Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA February 21, 2014 21 Adar I 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 23
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by KASEY DAVIS Staff Assistant, Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies The Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies is pleased to announce its first art exhibit, which will feature ten Jewish and Israeli artists from the Omaha community. Titled My Heart is in the East and I am in the Farthest West, it will take place from March 1 - April 6. Free and open to the public, all members of the community are welcome to come and appreciate the work of these artists. Professor Avery Mazor from UNO’s Art & Art History department, is the designer of both the exhibit and its poster (right). He is also responsible for the photography of the exhibition catalog. The exhibit will be curated by Dr. Anat Gilboa, the Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor at the Schwalb Center for 2013-2014. She is also the compiler and author of the catalogue. According to Dr. Gilboa, “The title of the exhibition refers to a poem by Judah
by ANGELA FRIEDMAN In 2013 I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelors in General Studies with concentrations in Behavioral Health, Theatre and Health Education. I was especially honored to be chosen as the undergraduate commencement speaker for the afternoon ceremony in front of over 1000 graduates, faculty and guests. I want to thank the Jewish Federation, the Bruce M. Fellman Charitable Foundation Trust, as well as the Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper Charitable Foundation Trust for their assistance. Without their support, I would not have been able to finish my education. I have felt the warmth of everyone in the Jewish community, and I thank everyone for their kindness. Without further ado, I present my undergraduate speech as given on Dec. 21, 2013. As I look out at my fellow graduates, I cannot help but be proud that
Pippa White on JCC stage by OZZIE NOGG From 1890 to 1930, millions of immigrants received a vivid and teeming introduction to America when they entered the iconic gates of Ellis Island. Their stories are amusing, frightening, inspiring, and true. On Friday, March 7, the entire community is invited to
Pippa White Halevi, expressing the 12th-Century Spanish philosopher’s longing for Zion, both as a geographical and a spiritual place. Reflecting on this notion, the exhibition presents works by
contemporary local artists exploring their own Jewish heritage. Judaism has always created a strong sense of identity. Over the centuries, Continued on page 2
Finding myself
Florida: It’s not just for old Jews anymore Page 12
Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Schwalb Center hosts art exhibit
I am part of a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds and interests. I am honored to be able to speak today. The university offers a wide
Angela Friedman variety of classes, student groups and resources for students like us who have a plethora of interests and talents. You all know that there is not one path for everyone. College is a journey to find yourself and to figure out the path you are meant to follow. I am the type of person who rises to a challenge. From childhood on, I wanted to prove to everyone that they were wrong about me. As an infant, doctors told my parents that I would not go past a seventh grade education and I would end up in a mental institution. I was developmentally delayed, so I took longer to reach the
milestones that all babies reach. As years went on, I came upon more roadblocks. As fourth grade came, I started struggling with reading comprehension; however, I loved spelling tests and was even the best speller in my fourth grade class. As spelling got easier, I always loved a challenge to prove to myself and others that I was smart. Upper elementary school got more challenging, but instead of being happy about it, I got frustrated. My reading got more difficult and I got tutoring. I almost failed the sixth grade because things got more difficult for me. We all deal with challenges, some more difficult than others. Some things take people longer to understand. I got tutoring that summer to prepare for middle school. In seventh grade I was a reading machine, of course more so with fun books than school books. I did pretty well. I hit the honor roll all four quarters. I was on the school newspaper staff. I felt intelligent and responsible until I hit another challenge. Gradually, it got harder for me to read again. I got to the point that I could not read anything because it was so frustrating. I was repeating words and phrases and could not get past a single paragraph. That was just one of the many rituals I began to take on. My mother suspected I had Continued on page 2
hear some of these stories performed by Pippa White in her one-woman show: Voices from Ellis Island -- a dramatization of true experiences of immigrants who passed through ‘the gateway to America, the front door to freedom, the Island of Tears’ from 1900 to 1928. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater. The event is presented by Jewish Social Services. There is no admission charge. After a successful professional acting career in theatre and television on the West Coast, Pippa White turned to solo performing in 1994. Drawing on her experience, talent, and gift for replicating nuances of accent and inflection, White formed One’s Company Productions which she calls, “part theatre, part storytelling, part history.” Audiences call them unique, captivating, and touching. Voices from Ellis Island follows seven immigrants from different parts of Europe as they cross the Atlantic Ocean, arrive at Ellis Island, and confront unexpected challenges in their new country. The show is crafted by White from the letters, diaries, and memoirs of real people who witnessed and lived history. With a few simple props and changes in physical presentation and dialect, Pippa White makes history come alive with drama and poignancy in the words of ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary places and times. An audience member recently captured the gist of Pippa’s unique presentations when he said, “Her performances are entertainment wrapped in history intertwined with inspiration.” Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | February 21, 2014
Schwalb Center hosts art exhibit
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Continued from page 1 through the diaspora, the Shoah and migration, Jewish existence has been challenged and undergone constant redefinition. What is Jewish identity in a 21st Century MidWestern culture? How can art help formulate a Jewish identity? These questions are transformed into diverse and individual artistic solutions. The artists represented in this exhibition express their quest for a Jewish identity in a wholly contemporary format. Yet it represents a search that is as old as Judaism itself.” The local artists each have their own individual expression of this longing. The art exhibit features artists such as Annette Sherman Fettman, prolific sculptor and painter. Her bronze works in the show are iconographical references to the history of the Jewish people and their heritage. Beth Brown Gershovich’s fused glass work will present two Hamsas, ancient symbols of an open hand that are widespread in the Levant. The Hamsa is a traditional amulet of protection against the evil eye. Also being displayed is the work of Bette Kozlen in the form of developed textile media into art. Her crocheted purses with imagery reference biblical accounts and the ancient archeology of Israel. Eliska Morsel Greenspoon, another contributor to our exhibition, will show paintings originated as black and white photographs taken with Polaroid camera, where the lens has been replaced by a small apparatus. The work of Evelyn Render-Katz’s 2013 painting SelfPortrait with Benediction examines her spiritual identity as well as her Jewish heritage. Lila Ferber, a student of painting and sculpture at Arizona State University who will begin studying at the Kansas City Art Institute in the fall of 2014, will show a painting entitled Jonah and the Whale, based on the well-known biblical account from the Book of Jonah. The sculpture Shield of David will be presented by sculptor
Angela Friedman
Visit DurhamMuseum.org for upcoming exhibit programming and events.
Continued from page 1 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The summer before my freshman year of high school I was diagnosed with OCD. That diagnosis changed my life. The next four years continued to be a constant struggle, but I was up for the challenge. I graduated high school with a 3.9 GPA. I was in the National Honor Society, all the musicals and most of the plays, band, choir and the annual talent shows. I had pride bursting out of my ears. Being here today, I can tell you that we did not all succumb to our frustration and marched on. Then time came to go to college. I received scholarships to go to school in Illinois. I was excited. I was a Theatre major looking forward to being involved. I found that college was a lot tougher than high school and I was not fully prepared to go to college at that time in my life. I finished my freshman year there; however I did not get very good grades. I lost my scholarship and made the trek back home to Omaha. I started going to UNO the summer of 2006 and continued for two years. I changed my major two times within those two years and my grades were not as good as I wanted them to be. I lost my motivation for the challenge. I took a year off and went to Massage School. I graduated only to be diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was in too much pain to practice massage therapy. Then I thought about Diagnostic Ultrasonography. I was accepted into the Cardiovascular Sonography class of 2014. I had a heart-to-heart with myself and knew that what I really wanted was to finish my bachelor’s degree. I rose to the challenge to go back to UNO. Once I was accepted, I met with my advisor. She was so supportive in helping me figure out what I felt the most passion for. I was focused. I had a clear goal in mind. I wanted to prove something, not only to others, but to myself. We all have faced the challenge of college and we should all be proud of the hard work we have put in during this stage of our lives. UNO, my family and friends were a wonderful support system on my journey to figure out that I want to be a wellness coordinator. All the courses I took have led me further in the direction I want to my career. I figured out what I wanted and I figured out what I did not want. That, to me, is the best experience one can get out of college. Lessons are learned not only in college, but throughout life. Not everybody finds a straight path to a career. Sometimes our path to our ultimate career is like a rollercoaster. It takes some exploration, heart-
The 1968 Exhibit is a traveling exhibit organized by the Minnesota History Center in partnership with the Atlanta History Center, the Chicago History Museum, and the Oakland Museum of California. The exhibit is supported by major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Vietnam War. Civil Rights. Space Race. Love Beads. An extraordinary year. An unforgettable exhibit.
