January 30, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 22 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Kolit: Voices of the Generations Perform in Omaha by BETH SELDIN-DOTAN Director, Institute for Holocaust Education An extraordinary performance by “Kolit: Voices of the Generations” will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center’s Theatre. Open and free seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. “Kolit,” the Hebrew term for “voices” is an Israeli musical group from the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz of the Western Galilee. The group comes to the Omaha community as part of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s participation in the Partnership 2000 Project and in conjunction with the Institute for Holocaust Education, a division of the Plains States Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League. Partnership 2000 is a program of United Jewish Communities and the Jewish Federation of Omaha that pairs up Jewish communities in the United States with similar communities in Israel for the purpose of enhancing the social, educational and business relationships between American and Israeli Jews. Omaha’s Partnership 2000 area is in Israel’s Western Galilee. The Omaha Jewish community has had a long relationship with the communities in the Western Galilee and members of the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz through its museum, “The Ghetto Fighters’ Holocaust and Resistance Heritage Museum.” Known for innovative and captivating programming on both the history of the Holocaust and life during this time, Kolit will be involved in educational programming at some Millard and Omaha Public Schools during their stay in the community. “Kolit” grew out of the performers’ childhood and

youth experiences in the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz. They are the second generation of Holocaust survivors to live at the Kibbutz. The group’s pure and harmonious singing connects the Jewish peoples past melodies with the renewal of life in Israel, all of it expressing a love of music. “Kolit” was founded in 1972, and today includes five singers. Its musical director is Zvika Arbel, who also writes the group’s musical arrangements and accompanies them on the guitar. Over the years, Kolit has participated in a variety of musical events in Israel including the Arad Music Festival at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem and at the national Holocaust Remembrance Day closing ceremonies at the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz. Some of the music performed by Kolit is inspired by young poets who wrote from their experiences in the Nazi ghettos. Other songs speak of modern-day Israel and expresses life and creativity despite the pain and the memory of the recent history of the Holocaust. The group has two CD’s: “After all these Years” (1999), a selection of songs for the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz fiftieth anniversary and “Under the Starry Sky -Melodies of Remembrance” (2000). Thousands of copies have been sold to Jewish educational institutions throughout the world. Members of “Kolit” include Dalya Guy--one of the first children born in the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz, is the founder of Kolit. Guy is a graduate of Oranim College in the field of music, and today works as the head librarian of the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum library. She has five children and two grandchildren. Continued on page 4

7 Shevat, 5764 January 30, 2004

Nelson Insists Relationship with Israel Should Be “Nurtured, Encouraged” by JOAN K. MARCUS Special to the Jewish Press United States Senator Ben Nelson recently held a news conference to talk about his four-day trip to Israel in mid-January. He went there to receive the Friend of Zion Award for his strong support in fostering strong relations between the United States and Israel. The Jerusalem Fund, the development arm of Aish HaTorah, an apolitical, international network of Jewish educational centers, funds the award annually. The Jerusalem Fund and the senator’s own budget funded his trip. Sen. Nelson visited the construction of Nelson, the first an Israeli security fence in the West Nebraskan to Bank near Jerusalem. CREDIT: Brian Hendler/JTA ever have received the award, said that he is deeply honored to have been given the coveted recognition. “Israel has been our strongest partner in the region and one of our strongest allies. Our relationship with Israel should be nurtured and encouraged. “I think that this award also embodies the hope that recipients will be more motivated to look for areas for peace,” he added. “This motivates me to try to work harder to try to bring about coexistence in the area.” While there, he met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Moshe Katsav, and former Prime Ministers Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu. He also travelled to Jordan for the day, where he met with King Abdullah II in the capital, Amman. Sen. Nelson said that he was very impressed that the king wanted to improve educational opportunities for young Jordanians. Continued on page 12

Mezuzah Deemed Perfect Image for JSS/Blumkin Home

Temple Israel Scholar to Address “When Life Isn’t Always Fair”

by JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home has a new image for its stationery and business cards. “Over the past several months, we’ve been searching for the proper symbol for JSS and its components,” said Michael Silverman, JSS Executive Director. “After seeing dozens of logos from Jewish nursing homes across the country, a few symbols are the most commonly used---a tree, a menorah, a Star of David and a flame,” continued Silverman. “But the concept of a mezuzah seemed to us to be so ideal. After all, what better represents a Jewish dwelling than a mezuzah! I was surprised to find no other Jewish nursing facility using it. “The mezuzah case is designed to rep-

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN death at that time. Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In 1975, Rabbi Grollman earned a doc“I had never attended a torate from HUC-JIR. His funeral while I was growgraduate work had been ing up,” said Rabbi Earl done at Boston Grollman, who is now an University School of internationally recogTheology and at Harvard nized bereavement counUniversity’s Department selor. “Yet on the first day of Community of my job as an assistant Psychiatry. rabbi, I received a phone From 1951 to 1987, call from a family whose Rabbi Grollman was the son had drowned. The spiritual leader of Beth El first funeral I conducted Temple Center in was the first funeral that I Belmont, Massachusetts. had ever attended.” He retired early to When he attended devote himself to writing Hebrew Union Collegeand lecturing on loss and Rabbi Earl Grollman Jewish Institute of the challenging misforReligion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, where tunes that many people face. He will he was ordained in 1950, “…death was address the topic, “When Life Isn’t discussed either theologically: ‘Is there Always Fair,” when he serves as a schollife after death?’ or homiletically: How to ar-in-residence Feb. 20-22 at Temple prepare a eulogy,” he said. Few profes- Israel. sionals were interested in the subject of Continued on page 2

Inside

resent Jewish Senior Services and its community outreach programs; the rose, the Home and those who live here,” he explained. “In addition, a new slogan, ‘A Legacy of Caring--L’Dor V’Dor’--encompasses our Omaha Jewish community’s rich tradition of caring for the Jewish elderly, along with its commitment to embrace this legacy throughout future generations,” added Silverman. For more information about the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the array of programs and services offered by Jewish Senior Services, please call 330.4272 or visit us on the web at www.rbjh.com.

This Week: Monthly Calendar on Pages 6-7 Beth Israel Announces First Shabbat in New Building: Page 2

Nu? Visions Enjoys a Catskills Cruise: Page 3

Coming Next Month: Home & Garden Issue on Feb. 20 Newman Supporting Fund Awards Grants: Page 4

Sinking? Grab a R.A.F.T.: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 30, 2004

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Women of the Community Attend Women of the Water by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Nearly 60 women from several area congregations attended Mikvah Mystique: Women of the Water, an event hosted in January by Women of Reform Judaism. Shani Katzman, one of the speakers, emphasized that a woman is the foundation and mainstay of a Jewish home providing its stability. She also spoke about the role that immersion in a mikvah plays in a woman’s life. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel pointed out that “there is a strength in the water of a purifying sense.” He explained that the mikvah can be used when there is “a change of status” in someone’s life, for example, at the time of conversion, after a rebirth or renewal, after a miscarriage, or upon completing chemotherapy. Suzanne Singer, who guided the redecorating of the mikvah at the request of the Jewish Federation Board

of Directors, described how she put her heart into the project. Under her direction with suggestions from others in the community, Singer attempted to create a garden setting resembling a bath in Jerusalem. After lunch in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, the women were able to see for themselves as they visited the mikvah which is located in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “I thought it was fascinating,” said Danielle Gordman of her first look at the mikvah. She added, “It’s great that we have one community mikvah for everyone.” Gordman was happy to see the event attended by an intergenerational group -- something she loves about the Omaha Jewish community. In addition to Singer, Mikvah Mystique was planned by Andie Gordman, Louri Sullivan, Andi Willensky, and Rosie Zweiback.

Left: Shani Katzman explains the mystique of the mikvah to women attending a community-wide event sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. Right: Deb Marburg, left, Mimi

Rogers, and Linda Saltzman visit the community mikvah located at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home with Suzanne Singer who supervised the mikvah’s redecoration project.

