January 23, 2009

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 21 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

27 Tevet, 5769

January 23, 2009

Israeli troops leaving Gaza amid Hamas vow to rearm

ADL helps media, public understand Israel’s retaliation

by MARCY OSTER Olmert told JERUSALEM (JTA) -a gathering of As Hamas vowed to European rearm despite internal e a d e r s tional calls to stop arms Sunday in smuggling into Gaza, Jerusalem that Israeli officials said the Israel did not withdrawal of their troops want to stay in from the coastal strip Gaza. would likely be complet“The State ed before Barack Obama of Israel has wass worn in as America’s no intention new leader on Tuesday. of staying in Israeli troops continued the Gaza to leave Gaza on Monday.

Strip,” he The Israeli officials were said. “We are quoted anonymously in interested in reports on the timing of withdrawing the withdrawal. Obama from the Gaza said he would address the Strip as quicksituation in Gaza after he ly as possible was inaugurated. the moment Israel began a unilateral we are assured cease-fire at 2 a.m. that the ceaseSunday, which was met fire is being several hours later with a respected and Hamas announcement of is stable, and its own seven-day ceasethat there is fire along with demands A variety of weapons, including an anti-aircraft gun, rockets and grenades, no threat to that Israel withdraw all of were found in a mosque by an Israel Defense Forces unit operating in the Gaza the security of its troops from Gaza Strip last week before the ceasefire was declared on Sunday. Credit: ISRANET s o u t h e r n within a week.

Israel. Our intention is not to conquer or control Gaza.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, in making the cease-fire We do not wish to remain in Gaza. We intend to withannouncement Saturday night, said the objectives of draw as soon as possible.”

Operation Cast Lead “were fullyachieved and more so.”

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who is servThe three-week mission, which started withairstrikes, ing as the rotating as the rotating president of the Continued on page 2 included two weeks of ground operations in Gaza.

by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League In the wake of Israel’s retaliatory action against Hamas, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has launched an educational campaign to help the media and the general public understand why Israel is fighting back.

“Our informational resources give a measured account of the ongoing threat Hamas has posed to Israeli civilians, day after day, year after year,” ADL Plains States Regional Director Alan Potash said.

After eight years of nearly daily rocket attacks against its southern cities, Israel has struck back against key Hamas targets in Gaza, including security headquarters, smuggling tunnels and weapons storage facilities.

While Israel had complied with Egypt’s proposal for a six-month ceasefire, Hamas had been expanding its arsenal and resumed its rocket attacks. At the same time, Israel has continued to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gazan civilians who are essentially held hostage by their militant leaders, Potash maintained.

The ADL has made available to the media, the Jewish community and the general public an array of resources which offers a thorough analysis of the current situation, as well as ways to show support for Israel.

The ADL website features wide-ranging materials including daily updates, FAQs, backgrounders, a region-specific poster series and audiovisual coverage addressing issues such as the alarming spread of antiSemitic invective at rallies opposing Israel’s actions.

For regional journalists covering the crisis, the ADL has released a media advisory which provides late-breaking news and comprehensive background on Palestinian-Israeli relations.

Beth El to honor Rabbi Kripke on his 95th birthday life. He has a lifelong love for Torah

by JILL BELMONT study and he never fails to uncover new Beth El Publicity Coordinator teachings. Through his weekly Torah On Saturday, Jan. 31, commentary, he keeps the Torah’s teach9:30 a.m., during Shabbat ings fresh, relating its messages to the services, Beth El Synagogue issues of the day and touching the lives of will honor Rabbi Emeritus all who read his words.”

Myer S. Kripke as he celeSaying that the rabbi emeritus “has brates his 95th birthday -made a significant and meaningful conand the entire community is tribution to Jewish life in many ways,” invited.

Rabbi Levin added that, “He has made a Rabbi Kripke was the spirdifference in the lives of so many people. itual leader of the congregaIt’s a privilege to know him and to have tion from 1946 to 1975; he the opportunity to learn from him.” is a renowned scholar, Citing the upcoming service, Pitlor teacher, philanthropist and noted: “That Shabbat morning will be a writer, as well as an icon in special occasion for everyone in attenOmaha’s Jewish community. dance. Rabbi Kripke holds a special place During the upcoming in our congregation's heart, especially service, Rabbi Kripke’s three Rabbi Myer S. Kripke children will be in attenthose people who grew up at Beth El, dance to mark this special milestone, and congratulato- became Bar or Bat Mitzvah, married, had brises and ry remarks will be made by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and namings, as well as other life-cycle milestones during his synagogue board president Steve Pitlor. A special tenure as rabbi.

Kiddush luncheon will follow the service.

Pitlor added, “His legacy will live on and will always “There is no more appropriate place to mark this mile- play an important role in the history and growth of Beth stone, this 95th birthday, than here at Beth El,” said El Synagogue. I encourage the entire community to Rabbi Levin. “Beth El, Judaism and the Jewish people attend on Saturday morning, as this will truly be a wonhave all played very important roles in Rabbi Kripke’s derful event.”

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

This Week: JFS reports on survey results: Page 5 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Filmmaker reveals ‘Waltz with Bashir’ backstory: Page 6

A truck-load of food was unloaded for a 100-person family from the northern Gaza Strip on the Israeli side of the border and transported from there by IDF forces near the family’s residence. The procedure was a cooperative effort between the head of the family and the IDF. Credit: ISRANET With a timeline of important historical milestones, including the thousands of attacks against Israel by Hamas, the media guide lays out the responses to frequently asked questions and helps dispel common misperceptions about the Gaza operation. It also takes a probing look at Hamas, including, “In Their Own Words.”

“Hamas is an Islamic extremist organization, whose charter calls for the obliteration of Israel. To this end, Hamas has located its terrorist infrastructure near homes, schools and mosques, deliberately putting Gazans in harm’s way,” Potash said. “This is critical information for the media.”

Reaching out to the general public, the ADL has invited people to join its newly launched Facebook cause “ADL Defending Israel.” Facebook, a popular social networking website, enables the League to engage the online world community in support for Israel. More than Continued on page 3

Coming Next Month: Simchas & Celebrations on Feb. 6 Yachad, proud of their artwork, prepare for sale: Page 7

Temple families return from winter trip to Israel: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

Israeli troops leaving Gaza

Continued from page 1 ble.”

European Union, along About six hours after with French President Israel’s unilateral ceaseNicolas Sarkozy, British fire went into effect Prime Minister Gordon Sunday, Palestinian Brown, German gunmen fired at Israeli Chancellor Angela soldiers in northern Merkel, Italian Prime Gaza.

The troops Minister Silvio Berlusconi returned fire in a defenand Spanish Prime sive measure.

Minister Jose Luis Schools in the southRodriguez Zapatero were ern communities hit in Israel to show their hardest by rockets support for the Israeliremained closed Sunday declared cease-fire. and Monday, and resiOn Monday, the armed dents were warned that wing of Hamas said it Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, left, Spanish Prime Minister there would likely be would rearm despite calls Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, more rocket fire. to halt arms smuggling French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Some 170 trucks carinto Gaza. “Do what you Brown, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister rying food and medilike, but the manufactur- Silvio Berlusconi, offered to provide both troops and technological sup- cine entered Gaza on ing of holy weapons is our port to prevent further Hamas smuggling into Gaza, in cooperation Sunday. Humanitarian Credit: ISRANET aid and fuel have been goal,” Abu Ubeida, with the U.S. and Egypt. spokesman for Hamas’ Izzadin Kassam military wing, said supplied to Gazans during Israel’s operation. at a news conference in Gaza, Reuters reported.