NOW THROUGH MAY 4, 2014
Sponsored locally by Mutual of Omaha, the Douglas County Commissioners, the On Track Guild, Rhonda and Howard Hawks, the Durham Society, the Iowa West Foundation, Lynne and John Boyer, the Dixon Family Foundation, the Parker Family Foundation, Henry Davis, and Mary, Kelly and Sarah Wilson. Additional support provided by Dr. Jack and Kathy Lewis. Media support provided by KETV Channel 7 and the Omaha World-Herald.
and art historian Dr. Jenni Schlossman. Her work, featuring three stars combined into a triangular shape, is a reminder of the history of the Jewish people. Naava Naslavsky, an Israeli sculptor and a scientist currently working at UNMC, will feature several of her Papier Mâché works. Another Israeli artist, photographer Ophir Palmon, will display numerous photographs taken during a family visit to Israel. Finally, Stephanie Grossman will display necklaces with symbols and signs taken from Jewish culture as well as references to Jewish history. Dr. Moshe Gershovich, director of the Schwalb Center, emphasizes the uniqueness of the exhibit for the Schwalb Center. “This is the first time in our five-year history to pay homage to Jewish Culture and Art as manifested by local talent. It is also an opportunity for us to recognize our founders, Natan and Hannah Schwalb, as well as other generous donors to the Schwalb Center.” In particular, Gershovich likes to mention Silvia Roffman, along with her late husband, Dr. Larry Roffman, and contributions made from the fund in memory of her parents Arthur and Deborah Greene. “It was the Roffmans’ contribution,” he notes, “which supplemented funds given by The Schusterman Foundation, and enabled us to bring Dr. Anat Gilboa to Omaha as our first Schusterman Visiting Israeli Scholar.” A special reception honoring the artists will be held at UNO’s Criss Library, March 18, 6-8:30 p.m. During the reception, Dr. Lawrence Baron, Professor Emeritus at San Diego University, will present a lecture entitled The Cinematic Image of Jewish Immigrants to Israel. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking for the event will be provided. To receive your parking pass and for all other questions related to the exhibit and the March 18 event, please contact Kasey Davis by phone at 402.554.3175 or by email kaseydavis@unomaha.edu.
Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.
to-hearts and experience. Passion is what makes your career worthwhile. We all are unique in cultures, backgrounds, interests or passions and life goals. I now know that I do have something in common with my fellow graduates of the class of 2013: we all rose to the challenge, reached our goal and are ready to move on and conquer the world. Thank you.
Pippa White
Continued from page 1 the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, said, “Pippa’s performances appeal to a wide range of audiences. Whether young or old, those audiences connect with the stories in Voices from Ellis Island. We plan to invite the older students from Friedel, as well as Residents from the Blumkin Home, Livingston Plaza, Remington Heights and the Russian Cultural Club. The poignant stories in the show honor the experiences of the brave immigrants who came to America seeking a better life, and remind us of our common humanity. Pippa is able to evoke a sympathetic response from all ages, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring her to our community.” Voices from Ellis Island is presented by Jewish Social Services and supported in part by a grant from the Ruth Riekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation; United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
February 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3
Beth El welcomes Rabbi Hayim Herring by JILL BELMONT professor at Brandeis University. Beth El Publicity Citing Tomorrow’s Synagogue Today, Rabbi Hayim Herring is a visionary on a Rabbi Irwin Kula, president of Clal -- the mission. The renowned teacher, author and National Jewish Center for Learning and organizational futurist travels the Jewish Leadership, said, “Hayim Herring has disworld, meeting with synagogue leaders and tilled years of experience into what is the congregations to offer definitive book on synagogue guidance regarding maintransformation.” taining a dynamic and During his visit to Beth El, healthy synagogue life. the community will have sevRabbi Herring will share eral opportunities to hear his wisdom with Beth El’s Rabbi Herring speak about congregation when he The Synagogue of the 21st serves as the synagogue’s Century. On March 7, during scholar-in-residence from 6 p.m. Shabbat services, he Friday, March 7 to will offer a brief introduction Sunday, March 9. of the evening’s topic, The president and CEO Tomorrow’s Synagogue: Will of the Herring Consulting We Know It When We See It?; Network, the rabbi holds a he will then continue his Rabbi Hayim Herring Ph.D. in organizational presentation during a special development. He is the former executive congregational dinner following services. director of STAR (Synagogues: During his talk, Rabbi Herring will Transformation and Renewal), a foundation explore the variety of societal influences that for congregational innovation and executive will affect synagogue life. leadership development, and has served as a “Many powerful forces in play are reshapcongregational rabbi, as well as an assistant ing the synagogue of the last century,” director of a Jewish Federation. Herring said. “Some are internal -- changing The author of numerous scholarly articles, attitudes toward Israel, increases in the Herring is best known for his book, ultra-Orthodox population and the adult Tomorrow’s Synagogue Today: Creating children of intermarried couples who idenVibrant Centers of Jewish Life. Taking into tify as Jewish, feelings about the importance account factors such as demographics, tech- of synagogues and other mainstream instinology and cultural trends, the rabbi offers tutions. Other forces are external -- ecoblueprints for congregations to envision and nomic, technological and political. How work toward their future with thriving might these internal and external dynamics homes for Jewish life. change synagogue life as we know it? And Rabbi Herring has made his mark how should congregations begin preparing throughout the Jewish community and has for them?” been lauded by other well-known leaders. On March 8, during 9:30 a.m. Shabbat “Only a few people have thought as deeply services, Rabbi Herring will present the as Hayim Herring has about the contempo- D’var Torah; then during a special Kiddush rary synagogue,” said Jonathan D. Sarna, lunch afterward, he will lead a discussion
The Center for Jewish Life presents the Klutznick Learning Series
What is it About the Ten Commandments? February 24, March 3, 10 27, 24, 31 7-8:15 p.m. | JCC Social Hall Explore the ultimate “top ten” list with Omaha Jewish clergy and community members from both a traditional and “real life” view. Presenters will include Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Rabbi Steven Abraham, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Josh Brown, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Cantor Wendy Shermet, Elyce Azriel, Michael Cohen, Glen Fineman, Shelly Fox, Larry Gendler, Andy Greenberg, Ellie Greenspoon, David Kotok, Shayna Ray, Ari Riekes and Marty Shukert.
