lead as one of three threats Israel faced -- along with missiles and an Iranian nuclear weapon. And, as Israel found itself on the losing end of worldwide opinion, human rights defenders became the domestic scapegoat.

After 45 years of occupation and the inevitable abuses it entails, it goes without saying that human rights groups, often the bearers of challenging truths, are not beloved in Israel. Right-wing leaders claim that the routine monitoring

and reporting of human rights violations somehow “delegitimizes” Israel rather than, as we Americans know, legitimizing its status as a democracy. They also point to Hamas’ terrible record on human rights, as if the fact that human rights are not respected in Gaza means that Israel should not worry about them, either.

Directed by members of the governing coalition, the anger felt by many Israelis after Cast Lead was thus turned on their fellow Israelis. Im Tirtzu first made its name launching an expensive ad campaign falsely claiming that most of the Goldstone Report was based on information from Israeli human rights organizations. Legislation was introduced in the Knesset to defund, constrict and penalize these groups, in ways more common to autocracies like Russia and Egypt.

Dissent was stigmatized as treason, and organizations like ours were viciously attacked for providing financial support for human rights monitors.

And yet the Israeli army paid attention to what the human rights community reported. The IDF acknowledged changing its operational procedures, based on reports from human rights groups, to better protect civilian lives and property.

The army’s spokesperson said, “Between the military and various human rights organizations there is constant dialogue.”

Other Israeli authorities, too, recognized the values at stake. The attorney general refused to investigate human rights groups named as contributing to the Goldstone Report and the deputy state prosecutor said, “…in a democratic regime, organizations may cooperate freely with official international organizations even if they oppose government policy.” American Jewish leaders also spoke out against the dismaying spectacle of a democracy’s politicians attempting to suppress its human rights community.

Continued page 13

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January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 13

When will the NIF take responsibility?

Behind the headlines RONEN SHOVAL JERUSALEM (JTA) -- There is by now a familiar pattern whenever the New Israel Fund is criticized: The critic is attacked as a right-wing extremist, a liar, an enemy of human rights, democracy, and open dialogue.

This, of course, is exactly how NIF has responded to a letter my organization, Im Tirtzu, a Zionist student group in Israel, has published in American Jewish newspapers. Our ad asserts that NIF-funded groups are once again accusing Israel of war crimes after we defended ourselves against relentless Hamas rocket attacks. And then our ad asks a simple question: Does the new president of NIF, Brian Lurie, stand by these false accusations? And if he doesn’t, what will he do to assure Israelis that he will be an agent of reform at the New Israel Fund?

In response to this perfectly legitimate question, NIF flatly denies the central role its groups played in supplying “evidence” of Israeli wrongdoing to the Goldstone Commission (over 100 footnotes in the Goldstone Report cite NIF groups); claims that none of its groups are accusing Israel of war crimes today, and proclaims itself the victim of an attempt by my organization, whose budget and influence are a miniscule fraction of NIF’s, to suppress the “right to dissent.”

The claim that a small student organization which questions the New Israel Fund is attempting to curtail debate is an accusation worthy of Orwell. Im Tirtzu isn’t suppressing debate -- we are participating in it. And the fact that NIF cannot respond honestly to the questions we pose should be a warning to its donors and supporters about NIF’s actual commitment to open, democratic dialogue.

After Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel’s latest attempt to stop terrorist attacks on its civilians, we watched to see if NIF had learned any lessons from the role that its fundees

played in creating and promoting the ruthlessly biased Goldstone Report.

Unfortunately, it has not. NIF first claimed in a statement to reporters on Thursday that “not one of the human rights organizations Im Tirtzu attacks accused Israel of war crimes in the recent Gaza action.” It now concedes that Adalah has accused Israel of “a serious violation of the laws of war.” And the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel co-signed a letter saying that there is “concrete evidence indicating the commission of war crimes by both parties.”

If words have meaning, then NIF-funded groups have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Operation Pillar of Defense.

The reason we posed the question we did to Lurie and the New Israel Fund is because we wanted to hear from NIF’s leaders whether they stood by the accusations of the groups that they fund. We are tired of the game that NIF plays: funding organizations in Israel that slander and delegitimize the Jewish state, while insisting to donors and journalists in America that nothing untoward is taking place.

It’s time for this game to end. It’s time for NIF to be held accountable -- and to hold itself accountable -- for the terrible campaigns of accusation carried out by the groups that it funds in Israel. Unfortunately, what we have seen from this latest episode is that the NIF is still not taking responsibility for the extremism it funds, and still thinks it can attack its critics into submission.