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Continued from page 1 “This is a ministry in a different way,” he explained. “I didn’t choose the subject of death; it chose me. And we now recognize that grief comes in many forms,” he added, “as a result of the inevitable losses of life.” Rabbi Grollman has traveled to hundreds of cities in all 50 states and to countries around the world lecturing, counseling, and listening to people who are looking for answers to losses of many kinds with which they’re trying to cope. In addition to his travels, Rabbi Grollman has written 27 books, including Talking About Death, which received the International UNESCO award of the International Children and Youth Book Exhibition in 1967. He also wrote the Talking About series with his daughter Sharon which addresses crises that children and adults face together. The series includes subjects as diverse as death and the effect of a new baby in the family. Named Person of the Year in 1999 by the National Center for Death Education, Rabbi Grollman is a past chair of the Center and a certified Death Educator and Counselor. He was the recipient of the Death Education Award in 2000 given by the Association for Death Education and Counseling. For his work with families and volunteers following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City in 1995, he was cited as “Hero of the Heartland.” He was a founder of the Good Grief Program that provides crisis intervention to schools and community groups to help children and adolescents when a friend, teacher, or parent is terminally ill or dies. Additionally, Rabbi Grollman is a founder of Hospice West, the largest hospice in Boston, and the Samaritans which is devoted to suicide prevention and counseling. National television and radio shows such as the “Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” have had Rabbi Grollman as a guest. He was also featured on National Public Radio’s “End of Life” series. Articles about Rabbi Grollman have appeared in Psychiatric Opinion, Harvard Medical School Mental Health Letter, People Magazine, Time Magazine, and Harpers. Rabbi Grollman’s residency is co-sponsored by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning with Thomas Belford Jr. and John A. Gentleman Mortuaries. For more information, call the Temple office, 556.6536.

by BETH COHEN Executive Director It’s called a “soft” opening in the lingo of property managers and developers. Thought the vast majority of Beth Israel’s new synagogue building at 12604 Pacific St. will be complete, several details--like the installation of original pieces of art and the arrival of items on back order--are ongoing, with work expected to be completed this spring. Still, the congregation will celebrate its first Shabbat services in the new synagogue building on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. The opening Shabbat will include a Kabbalat Shabbat service in the chapel on Friday, Feb. 13, 5:40 p.m. Shabbat morning services on Workmen are finishing the bima; Feb. 14 begin at 8:45 alcoves for yahrzeit plaques are at a.m., with the Torah the back of the sanctuary. service beginning at 9:45 a.m. Free babysitting service in our new children’s room is always available on Shabbat mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m., and Junior Congregation takes place in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. A festive Shabbat lunch will follow services on Saturday at approximately noon. Cost of the lunch is only $5 for adults, and is free to children ages 12 and younger. Please make your meal reservations with the synagogue office by Feb. 11 by calling 556.6288 (and remember, the office will be without phone service as the transition into the new building takes place for the much of the day on Tuesday, Feb. 10). In preparation for the opening, “Tunes of Tefillah,” a class that began in January, featuring the tunes sung during the Shabbat services, will continue on Feb. 12 and 26, 7 p.m. The class is led by Rabbi Howard Kutner, Donald Gerber, and Rabbi B.P. Simon. Contact Rabbi Simon in the synagogue office for more information on this class. The opening Shabbat is co-chaired by Julee Katzman and Susie Shyken. A formal dedication of the new building will take place in the late spring.

January 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Nu? Did You Hear the One About...? by HOWARD SILBER into what he described as “an old classical Yiddish folk Caribbean islands. for Visions But the rich history of the Catskills endures, largely song”--“There is No Place Like Nebraska.” A woman is checking out of a typically small hotel in as the venue in which such Jewish entertainers as Sid Ehrenreich said later that he and his backup singers had the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York. Caesar, Mel Brooks, Red Buttons, Henny Youngman delivered the song in response to a request two or three “Nu,” the owner asks, “how do you like the place?” and Jerry Lewis got their start. Memories of the vacation years ago. After they discovered that the group of 20 “Like the place,” the woman echoes. “The place is and entertainment center are being kept alive by per- Nebraskans would be in the shipboard audience (they fine, but the food is terrible. Terrible! Terrible! It’s poi- formers like Avi Hoffman, Jake Ehrenreich, Phyllis Berk had not brought along the score, of course) they put their son. I tell you it’s poison. and Roman who performed for the Visionnaires and the memories and the show’s musical director, Michael “And the portions are so small.” others in the ship’s large nightclub. Larsen, to work and managed to piece together the words That old joke, related with Yiddish inflections by Ehrenreich brought the Omahans to their feet during and music for a lively and well-received rendition. comedian Freddie Roman, accented the theme of a one of the performances when he and the Sunshine Freddie Roman recalled that while he was in Omaha for marathon program of Jewish humor enjoyed by a Girls who support his act of patter and music broke an Ak-Sar-Ben show 20 or so years ago, “I was hungry for group of Omaha Visions members aboard a a bagel. I found the Bagel Bin. It was good.” cruise ship sailing the Caribbean. “Catskills in the Caribbean” is the brainchild Twenty Visionnaires and friends joined a priof Avi Hoffman. He said it was suggested by vate audience of 150 Catskills aficianados for a “Catskills on Broadway,” a hit show that was total of eight and a half hours of songs, jokes produced by Roman, who also starred in it. and happy nostalgia spread over five days Hoffman enlisted Roman, Ehrenreich, singer aboard Enchantment of the Seas, a Royal Phyllis Berk, known as the “Beatnik Bubbie”, Caribbean Cruise Lines ship this month. and music director Larsen. He said he plans a The program--Catskills in the Caribbean-similar Catskills theme cruise within a year. produced by the National Center for Jewish Six Visionnaires enjoyed a memorable experiCultural Arts--featured widely-known Jewish ence en route to Fort Lauderdale, FL, the entertainers who still have a love affair with embarkatation point for the cruise. They arrived the Catskills, an Upstate New York resort area at Eppley Airfield the morning of Jan. 4 during that was immensely popular with Jewish famia snow storm. lies, mainly from the New York Metropolitan The Southwest Airlines flight was scheduled Area, for many years. to stop at Chicago’s Midway Airport and proSometimes known as the Borscht Belt and ceed to the Florida city. But the snow storm Yiddish Alps, the area has fallen on hard times. moved to Chicago and intensified, shutting Catskills history buffs attending a seminar down both Midway and O'Hare Airports. associated with the seaborne entertainment Visions members who cruised a Catskills Caribbean included, front row: Sally Fine, After a delay of three hours, Southwest sent the program blamed the area’s demise largely on left, Elain Cohen, Phyllis Roffman, Doris Alloy; second row: Phyllis Aron, Ida Schenwar, Boeing 737 airliner nonstop from Omaha to Fort the widespread availability of bargain air fares Adele Greenberg, Doris Cohen, Rosalie Greenspan, Esther Wax, Sissy Silber; third row: Lauderdale, bypassing Chicago. The six Omahans that have made it convenient to travel to more Paul Fine, Howard Silber, Harry Alloy, Bill Cohen, Norm Roffman; back row: Harry and four other Florida-bound passengers enjoyed exotic spots such as Las Vegas, Florida and Greenberg, Jerry Cohen, Bud Greenspan, and Jim Wax. the smooth flight aboard their 146-seat “private” jet.

Parent Book Discussion at B’nai Jeshurun by RABBI DEBBIE STIEL On Sunday, Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun will have its last parent program of the school year and our first book discussion using The Blessing of A Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self Reliant Children by Dr. Wendy Mogel. This relatively new book has ben very well received. Dr. Mogel is a clinical psychologist who says children are suffering from malaise caused by overindulgence, overscheduling and overprotection. She has found that ancient Jewish teachings and contemporary psychological insights worked well to create a different approach to parenting. Congregants are welcome to join us for the religious school prayer assembly at 10 a.m. that morning followed by the book discussion.

