Vol. LXXXVI No. 17 Omaha, NE
Institute for Holocaust Education has a full plate by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Director, IHE Classes, workshops, museum-quality exhibits, interfaith education, community events, films, recepetions...these are just a few of the projects and programs offered by the Institute for Holocaust Education since early September, 2006. Opportunities for public, private and parochial school educators have been made available on a scale never before seen in the area of Holocaust education. The first event was “Remembering Chuine Sugihara,” a Japanese diplomat who issued thousands of visas for Jewish refugees in Lithuania. Held at the Jewish Community Center, the program was a joint effort of the Institute, B’nai Brith and the Japanese American Citizens League. This event was made possible through the support of the Terry K. Watanabe Charitable Trust. The organizations showed a documentary about Sugihara’s selfless deeds to save Jews during World War II, and joined together with members from the general, Jewish and Japanese American communities in Omaha. Helen Manheimer, a Holocaust survivor from Lithuania who was one of the individuals saved by Sugihara, addressed the community following the end of the film.
Community members attend the Sugihara event of Sept. 21, 2006, including Helen Manheimer, center, and Fern Watanabe (to Manheimer’s left). The event was co-sponsored by B’nai B’rith and the Japaense American Citizens League to honor the memory of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who rescued thousands of Jews in Lithuania. During the month of October, the Institute’s focus was primarily on education and teacher workshops. Trainings for the new Echoes and Reflections: A Multimedia Curriculum on the Holocaust were held in Lincoln and in numerous Nebraska Educational Service Units throughout the state. The Nebraska Humanities Council and the Cooper Foundation of Lincoln provided resources for these six-hour trainings. Deborah Batiste, curriculum writer and ADL Project Director for Echoes and Reflections, traveled with Beth Katz, Director of the Malashock Project on Interfaith Affairs and me to Scottsbluff, Kearney and Neligh, Nebraska, for the trainings. More than 70 teachers from rural and city schools attended the conferences. In Scottsbluff, there were teachers who traveled more than two-and-a-half hours to participate. The teachers in smaller communities found the Holocaust-related curriculum essential in teaching about the past, but also, include in their lessons, the materials in Echoes and Reflections that addresses present-day genocide and lessons of humanity. One of the teachers from the Kearney area said in her workshop evaluation, “Thank you, ladies! I was looking forward to today, and I was very pleased. I am so looking forward to going back to school and utilizing this awesome curriculum. The personal testimonies will add so much because it creates a connection with the students. I will be able to make the most of this curriculum in many of my classes.” Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
15 Tevet, 5767 January 5, 2007
Federation to host information night for family mission to Israel by LISA LIEB outdoor activities such as Federation Communications kayaking on the Jordan River, rappelling in the Director Golan Heights, and swimThere’s no experience ming in the like seeing Israel through Mediterranean Sea. The the eyes of your children, group will also be visiting and the Omaha Jewish Omaha’s Partnership with community will soon have Israel community in the the chance to take that Western Galilee. Activities unforgettable journey. Join the professional and will be geared towards volunteer leadership of specific age groups, and a the Jewish Federation of special youth guide will accompany the group. Omaha on Monday, Jan. According to Robinson, 15, 7 p.m., at the Jewish the schedule won’t be as Community Center for a recruitment and informa- On her first mission to Israel in 1991, Kimberly Robinson helps an full as a typical mission. tion session about next Israeli workman repair damage to an area in Tel Aviv hit by Iraqi “The focus of this mission summer’s eagerly antici- Scud missiles during the first Gulf War. Louri Sullivan also partici- is about enjoying every pated Family Mission to pated in that misson, sponsored by Omaha’s Jewish Federation. moment. There will be plenty of down time for relaxing and afternoon swim Israel. The mission will take place June 3-13, 2007. The information session will be led by mission co-chairs time for the kids,” Robinson said. As is traditional, mission participants will spend Kimberly Robinson and Louri Sullivan. “I’ve been to Israel three times. I’m a day school graduate, and I went Shabbat in Jerusalem. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will be accomto Camp Ramah,” said Robinson. “My whole world was panying the mission and will play a key role in Shabbat Judaism, and I’m so pleased to be able to pass this on to activities. “To me, the highlight of any Israel trip is getting to spend Shabbat in Jerusalem,” Sullivan said. my kids and other children from our community.” “This will be my fourth trip to Israel, and two of my “There’s no way to describe it, and I’m so glad that the previous Israel trips have been with Kimberly,” Sullivan first time my children go, I’ll get to be there, too.” Robinson and Sullivan are quick to point out that the explained. “Now it’s time to share this amazing journey mission is open to all family members. “This is a true with our children.” During the session, Robinson and Sullivan will share family mission. Grandparents, aunts, uncles -- all family detailed information about the mission itinerary. The trip members who want to see Israel through the eyes of our will feature visits to traditional sites such as the Dead Sea, children are welcome to attend,” Robinson said. Masada and the Western Wall, along with special Israeli Continued on page 2
His term was short, but Gerald Ford left mark on Soviet Jewry movement by BEN HARRIS mere lip service,” said NEW YORK (JTA) -- His Sharansky, a former Israeli presidency lasted less than Cabinet minister who now 1,000 days, but it was enough is head of strategic studies time to support an international at the Shalem Center, an accord that provided a signifiacademic research institucant boost to the Soviet Jewry tion in Jerusalem. “As it movement and marked a pivotal happened, it ended up moment in the history of the being the most decisive Cold War. move to help dissidents in Gerald Ford, who died Dec. the USSR.” 26 at 93, signed the Helsinki Ford already had distinDeclaration in August 1975, guished himself as a vocal along with the leaders of the supporter of Soviet Jews. Soviet Union, Canada and 32 In January 1975 he signed European nations. The agreeinto law the Jackson-Vanik ment required the Soviet Union Amend-ment, which to respect human rights, includ- President Ford, right, meets with Israeli Prime Minister denied most-favored ing fundamental freedoms of Yitzhak Rabin at the White House in 1975. nation trading status to Credit: Yaacov Saar/GPO countries with restrictive religion, thought and conscience, and contributed to mounting international pres- emigration policies -- an attempt to pressure the Kremlin sure to free persecuted Soviet Jews. “His administration’s into approving more exit visas for Soviet Jews. signing of the Helsinki accords, which established a clear “His brief presidency was very significant for the movelink between international relations and human rights, ment,” said Mark Levin, executive director of the NCSJ, was the most important step in the struggle to win the which advocates for Jews across the former Soviet Union. Cold War -- even though, when they were signing it, both “By signing into law the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, sides didn’t necessarily realize this,” said Natan Sharansky, which was one of the pillars of the Soviet Jewry movean icon of the Soviet Jewry movement. ment, as well as being president when the Helsinki Sharansky was a founder of the Moscow Helsinki Accords were implemented, which provided the internaGroup, an organization started to monitor Soviet compli- tional community a tool to confront the Soviets directly ance with the accord. “The West thought that making a on their human rights abuses, particularly as they impactconnection to human rights was important in and of ed the Soviet Jewish population -- for that his itself, even if there was a chance that it turned out to be Continued on page 3
This Week: Teen Age Features the Teens of USY: Page 7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Friedel Academy Creates “Latkemania”: Page 3
Coming Next Week: Tax & Financial Planning Issue Read Columnists Bert Lewis and Lois Friedman: Page 5
Barcelona Restoring Jewish Quarter: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
Institute for Holocaust Education has a full plate
Alan & Marty Cohen and Associates Get Connected to Omaha’s Top Producing Team Selling One of a Kind, One at a Time. Alan Cohen
Kelly Nogg
Marty Cohen
677-2524
990-1600
690-1591
Complete Landscape Design & Installation Specializing In Creating Your Unique Landscape
Trees & Shrubs • Retaining Walls • Patios • Landscape Lighting Water Features • Irrigation • Sod & Seeding • Erosion Control Estate & Acreage Planning FREE Estimates • Fully Insured • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Visit our website at: www.kmlandscaping.com
KM LANDSCAPING, INC. 402/359-2898 Established 1997
MEMBER BBB of the Heartland
CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel College Dinner, 6:45 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Hazak Lunch and Learn, noon at Beth El
C SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 L American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m. and Class with Rabbi Nadel, I 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El P
C L I P
4B’s, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El
& Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m. JSS Dancing Show, 1:30 p.m. Omaha Artists Incorporated Reception, 2 p.m.