Open to the community, free of charge Reservations appreciated by calling 402-334-6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org
Sponsored by the fund of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University
entitled, Pew-ish and Jewish: The Story Behind the Numbers, about last year’s Pew Research Center’s survey report, A Portrait of Jewish Americans. “Overall, the Pew Study findings can support three narratives about the future of Jewish life: decline, transition, or growth,” he said. “Is one version more accurate than another? That depends upon how communities define the essentials of Jewish life, and those definitions can influence the story that unfolds.” On Sunday at 10 a.m., the rabbi will lead a workshop and training session, Leading Collaboratively, for Beth El board members and staff (this workshop is not open to the public). During the morning, participants will learn about several boards that are implementing new ways to create more vibrant organizations; they will also explore ways to guide Beth El and its leaders to a
healthy, thriving Beth El for years to come. We’re thrilled to welcome Rabbi Herring to the synagogue,” said Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham. “The role of the synagogue as the central pillar of Jewish life has changed dramatically over the past 20 years and Rabbi Herring’s expertise lies in answering the question, ‘What does the 21st century synagogue look like?’ We look forward to learning with him during what will be a great weekend.” The entire community is invited to attend this special scholar-in-residence weekend. There is no charge for the Saturday Kiddush luncheon, but reservations are required for the Friday night dinner. For more information and to RSVP and pay online, visit www.bethel-omaha.org. Rabbi Herring’s visit has been generously underwritten by the Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund.
YJO: Dialogue and chicken livers by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER Jewish Federation of Omaha, Development Associate On Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Brazen Head Irish Pub, come join YJO as we hear EMMY Award-winner Ron Jones and veteran performer Larry Jay Tish talk about diversity in America. What’s so funny about two American minorities that have slavery, the KKK and chicken livers in common? That’s what you’ll find out when these two come to talk with YJO on the history and absurdity of prejudice and racism and the power of diversity.
Through their dialogue we’ll gain insight to the true nature of prejudice and how our inability to face our own biases separate us in ways that we may not even think about. They find humor in everything from the Jewish involvement in the Dutch slave trade to octogenarian grandmothers singing and dancing about the joys of soul food and Jewish comfort food. So come out to the Brazen Head Irish Pub on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. YJO will buy your first drink as these two awardwinning comedians share their humor and knowledge.
4 | The Jewish Press | February 21, 2014
Grants awarded by Goldstein Supporting Foundation by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) Foundation announced that the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Board of Directors awarded 18 grants during their semi-annual meeting. Since the fund’s inception, the board has allocated over one million dollars. According to Howard Epstein, the JFO Foundation’s Executive Director. “The Goldstein Supporting Foundation Board carefully considered applications from many worthwhile organizations. They awarded grants to the programs that they believed were likely to make the most impact and were well-aligned with the Goldstein Supporting Foundation’s purpose. The Goldstein Supporting Foundation considers requests for funds that support local projects and programs of the JFO and its agencies, synagogues and Jewish service organizations. They also consider applications from local and national Jewish and secular charities in the areas of medicine and medical research (with an emphasis on kidney-related diseases), education and current events of Jewish content and human rights. Members of the Goldstein Supporting Foundation Board of Directors include Shirley Goldstein, Donald Goldstein, Gail Raznick, Kathy Goldstein Helm, Cheryl Cooper, Sandy Friedman, Louri Sullivan, Arnold Weitz and Jerry Kohll. The following organizations and programs were awarded grants: Beth El Synagogue – Spiritual Shabbat with Rabbi Naomi Levy. Named one of Newsweek’s “Top 50 Rabbis in America,” Levy is the founder and spiritual leader of Nashuva, a Jewish outreach organization. The Shabbat weekend will be open to
Omaha’s Jewish community. Beth El Synagogue – Youth Weekend Shabbaton. Students in grades 3-7 will live, eat, pray, play and celebrate Israel together at the Nebraska 4H Camp in Gretna. Center for Jewish Life – CornerStones Fund for Scholarship Funding. There has been a significant increase in need for these confidential scholarships for Jewish children to attend Jewish preschool, day school, summer camps and other youth programs. Center for Jewish Life – Special Needs Program. Provides support for special needs education in Omaha area congregational religious schools for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Chabad of Nebraska – Camp Gan Israel. This two-week day camp in June is for children ages 5-10, provides a wholesome Jewish experience and includes educational programs, activities and excursions. Chabad of Nebraska – Chesed Program. Promoting Chesed throughout Omaha, the program serves individuals in need by providing rent and transportation subsidies, food, emergency relief, holiday programs for immigrants and more. Friedel Jewish Academy – Educators/ Consultants. The grant may be used for educators/consultants for gifted students and/or students who need remediation in reading and mathematics and for part-time teachers for art and/or instrumental music. Halachic Organ Donor Society – Day School Education Project. A part-time rabbi will work with the education coordinator to educate students and staff at Jewish day schools in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut about medical issues and Jewish law pertaining to organ donation. Institute for Holocaust Education – “A Week of Understanding.” Held in Omaha
schools and the surrounding area in March, middle and high school students invite Holocaust survivors and Liberators to speak at their schools. Jewish Community Center – Yom Ha’Atzmaut 2014. Events will be held for parents, children and members of all ages from the Jewish community to celebrate Israel’s Independence. Jewish Family Service – Financial Assistance for the Jewish Community. Qualified families and individuals receive assistance and access to the food pantry, affordable services including counseling and help to regain self-sufficiency. Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation – LIFE & LEGACY Program. The Foundation has been accepted as a partner organization with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in a program for securing afterlifetime legacy gifts for participating Omaha Jewish agencies, synagogues and other organizations. The grant is for program expenses. The Jewish Press –American Jewish Press Association’s Annual Conference. The Jewish Press editor attends this conference in order to meet with members of the Jewish news community, share experiences and resources and attend workshops. Jewish Senior Outreach – Individual Services Program. Home visits, referrals for additional care, assistance and advocacy when working with governmental agencies, and Kosher Meals on Wheels are some of the services provided by JSO professionals. Jewish Senior Outreach - Russian Community Club. Events will be held for elder Russian community members who experience financial, cultural and language barriers that prevent participation in existing JSO programming. Nebraska Jewish Historical Society –
Oral History/Education Project. Funding for supplies to record, copy and file oral histories of the Jewish community in Nebraska and western Iowa. PKD Foundation – National Convention. This meeting will be held in Kansas City and is critical for polycystic kidney disease families to learn about the illness from renowned PKD researchers. University of Nebraska Foundation – Middle East Forum. UNO’s Middle Eastern Studies Program will film, produce and televise a forum featuring UNO scholars and other guest experts, who field questions on issues in the news related to developments in the Middle East. “A supporting foundation is a separate legal entity, with its own board of directors, which is created by a donor or family,” explained Epstein. “The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation manages and invests the funds, administers operations and makes disbursements as directed by the supporting foundation board. This offers the board a level of independence to determine where to allocate donations to non-profit organizations it wishes to support. We truly appreciate the generosity of the Goldstein Supporting Foundation.” To learn more about establishing a supporting foundation with the JFO Foundation, contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org.
Did you know: Israel has competed as a nation at the Olympics since 1952, but its National Olympic Committee was formed during the British Mandate in 1933.