I’m Moshe Gershovich

SUPER SUNDAY

Bob Alper is Kahn Scholar-in-Residence at Beth El by LYNDA MIRVISH for Beth El Synagogue “When I give a sermon, I hope I move people spiritually,” Bob Alper says, “When I make people laugh, I know I’ve moved them spiritually.” He may be the “world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy--intentionally,” but Bob Alper also brings his particular brand of wise and witty humor to the pulpit and the lectern. Omahans will have the opportunity to experience both sides of Alper on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 31, when he will be serving as Kahn Scholar-in Residence at Beth El Synagogue. As the Scholar, Rabbi Alper will speak will speak at a congregational dinner on Friday evening on the topic of “The Spirituality of Laughter”. “The Holiness of Little

Daily Dramas” will be the subject of his address at the Beth El Lunch and Learn on Shabbat (BELLS) luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 31. On Saturday evening at 8 p.m., Bob Alper, comedian, will take the stage for a hilarious, one-man comedy show, a fund-raiser for the Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT). The silent auction preceding the show, opens at 7 p.m. Reservations for the dinner and luncheon, and taxdeductible tickets for the show can be made by calling the synagogue office at 492.8550.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 30, 2004

Kolit: Voices of the Generations Continued from page 1 Hanna Bartonowski has a degree in preschool education from Seminar Hakibbutzim Teachers’ College. Today she works as a cosmetician in the kibbutz. Hanna is the mother of three children. Tova Havardi is an art teacher at the Manor-Cabri School of the Arts. She has a degree in art from Haifa University, and is presently working on an MA in art at Tel Aviv University. She is the director of the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz Art Gallery. Tova is married and the mother of two children. Roni Shner is a social worker with an MA in Clinical Social Work from Haifa University. Today she works in the Welfare Department of Mateh Asher Regional Council. Roni was born in Kvutzat Schiller and is married to a son from the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz. They have three daughters. Roni lost her father in the Six Day War. Tali Shner has a degree in Jewish Studies from Haifa University. She was formerly the principal of the Korczak Elementary School at the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz, and today is the Director of Yad Layeled Children’s Museum at the Ghetto Fighters’ Museum. She is presently working on her MA degree at Haifa University. Tali has a daughter and two sons. Zvika Arbel is the musical director of

Kolit, in charge of the musical arrangements and accompanies the singers on the guitar. He was a member of the Nahal Song Troupe in the army, has a degree from the Academy of Music at Tel Aviv University. He teaches in the music department at Manor-Cabri School of the Arts. He is a member of Kibbutz Cabri and the father of three sons. Dan Hirsch was born in Jerusalem and lives with his family in Nahariya. He studied in Nahariya and in the music department at the Manor-Cabri School of the Arts. He is 21 years old and is presently serving in the IDF as a member of a music troupe. Dan accompanies the singers on the piano. Kolit is not a professional group that earns its living from singing, but is the expression of the authentic experience of a community located in the Western Galilee landscape, and adjacent to a museum that tells the story of the Jewish people. The simple songs come from the heart and invite the audience to participate. In addition to singing, the members of the Kolit invite the audience, both students and adults, to discuss the story of the second generation after the Holocaust, the culture of remembrance and the intergenerational discourse that developed at the Ghetto Fighters’ Kibbutz. For more information, please contact me at 333.1303.

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Newman Supporting Foundation Carries On its Charitable Legacy by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Since 1988, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation has allocated funds to agencies, organizations, and synagogues in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lincoln for more than 100 charitable, educational, and religious programs. At its most recent meeting, the supporting foundation’s members voted to grant nine new requests for funds. To provide an understanding of prejudice and discrimination and the harm they inflict upon individuals and society, the AntiDefamation League/Community Relations Committee will sponsor its 18th annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop in November 2004. The Newman Supporting Foundation allocated funds for the daylong workshop which attempts to open the eyes and minds of approximately 350 public, parochial, and private high school juniors from 26 schools in the area. Stereotypes and biases which inhibit inter-group understanding are challenged. In recognizing their biases, students learn to build bridges of understanding and new friendships across diverse cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities. Beth El Synagogue received a grant for a roots program which will include a trip to New York for 15 to 20 tenth through 12th graders as part of an indepth study of their own family experience as immigrants as well as the opportunity to gain insight from the experience of the entire community. The program will focus on providing the students with a historical/cultural survey of their roots through lectures, movies, books, internet access, and an actual visit to immigration gateways such as Ellis Island. The experience is also designed to provide an opportunity for students to bond with each other as they develop commitment to Judaism. Under the auspices of Jewish Educational and Library Services, a special education instructor teaches Hebrew and/or Judaic studies to children who have special needs and are attending local synagogue and other religious schools. The teacher works oneon-one with the children throughout the school year and is in contact with their parents and directors of the schools. Thanks to a grant from the Newman Supporting Foundation, she will also help the youngsters maintain their studies during the summer. Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun requested a grant to update its children’s library. With the funds it received, the congregation will buy new children’s books and institute a new program in the religious school so children from pre-kindergarten age through tenth grade can check out books on a regular basis. In addition, the books will be used in the Shabbat sitter service and by religious school teachers. B’nai Jeshurun will also purchase some videos on Jewish subjects and some CDs of Jewish songs. A grant was awarded to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) for the Junior Maccabi program which began in 2002. Junior Maccabi, according to JCC Program Associate Rachel Katskee, provides an atmosphere for Jewish fifth through seventh graders to “come together to develop a positive Jewish

identity while enhancing their leadership skills.” Activities involve athletic events, field trips, Judaic programs, and community service opportunities intended to develop the youngsters’ Jewish identity. Jewish Family Service (JFS) provides financial assistance to about 40 individuals and 85 families each year. The ongoing need has been increasing yearly, said Steve Stiel, executive director of JFS. Funds for emergency rent and utilities, groceries, medical prescriptions, and gasoline have been provided along with assistance for emergency dental care, an

TeenAge evaluation by a psychiatrist, and orthopedic shoes. The grant from the Newman Foundation will help JFS continue to improve the quality of life for Jews in the community who are in need. Each month, the Jewish Press features a different Jewish youth group in the newspaper. Under the supervision of their advisors, members of Omaha and Lincoln synagogue youth groups and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization will have the opportunity to showcase their talents, promote their group, and earn $150 for their chapters. With its grant from the Newman Foundation, the Jewish Press hopes to foster the teenagers’ sense of pride and accomplishment and provide them a positive experience in a Jewish setting through the monthly “Teen Age” page. Thanks to the Newman Foundation, Partnership 2000 (P2K) and the Institute for Holocaust Education, a division of the ADL office, plan to host KolitLohame HaGetaot: Voices of the Ghetto Fighters for a concert and educational opportunities in the community in February. Kolit is a group of second generation Holocaust survivors who are vocalists and musicians from the Ghetto Fighters Kibbutz, a P2K regional programming partner. In addition to a concert for the Jewish community, Kolit will perform at one or two local schools. While Kolit members are here, they will teach school children about the Holocaust through music and poetry. In addition, students’ voices will be recorded on a CD to share with Israeli school children. To supplement a fund that had been established by the Noddle family, a grant was also made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH) for a concert series in memory of Edith Noddle. “Many of our residents don’t have an opportunity to go to the Symphony,” said Ann Joseph, RBJH activities director. So it was a “packed house” in October when the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra performed in the JCC auditorium for RBJH, Remington Heights, and Livingston Plaza residents and members of Visions and the YES group and their families. “This type of program is rare for nursing home residents,” Joseph mentioned. Another musical performance is planned for April when Anne Nagosky, a member of the Symphony, will do a violin concerto. Joseph said there may be a program in May as well. Harlan J. Noddle is President of the Newman Supporting Foundation. Other members are Sharee Newman, Vicepresident; Lisa Lewis, secretary/treasurer; Jay Lerner; Murray Newman; David Friedland, and Patricia Newman.

