February 11, 2011

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

Unrest in Egypt could lead to Israel’s worst nightmare

February 11, 2011 7 Adar 1 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 23

This Week

by LESLIE SUSSER A hostile government in JERUSALEM (JTA) -- For Cairo could also mean that Israel, the popular uprising Egypt would be aiding and against the Mubarak regime abetting the radical Hamas raises the specter of its worst regime in neighboring Gaza, strategic nightmare: collapse rather than, as at present, of the peace treaty with Egypt, helping to contain it. the cornerstone of its regional Worse: If there is a domino policy for the past three effect that also leads to an decades. anti-Israel regime change in That is not the inevitable Jordan, with its relatively large outcome of the unrest; a modIslamic political presence, ified version of the Mubarak Israel could find itself facing government could survive and an augmented military threat retain the “cold peace” with on its eastern border, too.

Israel. But if, in a worst case That could leave it even worse scenario, democratic or off than it was before 1977, Islamic forces were to come to facing a combined military power denouncing Israel and challenge from Egypt, repudiating the peace deal, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and that could herald the resurrecthe Palestinians -- with the tion of a major military threat Anti and pro-Mubarak protesters clash in Tahrir Square in Cairo. The next day, a senior added menace of a fundaWhite House official told Jewish leaders that the United States would not interfere in any mentalist Iran that seeks to on Israel’s southern border.

Credit: Hassan Nouri acquire nuclear weapons.

The largely American- Egyptian transition. equipped and American-trained the main strategic significance of the pel Israel to rethink its military The strategic importance of the Egyptian army -- by far the most peace with Egypt is that it has been strategy, restructure its combat peace with Egypt has come to the fore powerful military in the Arab world able to take the threat of full-scale forces, and, in general, build a bigger during a number of crises over the -- numbers around 650,000 men, war against its strongest foe out of army, diverting billions of shekels to past decade. Without it, the Second with 60 combat brigades, 3500 tanks the military equation. But a hostile that end with major social and eco- Palestinian Intifada (2000-05), the Continued on page 3 and 600 fighter planes. For Israel, regime change in Cairo could com- nomic consequences.

Simchas and Celebrations Starts on Page 10

Love and marriage Chabad style Page 7

Guaranteed spots on Birthright 2011 Where are they now?

Dr. Lynn Polonski Page 20

by SHERRIE SAAG Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Want to avoid hearing, “Try again next year?’ Want to avoid waiting lists? If your goal is a spot on the Taglit-Birthright Israel 2011 program, then living in Omaha makes 2011 your lucky year.

of the 15 U.S. Central Consortium cities that will make up a special Partnership trip being run by IsraelExperts and coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.

The Taglit-Birthright Israel program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young adults to expe-

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Coming February 25 Arts+Entertainment See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

16 18 19 Birthright participants live it up in the Dead Sea For the summer of 2011, young adults ages 18-26 from Omaha have nothing to worry about. They have a guaranteed spot on a Birthright trip, compliments of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Partnership with Israel program.

Living in Omaha makes you part

rience a FREE ten-day trip to Israel.

The popularity of this trip has resulted in waiting lists and a repetitive application process. This year, the Dallas Partnership program is coordinating a unique venture that guarantees spaces to Omaha residents.

Highlights on the tour include Tel Aviv’s beaches, history and culture.

The Old City of Jerusalem and an overnight experience in a Bedouinlike tent are a prelude to the beauty of the Golan Heights.

Registration Opens Feb. 14 for those already waitlisted and Feb. 15 for all others at www.birthright israel.com. This trip will have a special code. Please contact Mary Sue Grossman at mgrossman@jewish omaha.org or 402.334.6445.

B’nai Tzedek welcomes Shiri Tene as coordinator

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN “We are going to be very busy, Director of Operations & Programming, and I am so excited to begin my The Center for Jewish Education work. I love working alongside the Shiri Tene, who graduated in teens in Omaha and have met December from the University of many of them already through my Nebraska-Omaha, has been work as Youth Director at Beth El. named the new B’nai Tzedek Teen I am sure this new challenge will Philanthropy Coordinator for the be a wonderful compliment to my Center for Jewish Education. Shiri current position,” comments Tene. is a California “By introducing native, who the B’nai Tzedek came to Omaha program to our in the 90’s with B’nai Mitzvah her parents, teens, we look Gady and forward to setMindy Tene and ting a course of sister, Talia.

Jewish philanShiri was an thropy, tikkun active member olam, and of both USY tzedakah.” She and BBYO dursaid: “I am also ing her years at excited to be a Westside High part of our comSchool. munity’s Omaha Shiri Tene Shiri will be Jewish Chai working closely with our Omaha School where I will be teaching a youth as they begin to explore the Teen Philanthropy class. I look foropportunity of becoming young ward to helping our students Jewish philanthropists. The B’nai become motivated and more Tzedek program was founded to knowledgeable about donating to help ensure the Jewish youth in Jewish causes.”

Omaha are able to make educated “We’re excited to have Shiri on and informed decisions about board and are thrilled she has such charitable Jewish giving and to enthusiasm,” reports the Center for deepen their commitment to social Jewish Education’s Executive action. Shiri will help motivate and Director Dr. Guy Matalon. “This spur their interest to establish indi- program enables the youth of our vidual endowment funds which community to understand the will be matched by funds provided meaning of being a future leader in by the Omaha Jewish Federation our community and I know Shiri is Continued on page 4 Foundation.

2 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

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by STEVEN J. RIEKES able not knowing what to expect in a synagogue. However, On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 23, the Kripke family was cele- the tension was broken when one church member asked the brated by a communal event hosted by Henry Monsky Rabbi why he was not wearing a beard. The Rabbi respondLodge of B’nai B’rith at the Jewish Community Center audi- ed, “Because I shaved this morning.” torium.

Riekes also talked of his relationship with Saul, having Gary Javitch, President of the Lodge, offered congratula- attended Dundee School with him from first grade and then tions to Rabbi Myer S. Kripke on the occasion of his 97th on to Central High School. birthday. He lauded the Rabbi for his many years of service While at Central High, Riekes remembered that the to the Omaha Jewish community, including his 30 years of physics teacher was absent for a number of weeks due to illservice as a spiritual leader of Beth El Synagogue, his schol- ness. Instead of hiring a substitute, the Principal, J. Arthur arship, his years of teaching at Nelson, arranged to have Saul Creighton, and in the Jewish teach the class. community. He was also After telling other stories praised for his philanthropy, about their friendship, Riekes including the establishment said that in order to explain to of the magnificent Kripke a lay audience Saul’s contribuLibrary at the Jewish tions to philosophy and Federation. A memento of something about what he this occasion was presented does, he co-opted the services to the Rabbi. of the Philosophy While the Rabbi thanked Department of the University everyone for this recognition, of Nebraska at Omaha and he said that the event was introduced Professors Paul really in honor of his son, Audi and William Melanson.

Saul A. Kripke. Saul said the Dr. Melanson related that Saul Kripke and Beverly Fellman event was to honor his father. there was a recent poll among Javitch also made a presentation to Saul Kripke for his philosophers ranking the most important philosophers in achievements in the world of philosophy. The New York the last 200 years. Saul was rated as number 7.

Times has described Saul as the greatest living philosopher Both Dr. Audi and Dr. Melanson referred to some of Saul’s in the world today. As a son of this community, Javitch said most notable lectures and books. After their presentation, the Lodge wanted to honor him.

Saul spoke about how he became interested in philosophy.

Greetings were also presented by Marty Ricks on behalf of His father, having majored in philosophy, referred Saul to the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Jewish Federation books in the Kripke’s home library.

Foundation. Congratulations were given to both father and During the question and answer period, Saul confirmed a son by Beverly Fellman, President of Beth El Synagogue. story about his assisting the Strategic Air Command at Steven Riekes gave personal remarks concerning both the Offutt Air Force Base. He said that one of his math teachers Rabbi and Saul. His family was a neighbor to the Kripkes in at Central High also did some work at SAC. When a mathDundee. He mentioned that Rabbi Kripke inspired him to ematical problem came up which SAC could not answer, devote himself to organizing programs for Jewish education through the intervention of the math teacher, Saul, still a when he returned to Omaha from law school. He pointed high school student at Central, solved the problem! out that one of the Rabbi’s many qualities was a fine sense of The celebration was concluded by a dessert reception. humor. Once Beth El Synagogue’s men’s club invited the On Tuesday, Jan. 25, UNO sponsored a lecture by Saul men’s club from a local church to a dinner. There was some Kripke on its campus. It was attended by a large number of tension because the men from the church were uncomfort- students, faculty, and others.

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by DINA KRAFT harbor aggression against the Egyptian authorities, who BE’ER MILKA, Israel (JTA) -- Driving along the Israel- they say have discriminated against them and mistreated Egypt border near this southern Israeli town, rusted barbed them for years. wire gives way to a border as open as the question of what Israeli authorities fear the Bedouin will help smuggle will become of the countries’ relations now that Egypt is in weapons and militants into Gaza and Israel. turmoil.

The 166-mile Israel-Egypt borDuring a break between border der has been Israel’s quietest patrols, a few Israeli soldiers front since the historic peace climbing into a Hummer say they accord between the countries was have been told to be on alert for signed in 1979. The absence of a possible trouble. For now, the the threat of a mobilizing same quiet borne of 32 years of a Egyptian army meant Israel did cold but functional peace prevails. not have to concern itself with “It’s a very quiet border and we defending its longest border -never expected it to continue even when it went to war against being anything else but quiet,” Lebanon in 1982 or, more recentsaid Sigalit Efrat, 36, who moved ly, against Hamas in Gaza at the to Be’er Milka, overlooking the end of 2008.

An Egyptian flag flies from an army outpost on the Egyptian border, eight years ago.

The peace meant Israel could Egyptian side of the border with Israel near the Efrat and her husband came leave most of the border without moshav of Kadesh Barnea.

Credit: Dina Kraft a fence. Last year, however, a here from the Golan Heights, Israeli territory disputed by Syria, seeking life in an agricul- growing number of African migrants sneaking across the tural community in a seemingly more stable part of Israel. border prompted the Israeli government to begin construcFor the residents of the five Israeli villages near the tion of a fence.

Egyptian border, the mood is watchful waiting. Last week, a Zafrir, 53, who settled Kadesh Barnea along with several group of Chinese migrants were found hiding in the green- others who, like him, had been evacuated from an Israeli houses of the Kadesh Barnea, the Israeli town nearest the settlement of the same name in Sinai, drives along the narborder. Residents shrug it off as nothing new. row paved border road in his white pickup truck.

What is new, they note, is the behavior of the Egyptian sol“I feel very much at home there,” Zafrir said. “What will diers manning the border. They are no longer facing Israel happen there now depends entirely on which way the polibut toward the vast expanse of the Sinai Peninsula on their tics of it all goes. The people themselves are good people.” own side.

“We are the soft underbelly of the border,” he said.

Menachm Zafrir, a farmer at Kadesh Barnea who for 25 Because of their isolated location, if there are security probyears served as its civilian security chief, offered his own lems of any kind it is the army, not the far-away police, that commentary Feb. 4 just hours after Egyptian Bedouin used are on call. Some local residents, all trained soldiers, are part rocket-propelled grenades to attack an Egyptian state secu- of a first-response civilian team with access to army-issued rity office in the northern Sinai. weapons in a time of emergency.

“They have changed direction to make sure the Bedouin Israeli soldiers were stationed here for the first time foldon’t slaughter them,” Zafrir said of the Egyptian soldiers. lowing the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza amid conReports in Israeli media say that Egyptian soldiers are cerns that the security calculus might have changed. But the building reinforced gun positions on the rooftops of their area has been quiet, for the most part. border outposts to cope with possible attacks.

“I like the peacefulness here, the endless views, the virginThe Bedouin may want a modicum of quiet along the bor- ity of the place,” Zafrir said, driving up a rocky slope to an der to keep their smuggling business afloat, but they also overlook. “This place has become my life’s work.”

February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Unrest in Egypt could lead to Israel’s worst nightmare Continued from page 1 from Mubarak, Obama was encouraging the pro-democracy forces against the Shah in Second Lebanon War (2006) and the Gaza would-be revolutionary opposition in Egypt Iran in the 1970s, only to see the emergence War (2008-2009) could easily have triggered in a gamble that could prove counterpro- of the fundamentalist Ayatollahs. Moreover, wider regional hostilities. But in each case, ductive to American and Western interests. in the event of an eventual Muslim in the teeth of regionwide popular sentiment Clearly, the American president was hoping Brotherhood victory, the big regional winagainst Israel, Egyptian President Hosni for democracy in Egypt and a concomitant ner would be fundamentalist Iran.