NIF’s new president has yet to respond to our letter. If he genuinely believes in the talking points NIF often cites -that NIF is committed to open debate, transparency, and accountability -- he will take this opportunity to show that those values begin at home. He can say whether the New Israel Fund will continue promoting baseless accusations against Israel, or whether NIF will begin a much needed process of reform. NIF’s critics are watching, and we are not going away.

Ronen Shoval is the founder and chairman of Im Tirtzu.

Letter TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, As a member of the Board of the Union of Reform Judaism, I must set the record straight (Dec. 14 editorial) about the Reform Jewish movement’s recent statement about Israeli settlements around Arab Israeli neighborhoods.

The statement condemned the Palestinians and countries which supported the recent UN resolution on Palestine (because), cautioned against any attempt by the Palestinians to use their new status to file war crime charges, urged the Palestinians to return to the bargaining table, urged other countries to push for face to face negotiations, and opposed increased settlement-building activity by Israel, especially in the critical “E1” area.

This resolution is based on decades of support for a two state solution as the only way to maintain a Jewish, democratic state. It is based on beliefs that only face-to-face negotiations can lead to peace and that cutting off key Palestinian cities from their neighbors is a serious blow to the opportunity for a two state solution. (Obviously your editorial cartoonist agreed in his cartoon which accompanied your editorial).

Second, your readers should know how wrong the Jerusalem Post quotes in the Press were in alleging that the URJ was not informed of the facts. In truth, URJ President

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Rabbi Rick Jacobs, has made countless trips to Israel including a special trip last month when the bombing increased.

He met with government officials. He rode in an armored vehicle into southern Israel to visit schools operating in bomb shelters, to show American support to the families there, and to see what was going on.

The Reform movement leadership believes that Israel deserves more than knee jerk support from us. For the first time ever, the entire URJ Board was able to take part in a Skype conversation with the Israeli embassy before voting on this resolution. Our support for Israel does not interfere with our moral obligation to work for a Jewish, democratic state based on Jewish values.

We also support Israelis in their struggles with the Israeli government to make modern Jewish ritual and moral teaching available to Israeli citizens. In the past ten years over 100 Temple Israel delegates have voted at URJ National Biennial meetings to reaffirm the movement’s commitment to a Jewish, democratic state that allows religious rights to its citizens (including Reform and Conservative Jews). We believe that modern Jewish moral teaching has a place in helping the Israelis find a path to lasting peace.

Gary Kaplan, Board Member, Union of Reform Judaism

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by RON KAMPEAS Matthew Kalman at the New York Daily News rounds up an impressive array of Israeli spokesmen and analysts to scratch their heads at National Rifle Association honcho Wayne LaPierre’s claim that “Israel had a whole lot of school shootings” and did what he now recommends for Americans: install security guards.

LaPierre certainly overstates it: Buried in the recesses of my memory is an early 1990s Israeli school shooting -- the “American” kind, by a disturbed person, not a terrorist attack -- that did bring about security reforms. There were few-- maybe even no -- fatalities in this case. (A better skilled archivist than I can maybe turn up a story?)

In any case, that’s a single incident. What LaPierre leaves unsaid, and what is more germane, is that Israel also has gun laws that he would consider nightmarish, and that likely has more to do with the low incidence there of school shootings.

From the Daily News: Despite having a standing army of more than 100,000 and police and security guards carrying guns on the street, Israel has strict firearms licensing and supervision.

Licenses must be renewed regularly and cannot be issued to people with a history of mental problems or a criminal background.

“In a country where hundreds of thousands of people carry firearms, it is essential to manage the training, licensing and authorization of those who wish to be armed,” said Yakov Amit, head of the firearms licensing department of the Public Security Ministry.

Im Tirtzu brings a lie Continued page 12 We welcome those voices. Our position is clear and it is shared by everyone at the New Israel Fund. We believe that the work of human rights organizations is critically important. Their job is to hold a mirror up to society, carefully inspect the behavior of powerful institutions in their own society, remind us of the humanity of civilians during wartime, and hold us to civilized behavior even in adverse circumstances. Israelis who equate human rights with treason are not protecting their army, they are undermining their democracy.