January 30, 2004

IN THE NEWS Erinn Mellen, 24, formerly of Lincoln, currently living in Scottsdale, AZ Adrianne Graham, 23, formerly of Lincoln, now residing in Lawrence, KS, and Jaine Graham, 47, Lincoln, NE (mother of Adrianne), recently ran the Half-Marathon at the Inaugural P.F. Chang’s Rock’N’Roll Arizona Marathon and Half-Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. Finish times for the 13.1 mile run was 2:20 for Erinn and 2:30 for Jaine and Adrianne. Erinn is Executive Marketing Assistant at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Adrianne is completing a graduate degree in secondary education at the University of Kansas. Jaine is the director of Education and Telehealth Services at Bryan/LGH Medical Center.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pride Players presents an original play at the Rose Theater, 20th and Farnam, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 1, 4:30 p.m. An improvisational play about being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or a straight in High School, the show is recommended for ages 12 and older. The play, a production of Teens ’n Theater, features three students from Westside High School: Zev Eisenberg, son of Bob Eisenberg and Pam Kohll; Lexie Newman, daughter of Murray and Sharee Newman; and Chelsea Taxman, daughter of Jeff and Sherry Taxman. Tickets are $6; for information, call 345.4849.

Free ‘Crash Course’ in Hebrew to Begin by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Always wanted to learn to read Hebrew? Beth El is ready to help, with a free “crash course” for adults, starting Sunday, Feb. 8, 10-11 a.m., in the library. Susi Frydman-Levin, who will serve as instructor, promises “there’s no need to be frustrated, frightened, or fearful. In just eight weeks, this course will take you from Aleph Bet to Adon Olam.”

Susi, the accomplished wife of our own Rabbi Mordechai Levin, will enhance the course with the same wit, warmth, and knowledge she brings to services and to Rosh Hodesh Group sessions. Moreover, learning to read Hebrew will be fulfilling and will immensely enrich your experience at services. Call Harriet Einziger in the synagogue office, 492-8550, to sign up.

BIRTH Yoav and Jodi Gershoni of Rockville, MD, announce the Dec. 28 birth of their daughter, Carly Elizabeth. Carly has an older sister, Jordyn Ann.

Grandparents are Jerry Slusky of Omaha, NE and Harriet Fishel of Bethesda, MD.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Robert J. Hallam will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Feb. 4, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gil Cohen. Hallam is President and CEO of the Omaha Symphony. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms,” organized by Shirley Goodman meets at the home of Annette Fettman on Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will explore the meaning of Psalms. A crash course in Hebrew Reading with Rabbi Hoffman also meets Wednesdays at noon in the Federation Conference Room; Advanced Hebrew Comprehension meets at 7 p.m. at the OCTL Beis Midrash; call 981.0569 for more information. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the new “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Abbie Erpelding, a student intern from Dana College, will lead the discussion with inspirational topics. Following lunch at noon, Dan Cerveny, Treasurer of the Omaha Musicians Association, will talk about performing for our troops in Iraq. For transportation, call Dee Dee, 330.4272. Celebrate Presidents Day with a concert by Eileen and Miles Remer and Esther Wax on Feb. 16. Call Maggie for all reservations at 334.6521. Abraham Lincoln Live is Thursday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m. Lunch

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

ENGAGEMENT ROGERS/FARKAS Mimi Rogers of Fremont, NE, and Scott R. Farkas of Des Moines, IA, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be is the daughter of the late Franklin P. Rogers and Wilma C. Rogers. She earned a PhD in Sociology from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and is the mother of four children: Forrest, 18, Max, 16, Cleo, 9 and Isaac Rogers-Marcovitz, 7.

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LOMIR REDN YIDDISH On Thursday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m., watch the film The Chosen. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. VISIONS Board Meeting is Friday, Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m. in the Blumkin Home conference room. ln Search of Shangri La, the Dick Walter’s travelogue is Friday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m., at the Joslyn Art Museum. Visions members cost is $6 per person. Lunch on your own at noon in Le Cafe Durham Send reservations with full payment to: Sandy and Fred Bromley,13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. Deadline is Feb. 19. Checks payable to Visions. Dues for 2004 are due. Send $5 per person to: Gilda Pieck, 6955 Cuming, Omaha, NE 68132. NJHS On Wednesday, Aug.14, 7 p.m., the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will show the award-winning film, The Lost Wooden Synagogues of Eastern Europe. Winner of five awards at film festivals, the documentary is narrated by Theodore Bikel. The program is being underwritten by Kevee Kirshenbaum and Larry Roffman. For more information, call Renee Corcoran at 334.6442.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Melitz Events (Jan. 30 thru Feb. 11), 8 a.m. at Temple Israel Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Bob Alper, 7 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 BELLS Luncheon with Rabbi Bob Alper, noon at Beth El Comedy Night with Rabbi Bob Alper, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Club 34 Event, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Grade 1-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 10 a.m. Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Family Spaghetti Dinner & Auction, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 YES Program, 10 a.m. “Soul of the Text” Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 5 p.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. Adult Education, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 “Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El “Live from the 92nd Street Y”, 7 p.m.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin, noon pm at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. ADL Teacher In-Service, 5 p.m. JFS Presents: Lying, Stealing and Cheating, 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Artist-in-Residence--Joe Black, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 BELLS Speaker Jean Cahan, noon at Beth El Grade 2 & 5 Tu B’shevat Seder, 2:30 p.m. at Temple Israel “Central Dance Theatre” Performance, 8 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Men’s Club 10 a.m. at Temple Israel WRJ Cradle Roll Event, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El “Central Dance Theatre” Performance, 2 p.m. WRJ Friendship Tea, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 YES Program, 10 a.m. “Soul of the Text” Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Adult Education, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 JELS Program “Jewish Thinkers on Jewish Subjects”, 10 a.m. “Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. “Live from the 92nd Street Y”, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Opening Shabbat at the New Beth Israel, 9 a.m. BBYO Chaim Weizmann Sweetheart Dance, 8 p.m. and Procession, 11 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA SUPER SUNDAY, 7 a.m. RBJH Sweetheart Senior Prom, 7 p.m. JCC Basketball Awards Ceremony in the Gym, 7 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 YES Program, 10 a.m. “Soul of the Text” Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Adult Education, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel BBYO Chapter Elections, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Temple Israel Board of Trustees Meeting. 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 JELS Program “Jewish Thinkers on Jewish Subjects”, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. “Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel High School Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Board Meeting and Social, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JSS Program “Abe Lincoln”, 1 p.m. Jewish Women International Sweetheart Day, 2 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Home Maccabi Parent Meeting, 6 p.m. Caring & Condolence Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El JOLT II, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 USY Winter Shabbaton Camp Chi, Wisconsin Feb. 20-22 Temple Israel OTYG Social Action Workshop, Feb. 20-22 Tot Shabbat Service 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Earl Grollman, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 HAZAK Kiddish & Speaker Terry Clark, noon at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Earl Grollman, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT “Family Flick Night”, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Scholar-in-Residence Earl Grollman, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El BBG Powderpuff Basketball, 1 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m. Boy Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet, 3:30 p.m. ADL Kolit Music Program, 7 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 YES Program, 10 a.m. “Soul of the Text” Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Adult Education, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 JELS Program “Jewish Thinkers on Jewish Subjects”, 10 a.m. “Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Middle/High School Teacher Meeting , 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Middle/High School Parents Book Club, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 OTYG Event, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Kids Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El Club 56 Event, noon at Temple Israel Beth Israel Burying of Shaimos at Beth Israel Cemetery, 78th & Crown Point, 2 p.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 30, 2004