Mubarak adamantly rejected calls to com- increase in popular support for America Israeli diplomats across the globe have mit Egyptian soldiers to the fray. On the across the region. been instructed to quietly make the case for contrary, Mubarak was the importance of stability in critical of Hezbollah in Egypt. Careful not to exacerLebanon and of Hamas in bate an already delicate situaGaza for provoking sensetion by saying anything that less killing, and he played a might be construed as supsignificant role in achievport for one side or the other, ing postwar ceasefire Prime Minister Benjamin arrangements. “Not everyNetanyahu has merely reafthing Mubarak did was firmed Israel’s desire to preright,” President Shimon serve regional stability. But it Peres declared Monday. is safe to assume that his gov“But he did one thing for ernment would be relieved to which we all owe him a see power remaining in the debt of gratitude. He kept hands of Egypt’s current rulthe peace in the Middle ing elite -- say, through a East.” peaceful handover to Because Mubarak has Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, second from right, meeting with U.S. Mubarak’s recently appointed served as a bulwark Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Palestinian Authority President vice president, Omar against regional chaos and Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, at Suleiman.

Credit: Moshe Milner/GPO The Israeli hope is that was for decades a central Sharm el-Sheik, Sept. 14, 2010. pillar of American strategy against the radiIn his Cairo speech in June 2009, Obama Suleiman, the former head of Egypt’s intellical forces led by Iran, Israelis found it baf- offered the Muslim peoples of the Middle gence services and a major player in everyfling that President Obama turned his back East a new beginning. Now, he seems to be thing related to Egyptian-Israeli ties, would on the embattled Egyptian leader so quickly. using the Egyptian crisis to underscore that be able to continue Egypt’s pro-Western Pundits argued that Obama’s stance sent a appeal to the Muslim masses. But Israeli alignment and its support for the peace deal deeply disconcerting message to America’s pundits warn that this is most unlikely to with Israel, while allowing a greater degree moderate allies across the region, from work. They maintain that instead of democ- of democracy in Egypt and pre-empting the Saudi Arabia to Morocco, that they, too, racy in Egypt, there could well be a two- rise of an Islamic republic. But it is unclear might be as peremptorily abandoned in time stage revolutionary process -- an initial how much popular support he can muster, of need. That message, the pundits said, quasi-democracy, overtaken within months given his close ties down the years with might drive those equally autocratic leaders by the emergence of an autocratic Islamic Mubarak, who seemingly overnight has elsewhere for support, even possibly toward republic under the heel of the Muslim become the most hated man in Egypt.

America’s regional foe, Iran. Secondly, the Brotherhood. It would be similar to what However the events in Egypt play out, pundits insisted that by distancing himself happened when the United States supported they will clearly have an impact on the

Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The very notion of a threat to the peace with Egypt will almost certainly further reduce the Netanyahu government’s readiness to take risks for peace. In a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Jerusalem on Monday, Netanyahu reemphasized the importance he attaches to the security element in any peace package -“in case the peace unravels.” As for the Palestinians, the Egyptian protests could trigger Palestinian demonstrations pressing for statehood -- without peace or mutual concessions.

As usual, events seem to be reinforcing both sides of the Israeli political divide in their core beliefs. The right is already saying that Israel should not make peace unless it can be assured of ironclad security arrangements, and the left maintains that if only Israel had already made peace with the Palestinians and the Arab world, then popular unrest such as the protests in Egypt would not be potentially so earth-shattering.

Either way, the events in Egypt are not good news for those advocating Israeli-Arab peacemaking. They could push efforts to resolve the conflict back several decades.

Editor’s note: On February 5, natural gas supplies to Israel were cut off after an explosion in an Egyptian gas line in the Sinai Peninsula. The head of Egypt's natural gas company said the explosion was caused by a gas leak; Egyptian state television said it was sabotage.

The Muslim Brotherhood, said on February 6 it would hold talks with newly named Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman, but would not move forward with negotiations unless Mubarak resigns. When this edition of the Jewish Press went to print, that had not happened. (JTA.com)

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4 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

JFStival! dinner co-chairmen named

by OZZIE NOGG A family simcha is made truly joyous when generations come together and have a good time.

Case in point. Nancy Noddle, Ducky Milder, Danielle Celebrating a Gordman and Jenny Meyerson, co-chairs of the Jewish Family century of service Service 100th Anniversary JFStival! dinner on June 6. (Call it AARP meets Gen. X.) These dynamite women bring different experiences to the table, and their lively mix of menu ideas guarantees that JFStival! -- from cocktails right through dessert -- will be a memorable and fun family celebration. The event, to be held at Beth El Synagogue, honors Gloria Kaslow as JFS Woman of the Century.

“Gloria is an example for all of us,” Noddle said. “She gives and gives and asks nothing in return. None of us really knows the depth of her dedication to Jewish Family Service, Beth El and countless individuals and organizations. Brava, Gloria. Mazel tov on this award, and thank you for sharing your unending dedication to JFS.” Milder added, “Omaha is blessed with generous, loving people. By honoring Gloria at this 100th Anniversary, we honor all the volunteers who pledge their time and resources to JFS -- an agency that discreetly helps so many in our community who need it the most. What could be more gratifying?”

Jewish Family Service has a special place in the hearts of Gordman and Meyerson. Gordman received a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, Meyerson has an M.S.W., and both got their feet wet at JFS. “I worked for ten years, parttime, at the agency,” Meyerson said. “While on staff, I was amazed to discover that many people in the community thought JFS only offered Project Tzedakah and Project Dreidel -- the programs that provide holiday meals and toys to families in need. Few realized that there were Jews in Omaha who lacked the basics like housing, jobs, food and medicine. Now, even though I no longer work there, I try to spread the word about the full scope of JFS services -- the emergency financial assistance, the crisis intervention, therapy, adoption studies plus Yachad programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Although I can’t give details about specific cases due to confidentiality, the work of Jewish Family Service is far-reaching, and it’s impact is something this community can be very proud of.”

Danielle Gordman spent a year at Jewish Family Service as a program intern, working on various projects including a survey for a proposed Jewish group home and HALO -Healthy Alternatives for Little Ones. “That opportunity really opened my eyes and broadened my horizons,” she said.

“HALO is designed to help 3-6 year-olds understand they’re unique and special, and helps them learn to say ‘no’ to things that are harmful, physically and emotionally. JFS is all about supporting children and families. It’s so important to have

1911 - 2011

JFS

an agency that Jewish people can turn to for help. The fact that JFS has been serving this community for one hundred years shows the need is still there, and growing.”

Both young women also recognize the part Gloria Kaslow plays in the Jewish Family Service story. “When I worked at

Dinner co-chairmen of the June 6 JFStival! are Jenny Meyerson, left, Ducky Milder, Danielle Gordman. Not pictured: Nancy Noddle. the agency, she was always around,” Meyerson said. “Either as a volunteer, as President of the Board, or just popping her head in the office to say hi, she was always a presence.”

Gordman’s take on Gloria Kaslow? “She has such grace about her. Few people command the respect she does. I so look up to her. It’s an honor to work on JFStival! so we can show our appreciation for all she’s done.”

Summing up for the group, Nancy Noddle said, “One hundred years of giving and caring is a great tribute to those who came before us. JFStival! on June 6 will be our chance to celebrate the agency and the Omaha Jewish community past, present and future.”

Arts+Entertainment Mamma Mia returns to Orpheum Theater from March 3 to 6, Mamma Mia, the musical based on the songs of ABBA is returning to Omaha for its fourth engagement, courtesy of Omaha Performing Arts and Broadway Across America.

Tickets, starting at $28, are now on sale. For more information, visit www.TicketOmaha.com, or call 402.345.0606.

Championship fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt, will discuss various ways to perform that classic fiddle tune, Orange Blossom Special. This wonderful piece encourages improvisation, giving the fiddler opportunities to make their fiddle sound just like a train. The Workshop takes place on Saturday, March 19, 1-3 p.m., in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, Nebraska. Pre-registration is required, enrollment is limted, and there is a $20 fee. For more information, call 402.275.3221, or send an e-mail to debby@greenblattandseay.com.

Green Living

Next Klutznick-Harris Symposium to feature fashion and clothing

by LEONARD GREENSPOON The Twenty-Fourth Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium has been scheduled for Oct. 23 and 24, 2011.

The title of this Symposium is “Fashioning Jews: Clothing, Culture, and Commerce.”

The organizers of this Symposium are seeking proposals in a variety of fields and from many approaches, genres, and media. They also hope to cover time periods from the biblical era to the modern world and to incorporate the experiences of different cultures and societies.

Support for presenters’ transportation and accommodation will be presented. Those selected to participate will make oral presentations of their material at the Symposium.

Presenters will also submit a written version of their presentation to be included in a volume as part of the Studies in Jewish Civilization Series, edited by Leonard Greenspoon and published by Purdue University Press.

If you are interested in participating, or know someone who is, please submit a 200-word abstract of the proposal by April 15 to Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair, at ljgrn@creighton.edu; for further information, see the Klutznick Chair website at http://www.creighton.edu/ ccas/klutznick/.

B’nai Tzedek welcomes Shiri Tene as coordinator Continued from page 1 a great match for leading our youth as young teen philanthropists.”

Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation, adds his welcome to Shiri. “Janie Murow was our first director of this exciting program and got us off to a great beginning by recruiting forty teenagers to sign up. I have heard how terrific Shiri is with the kids at Beth El Synagogue. I am pleased that Shiri will be taking over from Janie and know she will be a great addition to the staff of the Center for Jewish Education.”

The B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program is a project of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and the Center for Jewish Education, which is a beneficiary agency of the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information on the B’nai Tzedek program, please contact Shiri at stene@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6464.

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Beth El prepares to celebrate 20 years in West Omaha

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Twenty years ago, Beth El Synagogue seemed to epitomize the adage, “Everything old is new again.” It was in 1991 that Beth El’s congregation moved from its longtime home at 119 S. 49th St., to its current home at 14506 California Street. Later on, the old building was given new life after being reincarnated as the firm of Holland Basham Architects.

ents and parents were members of the synagogue, and he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah there. He and his wife joined the congregation two years ago, he said, adding, “Since joining Beth El, we have enjoyed renewing many acquaintances, and Sandy has been involved with Sisterhood challah-baking and the Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group.”

Having known the firm’s principals Keith Basham and Tim Holland for many years, the Passers said they were excited to join in

Sandy and Jeff Passer The past and the present will both be celebrated this September, as the congregation holds special community events to commemorate 20 years at its current home.

Debbie and Lloyd Roitstein, along with Sandy and Jeff Passer, are chairing the festivities, which will include a special Shabbat service and reception at Beth El on Friday, Sept. 16, plus an open house at the old synagogue on Sunday, Sept. 18, complete with building tours led by principals of the architecture firm, Keith Basham and Tim Holland.

Assisting the Roitsteins and Passers as hosts during the special weekend will be Cheryl and Ron Cooper, Ann and Donald Goldstein, Julie and Eric Phillips, Patty and Steve Nogg, Pam and Bruce Friedlander, Susan and Isaac Witkowski, Carol and Alan Parsow, Hollie and Glen Fineman, and Lorrie and Gary Katelman.

The co-chairs have deep ties to the synagogue, and are pleased to take the reins for this milestone celebration.

“Lloyd and I have many fond memories of Beth El,” Debbie said. “Lloyd grew up at the synagogue, I attended my first service at Beth El. Went through conversion with Rabbi Kripke, and we were married at Beth El. Knowing that 2011 marked the 20th anniversary of leaving the old Beth El for the new sparked a desire in us to want to return to where we shared so many wonderful memories with our family, both spiritual and personal.”

Jeff Passer noted that both his grandpar-

Debbie and Lloyd Roitstein planning this fall’s open house.

“We have visited their offices on several occasions and know how beautifully they have maintained the space,” Sandy said.

“They are very proud of the renovations and have been very respectful of the former sacred spaces, especially the bimah and ark area. We are so fortunate to have these gentlemen in our community who were willing to invest their time and talent to preserve the building.”

The Friday night Shabbat service will feature former leaders of the congregation sharing memories and offering a history of the synagogue; then, on the 18th, the festivities on Farnam Street “will allow longtime members to refresh their memories and newer members to visit a very special place in the history of the Beth El congregation,” Jeff said. “It will give all members the opportunity to view firsthand how magnificently the building has been renovated.”

Lloyd added that, “Many of the congregants who attended school, services, etc. at Beth El are curious about how the old synagogue was transformed and if any parts of it were preserved. This will provide an opportunity for those curiosities to be satisfied.

“Beth El provides a link for us to our past and our future,” he noted. And for many in the Omaha Jewish community, the third weekend of September will be spent reveling in that link, recalling the past, celebrating the present and looking to the congregation’s future.

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Council Bluffs, and Kent and Gloria Gibson, of Atlanta.

Great-grandparents are Lloyd and Edythe Krasne of Council Bluffs.

Are You Financially Organized for 2011?

by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments Since most of us never learned how to handle our money at any school level, it has left many people unaware of how to properly handle their finances. Unfortunately we end up finding out the hard way regarding how unprepared we are at tax time. Here are some helpful and easy hints on how to get organized.

Keep good records by creating a file system where all you need to do is file documents in their proper folders. File them the day they come in. This way they are filed away safe and sound and don’t need to be revisited until tax

time.

Keep a file for your finances on your computer as well as hard copies. There are computer programs that can make this process easier.

Keep all stock and bond purchase confirmation forms; the IRS requires information on the initial purchase price.

Keep all tax records for five years.

When purchasing stocks or bonds, decide what type of investment risks you are willing to take. Getting yourself a sound and honest investment professional is an excellent way to get financially organized.