Israel’s friends should remember that the Jewish homeland’s strength lies not only with its army, but with its democracy, civil society, tradition of free speech, and its ability to self-examine and improve. When Israel is under attack, the desire to stand with it against its foes is a natural reaction. But those of us who care about an Israel that reflects its founding values should insist that the principles of universal human rights become embedded in the conscience of the country.

We all are thankful that the current violence ended with far fewer casualties than were suffered four years ago. Let us also hope that Israel remembers that it wins hearts and minds around the world, and lives up to its own ideals, by exemplifying the democratic and humane values so foreign to most of its enemies, and by striving for justice and for peace.

Daniel Sokatch is the CEO of the New Israel Fund.

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14 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

Synagogues

Candlelighting Friday, January 4, 4:51 p.m.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CHABAD CENTER

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885.

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. Shemot - the importance of every Jewish Soul.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.417.2752 to reserve.

All programs are open to the entire community.

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given

by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:50 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class informational meeting about our new adult B’nai Mitzvah class at 11 a.m., led by Hazzan Krausman.

Knowledge of Hebrew is not required to participate in the class. Email hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org if you’re planning to attend.

MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Tai Chi Class class, 6:30 p.m., led by Beth Staenberg and continuing on Jan. 14, 21 and 28, and Feb. 4 and 11. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org.

For more information, contact Margie in the office.

THURSDAY: Back 2 Basics Adult-ed class, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Abraham. The topic is The Laws of Mourning.

Tot Shabbat/Say Shalom to Shabbat, Friday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner. Dinner cost: Beth El members, $5; non-members, $7.50. No charge for children six and younger. RSVP online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact the synagogue office at 402.492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, Monday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., at the synagogue. Special guest speaker, congregant Sophie Ambrose will share her story about My Path to Judaism.

RSVP to hosts M’Lee Hasslinger, at mlee011@gmail.com or Pam Friedlander, at pfriedla@cox.net.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org 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, 4:50 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 2 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Boys (ages 10 and up), 3 p.m.; Mincha, 4 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:56 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m.

TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m; Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Gross; Living Room lecture series, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross.

Bat Mitzvah Eliana Reiss, daughter of Wendy and Robert Reiss, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 12, at Temple Israel.

Eliana is a seventh-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Millard North Middle School.

Her interests include swimming with the Millard Aquatic Club, a competitive swim team.

For her mitzvah project, Eliana volunteered over the summer at Camp Munroe, a recreational day camp for children with developmental disabilites. She helped the children with various activities such as art, games and swimming.

She has a sister, Abby, age 15.

Grandparents are Vickie and Marti Christoffersen, Marj and Bud Phillips, and Lorraine Reiss.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Family Dinner and Early Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Classical Reform Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m., with oneg following hosted by Rich Lombardi.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shemot.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Temple storeroom and library cleanup, 10 a.m. If you can assist, please contact John Mosow at mosow@aol.com; Confirmation class, noon; Temple Board of Trustees new member orientation, 1 p.m.; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Taste of Judaism cultural education program, Jan. 15, 6:308:30 p.m. in partnership with the UN-L Residence halls. For more information please contact Celia Rosenblum at celia.rosenblum@gmail.com or Rabbi Lewis at rabbi@ neb.rr.com.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 18, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street with keynote speaker The Honorable John M. Gerrard, US District Judge.

Please let the Temple office know immediately if you wish to attend so we can submit the combined Temple/Synagogue reservations.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #6 led by Rabbi Lewis.

THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Candle Lighting in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. Join us in celebration of school spirit at this special First Friday as we invite our college students who are home on break along with those who haven’t left to share their on-campus Jewish experiences with the congregation.

We would also love to see our high school students. Come and visit with the college kids and hear about living Jewishly on a college campus. Also joining us that night will be Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, sister of Temple Israel member Katherine Kaminsky Murphy and leader of a congregation in Adelaide, South Australia. Rabbi Kaminsky is chair of the Council of Progressive Rabbis of Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Dinner reservations are required and come wearing your school colors!

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Simon Murphy, son of Katherine and Joseph Murphy, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teachers Meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Grade 7 Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Iranian History: Persian - Modern, 6:30 p.m. with Moshe Gershovich.

THURSDAY: Articulate Architecture, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brown.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a special “Birthright Revisited program with an oneg to follow.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 18, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street with keynote speaker The Honorable John M. Gerrard, US District Judge.

Please let Nava in the office know if you will be attending, we would like to get a table together with the Temple.