S A MONDAY, JANUARY 8 V Friedel Jewish Academy Classes Resume E JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El “Biblical Archeology,” 7 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. at JCC
& S A V E
Jewish Federation Foundation issues 2006 Annual Report
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, noon Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Exec. Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. “Intro to Jewish Ethics,” 6 p.m. at JCC Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel The Mothers’ Circle, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beginning Hebrew Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10
C AIPAC Council Meeting Lunch, 11:45 a.m. at Ironwood Country Club L BESTT Hebrew High Classes Resume, 7 p.m. I THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 P Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel JFS Programming Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel
& Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El
Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Torah on Wheels, noon at All Makes Office Equipment Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross
S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
GREAT Food at GREAT Prices Expect More From An Employee Owned Store
Peony Park 7910 Cass St. 384-8668
Continued from page 1 Frohm Foundation, the contest asks students to use the Additional trainings will be held in the coming backdrop of the Holocaust to understand moral months in Wakefield, Nebraska (ESU#1), Fremont, courage. Cash prizes are awarded to the students at an (ESU#2), and for new teachers in the Omaha Public event with Mayor Mike Fahey in the Omaha City Schools. Council Chambers in April. Last year, the contest Plans are in the works for a series of trainings with the brought in nearly 700 entries. Millard Public Schools next fall. More than 118 high This year, as an additional incentive for student particschools and middle schools across the state -- including ipation, the Institute has invited speaker Svend Omaha area schools, Lincoln Public Schools and numer- Christiansen, a former policeman from Denmark, to ous Catholic schools -- will have had at least one or address the Omaha community on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 more teacher trained in using the Echoes and Reflections p.m., in the JCC Theatre. Christiansen saved hundreds curriculum. Nearly 300 of Danish Jews and then also teachers will have completed fled to Sweden to escape the training by the end of Nazi persecution. He now the school year. lives in Des Moines, IA. In November, 27 Catholic Finally, an exciting new educators from the Omaha Thursday evening forum will Archdiocese and teachers take place every week in from the Norfolk area, parFebruary. “Memory and Legacy of the Holocaust” is ticipated in Bearing Witness: Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust a program co-sponsored by and Contemporary Issues. the Center for Jewish The event included a threeLearning and will provide day intensive conference. the community an opportuNationally renowned Above, Bea Karp speaks with Joan Walker, teacher at Christ nity to discuss how we speakers helped participants the King School, after giving her testimony to the Bearing understand the Shoah in a grapple with historical issues Witness participants. Below, Bearing Witness educators par- Post-Holocaust World. The between Catholics and Jews. ticipate in a prayer service in the chapel at the Rose Blumkin class will meet on Thursdays, Feb. 1-22, 7A representative from the Jewish Home. 8:30 p.m., at the JCC. Dr. United States Holocaust Guy Matalon and I will lead Memorial Museum provided these classes. Topics include: a structure for teaching age• Feb. 1: Collaboration, appropriate lessons on the Indifference and Resistance; Holocaust in a Catholic • Feb. 8: Voices of the school. Beth Katz introHolocaust -- Community duced the teachers to Survivors Speak Out; resources in the Omaha • Feb. 15: Remembering Jewish community, and the the Holocaust -- Challenges teachers spent an evening at of Memory; Beth El Synagogue learning • Feb. 22: The Legacy of about Jewish ritual objects the Holocaust -- 60 Years and Shabbat. Later. These teachers have Pre-registration is requestreturned to the classroom ed by calling Mary Sue equipped with a new underGrossman at 334.6445 or standing of Catholic-Jewish via e-mail to relations. Regina Lenhoff, of mgrossman@jewishomaMarian High School, said of Bearing Witness ha.org. Course tuition is the Conference, “I look back on $18 for donors to the Jewish it as a transformational expeFederation; $23 for nonrience in my life -- truly a wondrous gift. I think of some donors. aspect of the conference every day and feel that the “The Governance Council of the IHE and I look forexperience continues to unfold for me.” ward to bringing quality Holocaust programming to the Spring 2007 will be as busy as the fall for the Institute community,” commented Gloria Kaslow, IHE chairperfor Holocaust Education. Numerous events will make son. “The Spring line-up ‘Focus: The Shoah in up the series titled: “Focus: The Shoah in Remembrance’ will certainly offer a variety of events Remembrance.” dealing with issues of the Holocaust.” The fifth annual “Tribute to the Rescuers” High Additional events will be announced in an up-coming School Essay Contest begins this month. Entries from IHE brochure. For more information about these activstudents in the ninth-12th grades will be accepted until ities, or other questions please contact me at 334.6575 the end of February. Supported by a grant from the or bdotan@adl.org.
C L I P & S A V E
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Announcing a 17 percent increase in total managed assets, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation has published its 2006 annual report which is being distributed in this issue of the Jewish Press. The 16-page report features photographs of on-going programs and special events from the Jewish Federation and its affiliated Centers of Excellence. A listing of the 23-year-old Foundation’s 256 endowment and other funds as well as beneficiaries of
the Foundation’s 78 donor-advised funds is part of the annual report. In addition, the new Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Awards and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Merit Scholarships are featured in the annual report. The first recipients of the scholarships were announced in 2006. Marty Ricks, executive director of the Foundation, said that anyone who has questions about the annual report can call him at 402.334.6440. Additional copies of the annual report are available by calling the Foundation office at 402.334.6439.
Information night for family mission to Israel Continued from page 1 “I just learned that my parents will be joining us on the trip, which will make the mission even more special for my family,” Sullivan added. Details about pricing will be available at the information session, including information about subsidies and financial assistance. “The way that Sharon (Kirshenbaum) and Jan (Goldstein) have worked so hard to get subsidies for the mission is unbelievable,” Sullivan said. “It was important for us to make this trip reasonably priced. Our goal is for everybody who wants to go on this incredible trip to be able to do so.” Robinson and Sullivan are looking forward to leading
families from the Omaha Jewish community on this oneof-a-kind experience. “The trip will be a true Israel adventure,” Robinson said. “My goal is to show the children that Israel is an incredible place to visit. I hope they’ll want to go back to Israel one day, through ARTZA or other opportunities.” “You can rest assured that this is one trip you won’t want to miss,” Sullivan added. If you have questions about the information session or the family mission, contact Kirshenbaum at 334.6485. The information session will include special activities for children who attend.
January 5, 2007
Continued from page 1 administration will be remembered within the American Jewish community.” As a congressman from Michigan and Republican minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, Ford attended a rally for Soviet Jewry in 1971 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Malcolm Hoenlein, who had just become head of the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry and today is executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, recalls that Ford spoke “very movingly, very forcefully” at the New York event. President Ford in a May In a statement issued last 1975 photo. week, the Anti-Defamation Credit: White House/ League remembered Ford Courtesy Gerald R. Ford for his support of Soviet Library Jews as well as his strong stance on Israel. “President Ford supported a strong Israel and worked with partial success to oppose the international Arab boycott of companies doing business with Israel,” the statement said. “President Ford deplored the infamous 1975 U.N. resolution equating Zionism with racism as a ‘wholly unjustified action.” Appointed by Richard Nixon following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew, Ford became president after Nixon resigned in August 1974 during the Watergate scandal. He remains the only U.S. president never elected as either president or vice president. In Ford’s first appearance before a Jewish audience after entering the White House, he spoke before a dinner organized by the American Friends of Lubavitch in Philadelphia honoring U.S. Sen. Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania. He also addressed a B’nai B’rith convention and the American Jewish Committee during his presidency. Ford also met frequently with his liaison to the Jewish community, Detroit businessman Max Fisher. Their connection helped rebuild administration ties with the Jewish community that had been frayed by profound differences with Nixon on all issues except Israel. Taking over from Nixon, Ford kept Henry Kissinger as secretary of state, mindful of the delicate diplomatic fabric that emerged in the Middle East after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Kissinger’s intensive shuttle diplomacy and Ford’s active interest culminated in a truce between Israel and Egypt in 1975. That truce, and the quiet that ensued, laid the groundwork for the 1978 Camp David peace accords brokered by Ford’s successor, Jimmy Carter.
Village Pointe® Estates Village Pointe® Estates, an exclusive development of luxury villas and estate homes! Model open. Located adjacent to Village Pointe Shopping (off 175th and Burke), this prestigious new neighborhood offers a luxurious way of life! Contact Susan Offner 677-3508! www.susanoffner.com
Reduce the appearance of cellulite with Endermologie Before
Before
After (18 treatments)
You owe it to yourself! Call Beth Today.
679-2977 132nd & Dodge
Discover Endermologie
Increase Circulation • Body Contouring
Soothe Sore Muscles • Look & Feel Great
Page 3
Friedel creates Latkemania
Ford left his mark
After (23 treatments)
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT father is in the pickle industry. Lucky for us, Rabbi Nadel Staff and students at Friedel Jewish Academy got their was at Friedel cutting potatoes instead. hands dirty in preparation for the school’s annual latke The success of Latke-day depends heavily on parents’ fry-and-sale. Parents and teachers started setting things involvement. Many fathers and mothers come and spend up early in the morning, and at 9 a.m. it was time for the part of their day working with their children, and this students to jump in and help out. shows the students exactly what working together can Spread out over several accomplish. One such parent tables, the kindergartners is Sarah Teetzel, whose son peeled, and the older stuNathaniel and daughter dents diced and sliced, while Naomi both attend Friedel. the adults made batter and “Any community involvecontrolled the fryers. The ment is good for the chilfirst band-aid was handed dren,” Sarah said, “because it out at 9:05 a.m. This questeaches them to focus on the tionable honor went to Lily needs of others, rather than Goldberg, and she wasn’t the themselves. Helping out only one. But it didn’t their school is also a great dampen anybody’s enthusipractice for them. It sets the asm. standard by which they will Many visitors came to hopefully live when they are either help out and fry latkes, adults.” or just to enjoy lunch and Even kindergarteners Noa Kipnis, left, and Ilana McNamara Teetzel also mentioned help with peeling potatoes for Friedel Jewish Academy's that this is a day for parents each other’s company. One of the visitors was annual latke sale during Hanukkah. to get more involved, not Rabbi Jonathan Gross, who said that “it is wonderful to only with the school, but with each other. “New relabe here helping out, since together we are raising funds tionships within the community are formed, and old ones for the most important Jewish organization in are strengthened.” Nebraska.” Rabbi Gross is an experienced potato peeler, Students decorated the boxes that were used for takeas he proved last year. This year he found himself pack- out. Gabby Witkowski, who is a kindergartner, helped aging applesauce, accompanied by some members of the her mother Susan pack up the orders, and looked very PTO. When asked whether he had any experience in the proud of her contribution while making some nice memfood industry that would qualify him for such an impor- ories with her mom. tant task, he mentioned that he had once worked as an Another enthusiastic parent is Dr. Michael Cohen. His industrial chef at a summer camp in the Catskills. “If you face lights up when asked how he feels about Friedel. His ever need me to cook for 700 people, I’m there,” he said. daughter Lillian started kindergarten in the fall, and her Also helping out was Rabbi Seth Nadel, who went progress, according to her father has “exceeded expectafrom table to table to chat with the students individually. tions. She has grown and blossomed so much, and we “It is great to be here at the school,” Rabbi Nadel said, feel very blessed to be part of the Friedel community,” he “Friedel and the Jewish community in general have been said. very welcoming to my wife Na’ama and me. Everyone who helped out also learned that in order to Rabbi Nadel has some culinary talents of his own, and get something done, you sometimes have to get a little told us that, had he not chosen to be a rabbi, he could smelly. Hopefully we’ll get the odor of “eau-du-Latke” have been the next “Pickle King of New Jersey”, as his out of our hair and clothes before Hanukkah 2007.
A “Thank You” from the Kripke Jewish Federation Library by CHERYL LERNER The Kripke Jewish Federation Library offers a “thank you” to all those who contributed to the “Diva Dorothy Fund”, in honor of Dorothy Kaplan’s many years of service to the library.
&
Thanks to all our contributors, more than $2,500 has been raised towards the purchase of children’s books. Donations are still being accepted and may be sent to: the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
Simchas Celebrations Publishes 02.09.07 Space Reservation 01.26.07 Camera Ready Deadline 01.31.07 Contact your advertising representative to be part in this special edition.