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People of all ages can discover new ways to get fit at the JCC

by LYNN BATTEN The second session of Youth Group Exercise begins JCC Publicity Associate/Gallery Supervisor March 28 and runs through May 23.

As the new year begins, the Jewish Community Center All of the swimmers out there will be excited to learn that remains committed to helping people live a healthy and this summer the JCC Swim Team will be adding a Dive active lifestyle. In addition to the high caliber programming Team to their already successful program. Participants must that is already offered to JCC members, such as group exer- have passed level 5 swimming to participate on either team. cise classes, dance, pilates, personal training, youth sports, The JCC Sharks Swim Team is part of the Greater Omaha yoga, and aquatics, the JCC is offering NEW additional pro- Swim League and competes against other local teams in gramming to make fitness a family affair. weekly swim meets. Their season begins May 23 and runs Taekwondo through July 20.

Starting March 1, the JCC, in conjunction with the “The J’s Got Talent” Summer Camp Omaha ATA (American Taekwondo Association) Martial If arts and culture are more of what your child is into, the Arts Academy, will offer Taekwondo at the J for the entire JCC also offers several classes and camps for Art and Dance. family, ages 6 and up!

A new addition to the already impressive line up of Summer Bret Salomon, Omaha ATA Martial Arts Academy owner Camps includes “The J’s Got Talent,” a performing art showand 3rd degree Black Belt, believes that members should case for JCC members ages 12 -16 that will run June 13– 30. take advantage of this unique opportunity and use time In this camp, teens will work directly with community prospent in Taekwondo class to strengthen their family bond fessionals to audition, create stage sets, and contribute to the and improve their family fitness levels. marketing of their show. Jodi Levine, BBYO/Teen Director, “Many parents enroll their children, but eventually enroll encourages all teens to be involved in this unique summer themselves to share the experience. It allows them to make camp. the best use of their time by taking the opportunity to get “This camp will be a great way for teens to meet other kids physically fit,” Salomon said. from the community and also learn how to put on a talent “Plus,” Salomon added, “the things the children learn in show from start to finish with the help of community prothis class are incredible. Physical, mental, sparring competi- fessionals. Teens will also be able to put together a talent tions and forms (predefined routine martial art techniques) are all part of the lessons they will learn.

Parents will also learn a lot and get a great workout at the same time. Enrolling in classes helps parents keep their energy levels up, be a role model to their kids, and show that they are open to new ideas and activities.”

My Dad & Me Basketball Camp If basketball is more of your style, then the “My Youth Group Exercise, a new JCC initiative, is off to a successful start.

Dad & Me Basketball Camp” running July 11–14 is worth checking out. This piece/act to express the multiple talents they may not be able camp is open to children grades K-9 and their parents or to express anywhere else. Because they’ll be learning how to other adult family members. Moms, dads, sons, daughters, put on their own talent show from start to finish, they will brothers, sisters, even grandparents are welcome to get in on learn how to market their own show, develop their own the fun! stage sets, and learn different ways to perfect their talent This camp, led by JCC Sports Director Brian Henson and pieces in the best way possible. This is a great opportunity his father, Mike Henson, will provide family basketball and will be so much fun!” she said. instruction while also promoting family bonding and teamAnd last but not least, the JCC is full of new programming work. All skill levels are welcome. for adults too! Whether you are a water warrior or land lover, “It doesn’t matter if your family is full of basketball pros, there are a bounty of classes waiting for you to discover. or if your family doesn’t even know what a basketball is. The High Intensity Water Fitness focus of this camp is to strengthen your family bond while High Intensity Water Fitness started this year and is quicklearning something new and having fun,” said Brian ly becoming a new favorite of many members. Designed for Henson. people of all fitness levels, this class is a great way to get a “Doing team activities as a family is a great way to learn a quality workout without the normal wear and tear on your lot about each other. We will be talking about how to devel- joints. Water Fitness combines basic cardio and weight trainop and maintain healthy relationships between parents, ath- ing movements, and is done in the shallow end of the indoor letes and coaches. Plus, parents are able to set a great exam- pool. JCC member, Debbie Smedlund is a class regular. ple for their kids by participating in a healthy activity.”

“All of the JCC water aerobics instructors have a nurturing Brian played college basketball at Kansas State University gift for teaching. They genuinely care about the participants and was voted “Mr. Kansas Basketball” as well as being and adjust the instruction to the class members. Working out McDonald’s All American in 1991. His dad, Mike Henson, is in the water really does make a healthy difference and the a legendary Kansas high school basketball coach who has JCC is fortunate to have these talented instructors,” she said. been inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Members can also expand their water workout with the Association Hall of Fame. new “Masters Swim Team.” Masters Swim Team is open to In addition to the new family focused fitness classes, the anyone ages 18 and up who wants to swim for fun or fitness.

JCC is also rolling out new Youth Programming.

Practices are coached by Sam Bogdan, Aquatics Director, Youth Group Exercise and are developed with your goals and skills in mind. Six Youth Group Exercise, a fitness class for kids ages 9-12, days a week sessions and expanded registration options probegan in January and is off to a successful start! Eighteen vide flexibility for scheduling. participants signed up for the first session of this Monday Sunday Stretch evening class.

If you’d rather have a lower intensity, land based workout, The class is designed to be a fun and active way for kids to “Sunday Stretch” is a new 45-minute Group Exercise class in spend time with their peers, while also being introduced to which members are encouraged to slow down for a little new ways of working out. Each class consists of different relaxation, core strengthening, and mild stretching. stretching, cardio interval and weight training routines.

Instructor Jen Viehrig provides soothing music and breathYouth Group Exercise caters to the “pre-teen” crowd that ing cues while guiding participants through a refreshing and is not quite old enough to work out on their own in the JCC invigorating workout. “Sunday Stretch” is designed for men Fitness Center. JCC Personal Trainer and Youth Group and women of all fitness levels and is the perfect opportuniExercise Instructor, Jen Viehrig, believes physical activity is ty to strengthen both your mind and body and reset yourself critically important for children and thinks that a group for the productive week that lies ahead. class is a great way to introduce them to the world of fitness.

With the wide variety of programming, there is something “Having a fitness routine is something you want to establish for everyone at the JCC. If you are interested in checking out early in life. It is a good habit, kind of like brushing your any of these programs or becoming a member, contact Denise teeth. Even just a few minutes a day helps keep you healthy,” Ipock, Member Services Director, at 402.334.6426, or Cindy she said.

Reed, Registration Associate, at 402.334.6419, to register.

February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Mitch Sherman, Omaha World-Herald sports reporter on the Huskers, Sean Watson and more on Wednesday, Feb. 16, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

Art, entertainment made a great evening at Beth El

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

MAINSTREETERS Reminder: Mainstreeters Luncheon Meeting is Monday, Feb. 21 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per plate. For information call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Song and Dance” on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1:45 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center auditorium. There is no admission fee.

The concert is titled “Song & Dance” because each of the works is from a great 19th century dramatic stage work. The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of 70 students from UNO and community players. This performance is sponsored by Jewish Social Services. All are welcome; guests are encouraged to bring a friend. For information call Mary Heiman, Activities Director at 402.334.6520.

BOY SCOUTS The Mid-America Council and its Jewish committee on scouting are preparing for the second hundred years of scouting in the Omaha area. Currently, we are looking for Eagle Scouts. If you are a member of the Omaha Jewish community, and you are an Eagle Scout, please contact Marvin Goldberg at 402.558.6723 (home) or 402.592.1786 (work).

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A lively art auction and entertaining musical acts provided a memorable evening for the 200-plus attendees at Beth El’s recent Cantor’s Concert, “Creativity and Philanthropy: An Art Extravaganza.” The event benefited the synagogue’s Youth Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities for youths to attend Jewish summer camps, visit Israel and participate in Jewish youth conventions.

Clockwise from top left, honorary chairmen Sandy and Amy Friedman welcome attendees to the fundraiser; performing When You Believe, are Cantor Beth Schlossberg, left, Aliyah Jabenis, Dacia Jabenis, Matthias Jeske and Jeff Taxman; artists Julie Phillips and Ellie Greenspoon peruse artwork presented for the event’s silent auction; auctioneer Paul Hatfield encourages bids for a piece of artwork displayed by teen assistants Elissa Wiener and Alex Pichik.

Great News!

Jack & Mary’s General Manager is Kip Oetter. You may remember Kip from his past position as the Event Operations Director at Ironwood Golf and Country Club. You may also remember Archie Loehr as the Executive Chef at Ironwood. Chef Archie is now making all the delicious

Kip

desserts; pies, cheesecakes and bread pudding at Jack & Mary’s. Plus Chef Archie will prepare the original Highland Country Club recipe for Matzo Ball Soup the first week of each month.

Other than some delectable additions, Jack & Mary’s are still serving the same great

Archie

chicken, and other entrees, as they have for the past 38 years. Chef Steve Bruckner has been with us for 23 years and Chef Alfredo Hernandez, 9 years; they continue to showcase our recipes, some of which date back to the 1930’s.

We offer a variety of catering services with delivery and we

Steve

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Beth El Sunday Scholars Series Temple Youth Group members come home winners from Conclave to focus on “Israel 15 Vision”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Jordan said the conclave was great. “It’s Temple Israel Communications Coordinator one of my favorite events of the year, Ten Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) because the extra day is a chance to meet members attended the NFTY (North more people and have more time to bond.”

American Federation of Temple Youth) A high school junior, Jordan is thinking Missouri Valley Region Winter Conclave in about running for president of the Missouri Denver in January. They came home with Valley Region this spring. “I’ve loved armfuls of awards.

Missouri Valley since I went to my first OTYG President Jordan Jensen won a P r e s i d e n t ’s Award for creating a programming bank. Sam Burrell, Social Action vice president, won for his thrifting and tree planting programs while Morissa Miller and Rachel Scheet, co-vice presiBack row: Hannah Radler, left, Sophie Goldberg, Jordan Jensen, Haley dents of memBurns, Sam Burrell, Ariel Kohll, Emily Katz; front row: Hannah Budwig, bership, were left, and Maddie Jensen all attended the NFTY winter conclave in Denver honored for in January. Not pictured: Grace Hack. their RUSH program. event. Someone who realized I didn’t know Special Projects Coordinator Sophia anyone introduced me to everyone in the Miller won for her work promoting Camp room. I want to keep sharing that spirit.”

Rainbow, a recipient of this weekend’s Ariel Kohll and Hannah Radler have set upcoming OTYG Spaghetti Dinner at their sights on running for the OTYG Board Temple Israel. In addition, Hannah Budwig next year. won an award for her work as the Junior OTYG Advisor Amy Katz praised her Youth Group liaison bridging the gap youth group. “We really did do well! I think between middle and high school student it was such a positive experience in many members. ways for the kids who attended.”

Omaha’s Premier Glatt Kosher Caterer

by JILL BELMONT to explore the three areas of focus for the Beth El Publicity Coordinator Western Galilee: a region of creative Beth El’s Sunday Morning Scholars Series tourism; a region of wellness; and a region of will turn its attention to State of Israel and future engineers and scientists. In addition, Goldberg will treat her audithe “Israel 15 Vision” initiaence with a talk about some tive, during its upcoming proof the unique places she has gram on Feb. 13. Featured visited in Israel. speaker during the 11 a.m.

The entire community is event will be Kim Goldberg, invited to attend the program, co-chair of the Arts Task at no charge; refreshments Force for the Central Area Consortium of Partnership and a light nosh will be with Israel. served. For planning purposGoldberg, a professional es, RSVPs are requested and freelance designer, artist and may be made by contacting art educator, will discuss this the synagogue office at Kim Goldberg initiative and its goal of mak492.8550, or programming@ ing Israel one of the top 15 places in the bethel-omaha.org. world to live in the next 15 years. She plans

Mosaic art event Feb. 20 is a do not miss!

by SHERRIE SAAG Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Mark Your Calendar “DNM” for Do Not Miss when ceramicist Calli Cohn heads a mosaic tile art event in the JCC Social Hall on Sunday, Feb. 20 from 1-3 p.m.

This program was originally scheduled for Jan. 23. “Sometimes re-scheduling is necessary. We are thrilled that all those who signed up for the original date are joining us on the 20th. But, we still have plenty of room for those who want to come in from the cold and have fun with mosaic tiles,” said Julee Katzman, Assistant Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Those in attendance will be crafting mosa-

ic tile flowerpots. With the help of local artist Calli Cohn, each piece will be unique, one of a kind and ready for planting in the Spring!

The afternoon is designed for all ages, although those younger than 8 will need assistance from a parent or grandparent.

Calli is a graduate of Burke High School and the Chicago School of the Art Institute, where she majored in ceramics.

In conjunction with the Partnership with Israel program, join Calli Sunday, Feb. 20 to create your own masterpiece. The cost is $10 per person and includes all materials and an afternoon snack. You will go home with a finished product. To make your reservation, contact Nancy Martin by Feb. 18 at 334.6430 or nmartin@jewishomaha.org.