Book Club Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss The World to Come by Dara Horn. Please reply to Sara if you are coming.

Groups weigh in on Israel’s Western Wall initiative

by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) – Three U.S. Jewish groups welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initiative to seek to review restrictions on women’s prayer at the Western Wall.

“It’s a really important development,” Mark Pelavin, a senior advisor to Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs. “It’s the first time the prime minister has recognized that the status quo is problematic. It’s the beginning of a much more serious conversation about women in israel Netanyahu this week asked the Jewish Agency and its chairman, Natan Sharansky, to come up with solutions to ensure that women are welcome at the Western Wall.

In 2003, Israel’s Supreme Court upheld a government ban on women donning religious garments or reading from a Torah scroll while at the Wall, saying that such meetings represented a threat to public safety and order.

The court required the government to provide an alternate place for women to pray, and the Robinson’s Arch site was opened that year.

Women, including activist Anat Hoffman, who attempt to pray at the Western Wall while wearing their tallit and

tefillin, have been arrested.

Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president of the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly, said it would support “Israel in its efforts to work toward ensuring women’s equality and religious pluralism both in the most sacred moment of prayer at the Western Wall and throughout life in Israel.”

Hadassah president Marcie Natan said her movement “hopes that a resolution can be reached which will allow all women to pray, individually and collectively, at the Kotel freely, without harassment, and in accordance with their own religious practices.”

The National Council of Jewish Women said Netanyahu’s initiative should not delay the implementation of a solution or allow arrests of women who pray at the Western Wall to continue.

“It is clear the dispute over the Wall has the potential to drive a wedge between Israel and her supporters abroad, but the focus for the inquiry must remain on finding a way to allow access that respects gender equality and religious diversity,” NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman said in a statement. “The Wall cannot continue to be the purview of only one religious perspective.”

Pulverent e

January 4, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 15

The same Moses and Aaron

In memoriam

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

MORRIS “MOE” HANDLEMAN

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Sh’mot We always make much of the grace and beauty of the Biblical literary style. From the majestic simplicity of the Creation Story to the ecstatic poetry of Deutero-Isaiah, or the inwardness of Jeremiah or the Psalmists, we have nothing but beautiful style. One lives the turmoil-of-spirit of Job along with the man himself, for the reader cannot but enter the soul of Job as he reads the anguished cries of the sufferer.

And one can see the destruction of Nineveh before his eyes, as he views, in Nahum’s excited description, the Babylonian cavalry clattering down the streets and across the squares of the stricken Assyrian capital. Whatever else it is, and it is indeed so very much more, the Bible offers lessons in the way to write and the way to read, whether narrative or poetry.

But one passage has always seemed to me to be puzzlingly clumsy. After giving the genealogies of Reuben and Simeon, the genealogies of Levi are given in order to get to Moses and Aaron: “These are the same Moses and Aaron to whom the Lord said: ‘Bring out the children of Israel’…These are the ones that spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt. These are the same Moses and Aaron.”

Why all the repetition? Why this clumsy falling all over itself, in the text, to make it clear that the Moses and Aaron who had come to Pharaoh are the same Moses and Aaron who were born to Amram and Jochebed?

I suspect the bible writer had a point, and it was this: All over the ancient world, and even much later in human history, it was assumed that the greatest of men were something more than human. If one were a great king or a great leader, an ancestry was created to make him a descendent of the gods.

The Bible writer goes to considerable pains to insist this was not the case with Moses and Aaron. Our Leader is God Himself. Our leaders are humans. Moses and Aaron are children of Israel, just as we all are. Men must be distinguished from God -- and they are not to be worshiped.

There is nothing wrong with our heroes being human.

It’s the Beat celebrates six months of incredible guests!

by NORMA JOHNSON “What an exciting six months this has been!” remarked Karen Sokolof Javitch, when asked about her new radio show It’s the Beat! - heard every Saturday at noon on the Mighty 1290 KOIL. “My co-host Jody Vinci and I have met some of the most talented and remarkable people.”

“We stand in awe of many people who have shared their talents with us.” Jody observed. Their guests are very diverse and have included actors of television and film, artists, authors, comedians, film makers, musicians, singers, and innovators.

Rebecca Rosen, nationally known psychic-medium, born and raised in Omaha and daughter of Jan Goldstein was a recent special guest.