Israel opened a regional clinic at the Erez crossing “Bringing arms into Gaza is not smuggling,” said Sunday to treat wounded Gaza civilians. The emergency Ubeida, his face covered with a checkered keffiyah. “The treatment center is staffed by Magen David Adom in natural situation would be for all Arab and Muslim coordination with the Ministry of Health and coordinatcountries, along with the rest of the free world, to for- ed by Minister of Welfare and Social Services Issac mally allow weapons into the Strip.”

Herzog. The Gazans may then be brought to hospitals The spokesman added, “Meanwhile, we believe it is in Israel. Seven Gazan children requiring treatment for our right to bring arms in any way we find fit.” cancer were transferred Monday to Israeli hospitals.

At a hastily arranged conference called by Egypt Israel’s National Security Cabinet voted Saturday Sunday in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheik, night to approve the cease-fire. Seven ministers voted for Arab and European leaders called for an end to Hamas the measure, two voted against and one abstained, weapons smuggling into Gaza. Britain, France, Germany according to reports. The cease-fire declaration came on and the United States offered to assist in the effort, the 21st day of Operation Cast Lead. though Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has rejected In his statement to the public and the media, Olmert any plan that would include an international monitoring made it clear that the decision to halt Israel’s operations force on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border. in Gaza was unilateral based on agreements sought with The Hamas cease-fire announcement on Sunday after- the international community. “It must be remembered noon came after at least 20 rockets launched from Gaza that Hamas is not part of the arrangements we came to,” landed in Israel, wounding at least one Israeli in Ashdod. Olmert said. “These are agreements involving many counKhaled Meshaal, the Hamas leader in exile in tries, and a terrorist organization like Hamas is not and Damascus, made the announcement on Syrian television. need not be a part of them.”

It was not coordinated with Israel. Meshaal said condiOlmert said that if rockets continue to fall on southern tions included Israel pulling its troops out of Gaza with- Israel, then Israel would be prepared to respond. As he in a week, ending its blockade on the strip and opening was speaking, Olmert noted a demonstration of hunthe Rafah border crossing with Egypt. dreds of Israelis demanding that abducted soldier Gilad In a speech shown Sunday on Hamas television, Shalit, who is believed to be held in Gaza, released as Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh congratulated the part of any cease-fire.

Palestinian people on their victory, saying Israel’s Gaza “The intensive efforts to secure Gilad’s release began operation was a failure. He called the Hamas decision to long before the operation, continued during it and will declare its own unilateral cease-fire “wise and responsi- continue after as well,” Olmert said.

Israel activists blending new, traditional tactics in PR battle

by BEN HARRIS and JOSHUA SPIRO NEW YORK (JTA) -- As Israel takes to the Internet in search of innovative ways to make its case about Gaza to the world, Jews around the globe also are utilizing innovative methods -- and particularly new technological tools -- to explain what the Jewish state is facing as it acts to protect its southern flank from rocket fire.

StandWithUs, a Los Angeles-based pro-Israel group, has established a round-the-clock Internet task force -- in cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel -- to monitor Web sites and provide instant responses to attacks on the Jewish state. Some 15 to 20 volunteers staff two situation rooms, in Herzliya and Jerusalem, that promote pro-Israel content on social networking Web sites, respond to online opinion polling and try to alter the tenor of discussions in Internet chat rooms.

Volunteers monitor Internet chatter about the Gaza conflict in the “situation room” established by the pro-Israel group StandWithUs. Credit: StandWithUs The group also has launched a Web site, HelpUsWin.org, that provides links to public opinion polls on the conflict, online articles in need of response and ideas to integrate pro-Israel symbols with profiles on sites such as Facebook. It also features pictures and videos that highlight Hamas’ indoctrination of children and the humanity of Israeli soldiers.

“We’re trying to dictate the Net agenda as well as respond to it,” Michael Dickson, the director of the StandWithUs office in Israel, told JTA. Much of the online activity related to the Israel-Hamas battle in Gaza centers around Facebook, the hugely popular networking site that has seen a noticeable upsurge in political content related to the conflict. More than 5,000 users are attending a virtual rally on the site organized by the World Zionist Organization. Pro-Israel users are being encouraged to change their profile pictures to “I Love Israel” and donate their “status update” to keep Continued on page 3

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January 23, 2009

Israel activists blending tactics in PR battle

Continued from page 2 track of the terrorist rockets landing in southern Israel.

Some 1,200 users are listed as “fans” of the rocket application, which automatically updates whenever a rocket lands in southern Israel.

In Los Angeles, the Israeli Leadership Council, an Israeli-American community group, has launched a number of online initiatives to press Israel’s case. Among them are the Web sites Live4Sderot.org, which raises money and awareness for the citizens of Israel’s embattled southern frontier, and Tzav8.org, which encourages Israeli Americans to register for notification of pro-Israel events. The site’s title is a reference to the order that calls up Israeli reservists in wartime.

Even the larger, more established Jewish groups are trying to influence the digital discussion.

The Anti-Defamation League has launched an Israel defense page on Facebook that has attracted nearly 2,000 members. The ADL also has made posters available for download in what it hopes will spark a “viral media campaign” on Israel's behalf.

“I think it’s certainly possible to influence younger Jews using social media. I think that’s a correct instinct,” said Esther Kustanowitz, a well-known contributor to several major Jewish blogs. “What I’m finding personally, and I can only assume I’m not the only one who feels this way, is that I’m overwhelmed by requests to express my support for Israel by joining every possible group on Facebook. I get six to eight of them a day.”

She added, “And it’s not like the groups are mobilizing towards anything. It’s just an expression -- I’m for the war, I’m against the war. For me, joining a group is not necessarily a helpful show of support for peace or against violence.”

The effort comes as Israel, constantly at pains to explain itself to the world, has itself utilized cutting-edge Internet tools to present its side of the conflict.

In New York, the Israeli Consulate conducted an online citizens’ “press” conference, while the Israel Defense Forces has established its own channel on the video sharing site YouTube. The channel features aerial video shot from Israeli warplanes showing the destruction of suspected Hamas targets.

“Since the definition of war has changed, the definition of public diplomacy has to change as well,” David Saranga, the media and public affairs consul in New York, told The New York Times.

To be sure, online political activism is hardly the sole province of the pro-Israel community. Palestinian solidarity activists and Jews opposed to Israel’s military operations have also taken to the Internet -- arguably with greater force and visibility.

“The short of it is, if you look at the communities that power social news websites, because these communities tend to be composed of early adopters who generally tend to have a more liberal bias, the stories you tend to see promoted will mostly favor the Palestinian side,” said Muhammad Saleem, a social media consultant in Chicago.

“I’m seeing the same thing happen on Facebook as well. There are groups arguing both sides of the issue, but the groups that get the most attention tend to be liberal and lean towards the Gazans’ side of the issue.”

Saleem stressed that he was describing only the balance of opinion he’s seeing online, not the rightness or wrongness of particular points of view.

However much it lags behind some pro-Palestinian forces, the use of new media during the Gaza clashes represents a significant advance in the degree of Web savvy demonstrated by the Jewish community and serves to complement more traditional means of political activism, of which there has been little shortage since the conflict broke out in late December.

Dozens of pro-Israel rallies have been held, and more are planned, in more than 50 U.S. cities. Leaders of the Jewish community, along with political and ecumenical officials, have congregated outside of consulates, Holocaust museums, community centers and universities to express their support for Israel.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, in cooperation with the United Jewish Communities, organized more than 60 rallies across the United States in recent weeks.

Amos Kamil, the director of JCPA’s Israel Advocacy Initiative, said the plan was to provide a response to the anti-Israel groups receiving media attention.

“We started to see a lot of this was being played out on television screens and computer screens,” Kamil said.

“And although much of the community was in support of the Israeli action, it wasn't really showing up on the streets.”

Indeed, across the country a swell of anti-Israel rallies provided venues for some incendiary language directed against Jews.