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February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Yoga is for everybody

ELDERFEST 2011

by LYNN BATTEN “Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or injury. It’s not JCC Publicity Associate/Gallery Supervisor about doing yoga. It is about undoing what you’ve been The pile of shoes outside of the JCC Dance Studio is a sure doing to your body for so long.” indication that something is going on in there, but it isn’t One JCC yoga participant noted that energy, which used what you’d think. It isn’t a dance class taking place; rather, to be wasted on worrying about “looking silly” or “being inside that room people are finding balance and awareness perfect” while in yoga class, has now been redirected. through the ancient art “Yoga has really helped of Yoga. me sharpen my focus Yoga, which means, and also gain a greater “to join together” or personal awareness of “yoke,” works to comthe tension in my body. bine the various energy Now I can see how that levels within the body, tension affects my menultimately resulting in tal and physical patbalance. By achieving terns, and I am using and maintaining this yoga to counteract it.” balance, one can attain There is a growing greater physical and body of evidence from mental health. Even medical institutions though the thought of showing that the beneit might seem intimifits of yoga are real and dating, yoga is for substantial. Yoga works everyone, regardless of to increase flexibility Yoga instructor Keefer Peterson during one of his classes fitness level, injury or and strengthen the age. muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. The benefits of regHatha Yoga, the type of yoga taught at the JCC, normally ular Yoga practice can range from improved posture all the combines three elements: physical poses, controlled breath- way to a reduction in anxiety and depression. JCC yoga ing and a short period of meditation or relaxation. Most Instructor, Larisa Treskunova, agrees with this. poses are combined with a specific breathing pattern to “Yoga is beneficial for all systems of the body and can help enhance the stretch and also focus your mind. All parts are reduce what is ailing you,” she said. important, but “the breath is the thread that stitches togethBoth instructors encourage people to try yoga and experier the body and the mind,” says JCC yoga instructor Keefer ence all that it has to offer. Yoga classes at the JCC are open Peterson. to members and non-members. Classes are offered at the Keefer also feels that people shouldn’t worry about their JCC five times a week and vary in length and content. There capabilities and whether or not they will be able to achieve are morning classes, lunch hour classes and evening classes all of the poses in class. to help accommodate busy schedules.

City Auditorium Thursday, April 21 Wayne 9:00 am to 5:30 pm FREE GIFTS, REGISTER FOR PRIZES, FREE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT. FREE ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

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Make Your Reservations Now! Cost per table is $25.00.

Please include your $25.00 table fee with your reservation. Questions?

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In the news Chris Gill, MS, NCC, PLMHP has joined Aspire Counseling Services. Chris is a 2009 graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Masters of Community Counseling program. She received training at Behave’n day treatment center, Immanuel Hospital’s child/adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit, Alegent’s outpatient adult drug and alcohol clinic, and has volunteered at the Parent’s United program. Chris practices mental health therapy with both adults and adolescents and has a special interest in multicultural counseling. Chris moved back to Nebraska with her husband Eytan Gill and children Matan, Adi and Jonathan after living for 30 years in Israel. She can be contacted at 402.917.6785.

Anne Joseph at Life Care Center of Elkhorn has been named Activities Director of the Year by Paul Falkowski, Executive Director of Desert Ministries.

She has been Activities Director for over 5 years in this position; prior to that she served in that position at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for 10 years.

This award is presented to Anne for her great passion and commitment to the people she serves.

Anne is married to Ed Joseph and has a son, Nate.

Mara Davidson and Chloe Ginsburg, both from Omaha, were named to the President’s list at Drake University. This academic honor is achieved by earning a grade point average of 4.0 during Drake’s Fall 2010 semester.

Stephen Aaron Schrock of Omaha, a senior in architectural engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo., has been named to the honor list

for the 2010 Fall semester. Honor list recipients must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0.

Emily Giller was elected President of Tri Delta Sorority at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is also the co-editor of the UNL newspaper, The Daily Nebraskan. This summer, Emily will return to the Jewish Press as an intern. Emily is presently a junior majoring in journalism.

She is the daughter of Barb and Stu Giller.

Grubb and Ellis/Pacific Realty announced that Barry Zoob was named 2010 Broker of the Year. “Real estate is an industry where success is driven by local market knowledge, expertise, and individual client service. Barry demonstrates all this on a daily basis,” said Eric Wagner, president and CEO of Grubb and Ellis/ Pacific Realty. Barry Zoob has served on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign on numerous occasions; he is also a member of the JCC athletic Hall of Fame.

The Nebraska Archaeological Society is offering a scholarship to a college student studying archaeology. The deadline for applications is April 15. For more information, please contact Jerry and Nancy Carlson at nfcarls@hot mail.com, Kevin Hammond at hammond100@wind stream.net, or visit http://web.nas.googlepages.com.

Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press

by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues.

Questions? Call 334.6448.

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Israel

Post mission extension • Visit historic Dohany Street Budapest • and Jewish quarter • Tour the Jewish museum and • Holocaust memorial • Tour the House of Parliament

September 21-26 4 nights

Recruitment Meeting Monday, February 28 | 7 pm JCC Social Hall For more information call or email Kathy McGauvran at 402.334.6427 kmcgauvran@jewishomaha.org

Celebrating his simcha in his own special way

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN tricky,” Karen confided. “He is seen as a young Temple Israel Communications Coordinator teenager and expected by others to know In many ways, Ben Oyler is a typical sev- what is appropriate and what is not, which is enth grader. He does well in science, social not obvious to him. Each incident must be studies, music, and art taught. It gets compliat Beveridge Magnet cated, to say the least.”

School, according to Ben has been attendhis mother, Karen ing Religious School at Oyler. He also enjoys Temple Israel for about playing on the comthree years. “He develputer and with various oped a sudden interest electronic toys. A sciin learning Hebrew ence fiction buff, Ben and going to synais also a Harry Potter gogue after watching fan.

Fiddler on the Roof He enjoys going to repeatedly,” Karen Fontenelle Forest, the pointed out. “He has a Henry Doorly Zoo, gift with learning The Durham Museum, Hebrew. It’s hard to and the malls to shop know how much he for things that are comprehends of what related to his interests. he reads since testing When Ben was a can be a challenge with baby, Karen explained, autistic children. he had “a strong fasciThrough the years, I nation to watch spinhave seem him conning ceiling fans, tribute to conversawheels on toys. He didtions with things he has Despite the odds against him, Ben Oyler n’t have any inclination learned from his frewill become a Bar Mitzvah in March. to make social contact quent forays on Google even with me. He didn’t play with toys as and reading. I suspect he knows and comthey were intended. His first words came prehends a lot more than we will ever know.” into existence, then faded into disuse after Eileen Clignett, the Center for Jewish two weeks. He didn’t speak until he was four. Education resource teacher, works with Ben It took us a couple of years to put a name to and commented that “when Ben sets his it, to put his unique behaviors into a label.” mind to doing something, he perseveres Living in Wisconsin at the time, “initial until he has accomplished his goal. Without attempts to get a diagnosis there were having any prior Hebrew, within a year, he unsuccessful even though Ben was showing successfully learned all of the sounds of the all the classic signs of autism,” Karen Hebrew letters and vowels and began blendrecalled. “It took a move to Omaha and ing them to read words. He picked up readmeeting with the early education team from ing Hebrew prayers easily and does it very Omaha Public Schools to get the diagnosis well. Before we knew it, he was reading and help started. more prayers than most students his “School is not Ben’s favorite activity,” age…WOW! He learned to read his Torah Karen continued. “He endures it and has portion in a blink of an eye and has almost managed to find some fun in making learned how to chant all of it. friends with all the adults he interacts with.

“Ben is an amazing student whose dedicaBenjamin’s unique behaviors are easier for tion, determination, and devotion to learnadults to handle, of course. Kids aren’t near- ing is quite evident in what he has accomly as forgiving. He doesn’t enjoy interacting plished in such a short time. He tries his with kids on a regular basis, much prefer- best…and perseveres even when the going ring to be with adults. This is fairly typical of gets tough. He is very outgoing and has a those on the autism spectrum.” great personality. I thoroughly enjoy workAutism is a disorder of neural develop- ing with him and teaching him.” ment that can be characterized by impaired Just as he prefers adults at Beveridge, Ben social interaction and communication, and “enjoys hanging out with many adults at by restricted and repetitive behavior. These Temple,” Karen added. Having collected “a signs can show before a child is three years dizzying amount of information about eleold, according to the American Psychiatric vators, Ben has an intense desire to ride Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical them,” which is one of the reasons he likes Manual of Mental Disorders. Autism affects trips to the mall. “He also loves sharing his information processing in the brain by alter- love of elevators with anyone he can coning how nerve cells and their synapses con- vince to ride with him” at Temple. “But his nect and organize. favorite riders are (Religious School Karen and Ben moved to Omaha about Coordinator) Lori Bennett and Rabbi ten years ago. Karen herself endures a genet- Azriel,” Karen noted. ic disorder that requires surgeries and long Ben started preparing for his Bar Mitzvah periods of recuperation. “This adds to the along with the rest of his age peers at Temple challenges of being a single mom,” she said. Israel. “He seems to understand that this is The Oylers live with her mother and stepfa- part of growing up and part of being Jewish,” ther. “We feel pretty lucky to have great fam- Karen said. “Sometimes, he likes the idea of ily here,” she acknowledged. “I don’t know growing up and gaining new privileges and what we’d do without the help and support responsibilities. Other times, he…would of my mom and stepdad. prefer to stay young.

“Benjamin works with speech therapists “Ben learns in his own way. Cantor twice a week. Until last year, he also worked Shermet has to remind him to look at the with an occupational therapist. I recom- paper when reading or chanting. Ben will mend ProCare3 (which provides speech, often start reading the copy he sees in his physical, and occupational therapy) for any head,” mentioned his mother. Since large family seeking professional help for their group gatherings are stressful and not fun child. They have been amazing with Ben,” for Ben, Karen is planning a private meal she emphasized. with close friends and family to celebrate “The challenges of autism do change with after Ben’s Bar Mitzvah service. age. He is growing and maturing in so many Karen hopes to see her son “grow up to be ways. Now we are mixing the hormonal happy and to live in a semi-independent changes of puberty with autism. His social environment.” She recommends that parents age is much younger than his real age which of special needs kids plan for their children makes navigating social exchanges even more Continued on page 11

February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Love and marriage Chabad style

by DEVRA BRAM for Chabad House Who doesn’t love a simcha? There is nothing like it to bring joy to family and guests; this is especially true for a wedding.

With modern brides there are many choices: What should the theme be? Who does what at the ceremony? Will it be formal or informal? The list is endless. For the Katzman family, part of the Chabad movement and head of Chabad of Nebraska, a wedding has many traditional elements that go back generations. The basic details will be the Clockwise from above, Estie same whether you go to a Baumgarten; The ceremony wedding in Omaha or underneath the Chuppa outIsrael. side of the Hilton hotel; On a rainy day in August Dancing on the men’s side; 2010, Estie Katzman, the Estie celebrates with her sister, oldest child of Rabbi Shevi Katzman.

Mendel and Shani Katzman was married to Leibel Baumgarten. More than 400 people attended the outdoor ceremony on the grounds of the downtown Omaha Hilton. This was a traditional Jewish wedding with customs that were new to many of the guests.

Guests could not help but be moved by the seriousness of the ceremony and the joy of the reception.

While a Chabad wedding is a time for joy, it is customary for the bride and groom to treat the wedding day like a personal Yom Kippur. There will be no parties the night before.

They fast the day of the ceremony and recite from the Book of Psalms, and ask for forgiveness before starting their new life together.

The traditional wedding day has many parts to it. As is customary, there was a reception prior to the ceremony

Celebrating his simcha Continued from page 10 to experience a Bar Mitzvah. “Let it happen in the child’s unique way and time. The experience is worth the effort and challenge. Share with the community the unique and special contribution your child makes. I’m glad Benjamin is able to go through the Bar Mitzvah experience. It will help him feel a more solid connection to the Jewish community. It also gives him a milestone, a way to remember that he can accomplish new things and has succeeded at a challenging endeavor.”

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under the chuppah called the Kabbalat Panim or “greeting of the faces.” There were separate reception areas for the bride and the female guests and the groom and the male guests. In the bride’s reception the bride and her mother and two

grandmothers sat on a dais. There Estie, the bride, was treated like royalty as the guests came up to her to wish her “Mazal Tov.” Meanwhile, all the men were in a separate reception upstairs at the groom’s table where they signed the Ketubah and congratulated the groom. In the Ketubah it declares that Leibel will carry out his obligations as a husband according to Jewish law and custom. In order to be

valid, two witnesses sign and validate.

The two parties joined together for the veiling ceremony, called Bedeken. The Bedeken starts with a procession from the groom’s table to the bride’s throne. The groom, the fathers, and the male guests proceed to the bride; the groom places the veil over the bride’s face and recites the blessing given to Rebecca by her mother and brother before she left for her marriage to Isaac: Achotenu: at hayi le alfei revavah -- “Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands” (Genesis 24:60). The parents and relatives extend their words of hope and prayer for the new couple. The groom and his party then return to their places to prepare for the ceremony.

On the cosmic level, we are taught that each marriage ceremony is a reenactment of the marriage between G-d and the Jewish people. The seriousness of the ceremony reflects this tradition as the wedding party approaches the chupah or canopy with candles that represent those generations no longer on this earth, but are attending the ceremony in spirit.

After the ceremony, Estie and Leibel’s celebration continued. As is the custom, the wedding reception in two separate but connected receptions.