Karen and Jody have spoken with many award-winners: Alexander Payne (two Oscars -- the most recent, Descendants); Mauro Fiore (Oscar - Cinematographer for Avatar); Chuck Penington, music conductor with the Grammy award-winning group, Mannheim Steamroller; Tom Ware -- Grammy-nominated for recording with Lady Gaga; Heisman Trophy Winner Eric Crouch; New York Times best-selling author, Sandra Dallas; American Idol contestants: Tim Halperin and The Maynard Sisters; Elaine Jabenis -- winner of every acting award at the Omaha Community Playhouse; and three-time Emmy awardwinning talk show host, Dick Cavett!

If you missed any of the shows, you can listen on www.Itsthebeat.net. Of course we thank Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater for being the sponsor of It’s the Beat!

We are now scheduling interviews for 2013! Want to be a guest? Know someone locally or nationally in arts and entertainment you’d like to hear? Call Norma at 402.393.3893 or email us at Karen@Itsthebeat.net. Join us every Saturday at noon on the Mighty 1290 KOIL.

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To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

Morris Handleman passed away Jan. 1 at age 83 peacefully with his loving wife and children at his side. Services were held Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. at Fisher Farm Cemetery, 8600 So. 42nd Street. The family welcomes visitors at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 So. 132nd Street after 5 p.m.

He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Phil Handleman.

He is survived by wife, Renee; son and daughter-in-law, Allan and Maureen Handleman; daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Stuart Shkolnick of Des Moines, and Gail and Peter Lobin of Evanston, IL; grandchildren: Jake, Jordan, Jillian, Abagail, Tom, Isadore and Luci; brother and sisterin-law, Eddie and Peg Handelman of San Francisco; and nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

He was born in Omaha, a graduate of Central High School, Veteran of Korean Conflict, and long-time Omaha grocer and former president of the NE Grocers Association.

Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, LOVE or the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

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RUTH SKOLNIK Ruth Skolnik passed away Dec. 22. Services were held on Dec. 27 at Beth El Cemetery on 84th and L Street.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers and one sister; and first husband Jack Gelfand and second husband Bill Skolnik.

She is survived by her children Linda and Sam Wildstein of New York City; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Beth El Synagogue.

TOBY SWICHKOW Toby Swichkow passed away on Dec. 22. She was buried in Bet Shemesh, Israel.

She is survived by her mother, Alice Cohen of Skokie, IL; daughter and son-in-law, Chava and Gary Horowitz of Kochav HaShachar, Israel, and Brooke and Paltiel Brodsky of Queens, NY; nine grandchildren; sister and brother-inlaw, Darlene and Carl Tominberg of Lake Forest, IL; and good friend, Danny Swichkow of Buffalo Grove, IL. Toby was born in Bakersfield, CA, and moved to Chicago as a young adult, and moved to Omaha eight years ago. She was the current president of Beth Israel Sisterhood, and an active volunteer at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Memorials may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue Toby Swichkow lending library or the Beth Israel NCSY youth group.

JAMES DAVID TULLY James David Tully passed away on Dec. 28 at age 56.

Service were held on Dec. 30 at Beth El Cemetery on 84th and L Street.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul C. Tully.

David and Paul both died of pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by children Jamie and Trevor; parents, Allen and Betsey; sister Julie.

Memorial may be made to the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

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SHELDON JAY TURKEL Sheldon Jay Turkel passed away on Dec. 17 ten days before his 64th birthday. Services and burial were held in Omaha on Dec. 19.

He is survived by his wife, Louise M.; daughter, Meadow of Kona, HI; son, Autumn of Glendale, CA; step-children, Niki Mulkey and Jay Mulkey; and his parents, Dr. Ralph & Estelle Turkel.

Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation.

To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai b’rith mitzvahs, 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.

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16 | The Jewish Press | January 4, 2013

When it comes to eating local, kosher consumers are split

by CHAVIE LIEBER NEW YORK (JTA) -- The sun was shining over the Union Square farmers market on a recent chilly morning as Chris Mitchell, a 34-year-old chef at the fashionable kosher eatery Jezebel, loomed over a table of Jerusalem artichokes. The six-foot-something Georgia native carefully inspected the exterior of the root vegetable before buying a handful to serve as dried chips.

Mitchell comes to the downtown Manhattan market every morning to buy Jezebel’s produce as part of the restaurant’s commitment to purchase locally produced food.

“If you care about what you’re eating, and who you are feeding your food to, you’ll want to know where it comes from,” said Mitchell. “That’s the beauty of buying locally.”