Call Allan Handleman at 402/334-6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org
Call Terri Greenwood at 402/334-6559 or email: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
319-1600 12050 Pacific Street Omaha, NE 68154 Office: 402/397-5008 E-mail: kmiller@npdodge.com
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Associate Broker
),71(66 )25 <285 0,1' $1' %2'< ‡ (/21*$7( 721( 086&/(6 ‡ ),50 )/$77(1 &25( $5($ EDFN KLSV DEV
‡ 5(/,() )520 %$&. 3$,1 -2,17 675(66 ‡ 3(5621$/ 75$,1,1* ,16758&7,21 %< &+$5/(6 9(6(/<
3,/$7(6 $'9$17$*( 1 67
ENTERTAIN
FIRST CLASS HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place WITH
FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains
11226 Wright Circle
333-2882
Our Visit room w o h S
We Disp dding Sup lays & plies
(1 Block South of 114th & Center)
EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITIES Franchise opportunities available for senior and middle level executives who require bigger opportunities. Call for free consultation.
402-330-7306
It’s quite pawsible your dog will have more fun than you on your next vacation! *
U
T
R
J
X
M
M
O
P
V
J
I
Z
U
B
P
F
Q
W
V
B
F
X
T
N
S
P
O
F
J
S
Y
C
M
F
U
G
W
B
F
V
Z
P
O
D
B
U
U
J
P
V
I
S
B
O
E
O
P
Z
H
P
V
Premier Doggy Day & Overnight Camp B
N
Q
#
P
X
8
P
X
0
N
B
I
4
U
P
O
H
B
U
F
$
J
S
D
M
F
0
N
B
I
B
/
&
(Just South of 120th & Maple)
+
V
T
U
4
P
V
U
I
P
G
U
I
.
B
Q
M
F
402-991-PAWS (7297)
1
"
8
4
www.mycbw.com/omaha X
X
X
N
Z
D
C
X
D
P
N
P
N
B
I
Join the Friends of Joslyn Castle as we celebrate the holidays with a wine tasting and dessert extravaganza on Saturday, Jan. 12, 7-10 p.m. All are invited to make merry as Joslyn Castle shines in its true holiday glory. Bev DeLosh of Sterling Distributing will serve as sommelier and guide as we explore wines from around the world. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and dessert in the beauty of Joslyn Castle. Corkscrew Wine and Cheese is serving as the sponsor of this event. Cost to attend is $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Make your reservations by e-mailing Stephanie Greene at stephaniegreene@kpmg.com or calling 595.2199. You may also mail your check to: Friends of Joslyn Castle, PO Box 6647, Omaha, NE 68106 Please make checks payable to Friends of Joslyn Castle. Pam and the Pearls, a dance/show band appears Sunday, Jan 14, 6 p.m., with the Jazz on Stage series at the 150-seat Grande Olde Players theatre at 2339 No. 90 St. This free jazz concert is open to the public, no reservations needed. There is an informal Jam session in the lobby at 5 p.m. Pam and Jim Kalal, formed this dance/show band over a decade ago. Their music includes Jazz standards, swing, big band, rock, R&B and pop as well as show tunes. Refreshments and CDs are available for purchase before, during, and after the hour-and-a-half of live music.
Documentary about anti-Semitism today airs on NETV by LARRY L. KUBERT for NET Television Today, more than 60 years after the Holocaust, many parts of the world are experiencing a dramatic resurgence of anti-Semitism -- from hate propaganda to vandalism to attacks on Jews themselves. In Europe, violent acts against Jews and Jewish institutions have more than doubled since the 1990s. People are asking, why is this happening? What real threats does it pose? And what roles do Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict really play? The answers may surprise everyone. “Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: The Resurgence,� airing Monday, Jan. 8, 9 p.m., on NET1, explores the roots of anti-Semitism and examines how
and why it continues to flourish today. Veteran broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff hosts and narrates the documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Goldberg. Filmed in Syria, Egypt, Israel, the West Bank, France and the United States, the documentary includes interviews with David Ignatius of the Washington Post; Israeli Knesset member Natan Sharansky; Columbia University professor Rashid Khalidi; New York Times best-selling author and NYU professor Tony Judt; Professor Hisham Ahmed of Birzeit University, Palestine; Hassam Hamed, head of Egyptian state television; and others. For a complete program schedule, visit NET’s website: www.netNebraska.org and click on Television.
ANNIVERSARY Bettie and Stuart Muskin celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last month. They were married in Omaha at the Blackstone Hotel on Dec. 29, 1946. Libbie Olen, Bettie’s sister served as the Maid of Honor and Alan Blank was the Best Man. Stuart Muskin co-owned Youngtown and was in the retail business in Omaha for 43 years. Additionally he served as President of the Highland Country Club board and was an active member of Beth El and many other community organizations. He continues to volunteer with the Omaha Public School GED program and SCORE. Bettie Muskin has also been an active member of the community. Her contributions includeparticipation in
the Beth El choir for 30 years and in numerous plays for Beth El and Sisterhood. She additionally tutored children through JP Lord School and volunteered at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute. She has most recently been involved in Radio Talking Book. Their children are: Alan and Linda, Bruce and MaryBeth, and Michael and Diane. They are the grandparents of Tracy and Randy, Scott and Andrea, and Anne, Emily and Zach and the greatgrandparents of Grant, Josh, Calvin Stuart and their newest great-grandchild, Maggie. Their involvement in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren has created a family closeness and legacy that will last the next 60 years and beyond.
Chain Link & Wood Fences PVC VINYL FENCE
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
B
11819 Stonegate Circle, Omaha, NE
operaomaha.org. Questions can also be directed to Tara Cowherd at 402.346.4398, ext. 217. Wakonda’s Dream was commissioned by Opera Omaha with support from The Opera Fund, a program of OPERA America, Roberta Buffett Bialek, Carol and David Domina, Robert Ellis and Jane Bernstein, and Meet the Composer. For tickets call 402.34-OPERA or visit www.operaomaha.org.
Colored Or Galvanized
Camp Bow Wow Omaha $
In coordination with its upcoming world premiere, Opera Omaha is hosting the Wakonda’s Dream -Dream Poetry Competition for youth through adults. Original poetry submissions will be accepted Dec. 1 through Feb. 1. All submissions will have dreams, creative and inspirational, as their theme. Local poetry slam promoter and poet Matt Mason, of PoetryMenu.com, is a contest partner who will be leading poetry workshops and assisting with judging. Also partnering is Omaha Public Library, tying the contest to its mission to improve the city’s literacy. The poetry competition was envisioned as a way to build upon Opera Omaha’s mission of fostering creativity but also to celebrate the poetic talent associated with two company world premieres. The libretto for Wakonda’s Dream is written by Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. Additionally, Opera Omaha’s 2007-08 world premiere cantata, Blizzard Voices, is based on the poetry of former U.S. Poet Laureate and Nebraska native Ted Kooser. The talent of these renowned poets provides the creative stimulus for this poetic competition. The competition calls for dream-themed original poetic works in four divisions: elementary school, middle school, high school and adults. Motivators for this contest include gift certificates to Barnes and Nobles and Wakonda’s Dream tickets. The contest’s final event on March 4 will announce the winners, feature Yusef Komunyakaa’s live readings of selected submissions, and provide a sneak preview of the music and libretti from the opera. The competition is part of the Wakonda’s Dream Festival of events starting Jan. 17 and concluding with the run of the production March 7, 9 and 11 at the Orpheum Theater. To submit a poem, get full competition details or learn more about the festival events visit
â—† Snow Removal â—† Custom Dog â—† Kennels â—† Residential â—† Commercial
â—† Expert Installation
Solid ES
1964
T.
â—† Quality Material
French Gothic Picket CO.
FENCE
â—† Competitive Price â—† Financing Available
B
Shadoweave
Opening Winter 2007!
FREE Estimates Year Around Installation
402-
391-3300
FAX: 402-391-3009
2318 No. 83 St. • Omaha Email: diamondfenceco@aol.com
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.
January 5, 2007
Remember C.O.D.? How ’bout free delivery?
BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS As you read this, I know Hanukkah is a recently passed holiday. As I write, it’s still in the future, but that has nothing to do with my thoughts about it. What I’d like to talk about here is the subject of gifts, or more to the point, shopping. From the ads in the newspapers and magazines, plus those on television, we all know a person can find almost anything to buy for somebody else’s pleasure. Right? Furthermore, that person needn’t necessarily be subjected to crowded stores, although it would appear that most shopping is done in such places. It always was, until certain modern inventions made it possible to sit down before the computer at home, punch in some instructions and order that cardigan sweater, size extra large, color camel, gift wrapped. (Probably an extra five bucks for the gift wrap!) Lots of folks depend on ordering things from a catalogue for different reasons. For one, there are folks who simply aren’t physically able to drive to a mall, cruise for 15 minutes locating a parking space, walk from the distant space finally found, and then walk around the huge place looking for that exact sweater. And, of course, lots of us are too busy to find time for such an excursion, or just plain hate shopping. Naturally, merchants who own the stores do all they can to make personal shopping a great idea. That’s understandable -- that’s called making a living. But it all reminds me of one small way people once were able to make a purchase with nothing more than a phone call. If you’re old enough, you might remember hearing your mom call Brandeis, or Kilpatricks or some store like that. She might have asked for a certain department and when connected, might have told whoever answered, just what she wanted. Let’s say it was that same sweater ... and let’s say she had seen it the last time she shopped, and now she’s describing it to the person on the other end of the line. You might have heard her say, “Yes, that’s the one I mean. Do you have it in an extra large? You do? Fine.
Will you please send it out?” Send it out? Remember that? That was possible because stores had delivery service, and I don’t believe there was an extra charge for delivery either. Your mom would instruct the salesperson to either “charge it to my account” or she’d say “send it c.o.d.” No problem. Maybe she’d ask how soon it would be delivered and often it was “tomorrow, because you just missed today’s delivery.” Of course it was understood that if it didn’t fit or the recipient didn’t like it, it was returnable. And if that happened to be the case, you didn’t have to wait for the UPS guy to pick it up. You just took it back next time you went downtown. I can’t really tell you exactly what brought all this back to me ... maybe it was all the hustle and bustle of the crowds, people so intent on shopping they’d be at the store for a 6 a.m. opening, which is beyond me. Off hand, I can’t think of much I’d want to go to that much trouble for, but maybe I’m not a good example of a shopper. Okay, there’s no maybe about it. I’m not a shopper anymore. As one of my friends likes to say, “what was, was.” And my shopping days are definitely past tense. You’ll probably tell me a person can still pick up the phone and order something “sent out”, but that means extra cost for postage, because who has delivery anymore? And you want to wait for the (pardon the expression) Post Office to bring you that package? Not me kiddo. I’d rather hear somebody say “it’ll be on the truck tomorrow and you’ll have it before 5 p.m.” I can just hear you saying “boy, does she ever live in the past.” Maybe, but while everything in the old days wasn’t so great, a lot of it was. And by me, store delivery was one of those good things. That’s okay however. I’m a good sport -- I can go through the catalogue and find plenty of nice merchandise, and I can do this shopping in a timely fashion, so when they say “delivery in five working days” or “it’s on back order and expected in six weeks”, I can say okay. They don’t hear what I say when I’m on the computer. It’s just as well. For sure, if there should be a sudden reincarnation of Brandeis, complete with delivery service, I’ll be their first customer! And I’ll bet I wouldn’t be the only one either. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis@aol.com.