Opinion Being Jewish, Despite Depressing News Pick up any newspaper today, watch any television show or news broadcast and, if you’re Jewish, you’ll hear disturbing news. From Mel Gibson’s controversial new movie, The Passion, to anti-Semitism in Europe, from new guidelines issued for rabbis and congregations by the Conservative movement on sexual harassment to the denial of life insurance to some applicants who’ve traveled to Israel recently, it appears as though we’re still fighting the same battles we fought 50, 100, 2000 years ago. When life as a Jew is based only on combatting the negative news about us and Israel, it is depressing--and it’s no way to live. So let’s look at this another way--starting with Gibson’s film. Though the Academy Award-winning actor and director says he’s following “Scripture faithfully”, many, including ADL Executive Director Abe Foxman, say Gibson keeps pointing to the Jews as instigators of the death of Jesus. Luckily for us in Nebraska, more thoughtful minds have chosen a path of discussion, through a day-long conference sponsored by Creighton, UNO, Great Plains Region of ADL and JELS. The this issue was printed prior to the start of the conference yesterday, the Press will have a follow-up story in an upcoming issue. Growing anti-Semitism in Europe? Unfortunately, that’s not a new story. And there’s not much hopeful news here. Products grown or manufactured in Judea or Samaria (Hebrew names for the West Bank and Gaza) are not allowed to be sold tax-free in the European Union (thought other Israeli products are); the BBC drops a news story that defames Muslims but continues to run those that are offensive to Jews; Sweden exhibits “Snow White and the Madness of Truth,” which showed a sailboat floating on a pool of red water (meant to portray blood). Attached to the boat was a smiling photo of the female bomber, Hanadi Jaradat, who murdered 21 people at Maxim’s restaurant in Haifa. Why did the Conservative movement issue new guidelines about harassment? Because, according to JTA, its Executive Director Rabbi Jerome Epstein learned of 15-16 cases just in the last year. UCSJ also decided to update their policies following the highly-publicized cases of Rabbi Baruch Lanner, director of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in October 2002 for sexually abusing teenage girls and women and physically abusing boys and girls as a principal of a New Jersey yeshiva, and Reform Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman, 58, resigned as president of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Manhattan

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JOE BERKOFSKY (Editor’s note: The Jewish Press published an article from JTA in the Jan. 9 Guide to Tax and Financial Planning about insurance companies who denied coverage to those who had traveled to Israel within the past two years.) NEW YORK (JTA)--Top New York legislators are trying to prevent insurance companies from blacklisting travelers to Israel from life insurance coverage. Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the New York State Assembly, and Assemblyman Peter Grannis unveiled a bill Jan. 15 that would bar state insurance firms from denying life insurance to anyone who has traveled to Israel. “I don’t know what Israel travel means: Is it risky lifestyle?” Silver said in an interview with JTA. “Does this smack of anti-Semitism? Does it smack of participation in an Arab boycott?” Their move came in response to a recent JTA report that several major insurance companies around the country are refusing to issue life insurance policies to applicants who recently have visited Israel, or in some cases to those who plan to travel to Israel or 27 other nations for which the State Department has issued a travel advisory. The New York bill is aimed solely at insurers that “discriminate” against those who already have been to Israel, Silver said--in part because he has not heard of policy applications asking about future travel plans. Several top firms, including Allstate, State Farm and TIAA-CREF, told JTA recently that they won’t underwrite life insurance policies for people planning to visit Israel or other U.S.-designated hot spots because they consider such travel too high-risk. Meanwhile, a young public relations pro-

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in December 2000 after HUC said he had carried on “personal relationships” with members of his congregation while serving as a pulpit rabbi. The Orthodox Union updated their policies in the wake of the Lanner debacle; the Union for Reform Judaism and the Reconstructionist movement had already updated their policies against harassment and offensive conduct nearly a decade ago. And finally, readers can take some comfort in knowing that New York State legislators reacted immediately to the JTA story about denial of insurance to applicants who have visited Israel (see article below); if the law passes, it could serve as a model for other states. So where else can we find good news in this onslaught of depressing images? We can look to ourselves, our family and our community. If our children only hear message like those we’ve mentioned, they will hardly want to remain Jewish. It’s up to us to provide them with positive images--a joyous Shabbat dinner with friends; a community Purim seudah (meal); a fun-filled summer at a Jewish camp; and yes, a trip to Israel with their peers (and it wouldn’t hurt if Jewish adults considered a visit to Israel either!). Living Jewishly should mean living joyously, celebrating our history, our heritage, our holidays, our Torah. Just because there’s bad news out there doesn’t mean it deserves a place “in here.”

New York Politicians Line Up Against Insurance Redlining over Israel Travel fessional in Washington said Fidelity Investments denied his otherwise trouble-free application for insurance because he already had visited Israel in 2002. Officials with Jewish organizations said they had heard of similar cases over the past year, and the JTA story sparked yet more reports of recent rejections by Jews who had gone to Israel.

Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the New York State Assembly, and Assemblyman Peter Grannis unveiled a bill Jan. 15 that would bar state insurance firms from denying life insurance to anyone who has traveled to Israel. “After the story broke other people told us about it, but they’d never talked about it because they were embarrassed,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice-chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Hoenlein could not say how many people complained, but said they were all from New York. Silver also received three complaints, he said. At a recent news conference, he introduced one such case, that of Dennis Rapps of the Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs. In the wake of the JTA report, Hoenlein approached Silver, who in 1996 had introduced similar legislation when the New Yorkbased Metropolitan Life Insurance Company denied life insurance to a senior member of the Orthodox Union who often visited Israel.

In that case, Metropolitan scrapped its policy and the legislation never reached a vote. But Silver and Grannis’ spokesman, Peter Newell, said they expect the current bill to win support easily in the assembly, which is controlled by Democrats. Silver also said he would bring the bill to other state insurance commissioners and the National Conference of Insurance Legislators in hopes that the New York bill can serve as a model for other states. Hoenlein and senior officials of other Jewish groups said they would welcome such national attention, in part because they fear insurance redlining could threaten U.S. travel to Israel at time when the Jewish state can’t afford a further drop in tourism. “Our community is committed to tourism to Israel, and no one should have to suffer this kind of discrimination,” said Betty Ehrenberg, director of international affairs and communal relations for the O.U.’s Institute for Public Affairs in Washington. If such denials “are more widely imposed,” Hoenlein said, “people are not going to risk not getting life insurance by going to Israel.” Sarina Roffe, director of communications for the Jewish National Fund, told JTA she also was a victim of the hot-spot boycott. Roffe said she recently attempted to switch her life insurance policy with John Hancock Insurance and Financial Services, but was rejected because she had visited Israel within the past two years. “Within 20 minutes my agent called and said, ‘You’re out,’” she said. “You just don’t think of Israel as an extreme place. You just don’t think it’s going to affect you.” The agent also told her that “no one” in the insurance industry is “writing policies for anyone who has been to Israel,” Roffe said.

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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January 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Survey: Jews Warming to Bush but Oppose his Domestic Agenda

AMERICA DECIDES 2004

percent in 1984, after tensions with Israel over the Lebanon war and the sale of AWACS airplanes to Saudi Arabia. The survey also shows sharp drops in Jewish support for Bush on the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq. From a high of 85 percent support a few months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Jewish support for Bush’s war on terrorism fell to 59 percent a year ago and to 41 percent this year. On Iraq, Jewish support for the war dropped to 43 percent this year from 59

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA)--U.S. Jews remain solidly Democratic, although support for President Bush has increased. Those results come from a new survey, which also shows sharp drops in Jewish support for issues dear to the Republican president--including the war on terrorism and the Iraq conflict. The findings are part of the American Jewish Committee’s annual survey of American Jewry. The survey shows a sharp rise in concern about antiSemitism in Europe; an increase in concern about anti-Semitism in America; strong support for keeping the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance; strong support for a multilateral U.S. foreign policy; and a small rise in support for the establishment of a In the AJCommittee study, the Democratic candidates, with Joseph Lieberman leading the way, outpolled President Palestinian state. Credit: JTA graphic The survey was conduct- Bush in head-to-head matchups. ed by Market Facts Inc., which surveyed percent a year ago, before the war but 1,000 Jews by phone between Nov. 25 after the administration had made clear and Dec. 11, 2003. The poll has a margin that it was planning military action. of error of plus or minus 3 percent. The decline in Jewish support for the Though the survey shows that president’s Iraq policy comes after American Jews still are solidly months of allegations that the Bush Democratic, it also shows Bush faring administration’s justifications for the war better than he did in 2000 against all pos- were based on faulty--and possibly fabrisible Democratic candidates except Sen. cated--intelligence. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT). Bush’s spokesman have acknowledged Bush would get 31 percent of the that some of its intelligence was faulty, Jewish vote in theoretical matchups with but insist that the overall picture of a Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and former gathering threat in Iraq was accurate. Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. The presiDemocrats have accused the president dent would get 29 percent against for- of diverting billions of dollars to the Iraq mer Gen. Wesley Clark. war that would have been better spent Against Lieberman, Bush’s share of the combating terrorism elsewhere. Jewish vote would fall to 24 percent, the Brooks of the Republican Jewish same percentage of respondents who Coalition said low approval for the pressaid they voted for the president in 2000, ident’s performance in Iraq would according to the survey. change as the administration scored Republicans and Democrats alike said more successes. He noted that polling they were heartened by the poll. was completed just before Saddam Ira Forman, he executive director of Hussein’s capture in December. the national Jewish Democratic Council, When it comes to anti-Semitism in suggested the numbers showed only Europe, the survey shows a sharp slight improvement considering the increase in concern about the phenomeRepublicans’ hard work in cultivating the non: Fifty-five percent of respondents Jewish community. “This is not a conser- said the problem was “very serious,” up vative, Republican community, and that’s from 41 percent a year ago. what these numbers screen out,” he said. More than twice as many respondents “They’ve not made many converts, from said anti-Semitism posed a greater threat to anything I can see.” Jewish life in the United States than interRepublicans said the numbers were marriage--68 percent versus 27 percent. encouraging, given that Bush has yet to The apparent contradiction between launch his campaign. the increase in Jewish support for Bush “He has not been out there making his generally and the decline in support for case to the Jewish community and has his policies likely is the result of Bush’s been subjected to an unrelenting barrage stance toward the Jewish state. Bush of criticism among all the candidates,” pleased many Jews by describing Israeli said Matt Brooks, Executive Director of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a “man of the Republican Jewish Coalition. “In peace” while consistently snubbing spite of that, he is doing very well Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian Authority among Jewish voters.” president, because of his ties to terrorism. The survey shows that 51 percent of Optimism about U.S.-Israel relations respondents consider themselves remains steady. This year, 86 percent of Democrats, 16 percent Republicans and respondents said relations were very or 31 percent independents. somewhat positive; last year, 90 percent David Harris, the AJCommittee’s of respondents said so. Executive Director, said of the increase But 37 percent of respondents said in support for Bush: “We have to pre- they are less optimistic about the possisume it is driven by President Bush’s bility of Israel achieving peace with the policy, particularly with respect to Israel Arab world now than they were a year and in the war on terrorism.” ago; only 5 percent are more optimistic. That increase falls short of the 39 perSupport for Israel’s handling of its relacent support Reagan got in 1980, against tions with the Palestinian Authority erodan incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter, ed somewhat, as 60 percent said they perceived by some Jews as hostile to supported Israel’s handling of the situaIsrael. Reagan’s support dropped to 31 tion, down from 67 percent last year.

Meanwhile, U.S. Jewish support for a Palestinian state rose slightly to 54 percent, from 49 percent last year. Democrats are worried about positive Jewish perceptions of Bush’s Israel policies. Recently, top Democrats revealed to JTA that they formulated a plan some 18 months ago to solidify Jewish support for Democrats and demonstrate that Democrats are better for Israel than Bush. Democrats said the poll was reassuring, despite the growth in support for Bush. The figures showing Lieberman faring better than any other Democrat against Bush belie the claim that Jews are less likely to support a Jewish candidate because of concern that it would be bad for the Jews. It’s a claim Lieberman has taken pains to refute when campaigning among Jews. Still, anti-Semitism in the United States remains a concern. Respondents who said it was a very serious problem rose to 37 percent, from 29 percent last year. Respondents describing anti-Semitism as very serious on college campuses rose to 28 percent, from 23 percent last year. Respondents also identified Muslims as the most anti-Semitic group, with 55 percent saying “most or many” Muslims are anti-Semitic. Those figures were consistent with 2002 but showed a reversal from 2001, when only 44 percent of

respondents said most or many Muslims were anti-Semitic. The Democrats’ alignment with Jews on domestic issues is one way they hope to maintain Jewish community support. The AJCommittee’s survey bolsters the potential effectiveness of that strategy. John Zogby, a leading Washington pollster, says recent findings in his own studies show that Democrats have nothing to worry about regarding Jewish support. His most recent survey showed that 82 percent of Jewish voters espoused “Clinton values,” associated with the former president and his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Other findings in the survey showing little change from 2002: • 74 percent said they felt very close or fairly close to the Jewish state; • 81 percent said they agree the Arabs’ goal is Israel’s destruction, not return of the territories captured in the 1967 SixDay War; • 15 percent support increased immigration to the United States, 43 percent said it should remain steady and 41 percent support a decrease; and • 54 percent said being Jewish is very important and 34 percent said it is fairly important. Half of the respondents said they were affiliated with a synagogue, and half were not.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judiasim (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

January 30, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Join us for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service in the Chapel, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation for grades four to seven, 10:30 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 5:25 p.m. SITTER SERVICE Friday Night and Saturday Morning Sitter Service provided at no charge on a drop-in basis. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study Group, under the guidance of Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, will continue with The Book of Samuel, in the Library. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni will meet THURSDAY, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin. Optional lunch available at 1 p.m. FEATURED PROGRAMS PATTER (Toddlers & Parents Torah, Exercise, Recreation) will meet Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m., led by educator Helen Epstein. For information, call Harriett Einzinger at Beth El. World Wide Wrap: Our Men’s Club will join thousands of Jews around the world celebrating the mitzvah of Tefilin, Sunday, Feb. 1. COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance group will get together Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information call Cheryl Lerner, 334-8430. KAHN SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Friday and Saturday Beth El

Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 5:25 p.m. West Minyan is at the home of Susan and Dennis Paley. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by John Kolm and Fred Kolm and family in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of Frieda Kolm. Shabbos House at the home of Maggie and Donald Gerber, 3-5 p.m. All school ages kids are invited and parents are welcome as well. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 5:20 p.m. Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Tunes of Tefillah at Beth Israel, 7-7:45 p.m. Learn the tunes used during Shabbos morning Mussaf. THURSDAY, FEB. 5: Sneak Preview of the new, completed building, 6-8 p.m. For Opening Building Activities and additional information, see article on page 2. Mail sent to BethIsrael @novia.net and BethIsrael Synago@quest.net is now received at BethCohen@ OrthodoxOmaha.org. After Feb. 6, old accounts will be cancelled and e-mail will be reached only through OrthodoxOmaha account.

UNL Professor to Explore ‘Repentance, Forgiveness’ by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue “Repentance and Forgiveness in International Relations” will provide a thought-provoking topic at the Feb. 7 Beth El Lunch & Learn on Shabbat (BELLS), following morning services.

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presents Rabbi/Comedian Bob Alper. He will speak at a Shabbat dinner, on “The Spirituality of Laughter”; and at BELLS (Beth El Lunch and Learn on Shabbat), on “The Holiness of Little Daily Dramas.” His stand-up show, Saturday 8 p.m., will be preceded by a silent auction at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 492-8550.

Keynoter Dr. Jean Cahan specializes in the history of political thought with a concentration on modern Jewish philosophy. She teaches in both the Philosophy

and Political Science Departments at the University of NebraskaLincoln. At Beth El, she will explore the possibility of the re-establishment of normal relations after conflict. She will focus on Germany and the Jews following World War II, and on Native Americans and the United States in the 19th Century. She also will touch on the longstanding conflict in Iraq between Europeans and Americans. The main theme linking each of her examples is the question of whether meaningful reconciliation is, or is not, truly possible. Call Beth El Program Director Harriet Einziger, at 492-8550, to make reservations or for more information.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha-Inter-mediate level, 7 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. with oneg to follow. Torah read by Brian Bornstein. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Robert Friedman. SUNDAY, Feb. 1: Prayer assembly followed by a book discussion of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Dr. Wendy Mogel, 10:30 a.m.; Megillah Practice, 1 p.m. TUESDAY, Feb. 3: Adult Ed, Gates of Prayer, 7 p.m. INTRODUCTION TO HEBREW Are you interested in a beginning Hebrew class if offered? If you are please call Temple secretary, Kristi at 435-8004.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg

Candlelighting Friday, January 30, 5:19 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Grade 4 Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate along with students; Early Worship Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 -10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Hannah Ferer, daughter of Mary and Whitney Ferer, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intensive text study with Rabbi Azriel on The Guide for the Perplexed, the writings of Maimonides, 8:30-10 a.m. WEDNESDAY: “History of Israel” with Prof. Moshe Gershovich, 6:45-8:30 p.m.; Join Gary Kaplan & Mike Walts to learn some of the classics of Jewish Rock & Roll and the Jewish Youth Movement, 7-8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Craig Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m.. Prayer Hebrew and Music. Cantor Shermet will teach a six-week mini-course to improve the ability to read, sing and understand Shabbat worship service prayers, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

Rabbi, Composer, Musician to Sing on Shabbat Shira at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “Chicken Lips.” But for the most part, he Temple Communications Director uses his talent to pass on Jewish culture Jews have been around for more than and history. In addition to Judaism, his 5,000 years, but new Jewish music con- loves are children, education, and of tinues being created constantly, often course, music. A composer and musiblending ancient and modern sensibili- cian, he has gained a reputation as a ties. Today, people like Rabbi Joe Black dynamic performer and produced severfrom Albuquerque, New Mexico, are al critically acclaimed albums of Jewish writing Jewish music and melodies that music, a songbook, and two videos teach and inspire Jews of all ages. which are sung in religious schools, at On Friday, Feb. 6, the Omaha Jewish Jewish summer camps, at community community will have centers, and at youth an opportunity to hear group events. Rabbi Black at Shabbat When he is on the Shira Worship Services bimah at his home which begin at 7:30 congregation, Rabbi p.m. at Temple Israel. Black prefers to leave His visit to Temple most of the musical Israel is sponsored by decisions to his cantor. the Janis Yale However, when he’s Enrichment Fund. on the road, he perOne time, Rabbi forms his own unique Black jumped onstage guitar-based composiwith the conductor of tions. A vital part of his the New Mexico Jewish self, Rabbi Symphony Orchestra Black’s music is someand sang a duet of thing “I can’t not Rabbi Joe Black Bruce Springsteen’s use…,” he said.

January 30, 2004

Teach your kids it’s easier to never start.

Pharaoh’s (and Others) Hard Heart

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE (Editor’s note: This column is reprinted from Rabbi Kripke’s book, Insight and Interpretation, (1988) a compilation of his Sparks from the Word columns from the Jewish Press. Given yesterday’s ecumenical conference at Creighton University on Mel Gibson’s soon-to-be released film, The Passion of the Christ, Rabbi Kripke’s column is still timely today.) Parashat Bo Even naive Bible students question the justice of punishing Pharaoh for his stubbornness in refusing “exit visas” for the Children of Israel, inasmuch as 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 and the subsequent punishment without apology and without spiritual strain. (That’s the way it was!) historically, Jews have encountered many others whose hearts were hard toward us and our religious traditions. As we read history, we would hardly put it in the same terms as does the Torah text. We would not say that God Himself hardened their 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 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 anti-Semitism is still strong, in the best and most thoughtful Christian circles, this subject is now considered carefully and admission is freely made of the point I have been making, and there is attempt, at long last, to undo this evil.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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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 anti-Semitic. But later he realized that this defense was not sound. In his introduction to Rosemary Ruether’s Faith and Fratricide, he wrote, “...here (in the Holocaust), the theological negation of Judaism and the vilification of the Jewish people that were part of the Christian tradition were translated into genocidal action of monstrous proportions, not indeed by Christian themselves, but by a political party that used for its own purposed a heritage built up by Christianity, and counted on a good deal of Christian cooperation.” In our day, at least, we are seeing that it is not Jews alone who locate in Christianity the soil from which anti-Semitism grows, but sensitive and knowledgeable Christian leaders themselves. Ruether’s book should be studied by anyone who wants to understand the Christian theological problems involved, and to see how Christians (in this case Catholics) realize that the image of Jews they have transmitted over the centuries fosters anti-Semitism, both in mild and virulent forms. 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? Both Fr. Baum and Rosemary Ruether, and ADL studies as well, indicate that it is possible. Christianity can be true to itself, they feel, at the same time that it purges Christian teachings of those slanders of Jews that grew during the “Christian centuries” of Europe and made the atmosphere ready for the Holocaust.

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Beth Israel Synagogue will be moving into our new building the week of February 9th. Our phone service will be interrupted on February 10th as we transition into the new building. After February 10th, you may reach us in the new location at our “old” number.

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DEATH ROXANN LAVORATO Roxann Lebowich Lavorato died Jan. 21 at the age of 53. Services were held Jan. 23 at Meyers Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City, IA. She was a teacher in Des Moines, IA. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Lavorato of Woodward, IA; parents, Grace and Ben Lebowich; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Bobbi Lebowich of Baer, DE. Memorials to the scholarship fund of Beth El Synagogue.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Photos from the 2003 New Year’s issue are still available in the Jewish Press office. For pick up, come to the Jewish Press office, Monday-Friday, during regular business hours. Photos from prior special issues have been donated to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, bur synagogue and organizational photos are still archived in the Press files. Questions? Call the Press at 1.402.334.6448 or the NJHS, 1.402.334.6442.

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by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Gastón Bogomolni, Cantor of Beth El Synagogue, strums and sings at a presentation in the Cody School’s arts enrichment program. Bogomolni introduced groups of kids in kindergarten through fifth grade to the music, dance, sports, and culture of his native Argentina. They learned that the “gaucho” is a parallel to our U.S. “cowboy”; the sophisticated tango was initiated by Argentina’s gangster underworld; soccer is one of Argentina’s favorite sports. Most important, he said, they came away understanding “the people of the United States, South America, and the entire world are more alike than different.”

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Parallel Services at Beth El Scheduled for Tu B’Shevat by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue will conduct its monthly Parallel Services on Feb. 7, the Shabbat coinciding with Tu B’Shevat. This holiday, often called the “New Year of the Trees” gives Jews an opportunity to celebrate nature’s bountiful gifts, said Rabbi Mordechai Levin. On days of Parallel Services, Beth El holds the alternative service in the Chapel, starting at 10 a.m. The alternative service features spirited singing, several especially selected English readings, and an interactive Torah discussion. The Torah portion, B’shalah/Shabbat Shira, speaks about the miracle of the parting of the sea. Given that fact, said Rabbi Levin, the discussion may center on topics relating to “everyday miracles” or evolve into a comparison of “everyday miracles” and events that appear inexplicable by the laws of nature. The direction of the discussion, he emphasized, will depend on those in attendance.

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“In our monthly Parallel Services, we welcome the initiation and pursuit of numerous topics,” he said. “We’ve come to expect, and look forward to, a free flow of shared ideas.” After the discussions, Rabbi Levin offers a very brief summary and concludes with a few inspiring thoughts. On Shabbat mornings marked by parallel services, the traditional service takes place in the sanctuary, starting at 9:30 a.m. To those who choose to attend there, Rabbi Levin offers a thoughtful D’Var Torah. During these mornings, Cantor Gaston Bogomolni’s powerful voice enhances each of the services at different times. Providing alternative services one Shabbat morning each month is a relatively new format at Beth El. The decision to do so echoes a trend in Conservative synagogues across the country. The trend, said Rabbi Levin, “recognizes options and choice as the best means of assuring maximum spirituality, meaning, and inspiration to everyone who attends services.”

Meat and a large selection of kosher food products are available at the following stores: Bag ’N Save (75th & Dodge) (114th & Miracle Hills Drive) (90th & Blondo) No Frills (80th & Blondo) Albertsons (120th & W. Center Road) Baker’s (132nd & W. Center Road) (156th & Dodge) Hy-Vee (132nd & Dodge) (78th & Cass)

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 30, 2004

Sen. Nelson in Israel Continued from page 1 “He (King Abdullah) recognizes the importance of modernization,” Sen. Nelson noted, adding that the king pointed out his efforts to have a significant amount of computers and access to the Internet for young people. “He sees the opportunity that education brings for jobs and a positive future. This might be part of the answer to solving unrest in the Middle East. “It’s pretty clear that much of the unrest is related to lack of opportunity and inadequate educational opportunities,” the senator continued. “So, part of the problem is religious and part of it is historical. (And), it’s being passed on from one generation to the next.” Nelson was eager to meet with the former Israeli prime ministers to get their individual opinions about the efforts for a peace plan, adding, “I also wanted to hear their concerns about the fence (or the wall) being constructed.” Both Peres and Netanyahu supported “the fence”. “They were both also very supportive of continuing strong security measures to protect against suicide bombers and the terrorist activity injuring and killing so many people in Israel,” Nelson commented. There might be a difference of opinion about what the future holds or how they will go about achieving peace in the long term, however, there seems to be no disagreement about the importance of maintaining, continuing and applying new and improved security measures to protect the people of Israel. Sen. Nelson explained, “It’s going to be a very difficult process because of the extreme positions of parties on both sides. On the Israeli side, there are those who would want to continue to try to pursue a religious state---to the exclu-

sion of Palestinians and anyone else who may live within the country. “The other position that is taken by many Palestinians--or at least a sufficient number--is to prevent Israel from being in existence at all,” Nelson added. “Their goal is to return to the pre-Israel state of 1948, reestablishing Palestine on the same ground where Israel now exists!” The silent majority on both sides seem to be very clearly for peace and coexistence. “We need to identify a solution that’s fundamentally fair,” Nelson insisted. “I’m not totally pessimistic but my optimism has been dampened. A lot of work remains to be done!” The senator insisted that educational and job opportunities will increase the future for Palestinians. “If they see a bleak future,” he shook his head, “they are more easily lead and more easily brought into the whole area of dissent. This leads to bombing and other terrorist activities. The head of security for Israel told us that in the last three years, there have been 19,000 incidents. And not all of them were bombings.” Tourist travel is down significantly. When asked about his own safety during the stops in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Nelson responded, “From time to time, I felt a little uneasy. I was mindful of what might be lurking around the next corner because of the nature of terrorism and the surprise attacks that can be delivered. “Clearly, we went past some areas where restaurants had been bombed,” the senator added. “So, we eventually realized there’s no place safer than another. “The question is whether this situation (in Israel) has hit bottom or if it still has a way to go,” Sen. Nelson concluded. “We hope, for both sides, that the worst has been experienced.”

Beth El Men to Join ‘World Wide Wrap’ by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Members of the Beth El Men’s Club will join Jews around the globe in promoting the use of tefillin during daily prayer by participating in the “World Wide Wrap” on Sunday, Feb. 1. “We invite men and women who would like to learn how to lay tefillin to come to our Chapel at 8:45 a.m., 15 minutes prior to

the start of morning minyan,” said Glen Fineman. In addition, anyone who has not made use of tefillin in a long time, and who may need help in resizing, is welcome to come as early as 8:30 a.m. The Sunday morning minyan will last for approximately 40 minutes. When the service concludes, there will be a showing of The Ties that Bind, an inspiring short film about the spiritual benefits of using tefillin.

I’m Howard Kutler

SUPER SUNDAY volunteer.

Please give generously when I call on February 15!

Sinking? Grab a R.A.F.T. by SALLY ZIPURSKY NCJW Co-Vice-president, Public Relations The word raft is defined as “a flat structure for support or transportation on water” according to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. Thanks to National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, thousands of Omaha teens define R.A.F.T. in a whole different way. R.A.F.T., NCJW’s Resources Available For Teens, is a booklet designed specifically for teens. A comprehensive guide to community resources available to assist teens in many areas, the booklet lists agencies and facilities that offer assistance in areas including abuse/domestic violence, chemical dependency, cultural, educational, employment, gangs, health, legal rape, runaways, sexuality, suicide and volunteer opportunities. This is the fifth edition of the booklet, first published in 1988. With each republication, all agencies are contacted to provide current information. Each listing includes phone numbers, addresses and hours as well as the addition this year of websites and e-mail addresses. Moreover, the listings provide a description of services, fees and whether or not the service is confidential. R.A.F.T. is distributed free of charge to middle and high school students in the Omaha metro area. This year’s distribution included OPS, Millard, Ralston, Papillion/La Vista, Gretna, Bennington and Elkhorn. The schools are encouraged to dispense the books to eighth, 10th and 12th graders this year with the hope that students in these same grades will receive their own copy for the next two years. Some of the school districts follow this suggestion while others make the book available to students as needed through school guidance departments. R.A.F.T. is distributed free of charge to middle and high school students in the Omaha metro area. This year’s distribution included OPS, Millard, Ralston, Papillion/La Vista, Gretna, Bennington

and Elkhorn. “There is a great deal of valuable information listed between these covers—much of which many teens will never need to use or access. But, if we can encourage every teen to review their copy of R.A.F.T. and keep it handy, they, their friends or relatives may obtain lifesaving advice,” explained R.A.F.T. CoChairman Debbie Josephson on the importance of this project. R.A.F.T. is now also available on-line at: www.omaharaft.com. Now teens, guidance counselors and parents are able to access the information from home or school. Additionally, a Spanish language version of R.A.F.T. has been printed as well. NCJW received several grants this year to assist in the completion of this edition of R.A.F.T. Those agencies providing funding include: Lazier Singer Memorial Fund for Youth, Herbert Goldsten Trust, Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Foundation, Inc., Milton & Corinne Livingston Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation and Philip & Terri Schrager Foundation. Additionally, R.A.F.T. was funded through a Juvenile Accountability Block Grant; this grant allowed for the on-line version of R.A.F.T. and insures an increased audience as area law enforcement and social service agencies will be utilizing R.A.F.T. in their evaluations of juvenile offenders. Omaha Public School District provided the printing for both the English and Spanish versions of the book. “Our Section volunteers recognize how vital this information is to our metro area teens. Thanks to my cochair Vicki Perlmeter and Harriet Epstein, Judy Josephson, Sally Kaplan, Cheryl Lerner, Patricia Newman, Kim Noddle, Sally Zipursky, Sally Barenbaum, Ann Goldstein, Helen Epstein and Tuffy Epstein and Rosie Zwieback for assisting in the gathering, typing, proofreading and distribution,” noted Josephson.

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