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February 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5
NCJW visits Open Door Mission by ALICE KLEIN Vice-President of Public Relations, NCJW Omaha Section On Feb. 2, twelve members of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) - Omaha Section spent a few hours at the Open Door Mission prepping and serving hot and nutritious lunches to hungry and homeless men, women and children. The Open Door Mission serves more than 2,000 meals each day. After kitchen duty, NCJW toured the facilities, including Lydia House for homeless women and families. In addition, they Julie Martin and Nancy Epstein clean blueberries for learned about two major programs: dinner. Over 95% of the food served is donated. • The Journey to Work Program focuses on breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty through personal development, money management, job training and educational skills. • The Rebuilding Lives Program for addicts is committed to empowNCJW members visited the Open Door Mission. Back row: Robyn ering residents Belgrade, left, Holly Weill, Patty Nogg, Nancy Epstein, Julie Martin, with the tools they Suzanne Singer. front row: Jill Simon, left, Kelly Kirk, Laurie Epstein, need to become Sonia Tipp, Rachel Martin. s e l f - su f f i c i e nt , http://www.ncjwomaha.org/gallery/ contributing members of the community. Additional photos can be seen at
Watchers of the Sky On Saturday, March 8 the Omaha Film Festival will show Watchers of the Sky. One of the executive producers is Elizabeth Epstein Bohart, native Omahan and daughter of Bob and Bobbie Epstein. The film’s main focus is Raphael Lemkin, who in 1944 walked the halls of power in Europe and the US, decrying a crime against humanity that had just been committed, a crime he termed ‘genocide’. Watchers of the Sky tells the story of four extraordinary people who keep Lemkin’s legacy alive: Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC); Samantha Power, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Rwandan Emmanuel Uwuru-kundo, who oversees refugee camps on the border of Chad and Western Sudan for the UN; and Ben Ferencz, a former prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. Through present day and rare archival footage combined with beautiful animation, the film intermixes Lemkin’s struggle with the journeys of the four characters’ firsthand experiences with 20th and 21st Century atrocities, including genocides in, Armenia, WWII, Bosnia, Rwanda, and the Darfur region of Sudan. Elizabeth Epstein Bohart is a strategy consultant who works with non-profit organizations to develop and implement high impact programs. Many of her current proj-
ects are in sub-Saharan Africa and focus on poverty reduction through education, health and small business initiatives. Her involvement in Watchers of the Sky extends beyond the film, as she is a key strategist behind the development and
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Passover Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry; these ads will only be accepted through March 7, 2014.
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A scene from Watchers of the Sky implementation of the film’s outreach programs. She has overseen the development of the film’s educational outreach materials, including the website and middle and high school curriculums. Elizabeth worked as a Legislative Assistant in the US Senate and spent several years doing consulting work in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She earned a Masters in Public Administration from American University and a BA in Sociology from Tulane. Elizabeth resides in NYC with her husband and three daughters. The film will be shown at Village Pointe Cinema, Saturday, March 8 at noon, and lasts approximately 120 minutes. For more information, please visit www.watchersof thesky.com.
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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Professor Tom Goutierre returns to discuss the ramifications of Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s inability to reach a deal with the US at the end of the war on Wednesday, Feb. 26, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be
placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Lomir Redn Yiddish group will be on hiatus from Dec. 20 through April 2. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
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The Cranes are coming! Join us in celebrating this spectacular wildlife migration of 500,000 Sandhill Cranes.
Good Shabbos Nebraska: Sephardic Shabbat! by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS Beth Israel Synagogue This week is Sephardic Shabbat on Good Shabbos Nebraska - America’s favorite shabbos morning Talk show featuring the world famous Sephardi Chazzan Rabbi Moshe Tessone. Rabbi Moshe Tessone is Director of The Sephardic Community Program and a distinguished faculty member at Yeshiva University where he teaches Jewish Studies. He is also a faculty member at the YU affiliated Belz School of Jewish Music where he is an instructor of Sephardic cantillation and liturgy. He also serves as Hazzan (cantor) of Ahi Ezer Congregation in Brooklyn, NY. He has released two CDs featuring Sephardic music. Rabbi Tessone has toured extensively throughout North America, South America, Europe and Israel both as a rabbinic speaker on Torah-related topics of Sephardic interest, Sephardic history, Jewish education and as a cantorial concert soloist featuring Judeo Arabic and Judeo Spanish religious music and liturgy. In addition to appearing on Good Shabbos Nebraska, Shabbat Rabbi Tessone will introduce the Omaha Jewish community to the ancient and modern musical traditions of the Sephardic world through inspiring prayer and Shabbat songs. Rabbi Tessone will be joined by his wife Regine Monavar Tessone. She was born in Tehran and at the age of nine was forced to flee because of the revolution in 1978. Her family escaped on the very same day that Khomeini arrived as the
mobs were flooding the streets. She is currently finishing a book about her experience. Over Shabbat, she will share her story and offer a unique perspective on the current situation in Iran. In Omaha, we have a dearth of Sephardic Jews, but according to studies there are anywhere between 500,000 and 800,000 Sephardic Jews in different communities throughout the United States. They have held fast to the various traditions that they brought with them from North Africa and the Middle East. Rabbi Tessone has been invited to speak in just about every Sephardic community in the country. He also is involved in the education of the current and future rabbinic and lay leadership of these communities as director of the Sephardic communities program at YU. Consequently, he is arguably the foremost expert on the landscape and demographics of these unique communities. The recent Pew study did not ask participants if they were Ashkenazi or Sephardi. Taken in isolation, the Sephardic community presents a very different picture of American Judaism - a perspective that could be valuable for a community like Omaha to learn from. Like every Shabbos, this will be a great opportunity to learn about something Jewish that is not readily accessible in our Omaha Jewish community - in a format that makes it exciting and engaging. So catch Good Shabbos Nebraska, this and every week ONLY at Beth Israel Synagogue at 10 a.m. - where every Shabbos is a shabbaton!
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Above: Former OTYG member Ariel Kohll checking in with JYG members Shelby Goodman, left, and Isabella Seina; top right: JYG member Ellie Reiss and OTYG members Jacob Arnold and Oliva Nogg serving spaghetti at the Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser; bottom right: Lincoln Youth Group Advisor Julie Sadofsky helps herself to spaghetti at the OTYG Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.
Scholarship and grant application deadline fast approaching by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life The deadline for submission of applications for grant programs and scholarships through the Center for Jewish Life is Monday, March 3, 2014. Grant programs, funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, provide non-income based funding for camp and Israel experiences. Jewish Experience Grants provide $1,000 for those attending Jewish summer camp. Israel Experience Grants, also in the amount of $1,000, provide funding for Israel peer programs. Scholarships, with funding provided by numerous endow-
ments established through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, outside entities and through the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha are available for a wide range of programs. Scholarships are available for JCC summer camp, residential Jewish summer camp, Israel peer programs, Friedel Jewish Academy and the Child Development Center. Additionally, Jewish students who are residents of the Omaha metropolitan area can apply for scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, yeshiva professional and vocational studies programs. While the majority of scholarships are based on financial need, a limited number of college scholarships are merit-based. Additional information and scholarship applications are available on the “Scholarship and Grant” page in the Center for Jewish Life section at www.jewishomaha.org. For any questions, please email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6445.
Jewish Senior Outreach How Can We Help You? Please contact Shelly Fox | 402-334-6532
February 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7
Lunch at Langer’s Deli
Jay Lerner, Omaha; left, Mike Meyer, Newport Beach, CA, formerly of Omaha; Shel Rips, Los Angeles, CA, formerly of Omaha; Murray Newman, Omaha; Mike Erman, Omaha; Steve Bloch, Omaha; Gary Gitnick, Encino, CA, formerly of Omaha; Mel Bergman, Santa Monica, CA, friend of group; Norm Veitzer, Omaha. The overwhelming favorite of the group was a #19 -- hot pastrami on caraway rye, slice of Swiss cheese, cole slaw, Russian dressing, all between the bread slices.