The mechitza, a dividing wall, was an eight foot temporary wall decorated with flowers and the sweets table to preserve the modesty of keeping men and women separate for dancing. The musicians stood on a raised platform in the middle and the dancing continued all night. It is customary for the bride to dance with every guest. It is hard to say if Estie danced with every woman present individually, but it sure seemed like it.

Nowadays, Estie is settled in a Brooklyn apartment with her husband. Her maternal grandparents live down the street as well as other close relatives. On Shabbat she and her husband have their pick of places to eat the Shabbos meal.

Partnership with Israel looking for artists

by KIM GOLDBERG Artists who are interested in bringing their creativity to the Western Galilee, and connecting with people through collaboration, an arts festival, and a community-based project, can now apply for the next Artist in Residency program.

Partnership with Israel is a program of the Jewish Agency and the Jewish Federations of North America. It promotes people-to-people relationships between 15 American Jewish communities and Israel’s Western Galilee through cultural, social, medical, educational, and economic programs.

Partnership with Israel is looking for anyone in the cre-

ative field to join in the next residency, from May 25 through June 2. You will have the opportunity to closely connect to people in the Western Galilee and participate in the local arts festival titled ‘the Fence’.

Artists must provide a completed residency application and three to five examples of their work.

For more information and/or applications, please contact Noa Epstein, Arts Task Force Coordinator, at Noaep@ jafi.org, or noafe55@gmail.com. More information about the Partnership with Israel can be found at www.western galilee.org.il.

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12 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

80 young musicians bring Tchaikovsky to the JCC

by RUTH MEINTS Omaha Conservatory of Music This Saturday evening, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., the Omaha Conservatory of Music will present the 4th annual Midwinter Festival Orchestra Concert in the JCC Concert Hall. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary.

The concert is sponsored, in part, by the Javitch Music Fund.

80 exceptional young musicians from throughout the midwest -- and as far away as Arizona -- are headed to Omaha, where they’ll rehearse and perform Tchaikovsky’s beloved Serenade for Strings under the leadership of David Barg, the Conservatory’s Director of Orchestras and Development.

Barg recently moved to Omaha from New York City to

The beauty of winter

by EDGAR ASHER Winter returned to Tel Aviv today with plenty of short, sharp squalls which at times turned the sky into an almost surreal picture, certainly very unusual for the eastern Copyright: ISRANET Mediterranean.

work at the Conservatory with his colleague of some 20 years, the Conservatory’s Executive Director, Ruth Meints.

Known nationally for his work with young musicians and their conductors, he is no stranger to Omaha, having conducted at OCM’s summer and winter festivals for the past 4 years. In November 2011, Barg will conduct the Nebraska All-State Orchestra in Lincoln; the 2010 AllState conductor was Thomas Wilkins, Omaha Symphony Conductor and Music Director.

Barg feels warmly welcomed by the Omaha Jewish community. A new member of Temple Israel, he has also begun attending JCC’s Friday Corned Beef lunches at the urging of Bob Goldberg, and is making plans with Kim Goldberg to visit Israel this May as part of the Western Galilee Project. How does he like his new home? “I couldn’t have

made a better move,” he says. “I felt at home immediately and, to quote Bob, I feel blessed by the ‘pace and space.’ Of course, I still love New York -- but mainly to visit my daughter, who lives there and who makes raw chocolate.”

In addition to conducting here and around the country, Barg also leads the Development Department at the Conservatory, whose Board includes Susan Rothholz and newly-elected Chair, Dr. David Jasper. Barg reports that fundraising is up some 48 percent over last year: “A development,” he says, “that bodes well for our 10th Anniversary Celebration and our search for a new, larger home.”

Those unable to attend the 7 p.m. performance are invited to enjoy the dress rehearsal at 5:30 pm on Saturday, also in the JCC Concert Hall.

Judy Rubin attends Jewish Educators Assembly Education. Speakers addressed

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator hardware and the many options technology presents; Beth El Education Director software and the multitude of Judy Bisman Rubin was programs and educational among participants attending materials available; social netthe 59th annual Jewish working and the implications Educators Assembly, the profor how we communicate and fessional organization of edusee ourselves as a community; cators in the Conservative and the ethical challenges and movement, held recently in issues associated with technolPhiladelphia. The four-day ogy ranging from cyber-bullygathering brought together ing to copyright laws. congregational school princiIn addition, attendees were pals, heads of Solomon given the opportunity to learn Schechter Day Schools, early about different uses of Smart childhood directors, bureau Boards, how to use Twitter, and agency personnel, and plus ways to better utilize family and informal educaonline resources to enrich tors from across North their teaching on subjects America and Israel.

The theme of this year’s Beth El Education Director, Judy Rubin seen here leading ranging from Holocaust studconference was From Sinai to one of the synagogue’s preschool programs. ies to Hebrew reading to Bible Cyberspace: Exploring the Impact of Technology on Jewish study and Israel, to exploring our Jewish roots.

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February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Come enjoy the music

by OZZIE NOGG The entire community is invited to attend a free concert by the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 1:45 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The program, titled Song and Dance, features selections from three great 19th Century dramatic stage works -- the Overture to Der

campus, as well as outreach concerts at other venues including the JCC. The HPO’s programs have been featured on Omaha’s local classical radio station, and they have performed at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

“The Heartland Philharmonic performances are a challenging, rewarding sym-

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Members of the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra Freischutz by Carl Maria von Weber; Hungarian March from the Damnation of Faust by Hector Berlioz; and Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin.

The 70-member Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of students from UNO plus community players who are invited, annually, to audition for a chair.

Jerry Gordman, who plays French horn with the HPO, describes the group as a “town and gown orchestra that performs pieces from the standard symphonic literature as well as premiering new music, often composed by UNO music faculty.” According to Gordman, the HPO presents a half dozen concerts during each academic year, primarily at the Scott Performing Art Center on

phonic experience,” Gordman said, “and the orchestra has developed a strong following.

This is my fifth year in the HPO, and I feel privileged to be part of such a talented group of musicians. The UNO Music Department enrolls over two hundred undergraduate and graduate students and offers a full range of majors in music education, music performance, composition, and music technology. It’s gratifying to be involved with an organization that works very hard to prepare people for a career in music, and also provides an outstanding product for its loyal audiences. I hope you’ll attend the concert and bring your friends.”

The Feb. 27 Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra appearance is sponsored by Jewish Social Services.

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Halil Bagalil charmed with their musical personalities

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Sonia Tipp and Joy Schwarz-Mason Director of Operations & Programming, served as co-chairs for the evening which The Center for Jewish Education proved to be a very family-friendly event.

Nearly 80 people braved the cold, ice, The Halil Bagalil performance was presnow and wind and were treated to a sented to the community through the delightful evening, enjoying the musical Partnership with Israel of the Jewish talents of Hagit Rosmarin and Gil Bohadana. Hagit and Gil, a husband and wife duo from Kibbutz Yasur, visited Omaha through the Jewish Federation’s Partnership with Israel participation.

Attendees were greeted with bright colors of the butcher paper on each table, complete with crayons to invite the creative talents of the younger set. Next up was a yummy pasta dinner The kids are entranced by the sounds of the jungle. and then it was time for the show.

Hagit and Gil played a wide variety of flutes they have collected from around the world.

Included in the lineup were ceramic flutes from Scandinavia and Chili, bamboo flutes from India, Nepal and South America, and wooden flutes from Romania.

Singing bowls, tambourines and the amazChairs, Sonia Tipp and Joy Schwarz-Mason, along with their ing “han” added to the families, join Hagit and Gil on stage. magic of the show. The final arrangement was an amazing variety Federation of Omaha. For more informaof sounds mimicking the animals one tion on Partnership programs, please call would hear each morning in the jungle.

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14 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

Don’t dismiss the Jewish character of Cupid

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by EVERETT GENDLER GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (JTA) -- What’s Jewish about Valentine’s Day? The day was first released from the purview of the Catholic Church in 1969, when Pope Paul VI declared that Valentine’s Day was no longer a saint’s day for universal liturgical veneration on the Catholic calendar. This restored Valentine’s Day to its original state, a traditional mating day of birds -- and humans -- in the English folk calendar.

But Cupid isn’t exclusively a pagan symbol.

Without trying to sort out the connections between the classical figure of erotic power and the biblical cherubs prescribed for the Holy Ark, there is interesting archeological evidence of Cupid’s Jewish character.

Cupid appears on Jewish sarcophagi in Rome, on paintings in Jewish catacombs in Rome and, most significantly, above the door of the synagogue at Capernaum in Israel -- six of them over the main entrance, according to Erwin Goodenough in “Jewish Symbols of the Greco-Roman Period.”

Clearly, if Palestinian Jews of the first century found it fitting to go to a shul where they were greeted each time by Cupid’s form, the winged one is not to be entirely dismissed from Jewish religious consideration.

What, then, is the significance of this figure in GrecoRoman times? What might he be saying as he stands there, vivid in bas relief, above the entryway?

Cupids often are represented holding cups and associated with Dionysus, the god of the grape harvest, Goodenough explained in “Jewish Symbols in the Greco-Roman Period.”

The suggestion is that love intoxicates.

Song of Songs, the biblical book sung by many Chasidic Jews every Friday night, sounds the same theme.

“I am faint with love,” writes the author. “Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love.”

E.E. Cummings agreed, writing that “Love’s function is to fabricate unknownness.”

Lest you think love is an indulgence, Cupid reminds that it is a necessity of life, not a frill. We need it to be released from the hell of isolation, the Greek philosophers wrote.

This notion is not only Greek. It is also long established in the rabbinic tradition. To live in isolation is to live “without joy, without blessing, without happiness,” the Talmud says in Tractate Yevamoth.

“It is not good for a man to be alone,” God says in Genesis.

There is even a rabbinic legend similar to the Greek one related by Aristophanes in Plato’s “Symposium” -- that among the original forms of the human being one was androgynous, male and female, that was later cut apart and became separate male and female.

It appears in Bereshit Rabbah: “Said Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel: ‘At the time when the Holy One, blessed be He, created the primordial person, that person was created with two faces (one male, one female). That person was then cut in two, and separated.’”

The ancients believed the effects of love were not simply personal but social, too.

“The saving effect of love is not only that it makes men pleasant who were far from affable, but that it makes a ‘soul that is narrow, debased, and is begotten to be suddenly filled with understanding, a sense of humor, grace and liberality,’” Goodenough wrote, citing Plutarch Amatorius. “When we recognize the change, which is like putting a light into a house at night, we should exclaim with Telemachus, ‘Surely, some god is within.’”

This social element was apparent in the great lover of the Middle Ages, Peter Abelard, the 12th century French scholastic philosopher, theologian, logician and church father whose ill-fated lifelong romance with Heloise has long been legendary.

Abelard “was the only leader in the Middle Ages who ventured to attack, openly, the anti-Jewish tradition of Christendom,” wrote Malcolm Hay in “Europe and the Jews.” “He attacked the tradition at its root. He said the Jewish people were not responsible for the death of Christ.”

The ancient Greeks believed love was what made the world turn and what made life meaningful. This carries some weight in Judaism as well.

“Were it not for the libido [yetzer hara, or evil inclination], no one would build a house, wed, conceive and bear children, engage in trade,” Rabbi Shmuel bar Nahman said in Bereshit Rabbah 9:7.

Small wonder, then, that the Cupid, a symbol of love, was placed above the main entrance of the synagogue at Capernaum.

In Gematria, the system that finds hidden meanings by assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters, the words “one” and “love” -- “echad” and “ahava” -- have the same numerical value, 13.

Once each year, then, might we not dare to translate the Shema differently, with a nod to this Gematria?

“Hear O Israel, the Eternal our God, the Eternal is Love!”

Happy Valentine’s Day! Rabbi Everett Gendler, rabbi emeritus at Temple Emanuel in Lowell, Mass., was the first Jewish chaplain at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., serving there from 1971 to 1995.

Annual Conference empowers women

by CHANI KATZMAN the world blew me away,” said Tippi. “We bumped into a for Chabad Center woman living in Beijing, a model from Belgium, and a 30They came from Alaska and Azerbejhan, from St. Louis year-old movie set designer. A former NBC producer coorand St. Petersburg, Russia. They arrived from the Ukraine, dinated the guest program. I had no idea the scope of United Kingdom, Sweden and Siberia. From small towns Chabad worldwide was this large!” and huge metropolises.

From early morning until late at Scholars and laypeople, night, the Crown Heights secold and young. Leaving tion of Brooklyn was bustling husbands and children with women eager to recharge and renew. Shopping in the conbehind to hold down the ventional sense and in the spiriforts, they came to share, tual sense was in high gear. be inspired and pay tribLadies searched in earnest to ute to Rebetzin Chaya bring home the joyous messages Mushka Schneerson that Yiddishkeit offers. Tippi whose 23rd Yartzeit was Denenberg says: “Chabad has observed last week.

Women, the foundaperserved some of the best parts tion and mainstay of what makes us such a unique of their respective famiand special people. I am thrilled lies, honored and celethat I did not pass up this huge brated by the Rebbe, opportunity.”