50 Secrets of the World’s Longest Living People
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
BLUE RIBBON
Page 5
Pet/House Sitter Responsible and mature healthcare professional will pet/house sit to take care of your needs. Reasonable rates with 20 years of experience. References available on request. Contact Linda at 639-1149.
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Over 25 Years Experience Steve Snail 558-8617
KEISER CONSTRUCTION GENERAL CONTRACTING/REMODELING Phone: 402/359-2898 Fax: 402/359-2832 Email: Keiser001@aol.com
• FLOOR TREATMENTS • DRYWALL WORK • GUTTER CLEANING • DECK RESTORATION/POWERWASHING • DIRTWORK • PROPERTY CLEAN-UP • CARPENTRY
Call Matt for a free estimate! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
EYE
ESSENTIALS We make a difference in the way you view the world. 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 140 • 354-8195 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 331 • 354-8175 (Contact Lens Dept.)
2953 S. 168th St. • Suite 101 • Armbrust Village • 330-4131
“Mom, you say you are fine, but how are you really doing?” With Right at Home You Can Count on Us for Quality Home Care Are you caring for an aging loved one? Right at Home can care for a loved one, providing relief, comfort and security. We work with you to set up personalized care. We handle daily activities such as housework, laundry, meal preparation, local transportation, shopping, errands and medication reminders. Home Health Aides can provide hand on medical care; LPNs and RNs are available for Skilled Nursing visits. Please contact Right at Home for Licensed Medical and Non-Medical Home Care. Call Right at Home for peace of mind.
by Sally Beare (Marlow, $14.95)
READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN A toast to your health and longevity! Illness led to good nutrition that led to good health, a career in nutrition and this book. Beare’s premise is it is never to late to start. Ancient wisdom, authoritative studies and recent research indicates “the answer lies in what we eat.” In three parts she covers her studies. Part One describes five pockets of population “where the people are bursting with health, live for recordbreaking numbers of years, and are active and vigorous even past a hundred years of age.” The “World’s Five Longevity Hot Spots” are Okinawa --Island of WorldRecord Longevity, Symi -Home of Truly Ancient Greeks, Campodimele -Village of Eternal Youth, Hunza --Happy Land of Just Enough, and Bama -- Where Longevity Medicine Grows. Cooking, food, diet, exercise, dos and don’ts for each group are covered. Part Two are the 50 secrets with mini chapters
describing the “secret”. Some of the secrets are to “Eat Until You Are Only Eight Parts Full”, “Prepare Your Meat Right”, “Use Garlic and Onions-Nature’s Healers”, “Chew”, “Jog Your Memory” and 45 more. Part Three is “Putting It All Together.” A summary of the secrets, further tips on healthy eating, increasing longevity and helping you feel good. From the five populations are 31 recipes with numerical instructions. Some of the ingredients will be new to your diet ... brown rice, seaweed and many others you will find on the shelves of the local grocery store or health food store. Here’s to your health, longevity and a delicious recipe. SPINACH WITH ONIONS AND FETA 1 1⁄2 pounds of spinach, washed and chopped 1 large onion, chopped very small 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces organic feta cheese Steam the spinach for 1-2 minutes in a steamer or colander over boiling water and drain. Gently cook the chopped onion in the oil in a frying pan or saucepan for a few minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes. Serve with a little feta cheese crumbled over the top. Serves 2. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@ yahoo.com
Some Agents Deal You One Card. Here You Choose from the Whole Deck.
Sanctuary Day Spa
euman
inancial
Uncovering Opportunities®
991-2894 • WWW.NEUMANFINANCIAL.COM Life, Health, Fixed Annuities, Disability, Long Term Care Member of National Ethics Bureau and Better Business Bureau
Renewal of the Mind, Body and Soul
934-8008 7517 Pacific Suite B Omaha, NE
Facials ★ Massages ★ Waxing ★ Brazilian Waxing Body Treatments ★ Microderm Abraison Spa Pedicures ★ Men’s Treatments Permanent Cosmetics ★ Eyelash Extensions Spa Packages ★ Gift Certificates
402/697-7537 11949 Q St., Ste 100 www.rightathome.net/omahametro
877/697-7537 Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Maintaining Independence. is an Option.
You are cordially invited to attend our High School Open Houses Central Saturday, January 13, 2006 2:00-4:00 p.m. Burke Tuesday, January 16, 2006 6:00-8:00 p.m. South Thursday, January 18, 2006 6:00-8:30 p.m. Northwest Thursday, January 18, 2006 6:00-8:00 p.m. North Sunday, January 21, 2006 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bryan Monday, January 22, 2006 6:00-8:00 p.m. Benson Monday, January 22, 2006 6:30-8:00 p.m. Career Center Saturday, January 27, 2006 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
OPS High
Schools
Preparing Students for the 21st Century
Out
Dining
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
IN THE NEWS The James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness (JRI) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will present “Share the Beat,” a benefit to raise awareness and support for organ donation on Saturday, March 10, at the Joslyn Art Museum’s Witherspoon Hall. The special evening will feature the participation of James and Robert Redford, performances by headliners Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and sets by Phil Vassar, Rivers Rutherford and Alana Grace. James Denton, who plays plumber Mike Delfino in the hit series Desperate Housewives, will serve as the celebrity host. The local co-chairs for the event are Michael F. Sorrell, M.D., and Byers W. Shaw, Jr., M.D. JRI was founded by James Redford, a liver transplant recipient and the son of actor/director Robert Redford. Redford received liver transplantation at Omaha’s Nebraska Medical Center in 1993. JRI raises awareness about organ and tissue donation through film, educational outreach and its Web site: www.jrifilms.org. The funds raised from the Omaha benefit will be used to support a program that enlists youth ages 12-18 to help create animated public service announcements promoting organ donation and educational outreach on the Web. A portion of the proceeds will also be directed to youth education programs offered through the medical center’s organ transplant program. Tickets to “Share the Beat” will be available starting Jan. 18 through The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. General reserved tickets are $150, and premium reserved tickets, $200. Patron tickets are $500 and feature Gold Circle premiere seating, complimentary valet parking and the opportunity to meet and mingle with the performers during the post-event dessert reception. For more information, call 402.345.4849 or go online at www.SharetheBeat.org.
When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.
THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Two Great Cuisines Under One Roof
Japanese Sushi
Chinese
Mon-Sat: 11:30-2, 5-10 | Sun: 12-9 Every Fri & Sat Late Night Happy Hour 10-12am
Chabad celebrates Hanukkah
The final session of the first segment of Mishpacha Mornings culminated in a grand mesiba (party) the mishpachot (families), with menorah lighting, cookie decorating, dancing, and a dreidel game. Spinning like dreidels are, outer circle: Shmuel Ahron Shyken, Leah Gurock, Shalom Nadel, Naama Nadel, Michael Denenberg, Tippi Denenberg, Shani Katzman, Zalman Katzman, Emily Kirk, Debbie Denenberg, Lev Denenberg. Inner circle: Rebecca Novak, Rebecca Deneberg, Ruby Platt and Josie Platt.
Dozens of onlookers listen and learn as Rabbi Mendel Katzman, left, lights the menorah and shares the joy of Hanukkah with Jews and non-Jews at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney, NE.
Hanukkah at B’nai Israel
South of 129th & Maple (Eagle Run Plaza) | 884-3909
B’nai Israel Synagogue members and friends celebrate Hanukkah at the annual Menorah lighting and potluck on the last Friday night of the Festival of Lights. Upcoming events include the Second-Friday-Night-of-theMonth speaker series on Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., featuring Staff Sgt. Jay Benton, who will speak on “A Jewish Soldier in Iraq.” The entire Jewish community is welcome to attend. A special oneg will follow services.
• Hand Stretched • NY Style • Pizza • Freshest Pizza • Best Taste
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Sally Matthews, Executive Director of It’s Just Lunch will be the guest speaker at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan 10, noon, at the Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. She will discuss “Making Connections: Being Single and Looking for a Partner -- At Any Age” Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. The Yiddish Group is now officially a zamler (collector) for the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS The luncheon meeting is on Friday, Jan. 19, 12:30
Dine-In To-Go Downtown Delivery
Catch The Best Pizza
• 7834 W. Dodge Road • 12997 W. Center Road • 1213 Howard St. (Old Market)
344-2222
Dine-In, Carry-Out, 1/2 Baked Pies Available
p.m., at the Venice Inn. Celebrate the Installation of New Officers for the year 2007 with Mike Silverman, Executive Director of the Jewish Senior Services. Send reservations to Tootie Simon at 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Reminder: Feel the passion with Middle Eastern Dancers -- The Arabian Delights on Sunday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m., at the JCC. There is no admission fee. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Join us for special musical entertainment with Wayne Miller -- One Man Band. Lunch will be served at noon at $6 per person. The programs will begin at 12:30 p.m. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. with Miles and Eileen Remer. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272.
Great Gift Specials Going On Now At Lakeside Dental
VOTED OMAHA’S #1 ORIENTAL RESTAURANT Omaha Magazine--2002
•Supreme Crest Whitestrips
PICKED ONE OF OMAHA’S 10 BEST RESTAURANTS
Whitens at least 88% better than in store items 14% Hydrogen Peroxide $50 after mail in rebate and Buy 1 get the other 1/2 off
132nd
Jim Delmont, Omaha World-Herald--1994
NOW AT TWO GREAT LOCATIONS
•Adult Braun Oral-B 3D Excel Professional Model $Just
Dodge Street
291-8855
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • Dine In/Carry Out • Daily Specials • Full-Service Bar and Lounge
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHINA ROAD
4006 Twin Creek Dr. Located in the Twin Creek Plz. 42nd
631 N. 132ND ST. in Westridge Plaza next to Earl May
BELLEVUE
Hwy 370
Kennedy Expressway
431-0066 OMAHA
69 Professional Model includes: 2 handles, 2 Flexisoft brushheads, 4-brush storage tower and travel case 2 interspace brushheads [designed for braces] •Oral-B Advance Power Kids Electric Toothbrush
2505 South 174th Plaza Omaha, NE 68130 697-3838 Fax: 697-3888
One minute EZtimer desined to help children brush longer and better Available in Disney Characters
•New Patient Specials
$
Just
1 Nite White Excel 3 Bleaching Kit 75 Upper and Lower mouth trays, 6 filled whitening gel syringes 1 sodium flouride toothpaste, 1 travel case
Just
$
32
January 5, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of the BILU USY Chapter. Special thanks goes to Robert Mosenkis for collecting the material.