Birth Michelle and Stu Kazor announce the Sept. 3, 2013 birth of their daughter, Sophie Brynn. She is named for her late great aunt Ruth Jacobsen and her late great-grandmother Mildred Kolm. She has two sisters, Emily, age 14 and Elizabeth, age 11 and a brother, Zachary, age 6. Grandparents are Renee and Louie Kazor and Peggy and Bill Kolm. Great-grandparents are Alice Kwapiszeski of Panama, IA, the late William and Mildred Kolm of Schuyler, NE, the late Louis Sr. and Rose Kazor, and the late Morris and Mollie Franklin.
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Students experience Omaha’s Jewish history by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life More than 40 students plus teachers from Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy and Temple Israel took part in the Historical Jewish Omaha Tour on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Students first gathered in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium for a group activity where they learned about the history of the three synagogues as well as the Home for the Aged. The students then divided into groups and guided by docents from the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, explored the Riekes Museum, the Hall of Rabbis and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Office & Carl Frohm Archival Center. “We loved seeing the looks of surprise on the faces of the students when they discovered their own families in our archives,” reported Renee Corcoran, Executive Director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. “It was often difficult to get the groups to move along to the next part of the tour because they wanted to stay and look for more!” NJHS staff member Kathy Weiner also assisted with the tours along with docents Helen Epstein, Norma Fried, Lorrie Katelman and Sue Millward. Ilana Weiss developed the Historical Jewish Omaha Tour for the Center for Jewish Life. The next collaborative program is the Mitzvah Fair that will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Temple Israel from 10:15-11:45 a.m. Designed for 3rd and 4th grade students from the three synagogues and Friedel, the Mitzvah Fair has a similar concept of a science fair. Students research a particular mitzvah and then create displays reflecting what they’ve learned. The Historical Jewish Omaha Tour and the Mitzvah Fairs, projects of the Center for Jewish Life, are presented in conjunction with Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy and Temple Israel, and generously sponsored by the Herbert Goldsten Trust. The Center for Jewish Life, as a part of its on-going work in supporting the synagogue religious schools and Friedel Jewish Academy, meets regularly with the directors of the schools. These collaborative programs are the result of the group’s working together for the good of all students in the community. For more information, please call 402.334.6445.
Laurel Krausman working with students on group activity. Credit: Jill Belmont
Exploring the hallway historical photos.
Students exploring the NJHS archives.
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8 | The Jewish Press | February 21, 2014
Point of view
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Why we should care about Proposition 5165
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Before we begin, please allow me to explain the egg on my face. It’s not there on purpose, but I do need to take responsibility. In our Feb. 14 edition, one of the front-page headlines enthusiastically read: “CJL announces Klutnzick Learning Series.” Of course, the CJL did no such thing. What they did do was trust me to know better than to misspell “Klutznick.” I apologize, and I am going to do my very best to make sure this never happens again. And yes, if you see me in passing, you may point and laugh. On to more serious matters: on February 12, voters in Fremont, Nebraska wrote the next chapter in the immigration debate. On the ballot: the repeal of Ordinance 5165, which makes it impossible for undocumented immigrants to rent housing. In the Omaha World Herald of Feb. 10, ADL Regional Director Alan Potash wrote: “As a nation of immigrants, almost all of us have stories of family members, close or far removed, who came to America seeking refuge or a better life. Surely policies and laws that seek to make life so difficult for immigrants that they will leave was not what our Founding Fathers envisioned.” Proponents of the law will tell you they have nothing against immigrants, and xenophobia has little to do with it. They are wrong. What ordinance 5165 has done, instead, is make discrimination acceptable in the minds of certain voters. Even more so since the attempted repeal failed, and the law remains in place. For now. But, justifying the age-old “us-versus-them” way of think-
ing by passing it as law is nothing new. What is happening in Fremont is not happening in a vacuum. While it may seem strange that in a country built by immigrants such opposition to immigration exists, America has a long history of nativism, targeting first generation immigrants.
The most disturbing example is probably the Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act. The law was aimed at restricting the influx of Southern and Eastern Europeans, especially Jews who were escaping persecution in Poland and Russia. The 1924 quotas remained in place until the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, and the consequences were deadly. While the American military fought bravely on European soil during World War II, the
politicians at home kept the door firmly shut. There is a larger problem with the immigration debate, and that is the narrative itself. Using words like “alien,” “illegal,” and “foreign” in and of itself sets a tone of intolerance and disdain. And while many in the country are starting to change that tone, we have a long way to go. What needs to happen is the internalization of the idea that when we talk about immigrants, we talk about human beings. People, with dreams, families, lives that are put on hold because of where they were born. Call me an alien, and you dehumanize me. I become a statistic, and eventually, I become a problem. Treat me like a human being, who deserves compassion and the freedom you speak so highly of, and I will make this country stronger. Just like your great-grandfather did. Right now, the supporters of prop 5165 are behaving like bullies. And we know that bullies are almost always cowards, and only get away with their behavior because no one speaks out. People in Fremont have begun to speak out, and although they didn’t win their fight this month, they will next time. There is always a next time. There’s one more thing. The hate and fear of others (and don’t tell me racism is not a factor) will damage us in the long run. Whether it is Fremont’s Prop 5165, Governor Heineman’s refusal to give driver’s licenses to Dreamers, the Defense of Marriage Act or the interference with voting rights, it all amounts to us deciding who is worthy, and who is useless. We most certainly don’t have that right. It’s high school bully behavior, it’s a clique that kicks out anyone who doesn’t fit the bill, and in the end it will hurt us all.
Jewish state of Israel -- as driven by a reckless combination of naivete and arrogance. I don’t see it that way, nor do most American Jews -- the quiet majority, all-too-often marginalized when it comes to public discourse on Israel. They -- we -- love the State of Israel, believe that peace is possible, and see its pursuit not as a sign of weakness but rather as an expression of courage, compassion and faith. More and more young people identify with this camp, unwilling to abide an untenable status quo that leaves Israel increasingly insecure, isolated and vulnerable to extremism. These young people are rightly convinced that a two-state solution is the only way Israel can live up to its own greatest aspirations as a Jewish and democratic state, end the corrosive occupation and have their Israeli counterparts grow up free from war and terrorism. For these people, respect for the dignity of the Palestinian people and their national ambitions does not conflict with or undermine their deep love of Israel, but rather is an essential dimension of it. If Kerry succeeds, it will be because his plan honors the narratives, agonies and legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. It will be because his tireless and seasoned envoy, Martin Indyk, cares deeply and passionately about the security and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians alike. It will be because the bipartisan vision of a negotiated twostate solution -- hailed by both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama -- serves the national interests of Israelis and Palestinians far better than the tragic deadlock that leaves Israel marginalized and besieged and leaves the Palestinians stateless and resentful. Kerry has demonstrated that he will not veer off course when critics snipe or cynics carp. He will not be deterred by
what he calls “the maximalists” on either side -- those who will never be satisfied with anything short of everything, those who prefer land to peace, stasis to security, resentment to resolution. If Kerry succeeds, it will be because Israelis and Palestinians recognize that he has staked out a position that is firm, fair and, ultimately, sustainable -- everything that today’s worrisome status quo is not. If Kerry fails, it will be because the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships could not summon the courage to take the painful steps required for peace, security and dignity. And it will also be because those of us who so deeply want peace did not do enough to change the political climate in which the leaders are making their decisions. If Kerry fails, it will be because cynicism, myopia and a lack of urgency sabotage this opportunity to reach a negotiated two-state solution before another intifada, crisis or tragic loss of life leaves the region shaken and the parties longing for the reasoned principles on the table now. Failure will be, in part, because we have allowed a small minority of oppositional voices to be heard over those in the United States who support the president, the secretary of state and the majority of Israelis and Palestinians who polls show support a two-state solution. If the silent majority remains quiet now, it will implicitly allow a short-sighted and self-defeating rejectionism to rule the day. Let us not let that happen. This opportunity may not come again in our lifetimes, and the cost of failure will be unfathomably high, for both Israelis and Palestinians. Let’s help John Kerry succeed -- let’s help Israelis and Palestinians succeed -- by amplifying the voices of hope and possibility. Let them hear our cry and our call in Washington, Jerusalem and Ramallah: We stand with you in the fight for peace. Rabbi Sharon Brous is the founding rabbi of Ikar.