In New York, one Palestinian supporter held a sign calling for “Death to all Juice” [sic]. In Florida, protesters told pro-Israel demonstrators to “go back to the ovens.” And in Kansas City, a protest that attracted 400 people accused Israel of “genocide” and perpetrating a “holocaust” against the Palestinians. One sign that showed a crucified man surrounded by Israeli tanks read “Same Place, Same Way, Same Damn People.”

The demonstration was organized by the Kansas City chapter of the Muslim American Society, which according to a Jan. 5 ADL report “has a troubling history of associations with radical organizations and individuals that promote terrorism and anti-Semitism, and reject Israel’s right to exist.”

Reacting to the intensity of rhetoric on both sides, one group of demonstrators in New York sought to transcend what they believed to be the demonization by both camps by calling upon both Israel and Hamas to stop endangering civilians and to sign on to a cease-fire agreement. The group’s call to action invited participation from those who “believe in the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.”

Organizers estimated that some 40 mostly young Jewish professionals attended.

Kamil said that even the small rallies organized by the JCPA and UJC were an important refutation of the rampant anti-Israel sentiments. “Although the numbers might be more impressive in a place like New York or Chicago, a rally which affects the local media outlets in smaller communities [is] equally as important to just shaping public opinion about Israel,” he said.

The rallies have also successfully attracted a number of local politicians, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Gov. David Paterson in New York, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in Los Angeles. Villaraigosa caught flak from the city’s Muslim leaders for his outspoken support of the Jewish state.

“It’s important for me as a public official to identify my office and the 125,000 people that I represent with Israel’s position,” said New York state Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a Democrat from Queens, on the sidelines of a rally Sunday in New York.

Lancman accompanied a delegation of state legislators to Sderot and Ashkelon in the second week of December before the war had commenced.

“People I met are now living under a reign of terror that no country in the world would tolerate,” he said.

“Certainly the United States wouldn’t tolerate it.”

In Ann Arbor, MI, where the Jewish community numbers about 7,000 to 8,000, excluding the University of Michigan population, 250 people was considered a healthy turnout for Sunday’s rally at the local Jewish community center.

“People in the community want to come together in times like this,” said Eileen Freed, the director of Israel, Overseas and Community Relations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor.

The quick organization of dozens of rallies across the country earned plaudits from some quarters. But among tech-minded activists, street rallies cannot respond at the speed of the Internet.

On sites such as Facebook, “everyone has hundreds, sometimes 1,000 friends -- Jewish, non-Jewish, Israel supporter and non-Israel supporter,” said Dickson of StandWithUs. “You post up a video that in less than a minute can portray what it’s like to live in Sderot right now.

“Suddenly you have a whole group of people that understands Israel’s position and why Israel needed to act.”’

Editor’s note: Omaha’s rally, a follow-up to the Jan. 8 special evening edition of “Eye on Israel” which attracted more than 100 people, was held on Wednesday; coverage will be in next week’s Jewish Press.

ADL helps media, public Continued from page 1 1,200 members have signed up to support the cause.

“New technologies like ADL’s interactive website and Facebook can help people throughout our region understand that Israel is fulfilling its fundamental right and responsibility to protect its people from daily terrorism,” Potash said. “While it may seem a world away, we encourage everyone to learn more about what is going on in Israel and Gaza.”

For more information, go to www.adl.org. The Facebook cause link can be found at http://apps. facebook.com/causes/182625?m=7bf7bab2.

Other sites of interst include direct links to the IDF at: http://idfspokesperson.com/and http://www. youtube.com/user/idfnadesk.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

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FREDRICKS/OSBORNE Claire Fredricks, daughter of Sally Fredricks and the late Terry L. Fredricks, and Robert Osborne, son of Roger and Pam Osborne and the late Wanda Osborne, were married in Omaha on Aug. 30, 2008. Stanford Adelstein, lay rabbi for the Synagogue of the Hills, Rapid City, SD, and Rev. Thomas Shanahan, S.J., officiated at the interfaith ceremony at St. John’s Church at Creighton University. A wedding reception was held at The Club at Indian Creek in Omaha.

The bride, who earned a BSBA from Creighton University, graduated cum laude from Creighton University School of Law in May 2008. She is an associate attorney at Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson and Gonderinger, L.L.C. in Omaha.

She is the granddaughter of David and Arlene

Fredrick, and the late Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Henderson, Jr. Matron of honor was Melanie Miriovsky, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Sara Gude, friend of the bride; Jill Fredricks, sister-in-law of the bride; Christi Isaak and Abby Osborne, sisters of the groom. Kasia Henderson, cousin of the bride, was junior bridesmaid.

The groom graduated cum laude from Creighton University with a BSBA. He is a Certified Public Accountant at Frankel Zacharia, L.L.C. in Omaha.

He is the grandson of Dorothy Osborne, New Ulm, MN, the late Bernard Osborne, and the late Oliver and Hazel Olson.

Best men were Dan Reznicek and Danny Gray, friends of the couple. Groomsmen were Jeff Fredricks, brother of the bride; Scott Erdal and Adam Cuff, friends of the groom. Ushers were Lee Fredricks, brother of the bride; Jaeme Pohlmeier and Lukas Pohlmeier, stepbrothers of the groom; and Patrick Wu, friend of the couple.

After a honeymoon in San Diego, CA, the couple made their home in Omaha.

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS David Kotok, managing editor of the Omaha WorldHerald will talk about the many changes the newspaper has been making on Wednesday, Jan. 28, noon at Regency Lodge. Cost is $13 for optional buffet lunch and $3 for beverage service. The free program is open to the community. To be added to the e-mail list, call 334.6443 or e-mail lepstein@jewishomaha.org.

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January 23, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

JFS reports on findings of developmental assets survey

by KAREN GUSTAFSON, LMHP Jewish Family Service has spent the last several years being trained through Millard Public School and utilizing a Strength Based Assessment called “40 Developmental Assets” for youth ages 12-18. The Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth provided JFS with a grant to work with teens in the Jewish community. A small survey was chosen which included 10 young people, utilizing the 40 Developmental Assets Profile (DAP). Through the Search Institute , this was found to be a way to educate the community about the importance of assets or “developmental vitamins” (so to speak) that are essential to healthy psychological and social development in childhood and adolescence.

JFS identified several goals going into this project. One goal was to raise awareness of the importance of “intentionally” building assets and to find out how our youth in the Jewish community compare with the general population. Another was to find out if there were areas of service gaps in the community that JFS could fill. Another goal was to share this information with the other Federation agencies and synagogues, in order to continue working with children and adolescents in an manner to increase their assets.

The Search Institute’s ongoing research shows that continuing to build assets promotes positive behaviors and attitudes -- such as school achievement, leadership and valuing diversity -- while also protecting young people from highrisk behaviors such as problems with alcohol use, violence, drug use and sexual activity.

Judge Larry Gendler of the Sarpy County Juvenile Court said the following about program: “The 40 developmental assets assessment is a simple and extraordinarily valuable tool in assessing the needs of youngsters. The easy to administer inventory also offers concrete solu-

tions to address issues which these youngsters face.”

Ranges for both charts include: 0-14 as Low or 25th percentile (depleted levels of assets); 15-20 is Fair or 50th percentile (borderline assets); 21-25 is Good or 75th percentile (moderate assets); and 26-30 is Excellent (abundant assets).

left, Positive Identity is the lowest Internal Asset. This scale reflects several strengths in an adolescent’s emerging identity, including self-esteem, internal locus of control, optimism, and a growing sense of purpose in life.

High scores on this scale are associated with increased psychological resilience and reduced risk for

level. Low scores reflect weak community assets for youth and may reflect poor community attitudes towards youth, lack of after-school activities, or few youth service opportunities.