Pulled in different directions by LIATTE DOTAN President of BILU USY A good friend once told me that youth groups such as USY were created for one purpose. The mission, or purpose, as they said, was for good Jewish mothers to match their teens with other good Jewish boys and girls. It’s true. My friend recalled a time on an Israel trip while spending an evening on a disco boat. During that time, she asked a boy to dance. He responded with wide eyes by asking, “Do you think we should? Won’t the Jewish mothers find out?” In the end the two did dance the night away, but one can be sure that after one kid mentioned the dance to his mom and she told the next mother, and the next, the whole Jewish community knew about the dance on the disco boat in Israel. A few weeks ago BILU USY held its yearly USY Shabbat, where members of the youth group took part. Over 22 Beth El teens participated in the service. The parasha for the weekend, V’yshalah, described a situation which Jewish teens grapple with even today. In the parasha, Jacob encounters an angel of God and wrestles with him. When the Divine Being is unable to win, he wrenches Jacob’s thigh. To this day, our forefather, Jacob, is addressed as “Israel”, for he has struggled with a divine being and prevailed. However, in what way is the parasha relevant to USY members and to all other Jewish teens growing up in this day and age? Like Jacob, high school students are pulled in a million different directions. In Jacob’s case, he struggled with the commitment of covenant and the relationship with God, and other issues concerned with his brother and family. In the case of young adults, we are pulled in the direction of extra curricular activities instead of Hebrew High, sleeping in late on the weekends instead of attending services, and many other difficult choices. That is why USY is so important. The organization allows Jewish teens to come together, once every few weeks, and be with friends who encounter the same decisions. During our programs, teens are able to discuss and address issues such as Israel
Self portrait
awareness, prejudice in the world today, the messages of Torah for our daily lives, Tikkun Olam, and much more. With the help of the activities mentioned above, members grow and are able to better place important Jewish components into their lives. Just as Jacob found a place for Judaism in his life, so do the BILU USY-ers. The hope of the organization is to help the participants become happy, informed and well rounded members of the Jewish community, and who knows, maybe even find a nice Jewish boy or girl. Liatte Dotan is a junior at Westside High School and is the daughter of Beth and Amnon Dotan.
United Synagogue Youth by LYDIA STERN Membership/Kadima Vice Membership U is for my Undying love for USY. N is for Never being bored. I is for learning more about Israel. T is for Teaching prayers to Kadimaniks. E is for Exciting programs and Endless possibilities. D is for Discovering new ways to be Jewish! S is for Shabbatons. Y is for Young Jewish people making a difference. N is for meeting New people. A is for All the great memories. G is for Getting involved. O is for Outstanding leadership. G is for Giving and Gaining. U is for Unending fun. E is for Everything USY has to offer… which is a lot! Y is for Years of tradition. O is for thinking of Others. U is for Understanding more about Judaism. T is for Time with your friends. H is for Helping to make the world a better place! Lydia Stern is a sophomore at Central High. She is the daughter of Cynthia and John Stern.
Nebraska BILU USY goes to Kinnus
Members of the Omaha and Lincoln BILU USY chapter at this years Kinnus convention during Thanksgiving weekend in Des Moines -- on the floor in front: Eli Evnen, front row: Lincoln USY Advisor Lori Feldman, left, BILU USY Advisor Robert Mosenkis, Effie Tsabari, Joey Kahn, and Samantha Payne; back row: Donnie Earl, Carly Feldman, Lev Nachman, Maddisen Sherman, Macklin Emas, Rachel Stein, Anna Grossman, Caroline Juster, Rachel Meyer, Lydia Stern, Dayna Cohen, Masha Kovtunova, Talia Tene, Shir Palmon, Ali Cohen, Lindsay Cohen, Cassy Kaplan, Salo Cemaj, Steven Meyer, and Ygal Schuller.
PLUMB CONSTRUCTION, INC Jeff Plumb 5728 Colorado Lane Ft. Calhoun, NE 68023
Phone:
The joys of being a Jew by MACKLIN EMAS The joys of being a Jew are many. Throughout my life there have been many highlights of being a Jew and a member of Beth El Talmud Torah. Starting in kindergarten through the seventh grade, you get to go to Hebrew School and hang out with all of your friends. Then in sixth grade begins the preparation for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For me, my Bar Mitzvah was the best! My Bar Mitzvah was the first one after the High Holidays. Being wellprepared made the Bar Mitzvah even more fun! From eighth through 12th grade, you go to Hebrew High School. In ninth grade you can join USY or BBYO or both. All in all, the elementary through high school years are pretty nice. What I am waiting for is when I am in college and come back home because of the activities that are planned. There are opportunities to go to Israel for free on birthright israel. I am looking forward to taking that trip. For adults, there are cornucopias of groups to join. These include Bible study groups, Living Hebrew classes, and Biblical Archeology. This is all nice, but personally I like to do something that most young Jewish people do not enjoy that I wish more young people did. For me the joy of being a Jew is when I am at morning minyan at Beth El; Michael Gerson asks me to lead the service from Yishtabach Shimcha la’ad Malkeinu to the end of the service. For me the joys of being a Jew come when Marcel asks me to come up to the Torah for an aliyah. I love the feeling when Cantor Bogomolni asks me to read from the Torah. I live for that feeling. It makes me feel like I’m closer to G-d when I am on the bimah, reading from the Torah. That is the joy of being a Jew to me. Macklin Emas is a sophomore at Central High school. He is the son of Leigh and Rick Emas.
Let us give your pet the royal treatment it deserves when you’re away!
Quality Craftsmanship
213-8985
General Contractor
Aaron Murow is a junior at Burke High School. He is the son of Allan and Janie Murow.
572-0115 www.mypetnanny.info
• In-house pet sitting • Mid-day potty breaks • Dog walking • Overnights • Boarding • Chauffeur service • Pet waste removal • Bonded & Insured • Vet recommended • Animal care since 1994
Independently Owned and Operated
Specializing in cruise and resort vacations worldwide. Ralph and Laura Williams
402-334-4120
Toll Free: 866-334-4190 rwilliams@cornerstoneglobalcruising.com www.cornerstoneglobalcruising.com
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
What will 2007 bring? If 2006 brought a summer war between Israel and Hezbollah, the continuing war in Iraq, the execution of its former dictator, genocide in Darfar, and even a coup (though bloodless) in Thailand, then what can we expect in 2007? Probably more of the same. It’s a sad state of affairs, but despite hopes for peace around the globe, we shouldn’t expect human nature to change. Take the Middle East. Most of the countries we think of having existed for centuries weren’t even around 100 years ago. It was only after World War I, that a bunch of British (and some French) politicians and generals carved up the Middle East. Repaying favors to those tribal chieftains who had backed the Allies against the German-aligned Ottomans, Sheik Faisel became King of Saudi Arabia, while neighboring Hussein, got the new country of Transjordan (later just Jordan). Lines drawn on a linen napkin cut across tribes and families, creating Iraq (out of Mesopotamia) and Iran -- the former Persia and Lebanon and Syria out of the former Ottoman Empire. The Balfour Declaration was passed, creating the British Mandate over Palestine and allowing Jewish immigration from the newly created Communist regime in Russia and neighboring states. French domination of Syria and Lebanon tried to hold together a union of Sunni and Shi’a Arabs, Maronite Christians and Jews. And here we are, nearly a century after World War I sowed the seeds for World War II, with
pretty much the same mess in the Middle East. Have we learned anything from outsiders making decisions for indigenous peoples? Actually, yes -- and the prime example is Africa. Who would have thought 100 years ago, when a small white minority dominated largely black South Africa, that today it would be a free and democratic country? Or that in 2006, Africa had one of the fastest growing economies? Or that just last week, Somali government forces banded together with the Ethiopian army to drive out Islamic janjaweed militants who had been raping, pillaging and killing their way across East Africa? Yes, there’s a lot to be done -- especially in places like Darfur. But we’re hoping the United Nations new Secretary of State, South Korea’s Ban Ki-Moon, will live up to his promises to weed out corruption and reform the U.N. In Israel, Olmert and Abbas are “talking.” Whether those conversations will bring the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers back home is still unknown, but it appears the door has been opened a crack. Arming Abbas’ security forces (and turning over tax dollars to the PA collected by Israel) may help keep Abbas in power in the short run, but only if the Palestinians can be convinced they made a mistake in electing Hamas.
The same goes for the Lebanese people. If Siniora can retain power and flush out Hamas from the south, perhaps Beirut can once again become the “Paris of the Middle East” and Lebanon can grow into the secular democratic state most of its people long for. Change never thought possible came to Europe in the last millennium. Poland, Hungary, and now Bulgaria and Romania are part of the European Union. In China, capitalism is no longer a dirty word; change may soon come even to Cuba as Fidel appears to be at the end. India and China have stronger economies than the Arab Middle East -- and shortly, so will Africa. Will 2007 be the year they wake up to a new global reality? We fervently hope so, but...?