The crowning event of the joined to focus on this Back row: Mushka Katzman and her grandmother Leah weekend was the banquet. All year’s theme “Ish u’veito.” Lipsker; front: Shani Katzman, left, and Tippi Denenberg 62,000 square feet of a historic armory in Brooklyn underLoosely translated, it means: “family unit.”

Rebetzin Shani Katzman and Tippi Denenberg served as went a transformation, from military fatigue to enchanted Nebraska delegates to the International Conference of castle, in order to host 2,700 women. The stage was decked Chabad Shluchos. They each participated in concurrent out as a welcoming living room, with plush sofas, Judaica programs examining the theme from various perspectives. books and items on shelves, roses in overstuffed vases.

“The program was wonderful, the women intelligent, and Pink smoky lighting accented the cavernous hall. To serve the subject matter compelling”, Tippi said. “The sheer so many guests efficiently, mobile kitchens and bathrooms, numbers of individuals who represent Chabad throughout a wait-staff of 160, and 245 tables were hauled into service.

February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

Netanyahu: Israel must prepare for any Egypt outcome

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel must be prepared for any outcome in Egypt, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset, “by reinforcing the might of the State of Israel.”

While an Egypt that fully embraces democracy and democratic reform would be a welcome neighbor, Netanyahu said Wednesday, it is also possible that Egypt could come under the rule of parties that are answerable to Iran.

“They want Egypt to become another Gaza, run by radical forces that oppose everything that the democratic world stands for,” the Israeli leader warned. “Our stand is clear. We support the forces that promote freedom, progress and peace. We oppose the forces that seek to enforce a dark despotism, terrorism and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu war.”

Netanyahu said he believed that if forces of democracy and reform prevail in Egypt, then it could buttress a wider Arab-Israeli peace and maintain the 30-year peace Israel has had with Egypt.

“We expect any government of Egypt to honor the peace.

Moreover, we expect the international community to expect any government of Egypt to honor the peace,” he said. “This must be clear, along with the discussions about reform and democracy.”

Netanyahu announced that he would “take additional steps to further encourage development and prosperity among the Palestinians” in the coming days, and called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas “to sit down with us and discuss peace without preconditions,

Birthright rejects J Street partnership

negotiations that take into account changes that will affect Israel and the Palestinian Authority.”

Meanwhile, a Hezbollah terrorist, Sami Chehab, jailed for smuggling weapons through Egypt to Gaza and who planned terror attacks against Israelis in Sinai, reportedly escaped from an Egyptian prison during the unrest and left the country, it was reported Thursday.

Also on February 3, Egyptian opposition activist Mohammed ElBaradei and the opposition group the Muslim Brotherhood said they would not enter into talks with the current government, saying that President Hosni Mubarak must step down first, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, a Belgian Jewish journalist based in Israel was arrested February 2 by Egyptian police after being attacked while covering the anti-government protests. Pro-Mubarak supporters accused Serge Dumont, who covers the Middle East for the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the Swiss Le Temps and the French regional paper La Voix du Nord, of supporting ElBaradei.

At least five people were killed and more than 800 wounded overnight in clashes between pro- and anti-Mubarak supporters in Tahrir Square in central Cairo.

Later that night automatic weapons fire was heard in the square after protesters on the two sides were ordered to leave the area. Tanks were seen moving into the area.

Violence had escalated during the day with Molotov cocktails burning surrounding buildings and pro- and antiMubarak demonstrators attacking each other with metal rods. Egyptian police used water cannons to disperse the crowds and put out fires.

Earlier in the day, the demonstrators in the square threw rocks at each other and tore down protest banners. The army used tear gas to control the crowds, according to reports.

In Yemen, some 20,000 pro- and anti-government demonstrators took to the streets throughout the capital of Saana in what was billed in advance as a “Day of Rage,” according to reports. The peaceful demonstrations came a day after President Ali Abdullah Saleh pledged that he would not seek re-election when his term expires in 2013 and that his son would not run for the office.

by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- Birthright Israel has rejected a proposed partnership trip with J Street, saying it no longer works with organizations with Israel-related political leanings.

J Street had begun promoting the trip last week being organized by its campus arm, J Street U, in cooperation with Israel Experience, one of several tour providers used by Birthright. But Birthright said it nixed the idea for a J Street trip focusing on progressivism and social action when it was first presented months ago.

“We said such a trip, as described in a brief conversation with the Israel Experience, would likely be out of keeping with our longstanding policy of not conducting trips with a political orientation,” Birthright said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Birthright subsequently confirmed that the policy was adopted in 2009, when the organization decided not to partner any longer with groups that are “overtly political.”

Prior to 2009, Birthright trips were run in conjunction with the Zionist Organization of America and the Union for Progressive Zionists, the precursor to J Street U. Birthright continues to partner with AIPAC, though references to the pro-Israel lobby group were scrubbed recently from the website of the Israel Experience. Birthright said AIPAC did not fall under the 2009 policy change because the organization does not generally seek to influence Israeli policy.

According to e-mails obtained by JTA, planning for the trip continued through mid-January. It was not immediately clear why Israel Experience continued to work on the trip despite Birthright’s claim that it rejected the idea at the outset. Birthright said it was looking into the matter.

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16 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

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Prefrontal misery

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press It was lost in the middle of the onslaught of Egypt, Yemen, and Tunisia: a small, timid story about a Jewish graveyard in Marcali, Hungary. On Jan. 23, 75 headstones were knocked down, causing $7500 in damage. “Prime Minister Viktor Orban condemned the attack,” the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported.

As well he should. Knocking down headstones, dishonoring the dead as well as their (maybe still) living relatives is an atrocity. In the current climate of anti-Semitism in Hungary, this cannot go unpunished. Anti-Semitism, expressed in political rhetoric, as well as attacks on people, buildings, and institutions is here to stay; rarely does a week go by without some incident being reported out of Hungary. It’s particularly troublesome in the light of so many Hungarian Jews who have only recently begun to reclaim their heritage.

Unfortunately, with the rebirth of Judaism, anti-Semitism seems to have gained new traction.

Except, there was something different about this attack.

The perpetrators were 14 and 15 years old. While what they did was very wrong, their age does complicate what comes next. Should they be punished for being anti-Semitic, or for being destructive? In the world of a 14-year-old, is there a difference between knocking down this headstone or that?

Would we feel the same about their crimes if they had destroyed 75 headstones in a Roman Catholic graveyard?

What about 75 random car windows?

It’s a valid question, because at 14 or 15 years old, teenagers don’t function like adults. They are not politically motivated to break something, they do it simply because they can. What were they thinking? They weren’t. Really.

The reason, according to the psychology textbooks, is the underdevelopment of the prefrontal cortex, and the maturity of the limbic system.

Dr. Patrick C. Friman, Director of Clinical Services at Boys Town, says the emotional part of the brain (the ‘limbic system’) is the gas pedal, whereas the ‘prefrontal cortex’ (that part of the brain where critical thinking takes place) can be

compared to the steering and the brakes. Teenagers have a fully functioning gas pedal, but no working brakes: they are driven by emotional responses only. It’s exactly the reason why they care so much what other teenagers think, as opposed to, say, their parents.

“It is hard enough for the rational part of the brain to control the emotional part when both are evenly matched (e.g. road rage, marital squabbles, political chat rooms), but when they are overmatched as they are in teenagers, it is often no contest,” Friman writes in his article Adolescence: a Period of Temporary Insanity (Parenting.org). “Emotions drive and rational thinking sits in the back seat – if it comes along at all. Because this problem is temporary and based in development, I am hesitant to characterize most nutty teenage behavior as abnormal.”

Parents, confronted with these behaviors, often exclaim: “Why? What were you thinking?” Without exception, the teenager answers: “I don’t know.” They are speaking the truth; they really don’t know - because they have trouble thinking about the consequences of their actions. In this particular case, the answer was: “We wanted to see who was strongest,” which is a perfectly logical reason, in teenage land.

I don’t mean to suggest that any given teen is capable of something this insensitive. I’m sure there were other factors in play. For instance: where do three young boys find the (unmonitored) time to knock down not three, not ten, but 75 headstones?

We don’t have any reason to think that Hungarian teenagers are smarter, or develop differently, than their American counterparts. What sets this crime apart from all those other ‘nutty’ things teenagers do is not the intention, but its historical context. The destruction of Jewish graves brings up images we’d

rather not think about; it is representative of a wound so deep, we collectively struggle to comprehend it. It would be interesting to know whether these teenagers were familiar with that history, or whether the Holocaust has been conveniently left out of their schoolbooks. Did they hear anti-Jewish sentiments at home, around the kitchen table, from their parents or grandparents? Did that somehow make it okay in their minds, or did they destroy those headstones ‘just because they were there’? I think it is important to make that distinction, and I hope the adults in charge of these kids do.

In about ten years, these kids will stop being kids, and become adults. At some point during their early twenties, that steering wheel and those brakes will start functioning.

They will be able to think for themselves, and no longer be trapped in an emotional strait jacket. Whether the adults in their lives take this opportunity now, and start teaching them respect for others, as well as a knowledge of and proper attitude towards history, will decide whether there is hope for them yet. When you’re only 14 years old, the future should still be wide open.

Egypt’s turmoil leaves Israel silent and worried

Focus on issues ALAN ELSNER WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The uprising in Egypt threatens to deprive Israel of its most important strategic ally in the region.

Israeli leaders have been silent about the events in Egypt and are powerless to affect the outcome. But they and the entire Israeli population are gravely concerned that the turmoil will ultimately bring to power a new government hostile to the Jewish state.

At a time when Israel’s relations with Turkey, its other traditional regional ally, have deteriorated sharply, and when Hezbollah is strengthening its grip in Lebanon, the developments in Egypt will likely deepen a sense of vulnerability in the Israeli public and strengthen the government’s determination to keep security its No. 1 priority.

There is also the danger of a domino effect. Challenges have been sparked to the monarchy in Jordan -- the only other Arab country to have made peace with Israel -- as well as governments throughout the Arabian Peninsula that control most of the world’s oil supplies.

Israel and Egypt fought four wars between 1948 and 1973, but signed a peace treaty in 1979. True, it was a “cold peace.”

Mubarak refused to allow cultural or people-to-people relations to flourish, and he kept military ties between the Israel Defense Forces and the Egyptian military on a low level with no joint exercises. He also tolerated a media that has spewed

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offensive anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli rhetoric for years, ensuring that Egyptian public opinion remained hostile to Israel and Jews in general.

Still, this “cold peace” has been a tremendous strategic asset for both countries and a bulwark of stability in the region. Israel no longer had to plan for a two- or three-front war and could cut military spending, with a consequent boost to its economy. In the past year, the Egyptian military has made some efforts to disrupt weapons smuggling to Iranian-backed Hamas across its border with Gaza.

Of course, Israelis recognize that Mubarak has been running a corrupt, authoritarian regime that has held back progress in his country. On a strictly human level, Israelis understand that Egyptians should enjoy the same democratic rights as they do and deserve the chance to build a better future. But the danger exists that what comes next will be infinitely worse, not only for Israel but for the Egyptian people themselves.

The nightmare scenario, of course, is a repeat of the Iranian revolution of 1979 when the pro-western shah, an Israeli ally and oil supplier, was replaced by an Islamic regime that openly calls for Israel’s destruction, denies the Holocaust and is engaged in an all-out attempt to build nuclear weapons.

The shah’s government no doubt was a cruel human rights abuser, but the Islamic fundamentalism of the ayatollahs that replaced him has been a thousand times worse and now threatens the peace of the world.

In Egypt, the best opposition organization is the Muslim Brotherhood, which has close links to Hamas and is ideolog-

ically quite hostile to Israel. Its leaders probably understand that abandoning the peace treaty with Israel would endanger the $2 billion in aid Egypt receives each year from the United States as well as critically damage Egypt’s important tourist trade. But their rank-and-file supporters are not as sophisticated and surely would place immense pressure on the leadership to change the country’s pro-Western orientation.

Still, Egypt is no Iran. Strategically and historically, the two are competitors and not allies. Iran is at the center of a growing “Shiite crescent” which is steadily bringing Lebanon into its orbit.

Probably the best solution for Egypt would be a peaceful and orderly transition to free and fair elections. But this is no panacea. Local elections held in Gaza in January 2005 brought the Iranian-backed, Islamic fundamentalist Hamas movement to power.

That was six years ago, and Hamas seems determined never to hold another election. In 2007 it brutally crushed the opposition Fatah organization and expelled its members.

Last October, a poll by The Israel Project in Gaza found Hamas with only a 40 percent approval rating, trailing considerably behind Fatah -- but Gazans have no opportunity to express their will at the ballot box.

Egyptians deserve a chance to build democracy and move their country forward. Israelis hope they get the chance to do so, knowing that peace and friendship works best between fellow democracies.

Alan Elsner is the communications director for The Israel Project.

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February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 17

Open the doors for hungry Gen-Yers to serve

Focus on issues KENNETH BRANDER NEW YORK (JTA) -- It comes as no surprise that in a world where many neglect the importance of community, iPhones, iPods and iPads are the trendiest gadgets. These devices represent a culture that desires to deconstruct the power and purpose of community, placing all importance on the needs of the individual.