Kraig Lofquist, the Director of Pupil Services from Millard Public Schools says, “The Developmental Asset Profile (DAP) has changed our interactions with

The most outstanding results from the survey, shown above, show that our children are at or above the 75th percentile in all of the Asset Categories. This is a true testament of the multitude of programs and services offered to the youth in this community, including but not limited to, BBYO, synagogue youth groups, and the many other educational programs provided.

It also reflects the values of the community and the families who emphasize the importance of learning, both in and out of school, the value of support from both the community and the family, and the importance of helping children develop a healthy, constructive use of time, which is considered a gateway asset (meaning, if work is done to improve this category, it has the greatest overall positive effect on many other categories as well).

From the Category View chart above

psychological distress including anxiety and depression.

Scores in the low range reflect the absence of these important assets working in a young person’s life, which is associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal and self-injurious behavior.

A secondary way of interpreting the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP) is by using a broader, Context View (shown above right). Our survey results suggest that our adolescents view “community” as less secure than other areas in their life.

The community context scale combines external assets related to neighborhood and community support, empowerment, and positive use of time in the larger community. High scores on this scale reflect a combination of safe and supportive neighborhood, youth service to the community, and youth empowerment and engagement at the community

kids and provided a new lens to look through as far as ways we can assist all of our youth.” He added, “The assets are for all kids, not just kids that are having difficulty or considered to be at-risk.”

The DAP is recommended (optional) to be delivered in intervals of six-12 months for the purposes of detecting changes over time and in response to interventions.

Although the grant is completed, JFS is offering this service to the Jewish community. A future goal would be to get an even larger sample of kids in order to publish the anonymous results and continue to track community progress. JFS would also like to do a longitudinal study with the first 10 young people in this survey, and follow them through high school to assess their increase in assets.

Please call JFS at 330.2024 for more information on 40 Developmental Assets.

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

Filmmaker reveals ‘Waltz with Bashir’ backstory

by KELLY HARTOG LOS ANGELES (JTA) – The day before Ari Folman accepted the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film for his animated documentary “Waltz with Bashir,” he was talking to a packed house at Hollywood’s Arclight Theatre following a screening of the movie.

The 45-year-old filmmaker appeared somewhat bemused by all the hoopla, after eight months of traveling the world with the film and attending dozens of festivals. “When Sony bought the film they told me, ‘You have to come over for awards season,’” Folman recalled. “I didn’t know what that meant.

But now I see that there is an NBA season, an NFL season and an awards season. It’s like every two days there’s a game. You’re competing with the same films and the same directors.

Some days they win, some days I win. It’s like you’re all really obsessed with prizes.”

Folman called “Waltz with Bashir” his anti-war movie.

“This film was complicated because on the one hand I wanted to show war in a very non-glorifying way,” he said.

“Unlike those American anti-war movies where they tell their kids: ‘War sucks but the guys in the movie are really cool.’ And the kids take it the wrong way. They say, ‘Yes, war sucks, but I want to go to Iraq and die for my country.’ On the other hand, it was essential that the Israeli soldiers weren’t shown as victims.”

Folman was only 19 when he served in Lebanon during the time of the massacres in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.

But he didn’t return yearning to make a film about his experiences. In fact, he could barely remember them, which is what forms the basis of the movie.

It all started a little more than four years ago, when he was looking to get out of his annual military reserve duty.

“I was not a big fighter,” he confessed.

“I was a screenwriter, and my job in the army was to write short instruction

movies, like ‘How to defend yourself from an Iranian nuclear attack in 60 seconds.’ I had an agreement with the army: I didn’t have to wear a uniform, I didn’t have to get out of bed, and [in return] they could call me whenever they wanted.”

Folman said the army was always calling

him at inopportune times, including in the delivery room when his wife was giving birth, so he told them he wanted out.

He ended up being released early -- the Israeli army doesn’t release its soldiers until they are 50 -- but only after agreeing to meet with an army therapist and discuss his experiences.

“It was the first time I heard myself speak about what I went through, and although I had the main storyline there were definitely black holes,” he recalled.

“I started talking to my close friends about it. We were all the same age and had been in the army at the same time and I realized I knew nothing about their experiences either.”

After hearing the recollections of a soldier named Boaz who had to shoot 26 dogs in Lebanese villages to silence barking that would have warned the villages’ residents of IDF intruders, the idea for the film was born. A dream sequence involving Boaz and the 26 dogs he killed became the film’s opening sequence. Folman waded through more than 100 recordings of soldiers after placing an ad online asking those who served in Lebanon in the first three months of the war to come forward and tell their stories. Nine of those made it into the film, and only two of the stories are voiced by actors, rather than the origi-

nal protagonists.

Folman says he always intended to make “Waltz with Bashir” as an animated film.

“When you look at everything that there is in this film -- lost memory, memories of war, which are probably the most

“They didn’t pull the trigger; it was the Christian regime,” Folman said. “And this is the type of propaganda the Israeli government couldn’t buy for money. So they kept sending the movie out.”

The refugee camps were in Lebanese territory under Israeli control, but the attacks were carried out by Lebanese Christian fighters allied with Israel. An Israeli investigative commission following the massacres found that though Israeli officials did not have a hand in organizing the massacres, which left at least hundreds dead, they bore indirect responsibility for failing to anticipate the violence and allowing the Christian fighters into the camps.

Then-defense minister Filmmaker Ari Folman in September 2008 at the film festival in Ariel Sharon resigned his Telluride, Colorado.

Credit: Stits/Creative Commons post as a result. surreal things on earth, dreams, subcon“The only place where the film did not scious, drugs, hallucination -- it was the do well was in Germany, where the pubonly way to combine one fluid storyline,” lic was obsessed with the comparison of he said. “If it was a classic documentary, the Sabra and Shatilla massacres to the it would have shown middle-aged men Holocaust,” Folman said. telling their war experiences and it would “It’s no coincidence that there are two have to be covered with footage that you strong references to the Holocaust in the could never find and wouldn’t come close film,” said Folman, himself the son of surto resembling what they went through. It vivors. “The Holocaust is in every Israeli’s would be a boring film. And if you made DNA. That’s why the biggest demonstraa big action movie with the budget of an tions in Israel happened after Sabra and Israeli movie, that would just be sad.”

Shatilla, because it sparked memories of The film was first screened in Israel in our past. People realized something was June 2008. While it generated enormous terribly wrong because that massacre took discussion, Folman says, it wasn’t of the place with the support and collaboration political nature he expected. of the Israeli government.”

“I thought people would call it a leftFielding questions from the audience wing anti-Zionist film and that didn’t about how the film might be able inform happen,” he said. “And more than that, the recent war in Gaza, Folman said he the film became the darling of the estab- doesn’t believe that films can change the lishment.” The Israeli response, accord- world. “I do think they can build small ing to Folman, was positive for two rea- bridges, but I don’t think they can sons: It made Israel look like a tolerant change public opinion. Israelis love this country, allowing soldiers to talk openly film because it shows what war really is, about their experiences in the war, and but,” he said, talking about the current when it was screened in Europe it made war in Gaza, “they say ‘Sometimes you many people there realize for the first have to do what you have to do.’ That’s time that it wasn’t the Israeli troops that very Israeli. committed the 1982 Sabra and Shatila “So unfortunately, my film did not massacres. change anything.”

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January 23, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK

Yachad members proud of their artwork

by OZZIE NOGG Jeff Steinberg and Marilyn Zevitz and are among the Yachad members eager to show off their original art work at the group’s Meet the Artists Exhibit and Sale set for this Sunday, Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Gallery. The event includes a dessert reception sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah. In addition to the January 25th sale day, the exhibit will be on view through Jan. 29.

A department of Jewish Family Service, Yachad provides social, cultural and religious activities plus advoca-

cy, referral services and general support for Omaha Jews with developmental disabilities and their families. The art exhibit was made possible by a grant to Jewish Family Service and Yachad from the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation. All proceeds from the sale will go directly back into the Yachad program to help fund their monthly activities.