Amid renewed debate over numbers, UJC may drop population study
BEHIND THE HEADLINES NEW YORK (JTA) -- As debate over the validity of the last national Jewish population study is being rekindled, the primary Jewish census-taker is nearing a decision to discontinue the once-a-decade practice of counting the American Jewish people. When the United Jewish Communities found in its 2000-2001 National Jewish Population Survey that the American Jewish population stood at roughly 5.2 million, the number was widely scrutinized. Opponents claimed the UJC had used a flawed methodology for counting Jews, and many were dismayed that the new survey showed a 300,000 decrease in Jews from its population study in 1990. After two years of debating the accuracy of the 2000-2001 survey, the discussion seemed to wane as Jewish communal professionals decided it had value even if it wasn’t perfect. But the 2006 American Jewish Yearbook, published this week, claims the U.S. Jewish population is roughly 6.4 million. University of Miami professor Ira Sheskin and University of Connecticut professor Arnold Dashefsky arrived at the 6.4 million figure from surveys conducted by local Jewish communities.The report comes as the UJC is on the verge of deciding whether to conduct another national survey in 2010. A decision is expected by the end of the month. “Over the past several months we have embarked on a complete analysis and redesign and plan for our research foundation,” said Rabbi Lou Feldstein, the UJC’s associate vice president of research and analysis. “One piece is a discussion around the NJPS.” Though no final decision has been made, to replicate the NJPS as it was conducted in 2000 “would be both very expensive and may not serve the needs of the federation in terms of moving forward,” said Barry Swartz, the UJC’s senior vice president of federation services. The UJC is considering conducting more targeted studies, perhaps looking at different aspects of philanthropy, studying how population sprawl
has affected service delivery within the Jewish community or taking a look at specific age groups such as the baby boomers, he said. The UJC spent millions of dollars on the 2000-2001 survey, and “if we were to follow the same exact regimen, that number would grow exponentially,” Swartz said. “We want to make sure we get value in return.” Sheskin admits that the new American Jewish Yearbook survey was fundamentally flawed. In counting individual communities, the two professors were bound to overcount by several hundred thousand people because of “snowbirds” who have two residences -- though they tried to correct for double counting. Also, they had to rely on estimates from smaller communities, which can be inexact. But the 5.2 million figure from the NJPS just didn’t make sense, according to Sheskin, who helped conduct the NJPS and has conducted Jewish population surveys in 35 individual communities. When larger cities such as New York and Chicago conducted individual population studies over the same period, they showed little or no population drop. And over the past decade, the Jewish population in cities such as San Francisco and Las Vegas has exploded, Sheskin said. In any case, a more in-depth survey set to be released in coming weeks says that even the 6.4 million figure may be low. Len Saxe, director of Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, is about to publish the findings of a meta-survey of the Jewish population. The scientific analysis and calibration of three dozen population studies, such as the American National Elections Study and the General Social Survey, was conducted within three years of 2001 and includes questions about religion. “We believe that the number of Jews by religion is close to 6 million,” Saxe said, “and there is an additional population of individuals who are Jews by some other criterion -- that could be between 10 percent and 20 percent more. The bottom line is that while I don’t endorse the methodology Sheskin used, the fact is that our conclusions are similar.” Clarifying the NJPS findings is important, Saxe said, because the methodology not only
provided a low estimate of the size of the Jewish population but drew an inaccurate portrait of who is Jewish. The NJPS, for example, relied on early evening calls to households that were presumed to be Jewish. But because Orthodox Jews keep kosher and tend to have homebound children, they typically don’t eat out on weekdays, meaning there was a greater chance that those calling Jewish households would end up talking to Orthodox families, Saxe said. Therefore, when the surveyors asked questions about religious practice, they found a higher rate of observance than among a more representative audience, Saxe said. Crunching the numbers is important for several reasons, according to Jonathan Sarna, a professor of Jewish history at Brandeis University. A recent study by Sergio DellaPergola of The Jewish People Planning Policy Institute in Jerusalem showed that Israel’s Jewish population had surpassed the American Jewish population -- at least based on the NJPS estimate. The fluidity of estimates about the American Jewish community in some ways has become a contest for “bragging rights” about which is the largest Jewish community in the world, Sarna said. The news release sent out earlier this month by the American Jewish Committee, which publishes the American Jewish Yearbook, said its estimate of 6.4 million American Jews “indicates that American Jewry remains the largest Jewish community in the world, surpassing the Jewish population of Israel.” There is concern as well about whether the American Jewish community is shrinking, especially relative to the U.S. Muslim community. In the past, when religious groups such as the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians lost numbers, they also lost political clout. But Sarna says the biggest question raised by the varying studies is, “How do you count Jews?” There is disagreement over whether such surveys should count self-identifying Jews, anyone who lives with a Jew or is somehow associated with Jews, or only Jews who are both self-identifying and who associate with some Jewish institution. If the 2001 NJPS had counted only the last category, Sarna said, its estimate of the Jewish population would have been closer to four million.
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Award Winner 2006
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
January 5, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Proposed travel limits on Congress don’t faze Jewish non-profit groups WASHINGTON (JTA) -- New rules that are expected to pass the Democratic-ruled by RON KAMPEAS Congress would strip lobbyists of an essential lobbying tool -- the onsite tour. Top Democrats informed Jewish groups this week of proposed travel reform legislation that would ban lawmakers and their staffs from joining tours sponsored by organizations that employ registered lobbyists. The consensus among Jewish groups is that the new legislation would be an inconvenience, but wouldn’t seriously hamper the trips to Israel that are considered a critical component of congressional support for Israel. Nonprofit groups that do not employ lobbyists still would be able to sponsor such tours, according to the United Jewish Communities, the umbrella body for Jewish federations, one of the groups briefed on the new legislation. JTA confirmed the new rules with other Jewish groups briefed on the proposed legislation by the office of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), incoming speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. William Daroff, the UJC’s Washington director, said Jewish groups understood the need for lobbying reform in the wake of a number of scandals that helped end Republican control of Congress. Some lawmakers and their senior staffers are alleged to have taken bribes in the form of expensive junkets disguised as educational trips. “We are very upbeat that they have come up with a mechanism for stopping junkets while at the same time maintaining bona fide educational trips for members of Congress and their staff,” Daroff said. Lobbying reform is among the top items on the agenda for the new Congress’ first 100 working hours as set out by Pelosi. The 100th Congress was expected to convene yesterday. Until last week, the concern was that Pelosi would embrace an earlier version of the reform that would have banned trips by any group affiliated with a lobby, whether or not the group itself employed lobbyists. Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), incoming chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was the author of the stricter version. It effectively would have killed trips sponsored by groups like the American Israel Education Foundation, affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee; Project Interchange, affiliated with the American Jewish Committee; groups affiliated with the partisan Jewish lobbies, including the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Jewish Democratic Council; and even local federations, which are affiliated with the UJC. Together, those nonprofits sponsor trips for about 80 lawmakers or staff in non-election years.
FOCUS ON ISSUES
The affiliate groups were established in the wake of similar lobbying-reform legislation a decade ago. The idea at the time was that making such trips the province of explicitly educational groups would help weed out junkets. It didn’t work: Lobbyists such as the recently jailed Jack Abramoff simply set up “educational” fronts to sponsor gift trips for favored lawmakers. The thinking behind the new legislation is that keeping lobbyists off the plane and out of the hotel altogether reduces opportunities for a quid pro quo. However, it also would mean that lawmakers on legitimate tours will be deprived of insights from those Jewish community professionals who know them best and meet with them most frequently in the halls of Congress. “You want those people on the trips to have an opportunity to be part of the discussions because they are
Rule changes being discussed by Congress could preclude trips like this 2003 Democratic delegation to Israel. Credit: Office of Steny Hoyer going to be the people interacting with the lawmakers in the halls of Congress,” said Matt Brooks, the Republican Jewish Committee’s executive director. “It removes the personal element in terms of the relationship, and the opportunity to hear the same message, the same briefings, to have access to the same information.” Democrats who helped shape the legislation said they had to choose between writing the legislation to accommodate lobbyists or making an attempt at genuine reform. “There will be some need to come up with new methods,” one Democrat told JTA. “The Jewish community will have to evolve.” Trips must be preapproved by the House Ethics Committee, a process that U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (DMass.) said would guarantee a continuance of the Israel tours. “Trips to Israel are not to be confused with sun and sand junkets; they make you crazy with meetings,” he
said. “Taking a trip with the Jewish community to Israel means being hocked for 14 hours a day.” One immediate result would be a reworking of salary arrangements. Registered lobbyists employed in part by the nonprofits would now be employed entirely by the lobby. Organizations must register with Congress if, among other conditions, they employ individuals who spend more than 20 percent of their time lobbying or if the organization spends more than $24,000 a year on lobbying-related expenses for a client. Daroff, a registered lobbyist, suggested that the inconvenience from any changes would be minimal. “Separating lobbyists from the trips is something the federation system can live with," he said. “We applaud Speaker-elect Pelosi and her staff and the Democratic leadership for crafting a reasonable policy that will promote good government and good policymaking.” Richard Foltin, an American Jewish Committee lobbyist, said the organization would conduct an internal review, but anticipated that the trips would continue even if the reform legislation passes. “We will run kosher trips,” he said. Insiders said the impact was likely to be minimal. In Israel trips, the key relationship is not between the lawmaker and the lobbyist but between the lawmaker and the Jewish constituent who gives money to the lawmaker’s campaign and who often is present on the trip. There’s still some residual concern that the legislation might be made stricter through an amendment introduced on the floor by a maverick. Pelosi has vowed to reopen the House floor to amendments, a process that had been squashed by Republicans. Pro-Israel groups said they weren’t overly worried. A blanket ban would alienate a broad coalition of groups, including interest groups that pay for lawmakers to attend conventions or tour areas that need immediate attention. One recent example is the relief groups that have sponsored tours of areas hit during the 2005 storm season. In any case, it’s broadly understood that the Israel trips, grueling 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. affairs, are hardly junkets. Testifying earlier this year, Brad Gordon -- one of AIPAC’s top lobbyist--welcomed greater transparency, but also suggested that AIPAC’s affiliate did not have much to prove when it came to educational value. “A typical AIEF trip will include meetings with the top political leadership of Israel, with opposition political leaders, with senior military officials, academics, journalists and senior Palestinian officials,” he said. “The trips also include visits to important historic, cultural and religious sites that help explain Israel’s unique history and provide a necessary context for both the continuing conflict there and the national psyche of Israel.”
Israel’s domestic enemy
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES After nearly 60 years on the sidelines, Israel’s third and final enemy may be joining the battle. Foreign states are Israel’s enemy no. 1. With the declaration of Israeli independence in May 1948, five foreign armed forces invaded Israel. All the major wars that followed -- 1956, 1967, 1970, 1973 -- involved Israelis at war with neighboring armies, air forces, and navies. Today, the greatest threat comes from weapons of mass destruction in Iran and Syria. Egypt increasingly presents a conventional arms danger. External Palestinians are enemy no. 2. Eclipsed for two decades after 1948, they moved to center-stage with Yasir Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The 1982 Lebanon war and the 1993 Oslo accords confirmed their centrality. External Palestinians remain active and menacing today, what with terrorism, missiles landing on Sderot, and a global public relations campaign of rejectionism. The Muslim citizens of Israel, usually known in English as Israeli Arabs, constitute enemy no. 3. (But I focus on Muslims, not Arabs, because Arabic-speaking Christians and Druze are generally less hostile.) Israeli Muslims began inconsequentially; in 1949, they constituted a population of 111,000 and nine percent of Israel’s population. They then multiplied 10-fold, to 1,141,000 in 2005, 16 percent of the population.