The locavore movement has become one of the hottest food trends in recent years, propelled by advocates who see it as a conscientous and environmentally friendly alternative to industrial food trucked in over long distances. Produce from local sources often keeps longer and helps keep dollars in the local economy.

But for many kosher consumers, both individuals and restaurants, limiting themselves to local food makes neither practical nor financial sense.

“It seems to me like another layer of worry I have to tack onto my food shopping,” said Erin Reichner, a Brooklyn mother of seven. “The price of keeping kosher means I want to pay less for my produce. I buy plenty of fruit for my children, and I don’t care where it comes from.”

Such declarations aside, interest in local food has exploded in recent years.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the country has more than quadrupled since 1994 and grew by nearly 10 percent in 2012 alone. That’s in addition to the growth of Community Supported Agriculture programs, or CSAs, in which consumers purchase a farm share for a fixed price in the spring and receive a weekly box of produce during the season.

Basically none of these existed in the United States in the early 1980s; today there are estimated to be more than 6,000.

“The best way to cook is to have the farm dictate what your menu should be by buying local produce that’s in season,” said Gabriel Garcia, the chef at Tierra Sur, a renowned kosher restaraunt at the Herzog Winery in California that

purchases all its produce and meat from local sources.

Garcia said his restaurant’s New Year’s resolution is to procure all its food from suppliers within 200 miles.

Chris Mitchell, chef at the new Manhattan restaurant Jezebel, buys his ingredients at a local farmers market, where the produce comes from neighboring farms.

Credit: Chavie Lieber “Food tastes better if it’s naturally available,” he said. “Like why would you eat berries in the winter from a grocery store when they are not in season if the winter veggies are hearty, delicious and available?”

In the Jewish world, the trend is manifest in the growth of Jewish CSAs over the past eight years, 58 of which now exist across the country, diverting $7 million in Jewish purchasing power from grocery stores to local farmers, according to the Jewish environmental group Hazon.

“Our traditional laws can inspire us to think how we want to approach agriculture,” Hazon’s Daniel Infeld said. “The root of kosher means ‘fit to eat,’ and eating locally should coincide with kashrut.”

Most kosher restaurants, however, are not on board with the move toward local suppliers. A Chicago restaurateur said he was struggling enough to cover rent, kosher certification and the premium necessary to buy organic produce that adding

the additional limitation of local just wasn’t in the cards.

“I’ve been told that local produce lasts longer, but I can get a much better price if I’m buying in bulk from other countries,” said the owner, who asked that his name not be used.

“Plus, I’m in that category of local businesses and I need to take care of myself. I’m not in the position to spend that extra money right now.”

Others say the issue is the hassle. With all the additional requirements of running a kosher eatery, local food is seen as an unnecessary headache. Moreover, kosher meat from local sources isn’t readily available in many places.

“It’s just not a realistic ideal,” said Moshe Wendel, the chef at the celebrated kosher restaurant Pardes in Brooklyn. “It’s not a feasible thing to do, and I would never recommend it to anyone who keeps kosher because it’s a hassle when you have so many other things to worry about.”

For many locavores, the impulse to shun national brands goes beyond mere environmental considerations.

Consumers are increasingly conscious of their food’s provenance and knowing the grower is often the most straightforward way to ensure that what they put in their mouths comes from a trusted source.

“If you are already keeping kosher, then you know strict discipline for dietary customs,” said Jezebel’s Mitchell. “So why not aim for the best quality? If you care about kosher and organic, you should care about local.”

But that kind of approach is also limiting. For caterers, who are called upon often to provide customers with an array of options, refusing to provide tomatoes in January could have a detrimental impact on business.

“Buying from areas other than where you live will supply you with a wider range of food,” said Alison Barnett of Celebrations Kosher Catering in New Jersey. “As a caterer, I need to have the freshest produce, but I also need a secure and stable supply coming to the kitchen.”

At Shopper’s Haven, a kosher market serving the largely Orthodox community of Monsey, N.Y., Darren Klapper held up a package of kosher meat selling for $25.99 that ultimately would become part of his Thanksgiving meal.

“I can’t keep up with kosher prices, and then you want me to eat organic because the world is scared of a little pesticide spray, and in addition to that pay for peppers from a neighboring farm that are double the price?” Klapper said. “It’s a bit much.”

PASSOVER 2013 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE J

Publishing Date | 03.15.13 Space Reservation | 02.04.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 02.22.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org