“The exhibit is open to the community,” said Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Service Director, “and we invite everyone to come meet the Yachad artists and interact with them and their work.”

Page 7

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bers in their art projects. Right: Marilyn Zevitz puts the finishing touches on her work.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group offers an evening of winter gardening

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator With Tu B’Shevat just around the corner and spring planting on the horizon, the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting is pleased to present “Winter Gardening: How to Find Green Relief,” on Monday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m., at the synagogue.

According to Margie Gutnik, Beth El’s Program Director, the evening will feature a presentation by a master gardener with the Douglas-Sarpy County Extension Service.

“This will be “a terrific pick-me-up,” said Gutnik.

“For everyone pining away to begin planting again, this meeting will be a great way to shake winter loose and get ready for spring.”

Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. To RSVP, contact Nancy Skid at 334.1497, or via e-mail at SRSKIDER@aol.com.

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READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

At a loss for what diet to start for the New Year? A new diet is part of the resolutions you’re making? Fret no more and focus on low-glycemic foods (super savvy and savvy carbs are explained and listed on page 55) in combination with protein choices. All that plus wine and exercise, too, from this sports medicine M.D. who explains his approach in the first chapters of the book.

The 28-day menu plan precedes over 100 recipes for Breakfast, Salads & Starters, Main Dishes with Seafood, Poultry, Meat or Vegetarian, Side Dishes with SuperSavvy or Savvy Carbs, Snacks and Desserts to “maximize the sensual experience of eating.” Headnotes add Tirman’s preferences and stories. Featured are detailed numerical instructions.

So, go out for a walk, pour a glass of wine and enjoy this savvy side dish recipe to start the New Year.

WHITE BEANS WITH BASIL, OREGANO, AND LEMON One 15-ounce can small white beans such as navy or cannellini, drained 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano kosher salt freshly ground pepper In a serving bowl, combine the beans, onion, oil, lemon zest and juice, basil, parsley, and oregano. Toss well. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Toss again.

Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve cold.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

A new chance for ‘what if’ After the Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors in June of 1967, Israel found itself in possession of both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The West Bank had been governed by Jordan, and Gaza by Egypt.

The Israeli government offered both territories back to their respective “owners” in attempt to negotiate and obtain recognition and a peace treaty. The infamous three rejections: “No negotiation, no recognition, no peace” was the answer Israel got from Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon (seconded, of course, by other Arab rulers in the Middle East).

Notice the names of the “owners” of the West Bank and Gaza are Jordan and Egypt, and certainly not the “Palestinians” who didn’t even exist until Yasser Arafat made up the name in 1964. While today that may seem irrelevant, neither Jordan nor Egypt wanted the captured territories back. King Hussein had enough problems with his own “Palestinian” refugees and, in fact, battled the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Jordan in september of 1970.

Thousands of PLO militants were killed and the PLO was thrown out of Jordan.

Later that month, the secular ruler of Egypt -- Gamal Abdul Nasser -- died. Nasser had his own difficulties, too -- with the Muslim Brotherhood, the forerunner of all the Islamic jihadist groups of today -- and still operating.

So Israel, which captured the territories in war, found itself stuck with them -- not in peace, as no treaties were signed until after yet another war, this time in 1973, when Anwar Sadat (Nasser’s successor) and King Hussein

eventually made peace with Israel in 1979 and 1995 respectively.

Back in 1967, when Israel realized it now had the responsibility (and headache) in governing thousands, what if the Israeli government had made one really radical decision -- by dismantling the refugee camps in both locales?

Think of it: Israelis enters, not with guns, but with clipboards, and announces to those in the camps, “You’re free to leave. Go anywhere you want in Gaza or the West Bank. Or apply to immigrate elsewhere. If you have relatives in Israel proper who will vouch for you and state they will support you until you can support yourself and your family, you also can apply to live in the Jewish State. Of course, you’ll have to abide by our rules, but you’ll have an opportunity to educate yourself and your children, start a business, vote in free and democratic elections.”

Of course, the U.N. would have been unhappy. After all, the only refugees on the planet that its agencies have not resettled are Palestinians.

All the refugees from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam War, the Bosnia conflict, the wars in Africa, the war between India and Pakistan after their independence in 1947 -- they’ve all been resettled elsewhere, or repatriated. In fact, nearly 18

million Indians and Pakistanis were transferred between the newly independent countries.

Gazans did, however, have the opportunity in 2005 to do what might have been offered to them in 1967 -- create jobs, properly educate their children, and learn how to live in a democratic state side by side with Israel. We can’t go back in time, but we wonder if maybe this time, Gazans will wake up and realize that they are being oppressed -- not by Israel, but by Hamas -- and being used by other Arab countries, as pawns in a very dangerous game.

And we fervently wish our new President the seichel (smarts) and rachmonnes (compassion) to succeed in achieving this. Will ‘hope and change’ resonate in the Arab world, too? Sadly, one only has to read their blogs for the answer.

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by SARAH N. STERN Washington Jewish Week The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting” -Milan Kundwa, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting I have always been fascinated by the question of what makes certain memories endure for lifetimes, stored within the brain’s prefrontal lobe, while others quickly fade, not even relegating entrance into the synapses of one’s short-term memory.

This occurs on the individual level, as well as on the collective level. It most certainly occurs when it concerns the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the summer of 2005, I was in Israel during the disengagement from Gaza, an excruciatingly difficult period for the nation of Israel.

Pitting brother against brother, the Israeli government decided that it was necessary to take the bold step of removing every soldier, every civilian, every remnant of a Jewish presence from Gaza.

It is difficult to overstate the amount of internal angst this created for the people of Israel.

I remember listening to radio interviews where mothers had called in, and said, “Mr. Prime Minister, will you pack up my son’s room? He was killed in an operation in Jenin, and I have not been able to enter it ever since.” Israeli soldiers had been programmed not to feel any emotion as they tore people from their homes. Some of these people are languishing in temporary housing, without any prospects of employment.

By the fall of 2005, the Israeli flag was lowered, and the last soldier and settler was evacuated.

A few philanthropists spent millions for greenhouses and donated them to the Palestinians as an economic basis. Some synagogues were left, under the delusion that they

... throughout the cities of the Western world, anti-Israel demonstrators shout, “End the occupation.” What occupation ... are they talking about?

It could not possibly be of Gaza. It must be about the state of Israel.

Since then, life in the Israeli neighboring town of Sderot, where more than 3,600 Iranian missiles have been lobbed at it, has become a constant living hell.

When the siren sounds, there are 15 seconds to run for their lives. Local psychologists report that more than 70 percent of the people of Sderot have been suffering from psychosomatic symptoms, with children suffering from nightmares and bedwetting.

Gaza has become an Iranian subsidiary. The missiles have reached a trajectory that covers 900,000 people stretching from Ashdod to Beersheva. Hezbollah has become a northern Iranian subsidiary. The second Lebanon War, where Israel was forced to abide by U.N. Resolution 1701 and to end prematurely, has now been perceived in the Arab world as a “victory for Hezbollah.” This has only engendered more support for the Iranian proxy throughout the Arab world.

The Gaza operation is legally mandated under the United Nations Charter, which says that every nation’s primary responsibility is the defense of its civilians. Moreover, by showing a decisive military victory, Israel will be send-

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press .

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

When it comes to Israel, memory is selective would be used as mosques. As one rabbi put it, “After all, we are all praying to the same God.” As soon as the gates closed, these greenhouses and temples were savagely destroyed in a frenzy of anarchy.

On Jan. 25, 2006, free, democratic elections were held for the Palestinians. Hamas won 74 seats to the ruling Fatah party’s 45.

By the summer of 2007, Fatah and Hamas were engaged in a civil war in Gaza, resulting in the complete and total takeover of the area by the radical Islamist organization.