Beyond numbers, they took full advantage of Israel’s open, modern society to evolve from a small, docile, and leaderless population into a robust, assertive community whose leaders include the deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, Rifaat Turk; an ambassador, Ali Yahya; members of parliament; academics; and entrepreneurs. This ascent, along with other factors -- enemies no. 1 and 2 at war with Israel, increased ties to the West Bank, the surge of radical Islam, the Lebanon war in mid-2006 -emboldened Muslims to reject the Israeli identity and turn against the state. Their blatantly celebrating Israel’s worst enemies evidences this, as does growing Muslim-on-Jewish violence within Israel. This month alone, Muslims pillaged a Jewish religious school in Acre and nearly murdered a Jezreel Valley farmer. A teenage boy was arrested for planning a suicide attack on a Nazareth hotel. This hostility has been codified in an impressively crafted document that was published in early December, The Future Vision of Palestinian Arabs in Israel. Issued by the Mossawa Center in Haifa -- which is partially funded by American Jews -- and endorsed by many establishment figures, its extremism may well mark a turning point for Israeli Muslims. The paper rejects the Jewish nature of Israel, insisting that the country become a bi-national state in which Palestinian culture and power enjoy complete equality. The document’s notion of a “joint homeland” means Jewish and Arab sectors run their own affairs and have the right of veto over certain of the other’s decisions. Future Vision demands adjustments to the flag and anthem, canceling the 1950 Law of Return that automatically grants Israeli citizenship to any Jew, and elevating Arabic to be the equal of Hebrew. It seeks separate Arab representation in international forums. Most
profoundly, the study would terminate the Zionist achievement of a sovereign Jewish state. Unsurprisingly, Jewish Israelis reacted negatively. In Ma’ariv, Dan Margalit dismissed Israeli Arabs as “impossible.” In Ha’aretz, Avraham Tal interpreted the outrageous demands as intentionally continuing the conflict, even should Israel’s external conflicts be settled. Israel’s deputy prime minister, Avigdor Lieberman, implicitly rejects the document’s very premises. “What is the logic,” he is quoted in The New York Sun, of creating one country for Palestinians (an allusion to the Palestinian Authority becoming a full-fledged state) and “a half country for the Jewish people?” Lieberman wants to restrict Israeli citizenship to those willing to sign a statement of loyalty to the Israeli flag and anthem, and prepared to do military service or its equivalent. Those who refuse to sign – whether Muslim, far-leftist, Haredi, or other -- may remain in place as permanent residents, with all the benefits of Israeli residence, even voting and running for local office (a privilege non-citizen Arab residents of Jerusalem currently enjoy). But they would be excluded from voting in national elections or being elected to national office. The diametrically opposed proposals of Future Vision and Lieberman are opening bids in a long negotiating process that usefully focus attention on a topic too long sidelined. Three brutally simple choices face Israelis: either Jewish Israelis give up Zionism; or Muslim Israelis accept Zionism; or Muslim Israelis don’t remain Israeli for long. The sooner Israelis resolve this matter, the better. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
Candlelighting Friday, January 5, 4:51 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Jan. 12: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Staff Sergeant Jay Benton. The community is invited.
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call
Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:55 p.m. W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. HAZAK SHABBAT & LUNCH ‘N LEARN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. services. Alan Potash, regional director of the Plains States region of the AntiDefamation League, will address “Extremism: What Do We Need to Know and Do?” Cost is $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for children six12, and free for children five and younger. For reservations, call Natalie Rubin at 334.5893. TUNES & SHABBAT TALES: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11:15-11:45 a.m., Monthly sing-along program led by Patty Nogg is open to all Jewish children (up to age five), their parents and grandparents - free of charge. BEGINNING HEBREW CLASS: led by Susi FrydmanLevin, class starts Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., and runs through May. Cost is $36; to register or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office. MOTHERS CIRCLE: Monthly class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, continues Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. and is open to the community, free of charge. For information, contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org. BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY MINI-COURSE: Mondays in January, beginning Jan. 8, 7 p.m., led by UNO Professor Dr. Rami Arav. Cost is $18. Contact the synagogue office to register.
Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Beth Israel in honor of Brooke Shrago; Mincha, 4:45 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class; Havdalah, 5:57 p.m.; Travelin’ Toddlers 2nd Annual Night Out at My Gym, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Sunday morning class resumes today; Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the synagogue; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Gross, “How We Can Advocate for Israel,” noon. Soup and sandwich lunch is $5. Make lunch reservation with the office. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m. (note change of time).
10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Saratoga Food Distribution Program, 5-6 p.m. Volunteer your time to help distribute food to those in need at Saratoga Elementary School, 2215 So. 13 St. FRIDAY, Jan. 12: Martin Luther King Freedom Breakfast, 7 a.m. at Embassy Suites with keynote speaker, Linda Crump. The Temple Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m., in the Social Hall. ADULT EDUCATION Mark your calendar for the next topic, a two-session study on “Israel: State of the Nation,” Sundays, Jan. 14 and 28, from 7 to 9 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN Services conducted by Rabbi JEWISH HOME
CHABAD HOUSE
Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
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, 4:51 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.;
Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Snacks, 6 p.m. provided by Alicia Chapelle; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study,
SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: College Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. Jeff Gates will give the D’var Torah on “Raised in the ‘Bayit’ of Temple Israel.” Temple is hosting dinner for all college students. Call the Temple office, 556.6536, to make a reservation; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead the service. Cost is $5 for adults and children eat for free. Call the office to make a reservation. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. David Siref, son of Kathy and Larry Siref, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learing Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m. LIFE LONG LEARNING SUNDAY: The 4 B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels. Stay One Step Ahead of Your Kids: Jewish Music Boot Camp with Cantor Wendy Shermet,
10:30 a.m. TUESDAY, Jan. 9: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. THURSDAY, Jan. 11: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Linder, 10-11:30 a.m.; Torah on Wheels, noon at All Makes; contact the Temple office at 556.6536 for reservations. Cost is $6. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU: Friday, Jan. 12, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH RABBI AZRIEL: Thursday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. “Theology Café” at Barnes and Noble, 144th and West Center Road. Join Rabbi Azriel in an intimate, warm environment for coffee and conversation about the God you believe in as well as the God you don’t believe in.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew class (grades 27), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
LOST Someone accidentally picked up and left with the wrong ladies’ black coat at the Dec. 6 women’s luncheon in the JCC Auditorium. If found, please contact Gary Katz at the Kripke Library 334-6462. CORRECTION The names of Cantor Gaston Bogomolni and Dr. Rami Arav were spelled incorrectly in captions on pages 2 and 10 in last week’s issue. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.
B’NAI MITZVAH Jonathan Irving Baker, son of Tom and Amber Baker, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Jan. 13, at Temple Israel. A seventh-grader at Westside Middle School, Jonathan is a meber of the school’s Show Choir and plays baseball and tennis. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered with Boys and Girls Club and Make-a-Wish.
He has a sister, Olivia. His grandparents are Judy and Jack Baker, and Deborah and Larry Murphy. His great-grandparents are the late Abe and Helen Baker and the late David and Rose Krantz. Mariel Grace Herzog, daughter of Patricia and Michael
Herzog, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Temple Beth El in Hillsborough, NJ. Mariel is a ninth-grade High Honor Roll student High at Somerville School in Somerville, NJ. Her interests include Model UN, skiing, and violin. For her mitzvah project, Mariel did some fundraising for Habitat for Humanity.
She has a sister, Jessica. Grandparents are Julianne and David Herzog, and the late Muriel Herzog, and Mary Ellen Trushell of New York, and the late Chris O’Brian. Great-grandparents are Pearl Herzog, and the late Irving Herzog, and Grace Trushell, and the late Charles Trushell.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
January 5, 2007
Oh Joseph, we have need of you!
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayahi Our Sidra tells us that Jacob lived 147 years. If you haven’t seen this before, I think it will be intriguing, as it was for me the first time I saw it: Abraham 175=7x52 25 180=5x62 Isaac 36 Jacob 147=3x72 49 Joseph 110 What do we have here? Is this the work of a writer playing with arithmetic? Or is this pure coincidence? When Jacob comes down to Egypt, elated at the possibility of seeing his beloved Joseph again, Joseph brings him to Pharaoh. I’d love to have a tape (even audio only) of the conversation between them. The Bible gives us only a few words. When Pharaoh asks him how old he is, Jacob replies that he is 130 and then he continues, “Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life.� Few and evil? At the age of 130? And his son the Viceroy of Egypt? But Jacob was thinking of his lifelong strife with his brother, Esau; of his 20-year effort to survive the wiles of his uncle/father-in law, Laban; of the shame of his daughter, Dina, resulting in murder and the disreputable image Jacob acquired in Canaan; and of the loss
of his son, Joseph. And even now, the prospect before him is to live in a strange and inhospitable (to a Canaanite) land, the ward and dependent of his son. Few, indeed and evil! It reminds me of the plight of old people in general (I’m one). We use up an enormous percentage of the medical skills and hospital space and nursing personnel of this country and are usually unproductive economically; thus, we use up the productivity of people younger than we who are burdened by our needs. A few years back, I was part of a panel discussing the address by former Colorado governor, Richard Lamm, who had brought national attention to this problem and was pilloried in the media. One tabloid had the headline: “Governor to Elderly: Drop Dead!� At the event, I jested that when I got the advance packet of information for the panelists, I looked carefully through all the materials, lest there was an eviction notice inside. The audience laughed. But, jesting aside, the problems are very real. Our social security system is in serious trouble with fewer young people increasingly taxed to maintain increasingly large numbers of the elderly. Pharaoh's problems were like a few traces of snow compared to our avalanche. We shall have to scour our prisons to find a mathematician capable of leading us through our maze. But, like Joseph, accused of assault, the new Joseph may be on trial for murder. (Editor’s note: this column originally appeared in the Jan. 9, 1998, Jewish Press.)
