January 18, 2013

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

Into the Storm

January 18, 2013 7 Shevat 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 18

This Week

JSS appoints co-presidents

by OZZIE NOGG Jewish Social Services recently announced the appointment of Richard Jacobson and Steve Nogg as Co-Presidents of the agency.

The pair fills the unexpired term of Howard Epstein who left the position to become Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Jody Malashock, Jewish Federation of Omaha Board President, said, “I’ve worked with both Steve and

Join Beth El’s annual Tu B’Shevat celebration Page 6

Loss of house and car on Rockaway Boulevard.

Incredible experiences in Israel Page 7

Can Sharansky fix the Western Wall?

Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

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

8 10 11

by JULIANNE DUNN HERZOG This is part two in a three-part series about the aftermath of superstorm Sandy. Part one appeard in the Jan. 11 issue, part three will be published on Jan. 25.

The storm brought colder temperatures and a need for warm clothing.

There was no heat or electricity in the homes. Police were stationed on every corner and supply location because there were no street lights, no home lights and plenty of opportunity for vandalism and looting.

Those twenty-foot lights which I saw from the bus were substitute street lights which ran on generator power at night.

The children were back in school.

They stopped with their mothers for a hot meal at the food trucks parked

on the streets. The children lined up for the bookmobile parked in front of the flooded out library. Parents told me that their goal was to provide some degree of normality.

Somehow that bookmobile was a wonderful sign, as were the happy kids checking out the books.

The sound of hundreds of personal generators filled the air during the day. No one was using generators for heat because there were no furnaces or electricity. The generators powered up tools to gut the ruined houses. It was cold and smelly and dangerous. Families were living four to a house while they gutted and repaired houses, one by one. There were no shelters in this neighborhood because the usual shelters, libraries, schools and churches, were

either in use or flooded out.

I remember one nice man who came into one of the community centers to ask for a cot and a blanket so he could rest. He was gutting his house and it was a sloppy, smelly, sodden disaster. I didn’t have a cot or blanket to offer, but I got on the phone to find them for him. “Radar” had the fix in for delivery, but he came back and said that he didn’t need it. He decided to sleep in his car for the night. Many others in similar circumstances rode the subways all night.

My partner and I were assigned this neighborhood for three days. It was a great neighborhood; there were three separate community forces and a very active political Continued on page 2

Holocaust professor and rock star

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha A rising talent in academia has arrived on the UNO campus.

Students, the city and the Omaha Jewish community stand to benefit greatly with the appointment of Dr. Waitman Boern as the inaugural Louis and Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Jay Noddle, President-elect of the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) is impressed with Boern’s scholarship and academic credentials. “I think he is fantastic. I have truly enjoyed the time I have spent with him thus far. He is a wonderful addition to our Omaha community.”

Dr. Waitman Boern JFO Board member Stacey Rockman said simply, “He’s a rock star.”

Community leader and Auschwitz survivor Sam Fried is relishing people’s initial reaction to meeting Boern; he definitely challenges old assumptions about Holocaust professors.

Beorn is the antithesis of the stereotypical Holocaust academic.

An Episcopalian, a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Iraq War,

he is a Virginia native who got hooked on history when his family visited museums, not for quick walk-throughs, he said, but to stop and read everything.

He speaks German, is a published author, a Guggenheim fellow and a newlywed. And, he is just 35 years old.

“The Holocaust doesn’t belong to the Jewish people. It was an atrocity that happened to the entire human race. It was a human tragedy. It was important that the person chosen embody humanity and peace in a special and unique way. Waitman Boern is that person,” Fried said.

Fried was the driving force behind the creation of the endowed chair at UNO. It began with some old fashioned fundraising on behalf of the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Education Fund, of which Fried is co-founder. Created in 2007 with his beloved wife Frances, the Fund finances Holocaust education courses at Nebraska colleges.

Fried explained, “Once my dear friend Louis Blumkin agreed to help, his sizable donation made it possible Continued on page 2

Richard Jacobson, above, would have been photographed with Steve Nogg. Unfortunately, Steve broke his foot. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Richard on Federation committees during my presidency and appreciate the time and thoughtful efforts they give to our community. JSS is important to both of them, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Mike Silverman, Federation CEO, described Jacobson and Nogg as, “Two extremely accomplished lay leaders with a deep love and commitment to our Jewish community. We could have hit one home run, but instead we hit two by securing them both.”

Richard Jacobson and Steve Nogg are first cousins and close friends. Both have lived in Omaha most of their lives and are no strangers to the Jewish community, its needs and priorities. Both have been JSS Board members for many years. Nogg, speaking for himself and Jacobson, said, “Rich and I are truly honored to serve. We both want to make a difference. With our business backgrounds, we understand the importance of protecting the assets of JSS and providing financial oversight. We also understand the importance of advancing the mission of JSS. Now, let’s get to work.”

Jewish Social Services is the umbrella agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha under which are found The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Outreach and Star Catering.

Through a variety of programs, JSS promotes and enhances the quality and continuity of Jewish Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

Into the Storm

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Continued from page 1 climbed those stairs to rescue the elderly and disabled. group working for the people. We got a list of vulnerable We walked around the project for 30 minutes until we people from the community center and then went door to located the central office so we could locate the client. door. There were people living with their children in houses Again, the waves had taken out the power and first floors of where I couldn’t even breathe when I went to visit. The mold each of the buildings. Black mold was beginning to grow on and its tell-tale odor were overwhelming. trees which had been pulled up by the roots, that were sticking up in the air.

My door-to-door canvassNew York’s finest stuck with ing didn’t last long, as I was me until we found the client frequently pulled out to take who was just leaving her house “hot-shot� visits. Without a for the grocery store. She car, this was a challenge. I got looked pretty healthy but I a call to Coney Island, five took her vital signs anyway. It miles away, to check a post turns out that her cardiac surcardiac surgery patient. The gery was a stent placement six bus would have taken over an months before. Her request hour. There were no cabs. was for a voucher to replace The NYPD sergeant on the food lost in the power outage.

Corner called in some public I had no authority to give relations officers who escorther a food voucher but I hated ed me to Coney Island. That to tell her that. The officers was a good thing, since I took the heat off me by telling would have been lost without them. The address was Commissioner Kelly visits Gerritsen Beach on Thanksgiving. her that the power company incomplete but located in a 32-building project of 20 stories was responsible for replacement of food lost in the power each. Thankfully, the elevator power had been restored or it outage. I don’t know if that is true but I felt a whole lot better would have been a long and weary trip up twenty very dark about the officer telling her that than me rejecting her need. flights of stairs. Right after the storm, first responders Continued on page 3.

JSS appoints co-presidents Continued from page 1 life for families and individuals of all ages in our community. “Both Steve’s mother and my mother were residents of the Blumkin Home,� Jacobson said. “Then, like now, the care was extraordinary. When my wife Joanie and I -along with Paul and Sandy Epstein -- were asked to chair the individual solicitation portion of fundraising for the new Blumkin Home, it never occurred to me to say ‘no’.

Because of the care my mother received, I owe this commitment -- this debt of gratitude -- to the Home and JSS.�

Nogg echoed these sentiments. “I have great respect for the Rose Blumkin Home,� he said. “My mother lived there for a number of years and two of my aunts are currently residents. Through my many visits I’ve seen the love and care the staff provides. I’ve also become more intimately aware of the work done by Karen Gustafson, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, and her team. JFS counseling continues to grow and the agency’s innovative programming is recognized throughout our city. In 2011, my wife Patty and I co-chaired the fundraising committee for JFStival, the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Jewish Family Service. I’m happy to say that through the generosity of the Omaha Jewish community, the event raised the largest single amount in the agency’s history. Those monies are being well spent.� When speaking of the new leadership team, Karen Gustafson said, “I’m so glad that the JSS Board nominated and the Federation Board approved the CoPresidency of Steve and Richard. Their wealth of knowledge means the JSS Board can continue to move forward

with the confidence that they have adequately and skillfully covered the void left by Howard Epstein’s recent appointment as the Executive Director of the JFO Foundation.�

Kudos for Nogg and Jacobson are unanimous. Blumkin Home Assistant Administrator Michael Schop called the duo “a valuable community asset. I’m excited to have their collective experience for the benefit of Jewish Omaha.� Jim Farber, a past president of Jewish Social Services, said, “In Steve and Richard we have a team that will tackle JSS challenges and opportunities with experience, dedication and a combination of skills that give us the strongest leadership possible.� And from his new office at the JFO Foundation, Howard Epstein added, “These two guys are eminently qualified. Both Richard and Steve have been on the JSS board probably before Steve lost his hair, so they know the ins and outs of the agency. With both of them sharing the job you’ve got two people who can fill in for each other when needed. They won’t miss a beat. They’re the perfect fit.�

Looking to the future, Richard Jacobson said, “Jewish Family Service does such important work. And the Blumkin Home is a wonderful place. But at the end of the day, Steve and I want both agencies to be even stronger at the end of our term than they were at the beginning. We complement each other, we work well together, and we truly enjoy each other. We both look forward to the responsibilities that await us and are excited about working with Mike Silverman, Michael Schop, Karen Gustafson and our outstanding Jewish Social Services Board.�

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Continued from page 1 for us to think bigger, and we were able to endow a chair for Holocaust and Genocide studies in Nebraska. This is now a permanent testament to both Louis and wife Frances’ exceptional generosity and kindness.� “For me, the best way to honor victims of the Holocaust is to ensure that their future generations are never subjected to similar horrors. Education is the key.� he said.