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

ing a clear message to Iran, that the civilized world has simply run out of patience for this sort of behavior.

The objective of this operation is simple: To eliminate the source of the terror. It is not a question of proportionality. This is a war of a terrorist entity against a nation state. How “proportionate” would our response be if San Diego were to have been attacked by an endless barrage of missiles from a radical Islamic terrorist base in Mexico?

Yet, throughout the cities of the Western world, anti-Israel demonstrators shout, “End the occupation.”

What occupation is it that they are they talking about? It could not possibly be of Gaza. It must be about the state of Israel.

Human memory is, indeed, a very selective thing. Particularly when it comes to the suffering of the Jews.

Sarah N. Stern is founder and president of EMET-Endowment for Middle East Peace, a pro-Israel think tank and policy center in Washington, D.C.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: My husband Jack (J.J.) Schrager recently passed away after spending eight months at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. In the course of my daily visits there, I became a witness to much of what was involved, not only with the daily care of my husband, but in the care of others. To observe what is involved in everyday care at a nursing home is to witness the true meaning of care and caring.

I commend the staff of nurses, attendants and volunteers. Their patience in sometimes difficult circumstances and their personal involvement is evident. I salute and thank each and every one for the care they gave Jack and for their devotion to their jobs.

Lillian Schrager

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

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January 23, 2009

Israel’s public relations: It’s simple business … and spokespeople must learn to speak English

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by RONN TOROSSIAN CEO, 5W Public Relations

Similar to many other supporters of Israel, I’ve spent a lot of time this past week agonizing about the nation’s public relations battles and perceived image. As I read blogs -- screaming at the TV -- I remain extremely worried. The difference between myself and other supporters is that I own the nation’s 25th largest public relations agency, and make my living building brands and enhancing images. Having represented a number of foreign governments and concerns worldwide, I consult regularly with senior Israeli government officials, advocacy organizations and consulates; mainly on a pro-bono basis.

Recently, I spent an entire day escorting a client, a very senior foreign government official for another embattled area (outside of the Mideast) from media outlet to media outlet. He met with a reporter from one of the largest weekly national news magazines. After the 45 minute interview, he spoke heart to heart with the official.

Verbatim, he said the key for your situation is that you must do interviews even when there’s nothing going on, speak the same language, and invite us (the media) to events. It’s harder to write negatively about my friends, he laughed, irrespective of the issues. In other words, fostering relationships is a must.

After graduating from college I lived in Israel in the mid 1990s, and I worked in PR and politics. I realized soon after that the Israelis don’t pay attention to the human side of journalism, nor are they flexible with the business of PR. Israeli government officials don’t, and in fact can’t spend time and money entertaining reporters. They don’t, due to the absurd fact that Israeli government officials aren’t permitted to turn in regular expenses for meals or entertaining. And in nearly all instances pay their own cellu-

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lar phone bills for calls to and from reporters.

I believe Israel’s PR problem emanates from a very simple fact and it is one that many other countries suffer from, too.

They don’t view the practice of public relations as a necessity, but rather as a secondary thought. Similarities can be drawn to Israeli technology companies, which produce incredible products, but utilize poor marketing programs. Israelis are a tough people and believe that since their cause is just, they don’t need to spend time convincing the public. Working with oligarchs and business leaders of the former Soviet Union countries, I witness much of the same behavior. Similar to the Russian mentality of ‘the boss says its ok, then it’s ok,’ Israel has had to fight since day one of her existence, and continues to rely upon the military.

Is it anything short of absurd that Israel’s entire public relations budget for the U.S. is under $250K annually? The State of Israel does not use a public relations agency anywhere in the world and they haven’t for many years.

How can they expect to win when their posted emissaries, as noble as they may be, come for a few years and then leave?

While, undoubtedly, Israel’s professional Foreign Ministry diplomats work hard, English isn’t their first language, and Israel’s public relations campaign remains on the defensive as they stand alone on the global media front.

Primary Arab spokespersons are longtime residents of Western countries, often people who were educated in the West or lived here and communicate in fluent English.

While Israel’s spokespeople may be coherent, they don’t pay for outside professional media training. What makes an army commander or police chief suitable for worldwide media appearances? And at the least, should they not undergo media training by outside PR agencies trained in helping people to develop messages?

Israel has the bullets, tanks and military might, but simply doesn’t pay enough Continued on page 11

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Major Dagan Vertman, of blessed memory

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL

by TEDDY WEINBERGER Major Dagan Vertman, 31, was killed in Gaza on Jan. 5. He was the oldest child of Dr. Eli and Debbie (Dvora) Vertman. I first met Dvora about five years ago, when I began what turned out to be 18 months of psychological counseling with her.

One of the luxuries of therapy is that, unlike normal social relationships, you are not expected to take an interest in the personal life of your therapist. You can blather on about yourself and your issues without ever giving your therapist the chance to speak about themselves and their own issues. So I never expected to know the names of Dvora’s husband and children, much less meet them.

Dagan was buried on Jan. 6 in the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery. The time and place of a military funeral is broadcast over Israel’s various media outlets. Many people attend military funerals without having a personal connection to the mourners or to the fallen soldier. One person I know said: “This soldier died fighting for me and my country; the least I can do is to attend his funeral.”

Hundreds of people attended Dagan’s funeral. Most were too far away from the burial site to see anything of what was taking place, but everyone could hear the proceedings thanks to amplification. The coffin, draped with an Israeli flag, was brought in under army escort. It was unnerving to see Dvora buckle in pain before her son’s coffin. About 20 of Maj. Vertman’s soldiers (he was a company commander in the Golani Brigade) took sacks of dirt and filled in his grave.

Dr. Vertman said (during the shiva call that I made a few days later) that the family had pictured a small funeral at which they would speak with Dagan and that “maybe this would have some kind of effect.” When they arrived at the cemetery, they were startled by the large

crowd. Dr. Vertman said that had they known that there would be so many people, they never would have thought to speak so personally. But he said, “God saw fit that things should come out the way

they did.”

Each of Dvora’s four remaining children spoke at the funeral, as well as her husband. Unless you had already known that Dagan was killed in a “friendly fire” incident, you would never have guessed anything of the sort from the funeral.

The only possible hint at what had happened could perhaps be detected by Dr. Vertman’s special plea to the Israel Defense Forces to keep their heads high and to continue fighting.

What was astonishing about the funeral was the faith expressed by the Vertmans.

One after the other, Dvora’s family testified to God’s powerful presence in their lives, in the life of the Jewish people, and in the land of Israel.

One of the sons, addressing God directly, said: “Thank you Creator of the Universe for giving us Dagan for 31 years.” A rabbi of Dagan’s (present during my shiva call), told the family that the funeral was an act of Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of the Name) -- not so much because of anything it might have accomplished in the world above, but for what it caused him to feel inside: a kind of exaltation. I felt this as well.

When Dvora introduces herself to a client during the first therapy session, she does not reel off her academic qualifications; she says that she is a mother and a grandmother. Blessed are you, O Israel, for such a mother and such a family.

Postscript #1: At 11 p.m. the night before Dagan was buried, my wife Sarah and two of my children were on Mt. Herzl attending the funeral of Staff Sergeant Dvir Emmanueloff, 22. It was the first funeral for Rebecca and Ezra.

Dvir, a local Givat Ze’ev boy, was killed by a mortar shell earlier that day, Jan. 4.

Dvir had been a counselor and a very Continued on page 11

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

Candlelighting Friday, January 23, 5:11 p.m

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org

PERSONAL A sincere “thank you” to my family and friends and deep appreciation for the acts of kindness and concern for my mother over the years. In her 96 years, she was a very strong willed and independent mother, grandmother and friend, who enjoyed life and her Nebraska Cornhusker football team.

I was lucky to have her for these years as my mother, friend and confidante.