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Let’s bet on peace
Focus on issues SHARON BROUS LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- John Kerry is not a naive man. I met him recently at a luncheon at Georgetown University with a small group of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders brought together to hear the secretary of state’s frank reflections on the peace process. While deeply aware of the complexities and obstacles to peace, Kerry is undeterred by the acrimony and intransigence that imprison Israelis and Palestinians in a devastating and soul-corrupting status quo even as the Middle East shakes around them. “At some point,” he said, “you just have to bet on peace.” There are many legitimate reasons to be skeptical of this latest round of peace talks. To reach a lasting, negotiated two-state solution, both sides will have to make excruciating choices on core issues from refugees to security to settlements to Jerusalem. This is a rare moment -- a precious opportunity for the American Jewish leadership to improve the prospects for lasting peace and security by providing the principled support that can embolden Israel to take the necessary steps to achieve both goals. Instead, too many leaders have opted for muted support of these efforts, shying away from the type of full-throated, ardent, sustained and public backing that will tap into our community's desire for a negotiated two-state solution -- offering instead quiet criticism, muttered cynicism or silence. Driven by fear, distrust and even disdain, some in the Jewish community see the quest for peace -- that is, an independent and viable state of Palestine alongside a secure and
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material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content
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February 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9
Boycotting Israeli companies is anti-Israel
Focus on issues LAWRENCE GROSSMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- The hostile intentions of the international boycott, divestment and sanctions movement toward Israel are clear. But some believe it is possible to be pro-Israel while supporting just a little BDS -- boycotting Israeli businesses located on the West Bank but not those within pre-1967 Israel. While such a strategy may make people feel good about themselves, it is a distinction without a difference -- like being just a little pregnant. More important, by adding to the boycott pressure, it will make resolution of the IsraeliPalestinian dispute harder to achieve. The issue has attracted international attention because actress Scarlett Johansson, the telegenic public face of SodaStream, refused to bow to pressure from the BDS establishment and sever ties with the West Bank-headquartered Israeli soda company. Its main factory is in Maale Adumim, a community very likely to be allotted to Israel in any potential peace agreement. SodaStream’s owner disclaims any political motivation and says he would gladly keep the place going under Palestinian rule, and the Palestinian workers tell reporters they are treated well and make three and four times the average salary in the region. But no matter -- Oxfam, the wellregarded organization dedicated to fighting poverty around the world, strongly criticized Johansson for her SodaStream connection, leading the award-winning actress to end her role as an international Oxfam "ambassador." Oxfam and like-minded groups -- some of them Jewish --
sincerely but naively believe that boycotting only across the Green Line enables them to issue a moral protest against Israeli settlement policy without being against Israel itself. Some consider their boycott as being in the best interests of the Jewish state. Unfortunately, they seem unaware of whom they are getting into bed with or the consequences of the association. The BDS movement was founded in 2005 to delegitimize and ultimately destroy the State of Israel by falsely charging it with racism and apartheid, and orchestrating an international economic and cultural boycott against it. BDS finds its model in the campaign that managed to bring down whitesupremacist South Africa, where apartheid was real enough. The official Palestinian call for BDS states that the movement’s goals are ending Israeli “occupation and colonization of all Arab lands� -- a formulation that tellingly leaves open the possibility that it refers not just to the West Bank but to pre-1967 Israel as well -- and “promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees� (including their descendants now numbering in the millions) “to return to their homes and properties.� If carried out, this agenda would mean not just the end of the Jewish state but also an unimaginable bloodbath. The BDS double standard never lets the facts get in the way of the cause. When the head of the American Studies Association explained the organization’s decision to boycott only Israel’s universities even though other countries have far worse human rights records, he said: “You have to start somewhere.� But why does “somewhere� have to be Israel, unless the aim of BDS is not to protect human rights but to specifically target the Jewish state? U.S. Secretary of State Kerry has for some time been
engaged in difficult negotiations to get Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a framework for a two-state solution that would see Jewish and Palestinian states living side-byside in peace. In poll after poll, some two-thirds of Israelis say they favor a pullback from parts of the West Bank and land swaps for those parts that become part of Israel if that would produce an agreement, so long as their security interests are safeguarded and the so-called Palestinian “right of return� does not bring the demise of the Jewish state. These concerns are exactly what Kerry is now trying to get the Palestinian side to address. On three previous occasions -- in 2000 at Camp David, in 2001 at Taba and in 2008 when Ehud Olmert was prime minister of Israel -- similar negotiations came very close to success, only to have the Palestinian side walk away from the table. According to recent reports from Ramallah, the Palestinian leadership, buoyed by the rising BDS tide, is sorely tempted to back out of a deal yet again. An end-run around the negotiation track and an appeal to the United Nations for recognition as a state -- and to the international courts in The Hague to put Israel in the dock -- would eliminate the need for the Palestinians to make any concessions at all. They would have all their work done for them by the international community, leaving Israel isolated. That is exactly the kind of international isolation that the BDS movement has advocated from the start -- the worldwide demonization of Israel as the new South Africa. And those morally fastidious boycotters of SodaStream and other West Bank companies who consider their version of BDS to be pro-Israel will realize too late that they have been used. Lawrence Grossman is the American Jewish Committee’s director of publications.
ADL issues Open Letter to John Kerry
Letter to the Secretary ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN, National Director of ADL The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued an open letter to Secretary of State John Kerry in response to his comments Feb. 1 at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, in which he described the price he believes Israel will pay if there is a breakdown in the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. In the open letter, ADL said the impact of Secretary Kerry’s comments “was to create a reality of its own� which “makes it more, not less, likely that the talks will not succeed; makes it more, not less, likely that Israel will be blamed if the talks fail; and more, not less, likely that boycotts will ensue.� The following is the text of the open letter to Secretary Kerry from Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director: Dear Mr. Secretary: We are writing to you at this moment with great respect for the exemplary and devoted efforts you are putting in to try to move peace forward between the Israelis and the Palestinians. We have all witnessed the suffering and loss on all sides as the conflict continues year after year, decade after decade. We welcome your perseverance and optimism in trying to accomplish something that has eluded others time and
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again. It is with this perspective in mind that we regretfully read of your comments this past weekend in Munich. In speaking about the price Israel will pay if the peace talks break down and Israel is blamed, you may have thought you were merely describing reality. But as the key player in the process, the impact of your comments was to create a reality of its own. Describing the potential for expanded boycotts of Israel makes it more, not less, likely that the talks will not succeed; makes it more, not less, likely that Israel will be blamed if the talks fail; and more, not less, likely that boycotts will ensue. Your comments, irrespective of your intentions, will inevitably be seen by Palestinians and anti-Israel activists as an incentive not to reach an agreement; as an indicator that if things fall apart, Israel will be blamed; and as legitimizing boycott activity. What is particularly troubling about your comments is the absence of similar tough talk about the consequences for Palestinians should the talks fail. We make this comment not in search of some theoretical balance. Rather, its absence suggests a historical amnesia about why there has been no peace and no solution all these years. Israel always must be willing to compromise for peace and at different times it is not unreasonable to ask Israel to do more. But the core of the conflict was and remains Palestinian unwillingness to accept Israel’s legitimacy and permanence as a Jewish state. That is why the Palestinians rejected the 1947 partition, that is why they rejected recognizing Israel after the 1967 war, and that is why Israeli offers at Camp David in 2000 and Annapolis in 2008 were rejected or
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allowed to go unanswered. It is Palestinians who must hear the message that not only has their rejectionism been the major obstacle to peace, but it has also been the main source of their suffering and misery over the years. It is time for them to make the qualitative leap toward peace and acceptance of the legitimacy of the Jewish state. It is encouraging that reportedly in the talks you are raising these matters with the Palestinians. Your comments in Munich, however, threaten to undo all this by ignoring the historic compulsion of the Palestinians to look for ever new reasons and incentives to reject the Jewish state. Concerns of the kind you expressed therefore would have been better left unsaid or at most discussed in private conversations with Israeli representatives. We wish you continued success in moving this process forward. We urge you to understand, however, that those who are most against peace are the ones who will benefit the most from the unintended encouragement in the comments you expressed in Munich. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
Did you know: Retired U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir isn’t Jewish, but his husband, Viktor Voronov, is. Weir is reportedly thinking about converting.