Mike Silverman, JFO Chief Executive Officer stated, “It’s been my pleasure to know Sam, both personally and through my role as CEO. His philanthropy is guided by his commitment to making Holocaust education available to everyone, and his message is universal: we must bear witness so that history will never repeat itself.� “Dr. Boern is a dynamic individual who will most certainly bring incredible value to the community. Sam’s work on behalf of quality Holocaust education in Nebraska includes devoting thousands of hours speaking to students across the state. I know everything he has accomplished has come from his heart,� stated Jody Malashock, President, Jewish Federation of Omaha. “Congratulations to UNO and the Fried and Blumkin families for the tremendous gift they have given us in endowing a professorship in Holocaust and Genocide education.�

A 2000 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Dr. Beorn served as a tank platoon leader before deploying to Iraq in 2003. As an Assistant Squadron Operations officer, he had some close calls with incoming

mortar fire and minefields. Boern loved the army but at age 28 entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D, concentrating on the Holocaust.

He traveled to Germany and read 500 testimonies of German soldiers, recorded in German investigations in the 60s and 70s. He also visited Belarus and the locations where thousands perished.

Boern’s research has sought to explain why German soldiers became agents in the Holocaust in the Soviet Union.

The question to which he seeks answers is, “How could humans take part in such horror?�

He teaches and consults with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City.

As a veteran, Boern is particularly honored to serve now as the Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, a position endowed in recognition of the WWII service of Louis Blumkin, who also liberated several Nazi concentration camps.

Boern has described his new job as a dream position. “With the incredible support of Louis Blumkin, the Fried Fund and Sam Fried, I am excited to collaborate with other scholars and institutions in the Midwest to create an integrated network for Holocaust and Genocide studies. I also look forward to sharing the university’s generous resources with the people of Nebraska. Omaha is where I hope to be for a very long time.�

January 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Significant increase in campaign gifts from professional staff

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Jewish Federation of Omaha agency executive staff, under the capable leadership of CEO Mike Silverman, realized a 37% increase in pledges to the 2013 Annual Campaign over the previous year.

It marks a 32% increase over the Annual Campaign’s published goal of a 5% increase in pledges over 2012.

When told of the generous contributions made by the leadership team, Silverman responded, “I am so pleased our community professionals are supporting the One Campus, One Community initiative. They Front row: Beth Cohen, left, Julee Katzman, Marty Ricks, Howard Epstein; believe in the Federation’s mission and back row: Alan Potash, left, Karen Gustafson, Aaron Rosenfeld, Jordana goals and chose to back up that belief with Glazer, Michael Schop, Mike Silverman and Tammy Johnson. Not pictured: very significant increases in donations to Annette van de Kamp-Wright. one in our community belongs and feels connected.” our Annual Campaign.”

“It’s about more than just collecting money. We want to “We owe them a very heartfelt thank you.”

The leadership team includes agency directors Beth talk to everyone because we want to hear from everyone.

Cohen, The Center for Jewish Life; Karen Gustafson, Jewish Everyone’s voice matters. Everyone’s opinion counts,” Family Service; Alan Potash, ADL-CRC; Aaron Rosenfeld, Jewish Community Center; and Annette van de KampWright, The Jewish Press.

More than dollars, they are pledging their time and expertise to make this year’s Annual Campaign a success.

Continued from page 2 On Tuesday, Jan. 8, agency directors gathered in the Rose The police officers then escorted me back to Gerritsen Blumkin Jewish Home from 5-8 p.m. and manned the Beach. The officer who was driving had me in stitches. He phones for a “mini-telethon” on behalf of the Campaign. hated germs and hated the storm. He couldn’t wait to get to Also pitching in to the team effort were Silverman, a gas station to wash his hands. He was a young guy, very Federation Associate Director Julee Katzman, Chief fit, tidy and clean. He made a great pair with his rough and Financial Officer Jordana Glazer, RBJH Assistant ready female partner who was ready to take on the world.

Administrator Mike Schop, and Campaign Director, Sharon When we got back to Garritsen Beach, I offered them Kirshenbaum. In their new jobs for just 8 days, Chief handwipes and cleanser as a thank you gift.

Development Officer Marty Ricks and new JFO Foundation Julianne Dunn Herzog, RN, BSN,JD answered the call Executive Director Howard Epstein were in their seats with for nursing volunteers to provide disaster relief after cell phones in hand and pledge cards on the table.

Superstorm Sandy hit New York on Oct. 29. She arrived Evening brings in over $24,000 in pledges 20 days after landfall of the worst storm in the history of Silverman “coached” the already enthusiastic team before New York and stayed for 20 days, going door to door to the calls began. “One of our goals is to gather the largest pool single-family houses and floor to floor in 20 story high of donors possible. Being a donor is one of the ways every-

Silverman added.

The team was directed to note any comments, opinions and suggestions as part of their conversations. An area to do so was even designated on the newly re-designed pledge cards.

The campaign’s goal of $3,013,144 represents a 5% increase over last year. It also hopes to add 200 new or reengaged gifts.

“To date, people have been very responsive to our goal of a 5% increase. The Campaign was down last year and the 5% card-for-card increase will bring us to our $3 million target and enable us to continue providing outstanding programs and services to our community and assist Jews in need around the world,” said Sharon Kirshenbaum, Campaign Director.

2013 Annual Campaign Co-Chair Stacey Atlas also pitched in and made several phone calls alongside the leadership team. “It was great to make calls alongside our outstanding professional staff. To my knowledge, this was the first time we’ve tried a “mini-telethon” format with staff, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their enthusiasm and hard work.”

To make your gift to the Federation’s 2013 Annual Campaign, go to www.jewishomaha.org/donate or contact Sharon Kirshenbaum at 402.334.6485 or skirshenbaum@ jewishomaha.org.

Into the Storm

rises in low-lying areas most affected by the storm. She joined a volunteer force of over 5000, of which 50 were nurses, paramedics and EMTs. Some of the matters tasked to the group of health service workers, as they were called, was to case find for disease or injury, to provide cleaning and personal supplies and to replace medication or medical equipment lost in the storm and, incidentally, to do anything else within their scope of practice.

Julianne is a life-long volunteer and served as the first health services director of the 2008 Creighton Homeless Connect Event in 2008. She has volunteered for disaster relief in Iowa, Nebraska and New York.

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4 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

UNO’s Schwalb Center to host social justice comedy

by MOSHE GERSHOVICH Schwalb Center Director The Black-Jew Dialogues, which has toured the U.S., Canada and the U.K., will bring its unique blend of entertainment and education to Omaha on Jan. 23. The BlackJew Dialogues was written and performed by Emmy-award winner Ron Jones and stage veteran Larry Jay Tish. The 1 p.m. performance at the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom of the University of NebraskaOmaha (UNO) is being hosted by the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies and is free and open to the public. For UNO parking and shuttle information see http:// www.unomaha.edu/parking/shuttle.php.

You can also find more information by contacting the Schwalb Center’s office at 402.554.3175; or slmueller@unomaha.edu.

We at the Schwalb Center are very excited about the opportunity to introduce this dynamic and engaging show to our students,

faculty, and staff, as well as members of the broader Omaha community. I’ve seen Ron and Larry in action a few months ago at Peru State College and I’m looking forward to seeing them again on our campus.

Through fastpaced sketches, improvisations, puppetry, multimedia, a game show, and post-show discussion, the BJD is not just a theater event. It is a program designed to promote the vital conversation about diversity and the changing face of America.

“The 2012 election pointed out some important trends that we should be talking about and dealing with,” Mr. Jones said. The show has been praised by

The Boston Globe for its ability to “get to the heart of what divides people.”

Dr. Nikitah Imani, Chair of UNO’s Black Studies Department, which is co-sponsoring the show adds: “The Department of Black Studies is looking forward to facilitating this important dialogue for students across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines and encouraging in general social communities towards more constructive communicative interchange and more building of common ground.”

Through its effective use of provocative satire and social commentary, the show has

gained a wide appeal in high schools, colleges, and community and religious organizations. The cross-cultural and cross-generational appeal has made The Black-Jew Dialogues one of the premier programs on the college circuit.

Though the subject matter is weighty, the approach is light. Ron and Larry use humor to shred taboos and stereotypes. “After they’ve laughed together at the absurdity of bigotry and hate, their appetite to talk has been stirred,” Mr. Tish said.

A day before their Omaha visit, the BJD will perform for students and faculty of Iowa Western Community College. Following Omaha, the show will continue touring to more than 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada, with more shows to be added. To see the full schedule go to: http://www. theblackjewdialogues.com/calendar.php.

For more information visit http://www. theblackjewdialogues.com.

Temple to host roundtable discussion on safety

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer In reaction to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and other recent mass shootings, Temple Israel is hosting a community roundtable to discuss violence in society and what can be done within the community to safeguard against such acts.

“After the tragedy in Newtown, we felt it was appropriate to open a dialogue with our congregants about violence in and around our community and how we can be proactive as a faith organization in curbing the growing culture of violence in our society,” said Temple Israel Program Director Wendy Goldberg. “As a congregation we are going

to listen to experts have a discussion about how a faith organization can organize to impact change.”

The roundtable will include Temple Israel congregants from various backgrounds including mental health professionals, educators, clergy, law enforcement professionals and members of the judiciary.

At press time, participants include Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Josh Brown, Cantor Wendy Shermet, psychologist Dr. Josh Friedman, Judge Larry Gendler, Judge Todd Hutton, Film Streams Director Rachel Jacobson, social worker and Temple Israel Board of Trustees President Sally Kaplan, and Omaha Police Department Captain Shayna Ray. “We need to change what is accepted in

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our society, and we need to do something to address the lack of proper mental health services in the country,” said Capt. Ray, a 19year veteran of the OPD. Ray, who is personally very pro-gun control and said she wouldn’t have a gun in her home if not for her profession, questions the availability to the public of guns designed solely to kill human beings.

“There’s no reason to have [assault rifles] available to the public,” she said.

Organizations like Temple Israel should be aware of security during high profile events, like the High Holidays, according to Capt. Ray. She also suggests that everyone pay attention to their surroundings and understand what “normal” is so that if

something is not “normal,” there’s a better chance of noticing it.

“People don’t hang outside anymore,” Capt. Ray said. “We don’t know our neighbors like we should. If something is wrong, we either don’t notice or we ignore it.”

Anti-Defamation League Executive Director Alan Potash will serve as an advisor at a planning meeting with the clergy and Wendy Goldberg to help set the agenda for the roundtable conversation.

The roundtable will be held on Jan. 23, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and will be moderated by Omaha World-Herald columnist Michael Kelly. The roundtable is open to Temple Israel members only, who will be allowed to ask questions at the end of the discussion.

January 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

CDC celebrates Hanukkah by giving back

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Director, Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center Karen Gustafson, Executive Director of Jewish Family The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center loves to Service, accepted the $500 check and explained to the chilcelebrate Hanukkah. The holiday is traditionally celebrated dren and parents some of the wonderful things that will be with the lighting of the menorah with one candle for each of done for those in need as result of their charity. the eight nights, delicious foods such as potato latkes and Public Information Officer Captain Tim McCaw of the sufganiyot; dreidel spinning and gifts. The enticing smell of Omaha Fire Department accepted a $400 check on behalf of latkes being cooked up by our the First Responders Critical wonderful parent volunteers Support Foundation, a nonfilled our noses all week long. profit organization whose aim On Friday, Dec. 14 The is “To provide support to Pennie Z. Davis Child Omaha area first responders Development Center held its and promote a better underAnnual Family Shabbat with standing of their value to our Hanukkah Menorah lighting. citizens and community.”

Children, parents and staff They accomplish this goal by gathered around for the lightraising funds for community ing of the 7th day candle in programs and projects that the handcrafted Menorah will lead to the increased safethat was presented to the ty of Omaha citizens.

Carrie Fingold, left, Sandy Nogg and Karen Gustafson Kirshenbaum family in memIn addition, they increase ory of Shirley Kirshenbaum. awareness in the Omaha Community and beyond regarding At this Shabbat program, as well as every Shabbat, the chil- the daily value and impact of the services provided for our dren had an opportunity to open their hearts and give their citizens by our First Responders. This particular foundation is pennies and dimes for tzedakah. At this special Shabbat pro- especially close to our hearts as it was founded by two of our gram the CDC distributed over $800 collected this year to own Jewish community members, Jerry Hoberman and Ray two community charities: Jewish Family Service and The Somberg (still the active President and Executive Director).

First Responders Critical Support Foundation. At the CDC, The CDC is proud to offer support to both of these wonchildren learn the important Jewish values of tzedakah and derful organizations and the community as a whole. The being part of a community. The distribution of their staff and the children of the center wish each and every one tzedakah is presented at the Annual Family Shabbat a new year filled with love and kindness.

Menorah Lighting, so the families and children can see what For more information about enrollment in the CDC a positive effect their generous donations have on the com- please contact Jeanine Huntoon@jccomaha.org

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IRA Charitable Rollover law extended

by MARTY RICKS Chief Development Officer, Jewish Federation of Omaha The American Taxpayer Relief Act that Congress passed last January 1 reinstated the IRA Charitable Rollover provision for 2012 and 2013. This provision could save significant future income and estate tax dollars for those who have accumulated large IRA accounts. The provision applies to those who have attained age 70 1/2. If you have attained this age and have accumulated significant IRA balance you should be aware of the following information: 1. If you received your 2012 taxable IRA required minimum distribution during 2012, you can convert your taxable IRA distribution to a charitable distribution by making a cash gift to charity on or before Jan. 31, 2013. The IRS will treat your cash gift as if you made a direct rollover to charity, and you will avoid tax on the amount of the gift.

2. If you did not make a qualified charitable distribution in 2012, you may make one on or before Jan. 31, 2013, in

an amount up to $100,000 ($200,000 for a couple). It will be treated as a 2012 qualified charitable distribution and it will not be reported as a taxable income.* 3. You may make a second qualified charitable distribution anytime in 2013 in an amount up to $100,000 ($200,000 for a couple). It will be treated as a qualified charitable distribution for 2013, and it will not be reported as taxable income.* *Note under #2 or #3 above, the distribution must be paid directly from your IRA provider to the charity.

You may utilize this extended provision to pay or prepay your Foundation Annual Campaign pledge, synagogue dues, capital campaign pledges or other charitable distributions.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha offers numerous other options for you to achieve your charitable goals while helping you minimize your income tax burden. Contact Marty Ricks 402.334.6440, Chief Development Officer, or Jordana Glazer 402.334.6597, Chief Financial Officer for more details.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Jan. 23, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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

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

For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The mission of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is to preserve the histories of Jewish families who settled in Nebraska and western Iowa. In this pursuit, the NJHS is offering a monthly workshop to create and develop family trees. The workshop is open to the public and free of charge.

Meetings will be guided by Sue Millward, Lorrie Katelman and Steve Perelman.

In each session, the Society will share the steps to start and develop a unique family tree. If you are already working on your family history, the latest resources will be discussed.

Technology is changing the face of genealogy, and there are always new methods and sites to enhance our search.

Please join the NJHS the third Sunday of each month starting Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. at the office of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society located directly across from the Jewish Federation Offices at the Jewish Community Center.

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When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 402-346-1528 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.

Additional sessions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, March 17, and April 21. Please contact Sue Millward, at 402.630.4241 or suefm04@aol.com for any questions regarding this exciting new endeavor.

Births Heather and Eric Jagher of Chicago announce the Jan. 4 birth of their daughter, Mae Simone.

She has a sister, Zoe and a brother, Levi.

Grandparents are Donna and Bob Olesh, and Ellen and Billy Jagher of Ashland, MA. Sarah and Jeff Howard announce the Dec. 26 birth of their daughter, Aurora Rose.

She has a sister, Destiny.

Arts+Entertainment On Feb. 22 and 24, Opera Omaha Presents the Magic Flute, with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The exciting centerpiece offering of Opera Omaha’s 2012/13 season is designed by “Omaha’s own” visual artist Jun Kaneko whose talent in opera design is recognized from coast to coast.

The Magic Flute is a lighthearted tale of love and adventure, charmingly fantastical, utterly unique, and perfect for the entire family.

Tickets are available through Ticket Omaha at ticketomaha.com or by calling 402.345.0606. More information can be found at operaomaha.org.

6 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

Fine Dining

Join Beth El’s annual Tu B’Shevat celebration

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A hilarious two-actor play on the history and absurdity of prejudice and racism

Wednesday, January 23 @ 1pm Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom Free and open to the public For more information go to www.theblackjewdialogues.com

by JILL BELMONT cling, re-using and caring for the earth.

Beth El Publicity Coordinator “This is the perfect time to stop and It may be winter outside, but on Sunday, appreciate the gifts of nature,” said Margie Jan. 27, Beth El Synagogue and Lauritzen Gutnik, Beth El’s program director. “It’s also Gardens will put a little spring in everyone’s a great time to reflect on the importance of step as they present their festive, annual Tu B’Shevat celebration. Tu B’Shevat also known as the New Year for Trees -- marks the beginning of spring in Israel, and 2013 marks the sixth year that the synagogue and botanical garden have partnered to bring this much-anticipated event to the entire community. And once again, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, admission is free for all attendees.

The holiday fun will begin earlier this year than Seed-planting (led last year by Jane Dreyfus, left, and Caryn in the past, running from Rifkin) will be one of the holiday-related activities featured at 10:30 a.m. - noon, and will Beth El’s Tu B’Shevat celebration at Lauritzen Gardens. feature entertaining, informational tours that preserving the environment and becoming highlight the tastes of the four seasons, seed- more green-friendly.” planting (create your own herb garden), cookAs a bonus this year, the synagogue is proie-decorating, storytelling, and a spirited, viding free bus transportation from Beth El interactive musical ‘sing-down’ led by Beth El’s to Lauritzen (adults and children alike) for cantor, Hazzan Michael Krausman. In addi- everyone who registers in advance, Gutnik tion, representatives from a variety of local said, emphasizing that reservations are a environmental groups and the Metropolitan must. To secure a seat, visit www.bethelUtilities District (along with its mascot, omaha.org, or call the synagogue office, Thirstin’), will offer information about recy- 402.492.8550.

Health clinic news

by OZZIE NOGG nursing homes and senior living facilities.

Jewish Social Services and Interim “This new service will help people in our HealthCare are now offering a Health community maintain their overall health,” Maintenance Clinic at the Rose Blumkin said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Jewish Home every Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the RBJH Clinic Room. For a $10 fee, clients can have their toenails trimmed and receive a weight/vital signs check.

An additional $5 covers the cost of an MD referral or med set fill. Kathy O’Connell, R.N. -- an Interim HealthCare professional -- is on duty at the clinic.

O’Connell returned to nursing after a brief retirement. “I’ve been an R.N. Community member Jay Chasen, left, receives services from for forty-two years,” she Kathy O’Connell, R.N., at the Jewish Social Services/Interim said, “and thought it was Health Care Monday Health Maintenance Clinic in the RBJH time to take it easy. But I Clinic Room. realized I didn’t want to give up the profession, so here I am back at Outreach Services at the Blumkin Home. work part time. Besides, I enjoy the elderly. “We’re happy to have Kathy O’Connell with They’re special. Each time they visit the clin- us every week, and we invite you to take ic, I’ll answer general health questions, take advantage of this clinic. Our main goal is to their blood pressure, listen to heart and keep this clinic busy so we can continue to lungs, and look for problems that might have offer this wonderful service.” arisen since their last visit. I’m here to give For more information or to schedule an seniors the attention they deserve.” appointment, please call Interim at Interim HealthCare has been in the 402.392.1818 and ask for Shay. If you have Omaha area since 1975, and provides a vari- additional questions, call Maggie Conti, at ety of temporary health care professionals to 402.334.6521 or Shelly Fox, Social hospitals, schools, hospices, physicians, Services/Outreach at 402.334.6532.

SEWING CENTERS 10144 Maple (Maple Village)

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402-572-1212 Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

January 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Incredible experiences Choose to go in Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, Center for Jewish Life Each year, many teens and young adults have the experience of a lifetime, traveling to Israel on a wide variety of programs. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is delighted to support these experiences through the Israel Experience Grant program.

The Israel Experience Grant is a one-time gift from the Federation for students in grades 9-12 or young adults ages 18 to 25 for an approved Israel experience. The grant is available to anyone in the Omaha Jewish community who meets the following requirements: 1. The applicant must be a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area.

2. The applicant, or his/her family, is a donor in good standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

3. The applicant agrees to provide an article and pictures of the experience within one month of return to Omaha for publication in the Jewish Press.

4. The applicant will participate in any required preparatory program.

Applying for an Israel Experience Grant is a simple one-page application. The applications are available on the Scholarships and Grants page of the Center for Jewish Life on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website at www.jewishomaha.org. Applications may also be requested via email at scholarship@jewishomaha.org.

Return completed applications to the Center for Jewish Life, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Those in need of additional financial assistance can also apply for financial need-based scholarships.

Scholarship applications are available as described in the previous paragraph. For additional information on all grant and scholarship programs, please call 402.334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

The following article was written by a teen who participated in programs in the summer of 2012 and each was a recipient of an Israel Experience Grant. More articles will be featured in the coming weeks.

See the Jewish Press on the web at

jewishomaha.org

by JULIA EDELSTEIN Choosing to spend my summer on USY Israel Pilgrimage was an extraordinarily easy decision. Friends who had gone on the trip during previous summers strongly encouraged me to sign up and I don’t at all regret the decision.

During my five week trip I was accompanied by forty-two other USY’ers from all over the country.

Our first week was spent traveling through Poland visiting multiple concentration camps, including Auschwitz, Birkeneau, and Treblinka.

We saw one wall that once was part of the Warsaw Ghetto and another that was part of the Krakow Ghetto. We walked through various historic Jewish cemeteries and several synagogues that have either been restored since the war, or are currently in the restoration process.

Our next week was spent in Jerusalem. We started our stay there with an archeological dig at Tel Maresha, touring the Old City, visiting the Kotel, and of course going to the shuk on Friday afternoon, and praying Kabbalat Shabbat overlooking the walls of the old city.

The third week of our trip was spent in the south, highlighted by a night spent sleeping in Bedouin tents, riding camels,

and waking up before any normal person should – to watch the sunrise atop Masada. We snorkeled in the Red Sea, swam in the Dead Sea and slept under the starry night sky in the Negev.

Next, we headed north to spend a week living on a kibbutz. While in the north, the group completed various hikes, visited the cities of Akko, Tveria and Haifa, rafted down the Jordan River and walked through the breathtaking Bahi Gardens. Then we participated in Ha Event (colors wars) with all the other USY trips, and shortly after departed for a free weekend.

In our last week we visited Old Jaffa and Independence Hall and Rabin’s memorial. We spent the night in Tel Aviv, and were truly inspired at the Olympic Museum. Then we had our Tikkun Olam day with Danny Siegel.

We finished out the week by honoring the soldiers buried at Har Herzl (Jerusalem’s Military Cemetery), touring the Knesset, and spending an afternoon at the beach in Ashdod.

During my five week adventure, I had several spectacular experiences and made friendships that will last for a lifetime. If you are considering going on a USY Israel Pilgrimage, I hope you choose to go -- you will have a truly amazing and life-changing journey.

The OJC asks the tough questions

by BETH COHEN Executive Director, the Center for Jewish Life What does Judaism say about getting tattoos? Pirating music? Birth control? Gay marriage? Plus ANYTHING you want to ask! That is the agenda for the next program of the Omaha Jewish Connections (OJC) for high school students. The opportunity for teenagers to ask synagogue clergy members these questions and more will be the program on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Beth Israel Synagogue, 12604 Pacific Street, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Rabbis and Cantors from Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple

Israel will be participating. They will spend the evening answering the provocative and pertinent questions posed anonymously by the teens in attendance.

In addition to the Jan. 30 program, upcoming events include Putting God on Trial on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and a special program just for high school students as part of the community Yom HaShoah commemoration on Wednesday, April 10.

The OJC is open to all Jewish high school students in Omaha.

For more information, contact your synagogue or Beth Cohen at the Center for Jewish Life, 402.334.6446.

PASSOVER 2013 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE J Publishing Date | 03.15.13 Space Reservation | 02.04.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 02.22.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

Free Classical Music Concert

To mark the 25th anniversary of the December 6, 1987 march on Washington to free Soviet Jews, the Jewish Federation of Omaha will be hosting a free classical music concert featuring Duo Dmitri

Sunday, January 27th 3:30-5:30 pm

(Flute and Piano Duo).

in the theater with a reception to follow

Event is made possible with funding from the Leonard & Shirley Goldstein Family Endowment Fund and the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, both of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

8 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The politics of Oscar

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press It’s almost time for the Academy Awards (Sunday, Feb. 24) and of course, we’re not only rooting for the Jewish contestants. That would be silly. And yet, the eternal question of “are-they-or-aren’t-they” must be answered. It’s just more fun that way.

Oscar gives us Steven Spielberg this year; his movie Lincoln received no fewer than 12 nominations, including Best Actor for Daniel Day Lewis (Jewish mother, non-Jewish father). Although, if the Golden Globes are any indication, he may be disappointed.

Alan Arkin is nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Argo, and Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor in The Master.

After that, the pickings get a little slim. Helen Hunt (Best Supporting Actress, The Sessions) had a paternal grandmother who was Jewish, and David O. Russell (Best Director, Silver Linings Playbook) has a Jewish father. Finally, we have Benh Zeitlin, with a nomination for Best Director for Beasts of the Southern Wild; he also has a Jewish father. There you have it.

The real excitement is in the Best Documentary Feature category. Two Israeli films have been nominated: The Gatekeepers and 5 Broken Cameras. The nominations in and of themselves are a good sign; to have, in the middle of all the boycotts, two (sort of) Israeli nominees is a positive thing, no matter who ultimately takes the statue home.

Film and politics cannot easily be separated. That was proven once again when, last year, the Iranian A Separation

won for Best Foreign Language Film. In doing so, it beat one Israeli and three other nominees. To the chagrin of director Asghar Farhadi, Iranian’s top cinema official Javad Shamagdhari described it as “the beginning of the collapse” of Israeli influence in America. (Source: The New York Times) There will be no repeat this year: Iran is boycotting the Academy Awards. The regime is doing so in protest of the YouTube video The Innocence of Muslims, which caused such riots earlier in 2012. Iran’s culture minister, Mohammad Hosseini, blames the organizers of the Oscars for not taking a specific stand on the anti-Islam video. And nothing shows the world what you’re made of like boycotting the Oscars. That in doing this, the Iranian government is only hurting its own people is apparently irrelevant. But then, no one ever accused the Iranian officials of being pragmatic.

While sometimes the relationship between film and politics can put a spotlight on all the wrong things, it can also illustrate struggle in a more positive manner and generate necessary discussion. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the aftermath of 5 Broken Cameras’ nomination.

The reason I spoke of “sort of ” Israeli nominations is that it appears unclear to most popular media whether this film should be billed as Israeli or Palestinian. It’s listed as a co-production of Palestinian Emud Burnat, and Israeli Guy Davidi.

The story itself is Burnat’s: In 2005, he buys his first camera to record the birth of one of his sons.

He begins filming his West Bank village, Bil’in, as it protests

encroaching Israeli settlements. The footage of his growing son becomes a record of what happens around Burnat and his family, and in 2009, five broken cameras later, Burnat approaches Guy Davidi and asks for help editing the footage.

The resulting film won the World Cinema Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012, and received several awards at the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam in 2011.

Enter the complications: since it’s billed as an Israeli film, should the BDS movement boycott it, or – because it is a Palestinian film, should they praise it? Should the Palestinian people embrace the film, or – because it was realized with Israeli funding – refuse to see it? Should a film not have citizenship at all, as Director Guy Davidi states?

But how can you avoid that when a film has this kind of subject matter? And by the way, when we discuss whether a film is Palestinian or Israeli, could we at least discuss the possibility that it is relevant for both?

If 5 Broken Cameras takes home the Oscar, there will no doubt be volumes written about what it means. In and of itself, that is okay. What is not okay is if any of us respond the way the Iranians did in 2012. An Oscar does not mean political victory in all other areas. If the Academy decides Burnat and Davidi deserve the accolades, it is not a criticism of Israeli settlement policy, no matter how badly some will want to interpret it as such. If Daniel Day Lewis wins for Best Actor, it does not mean the Academy makes a statement on intermarriage. And so forth, and so on. What film can do (and often should) is open the door to conversation.

5 Broken Cameras certainly does that. Where that conversation goes is up to us.

Once upon a time I thought Oscar night was all about glamorous dresses and gift bags. Silly me.

Sending mixed messages is not peacemaking

Behind the headlines ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN, National Director of ADL Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Haaretz on Dec. 20, 2012 Read the op-ed page of most newspapers around the world, and you would be convinced that Israel’s leadership, policies and ideology are to blame for the moribund state of Israeli-Palestinian relations. If only Israel took dramatic action (usually involving a change in its approach to settlements) to demonstrate it is truly committed to reaching peace -- according to those opinion-makers -- all the rest would neatly fall into place.

Seldom is the question asked whether the Palestinians are truly interested in reconciliation with Israel, ending the conflict and all claims. An analysis of recent Palestinian policies and statements suggests a mixed message at best, and clear “no” at worst.

For more than two years, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas -- who is internationally portrayed as the moderate, peace-seeking, representative leader of the Palestinian people- - has ignored repeated calls by Israel to return to negotiations, choosing instead to pursue counterproductive unilateral measures to promote Palestinian statehood.

Abbas’ public statements and postures tell a troubling story. Last month, speaking before the UN General Assembly’s vote to upgrade the Palestinians’ UN status,

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Abbas once again charged the Jewish state with everything from racism and genocide, to ethnic cleansing and the Judaisation of Jerusalem, using these defamatory accusations to justify the Palestinians’ statehood request.

He made no mention of the violent terrorist actions committed by Hamas and other Gaza-based Palestinian factions against Israel, including last month’s eight-day-long rocket bombardment of Israeli cities and towns. And, in a chilling development, Abbas’ ruling Fatah party recently released a new logo commemorating their UN victory, depicting a rifle barrel and a Palestinian keffiyah (headscarf) covering the entire territory of the State of Israel.

This logo, intended to represent a new stage in the Palestinian quest for statehood, conveys a message of violence and rejectionism toward Israel -- saying to the Palestinian people that Israel will disappear.

As for Hamas, while there are no illusions about the terrorist organization’s violent ideology, some have suggested that its leadership might be softening its attitude toward Israel. As an example, they point to Khaled Meshal, Hamas’ leader-in-exile, who recently suggested in an interview on CNN that he tacitly supported a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders. Then, just days later, Meshal showed his true colors while addressing his own people in Gaza, where he called for the destruction of the Jewish state through armed resistance and martyrdom, stating that “Jihad and armed resistance are the proper and true path to liberation,” and rejected any historical Jewish connection to Israel.

Hamas’ attitude clearly remains violently malevolent and rejectionist, and Meshal’s behavior reinforces the organization’s continued annihilationist views toward Israel.

Yet, while recent Palestinian initiatives and statements indicate their lack of interest in pursuing peace, it is impor-

tant to distinguish Palestinian President Abbas from Meshal and other Hamas leaders.

Unlike Hamas, Abbas has spoken in favor of a two-state solution and publicly defended his recognition of the State of Israel. During his recent visit to Turkey, the Palestinian president even denounced Meshal’s refusal to recognize Israel, saying that the Palestinians have recognized Israel since the 1993 Oslo accords.

He also made a point of reminding Hamas that their recent unity agreement with Fatah stipulates a two-state vision, and claimed that he does not support violence against Israel as a means of achieving a Palestinian state.

The challenge is how to transform this unrealized potential of Abbas as a peacemaker into a reality and away from his rejectionist tendencies.

While Western analysts are wrong to focus exclusively on Israeli policies as the root cause of the Israeli-Palestinian political impasse, Israel’s leadership could undertake more confidence-building measures reinforcing its commitment to reconciliation with the Palestinians and willingness to make the difficult concessions required to achieve it.

As for the Palestinian Authority, it must cease its stubborn refusal to negotiate with Israel, stop their foolhardy and hollow efforts to gain membership in international organizations and put an end to incendiary rhetoric and imagery. They must acknowledge that, as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton so aptly put it, the road to Palestinian statehood runs through Jerusalem and Ramallah, and not New York.

Furthermore, Abbas must make clear that a unity agreement with Hamas will only be meaningful if and when Hamas renounces violence against Israel, and accepts the Continued on page 9

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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January 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Will Republicans let Lew get to Treasury?

Focus on issues RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) – Jacob Lew helped Orthodox observance reach the highest precincts of governance. But can a man that Republicans say “can’t get to yes” be confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury?

President Obama is nominating Lew, his chief of staff, to the post, replacing Timothy Geithner.

Lew is well known in Washington circles, but in some ways he is the polar opposite of Joe Lieberman, the former Connecticut senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee whose exuberant and public Jewish observance helped pave the way for Lew. Lew has been in public view much less than Lieberman and has not aggressively promoted his observance, although Lew is happy to talk about how he balances it with public service in relatively confined Jewish settings.

He credits his bosses -- Bill Clinton in the 1990s, when Lew headed the Office of Management and Budget, and Obama, under whom Lew has headed the OMB before becoming chief of staff -- for their understanding.

“As a father who is at home and has dinner with his girls, he values that Shabbat is my time being with my family,” Lew told JTA in a pre-election interview, when he was stumping for the president. “I could not ask for someone to be more respectful and supportive, and that’s the reason it works.”

Such deference, coupled with a studiously low profile in Washington, has helped smooth his relationships. Until recently, Lew was a Washington rarity -- a person who enjoyed admiration on both sides of the aisle.

That came to an abrupt end two years ago when Lew, in his OMB capacity, led the administration’s negotiations with Congress to rein in the deficit. The talks failed, and the GOP

made Lew a bogeyman, saying he was too ideological.

Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward’s book about the talks, “The Price of Politics,” quoted Republicans as describing Lew as “disrespectful” and overly ideological in protecting entitlements. Woodward quotes House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) as pleading with the White House to pull back Lew, saying he could not “get to yes.”

That reputation already has drawn a pledge to block Lew’s nomination even before Obama formally announced it. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said in a statement Wednesday that Lew “must never be Secretary of the Treasury.”

Those close to Lew inside and outside the White House say he is a “mensch” who frustrated Republicans with an encyclopedic command of facts that tended to undercut their arguments.

According to Woodward, Lew also was soured by what he saw as Republican disrespect for the President, particularly when Boehner refused for a time to take Obama’s calls.

Lew is fiercely loyal to his boss, and they enjoy a brotherly relationship, White House insiders say, pointing to Lew’s omnipresence in official White House photos. He is one of a small group seen praying with the president on the day of last month’s massacre of schoolchildren in Connecticut -- a moment that Obama has described as the worst in his presidency.

Tevi Troy, an observant Jew who was deputy health secretary under President George W. Bush and who debated Lew during the election, said ideological differences should not undercut a nominee and that he hoped to see Lew confirmed.

“He is ideological and very committed to entitlements without full recognition of the fiscal challenges we face,” he said. “I hope as Treasury Secretary he will come to some sort of agreement that will alleviate our dire fiscal situation.”

Otherwise, Troy said, he was a fan of Lew for raising the

roofbeams for observant Jews.

“I’m a fan of people who balance religious observance and high-level government service,” Troy said. “It’s great that it shows that Jews at whatever observance level can serve at high levels of governments.”

Lew’s value is not just his example but also his advice, said Rabbi Levi Shemtov, the director of American Friends of Lubavitch, who often acts as an adviser to devout Jews in Washington seeking to balance observance and public service.

“Jack Lew does not only seek rabbinical advice, he sometimes helps dispense it,” Shemtov said.

Shemtov recalled having to consider a request from a congregant who was called in to government work urgently on a religious holiday. Lew happened to be in synagogue, and Shemtov was able to consult with someone familiar both with governance and halachah, or Jewish law.

“He’s able to give an inside view of the scale of urgency in a way that that can help rabbis and even communal leaders understand things more practically,” he said.

Jewish audiences thrill to such insights. Clevelanders attending a pre-election debate between Troy and Lew enjoyed their back and forth on Israel and domestic policy, but especially lit up when the two recalled their gentle explanations of observance to non-Jewish colleagues. Lew drew laughs when he recalled having to explain to congressional leaders that there was no need to suspend sessions for Chanukah -- it was not a holiday requiring an absence from work.

“It was a policy debate, and it was important and it was serious,” said Nathan Diament, the Washington director of the Orthodox Union, who moderated the debate. “The closing discussion about his role as a Sabbath-observant Jew in the highest levels of government was both insightful and inspiring.”

Remember King for battling hate against all

Behind the headlines KENNETH JACOBSON NEW YORK (JTA) -- For those of us who closely follow the progress in America in the battles against racism and anti-Semitism, the observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday this year has particular relevance.

First, the King holiday, which this year is observed on Jan. 21, reminds us of two significant anniversaries surrounding the civil rights leader. It is the 50th anniversary of his historic I Have A Dream speech at the Mall in Washington and the 20th anniversary of all 50 states in the union observing the holiday.

Second, while leading the monumental struggle for civil rights in this country, King never equivocated in denouncing anti-Semitism.

“The segregationists and racists make no fine distinction between the Negro and the Jews,” he stated bluntly.

And in a letter to Jewish leaders just months before his 1968 assassination, King said, “I will continue to oppose it [anti-Semitism] because it is immoral and self-destructive.”

The message -- that it is never enough for Jews and Jewish organizations to condemn anti-Semitism -- remains terribly important for the country. Important leaders from all communities must follow King’s lead.

More specifically, King’s condemnation of anti-Semitism

Sending mixed messages Continued from page 8 two-state solution. Until that happens, neither Israel nor the international community will be able to accept the terrorist organization’s participation in a process leading to a complete resolution of the conflict and end to all claims.

The time has come for Abbas to demonstrate true leadership, and follow through on his pledge to unconditionally return to Quartet-sponsored negotiations following the UN vote. It is no longer sufficient for the Palestinians to simply pay lip-service to peace by acknowledging Israel and denouncing violence; it is now imperative for Abbas to show the world which message he truly believes in -- good-faith negotiations with Israel or prolonged and sustained conflict.

Israel is waiting.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting antiSemitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

was and is important for his own African-American community. For too long, levels of anti-Semitic attitudes have been too high. And some African-American cultural figures utter sentiments about Jews and Jewish power that remain very troubling.

Not only did King react against blatant anti-Semitism, but early on he anticipated the more sophisticated versions. In an appearance at Harvard, as reported by the scholar Seymour Martin Lipset in his book, The Socialism of Fools, King responded to a hostile question about Zionism, “When people criticize Zionists they mean Jews; you are talking anti-Semitism.”

Third, King understood the importance of standing up for other minorities both as a value and to strengthen support for his work on behalf of African-Americans. Perhaps King’s greatest legacy was his conviction that justice for black people could not be achieved in a vacuum, that all Americans must live free from oppression in order to guarantee freedom.

Why was obtaining civil rights for African-Americans so important to the American Jewish community? Because it was the right thing to do, and because it was good for all and built coalitions in fighting all forms of prejudice.

Fourth, King knew that power politics were important to bring change. Speeches, marches, demonstrations and sit-ins were all about power politics. But he profoundly understood that ultimately, appealing to the moral values, the goodness and long-term interests of those who needed to change --

the white majority -- was the key to changing society.

In the long run, however, changing hearts and minds through education and appealing to the best instincts of America is the real solution.

Fifth, the civil rights revolution led by King also further opened up America for Jews and is one of the key elements as to why today American Jews are the freest community in the 2,000-year history of the Diaspora and why things are so much better for Jews today than 60 or 70 years ago. Civil rights legislation allowed Jews to challenge their exclusion.

Even more, the revolution changed society in a way that being different and expressing one’s differences was no longer a liability.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work in seeking equality for all was consistent with the values expressed by the Jewish sage Hillel two millennia ago: “If I am not for me, who will be?” One must have pride and stand up for one’s own.

“If I am only for myself, what am I?” To be fully human, one must go beyond one’s own problems and stand up for others.

“If not now, when?” Justice delayed is justice denied.

These values were King’s values. Too often in society today we stray from them. This 50th anniversary of his “I Have a Dream” speech is a good time to recommit to those things that brought us all together.

Kenneth Jacobson is deputy national director of the AntiDefamation League.

Gentiles of 2012

by JTA NEWS STAFF Whether they made us cheer, bang our heads against the wall, wish they were Jewish or thank God that they're not, this year had plenty of non-Jews who played an important role in the Jewish story. And since it’s still the month of January, it’s not too late to take another look.

Thanks to Claire Danes, Americans have not only fallen in love with an adaptation of an Israeli TV show, but they’ve learned that Tel Aviv is the world’s “most intense party town.” Danes portrays the bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison on the critically acclaimed Showtime series Homeland, which had parts of its second season filmed in Israel.

After a far-right Hungarian politician called for Jews to be screened as potential security risks, the deputy speaker of the country’s parliament, Istvan Ujhelyi, led colleagues in wearing yellow stars during a parliamentary session as a sign of solidarity with the country’s Jewish community. Ujhelyi said he did not believe he had Jewish roots, but that he would be proud if it turned out he did.

