Vol. LXXXIX No. 16 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
22 Tevet 5770
January 8, 2010
Jews of Selma struggle to save historic temple by BEN HARRIS SELMA, Ala. (JTA) -- From the street, the red-brick facade of Temple Mishkan Israel retains all the grandeur of when it was first built in 1899. But step inside, and the degradation of a once proud synagogue is apparent everywhere, from the well-scuffed wood of its pews and holy ark to the cracks lining the soaring supports for its vaulted ceiling, a result of chronic water damage from a leaky roof. Only a series of magnificent stained glass windows appear to have withstood the corrosion of time. Selma’s Jewish community, which once numbered well over 100 families, is down to its final dozen or so members, and the synagogue hasn’t been in frequent use for years. With the community having accepted the fact of its eventual disappearance, the remaining members have invested their hopes in a plan to transform the historic synagogue into a museum dedicated to the history of a community that was once an important civic presence here. “We think that Selma has an incredible opportunity,” said Macy Hart, the founding director of the Institute for Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Miss., which would oversee the operation of the museum if the community can come up with the renovation money. “It’s a great opportunity for Selma to concentrate on tourism.” The story of Selma’s Jewish community is a common one in the South: a once
The city’s remaining Jews in Selma, Alabama, are hoping to raise money to turn Temple Mishkan Israel into a museum. Credit: Ben Harris thriving community, with a dominant retail presence downtown, now reduced to a handful of aging members. The decline is inextricably bound to the sagging fortunes of Selma overall, an economically depressed city that, like the remaining Jews, has invested much hope in attracting tourists drawn by its role in American history. Selma was the launching point for the
famous marches to Montgomery and witnessed a crucial battle during the American Civil War. A recently opened welcome center downtown directs visitors to the various museums and sites of historic significance around town. “The big picture is tourism, in terms of its meaning, its value, its history, in terms of people coming,” said Mayor George Evans. “I think there’s still a lot we could
do if we all come together and recognize that history was made here in Selma like no other place in the world, from the standpoint of civil rights.” Jewish history in Selma transcends the civil rights era, and indeed those who lived through the period admit they generally sought to remain neutral, concerned about the impact expressions of solidarity with the black community might have on Jewish standing. The community nevertheless hopes to benefit from any potential tourist traffic connected to that era, though there’s considerable skepticism among the locals that enough money can be raised for the renovation. Despite acknowledging that he had never been inside, Evans said that in principle he supports the synagogue project. But, the mayor added, the city is unable to contribute to what would be a substantial investment to transform the building. Renovations would require upwards of $2 million, and Hart’s group is seeking an endowment of at least another $1 million to support ongoing maintenance and staffing. The community has raised only about $500,000 so far. “I’m not sure that we’re going to get there,” said Rusty Palmer, a Selma native who is spearheading the fundraising effort. “We’re going to need some luck.” Elsewhere in the South, declining Jewish communities have sold their synagogue buildings or, as in Helena, Ark., Continued on page 2
Partnership with Israel Arts Task Force shares love of creativity with audiences in Omaha, Indianapolis by KIM GOLDBERG Co-Chair, Arts Task Force Partnership with Israel (Editor’s note: Kim Goldberg, 2009 Young Leadership Award winner, recaps last month’s visit by artists and teachers from the Western Galilee, Omaha’s Partnership with Israel region.) The Partnership with Israel Arts Task Force delegation accomplished a great deal last month, from conducting art workshops for 300 children, recruiting numerous artists to join Partnership programs, giving presentations to several groups, rubbing elbows with artist Jun Kaneko, and touring some of the first-class cultural institutions in Omaha and Indianapolis. Omaha and Indianapolis are two of the 16 Central Area Consortium cities that partner with the Western Galilee region of Israel, and we are thankful to both for hosting this special week! The big snow storm of 2009 had not yet hit, but even with airport delays, the Arts delegation was not deterred. Albert Ben Shloosh (co-chair, Arts Task Force), Edna Taf (cultural coordinator, Matte Asher), Orly Shai (director, Akko art kindergarten), and Aliza Perinsky (principal, Akko art elementary school) could have made it through the biggest storm with their energy and excitement! At the end of their trip, calling from their hotel room in New Jersey, they chanted on the phone, “We love Omaha!”
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Art Workshops Hanukkah songs and informative presentations kicked off the start of each of the seven workshops conducted by the delegation. Omaha’s Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center four-year-olds and the Friedel Jewish Academy children enjoyed learning about Hanukkah symbols and etching techniques while creating beautiful hanukkiyot. Temple Israel Sunday school children enjoyed creating fun and festive Hanukkah mobiles. In Indianapolis, at the Hasten Hebrew Academy and the Bureau of Jewish Education Early Childhood Program, children also learned etching techniques and created colorful Chagall-inspired stained glass windows. Jewish Institutions A special part of the delegation’s time in Omaha was spent attending Hanukkah celebrations at Temple Israel and Beth Israel, and special Shabbat services at Beth El to honor its 80th anniversary. Each visit gave the Israelis a chance to partake in our Jewish culture and meet members of the community. Tours of the day schools and preschools in both communities gave us the opportunity to meet with staff and children and see world-class facilities. Continued on page 7
Photo at right: Edna Taf, Art Delegation participant from the Western Galilee in Israel, works with the kindergartners from Friedel Jewish Academy to create hanukkiyot.
This Week: Film wrap-up for 2009: Page 4 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
John Lehr follows family tradition as Temple president: Page 2
Coming Next Week: Women’s Health Issue Newman Supporting Foundation awards grants: Page 3
Implementing the settlement freeze: Page 12