10 | The Jewish Press | February 21, 2014
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY, March 14: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Mary Sue Grossman, Program Coordinator for Center for Jewish Life on What’s New from the Center for Jewish Life. The community is invited. Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. followed by dinner. Dinner reservations are required: cost for Beth El members is $10 for adults; $5 for children 7-12; for non-members, cost is $12.50, and $7.50 for kids 7-12. All children six and younger eat free. Register and pay online at www. bethel-omaha.org. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Mitzvah Fair for BESTT Students, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel; Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., with Marty Shukert on Leader, Scoundrel, Hero, Poet, Father: Contemporary Views on King David in Text, Novel and Song. Free and open to the community. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham. No charge to attend; everyone is welcome. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes (grades 2-7), 4:15 p.m. BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m.; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. Our Shabbat Tables registration deadline is Feb. 25. For more information, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@ yahoo.com. Cook/Serve Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Project, Friday, Feb. 28, 11:45 a.m. To volunteer, contact Joan Marcus at hmar com@juno.com. Kadima Kinnus, Friday, Feb. 28 to March 1, Beth El Seventh and Eighth graders will enjoy a youth group retreat at Lake Doniphan. Mexican and Margaritas Night, Saturday, March 1, 6:309:15 p.m., sponsored by Beth El’s Young Adult Committee, for all 20s and 30s (married and single), in the Jewish community. Cost, $10 per person. Babysitting available, $5 per child; reservations are required. For more information, contact cohosts Melissa Shapiro at Melissalynneshapiro@gmail.com, or Laurie Epstein at laurieepstein@hotmail.com. Hamantaschen Bake-A-Palooza, Sunday, March 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Beth El’s kitchen. To help out, contact at Linda Fischer at ljlaz@aol.com, or 402.996.0383. Mishloach Manot Bags to help deliver Purim treat bags, contact Diane Shandell at diane9357@gmail.com, or 402.333.7226. Tai Chi, Better Balance for everyone, last class of the session on March 3, 6–6:45 p.m., led by certified Tai Chi instructor, Beth Staenberg. Non-impact movement, perfect for men and women of all ages. For more information, contact the synagogue office. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, meets for a book swap on Monday, March 3, 7 p.m., at the home of Patty Nogg. To RSVP contact Nogg at noggster2@aol.com, or co-host Wendy Berenson at munch765@aol.com. Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Hayim Herring, Friday, March 7-Sunday, March 9. (see full story on page 3.) All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:47 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.
MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m.
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: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; LYTG meet to deliver Meals-on-Wheels, 10 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayakhel; Jewish Movie Night/Havdalah Service/Potluck Dessert, 7 p.m. we will be showing To Be or Not to Be. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1 p.m.; LJCS Board Meeting, 1 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Family Education Program, 3:30-5 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Nebraska’s Medicaid Choices: The Wellness in Nebraska Act, 7 p.m. at South Street Temple. For more information or questions please contact Barb Strauss, Social Action Committee at 402.476.1070. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. Creative Megillah Reading - Starring You, Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. We are looking for volunteers to help read. Please contact the Temple office if you want to participate.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. with Temple Israel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, at 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. We will begin with bagels, juice and coffee. We will conclude by 10:15. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families with young children, connect with our clergy, and add that wonderful Shabbat spice to the life of your family. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402-556-6536, to let us know you are coming; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Dialogues on Diversity Workshop, 1-4 p.m., at KANEKO Artist Space, 1111 Jones Street. Contact Program
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Director Wendy Goldberg for more information. Registration fee is $20; The Black-Jew Dialogues, 6:30 p.m., at KANEKO Artist Space, 1111 Jones Street. General admission is $5. SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Non-Jewish Parents Raising, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel; Community Wide Third and Fourth Grade Mitzvah Fair, 10:15 a.m. at Temple Israel; Temple TED Talks: Bernie Krause - The Voice of the Natural World, 11 a.m. with Steve Gottlieb; Adult Hebrew with Elyce Azriel, 11 a.m. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with with Na’ama. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; The Symbiotic Relationship of Science and Religion, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Brown. THURSDAY: The way to the heart of Judaism is through the stomach, 10 a.m. with Debbie Massarano. Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Douglas Kohn, Friday, Feb. 28 – Sunday, March 2. Hamentaschen Baking, Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Learn more about our new and improved defibrillator, noon-12:30 p.m. led by Jaine and Andy Merliss; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1 p.m.; LJCS Board Meeting, 1 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Family Education Program “A Taste of Jewish Tradition”, 3:30-5 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Purim Extravaganza, Saturday, March 15, 7 p.m. at the Coren home, 3417 Hanson Ct. Come hear the megillah reading, nosh on hamantaschen, and enjoy the entertainment. Adults and children alike can wear costumes! This event is planned for TI members of all ages and UNL Hillel members. RSVP to Nava in the office by Mar. 10. Purim Seudah lunch, Sunday, March. 16, noon. This gathering is geared for young and old! Please let us know you're coming so we can prepare the right amount of tasty food! RSVP to Nava in the office by Mar. 10.
Israeli absorption chief prepares plan for French Jews by JTA NEWS STAFF PARIS (JTA) -- Israel’s minister of immigrant absorption said she will submit to the government a plan easing the path for the growing numbers of French Jews coming to Israel. Sofa Landver told JTA that though she and her team expect mostly young immigrants, her ministry has prepared plans adapted to all ages and sectors designed to “erase all bureaucratic hurdles” confronting new arrivals. According to the Israeli ministry’s data, 3,301 new immigrants arrived from France last year, the highest number from that country since 2000. Landver said she will present the program in an upcoming Cabinet meeting. “Immigrating to Israel is a decision each individual makes on his own,” she said, “but we consider it important to discuss our plans with the French Jewish leadership and to have their support” Asked whether she considered the rise in anti-Semitic incidents in France to be the prime motivation for immigrating to Israel, Landver said that a community confronted with an increase in Jews leaving “reflects signs of discomfort, signs of insecurity and perhaps of antiSemitism.” “Waves of Jews leaving their community are bound to have their reasons,” she said. Landver said she and her team found that a recurrent message they encountered in France were parents encouraging their children to build their future in Israel rather than in their native land.