Stuart “Stu” Stoler, Carrollton, TX

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Hazak members will participate in the services; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Hazak; Minha/Ma’ariv, 5:15 p.m.

SHABBAT TUNES AND TALES: Saturday, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Shabbat sing-along led by Patty Nogg is open to all Jewish children (up to age five), parents and grandparents.

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

Bible Study SUNDAY: Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Synagogue skills class, led by Cantor Beth Schlossberg, 11 a.m.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Jewish Ideals and Ethics for Everyday Living, noon WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Will meet Monday, Jan. 26, at the synagogue. (see full story on page 7.)

RABBI KRIPKE’S BIRTHDAY: Saturday, Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m., join us for a special Shabbat as we honor Rabbi Myer Kripke on his 95th birthday. A Kiddush lunch in his honor will follow services.

WORLDWIDE WRAP: Sunday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. (see full story on page 10.)

BESTT: 5th Grade Family History Program, Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-noon. Students and their parents will retell their family’s history through keepsakes from home and from documents that students created in class.

TU B’SHEVAT AT LAURITZEN GARDENS: Sunday, Feb. 1, 1:30–3 p.m. ‘Go Green' for this community-wide holiday program at the Gardens, First and Bancroft St. Afternoon will feature art activities for children, presentations about living in a more environmentally-friendly way, and a musical performance. Admission is free during the event.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:11 p.m., concurrent with the Women’s Kabbalat Shabbat service. “How to Host an Interactive, Engaging and Exciting Shabbat Dinner, Part II,” 6:15 p.m.; Shabbat dinner will follow the program, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored

by Jeff & Sharon Kirshenbaum in honor of Alyssa’s birthday; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The

Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 & up)” one hour prior to Mincha, 5 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:16 p.m.; Senior NCSY Scavenger Hunt, 7 p.m.

Meet at Westroads Mall, Old Navy Entrance.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class, 10 a.m.; Junior NCSY Game Night & Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Programming Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Mishnah Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Sisterhood’s “Spirits & Spirituality,” 7:45 p.m. at the home of Sandy Kohll, led by Liat Shyken; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class is cancelled for this week.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.

For more information or to register email Estie@ochabad.com; Global Unity Lecture, 1:30 p.m. listen to live webcast of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, followed by Parsha Club Graduation at the JCC; Bedtime story, 6 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Tanya Study Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Achieving Integrity, Torah Studies for the Workplace, 7 p.m. For more information call 330.1800 or email TorahStudies@ochabad. com or you can enroll at www.O Chabad.com.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:45 p.m.

Please contact shevi@ochabad. com for a pass.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel with oneg following hosted by Marc Shkolnick.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.-

12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers meeting, 12:30 p.m. at South Street Temple; Temple Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.; Legislative Advocacy Forum, 7 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church: “The United States and Cuba from Marti to Castro” with Charles Stansifer, a Prof. Emeritus historian from Univ. of Kansas.

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

THURSDAY: LJCS ParentTeacher conferences, 7 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION JAN. TUESDAYS, 7:30 p.m.

Introduction to the Study of Religions, led by Dr. Rita Lester, Associate Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg and assisted by Zack Bram.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Eric Linder.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School; Book Club, 10 a.m. The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time by Jeffrey D. Sachs, 10 a.m. Chapters 1-6. Creighton Professor Tracy Leavelle will facilitate the conversation about The End of Poverty.

WEDNESDAY: No Religious or Family School; No Middle/High School.

THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor

Wendy Shermet, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30: Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. An informal child-oriented Shabbat worship service. Hosts are Danielle and Jeff Gordman, Ron Beach and Mona Jones. Cost is $5 for adults; no charge for children. To RSVP, call the Temple office, or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com.

Shabbat Shira: A Musical Journey: Worship, Dinner, and Open Mic Night, Friday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Cantor Shermet, Kol Rina and the St. Paul United Methodist Church Choir, under the direction of Music Minister Jerry Brabec, will lead a musical journey. Services will be followed by a Mediterranean-style dinner and Open Mic Night. Please contact Rabbi Eric Linder at Temple or elinder@templeisraelomaha. com, to find out how to get on the Open Mic schedule. Cost is $15. RSVP to Maureen Kube at Temple or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com by Feb. 2.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:11 p.m.

SATURDAY: Srvices, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., and Talmud study.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers meeting, 12:30 p.m. at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Beth El Men’s Club invites community to annual wrap session

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator On Sunday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m., Beth El’s Men’s Club will share the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin, as it sponsors the annual Worldwide Wrap, during the synagogue’s minyan. The Wrap, sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (with which Beth El Men’s Club is affiliated), is a symbolic event which brings Jews together from across the globe to learn about and wrap tefillin. All men, women and teens in the Jewish community are invited to participate and gain a new understanding about this important mitzvah.

For those who would like to learn how to wrap, volunteers will offer assistance at 8:45 a.m., he noted. As part of the morning program, Men’s Club member Glen Fineman will lead a discussion

about the mitzvah of tefillin and its personal meaning to each person.

Fineman, who introduced the ‘Wrap’ to Omaha eight years ago, said he feels strongly about encouraging Jews to wrap tefillin, a ritual that he says “makes me feel a real connection with God. “It means so much to me that on the Sunday of the Worldwide Wrap, I’m doing the exact same thing as Jews around the country and around the world.”

A member of the FJMC’s national board, Fineman encouraged all Jews in the community to participate in this event, saying, “It helps others to feel a strong sense of Jewish identity, and it reminds us that we’re part of a group, a family -- we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Following minyan, a complimentary breakfast will be served at 10 a.m.

January 23, 2009

MARIJUANA

The holy obsession

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parshat Va’era With the aid of archaeologists and others, historians are beginning to piece together the origins of ancient peoples of Bible times.

Our ancestors became a People by reason of a religious-cultural decision. When they appear as Israel, in ancient Canaan-Palestine, it is approximately the end of the 13th Century, BCE. At about the same time, other peoples begin to be identified: Canaanites (later Phoenicians), Ammonites, Midianites, Moabites, Amelekites and Philistines. We meet them in the pages of Scripture. The Philistines came from outside the mainland of southwestern Asia. But most of the others were related to the ancient Hebrews.

For example: if you know Biblical Hebrew well, and if someone transliterates Canaanite (Ugaritic) hymns and psalms into Hebrew letters, you can read them. You are amazed at the similarity of their language to classic Hebrew. Indeed, the 29th Psalm, which we chant on Shabbat morning) has been identified as originally a Canaanite psalm, purged of its paganism and “converted” to Jewish use. Our people had, and has, kindred peoples.

Something is known about these peoples, our ancient cousins. Some of their practices and social customs are similar to those of our ancient Biblical ancestors. Some of their literature bears similarities to our own. Although the Bible is infinitely superior to their literature, literarily, morally and religiously, it grew up in an ancient cultural milieu. Even in law, we may speak of an ancient “Semitic common law.” Again, the Biblical law differs significant-

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

ly and crucially, but the common ground is there.

On one point, however, there is a uniqueness to the Biblical account. That is the enslavement of Hebrews in Egypt and their liberation, the subject of the Sidrot of Exodus we are now reading. Not one of these ancient peoples, not one, has any memory of enslavement and liberation. There is no “semitic common Exodus” narrative! The enslavement/liberation theme does not occur elsewhere. Nor, for that matter is that theme found among non-Semitic peoples, like the Greeks, or the Persians or the Romans.

That theme is a Hebrew-Jewish one. The implication is, of course, that this is actual “history” -- that these events happened. Our ancestors were, at least some of them, salves in Egypt, liberated in a mighty rebellion. In religious terms, it was the mighty Hand of God, Who liberated the slaves through His servant Moses.

Now the corollaries of this enslavement/liberation theme led to a whole system of religion and morality.