Beth Israel’s Lunch and Learn will focus on Israel advocacy by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue has designated January as “Israel Advocacy Month.� During this month, the synagogue is holding a number of programs that focus on Israel. Rabbi Jonathan Gross will speak about “How We Can Advocate for Israel� at a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Jan. 9, noon. The community is invited. “With so much varied information coming from the media lately, it’s difficult to know what to believe about the current situation in Israel,� said Gross. “That’s why, during the month of January, we’re holding programs that focus on Israel. How does the Torah document our relationship to Israel? How do we advocate for Israel in an informed and articulate manner? That’s what we’re
going to examine this month, including what we’ll discuss at the Lunch and Learn.� Gross continued, “I strongly encourage everyone to attend, because it’s vital that we represent Israel with coherent details that advocate her cause. In order to actively and passionately advocate for Israel, we must first be fully knowledgeable about Israel.� Other upcoming Israel Advocacy Month programs at Beth Israel include a visit by ADL Regional Director Alan Potash at Shabbat services on Jan. 13 and a Book Club meeting with Rabbi Gross to discuss The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz, on Jan. 18. The soup and sandwich lunch on Jan. 9 costs $5 per person. Please make reservations with the office at 556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthdoxOmaha.org.
DEATHS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
Page 11
1439 So. 13th 341-2452
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
Teach your kids it’s easier to never start. It’s up to you to provide the information they need to say no to drugs.
1-800-648-4444
House Cleaning Excellent West Omaha References Available to clean your home any hours including Saturdays Please call Sylvia de Anda 502-7167
Scrappin’ Point Scrapbooking Weekend Jan. 12 & 13 $25 Registration Includes: Classes, Make & Takes, Games and Chance to Scrapbook Fri. 7 pm - Midnight Sat. 9 am - Midnight Visit our website www.scrappinpoint.com or call for details
Hours - Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs. 9 am - 8 pm; Sat. 9 am - 4 pm
117 N. Main • 402-372-3400 • West Point
Sderot Information Center for the Western Negev Ltd* www.SderotMedia.com has been launched to present the media with the human face of Jews under daily bombardment. We need sponsors for: ¡ A full time administrator ¡ Expenses for volunteers ¡ A van to escort groups ¡ Computers to cover the story ¡ TV quality video cameras *IRS deductible through: The Center for Near East Policy Research POB 1783, Brookline, MA 02446
JUNI BLOCH Juni Bloch died Dec. 27 at the age of 69. A private interment was held at the Temple Israel Cemetery followed by a memorial service at the synagogue. She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Bookin. She is survived by her husband Al Bloch; daughter, Pamela Bloch and husband Michael Coyle; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Suzy Bloch of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren: Allison, Nathan, Patrick and Daniel Coyle; Amanda and Hillary Bloch; and sisters, Linda Bookin and Renee Partelow of California. Memorials to Temple Israel or the charity of your choice. SOPHIE SCHULMAN Sophie Halperin Katz Schulman died at the age of 93. Services were held Jan. 3 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery She was preceded in death by her first husband, Marshall Katz; sister, Ethel Cohen; and brothers, Max and Yale Halperin. She is survived by husband, Harry Schulman; daughter, Miriam Katz; daughter and son-in-law, Helen Katz and David Cour; sons and daughters-in-law, David Katz
and Anne Moses, and Richard and Amy Katz; grandchildren, Jonathan, Benjamin and Andrew Katz, and Alexander, Maxwell and Emily Katz; sister-in-law, Ida Halperin; stepchildren, Estelle Shukert and Dennis and Nancy Schulman. Memorials to L.O.V.E. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Beth Israel Synagogue.
Statewide Classified TEDDY KOLLEK Jerusalem’s ex-mayor Teddy Kollek died Jan. 1 at the age of 95. Kollek, who served for 28 years as the head of Israel’s capital was was born in Austria and moved to prestate Palestine in 1935. During World War II he served as an intelligence asset for Allied forces. He became Jerusalem’s mayor in 1965, and when eastern areas of the city were liberated in the Six-Day War two years later, worked to bring Jewish and Arab residents closer. Kollek was replaced by Ehud Olmert in 1993. To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Call the Press office at 402.334.6448 for more information.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $195/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850. DOCTOR MOM, devoted dad longing to adopt your baby with love and respect. Cabin vacations, religious education, family fun! 888-321-3333 pin 8524. Maria/Tony. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It's your midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information. DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $35,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. SPECIALS: 3 door glass coolers, hoodless fryers, soft serve machines. New/used complete line of Restaurant/bar equipment. Public welcome. Restaurant Equipment Outlet, 2121 Floyd Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104, 800-526-7105. PHYSICAL AND Occupational Therapist needed. Expand your career with private practice in eastern Wyoming. Sign on bonus and relocation assistance. Call Lisa Mangus at 888-358-9464.
2ZQ <RXU )XWXUH
PART-TIME, HOME-BASED Internet business. Earn $500-$1,000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No investment required. Free details. www.K348.com.
'PS NBOZ PG VT HSBZ IBJS JT POMZ UIF CFHJOOJOH
$1,000 SIGN on bonus! Van pay starting out at $.34 per mile! Great benefit package. 1 year OTR experience. CDL-A required. 866-294-0006.
*OGPSNBUJPO BCPVU MPOH UFSN DBSF QMBOOJOH SFTPVSDFT JT BWBJMBCMF BU XXX BOTXFST GBNJMJFT PSH MUDQMBOOJOH PS DBMM
ATTENTION DRIVERS: Get on the road with a dedicated carrier. High mileage pay, full benefits, Class A CDL/1 year OTR experience required. Grand Island Contract Carriers, 877-367-4422, www.gicc.chiefind.com.
F.C.C. NEEDS company drivers and owner operators for van and flatbed. Medical benefits after 1st month. Call about our premium flatbed pay! 1-800-228-9842 ext. 137. www.fcc-inc.com. CDL Class A required.
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
January 5, 2007
Barcelona restoring Jewish Quarter — but local Jews say they feel ignored by REEVAN TRUPIN BARCELONA (JTA) -- Barcelona is restoring its old Jewish quarter, but the local Jewish community says it’s being shut out of the process. In the Middle Ages, Barcelona’s Jewish community of 4,000 people played an integral role in the city. Acting as a bridge to immigrants from throughout the Mediterranean, the local Jews spoke Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, Catalan, Latin and Arabic. But in 1391, anti-Jewish riots moved up the Iberian Peninsula. A large number of Barcelona’s Jews were forced out, killed or converted. Six hundred years later, the city is in the process of restoring its old Jewish quarter, known as the Call, renovating 21 buildings and creating an interpretive center. Similar projects have been carried out in other Spanish cities such as nearby Gerona, where Jewish life also flourished. These programs are part of a government initiative to restore ancient Jewish neighborhoods throughout the country and present them as tourist attractions. What distinguishes the Barcelona initiative is the presence there of a modern Jewish community numbering about 5,000. Representatives of the city’s Orthodox, Reform and Chabad communities say they are being ignored in the initiative. “We very much appreciate that City Hall is finally getting involved in restoring its Jewish past,” Tobi Burdman, president of the Israelite Community of Barcelona, told JTA. “What we don’t want to see is a Jewish quarter without Jews, in the style of Gerona. Here there’s a living Jewry, one that should be listened to and consulted with, and not just called up to appear in the photo.” Adding to the community’s resentment has been the issue of Montjuic, or
“Mountain of the Jews,” in Catalan. Known for its massive sports stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, Montjuic also is the location of one of the oldest and largest
area as a landmark and prevent future city plans to build bars, bathrooms and other facilities directly over the ancient cemetery. One community spokesman said there
The main synagogue in Barcelona’s old Jewish quarter has been restored; the synagogue had been largely untouched by the city’s Jewish community since a pogrom in 1391. Credit: Courtesy Miguel Iaffa, Recovery Project of the former Major Synagogue of Barcelona Jewish cemeteries in Europe, which was seemed to be a slight difference in attitude used from the ninth to the 14th centuries. among city planners dealing with In 2001, more than 500 tombs were discov- Montjuic and those in charge of the ered during construction on the mountain, restoration of Call, who he said had been but still there are no monuments commemo- “completely unreceptive.” Regarding the old Jewish quarter, rating its historic importance. A meeting in late November between Teresa Serra, a City Hall official dealing with the project, told JTA that the city is urban planners and community members addressed Jewish concerns about construc- restoring the quarter as it would any tion plans that would affect the area where other historic area in Barcelona. “The the cemetery lies. Community members at only difference is that there will be a centhe meeting said some progress had been ter of cultural reference for the neighbormade in terms of protecting the site and hood involving everything from the eventually placing a monument there. This Jewish epoch,” Serra said. “So there, yes, follows a drawn-out struggle by communi- they could participate. Not in the archity representatives to denote the cemetery tectural part, because they’re not involved
“
in the construction phase,” but perhaps in providing cultural information about Sephardic kitchen use or Jewish holidays. Told that it’s a sensitive issue for the community given its tragic history, Serra responded, “You have to understand, this is not a very major issue for the city.” Community members say they would like to play at least some role, even something as minor as reviewing texts, brochures or museum signs. But Serra said the city has yet to receive a clear proposal for participation from the community. Many Barcelona Jews have initiated efforts to restore the quarter, notably Miguel Iaffa. Inspired by the findings of a medieval historian that pointed to the location of the quarter’s main synagogue before the 1391 pogrom, Iaffa purchased a portion of the site in 1996 and restored it, preventing the space from being turned into a pub. “That the city is now trying to reap the benefits of our efforts to recover the neighborhood seems perfectly fine with me,” Iaffa said. “But they’re doing it with a sectarian spirit and without greatness. What they’re interested in is having American Jews come and do tourism and spend money like they do in Gerona. They’re not interested in us at all.” Various sources, including those in City Hall, said anti-Israel feeling has affected the city’s attitude on some level. “There is an anti-Semitic attitude here because of this problem of anti-Israelism that influences everything,” Pilar Rahola, a former legislator from the Catalan Left Party who initially brought city funding to Iaffa’s synagogue project, told JTA. “With respect to City Hall, the government of Barcelona, like the government of Spain, prefers ‘Jewish stones’ to living Jewish people.”
V’Hadarta P’nai Zaken
”
A garment is made of single threads, thus every single gift aids in building the great work of a community.
One Bedroom/Two Bedroom Units Available Community Life • Community/Dining Room • Optional Dining • Van Transportation • Library • Wellness/Exercise • Guest Room • Country Store A Non-profit Development Sponsored by
Call us for a tour today!
Bloomfield Forum 402-390-9991
9804 Nicholas St. • Omaha, NE 68114 Omaha’s Independent Senior Living Specialists email: mhume@Bloom.omhcoxmail.com
adapted from the Talmud
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home A New Beginning
Jewish Senior Services THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME