Vol. LXXXV No. 21 Omaha, NE
Longtime Reporter David Kotok Recognized for Coverage of Iraq War by HOWARD SILBER Last month, Omaha WorldHerald reporter C. David Kotok and photographer Jeff Bundy were recipients of a rare honor--rare because the military seldom cites for journalists their professional achievements. The two were David Kotok reports from Iraq. awarded the pres- Reprinted with permission from the Omaha Worldtigious Legion of Herald. Credit: Jeff Bundy/Omaha World-Herald. Merit by the Nebraska National Guard for their coverage of the war in Iraq--the highest honor the National Guard can bestow upon a civilian. In addition, Kotok and Bundy, who will speak about their experiences on Sunday, Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, were given certificates of appreciation by the Army’s Second Brigade Combat Team based at Ramadi in Iraq and by Troop A, 167th Cavalry Nebraska National Guard. For 45 days the reporter-photographer team lived with troops of those and other units, shared their high risks in battle and sent home to World-Herald readers vivid accounts and photographs of the lives and sometimes the deaths of American soldiers engaged in the desert war. Through Kotok’s eyes and writing skills and Bundy’s graphic pictures, the involvement of mostly Midlands men and women in the now-controversial conflict was recounted for the folks back home. The reporting by Kotok so impressed Louis G. Gerdes, retired World-Herald executive editor and editorial pages editor and a former Pulitzer Prize jury member, that he wrote that he would have welcomed Continued on page 3
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
5 Shevat, 5766 February 3, 2006
Hamas Win Poses Dilemma for Israeli and World Policy Makers by LESLIE SUSSER nomic and military presJERUSALEM (JTA)-sure. On the diplomatic Hamas’ sweeping election front, it won't talk to victory is forcing all key Hamas in its present form; players to reassess their as to the economy, the positions on the IsraeliPalestinians are dependent Palestinian conflict and on Israel for electricity, the has created a widespread transfer of tax revenue, sense of uncertainty goods, services, work about the future, with places and border crossIsraelis, Palestinians and ings; and, if terrorism escaoutside observers raising lates, Hamas leaders could a host of fundamental become targets. questions. Therefore, while it won Following are some of an outright majority of 74 the main concerns and an of the 132 seats in the analysis of how they Palestinian Legislative might play out. Council, Hamas wants The big question is the defeated Fatah movewhether Hamas in power ment to stay on in govwill moderate its radical ernment to give it a semA Palestinian in East Jerusalem casts his ballot in the recent elecpositions or put Palestinian blance of respectability tion in which Hamas suprised everyone by winning. Some 900 forsociety on a collision vis-a-vis Israel and the eign observers, led by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, were course with Israel and the international community. deployed to monitor the process. Copyright: ISRANET western world. Still, despite all the There will be enormous pressure on Hamas to adopt international, Israeli and domestic pressure, Hamas for a more pragmatic line. The European Union, which now probably will refuse to moderate its ideology, which provides up to 90 percent of international aid to the calls for Israel's destruction. Indeed, there are strong Palestinians, is threatening to suspend its economic sup- opposing pressures on Hamas to maintain its radical port unless Hamas recognizes Israel’s right to exist and line. renounces violence. Iran, for example, could make up for funds the In the short term, cutting off these funds could leave European Union withholds--on condition that Hamas a Hamas government unable to pay the salaries of remain militant. Fidelity to its ideology, and goading by 155,000 Palestinian civil servants, including the 30,000- other militant groups, also could shunt Hamas away strong Palestinian Authority security forces. In the from moderation. longer term, ambitious plans to jump-start the stalled • Does the Hamas victory mean the end of the Palestinian economy may have to be shelved, perpetuat- dynamic toward independent Israeli and Palestinian ing poverty and unemployment. states living side-by-side? A militant Hamas also will face international isolation, Not necessarily. By its very participation in the election, giving Israel the moral and diplomatic high ground Hamas has been sucked into the two-state paradigm: for tough responses to Palestinian terror. the Palestinian Parliament holds sway in the West Bank Israel will be able to exert tremendous diplomatic, eco- Continued on page 2
Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Adolfo Roitman to Share His Passion for “The Greatest Treasure” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Adolfo Roitman is a man on a mission-a mission of the greatest ancient proportions. As curator of the Israel Museum’s Book of the Shrine in Jerusalem, Dr. Roitman is responsible for the care and preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and is passionate about spreading the word about what he calls “the greatest treasure of the Jewish nation and the oldest piece of Biblical literature on earth.” Soon to embark on a month-long lecture tour throughout the United States, he will be welcomed at Beth El the weekend of Feb. 10-12 as the synagogue’s featured scholar-in-residence. A senior lecturer at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, Dr. Roitman speaks widely on early Jewish literature, the history and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and biblical interpretation. Curator of the Book of the Shrine for the past 11 years, he has authored numerous books about the Dead Sea Scrolls and is curator of Envisioning the Temple Scrolls, Stones
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
and Symbols, currently on display at the Israel Museum. The exhibit examines the place of the Temple in Judaism and features as its centerpiece the Temple Scroll, one of the longest of the Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition, he has served as a visiting scholar at universities across the United States and Central and South America. Visiting colleges, universities and religious institutions around the world offers the native Argentinean a great opportunity, not only to speak to a variety groups, but to hear from different individuals with diverse interest in the scrolls. “When you talk to Jews, normally the questions deal with Judaism or some aspects related to Judaism, and Christians ask questions relating to Christianity, so I am able to shed light on different aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” said Roitman, who is also an ordained conservative rabbi. “I love teaching, and for me this is a great opportunity. I see myself principally as an educator and the Shrine of the Book as a major institution reflecting Jewish and Israeli culture.”
Dr. Adolfo Roitman His desire to expand the role of the Shrine of the Book into more of an educational museum is fast becoming reality, with the recent addition of an 80-seat auditorium and the transformation of a museum bookstore into a study and information center. In addition, he noted that an international school is being
This Week: Teen Age Features NCSY on Page 11 ADL and Archdiocese Sponsor Tours of Institutions of Faith: Page 3
New Hope for Heart Patients with Lincoln Doctor: Page 4
established at the Israel Museum to teach about the Dead Sea Scrolls and Jerusalem. “My dream, from an institutional perspective, is to make it possible to bring the message of the Dead Sea Scrolls to everyone everywhere,” he said. Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin, who has known Dr. Roitman since they were rabbinical students together in Jerusalem years ago, called him “a brilliant scholar and a gifted speaker who will surely help us to enrich our knowledge of Judaism.” Noting Dr. Roitman’s multi-lingual talents, Rabbi Levin joked that “As a bonus, since he is from Argentina and lives in Israel, people may choose to listen to his lectures in any of the three languages he speaks fluently -- English, Hebrew and Spanish!” The Dead Sea Scrolls hold great fascination for Jews and Christians alike, Dr. Roitman said, and he sees the Shrine of the Book “as a place which has to play a key role in the understanding between cultures and religions. Continued on page 4
Next Week: Simchas & Celebrations on Feb. 10 Former Jerusalem Archbishop Critical of PA Textbooks: Page 8
Learn More About Hamas with Op-eds: Page 13
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
On Shabbat Shira, Temple Israel W.O.W. Auxiliary Hosts to Premiere Commissioned Piece Women’s TuB’Shevat Seder
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Beth Israel Jr. NCSY Shabbaton Feb. 3-5 in Des Moines BBYO Kallah Weekend, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Tot Shabbat & Lunch, 11 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 C L JEWISH FEDERATION SUPER SUNDAY, 8:30 a.m. I Men’s Club World Wide Wrap, 10 a.m. at Beth El Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El P Hebrew Club with Uri Levin, 11 a.m. at Beth Israel Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El & “What’s Jewish About Winter,” noon at Beth El BESTT Chaverim Activity, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El S Boy Scouts Meeting, 1:30 p.m. A V MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 E JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. NCSY “Latte and Learning,” 7 p.m. at Scooters Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad The Guy & Bob Show, noon TuB’Shevat Seder & Dinner for Women, 6 p.m. at Chabad BBYO Night, 6 p.m. A History of Israel, 7 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 C L PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El I JELS Adult Ed. Class “Bad Girls of the Bible,” 6:30 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel P Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Beth El USY Winter Shabbaton Feb 9-12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Temple Israel WRJ-O Poker Night, 7 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator A composition commissioned especially for Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song, will debut at the Shabbat worship service on Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. Based on Psalm 147, the piece by Valerie Shields, musical accompanist and director of the adult choir at Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, WA, will be sung for the first time ever by Cantor Wendy Shermet and the combined choirs of Temple Israel’s Kol Rina choir and St. Paul United Methodist Church under the direction of Jerry Brabec. “We are exceedingly fortunate to have Ms. Shields compose something for Shabbat Shira and the interfaith service at St. Paul Church on Feb. 12,” said Cantor Shermet. “This is a memorable occasion in the life of our congregation. We are also arranging to have Ms. Shields come to this premiere.” Cantor Shermet added, “Jerry (Brabec) and I have been rehearsing for the past month, and this piece is beautiful.” Written for oboe, harp, and organ, the commissioned piece will also be included in the worship service on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the church, 5410 Corby St., to which the Jewish community is invited. A summa cum laude graduate in organ and violin from St. Olaf College, Shields studied organ for a year in Europe and earned her Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University. She also became interested in the art of improvisation. She has served as the director of music and choirs at churches in Park Ridge, IL, and in Seattle. She has composed more than 85 pieces published by 14 publishers, and her work has been performed and recorded in Italy, Germany, China, and South Africa as well as in the United States. She consistently receives outstanding reviews in national journals. Shields has been working at Temple De Hirsch Sinai for eight years and has written 15 compositions in Hebrew. Her keen interest in interfaith expression led to the congregations of the Temple and the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church worshipping together at special services. Although she felt an affinity to Jewish music and published Jewish choral pieces before she had ever attended a synagogue service, she explained, “Before I began serving Temple De Hirsch Sinai, I didn’t know many Jewish people. My experience with Judaism has deepened my spirituality and relationship with God. I love the liturgy, and from an accompanying standpoint, enjoy its improvisational aspects. I spend considerable time studying Judaism and Jewish liturgy.” Cantor Shermet extends an invitation to everyone to attend Shabbat Shira at Temple Israel.
by SHANI KATZMAN Tu B’shvat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shvat marks the beginning of a New Year (Rosh Hashana) for trees. We celebrate Tu B’shvat by eating produce, particularly from the “Shivat HaMinim- The Seven Kinds” that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. On this date we remember that “Man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19) and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.
Estie Katzman lays out materials for Tu B’Shvat hand-out. Chabad Women of Worth Auxiliary is hosting a Women’s Tu B’shvat Seder in honor of this occasion on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6-8 p.m. The origins of the Tu B’shvat Seder date back to the 16th century Kabbalists Safed who captured the day’s essence with a formal meal and a sequence of readings. They delved into the numerous Kabbalistic meanings and insights and gleaned practical applications for their lives. They also included 4 cups of wine in their proceedings. “The evening will include a multi-course sit down dinner whose menu has been created to incorporate the Seven Kinds,” said Stefani Lailari, one of the event chairpersons. “We look forward to a unique celebration with lots of ‘fruit for thought’ that will accompany the meal,” she added. Nancy Schlessinger, co-chairperson of the event said, “The event is open to all women in our community to experience a spiritual, meaningful, fun evening with likeminded women. We, who are always nurturing and tending the needs of others should be treated to a terrific night out. We are the ‘gardeners’ of our families and community. This is certainly a holiday for us to enjoy!” The cost, which includes a Seder hand-out, is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. To reserve, call 330.1800 or visit www.nebraskajudaism.com.
Hamas Win Poses Dilemma Continued from page 1 and Gaza Strip but not over all the territory--including Israel--that Hamas claims as “Palestine.” More importantly, the Hamas victory likely will accelerate unilateral Israeli moves to establish a clear border between Israelis and Israeli settlements on one side, and Palestinians on the other. • Is Hamas uniformly radical, or are there more moderate voices? The organization’s formal position is that there can be no talks with Israel until it withdraws to its pre-1967 boundaries, divides Jerusalem and takes in vast numbers of Palestinian refugees, positions that are unacceptable to Israel. Until then, Hamas says, all contacts will be through third parties. Behind the scenes, however, some Hamas leaders are intimating that there could be direct negotiations before then. On this score, and in general, Ismail Haniya, Hamas’ primary candidate for prime minister, is thought to be more pragmatic than the Gaza-based party leader, Mahmoud al-Zahar. • How is the secular Fatah movement likely to respond to its loss of power? Fatah, the movement founded by Yasser Arafat, has dominated the Palestinian nationalist movement since its inception 40 years ago. Its loss of power to the Islamic fundamentalists came as a profound shock. Fatah leaders’ initial reaction was to dismiss out-of-hand Hamas calls to participate in a national unity government on the grounds that Fatah plans to rebuild in opposition and return to power once Hamas’ approach proves unrealistic. Fatah says it intends to hand over power peacefully, but already there has been some fighting between the two groups and some talk of using force to reverse the election result, the way the army did when Islamists were poised to win power in Algeria in 1992. A key development to watch will be whether P.A. security personnel loyal to Fatah agree to place themselves under Hamas command.
• What are the likely regional consequences? For Israel, one of the most dangerous results would be a growth of Iranian influence in the Palestinian arena. Hawks like the Likud Party’s Yuval Steinitz, chairman of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, see a tightening of an Iranian-controlled terrorist belt around Israel, with the Lebanese-based Hezbollah to the north and Hamas and other Palestinian militants in the center and south. A lot will depend on the choice Hamas makes between Iran and the rest of the international community. • Will Hamas continue the cease-fire, or “tahdia,” that most Palestinian terrorist groups declared in early 2005, or will there soon be a fresh outbreak of terrorism? The Israeli intelligence assessment is that Hamas will observe the cease-fire, at least in the short term. What happens next will depend on the long-term strategy that Hamas, with all the constraints of power, decides to adopt. As for terrorist acts by other militants, such as Islamic Jihad, Hamas, with its radical ideology, will be in no position to condemn them. Some Israelis are saying this will make it easier for Israel to cope. There will be no more masks or double talk, analysts say, such as when the Palestinian Authority condemned terror to the outside world but did nothing to stop it. With Hamas in power, they add, Israelis are likely to be more united in fighting terrorism and to get more international support for counter-terrorist activities. • What are Israel’s options? Government policy is shaping up as the following: No talks with Hamas, persistence with the “road map” peace plan’s demands for a renunciation of terrorism and disarming of militias, consideration of further unilateral withdrawals, rapid completion of the West Bank security fence, targeting of the Islamic Jihad militia and carrot-and-stick use of Israel’s economic leverage.
February 3, 2006
Kotok Recognized for Coverage of Iraq War Continued from page 1 the Omaha reporter’s nomination if he was still helping to select winners of journalism’s most prestigious award. In their reporting and photography from Iraq, Kotok and Bundy were following a World-Herald tradition that dates to the Spanish-American War. But unlike their predecessor staff members who covered wars for the Omaha daily, Kotok and Bundy faced danger every minute of every day in Iraq. They were embedded with the units that they were covering. They lived with the troops, accompanied them into battle and risked death alongside them. Unlike the Vietnam War, there was no Saigon or Da Nang to which they could escape for a hot shower, haircut and a day or two of relaxation in relative safety. There was no London or Paris. No comfortable hotels for them. Instead, there were roadside bombs, rocket propelled grenades and suicide bombers. There was no rear echelon; the entire country of Iraq was (and is) a battlefield. Kotok, a native of Fort Dodge, IA, has been a WorldHerald staff writer for 25 years. He has a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Iowa. He was a distinguished political reporter prior to taking his current post as the leader of a team of reporters covering local government affairs. He formerly was a Lincoln Journal reporter and faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He and his wife, Shane, have three grown children. A World-Herald staff photographer for 15 years, Bundy is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. While on assignment for the Omaha newspaper he has traveled aboard Air Force One and photographed the war in Bosnia, Pope John Paul, the McGwire-Sosa home run chase and numerous major news events in the Midlands. The Kotok-Bundy appearance is co-sponsored by 14 organizations: Hazak, Visions, AMIT Women, Jewish Women International, B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, Beth El Men’s Club, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, LOVE, ADL, JCC, Beth Israel, Chabad and 39 Forever. There is no admission charge. Howard Silber covered the Vietnam War for the World-Herald when he worked there as a reporter.
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Shared History and Values Explored in Tours of Beth El and St. Vincent de Paul by BETH KATZ ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs and Community Education The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will host a Jewish-Christian architecture tour on Sunday, March 19, 1-5 p.m. The tour will begin at Beth El (14506 California St.) with a one-hour panel discussion on how art and architecture influence and reflect the lives of Jewish and Christian faith communities in both contemporary and historical settings. The discussion will be followed by a guided tour of the synagogue. Participants then will travel to St. Vincent De Paul Church (14330 Eagle Run Dr.) for a tour there as well.
Planning & Design; John Sova, AIA, Principal, RDG Planning & Design; and Reverend G. Ted Bohr, SJ, Gallery Director and Assistant Professor of Art History at Creighton University. Planning committee members chose these two sites because “they are both classic examples of how liturgy is interpreted into architectural form,” said Tamara Say. “Although the architecture of both buildings is contemporary, classical elements are incorporated that are historically and religiously referential.” Event organizers hope to offer another tour next year to highlight more places of worship and the role that architecture plays.
Docents in both houses of worship will identify and explain similarities and differences between the architectural and design features of these sites and how they relate to their respective faith traditions. The afternoon will culminate in a reception at St. Vincent De Paul. To plan the event, the ADL assembled a committee of Omaha’s most talented and knowledgeable architects and experts on the intersection of religion and architecture: Brother William Woeger, FSC, Director of Worship for the Archdiocese of Omaha; Tamara D. Say, AIA NCARB, President, Saytr Design Management Solutions; Martin H. Shukert, FAICP, Principal, RDG
Brother Woeger notes that events such as this are important for Jewish-Christian relations because they “keep our shared history and traditions in the consciousness of the greater community and call for common efforts and set the pattern for continued cooperation in matters pertaining to our shared values and the greater good of the community.” This event is co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Omaha and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Learning units are available to members who attend the tour. Cost is $5. To sign up or for more information, contact me at 333.1303 or at bkatz@adl.org.
Friedel Artists Construct a Garden of Eden mals they wanted to make, and the result yielded a wide variety of animals, including a giraffe, a pig, a skunk, and a porcupine. While each individual piece of artwork is indeed charming and unique, the collection, when viewed as a whole, brings deeper meaning to the adage, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Friedel’s Garden of Eden display is currently located in Friedel Jewish Academy, under the “Tree of Life and Learning” that Phillips and her husband, Eric, donated to the school last year. The tree is a hand-crafted piece of artwork that was created by local artists, who created the sculpture out of fabric which features a face, a bird, and thousands of handcut leaves. This creative exhibit also includes a mural of Adam and Eve, inspired by Henri Rousseau, created by the students. The new artwork will be on display in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center from May 15-31, coinciding with Friedel’s 40th anniversary celeMichael Popkov, left, Robert Levitan, Julie Phillips, art teacher, bration and dinner Amythest Wertheim, and Mika Caplan. at the JCC. on For more than a week, the children col- Wednesday, May 31. lected laundry detergent bottles, soda For those wishing a sneak preview or cans, boxes, corks, and numerous other for more information about the recyclables to use on their own animal Academy, call FJA Principal Cookie creations. Katskee or administrative assistant Mary The students each decided which ani- Jane Tweedy at 334.0517. by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN Wild animals have invaded Friedel Jewish Academy this month! Integrating the recent curriculum of the Judaic studies program, art teacher Julie Phillips had the children create a Garden of Eden paradise. As part of her teaching style, Phillips educates the students in the artistic techniques of famous artists and then has the children replicate the creative styles themselves. For this art project, Phillips discussed Pablo Picasso’s 1950 bronze statue, “She-Goat,” and showed the children how Picasso used broken handles from jugs and other “found objects” to create his sculpture.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
New Hope for Heart Patients by JOAN K. MARCUS Andrew D. Merliss, MD, FACC, heads a unique study at BryanLGH (Lincoln General Hospital) in Lincoln. The study began in August of 2005 when the investigation into the safety and effectiveness of the Optimizer, an implantable pulse generator, started. The Optimizer delivers electrical impulses to the heart for the treatment of moderate to severe heart failure, a disease caused by a weak or damaged heart muscle unable to Andrew D. Merliss, MD pump enough blood throughout the body. The Optimizer system has the potential to treat heart failure in a large number of patients--if it is proven safe. Although the device itself is not yet FDA approved, the study to evaluate it is approved. The company responsible for the study is called Impulse Dynamics (USA) Inc, a company that has offices in Israel and the United States with headquarters that are based in the Netherlands Antilles. The study that seeks to evaluate the Optimizer device is called ‘FIX-HF’. An unusual fact about the study is that most of the companies sponsoring the study are Jewish. Israel has thrived in the healthcare medical device industry. The sponsoring company is owned by an Israeli physician/scientist, Shiomo Ben-Haim who has been behind many major advances in the area of cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Ben-Haim was instrumental in
developing some of the mapping systems that are used in the theory of electrophysiology. His work has expanded into the treatment of congestive heart failure. Lincoln’s Dr. Merliss has held scientific meetings with Ben-Haim. Dr. Merliss, now a resident of Lincoln, attended George Washington University School of Medicine. After graduating, he did his residency at Harvard Medical School and then did a cardiology fellowship at Boston University Hospital. He returned to Harvard to complete his fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology. After his fellowship, he practiced cardiology in the Boston area and taught for five years at Harvard. He then moved on to Fargo, ND, where he practiced for several years and taught at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He and his family arrived in Lincoln in January of 2002. He currently serves as the Director of Arrhythmia Services. According to Dr. Merliss, “There are very few electrophysiologists and BryanLGH has committed a lot to developing a wonderful program in terms of equipment. I am able to run two labs at the hospital because of the resources made available to me and the reputation of the cardiologists I have joined. “Being at BryanLGH has been a good fit in terms of my professional needs. It is the biggest hospital in Nebraska and it has the most active cardiology program in the region. There is a huge open heart surgery program and a transplant center. A lot of the major (cutting edge) technology is available here.” According to Dr. Meriiss, “Heart failure results in more hospital admissions
Roitman to Share His Passion Continued from page 1 “My assumption is that the Bible is the cornerstone of the history of human civilization--not just a Jewish book,” he added, “and because we have the oldest and such a wonderful book, it is my obligation to share such a treasure with every person who wants to know more about the Bible. “It is a real honor to run this institution and to have the responsibility to share all these treasures with all the nations.” While in Omaha, Dr. Roitman will also speak to audiences at Creighton University, the University of NebraskaLincoln, and the University of NebraskaOmaha. Having visited the metropolitan area several times in the past, he said he looks forward to returning, joking that “the only problem with Omaha is that in February, it is very cold--but the people are very, very lovely.” During his weekend at Beth El, the entire community will have several
opportunities to hear Dr. Roitman speak: at a special Shabbat dinner following services on Feb. 10, he will discuss “Sects and Groups in Judaism Today and in Second Temple Period: Parallels and Differences;” during kiddush luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 11, he will address “Esther and Judith in Jewish Literature and Art, and Their Relevance for Modern Feminist Approaches,” and at brunch on Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m., he will explore “The Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Judaism and Christianity.” Cost of dinner is $12.50 for adults, $8.50 for children ages six to 12, and free for children five and younger. Saturday’s kiddush luncheon (sponsored by Beth El’s Sisterhood) and the Sunday brunch are free. Dr. Roitman’s visit has been made possible by a donation by the Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler Family Endowment Fund. For reservations, contact Margie Gutnik in the office, or via e-mail at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
than virtually any other cardiac problem. So, it’s a tremendous drain on the economy and resources. “It isn’t that Jewish food is any more
lethal than any other kind. However, we live in a society where our fat intake is more than it should be and there’s a certain incidence of hypertension and other causes of heart failure that cause problems. So, it is not that there are a disproportionate number of Jews who have congestive heart failure. It’s just that it’s a huge community in general and that the Jewish community is certainly affected.” After patients enter Class 4, the most advanced of congestive heart failure, doctors say that the outlook for these patients is worse than many cancers. According to Dr. Merliss, “Of that group, we can expect about a 50% mortality over one year. So, we’re desperate to not only keep these people alive but to make their lives better. We look for treatments that will take these Class 4 patients down by a class or two.” Common symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, and difficulty in performing everyday tasks. Any condition that injures the heart can cause heart failure. Another telltale sign of heart failure is the accumulation of fluid in the legs, feet, abdomen, lower back and lungs. Some of the causes can include heart attack, untreated coronary disease or persistent high blood pressure. Doctors must first establish a firm diagnosis to prove that the heart muscle isn’t functioning
properly. Medications and lifestyle modifications are tried before anything else. When he speaks of the Optimizer, Dr. Merliss says, “It basically breaks the rules that we, even as budding electrophysiologists, were told years ago. This device pushes the envelope in terms of the effect of delivery of very specialized kinds of impulses that allow heart muscle, not only to strengthen, but that may affect the heart metabolism even down to the turning on of certain beneficial genes via electrical impulses.” “The technology, as a result, is very promising. The initial work that has been done with The Optimizer has been submitted for publication and we believe that it’s going to open up a very exciting--hitherto unexplored--area of electrophysiology and treatment of congestive heart failure.” There is a need for new patients to try the Optimizer; all patients who qualify for the device have tried others. It is a prerequisite that patients are already on stable medical therapies that have been exhausted and that there is no place for them to go. Not everyone is a candidate for the device. According to Dr. Merliss, “Qualifications depend upon certain criteria that has to do with cardiogram characteristics, the ability to have certain yardsticks apply in terms of how it can be proven that the Optimizer is helping or not working. Candidates need to be withstand certain tests, such as metabolic measurements while walking on treadmills. “Some cardiogram findings may suggest that a different device might have to be tried first. People do have to be screened and there’s really no shortage of people we can screen. It’s more a question of whether we can get them into the study because there’s such a demand.” More information about the Optimizer may be obtained by calling 1.866.544.9618.
Beth Israel Hosts Annual Tu B’Shevat Seder by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Tu B’Shevat is the 15th day in the month of Shevat and is often described as Israel’s “Arbor Day.” During this celebration of trees and growth of plants in Israel, the main observance of this day is the practice of eating fruit associated with the land of Israel. In celebration of the holiday, Beth Israel’s annual Tu B’Shevat Seder will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. Following the Seder, a dinner and “Bracha Bee” will be held. The cost for dinner is $5 for adults and free to children ages 12 and younger. In order to have a bountiful meal for every-
one attending, reservations for the meal are required. The Bracha Bee is a contest where kids show off their knowledge of brachot by answering which bracha is recited over different foods. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. This family-friendly occasion will also include an activity for children, led by Youth Director Brooke Shrago. Each family will receive Where Does Food Come From: A Bracha Discovery Book. The seder is funded in part by the “Parents Are Teachers” program through a grant from the Orthodox Union. Call the office at 556.6288 to make your reservations by Feb. 6.
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February 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad December 8, 2005
“Some European countries insist on saying Hitler killed millions of innocent Jews in furnaces...we don’t accept this claim.”
NOW is the time to stop Iran Iran’s president not only denies that the Holocaust happened, he routinely threatens a 21st century version by vowing to “wipe Israel off the map.” If Iran is permitted to develop nuclear weapons—it would have the power to do just that. Now is the time to tell Iran that the world will not tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons. At AIPAC’s Policy Conference in Washington—we will. At the Conference, pro-Israel activists from around the country will take part in the largest grassroots effort to date in order to stop Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency—the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog organization—meets in Geneva on March 6th. If it once again fails to take appropriate steps against Iran, we will visit Capitol Hill on March 7th to call for the immediate referral of Iran to the U.N. Security Council. But that’s not all. We will also make the case for a far-reaching legislative package designed to stall Iran’s drive toward the bomb. This could be the most important Policy Conference you ever attend. We need you to be a part of it. To register for the AIPAC Policy Conference, please visit www.aipac.org/pc2006. To get involved locally, contact Melanie Pearlman at 303-864-9464 or mpearlman@aipac.org
The AIPAC Policy Conference March 5 –7, 2006 The Washington, D.C. Convention Center
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
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choose. Order forms are available in the synagogue office, or by sending a check--made payable to Beth El Sisterhood--to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Be sure to specify flavor and number desired. All orders will be ready for pick-up in the synag o g u e ’ s social hall on S u n d a y, March 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, or March 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (during the Purim carnival). All proceeds benefit Sisterhood, which generously supports a variety of Beth El programming and activities.
OTYG Plans Plenty of Pasta, Community Youth Come Together Prizes for Annual Spaghetti Dinner for “Shabbat Across America�
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Live, Laugh, & Linguini,� isn’t exactly spaghetti, but for Omaha Temple Youth Group’s annual Spaghetti Dinner, we’ll use whatever pasta is donated to us, reported Ashley Bernstein who is in charge of OTYG special projects with her sister LaShanna. Preceded by a silent auction which begins at 10 a.m., doors open at 5 p.m. for the Sunday, Feb. 12 dinner followed by a live auction. The entire community is invited, but judging by last year’s crowd of 200, it’s advisable to come early to get a table. Auction items, so far, range from an iPod to photographs by David Radler, numerous baskets, baby items, and tickets to some of Nebraska’s favorite sporting events. Other items include an afternoon of boating and barbeque donated by Jon and Denise Meyers, a fivecourse gourmet dinner from Dennis DePorte, and Hanukkah dinner for eight by Gretchen Radler. Proceeds from the dinner and auction will be donated to Camp CoHoLo, Camp Rainbow, Temple’s Jewish summer camp scholarship fund, and all Temple youth groups: OTYG, Junior Youth Group (JYG), and Club 56. Camp CoHoLo, near Gretna, and Camp Rainbow, near St. Louis, MO, are one-week camping experiences for children who have cancer and blood disorders. The youth groups use their share of the funds for programming and scholarships to travel to chavarot (conclaves). Planning the spaghetti dinner “is a lot of work,� admitted Ashley whose goal is to raise at least $20,000. “But everybody helps� in preplanning. OTYG members will also serve as waiters and waitresses. JYG members staff the coat room and provide babysitting during dinner. Lynne Jensen, director of youth and informal education, said, “Last year, we raised $20,000. We had to set up additional tables. So please make reservations.� Reserved tables of 10 must be prepaid and are $80. Adult are $7; children ages three-12 are $4; no charge for children two and younger. Reservations by Feb. 9 are recommended; call 556.6536, or e-mail ljensen@templeisraelomaha.com or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com.
Women of Reform Judaism Betting on Poker Night by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator It’s not just for middle-aged men smoking cigars playing five-card stud. Not anymore! Poker is the game of choice for more and more people in casinos, tournaments, and at home, according to CBS News. And that’s just where Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) will play. “Your Best Bet: Girls’ Poker Night,� on Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., will be at the home of Susan Lehr, 1424 So. 85 Ave. Ante up $10, and you’re in. All proceeds will be donated to Temple’s camp scholarships. Nick Hart, a poker game host in Ohio, thinks the fact that poker isn’t only being played in smoky VFW clubs and casinos allows for people to enjoy the game. It’s not about the money, it’s about having fun. WRJ plans to shuffle up and deal an evening of cards, snacks, and plenty of prizes. There will be experts to teach novices to “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run� as in the Kenny Rogers song. Tickets will be $2 for a Tower of Games Raffle or six tickets for $10. To make a reservation, call the office at 556.6536 or send an e-mail to mkube@templeisraelomaha.com by Tuesday, Feb. 7.
by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue All high school students are invited to Kabbalat Shabbat and Friday night dinner at Beth Israel Synagogue to participate in Shabbat Across America (SAA), on Friday, March 3, 5:30 p.m. The theme is “Come Together� as teens (ninth-12th grade) from Omaha Jewish youth groups (BBYO, NCSY, OTYG, USY) come together to celebrate their Jewish heritage. The National Jewish Outreach Program presents SAA each year to encourage Jews to celebrate Shabbat and learn more about Judaism. It is a fun-filled event that is designed to unify Jews everywhere. After discussion with youth group advisors and rabbis, a new three-year rotation among the synagogues will begin with this year’s SAA. “This is a program that has been done in Omaha before,� stated Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “As a matter of fact, when I was a rabbinic student, I came here in 2002 to participate in a community youth program for Shabbat Across America. I remember how all the high schoolers had a terrific time. It can be a very unifying experience. “Rabbi Levin, Rabbi Azriel and I met, and decided it would be a great idea to institute Shabbat Across America as an annual community event for our Jewish youth,� explained Gross. “The event will be held at each synagogue once every three years, starting with Beth Israel this year.� SAA will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music and snacks, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat led by Rabbi Gross, and a kosher dinner. Cost for dinner is $5 per person and all Jewish teens are invited to attend. Teenagers do not have to belong to a synagogue or youth group to attend; all are welcome. For planning purposes, dinner reservations and payment are required by Monday, Feb. 27 to Rachel Blum at the JCC, 334.6404 or rblum@jccomaha.org. Housing will be available for teens who need a place to stay near the synagogue during Shabbat. Please call Brooke Shrago at 556.6288 to make arrangements.
ANNIVERSARY Richard and June Segal (nee Richards) will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 12. They were married in Omaha at Beth El Synagogue with Rabbi Myer S. Kripke and Rabbi Stern officiating, on Feb. 12, 1956. They have lived in Lincoln for 41 years and are longtime members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The couple’s children are: Dave and Jayne PrazakSegal of Littleton, CO; Tom Segal of Oakland, CA; Bob Segal and Melanie Lenart of Tucson, AZ; Susanna Segal of Washington, D.C.; and Greg and Annie Segal Pratt of Tempe, CA. Their grandchildren are: Alec Segal, age 13, Alice Pratt, 8, and Louis Pratt, 5.
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A Lesson in Penmanship
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Omaha Performing Arts and Film Streams will partner to present two interpretations of Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, The Magic Flute. On Feb. 3, Film Streams will screen master director Ingmar Bergman’s film rendering of The Magic Flute at Joslyn Art Museum. On Feb. 10, Omaha Performing Arts will present the Royal Winnipeg Ballet production of The Magic Flute at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets for the Film Streams screening of Bergman’s The Magic Flute are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.filmstreams.org, in-person at all Homer’s Records locations (powered by etix), or by phone at 402.933.0259. Tickets are $10. Tickets for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s production of The Magic Flute are also on sale now and may be purchased in-person at the Ticket Omaha Box Office at the Holland Center, 13th and Douglas, by phone at 402.345.0606, or online at www.ticketomaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! comes to the Slosburg Hall at the Orpheum Theater Feb.24-26. Broadway In Omaha and Omaha Performing Arts announced that the famed musical will make its Omaha premiere. Tickets for the “the great American musical” are now on sale and are priced from $28-$58. This newly conceived national tour, with direction by Fred Hanson and choreography by Ginger Thatcher, is adapted from the Cameron Mackintosh presentation of the Royal National Theatre production directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography by Susan Stroman, recently seen in London and on Broadway. The original designs of Anthony Ward (sets and costumes) and David Hersey (lighting) have been recreated for the tour. Oklahoma! was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration, featuring such classics as “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” For information, visit: www.omahaperformingarts.org.
Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin and teacher Margo Riekes recently supervised the fifth-grade Talmud Torah class members. Students practiced the art of Hebrew calligraphy by writing sample mezuzot parchments to be put into their own handcrafted mezuzah cases.
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
Archbishop Reassigned from Jerusalem to D.C. Critical of PA Textbooks by DAVID BEDEIN This week, a special farewell ceremony was held in Jerusalem for Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Pope’s ambassador in Israel, formally known as the Papal Nuncio. Archbishop Pietro Sambi has been reassigned as the Papal Nuncio to the USA, and he will be based in Washington. I know this man. During his tenure in Jerusalem, since 1998, the Papal Nuncio proved his sensitivity to antisemitism. Archbishop Pietro Sambi is open to reviewing information that comes to his attention and is not afraid to take a stand which may make him enemies in some circles. During the summer of 2000, our news agency purchased five sets of the new Palestinian Authority school books from the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education. This was the first time that the PA issued their own school books. The content of the books would indicate their disposition towards peace and reconciliation with Israel. I personally travelled every day for the better part of a week during August 2000 to purchase the books, and met with PA Deputy Minister Naim Abu Humous, who asked that the books get wide publicity. I assured him of such. When Arabic speaking colleagues took a first glance at the books, they were shocked to see that the books represented a new tool of indoctrination for war against Israel. The translations of the books are now posted at ww.edume.org. I brought a set of the books to the Dr. Shlomo Ben Ami, the Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs and showed him the books, and the new maps that deleted Israel for every PA school child to see. He shrugged his shoulders. It was if he was looking at the Manhattan telephone book. As I left the minister’s his office, Archbishop Pietro Sambi called me on my cell phone with a request: Could I bring the PA school books to him immediately--“the Pope wants to see them.” The honorary chairman of the ADL in Israel, Jack Padwa, had informed the Archbishop that I had purchased these books Having never received a Papal request on my cell phone before, I took a taxi to the Archbishop’s office on the Mount of Olives and delivered the books to the archbishop--the set that the Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs did not want to look at. Archbishop Sambi brought the books with him to Rome, and initiated a study of the PA textbooks, which
Author David Bedein, left, presents Archbishop Pietro Sambi with a review of the P.A. textbooks, which omit any references to Israel as a state and indoctrinate Palestinian children against Israelis and Jews. Credit: Sasson Tiram Photography LTD the Vatican determined to be antisemitic in nature. And at the recommendation of Archbishop Sambi, the Italian government pulled its money out of the Ministry of Palestinian Education’s PA text book project. Archbishop Sambi later told me, with his wry sense of humor, that before calling my cell phone, he had called my home and my office where my children and my secretary thought that this was a prank, and that I could not possibly have been receiving a personal call from the Vatican’s ambassador. This was not the only time that Archbishop Sambi stuck his neck out to attack PA anti-Semitism. I covered a talk given by the Vatican ambassador for an American congressional delegation, during which he excoriated the US officials for US AID funding of the Palestinian State constitution, which the Archbishop
described as denying any juridical status to Judaism, anywhere in Palestine, which he viewed as an “outrage”. The status of Christianity is not much better in their new constitution, according to the Archbishop. And over the past few years, the archbishop has let his voice be heard concerning the persecution of Christians in the PA. Archbishop Sambi often asked to be briefed concerning reports of official anti-semitism from the PA media, and from the PA mosques, and he expressed his displeasure of such with Arafat and now with Abbas--this, at a time when Israel’s official anti-incitement committee in the Israel Foreign Ministry has not met for a year. And when the PA spokespeople announced in August that they would burn the synagogues in Gush Katif, Archbishop Sambi personally intervened. After all, Archbishop Sambi noted, if the Moslem authorities had guarded the ancient synagogue in the center of Gaza from desecration, why could they not do so again with the Jewish holy sites that would now be abandoned. However, his voice was not heard. Archbishop Pietro Sambi now flies to Washington, to the nation that sponsors the Middle East peace process. This man will convey a formula of middle east peace to Washington that will transcend any ceremony on the White House lawn.
Israeli Minister of Tourism Avraham Hirchson, leaders of Christian communities in Israel and former Israeli Chief Rabbi Yisrael Lau bid farewell today to Archbishop Pietro Sambi, outgoing Vatican ambassador to Israel, who was recently named the Vatican’s new Apostolic Nuncio (ambassador) to the United States. Hirchson, left, presenting Archbishop Pietro Sambi, right, with a copy of the Bible. Rabbi Lau stands between them. The Minister, who hosted the event, thanked Monsignor Sambi for his great efforts towards peace and cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians. The Archbishop said that Jerusalem is the spiritual capital of humanity and would always be a part of him. Copyright: ISRANET
Beth Israel’s Travelin’ Toddlers Visit My Gym
An energetic bunch of youngsters had a terrific time last month doing group activities and playing on fitness equipment at My Gym. The February Travelin Toddlers program is
“Mad Science Travels To Us!” and will meet at Beth Israel on Sunday, Feb. 26. There will be a program for elementary age kids and for two-four-year-olds, and then a spaghetti bar
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Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Use the form on page 10, call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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Jews and Scouting: Celebrating 90 Years in the Midlands by SANDY PASSER ed by Dr. Cyrus Adler in 1926 and promotes Scouting for Co-chairman of the Jewish Committee on Scouting Jewish youth. One of its many duties is to promote and The year 2006 marks the 90th Anniversary of Mid- administer the religious emblems programs. The first Ner America Council, Boy Scouts of America. Currently Tamid for Boy Scouts and Venturers was issued in 1945. 33,000 plus youth and 10,000 adult volunteers make up Today, there are four religious emblem programs for the Mid-America Council. Feb. 5-11 has been designat- Scouts and one for adults. ed as Scout Anniversary week and all Scouts and volunTiger Cubs, in grades 1-3, may earn the Maccabee teers are encouraged to wear their uniforms throughout emblem. The Scout must complete requirements in six the week and to their house of worship. categories: Jewish personalities, holidays, vocabulary, Scout Sabbath is an important part of the Scouting symbols, community helpers and heroes. The Aleph program and will be celebrated this year at Beth El emblem is geared toward Scouts in third through fifth Synagogue on Saturday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. All Jewish grade. Requirements are centered on Torah, prayer, holScouts and their families are invited to attend. idays, American-Jewish heritage, the synagogue, and The Boy Scout movement was founded in Great Eretz Yisrael. Britain in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell, who said, “The Boy Scouts wishing to enhance their knowledge of Scout, in his promise, undertakes to do his duty to his Judaism have the opportunity to earn the Ner Tamid king and country only in the second place; his first duty emblem. A service project for the synagogue or other is to God. There is no religious ‘side’ of the movement. organization with a time commitment of one year is The whole of it is based on required to complete activities religion, that is, on the realfor this emblem. Boy Scouts ization and service of God. in high school and Venture Our objective in the Scouts up to age 20 are Scouting movement is to encouraged to explore adult give such help as we can in Jewish roles in the context of bringing about God’s family, community and Jewish Kingdom on earth by people. The requirements including among youth the take six months to complete spirit and the daily practice and require a counselor. in their lives of unselfish Upon completion, the Scout goodwill and cooperation.” receives the Etz Chaim The Boys Scouts of Award. Adults may be recogAmerica was founded by nized by local councils with William Boyce and a group of the Shofar Award for their businessmen, educators and Rabbi Craig Marantz, left, Aaron Passer, and Joel Passer at service in the promotion of political leaders on Feb. 8, last year’s Scout Shabbat where they received their Ner Scouting for Jewish youth. 1910. While on a trip to Tamid Awards “Some of my proudest London, Boyce needed assistance finding his way and was moments in Scouting have been to see my sons receive aided by a boy who wanted no compensation for his act of their religious emblems,” stated Dr. Jeffrey Passer, curkindness. When he found out the boy was a Scout, he met rent chairman of the local Jewish Committee on with Lord Baden-Powell and learned of the Scout move- Scouting. “Whether my sons attended National ment. The boy who helped Boyce remains anonymous, Jamboree, World Jamboree or were trekking in the but like the highest form of mitzvot we can perform, the backwoods at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, act is more significant than the one that did it. they always participated in a Jewish Scouting experience, The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare meeting other Jewish Scouts from around the world.” young people to make ethical and moral choices by instillFor more information on the Jewish Scouting proing in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Jewish gram, contact Rick Emas, 932.8200, Dr. Passer, institutions have used the Scouting program since 1916. 330.4289 or Lloyd Roitstein, Mid-America Council The National Jewish Committee on Scouting was found- Executive Director, at 431.9BSA.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
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ORGANIZATIONS THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC as Jax’s One Man Band performs. Lunch begins at noon in the auditorium. The cost is $6 per person. Try your luck with Bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. in the Social Hall. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations to the Bluffs Run Casino on Feb. 16.
information call Doris Alloy at 697.8709, Rosalie Meiches at 556.5507 or Silber at 292.8062. Visions dues are due. Please mail your $7.50 check (payable to Visions) to Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 69154.
VISIONS Join your fellow Visionaires on Feb. 14 at Hooters at 11:15 a.m. Following lunch, members will meet at the Westwood Cinema 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Send reservations to Sissy Silber, 311 Oakridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 by Feb. 7. Make check payable to Visions. For
BREADBREAKERS Dave Hahn will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Feb. 8, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Hahn, is a Democratic candidate for governor. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
Hadassah Upper Midwest Region Plans Spring Conference and Shabbaton in Sioux Falls by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Hadassah Publicity Coordinator Hadassah members from the Upper Midwest Region, which includes Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota and Minnesota, will gather in Sioux Falls, SD, April 28-30 to attend a weekend of learning, warm camaraderie and the joy of Shabbat. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn City Centre. The program will feature Scholar-in-Residence, Shulamit Reinharz, Director of the Brandeis Institute and the Jacob Potofsky Professor of Sociology at Brandeis University. Dr. Reinharz is noted as an engaging and inspirational speaker who is invited to make presentations at many National Hadassah events and is an expert on such topics as contemporary Jewish women, feminism, and gender roles in Judaism. Also on the roster will be Paula Jarnicki, Conference Advisor, Susan Lamb and Marcie Natan, Planned Giving Department, National Hadassah, and Roberta Elliot,
Director of Public Relations, National Hadassah. The tentative schedule of events includes: a Shabbat celebration and dinner at Mt. Zion Congregation, Oneg Shabbat and kumsitz on Friday night, a Saturday morning walking tour in Sioux Falls, a woman-led Hadassah Shabbat service, gala banquet honoring the Sioux Falls Woman of the Year, and installation of the new Region President and Board. Early bird registration (postmarked by March 1) is $145. Registrations postmarked between March 1 and April 15 are $175, and those postmarked after April 15, or on-site, will be $200. Full registration packages include all meals and activities throughout the entire weekend. Invitations and registration forms will be mailed in February. For further information or to volunteer, Hadassah members are asked to contact the Region Office at 888.924.4999, or visit Hadassah online at www.hadassah.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
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MARRIAGES SPARKS/GONSHER Lara Yosefa Sparks and Zachary Emil Gonsher were married Dec. 26, 2005, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in St Louis, MO. Rabbi Dovid Charlop of Jerusalem officiated. Sharing in the Sheva Brachot were Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Omaha, Rabbi Yosef Landa of Chabad of St. Louis, and Rabbi Asher Smith, also of Jerusalem, currently residing in Syracuse, NY. The bride is the daughter of Sara and Larry Sparks of Chesterfield, MO, and granddaughter of Florence Silverstone, who was escorted to the chuppah by the bride’s brother Jeffrey Sparks. She is a 2005 graduate of the University of MissouriSt. Louis and teaches at the Solomon Schechter Day School. The groom is the son of Rini and Allan Gonsher and the grandson of Juanita and Harvey Egherman of Cincinnati, OH, who also participated in the simcha, and of Dorothy and Sol Furman of Scottsdale, AZ. He is pursuing a Master’s of Social Work at St. Louis University. After celebrating Sheva Brachot in St Louis and Omaha, the couple is residing in University City, MO.
IN THE NEWS Neil Silberstein received his architecture license and has been promoted to Senior Designer at the Jerde Partnership in Venice, CA. He is currently designing a hotel casino resort and high-rise residential towers in Macau, off the coast of Hong Kong. Neil and his wife, Deborah, currently live in Los Angeles, CA. Jewish Women International is now accepting nominations for the ninth annual “Women to Watch Awards”, celebrating the exceptional contributions of Jewish women in contemporary society. Each fall, Jewish Woman magazine (www.jwmag.org), published by JWI, features ten accomplished women who are leaders in their respective fields and whose lives are a positive force in the world around them. Nominations are open to women who are Jewish by birth or by choice who: • make a significant contribution to professional, communal or religious life; • do work that has an important impact in their field and/or is making a difference in the world; • exhibit vision, capacity for innovation, and a desire to make a difference; and • are deemed rising stars in their fields and show potential for future achievement. To nominate a candidate, please include a brief biography of the individual, a résumé, articles or news clippings highlighting the individual’s achievements, a photograph, and current contact information. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Nomination forms are also available on JWI’s website.
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Joel Passer has been accepted to perform with the University of Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra for the Spring semister. Joel, a horn player, is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the son of Jeffrey and Sandra Passer.
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DEMB/SCHNEIDER Dr. Larry and Marilyn Breslow Schneider of Cincinnati, OH, announce the marriage of their son, Brandon Joel, to Rebecca Vanessa Demb. The wedding took place on Sept. 4, 2005, at Turf Valley Resort in Baltimore, MD. The bride, who works in the community health field, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Demb of Baltimore, and granddaughter of Esther Krueger and the late Jerry Kreuger, Priscilla Demb and the late Louis Demb. The groom is the grandson of Minnie Yaffe Breslow of Lincoln, NE, and the late David Breslow, and the late Mary and Ed Schneider. He works in the nation’s capital as government consultant. According to the Baltimore Jewish Times, the couple met on J-Date, an online Jewish dating service, in the spring of 2003. After e-mailing for several months, they met at Penn Station as his car had been recently stolen. The proposal occurred during lunch with his parents and grandmother Minnie--and came in the form of a dish of ice cream in which the engagement ring was planted. Naturally, the couple, who now reside in Washington, D.C., served ice cream with their wedding cake.
Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, donated more than $75,000 to local Partners in Education programs throughout the Midwest this fall. “Strong alliances between educational systems and local business partners benefit students and enrich communities. Gordmans is committed to supporting quality education and we are proud to be associated with Partners in Education,” said Jeff Gordman, president and CEO. “The program provides a great volunteer opportunity for our associates while allowing our customers to positively impact the educational process in the communities in which we operate.” Gordmans’ guests purchased “Helping Hands” for $1
each during the August back-to-school campaign and a second campaign coinciding with Gordmans 90th anniversary in October. Gordmans contributed $30,000 to the project chain-wide and made additional contributions to McLean County Unit District No. 5 in Normal, IL; Evansville Vanderburgh School District in Evansville, IN; Sioux City Community School District in Sioux City, IA; Rockford Public Schools in Rockford, Ill.; and Harlem Consolidated School District 122 in Machesney Park, IL, in celebration of grand openings this fall. Gordmans’ guests in the five Omaha and Council Bluffs stores contributed more than $7,000 to the Bellevue Public School District, Council Bluffs Public Schools, Elkhorn Education Foundation, Omaha Public Schools and Papillion-LaVista Public School District during the fall “Helping Hands” campaigns. Since the program’s inception in 2000, Gordmans has contributed more than $520,000 to Partners in Education. Experience a taste of Sicily at Faro’s Ristorante & Market. Our wine dinner will be celebrating Sicilian culture, family, friends, and of course good food. Faro’s owner and head chef, Paul Pellerito, his wife, Erin Pellerito will host the evening, along with our own Omaha wine expert, Ed Almsteier. You will be served a five-course meal, accompanied by four different wines, and ending with a delicious Sicilian inspired dessert. “Sicilian Comfort Food”-Wine Taster’s Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6–9 p.m. at Faro’s, located at 129th and Maple. For more information call 402.932.0113. Cost is $45 per person . Omaha Public Library Director Rivkah Sass was honored as 2006 Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal. Selected from a pool of professional librarians throughout North America, Sass came to OPL in the fall of 2003 and was almost immediately featured in the New Year’s issue of the Jewish Press: “Salute to Newcomers.” In the two years since her arrival in Omaha, Sass has helped increase the OPL’s circulation; attendance also has increased by 13%. She has rearragned the collections at the downtown library to create a more user-friendly environment, expanded electronic collections by adding new DVDs, eBooks and downloadable audiobooks.
BIRTH Andrea and Richard Nevitt of Thousand Oaks, CA. announce the Jan. 17 birth of their son, Kenneth Louis. Grandparents are Debbie and Lee Waitz, Nancy Nevitt and Wayland Nevitt, all of California, and Marty and Iris Ricks.
February 3, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of Beth Israel’s National Conference of Synagogue Youth. Special thanks goes to Adviser Brooke Shrago for collecting the material.
What is NCSY? by BROOKE SHRAGO NCSY’s history dates back to the 1950s when chapters around the country began to form and were slowly woven into a National Organization with well defined halacha (standards set by Jewish Law). Today, NCSY reaches out to both public school and yeshiva students who wish to increase their commitment to Judaism. It is not rare to find second generation NCSYers at NCSY events around the country. More exciting than its past, however, is NCSY’s future. Still growing every year, NCSY is constantly adding new members and developing in new communities, such as Omaha. NCSY is a multi-faceted Jewish youth group open to all Jewish youth regardless of background and affiliation. Offering social and educational programming in hundreds of communities across the U.S. and Canada, NCSY is a leader in bringing unaffiliated youth an awareness of what Judaism is all about. For Jewish teenagers, NCSY is a relaxed, fun environment to learn about their own heritage. NCSY’s programming really begins on the chapter level. There are many hundreds of local NCSY chapters across the country which offer educational and social events for Jewish teens. Usually located in the local synagogue, these chapters reach out to teenagers in the local community and introduce them to NCSY. All chapters are part of an NCSY Region. There are 12 NCSY Regions in North America. Each region runs programs bringing together the various chapters within its geographical area. The Omaha Kadima chapter is based at Beth Israel and has been recognized on a regional and national level,
with awards such as Chapter of the Year, and Best Developing Chapter. Omaha has sent delegates to the National Convention in New York, and has had members serving on boards, both Regional and National. This year, the Greater Midwest region has many events to look forward to, such as Junior and Senior shabbatonim in places like Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Camp Chi in Wisconsin. Locally, our chapter has gone to New York City and Chicago. We’ve had a great time on events (sold-out basketball game) and the Latte and Learning program and look forward to Shabbatons with other chapters, Steak and a Movie night and other events. With more than 10 different NCSY summer programs, there is a choice for everyone. Join NCSY in Israel on Michlelet (for Girls) or Kollel (boys), for an intensive learning program. If you’d like to tour Israel, you’d love The Jerusalem Journey, or Yerusha. If you’re looking to advance your leadership skills, you can volunteer in Israel on the G.I.V.E program, or go to Poland and then onto Israel on J.O.L.T. You can also join NCSY Eurotrip, and tour Spain, Gibraltar, Italy, Rome, and end up in Israel. Domestically, there is Camp Sports for boys and S.E.G. for girls, and also a summer at Yeshiva University. If you would like to join NCSY, please contact us ncsy@ou.org. We will be glad to show you how to become a part of this exciting Jewish youth organization . In the meantime, surf the NCSY website to find out about its programs and projects. For more information, please call me at: 556.6288 or e-mail me at: NCSY@orthodoxomaha.org. Check out www.orthodoxomaha.org for local programming. We can’t wait to meet you! Parts of this article were excerpted from the NCSY National web page.
From the President’s Desk “What’s Happening!” by NATE JOSEPH to do more activities as a group, like going to the zoo, Omaha Kadima NCSY President baseball games, exploring downtown and movie nights. I’m the new Omaha Kadima NCSY President. Here In February, Junior NCSY will go to opening weekend are some facts about me: I’m 18-years-old, a senior at of the Pink Panther, starring Steve Martin and Beyonce Westside High (Go Warriors!), and am very excited Knowles. And on Feb. 25, Senior NCSY will get together for “Steak and a Movie” at the home of Shami about this year’s NCSY. I hope you are, too! Jacobs. Both events will cost just Now, let’s get down $5. to business. I want to I can’t wait to get a chance to plan some fun activities see you all, and I hope we’ll see that everyone will you at some of the Shabbatons. I enjoy. One of the major also would like you to feel open to events that we have is give me any ideas you might have, our monthly Latte and because without you, we can’t Learning. We meet in a have an exciting, fun and amazing private room at year! I am looking forward to seeScooter’s, at 120th and ing you all at Midwinter and Blondo. So far, topics Regional conventions. have included “Snow: Nate Joseph, center, enjoys Conclave with his friends. It will be a BLAST! The Dark Side” and “Witchcraft and Judaism.” Nate Joseph is a senior at Westside and is President of Other activities we hope to offer this year include a special Shabbaton with Kansas City’s NCSY. I’d also like NCSY Omaha Kadima Chapter.
Sitting in the Front Row Has Its Benefits by AVI KATZMAN I grab a chair, drag it slowly on the floor, following the mass of people leaving the long tables and heading towards the center of the room. Carefully, I pinpoint my friends in the crowd. They begin to motion towards an empty area in the growing circle where we place our chairs and sit “Page 55, song 1,” the man in the center announces, standing on top of his chair. My friends and I are conveniently located in the back of the circle so we have enough legroom and more leeway to quietly converse with one another. As another song begins, we continue talking, ignoring the advisors around us telling us to be quiet and listen. This is part of a typical Friday night at an NCSY Shabbaton. Everyone gathers around in a giant circle to sing songs and listen to words of wisdom after dinner. This was me three years ago. As a freshman in NCSY, responsibility didn’t exist, and maturity was still lingering somewhere above our heads. As a graduating senior, however, and a member of NCSY for more than five years, I have watched the veteran NCSYers and their actions. I admit that during my few first years I was a bit of a rebel--sitting in the back during bentching, and skipping davening to hang out in the bathroom to discuss the Audrey Gerber and Avi Katzman have fun at cutest boys Winter Conclave. at the Shabbaton. But as I’ve grown older and finally become one of the veterans, I have realized that sitting in the front and paying extra attention really has its benefits. NCSY is a great place to meet people and re-kindle old flames, and also is a great environment to learn something new or even teach others. The people I have met have been so inspirational and beneficial through my high school years. Even if you leave with just two friends at the end of your senior year, you will leave lucky. Now as I grab my chair after finishing my last bite of chicken schnitzel and look towards the center of the room, I head to the front. With a leadership role and the maturity finally landing from its lingering position, I now have the true appreciation for this youth group. If you give it a chance, maybe you’ll learn something, too. Avi Katzman is a senior at Westside and NCSY Midwest Regional Co-Vice-president of Outreach.
JDC Offers International Summer Program for High School Students by SETH BRAUNSTEIN Director, Szarvas Fellowships Every summer, 2,000 Jewish teenagers from around the world attend the world’s largest international Jewish summer camp, the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation JDC International Jewish Summer Camp in Szarvas, Hungary. This summer, 45 exceptional student leaders will be selected from North American high schools to represent North America at the camp as Szarvas Fellows. They will have the unique opportunity to meet and share transformative experiences with their Jewish student peers from over around the world including India, Israel, Turkey, Eastern Europe, France and the former Soviet Union. In the warm camp environment, the Szarvas Fellows enjoy numerous activities with their Jewish peers, including swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, drama, singing, debates, arts and crafts, interactive discussions and other special projects. The Fellowships program includes guided tours of Budapest and other sites in Hungary, as well as a special
exploration of current Jewish history, giving students a greater appreciation of their own roots, and of their friends from around the world. The program is open to all outstanding North American high school students who will be completing 10th or 11th grade this year. The program accepts
Campers and counselors enjoy the two-week Szarvas program in Hungary.
mature, motivated students with strong leadership skills who are eager to learn from and share their own experiences with their peers from around the world. The program is open to students from all Jewish cultural and religious backgrounds and no prior Jewish experience is required. The camp is kosher and shomer shabbat. Applications are due March 1. For more information or to apply, visit www.szarvas.org, which includes pictures, press articles, applications, and more. The Fellowships will take place twice this summer, each time for a two week session: Session 1: June 29July 14; Session 2: July 27-Aug. 11. Because of generous subsidies, the cost for the program is only $950 plus airfare. Spaces are filling fast for this is an international Jewish opportunity of a lifetime. For more information or to apply, please visit the Szarvas Fellowships website at: www.szarvas.org or contact us at info@szarvas.org, or 212.362.3361. The Szarvas Fellowships are administered by The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, in association with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
The Cards Are on the Table The good news about last week’s Palestinian elections is that we now know exactly where we stand. No more hearing one promise in English from Arab leaders like the late Yasser Arafat and then learning that the opposite was said to the Arabic press. No more public pretending that we actually have a peace process and a road map when Israeli and Jewish leaders were privately bemoaning there were no Palestinian leaders and the road lead to hell. Some pundits insist that Hamas will have to reform itself, just as it now has to govern. Govern it will; Hamas is already serving the Palestinian people with social service agencies, hospitals and schools (though of course, Israel does not appear anywhere in their geography or history books). Hamas is very focused and disciplined--and so far at least, it has not shown the propensity for corruption that paved the way for so many Palestinians to vote against the ruling Fatah party. Discipline and honesty are good virtues. And the leadership of Hamas certainly has been forthcoming about where they stand vis-a-vis Israel. It’s back to the summer of 1967, when Israel was ready to sit down with Arab leaders of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to discuss negotiating the territories captured in the SixDay War. They were, in fact, prepared to give it all back if only their neighbors would recognize the State of Israel and promise peace. Their answer--the famous (or should we say infamous) “No recognition. No negotiation. No peace.” That stance gave birth to the Palestinian Liberation Organization and new methods of terrorism, lead by the late Arafat: hijackings of jets, bombings and shootings of civilians, and the now oft-used suicide bombings (first used after the signing of the Oslo Accords). For years, dreamy-eyed utopians believed that the path to peace in the Middle East lay with ‘land for peace.’ It was more like land for terrorism. The more Israel negotiated, the more suicide bombers seem to come their way.
So, where does the tiny nation of Israel stand and where does it go from here? The opinions are many. Some earnestly believe that it will still be possible to negotiate with ‘moderate’ elements within Hamas, meaning, “We’ll allow you to leave the land of Israel so we won’t have to kill you”--that kind of moderation? Others note that if Hamas does attack (it has insisted that terrorism is a weapon of choice in their battle against the ‘Zionist occupiers’), it will allow Israel to counterattack with the full force of its military. We’re sure that the European Union will weigh in on this, though its public stance at the moment is to insist that Hamas abandon its terrorism and its principle to destroy Israel. European leaders should be very wary, however, since Muslims once ruled over Spain, Portugal, part of France and the Balkans--which makes them subject to the rule of Wakf (that is once a Muslim land, always a Muslim land). Today Israel, tomorrow the Costa Brava. And to make life even more unpredictable, Israelis go to the polls next month to elect a new government! Will it be Ehud Olmert at the helm of the new Kadima Party (subbing for the still comatose Ariel Sharon), Bibi Netanyahu returning as the leader of Likud or newcomer Amir Peretz, Labor’s new party chief, as the new Prime Minister of Israel? The outcome may partially depend upon Hamas. If it takes the hardline and begins launching Kassam rockets at Israeli towns in the Negev or sends suicide bombers to centers of population in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem, Israeli voters may turn to Bibi and Likud (Sharon’s old party, which once promised to give back not a single
inch of the Gaza--so much for political promises anywhere on this planet). On the other hand, if Hamas can be persuaded to moderate its stance (perhaps by denying them badly needed funds to pay off their billion dollar debt and run the PA), they may face Olmert and Kadima across the table. Peretz and Labor are long shots; in fact, Shinui, Tommy Lapid’s liberal party, isn’t expected to garner enough votes for a single seat in Parliament. There are also those who insist that the Hamas victory is a sign from God that the Moshiach is on his way. We hope they’re correct and the Hamas victory doesn’t mean the opposite--that G-d has abandoned us altogether. (Flood anyone?)
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.
What is Hamas? A Guide to the Palestinian Terror Organization
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JTA STAFF Hamas, which will form the next Palestinian Authority government that ostensibly is to negotiate peace with Israel, has a long history of non-diplomatic dealings with the Jewish state. Its ideology is based on the destruction of Israel through jihad, or Muslim “holy war.” The group’s 1988 charter states that “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.” It adds that the territory of Israel is “Islamic Wakf”--that is part of the Muslim religious trust, which can not be given to non-Muslims --and that “the law governing the land of Palestine is the Islamic Sharia,” or Muslim law. The group presents itself as having separate social and military branches, a formula that seeks to insulate the group from charges that it is a terrorist organization. However, few serious observers believe the branches are truly separate. Hamas has its origins in the Muslim Brotherhood, a fundamentalist Muslim group founded in Egypt in the first half of the 20th century. The brotherhood inspired Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin’s notion that Israel is Islamic land whose ownership is not negotiable. Yassin founded the Islamic Center in the Gaza Strip in the 1970s, turning it into a major religious organization and laying the groundwork for a network of social and wel-
fare institutions that increased the movement’s popularity. He continued to absorb the violent and nationalist ideas of the Muslim Brotherhood, and gradually shifted the group's focus from welfare to violence. That paved the way for the founding of Hamas--which means “zeal” in Arabic, and is an acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement--after the first intifada began in 1987. As early as the first intifada, Hamas also targeted suspected Palestinian collaborators and rivals in the Fatah movement.
The group’s 1988 charter states that “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.” Hamas began using suicide bombers as a weapon in 1994 and since has carried out at least 60 such attacks; many more have been stopped by Israeli security forces. The group began launching rockets at Israeli targets in 2001, using crude Kassam rockets to shell Israeli towns in the Negev, notably Sderot. The group’s attacks have killed hundreds of Israeli civilians in the past five years alone, prompting Israeli legal and military responses. The United States and European Union consider Hamas a terrorist organization. An Israeli court sentenced Yassin in 1984 to 13 years in jail, but he was released a year later in a prisoner exchange deal. He was impris-
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.
oned again in the 1990s for incitement to violence, but was released in 1997 in another prisoner exchange. During the second intifada the Israel Defense Forces began targeting Hamas leaders for assassination. Yassin was killed in March 2004 by Israeli helicopter fire. Abdel Aziz Rantissi, who was appointed Hamas head in Yassin’s place, was assassinated a month later. After that, Hamas stopped announcing the names of its leaders, though they are believed to be Mahmoud al-Zahar and Ismail Haniya, No. 1 and No. 2 on Hamas’ party list in the recent election. The group’s popularity in the territories is partly based on its social-service work. Hamas funds educational, medical and welfare programs, though the group is accused of using the educational program to spread anti-Israel and extremist Islamic propaganda to children. Hamas also attempted to take credit for Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. The group has a few senior leaders in Syria, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf states. Hamas receives some funding from Iran, but relies primarily on donations from Palestinians around the world and private benefactors in Arab states. Some of Hamas’ fundraising and propaganda activity takes place in Western Europe and North America. In 2004, the United States convicted the Texas Holy Land Foundation on charges that included money laundering for Hamas. Israeli intelligence in the past has pointed at possible links between Hamas and Al-Qaida and Hezbollah, but nothing has been proven.
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.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE or e-mail to: 68154-2198 jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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As Hamas Prepares to Take Over, Israel Hunkers Down for Long Haul
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by DAN BARON JERUSALEM (JTA)--After the shock of Hamas’ sweep in the Palestinian Authority parliamentary elections, Israel is preparing for a diplomatic lull. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, having already ruled out negotiations with a government run by the Islamic terrorist group, on Sunday broadened the boycott to include all of the Palestinian Authority. “Israel will not hold any contacts with the Palestinians,” Olmert told his Cabinet, unless Hamas recognizes the Jewish state’s right to exist, abandons violence and accepts previous peace accords. Hamas took more than half of the seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council in the Jan. 25 vote, prompting the long-dominant Fatah faction to bring down the government. Fatah has so far ignored appeals by Hamas to run the Palestinian Authority together, raising the prospect of an Islamic theocracy taking form in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, increasingly isolated from the West. With Hamas and Fatah gunmen already in skirmishes, and a terrorist “truce” against Israel in jeopardy, a new flare-up of violence looms. The Hamas leader in exile, Khaled Meshaal, stoked the flames of speculation by proposing that his group form a full-fledged Palestinian army. Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warned Hamas it would incur a massive military onslaught if it resumed suicide bombings after an almost year-long lull. “If Hamas carries out terrorist attacks against Israel, we will return to the preventive-strike policy, including attacks against leaders of the group,” Mofaz was quoted as saying in Yediot Achronot, using the official term for Israel’s targeted killings of top terrorists. “No one will be immune, even those in the political echelon.” Yet in remarks to his Cabinet colleagues, Mofaz said Hamas was “acting responsibly”--a reference to the group’s efforts to quell international concerns by reaching out to rival Palestinian factions and toning down the more belligerent rhetoric against Israel. Some Hamas leaders have proposed holding talks with Israel via mediators, or declaring a protracted cease fire that would allow for direct contacts while keeping the “jihad option” alive in perpetuity. Neither option is acceptable to the Olmert government, a stance that has been backed by both his Likud and Labor party challengers in the March 28 general elections. Though less than a month in power, having succeeded Prime Minister Ariel Sharon after his Jan. 4 stroke, Olmert is the beneficiary of months of work invested by Foreign Minister and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni in enlisting foreign support for shunning Hamas from the political sphere. The United States and European Union have already made clear they could stop donor aid to the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas radically changes its stripes. “These principles are accepted by the international community. On this issue, I don’t intend to make any compromises,” Olmert said. The acting prime minister’s first face-to-face endorsement was to come from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who arrived in Israel on Sunday for her first official visit. Though Merkel was also to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, she made clear her itinerary would not include Hamas officials. Israel has an interest in seeing Abbas’ standing boosted. Despite the collapse of the Palestinian Authority government, he remains president. As Israel still considers him a potential interlocutor, he can present this as an asset set against the international isolation in store for Palestinians under a Hamas regime. “Abbas has become a real reluctant hero,” the chief of the Shin Bet, Yuval Diskin, told the Cabinet. Merkel’s support is doubly important because her country is one of three in the European Union that has tried--with little success--to convince Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons efforts. The German chancellor was expected, while in Israel, to formally seal a deal to sell the Jewish state two new Dolphin submarines, a move that would expand its fleet to five and improve its strategic capabilities.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Hamas and Israel: Predictions modesty. Looked at positively, the success of Hamas implies that Palestinians do take other matters into consideration besides eliminating Israel. Looked at negatively, they merely prefer honest terrorists to dishonest ones. by DANIEL PIPES The strong Hamas victory, writes Steven Plaut of Haifa University, is “the only thing that stands a chance of forcing Israelis to open their eyes and wake up.” Its Reactions to the lopsided Hamas victory over Fatah last week in the Palestinian Authority ascent might conceivably wake others up too; will elections divided into three. Some, like the American Spain’s blinkered government note the recent call by a Israel Public Affairs Committee expressed dismay, wor- Hamas children’s publication for the city of Seville to be ried about Hamas openly boasting of its goal to destroy returned to Muslim rule? Possibly. But I hold out meager hope that Hamas-inthe Jewish state, seeing this as the end of the peace power will provide a reality check. The “peace process” process. Others, like former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, community will not give up its cherished negotiations gulped hard and defied common sense to hope that fol- just because a murderous totalitarian organization has lowing Hamas winning 74 seats to Fatah’s 45 in the been elected. As has inexorably been the case since 132-seat legislative council, it would be tamed and 1993, it will ignore this setback and press ahead for more Israeli concessions. transformed into Israel’s peace partner. I predict an approximate repeat performance of the A third group, such as Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby , determined that the Hamas success was “by far pressure on Arafat in 1982-88 to renounce terrorism. the best result” because it offers an “unambiguous real- But Robert Satloff of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an acute observer of the Arab-Israeli conity check into the nature of Palestinian society.” And me? The Hamas victory leaves me neutral with flict, doubts that Hamas will be compelled even to match Arafat’s concessions back then. regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict. I also expect that, despite bold statements how it will Not much separates Hamas anti-Zionism from Fatah anti-Zionism except that Hamas terrorists speak forth- not change, Hamas will play along with the verbal rightly while Fatah terrorists obfuscate. Even their tac- demands on it. Feeling a financial pinch and diplomatic tics overlap, as Fatah denies the existence of Israel and pressure, its leaders will adopt Arafat’s habit of deliverHamas negotiates with Israelis. Differing emphases and ing opaque hints and saying one thing in English and styles, more than substance, distinguishes their attitudes another in Arabic. Like Arafat, they might even “renounce” terrorism or toward Israel. The Palestinian election outcome resulted pretend to change their I abominate Hamas and Protocols-laced covenant. have called for its destruc- partly from more than a decade of misrule Indeed, what Yossi Klein tion, but I also recognize Halevi calls “the era of the that the elections might by Yasir Arafat and his cronies, who stole, wink and the hint” has bring benefits, prompting plotted, embezzled, and ran roughshod over already begun, with Hamas Israelis finally to recognize their subjects. largely desisting from terrorthe deep and pervasive antiZionism in the Palestinian body politic. Hamas and ism against Israel during its declared tahdiya (calming Fatah together won all but thirteen seats in the legisla- down) in 2005, then somewhat moderating its rhetoric tive council. The Popular Front for the Liberation of in recent weeks; for example, it proposed a 15-year truce Palestine, a leftist terrorist group, got three seats; three with Israel. The makeover shows signs of success: former leftist parties--Al-Badil (or The Alternative List), the U.S. president Bill Clinton, often an opinion bellwether, Independent Palestine List, and the Third Way List-- has just urged the Bush administration to consider dealeach won two seats; and four independents won seats. ing with Hamas. I predict Palestinian-Israeli negotiations will resume With the possible exception of some marginal figures, then, the legislative council wall-to-wall rejects Israel’s their glorious record of bringing goodwill, harmony, right to exist. Or, in David Horowitz’s biting descrip- and tranquility, with Israel this time facing a far more determined and clever foe than the blighted Arafat or tion, Palestinians are “the first terrorist people.” The Palestinian election outcome resulted partly from the hapless Mahmoud Abbas. more than a decade of misrule by Yasir Arafat and his Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum cronies, who stole, plotted, embezzled, and ran roughshod over their subjects. Hamas, in contrast, built and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He a record of community service, relative probity, and can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, Feb. 3, 5:25 p.m.
Synagogue Listings
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
PERSONAL I want to thank my dear friends and family for your love and concern during my recent hospital stay. Your many calls, visits, cards and contributions have meant a great deal to me. A special thanks to Rabbis Jonathan Gross and Mendel Katzman for their visits and prayers. Mel Linsman
FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 11 a.m. led by Esther Katz; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; and From Your Heart to God’s Ears, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living, with Rabbi Levin. NASHIR CHOIR: On Sundays, 10-11 a.m. WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT WINTER On Sunday, Feb. 5, noon-2 p.m., join Helen Epstein and find out “What’s Jewish About Winter?” a day of activities for parents and children ages 2-6 years old. Cost: $5 per person (includes lunch). WORLD WIDE WRAP On Sunday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m., this annual event, sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, brings Jews together from around the world to learn about and wrap tefillin. Following minyan, Men’s Club will sponsor a breakfast and show a video, The Ties that Bind, about the significance of tefillin. BESTT CHAVERIM Bowling party planned for Sunday, Feb. 5, 12:30 p.m. at Gateway Lanes in Elkhorn. For more information contact Judy bethelRubin at eddir@ omaha.org, or Jamie Skog at
youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. SCHOLAR-INRESIDENCE WEEKEND Feb.10 - 12, Beth El welcomes Adolfo Roitman, curator of the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. (See complete article on pages 1 and 4.) TU B’SHEVAT AT LAURITZEN GARDENS Beth El and Lauritzen Gardens will co-sponsor a communitywide Tu B’Shevat family celebration on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:303 p.m. at the Gardens’ visitor and education center, located at 100 Bancroft Street. There is no charge to attend.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Potash Family in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Leonard Potash; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:27 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Learners’ Minyan, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Barbara Barron. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: Grades 2-7 and Hallah High, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at Tifereth Israel; K-1 is 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarain Church, 6300 ‘A’ St.; the topic is “The WWII era in China” with Suping Lu. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY, 7 p.m. Music Education, led by Mark Miller, Holly Hefflebower, and Elaine Monnier.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel, Cantor Shermet will officiate; Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. Rabbi Marantz will officiate. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School (K-6); Parent-Teacher Conferences, 10 a.m.-noon. TUESDAY, Feb. 7: Family School and Dinner, 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 8: Religious School, 3-6, 4 p.m.; All School Dinner, 3-12, 6 p.m.; Middle/High School, 7-12, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY, Feb. 9: WRJ-O Women’s Poker Night, 7 p.m. No poker experience necessary! $10 buys a night of food, fun & all proceeds go to camp scholarships! Held at the home of Susan Lehr, email slehr@cox.net for more information! ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.: Bad Girls of the Bible with Guy Matalon. Cost $18 THURSDAY, Feb. 9: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, at 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.
BAT MITZVAH Chloe Rose Heyman, daughter of Betsy Baker and Richard Heyman, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Temple Israel. Chloe is a seventhgrade honor student at Westside Middle School. Her interests include participation in the Westside Connection Show Choir, and Swim Omaha. She also enjoys skiing, tennis, art and playing violin.
luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m.; Tu B’Shvat Women’s Seder, 6-8 p.m. reservations required; Yud Shvat Fabrengen, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots (ages 35), 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, the office or visit: call www.nebraska-judaism.com.
For her mitzvah project, Chloe created theme-based posters and gathered decorations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Chloe has an older brother, Matthew. Grandparents are Judy and Jack Baker, and Ellen Heyman and the late Samuel Heyman of Plattsburgh, NY. Great-grandparents are the late Rose and David Krantz, and the late Helen and Abe Baker.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit announcements online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
Shrier and Ramsey Speak at B’nai Israel by ALLAN KURLAND for B’nai Israel Synagogue David Kaufman stepped forward to offer safety to Jewish families just as the Holocaust was darkening Europe. A prominent Jewish businessman from Grand Island, Kaufman reached out to those facing persecution. It is estimated that his actions from 1936-40 saved the lives of over 250 people. There is more, much more, to hear about this amazing philanthropist. Betty Shrier, right, and Bill Ramsey will be at B’nai Israel on Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. to talk about their soon-to-be released book on the story behind this important midwestern Jew. The entire community is invited. An Oneg will follow services and the presentation.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
February 3, 2006
Let My People Go!
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Bo Let me make two points. The first is that it was an aggravated chutzpah for Moses to think that he could just go to Pharaoh and make a demand. Pharaoh was the acknowledged master of all of Egypt, its land, its people, its livestock, and the produce of the field. Now an ordinary representative of a slave people, without going through a series of secretaries, simply makes his way in to see Pharaoh. This was certainly unprecedented. And yet the demand made, similarly unprecedented, is something that could ordinarily have resulted in the execution of someone so outrageously arrogant. But the text tells us that Moses did come and did have an audience with the Pharaoh and did make his demand: Let my people go. The second point is that this was not the whole of the demand: “Let My people go that they may serve Me.” There is an interesting use of a concept, both in Hebrew and in English: “serve” or “service” are words that imply both a slave serving a master, or a reli-
gious person serving his God. Now Pharaoh must have had over the years many petitions before him, but none filled with so much chutzpah as this one. In the first place, Egypt had plenty of gods. Why did this people need a special One? Further, even if he permitted them to serve this God, why should he let them leave the land to worship this God Who is not even on the approved list of deities? And the further chutzpah was that instead of serving me, Pharaoh thought like all decent Egyptians, they wanted to serve some new God, Who was making demands on this people. Pharaoh must have been disturbed by the seven plagues that had already shaken up all of Egypt. But he knew that his magicians could bring similar troubles, if he and they wished it. It is only in our Sidra that we come to the final plague that Pharaoh and his wisemen could not accomplish and would not dare to try. He was appalled at the idea of killing so many firstborn in Egypt, so that every home in the land would be in mourning. But then it happened. Every reader of the Bible knows the famous story of the Exodus. The Text leaves us on a cliffhanger, after introducing material that seems to be irrelevant. It is not until the next Sidra that Pharaoh actually permits, or even shall we say in his fright, chases out the children of Israel. And now we know why the Second Book of Torah is called Exodus!
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DEATHS MAURICE KATZMAN Maury Katzman died Feb. 1 at the age of 87. Services were held Feb. 2 at Beth Israel Synagogue with interment at Golden Hill Cemetery. Following retirement as Vice-president of Mastercraft Furniture Company, he volunteered for SCORE. He also served as President of Highland Country Club, but is most known for his long association with Beth Israel, serving as President in the early 1950s, and chairman of a number of committees throughout the last 50 years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Madeline; daughter, Susan Katzman of St. Louis, MO; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Carol, Larry and Danna
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of Silver Spring, MD; son, Howard of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Melissa of New York City, Yosef and Shanny of Baltimore, Rachel of Chicago, Avigail, Paul of Atlanta, Gabe and Eli of Silver Spring; a great-granddaughter; and sister-in-law, Rose Katzman. Memorials to Beth Israel, Chabad of Nebraska, or charity of choice. GENYA SHAPIRO Genya Shapiro, who immigrated here from the former Soviet Union during Operation Exodus, died at the age of 66. A graveside service was held Feb. 2 at Beth El Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Boris; a daughter, Nataly Pisetsky; and grandson, Yuliy Pisetsky.
Kids Rule the Shul at Beth Israel by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Looking for a family friendly learning experience for you and your child? Then please make plans to come to Beth Israel Synagogue on Saturday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m., for the “Kids Rule The Shul” service. “Kids Rule The Shul” is a new group for children ages five through pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Currently, these kids meet every Shabbat morning with teacher Donald Gerber for Junior Congregation where they focus on prayer, Parsha study and synagogue skills. With the success of Junior Congregation, as well as an influx of children among Beth Israel’s membership, it seemed logical to go the next step and to provide additional opportunities for this age group and their families to meet. So “Kids Rule the Shul” was created to meet that need. Once a month, these children and their families will be invited to come to Beth Israel for special afternoon and evening services in which they will actively participate. Kids will “rule the shul” during Mincha, Shalosh Suedot and Ma’ariv. During “Kids Rule The Shul,” the children will first
meet with Youth Director, Brooke Shrago, to discuss different synagogue roles such as rabbi, chazzan and gabbai. When it is time for Mincha, the kids will run the service. Volunteers will have the honor to open and close the Ark, walk in the sanctuary with Rabbi Jonathan Gross and the Torah, and dress the Torah. After the afternoon service, everyone will meet for shalosh suedot (Shabbat’s third meal). Normally, the d’var Torah and “bentching” are led by Rabbi Gross during this meal. But when kids “Rule The Shul,” the children will take on these responsibilities. Following the meal, the group will join Rabbi Gross for the evening service, Ma’ariv, and Havdalah. Boys and girls can be involved with the services and d’var Torah. According to Shrago, “The synagogue wanted to implement something for families on Shabbat. We’ll tailor things to the kids’ interests. The idea is for the kids to have fun as they actively learn and participate in the services while, at the same time, share in these experiences with their families.” If you have questions or would like your child to participate on Feb. 11, please contact Shrago at 556.6288
Indonesia Honors Jewish Group for Efforts to Help Tsunami Victims by PETER EPHROSS NEW YORK (JTA)--Indonesian officials have honored the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee for its tsunami relief efforts. The awards were given to JDC by the mayor of Banda Aceh and a regional official in a ceremony last week. The JDC has spent $2 million so far for victims of the December 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, a mostly Muslim country that was hardest hit by the tidal wave that killed more than 200,000 people. Michael Schneider, the JDC’s honorary executive vice president, told JTA by telephone from Indonesia that the JDC has focused its efforts on upgrading refugee camps: providing mattresses, covered playgrounds, school uniforms and equipment, and electricity for 20,000 people. The group also has worked on increasing and improving the water supply, having drilled to create five deep-water wells. Some 60,000 people have their water provided by JDC. The group is building a model village of 100 houses,
which it hopes will serve as a prototype when the government decides to build new housing. So far, 15 houses have been built, Schneider said. “We are in Indonesia first and foremost to help people who suffered from the tsunami, but it’s also an opportunity to build bridges of friendship and respect between Muslims and Jews,” Schneider said. The JDC has built a mosque to serve the refugees as a “symbol of inter-religious friendship,” he said. The JDC raised $18 million for tsunami relief through its emergency relief mailbox. In addition to Indonesia, the JDC is also working on relief and development efforts in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. The group’s efforts have been conducted with a local partner group, the Dwiyuna Jaya Foundation, which has spent $3 million to date. (Editor’s note: The JDC receives funding every year from the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign; this past year additional funds were raised for tsunami and hurricane relief efforts.)
USED POOL tables for sale. Over 200 tables starting at $495. 7', 8', 9' pocket tables and 10' snooker tables. Call today 402-326-1227. 1931 CADILLAC Phaeton to be auctioned at the 25th Annual Cox Collector Car Auction, Branson, Missouri, April 21-22-23. Consignment or bidding information: 800335-3063. www.bransonauction.com. RETIREMENT SALE! Peterbuilt tractors, liquid & pressure tanks w/pumps, Ford pickups & van, Bobcat Skid Steer & misc. trucking equipment. Call 800-255-3557 or 308872-2800. OLD GUITARS wanted! Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Martin, D'Angelico, Stromberg, Rickenbacker and Mosrite. 1930s thru 1960s. Top cash paid! 1-800-401-0440. WOLFF TANNING beds. Buy direct and save! Full body units from $22 a month! Free color catalog. Call today! 1-800-842-1305, www.np.etstan.com. IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN: Zimmatic/Case IH dealership needs irrigation technician. Experience required. Competitive wages, great benefit package. Resume to: Fairbanks International, PO Box 571, Lexington, NE 68850. SCRAPER OPERATOR needed: Experience preferred. Must be willing to travel. Minorities and women welcomed. Adams Construction Co. 308-962-7918. An Equal Opportunity Employer. JOHN DEERE experienced service technician. Full-time energetic, self-motivated individual for Service Department. Apply to Randy, Vacin Inc./Humphrey, P.O. Box 188, Humphrey, NE 68642. 402-923-0606. MEAT CUTTER/Butcher wanted in small custom meat-processing plant, Southwest Nebraska. Could become business opportunity. Resume: Dundy County Processors, 70388 Highway 61, Benkelman, NE 69021. FRIESEN CHEVROLET in Sutton, Nebraska, seeks a Service Manager. Benefits are available. If interested, call 402-773-5538 and ask to speak with Jason. YORK NEWS-Times, York, Nebraska's daily newspaper, has immediate need to hire two positions: Graphic Artist and a Copy Editor. Contact gregory.awtry@yorknewstimes.com or 402-362-4478. EXPERIENCED CASEIH tractor or combine technicians. Good pay and benefits. Send resume to Fairbanks International, PO Box 556, Holdrege, NE 68949 or call 800-3564145. CDL DRIVER or owner-operator needed to pull stepdecks, flats and toppers. Small company with large company compensation. Home every weekend. Office call Jamie at 308962-7248, Scott cell 308-962-6140. DRIVERS-REEFER: Average weekly earnings $1,294 in November. No experience? We will train you to get your CDL. 800-771-6318. www.primeinc.com. OWNER-OPERATOR/Company Drivers: Tired of being on the road weeks at a time? Bennett Truck Transport, a manufactured home transport company needs owner operators to transport homes in the Midwest. We have late model toters available for leasepurchase. Home weekends and most nights. Requirements: 23 years old, 2 years commercial experience, a clean MVR and a class A CDL. We pay to train. For more information please call Darien at 1-888-774-3348. DRIVER: COVENANT Transport. Excellent pay & benefits for experienced drivers, O/O, solos, teams & graduate students. Bonuses available. Refrigerated now available. 1-888MORE PAY (1-888-667-3729). DRIVER & TRAINEES: Earn great $$$$ when Driver Trak puts you to work! Local & OTR routes! Swift, Covenant, Navajo & Yellow have great jobs! Hometime! No CDL needed. 1-888-844-1151, www.drivetrak.com. O/Os & COMPANY drivers wanted! Flatbeds & Van. 48 states. Home weekly. Invest 5 minutes, call 1-800-228-9842 "For drivers with high standards," Fremont Contract Carriers. Since 1966. www.fcc-inc.com. AS A Class A driver, you're looking for one thing: Miles! Drive with a company that has the freight to keep you running - and pays you up to 43 cpm. Assigned trucks, full benefits, home-time you can count on. EOE 3 months experience required. 1-877-452-5627. ORT: $1,000 signing bonus. 1 year experience, out 5-7 days. Benefits available. New equipment. Regional positions, Nebraska positions. Western Freightways, Big Springs, NE 303-590-5505, 308-889-3494. OWNER/OPERATORS: I.T.L. Tanklines will train full time & temporary owner operators to pull tank trailers. Higher revenue per mile. Call Brian M-F, 8-5, at 800-728-2675. GROWING TIRE shop needs energetic manager. Tire knowledge preferred, will train. Call Larry, 308-772-3761 or send cover letter, Valley Tire, Box 195, Oshkosh, NE 69154.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 3, 2006
College Students Reconnect with Jewish Friends and Clergy “I had a lot of fun,” said Becky Sternberg, a junior at the University of Missouri. “It was a different crowd than usual, and I caught up with Rabbi Azriel and some old OTYG (Omaha Temple Youth Group) friends.” Becky’s sister, Emily, also a junior at the University of Missouri, said, “It was fun and I got to see some friends who I hadn’t seen since religious school graduation. The atmosphere was energetic and the people were out going.” On the first Friday night in January, OJCSU, the Omaha Jewish College Students Union, attended Shabbat worship services and enjoyed “dinner on the house” at Temple Israel. “I thought it went very successfully,” commented Angela Friedman, a freshAngela Friedman and Aron Neesman were man at Bradley University. “I saw a lot of among about 30 students who prayed and people I hadn’t seen for a few years. It dined together at the OJCSU’s Shabbat at was really nice to talk to them and see Temple Israel in January. what they’re doing.” Angela said she’d like to see more colevents lege similar to the OJCSU event. Approximately 30 college students attended. OJCSU, Left photo: Jeff Gates, left, Ben Taxman, Jay Searson, and right, Jen Gates which previand Morgan Denny take some time to relax during college winter breaks at ously enjoyed Crane Coffee with clergy and staff members from Temple Israel. Shabbat at tor of youth and informal education; and Beth El, is planning future social and Elyce Azriel, director of Temple’s educational events. Middle/High School at Crane Coffee. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator About 20 Temple Israel college students spent a little bit of their winter break sharing coffee and conversation with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Rabbi Craig Marantz; Lynne Jensen, Temple’s direc-
Executive Director
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) seeks an observant and knowledgeable Conservative Jew with extensive experience in synagogue life and activities to serve as Executive Director for the Mid-Continent Region. The director provides consulting services to member congregations for the entire spectrum of synagogue life, from programming to operations and staffing. Experience demonstrating skills in administration and high tech communications, ability to supervise staff and interact with lay leadership, motivate volunteers, interpersonal/public relations, working with a Board of Directors and leadership development is a must. Travel is required. Competitive compensation. Submit letter of interest and resume to: Executive Director Search, Mid-Continent Region The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 4820 Minnetonka Blvd #410, Minneapolis, MN 55416 Email to: midc@uscj.org EOE
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Beth El Dedicates Wall of Honor
Around 350 people were in attendance on Jan. 22 as Beth El dedicated its “Wall of Honor,” a permanent pictorial exhibit paying tribute to all of the synagogue’s rabbis and cantors, past and present. Participating in the ceremony were former Beth El Rabbi Paul Drazen, left, Rabbi Emeritus Myer S. Kripke, Board of Trustees President Hyman Sukiennik, Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. The new exhibit was made possible through a contribution by Michael and Tiffany Hoberman in honor of their children Joel, Sarah, Jacob and Gabrielle.
Visions Installs New Board
If you can answer ‘yes’ to either question, we want to hear from you... for our April 7 Passover issue. And we’ve extended the deadline to Monday, Feb. 13. A large crowd gathered at the Venice Inn recently to honor the new Visions Steering Committee. Mike Silverman, Executive Director for Jewish Senior Services, recognized the outgoing board members and installed the new board: Rosalie Meiches, left, and Doris Alloy (Cultural), Betty Kolnick (Mitzvah), Anne Skolkin (Trips and Travel), Ethel Goldston (Social), Sandy Bromley (Executive Chairman), Jim Wax (Advisor and Luncheon Co-Chairman), Sally Masnek (Correspondent), Fred Bromley (Executive Associate), Tootie Simon (Luncheon), Howard Silber (Publicity), Sissy Silber (Cultural), and Jack Noodell (Treasurer). Not pictured: Peggy Chasen (Historian), Phyllis Aron (Recording Secretary), Bev Gilinsky (Membership), and Rose Pitlor (Social).
Send your stories, essays, creative writing, college application essay or poetry, your cartoons, artwork and photos to: jpress@jewishomaha.org Or mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 Questions? Call Editor Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450.