When the International Olympic Committee denied

repeated requests to have a moment of silence at the 2012 London Summer Olympics honoring the 40th anniversary of the murder of 11 Israelis at the Munich Games, NBC sportscaster Bob Costas took it upon himself to remember the slain athletes and coaches. As the Israeli delegation entered the stadium for the opening ceremonies, Costas summarized the controversy and then went silent for several seconds, holding his own moment of silence.

For Brian Flynn and Ryan Parry, reporters for the British tabloid The Sun, it’s never too late for justice. The duo tracked down suspected war criminal Ladislaus CsizsikCsatary, 97, leading to his arrest in Hungary in July on charges of helping send 15,700 Jews to their deaths during the Holocaust.

After music legend Stevie Wonder backed out of a commitment to perform at a benefit for the Israel Defense Forces in Los Angeles in December, bowing to pressure from proPalestinian activists, the Grammy Award-winning singer Chaka Khan took his place. Khan performed several of her signature hits at the gala, which wound up raising $14 million to support the well-being of Israeli soldiers.

10 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Dinner & Drash, 7 p.m., following Shabbat services. Cost: $12.50 per person. RSVP online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or by contacting the office, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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

by Rabbi Steven and Shira Abraham, in honor of their anniversary and Shira’s birthday; Evening Service, 5:05 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; The HighlyControversial Laws of the Torah, 10 a.m. with Andy Greenberg.

MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Tai Chi Class class, 6:30 p.m., led by Beth Staenberg and continuing on Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and 11.

Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org. For more information, contact Margie in the office.

THURSDAY: Dames & Drinks, 7 p.m. All women of Beth El are invited to bring board games and enjoy an evening of fun and friends. Beverages and snacks will be provided courtesy of Sisterhood. Free babysitting available by reservation only; contact Melissa Schop, melschop@hotmail.com to reserve a spot.

Sisterhood Shabbat, Saturday, Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. Women of Beth El will help lead morning services, and afterward, Sisterhood will sponsor Kiddush for the congregation.

Shabbat’s Cool/Shul-in, special Shabbat overnight for BESTT students in grades 3-7, beginning at 10 a.m., and featuring games, music, a movie, pancake breakfast and much more. Then, on Sunday, 9:45 a.m., we’ll take a bus to Lauritzen Gardens for a special Tu B’Shevat celebration.

BESTT parents are encouraged to ride the bus with their children; reserve a seat by visiting www.bethel-omaha.org, or call the synagogue. (Note: All children who ride the bus to the botanical center must return on the bus to Beth El.) Torah Tots, Sunday, Jan. 27, 9:45 a.m., tots and parents will catch the bus at Beth El and head to Lauritzen Gardens for Tu B’Shevat festivities. RSVP for the bus at the synagogue web site.

Tu B’Shevat at Lauritzen Gardens, community-wide celebration on Sunday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. – noon, for all ages, featuring seed-planting, cookie-decorating, music and more.

Free admission. Free bus transportation from Beth El to the gardens; reservations are required and may be made by visiting www.bethel-omaha.org, or by calling the synagogue.

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:06 p.m.

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

Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:10 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Chess Club, 10 a.m.; RBJH Connections for Teens, 2:30 p.m.; Judaism 101: Living the Jewish Year, 5 p.m.; Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m.; Teens 4 Israel Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 114th & Dodge.

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Special Kiddush luncheon in honor of Rosh Chodesh Sh’vat follows the service. What is significant about the ten plagues?

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

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Special gathering, 7 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.417.2752 to reserve; Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Rabbi Katzman at 6:30 p.m. Contact Devorah at 402.330.1800 to let us know if you’ll join us.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. Pre-registration required; FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Michael Boekstal, with oneg following hosted by Elaine Monnier.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Michael Boekstal; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Bo; Mincha/Havdalah Service, 4:30 p.m. celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Talia Halperin at Tifereth Israel; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Confirmation class, noon; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 3:30 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss The World to Come by Dara Horn. Please RSVP to Sara at 402.477.6050.

MONDAY: Temple office closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Tot Shabbat with Miss Jennifer, Friday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Joint Shabbat Shirah Concert, Sunday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 9:45 a.m. Israel Update with guest speaker Bob Evnen.

Candlelighting Friday, January 18, 5:06 p.m.

TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #7.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Joan Kripke and Miles Remer.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Shira Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Harley and Jonothan Gordman, sons of Bridget and Kip Gordman, will celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: No Religious School; Board of Trustees Meeting and Retreat, 9 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m.; Community roundtable with congregants to discuss Violence in Our Society, 6:30 p.m. moderated by Omaha World Herald columnist Michael Kelly.

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

Family Treasurers with Sandra Martin, Sunday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. Pre-registration required; Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch; Kids Rule the Shul Shabbat Service, 10:3011:15 a.m. An adult family member must be present in the building during the time of the service; Talia Halperin’s Bat Mitzvah Service, 4:30 p.m. followed by a dinner in honor of Talia sponsored by Katie Halperin and Lou Halperin.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss The World to Come by Dara Horn.

Please reply to Sara if you are coming MONDAY: Information Session for Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class, 5:15-6 p.m. For anyone over the age of 20 who has not had the opportunity of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah with a ceremony.

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

Tot Shabbat with Miss Jennifer, Friday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Musical afternoon in honor of Shabbat Shirah, Sunday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. featuring the South Street Temple’s Star City Kochavim at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 9:45 a.m. Israel Update with guest speaker Bob Evnen.

Liberman says he will resign from politics if convicted

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, under indictment for fraud and breach of trust, said he would resign from politics if he is convicted.

Liberman, who remains head of theYisrael Beiteinu party and is No. 2 on the combined Knesset list of his party and Likud behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the Jan. 22 elections, said Monday in an Army Radio interview that he would step down even though it is not required by law.

He would have to resign if a conviction carries moral turpitude.

Liberman resigned at the end of December as foreign minister shortly before his indictment on the charges of fraud and breach of trust for allegedly advancing the position of Zeev Ben Aryeh, Israel's former ambassador to Belarus, in exchange for information on an investigation against him. The charges came after Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein on Dec. 13 closed a 12-year probe of Liberman in other cases.

Liberman's statement that he would resign if convicted follows statements last week by his party's No. 2, Yair Shamir, son of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, that Liberman should resign if found guilty.

“A public official who faltered while in public service must make way for those who have not," said Shamir, formerly an executive with El Al. "Whether the offense carries the designation of moral turpitude or not is irrelevant.”

“I agree with him,” Liberman said on Army Radio. “I think that there have to be clear norms. Even if there is no moral turpitude, I will not continue in politics.”

He added that Shamir will not be penalized for his comments.

"I have no problems with what Shamir said, and Shamir will without any doubt have a senior role in the Likud Beiteinu government,” Liberman said.

Pulverent e

January 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Pharaoh’s heart

In memoriam SAUL LIBOWSKI

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Bo Even naïve Bible students question the justice of punishing Pharaoh for his stubbornness in refusing ‘exit visas’ for the children of Israel, since it was the Lord himself who “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.”

The Bible writer is undisturbed by this theological question and offers the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and the subsequent punishment without apology and without spiritual strain.

Historically, Jews have encountered many others whose hearts were hard toward us and our religious traditions. As we read history, we would not say that God Himself hardened any hearts, whether it was Ferdinand and Isabella or Chmielnicky or Eichmann. We would have put it in more secular terms.

From time to time, I have not hesitated to say that in my view the “hardness of the heart” of anti-Semitism grew mainly in Christianity, in a straight line from the New Testament to the polluted atmosphere of Europe in which the Holocaust exploded. Although anit-Semitism is still strong, in the best and more thoughtful Christian circles, this subject is now considered carefully and admission is freely made of the point I have been making. There is attempt, at long last, to undo this evil.

I quote Fr. Gregory Baum. At one point in his career he wrote The Jews and the Gospel. His book was a tendentious defense of the New Testament. He felt that it was not antiSemitic.

Later, he realized his defense was not sound. He wrote: “…here (in the Holocaust) the theological negation of Judaism and the vilification of the Jewish people that was part of the Christian tradition was translated into genocidal action of monstrous proportions. Not by Christians themselves, but by a political party that used a heritage built up

by Christianity and counted on a good deal of Christian cooperation.”

As Fr. Baum puts it, the question that frightens Christians is this: Is it possible to purify the Christian message of its anti-Jewish ideology without invalidating Christianity altogether? Fr. Baum indicates it is possible, as do ADL studies.

Christianity can be true to itself at the same time that it purges its teachings of the slander of Jews that grew during the “Christian centuries” of Europe and made the atmosphere ready for the Holocaust.