Despite this societal disposition, I believe that many young people of this generation possess an ever increasing eagerness to live lives of meaning. With all the serious setbacks brought on by our new economic realities, the Gen-Y generation still had the opportunity to amass so much material stuff and travel with unprecedented frequency. But these fleeting objects and experiences do nothing to quench their thirst for a purposeful existence.

Just look at the new phenomenon in Israel in which “sheirut leumi” -- alternative voluntary national service for those who cannot or do not serve in the military -- once was the sole purview of the religious Zionist community. Recent years have seen a rise of new organizations such as Ma’ase, Shlomit and Sheirut Leumi Mamlachti empowering young adults of Israel’s secular community to volunteer for a year of service before their obligatory time in the army or enabling those exempt from army service who still wish to impact the destiny of the State of Israel. These organizations are collectively serving thousands.

One illustration of the same development appears at Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future, which sends nearly a thousand young adults on community initiatives, service learning trips and experiential learning missions across the globe. And the center cannot keep up with ever greater student demand.

Organizations throughout North America that work with young adults have seen a similar phenomenon and are working in partnership to create structures permitting all of us to better respond to this yearning. Recently a new organ-

ization, Repair the World, was established to help coordinate and fund successful models of this kind of engagement. It has even created a website [http://search.werepair.org/ service] allowing adults to find various short and long term volunteer opportunities around the world.

In contrast to this vitality, we increasingly hear of grayer board rooms, the passing of philanthropists who supported our organizations, the thinning of the ranks of dedicated volunteers and a dearth of professionals to service our many worthwhile organizations.

So how do we in the Jewish communal and educational world leverage the hunger of the Gen-Yers to insure the future health of our institutions? More importantly, how do we insure that this new generation brings its creativity, charisma and capacity to the leadership table with a commitment to Jewish ideals, guaranteeing the perpetuation of the soul of our sacred community?

We need look no further than these forms of experiential experiences as a start, for they transform young adults. I have often shared with students that their experiences on service missions should empower them to understand why the Hebrew word for giving, NaTaN, is a palindrome. For when one gives to another with the sole purpose of effectuating change, what one receives in return is as great or even greater than the efforts expended.

No more can we hear the old joke told among North American service providers that begins with a participant asking how does one say tikkun olam in Hebrew? Or why doesn’t Judaism have a concept similar to tikkun olam?

Leadership experiences, whether in Israel, the former Soviet Union, Thailand or around the corner must be contextualized with the ideals of Jewish leadership. We must share the paradigms of leadership found in the Bible: that of the kohen (priest) and the navi (prophet).

Rooted in externals, the priest realized his holiness through the wearing of his special garb and his lineage. As the custodian of ritual for the Jewish community, he guaranteed that the form and the function of the Temple and the Jewish community passed on from generation to generation.

Teaming up to help the developmentally disabled

We must share with our young adults that participation in the identical rituals in which our great-grandparents engaged (and perhaps even using their candlesticks or kiddush cup for the Shabbat/holiday experience) creates a sense of continuity and immortality to the Jewish story. Like the kohen, our leadership experiences must serve as an incubator to engage our young adults in exploring and knowing the Jewish story.

Yet that is just half the job, for they must also embrace the role of the prophet. Dress and lineage possessed no consequence for the prophet. His/her concern rested in the substance of the religious experience in the effort to insure that the ritual not become robotic or devoid of meaning and purpose. Like the prophet, our young adults must experience a tradition imbued with passion and principle.

We must insure the placing of service learning initiatives and leadership opportunities within a rich Jewish context.

This allows our experiential experiences to give voice to the immortal and contemporary traditions of our people.

The Gen-Yers wish to live lives that matter. They are hungry for community, and where they do not find ones that welcome them, they will create their own. They do not wish to escape but to engage; they do not want to judge or to be judged but to join. They do not desire indictment; they seek inspiration.

They also are not willing to accept the community silos of the past but are interested in models that perform. They are not interested in being silent partners in an organizational bureaucracy but want to matter and will accept process only if it leads to purpose. They are looking to change the spelling of their gaming console, the Wii, from two i’s to an “e.’’

If we create portals of entry, share with them our story undiluted or whitewashed, and find the courage to let them make it their own, they will do something that we cannot: guarantee our future.

(Rabbi Kenneth Brander is the David Mitzner dean of Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future [http://www.yu.edu/cjf/]. Its missions focus on helping impoverished individuals, Jews and non-Jews, around the world.)

Letters TO THE EDITOR

Behind the headlines JONAH ZIMILES MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (JTA) -- Like most donors to the annual campaign, I never imagined that my family would be beneficiaries of federation agencies. When my second child, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism, I learned abruptly that today’s donors can become tomorrow’s beneficiaries.

For my wife and me, Daniel has been one of our two great gifts from God, a source of joy and inspiration. The challenges posed, however, by having a child with autism and the communal reaction to this condition create serious challenges, including feelings of alienation and isolation.

Our family then joined the Friendship Circle, a partner agency of our local federation, United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ. The Friendship Circle is an exceptional program that each year pairs more than 800 teenage volunteers in our UJC community with hundreds of disabled peers. At the Friendship Circle, “klal Yisrael” and “areyvut” -- Jewish mutual responsibility -- are not mere slogans but living, breathing Jewish core values often overlooked in our contemporary society.

In 2009, my wife and I opened a bookstore, [words], in Maplewood, N.J., the twin mission of which is to promote the vibrancy of our town community and serve as a place where local individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are welcomed with open arms and hearts. In coordination with MetroWest agencies, [words] has instituted a vocational training program for young adults with autism.

MetroWest contains some of the most impressive programs for the disabled in the United States. For example, JESPY House is one of only a few programs in the country for adults with learning and developmental disabilities who demonstrate the ability to live independently and gain competitive employment. It provides job training and a full social and recreational calendar.

The WAE Center (Wellness, Art & Enrichment) offers people with disabilities an opportunity to join the artistic community by expressing themselves through programs in writing, poetry, painting, film, music and more. Career Camp is a vocational summer camp experience for students who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Although our community has provided many great programs, communication and coordination between the agencies was sometimes sub-optimal, and potential beneficiaries often were confused by the process and unaware of programs offered at various agencies. Moreover, the dream of

integration into mainstream Jewish life, particularly at our synagogues, seemed elusive.

Participation in the Friendship Circle and our work at [words] introduced me to an extraordinary and innovative effort in its embryonic phase at MetroWest, one that ultimately resulted in the creation of MetroWest ABLE. ABLE is a dynamic group of lay and professional leaders (of which I am proud to be a part) from several federation agencies dedicated to enhancing services to those with disabilities.

In the past few years, ABLE has become a national leader in the development of comprehensive and holistic programmatic services for people with disabilities and their families.

ABLE’s success is grounded in the extraordinary eagerness of its constituent federation agencies to work together and avoid turf battles to provide the best possible services. It creates a central address, with a services coordinator, that enables families with special needs to learn about all of the services available to them.

ABLE’s work is shared through the Disability Workgroup of the Jewish Federations of North America, which disseminates best practices developed by Jewish communities throughout North America.

One of ABLE’s most significant accomplishments has been to galvanize the integration of individuals with special needs into the everyday life of our synagogues. Many synagogues wish to include disabled congregants but lack the resources or expertise to do so effectively. ABLE created a set of criteria to help synagogues to become “ABLE-ready” and has encouraged the formation of special needs inclusion committees.

Shabbat Shalem weekends have been promoted at synagogues throughout the community, and matching grants were awarded to synagogues for projects that helped disabled congregants to participate more fully in mainstream activities.

We are fortunate to belong to a synagogue that has played a leadership role in embracing the ABLE initiatives. Last year, Daniel celebrated his bar mitzvah in an inspiring synagogue service. We hope that over time, the dream of integrating Jews with disabilities into mainstream Jewish life, particularly at our synagogues, will become a reality.

Despite these encouraging accomplishments, many challenges lie ahead for Daniel and all individuals with disabilities. And just as we donors have become beneficiaries, we must strive to enable today’s beneficiaries to become tomorrow’s donors.

Jonah Zimiles is the parent of a child with autism, the owner of [words] Bookstore in Maplewood, N.J., and a member of MetroWest ABLE.

Dear Editor: On Saturday, Feb. 6, I attended the first Simchat Shabbat at Beth El Synagogue. I was told it was a contemporary approach to the celebration of the Sabbath. The service, held in the chapel, had a crowd which was standing room only, estimated to be around 140 and created a very intimate, personal setting. Generally speaking, I have not been a Shabbat attendee. I was drawn to this unique day because several individuals who I am very close to were involved as well as several other congregants for whom I have tremendous respect. Up until Simchat Shabbat, I never felt a spiritual reason to go to the synagogue, however that all changed Saturday. On Saturday, I had a revelation.

Beth El is not building or structure; the heart of Beth El is not its clergy; the staff or even the prayer book. Beth El has, is, and always will be its congregants. The service was led and conducted by the congregants and while they referred to it as a contemporary approach to Shabbat, I prefer to call it a relevant approach to celebrating the Sabbath. Many of the traditional components of the Sabbath service were included; however they were delivered in a way that connected with me in a manner I never before experienced.

Simchat Shabbat made me laugh, made me cry and made me think. I am thankful. to all who poured their time, their hearts, and souls in making this experience one I will cherish. You can be sure I will again be at Simchat Shabbat on March 5. Thank you Eadie Tsabari, Joanie Jacobson, Nancy Rips, Patty Nogg, Ozzie Nogg, Margo Riekes, Helen and Tuffy Epstein, Jill Belmont, Yonaton Dotan, and everyone involved in this transformative approach to Shabbat.

Sincerely, Barry Zoob Dear Editor: Recently, I received a notice that this year's reunion at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine would honor members who graduated in 1962. I discovered that one of the celebration days fell on the second day of Rosh HaShana. I notified the University I would not be there due to the holiday, and a few weeks later received verbal notice that the dates had been changed to accommodate the Jewish holidays.

I am very grateful to Chancellor H. Mauer, M.D., and whoever else was responsible, for doing the right thing.

Sincerely, Ben Rubin Jr., M.D., class of 1961

18 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Omaha World Hearald Sports Reporter, Mitch Sherman speaking about Covering Nebraska Football and Sports. The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. Join us for Scout Shabbat, as local Jewish Boy Scouts help lead the service and Lloyd Roitstein, Executive Director of the Mid-America Council of Boy Scouts, is honored; Junior Congregation (37), 10 a.m.; Learner’s Service, 10:15-11 a.m., led by Cantor Schlossberg; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: BESTT Family Assembly, 10-10:30 a.m.; Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Susi Frydman-Levin; Scholar Series with Kim Goldberg, 11 a.m. (see full story on page 8.)

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible, noon. Cost is $36 for members and $45 for non-members. Open to all adults in the Jewish community. To register, contact the office.

SHABBAT DISCUSSION GROUP: Beginning Saturday, Feb. 19, from 12:15–12:45 p.m. (after services), Beth El will offer a monthly study group, led by different facilitators. The first session will be led by Rabbi Levin, who will address, Should Moral Individuals Ever Lie? No charge to attend.

LET’S WINE ABOUT IT: On Monday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., meet Cantor Beth at Del Mare, 169th & Pacific St., for our monthly get-together filled with casual conversation about anything and everything Jewish. All adults in the Jewish community are welcome.

PARSHA & PIZZA: Monthly mini course, led by Cantor Schlossberg, continues on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6:15–7:15 p.m.

Cost is $3 per session for Beth El members, $4 for nonmembers. To register, call the office.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in celebration of the February Birthdays and Anniversaries; The Laws of Shabbat, 3:15 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 4:15 p.m.; Mincha, 5:15 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 6:38 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Jr. NCSY Movie Night, 5:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code; Searching for Torah in Ayn Rand, 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Gross.

TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45

Bat Mitzvah Abigail Reiss, daughter of Wendy and Robert Reiss, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 19, at Temple Israel.

Abigail is a seventh-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Millard North Middle School.

Her interests include tennis, swimming, and reading.

For her mitzvah project, Abigail volunteered at the Town and Country Humane Society.

She has a sister, Eliana.

Grandparents are Vickie and Marti Christoffersen, Bud and Marj Phillips, and Lorraine Reiss.

p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m.

Candlelighting Friday, February 11, 5:36 p.m.

led by Hasassah Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

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

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m.; JLI class, Toward a meaningful life, 7 p.m. Register at www.my jli.com or call 402.330.1800. To request you first class free or have questions contact JLI@OChabad.com.

THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Sara and Robert Friedman.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Traveling Jewishly, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church: “Russia and the PostSoviet States” with a representative from the Russian Embassy.

TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at the Parthenon, 5500 S. 56 St. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 5:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet. We will honor everyone who celebrates a birthday or anniversary in February with a special blessing.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Grade Six Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; WRJ Retreat Planning Meeting, 11:45 a.m. Meet at Temple Israel and we will carpool to Danielle Gordman’s Lakehouse; OTYG/JYG Spaghetti Dinner set-up, 2 p.m. followed by OTYG Pump it Up Celebration -- pick-up is at 960 S. 72 Street.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.-noon; WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m.; OTYG Board Meeting, noon; OTYG Spaghetti Dinner setup, 4 p.m.; Spaghetti Dinner and Live & Silent Auction, 58 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; Kids, $4; Table Sponsor, $80.