First of all, note that the Ten Commandments do not begin, “I am the Lord, thy God, Creator of heaven and earth.” They begin, characteristically, “I am the Lord thy God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

Religion, for Jews, begins with a passion for freedom.

It will not stomach the idea of a super race and slave race.

It demands freedom. It is this that led to the passion for social justice, which is the unmatched hallmark of the prophetic tradition, a passion, a yearning, a demand, a holy obsession with justice, truth and freedom.

It is this holy obsession that continues -- a golden thread through all of the Bible and all of rabbinic literature. It is the golden thread that unites Biblical Israel with rabbinic Judaism and with the developing Judaism of all the ages.

(Editor’s note: this column appeared in Rabbi Kripke’s book, Insight and Interpretation, 1988.)

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Major Dagan Vertman, of blessed memory Continued from page 9 active member of our local branch of the B’nai Akiva youth movement and he regularly prayed with us when he was home on leave. Dvir’s father died about three years ago, and as an only son, Dvir needed his mother’s permission to enlist as a combat soldier. In a radio interview the day after the funeral, as a way of explaining why she agreed to allow Dvir to enter the infantry: “What God decides is what happens.”

Postscript #2: On Jan. 11, my son Nathan was finally successful in his petition to raise his military profile to combat status. He will now request a transfer to a combat unit, though it would mean that his enlistment would extend at least six months beyond his three years of mandatory service.

Teddy Weinberger and his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, made aliyah in 1997. He can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

Israel’s public relations Continued from page 9 attention to the media, nor enlist the proper troops for today’s media war. While the Arabs brilliantly started Al Jazeera, which was created by a $150 million grant from the Emir of Qatar, Israel counters with a few very smart Foreign Military representatives who engage on Twitter and utilize creative YouTube campaigns. But this campaign remains a David vs. Goliath battle in the world press.

I believe Israel’s lack of financial investment in PR is a major mistake; Israel needs to invest in the PR battle as much as she does on the ground for military battle. I view PR in business terms, rather than as an ideologue, and it allows me to be the rare Zionist who says that Israel’s foreign media problems aren’t strictly about anti-Semitism, inherent bias or hatred. Israel’s PR problem is primarily a business problem.

Public Relations is a business, not a hobby, and funds must be invested to garner success. Last year, the Pentagon admitted spending millions upon millions to shape media coverage around the Iraq war, and pays significant sums of money to win public opinion.

It’s big business Israel doesn’t take seriously. At the least, most simply and urgently, can we have spokespeople who speak English?

Ronn Torossian is CEO, of NYC based 5WPR one of the 25 largest independent PR firms in the U.S. He lived in Israel and was formerly National President of Betar, and today is on the Board of ZOA, Aish Hatorah, and works with Rabbi Yishayahu Yosef Pinto.

DEATHS ELAINE SCHLAIFER GINSBURG Elaine (Schlaifer) Ginsburg died at the age of 88. A graveside service was held Jan 16 at Beth El Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard and Phillip Schlaifer.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Cheri Ginsburg and James and Linda Ginsburg of LA; grandchildren, Stacy and Greg Horwitz of Minneapolis, Cory and Sheli Ginsburg of Minneapolis, Chloe Ginsburg, Dustin Ginsburg, Richard and Karen Ginsburg of LA, and Elise Ginsburg of LA; two greatgrandchildren; brother-in-law, Henry Ginsburg of Minneapolis; sisters-in-law, Dolores Schlaifer of Minneapolis, Trudi Schlaifer of Seattle, and Rachel Rosenthal of LA;.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

PAUL GROSSMAN Paul Grossman died Dec. 20, 2008 at the age of 97.

Graveside services were held on Dec. 23, 2008; Rabbi Eric Linder officiated.

A World War II veteran, he was a violinist with the Omaha Symphony. He worked as an independent insurance agent until he retired at age 84. He also was a Life Master in Duplicate Bridge.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Joy Monsky Grossman.

He is survived by daughter and son-in law, Fran and Mickey Coren; son, Henry Grossman of Tijeras, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Dan Grossman and Cathy Kennedy of Tiburon, CA; grandchildren: Lisa Coren Green (Brad) of Seoul, South Korea; Julie Coren (Dan Reyhle) of Eugene, Oregon; Emily, Nate, Becca and Jamie Grossman of Tiburon, CA; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials to Grossman Family Fund at the Jewish Federation Foundation, 333 So. 132 St, Omaha, 68154 or Temple Israel.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 23, 2009

Temple families return from Israel with stories of bonding, emotion, adventure

Scott Farkas, Cleo and Isaac Rogers Marcovitz, and their mother Mimi Rogers Farkas overlook the city of Jerusalem. said Allison Latenser who was accompanied by her husband Lou Pachman and sons Danny, 16, and Alex, 14. “They

Larry Gendler and Tami Field and their sons, Nate and Max, made some lifetime memories while on Temple Israel's family trip to Israel in December.

were interested in everything we saw.�

When visiting the Western Wall, Lou and the boys met a rabbi who helped them wrap tefillin. It turned out the rabbi knew a rabbi in Omaha.

Dave and Ann Noodell traveled with their children: Molly, 18, and Ben, 14. “The group bonded, the family bonded. It was just amazing,� marveled Dave. “Ann had been there before but it was the first time for me and the kids. I think they were overwhelmed with the sights they saw, the things they did. They couldn’t stop talking about the archeological dig.�

Part of the group was waylaid in Rome, Italy, for two days due to an Alitalia strike before reaching Israel. Dave didn’t expect to spend 10 hours sightseeing in Rome but didn’t complain about it. Most of the luggage eventually caught up with the

Ali and Max Slosburg, two of Martha and David Slosburg’s five children, take the quintessential camel ride during a visit to Masada and the Dead Sea.

group days after arriving in Israel. “It was an emotional roller coaster,� he emphasized.

Martha and David Slosburg took their five children on the trip. Joe, 16, commented, “From ruins of ancient civilizations to floating in the Dead Sea, from Mt. Scopus overlooking the city of Jerusalem to attending a Bar Mitzvah in a 2000-year-old synagogue in the Golan Heights, I was thrilled to be in Israel with my family and meet Israeli family I never knew I had.�

Fifteen-year-old Ali, recalled, “Saying the Shema and actually being in Israel with my family was truly amazing!�

Libby, 14, added that “it was amazing to be in Israel with my family and experience it together for the first time. I really learned so much about my Jewish heritage.� “Hearing stories is one thing but actually seeing history still standing is another!� explained Kate, 12.

Max, 11, summed it up. “Being in Israel was an exciting, educational adventure which taught me more about my Jewish faith.�

Others on the trip were Rabbi Aryeh, Elyce, and Yaniv Azriel; Courtney and Madison Bierman; Scott and Mimi Rogers Farkas, Isaac Rogers Marcovitz, and Cleo Rogers Marcovitz; Larry Gendler, Tami Field, Max and Nathan Gendler; Pierre and Claire Flatowicz; Barry, Stephanie, Hannah, and Noah Grossman; Gary and Sally Kaplan; Jon and Denise Meyers; Jill Ann Sapoznick; Luis, Eliana, and Sebastian Torero; and Mary Wampler.

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For 10 days in December, 43 adults and children from Temple Israel traveled up and down Israel visiting a children’s home in Tel Aviv, ruins in Caesarea, the old city of Acco, Rosh Hanikra, Safed’s synagogues and galleries, the Golan Heights by jeep, Roman Byzantine ruins and the ancient synagogue in Hamat Gagder, and Mt. Scopus. The family trip members prayed together on Shabbat in Jerusalem and visited Masada, covered themselves with mud in the Dead Sea, toured through the Kotel's tunnels, grieved at Yad Vashem, and shopped in Tel Aviv. “It meant a lot to us to be together on this trip especially since our son Danny will be graduating high school in 2010,