Coming soon: Auditions for Seussical Jr.

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT On Jan. 5 and 6, the Jewish Community Center’s Musical Theater Acting Group performed Guys and Dolls in front of an appreciative audience.

“Each time, I am more impressed with all the hard work everyone does,” Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz says. “And whatever the current musical is they perform, it instantly becomes my favorite. I am so appreciative of their enthusiasm, and of course, with the hundreds of community members who come out to support us.

Where would we be without an audience?”

Saul Libowski of Farmers Branch, TX, passed away on Dec. 13 at age 89 in Plano, Texas. Services were held Dec. 18 at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Roselle Clayman Libowski.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Pritchard of Farmers Branch, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Loring Libowski of Corpus Christi, TX; daughter and son-in-law Lynne and Allen Pritchard of Ardmore, OK and granddaughters: Sarah Pritchard of Farmers Branch, TX and Molly Libowski of Corpus Christi, TX. Saul Libowski came to America in 1935 at the age of 12 from Germany to escape the persecution of Jews. One of his younger sisters, Betty, came to America in 1936. Sadly he lost his mother and three sibilings in the concentration camps. He served in the army in WWII in the South Pacific.

He was in the 81st Infantry Division, "The Wildcats."

After his wife, Roselle Clayman Libowski, died he moved to Texas and he became very active in the community. He made friends easily and he never considered anyone he met a stranger.

Memorials may be made to the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Israeli film Fill the Void takes prize in Palm Springs

by JTA NEWS STAFF LOS ANGELES (JTA) --The Israeli movie Fill the Void was named Best Foreign-Language Film of the Year at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in Southern California. The film beat out entries from 41 other countries for the coveted prize.

Though not as prestigious as the Academy Awards, or as well known as the Cannes or Venice film festivals, the Palm Springs event is considered the primary U.S. venue for the screening of foreign movies. This year, the festival screened 182 films, including 42 of the 71 foreign-language movies submitted in the Oscar competition.

Fill the Void, written and directed by Rama Burshtein, examines issues of faith and conduct within the haredi Orthodox community in Tel Aviv, as viewed from an insider’s perspective.The festival jury praised the movie for “portraying a culture usually depicted in stereotypical terms, with subtlety, sympathy and sensuality, and employing a style that is intimate, but not intrusive.

Fill the Void has won seven Ophir awards, Israel’s equivalent of the Oscar, and received high praise at the Toronto, Venice, New York and Sao Paulo film fests.

Hadas Yaron, who portrays an 18-year old girl torn by the choice of a future husband she chooses, and another preferred by her family, won the best actress award at the 2012 Venice Film Festival.

Also honored this year in Palm Springs was the Holocaust-themed Serbian film, When Day Breaks. In the movie by director Goran Paskaljevic, an elderly music professor, who has always considered himself Christian, discovers that he is the son of Jewish parents, who left him with a farmer’s family and later perished in the Holocaust.

Like the character in the movie, “I cannot NOT remember,” Paskaljevic said in an interview. “If we forget the crimes committed during World War II, and later in Bosnia, that opens the door to new crimes.”

Did you know?

Although the actors and supporting stafff are taking a small break, it won’t be for long: auditions for the group's next project, Seussical Jr. will be held Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Jewish Community Center.

Adults (over 18) can come between 3 and 4 p.m.; all kids 18 and under are welcome from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The cost for JCC members is $130; for non-members it's $165. Rehearsals will start Sunday, Feb. 10; rehearsal time is 3-5 p.m. through May 5. From May 12 through May 26, rehearsal time will be 2-5 p.m.

The JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group is made possible by the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund and a grant from the NE Arts Council. For more information, please send an email to ekatz@jccomaha.org.

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12 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2013

Can Natan Sharansky fix the Western Wall?

by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- He brought unprecedented attention to the plight of Soviet Jewry. He stood up to the KGB. He survived nine years in Siberia. He served in Israel’s fractious government.

Now, Natan Sharansky is facing his next challenge: finding a solution to the growing battle over women’s prayer restrictions at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site.

In recent months, Diaspora Jewish activists have grown increasingly incensed by the arrests and detention of women seeking to pray publicly at the site in keeping with their religious practices -- but in violation of the rules of the wall under which women may not sing aloud, wear tallit prayer shawls or read from the Torah.

The controversy threatens to drive a wedge between Diaspora Jewry, where egalitarian prayer is common, and Israel, which has upheld Orthodox rules at the Wall, also known as the Kotel. American Jewish leaders in the United States say the rules alienate Reform and Conservative Jews.

Within Israel, too, the Wall has become a flashpoint for nonOrthodox religious activists and the Kotel’s haredi Orthodox leadership.

Two weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, to look into the controversy and propose solutions. The question is whether the former refusenik leader and human rights advocate can resolve a dispute that pits Jew against Jew. “Will it happen through Sharansky?” asked Anat Hoffman, chairwoman of Women of the Wall, a group that organizes monthly women’s services at the Kotel. “That I doubt, but I’m willing to give him a chance. Sharansky will understand how much traction this issue has.”

Hoffman was arrested in October for wearing a tallit at the site, and several more of the group’s members have been detained at subsequent services.

Sharansky declined to comment on the issue until he gives his recommendations, but activists on both sides of the issue say the gaps between the site’s leadership and pluralism advocates may be too wide for Sharansky to bridge.

Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Wall’s chief rabbi, would like to maintain the status quo, where men and women are separated by a partition and only men may wear tallit and tefillin and convene a minyan prayer quorum with Torah reading.

Hoffman and her allies have proposed alternatives that involve the religious streams sharing time and space in the Kotel Plaza, with each praying according to its own precepts.

Men praying at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site and the center of an escalating battle over women’s prayer restrictions, November 2012. Credit: Ben Sales Hoffman says her minimum demand is for women to receive one hour at the beginning of every Jewish month -excluding Rosh Hashanah -- when they can pray as a group with tallit and tefillin, and read the Torah. Ideally, Hoffman says she would want the Kotel’s partition between men and women to be removed for several hours each day so that women and egalitarian groups can pray there undisturbed, but she acknowledges that such a scenario has virtually no chance of being approved by Rabinowitz.

Other activists say the solution lies in adding a partition rather than removing one. Yizhar Hess, the CEO and executive director of the Israeli Conservative movement, Masorti, advocates dividing the Kotel Plaza into three sections: one for men, one for women and one for egalitarian groups. Hess also told JTA that he would like to see the rear section of the plaza opened to cultural activities such as concerts and dancing, which are prohibited now.

“There are many egalitarian groups who come to the wall and view it as the peak of their emotional and spiritual experience in Israel,” said Uri Regev, a Reform rabbi who runs Hiddush, an Israeli religious pluralism nonprofit. “The fact

that they can’t express that spiritual experience in a spiritual way is a missed opportunity.”

According to a 2003 Israeli Supreme Court ruling, nonOrthodox and women’s prayer groups can pray at Robinson’s Arch, an archaeological park adjacent to the Kotel Plaza where an admission fee is required. Regev suggested that Sharansky may recommend improvements to Robinson’s Arch, including an expanded prayer area and free admission for prayer groups.

That may be the maximum compromise that Rabinowitz would make.

“I think what’s happening today at the Kotel is the best for all viewpoints of the world,” Rabinowitz told JTA. “No one gets exactly what they want -- not haredim and not Women of the Wall. If someone thinks they can bring something better, I’d love to hear it.”

Rabinowitz declined to comment on time- or space-sharing proposals.

Meanwhile, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which controls the Kotel, announced recently that women are no longer allowed to bring tallit or tefillin into the Kotel Plaza.

The Prime Minister’s Office, one official there told JTA, hopes Sharansky will bring to bear his “unique experience and abilities in serving as a bridge for all streams within the Jewish people” as he approaches the problem.

One potential bridge between Rabinowitz and Hoffman are Modern Orthodox rabbis who believe both in Orthodoxy and pluralism.

The Kotel “is a holy place, but needs to belong to all of Israel,” said Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, who co-founded the Modern Orthodox rabbis’ organization Tzohar. Cherlow says he isn’t throwing his backing behind any particular solution but that a time-sharing arrangement may work.

Daniel Goldman, chairman of the religious-secular nonprofit Gesher, says the only way to reach a compromise is to find figures who occupy middle ground who can foster some sort of accord.

“If Natan Sharansky could broaden the people involved in that debate beyond Rabbi Rabinowitz and Women of the Wall, it’s possible to use this issue to create a more constructive dialogue,” Goldman said. “If you get Anat Hoffman and Rabbi Rabinowitz in a room, it’s quite obvious and clear that there will be no compromise solution.”

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