Contact Temple Israel, 556.6535 or mkube@templeisrael omaha.com, to RSVP. TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m.; Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Scholar-inResidence Rebecca Goldstein, 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6:30-8 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 7:15 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Tot Shabbat and Dinner, Friday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat is co-sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. The cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and no charge for children.

Please contact the Temple Israel office, mkube@templeis raelomaha.com or 556.6536, to make a dinner reservation.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Learners Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush lunch sponsored by Miriam Wallick and Torah study.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Traveling Jewishly, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch, noon at the Parthenon, 5500 S. 56 St. Please contact Stephanie Dohner at dohners@wind stream.net.

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

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

Cuba to seek 20-year prison term for Alan Gross

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Cuban prosecutors will seek a 20-year prison sentence for American Alan Gross, a U.S. government contractor that the State Department says was assisting Cuban Jews.

Gross is accused of “Acts Against the Independence and Territorial Integrity of the State,” Reuters reported, citing a Feb. 4 report by Cuban state media via a government-run website.

The charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence; he could have faced the death penalty according to Cuban law, Reuters reported. The report said a trial date will be set “soon” and that U.S. diplomats have been informed of the charges.

Cuban authorities detained Gross on Dec. 3, 2009 on his way out of the country, saying he was a spy.

Gross’ family and State Department officials say he was in the country on a U.S. Agency for International Development contract to help the country’s Jewish community of about 1,500 to communicate with other Jewish communities through the Internet.

The main Jewish groups in Cuba have denied any contact with or knowledge of Gross or the program.

Cuban law prohibits bringing satellite phone equipment

into the country without a permit.

Gross’ lawyer, Peter Kahn, issued a statement following the announcement of the charges calling on Cuba to free his client for time served. The statement said the fact that the case is moving forward, after Gross has spent 14 months in a Cuban prison, is a positive development.

“However, the charges announced today by the Cuban authorities against him demonstrate, once again, that Alan is caught in the middle of a long-standing political dispute between Cuba and the United States,” the statement said.

“Each time Alan traveled to Havana, he declared everything that was required by Cuban customs authorities. Never did the Cuban authorities raise concerns about what he brought with him.

“Alan holds great affection for the Cuban people and culture, and neither his presence nor actions in Cuba were ever meant to, or in fact did, pose any threat or danger to the Cuban government.”

Gross reportedly is being held in a military hospital; he is suffering from health problems and is reported to have lost 90 pounds.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

February 11, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 19

The Ner Tamid

In memoriam GERALD C. LASENSKY

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Tetzaveh Most synagogue goers are aware that there is a light hanging over the Aron Kodesh. But most are unaware that this follows a biblical requirement.

Our Sidrah makes it clear that this practice comes from the Torah itself.

After all the instructions to collect gold and silver and semiprecious stones and drapes for the Sanctuary, together with long poles to make the Sanctuary portable when held by strong men or attached to wagons, there was one more thing to do: to prepare a continuous supply of olive oil. The oil would keep the light burning day and night over the Sanctuary. The Sacred Text uses the phrase “Ner Tamid”- a perpetual light. It was to keep burning day and night, whether the Israelites were traveling from place to place, or whether they made camp and were at rest.

The idea of light embraces not only a physical light, but also the thought of wisdom and understanding.

Next time you are in the synagogue, wherever you may live, notice that the eternal light, the Ner Tamid, does not go out. In earlier times, this meant a never ending supply of pure olive oil. In our own day it is more likely to be electricity, which constantly, without fail, keeps the light over the Aron Kodesh.

Whether your synagogue is large or small, the biblical requirement applies: the light must be permanent. Whether it is day or night, whether services are being held, the light must not be extinguished. It is a Ner Tamid, a Perpetual Light.

Torah Tidbits

by CHANI KATZMAN for Chabad Center What is a Torah?

We’ve all seen a Torah in its majestic cloak and silver attire. Perhaps you’ve been called up to or read from the Torah. Most likely you have stood solemnly in the synagogue while the Torah is returned to its place in the Aron Kodesh (holy ark).

In the figurative sense, Torah refers to the entire body of the written and oral law and traditions. Prophets. Writings.

Mishna. Talmud. Jewish Philosophy. Halachic Responsa.

Each of these and more is a part of the vast body of knowledge in which Jews have been immersed since time immemorial. Torah is the world, from G-d’s perspective and a mindset that Jews have worked hard to wrap their heads and lives around. Torah, literally ‘teaching’ (etymologically related to the word Moreh - teacher), is the moral compass for Jewish living.

In the literal sense, the Torah is a sequence of panels of parchment sewn together with sinews to form a scroll. The text is what we know as the Five Books of Moses. Attached at each end to an ornate wooden shaft, the scroll is rolled, wrapped with a special belt and dressed, as it were, with a cloak. Handwritten by a trained scribe with a feather quill and ink manufactured explicitly for this purpose, a Torah takes from 8 months to a year to complete. The Torah is a masterpiece of labor and skill. Comprising between 62 and 84 sheets of parchment, it is cured, tanned, scraped and prepared according to Torah law specifications. It contains exactly 304,805 letters. An expert pious scribe carefully inks each letter according to the intricate calligraphic guidelines of Ktav Ashurit (Ashurite Script). While most Torah scrolls stand around two feet in height and weigh 20-25 pounds, some are huge and quite heavy, while others are doll-sized and lightweight.

The very first Torah was written by Moses as G-d dictated it to him. His was the first hard copy. At this time, he exhorted Jews to live by the Torah and to reference it with life’s questions. Subsequently, every single Torah scroll is an exact copy of that original. Hundreds of thousands of Torah scrolls are in circulation in the world today.

Torah is the core representation of Judaism itself. It is the tangible embodiment of our connection to G-d and of His wisdom and guidance.

Throughout the millennia of history, Jews have sacrificed greatly to live by the Torah’s precepts. We have understood that without Torah, there would be no meaning for our lives and souls. Numerous stories are told of this phenomenon in recent history about the Jews who lived during the terrible war years. Torah scrolls would be taken apart and smuggled from one place to another piece by piece and put together at a later time.

Gerald C. Lasensky passed away on Jan. 22 at the age of 72. He was orginally from Sioux City, IA. Services were held on Jan. 24 in San Diego.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sons and daughtersin-law, Jodi and Steve Lasensky and Elise and Scott Lasensky; daugther and son-in-law, Susan and Jordan Levin; sisters, Betty Kolnick of Omaha and Myrna Nemzoff of Tamarac, FL; six grandchildren; and many nieces and newphews.

Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice.

Alan Slifka, Abraham Fund founder, dies

by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- Philanthropist Alan Slifka, founder of the Abraham Fund, has died.

Slifka died Feb. 4 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 81.

Slifka founded the Abraham Fund in 1989. The fund, which he ran with the late Haifa University professor Eugene Weiner, is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing coexistence and equality between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens.

In 2000 he was awarded with Israel’s Knesset Prize for Coexistence for his work as chairman of the fund.

Slifka established the Slifka Program on Intercommunal Coexistence at Brandeis University in 2001. The program established a master’s degree in coexistence and conflict, and sought to develop greater professional expertise and creative leadership in the field of coexistence.

In 2010, Slifka expanded the master’s program with the establishment of the Alan B. Slifka Chair in Coexistence and Conflict at the Heller School of Social Policy at Brandeis.

Slifka served as a member of the board of the American Jewish Congress, and as a leading supporter of the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in New York, whose building is named in memory of his parents. In 1995 he established The Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale University.

He was among the founders of the Big Apple Circus in New York.

Slifka graduated from Yale University in 1951 and earned a master's degree from the Harvard Business School in 1953. He received honorary degrees from Brandeis and Haifa universities.

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Jewish themes abound among book award finalists

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Jewish themes abound among National Book Critics Circle award finalists.

Among the five fiction finalists are Israeli author David Grossman’s To the End of the Land and Comedy in a Minor Key, by Hans Keilson, a German-born Jew now living in the Netherlands.

The awards will be handed out in New York on March 10.

"The two books complement each other, as Keilson tells the story of a young Dutch couple hiding a Jewish boy during World War II and Grossman flashes forward to contemporary Israel, where a woman whose son is in the army refuses to wait at home for bad news and instead hikes in the Galilee," National Book Critics Circle vice president Barbara Hoffert wrote recently on her blog.

Another finalist is Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom, a family drama that treats, among other contemporary themes, Jews in the neoconservative movement.

Israeli author Tom Segev’s biography of Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, The Lives and Legends, is among five biography finalists.

Among the five autobiography finalists are Kai Bird's Crossing Mandelbaum Gate: Coming of Age Between the Arabs and Israelis, 1956-1978, about a childhood spent as the child of a U.S. diplomat in divided Jerusalem, and Hitch22, in which essayist Christopher Hitchens discusses his discovery in adulthood that his mother was Jewish.

The National Book Critics Circle, comprising 600 reviewers, was founded in 1974 at New York's legendary Algonquin Hotel.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

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20 | The Jewish Press | February 11, 2011

The best possible outcome

Where are they now?

DR. LYNN POLONSKI

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press It was probably not what Dr. Lynn Polonski had in mind for his 15 minutes of fame. It must have been a bittersweet moment, when he recently found himself at the bedside of America’s most famous Congresswoman, ready to operate and relieve some of the damage caused by the Jan. 8 shooting in Tucson, Arizona.

Lynn, born and raised in Omaha, worked hard to arrive at that moment. He went to school at Western Hills Elementary, Lewis and Clark Junior High, and graduated from Burke High, after which he went to the University of California in San Diego and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He spent his residency studying Ophthalmology, and received specialty training in oculoplastics. “Mostly, that means I do plastic reconstructive surgery around the face and eyes,” he says. “I take care of orbits, tumors near the ocular area, and eyelids, and Orbital Trauma.”

Originally, he flirted with the idea of becoming an artist. “My mother talked me out of it, because it wouldn’t make me any money,” he says. What she couldn’t have known was how right she was at the time, and how talented Lynn would prove to be in his chosen profession.

After his residency, Lynn went to Ohio for about a year.

In October 2000, he joined the University of Arizona in Tucson. There, he became the assistant professor of Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Ocular Plastics.

“My responsibilities include teaching, working with patients directly, and doing research into glaucoma and surface ocular disease,” he says. “I spend most of my time at the University Medical Center in Tucson; I am part of the Cranial Facial Trauma and Facial Plastics team. It is the only level one trauma center in Arizona; we have patients come to us from California, as well as New Mexico, and the

country of Mexico. Because we are so close to the border, we have a very high volume of trauma patients.”

That means this was the logical place for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to end up after the Jan. 8 attack. “She was assessed here, in the trauma bay at University Medical Center,” Lynn says. “I was called in by Dr. Michael Lemole, the Chief of Neurosurgery.”

It was a sad affair, Lynn says, “but you focus on the job in

she has been of great assistance in helping fund and develop this trauma center. Never guessing, of course, that one day she would need this level of care herself.”

Gabrielle Giffords received more ocular surgery from Dr. Polonski during the week after the shooting when her orbital roof was reconstructed, using titanium plates. She has since been moved to a rehabilitation center in Houston, Texas. “She is progressing well; we have seen miracles every single day, from her waking up, following commands, and gaining a little more strength each and every day,” Lynn says. “The press has settled down somewhat as well, which makes it easier to focus on all our other patients.”

In Tucson, life may not go back to normal any time soon, but the city has come together during this tough time, Lynn says. “We are healing, and trying our best.

The rest of the country can come together at the same time. To listen to President Obama’s address was just amazing; here in Tucson, it really touched our hearts.”

Lynn’s parents Bluma and Joseph Polonski are “Of course, very, very proud of him.” Both Bluma and Joseph were born in Poland, survived the Holocaust, and met in Landsberg, Germany, after the end of World War II. They moved to the United States in 1949, and settled in Omaha. In 1950, they were married in the Jewish Community Center. Lynn is the Dr. Lynn Polonski Bluma and Joseph Polonski youngest of their four children. front of you. You stabilize the patient, you do what you can “We have done everything we could for him, nothing was to help her survive. I was there during the cranitomy, when too much…and now he has his own practice! It’s him they a portion of the skull was removed. The bleeding needed to call when there is an emergency. Sometimes he is in surgery be stopped, and we had to decompress the right orbit. That for 8, 9 hours. We are extremely proud.” all happened during the first hour after she was brought in.”

With Lynn’s recently opened private clinic, called During the procedure, “We just focused on her as a Catalina Eye Care, P.C., which he runs in addition to a clinpatient, as you would do with any patient, regardless of who ical appointment as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology they are. As a doctor you just want the best possible out- to the University of Arizona, they can continue to feel that come, and you don’t really think about who is lying there,” way.

Lynn says. “It’s only after the fact that everything starts to Lynn has been married to his wife Tamee for 12 years. sink in, and you become enlightened about the positive Together with their daughters Dreo, 11, and Hadlie, six, impact Gabrielle Giffords has had on the people in Arizona. they enjoy the warm winters in Tucson, and are active People have so much love for her. The interesting thing is, members of the vibrant Tucson Jewish community.

Passover

Publishing Date 04.15.11 Space Reservation 03.14.11 Camera Ready Deadline 03.23.11

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Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 ahandleman@jewishomaha.org