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February 21, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11
A Jewish invention
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Vayakhel Jews have had two major institutions for worship in their history. Worship in the Mikdash of the Wilderness and in the Temple of Jerusalem consisted largely of animal sacrifce. The complicated directions for the sacrificial system are given in a kind of “manual for the priest” in the Book of Leviticus. We ought not to wonder at this way of worship. Giving gifts of animal life to God among Jews was similar in many ways to the all-but-universal practice of animal sacrifice among many people in the ancient world. So sacrifice is not astonishing.
What is astonishing is the ancient Jewish invention of a quite different way of worship: the Synagogue. I don’t mean a synagogue building, I mean the institution of the Synagogue as a place where people gather to pray and participate in the study of Scripture. Here, one does not need a priest or any person specifically ordained or anointed to offer sacrifices. Here a teacher teaches Scripture and leads the congregation in prayer. The Synagogue, unlike the Temple, is a Jewish invention, and it serves as a model of modern synagogues, churches and mosques. Once we have said this, it is not irreverent to recognize that the ways of worship of the rabbinic age are superior to the way of worship of the Bible. Literarily, and in the loftiness of its concepts, the Bible is certainly not surpassed, but the ritual of animal sacrifice is certainly less elevated in the eyes of almost all of us than the rituals of Torah-reading and prayer. We may mourn for the destruction of the Temple, but it is a mourning that is historical and formal. It is the Synagogue that satisfies the Jewish soul.
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Lorraine Reiss passed away on Feb. 13 at age 96. Services were held on Feb. 16 in the Chapel at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L Streets. She was preceded in death by her husband, David W. Reiss and daughter, Rochelle Drolson. She is survived by sons and daugthers-in-law, Joe and Michelle Reiss and Rob and Wendy Reiss, and daughter and son-in-law, Lainey and Robert Nacron; grandchildren: Anna Reiss, Lia and Gavin Paul, Greg and Liz Nacron, Danielle and Josh Kyser, Abby Reiss, Ellie Reiss, Lane Romero-Reiss, Susanna Romero-Reiss, Blake and Astrid Drolson, Derek Drolson; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Bernie Altsuler. Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
Gertrude Weiss Nieder passed away on Jan. 31 in Newton, NJ. Services were held on Feb. 4 at B'nai Jeshurum Cemetery in Elizabeth, NJ by Rabbi Bill Kurry. She was preceded in death by husbands, Stanley Weiss and Herbert Nieder, and son, Hal Weiss. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer of Omaha, daughter, Carol Weiss and son, Steven Weiss of Newton, NJ; grandchildren: Sara, Anna and Samuel Munzesheimer of Omaha. Gertrude (Trudy) became a Bat Mitzvah at age 75. She had a love of Judaism and had an extensive Jewish library and collected Jewish themed art. Memorials made be made to Beth El Synagogue or Nebraska Educational TV.
German program will restore second Moroccan synagogue by JTA NEWS STAFF BERLIN (JTA) -- A historic synagogue in Morocco will be refurbished in a joint project with the German Foreign Ministry. The synagogue in Essaouira will be the second to be restored under a special German government program. Tuesday’s announcement came as the Moroccan ambassador in Berlin, Omar Zniber, launched an exhibit at the embassy’s cultural center of photographs of Moroccan Jews from the 1960s as well as new photos of synagogues in the country, both pre- and post-renovation. At the time of the photos, there were still tens of thousands of Jews in Morocco. Today the population is estimated at about 2,500. In addition, a conference on Moroccan Jewish cultural patrimony was hosted at Berlin’s Pergamon Museum this week. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry told JTA that the restoration of the 19th century Simon Attias Synagogue in Essaouira is to be completed in 2015. It is a joint effort with the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan
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Cultural Heritage. “With this project, the Federal Foreign Office supports the preservation of Jewish heritage in Morocco, thereby helping to strengthen the national identity of the country,” he said. The program already completed the restoration of the 17th century Slat al Fassiyin synagogue in Fez, which had been used as a carpet factory and then a boxing ring. It was rededicated in ceremonies last year. At that ceremony, Moroccan King Mohammed IV called for the restoration of all synagogues in the country “so that they may serve not only as places of worship, but also as forums for cultural dialogue and for the promotion of our cultural values.” Among those attending Berlin’s events this week were Jacques Toledano, executive chairman of the Moroccan Foundation of Jewish Cultural Heritage and the Moroccan Jewish Museum in Casablanca; and Serge Berdugo, president of the Union of Moroccan Jews. At the end of World War II, an estimated 265,000 Jews lived in Morocco. By the mid 1960s, more than 200,000 had immigrated, mostly to Israel.
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12 | The Jewish Press | February 21, 2014
Florida: It’s not just for old Jews anymore by URIEL HEILMAN HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (JTA) -- At the Urban Rustic Cafe in a strip mall located between Miami to the south and the Palm Beach retirement communities to the north, the line for a table stretches out the door and into the parking lot. Inside the kosher establishment, the volume is loud. An elderly Orthodox man sitting near the window leans across a table to hear what his wife is saying. At the dessert counter, boys with tzitzis fringes hanging from their shirts have their noses pressed against the glass. Nearby, two stylishly dressed 30-something women chatter away in Spanish, one of them rocking a young baby. As the blond waitress trying to serve them bumps hips with a busboy, the two have a brief exchange in rapid-fire Hebrew. Welcome to South Florida’s Jewish community. More than half a million Jews live in three counties there -- Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach -- making the region America’s third-largest Jewish metro area behind New York and Los Angeles. Add in the smaller Jewish communities elsewhere in Florida, and one of every 10 American Jews resides in the Sunshine State. While many are retirees, Florida isn’t just a place for elderly Jews. A combination of factors -- lower costs of living than in the Northeast, the lack of state income tax, Jewish institutional infrastructure, the draw of Miami to Latin American immigrants and, yes, the weather -- has helped turn Florida into one of America’s largest, most diverse and most unusual Jewish communities. “I think today we are no longer simply a retirement community,” said Jewish demographer Ira Sheskin, a professor of geography at the University of Miami. In the Miami area, a massive influx of Latin American immigrants since 2000, particularly from Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico, has reduced the Jewish community’s average age and brought far more Latin American diversity to a population whose Spanish speakers once were overwhelmingly Cuban exiles. The last Jewish population study conducted in Miami-Dade, in 2004, found that the county had the largest percentage of foreign-born Jews of any Jewish community in America. “We’re such an international community,” said Jacob Solomon, CEO of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “Clearly, the big story is the continuing Latin immigration
and what that means.” Nobody knows for certain how many Jews live in South Florida, because the most recent community studies are about a decade old. At last count, local federations’ studies found 256,000 Jews in Palm Beach County (2005); 186,500
The Ben Gamla Hebrew Charter School in Hollywood, Fla., seen here as a Jewish religious after-school program, gets underway. It is one sign of the growing presence of young Credit: Uriel Heilman Jewish families in South Florida. Jews in Broward County (2008); and 113,000 Jews in MiamiDade (2004). Miami began work on a new survey last month, but the results are not expected until fall. Even without solid numbers, however, there are some clear signs of the changes underway in South Florida Jewry, especially growth beyond retirees. As in many other regions across the country, there has been a significant expansion over the last decade or two in Orthodox synagogues, kosher restaurants and Jewish day schools, suggesting that the area’s Orthodox population is growing, particularly in Hollywood, Miami Beach, Aventura and Boca Raton. “Boca has the largest density in the Miami area of Jewish people per square mile,” said Deborah Shapiro, manager of loyalty marketing at the big-box grocery retailer WinnDixie, which conducted extensive demographic research in
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the area before investing $3 million to revamp its Boca Raton supermarket last year to focus on kosher consumers. Since completing the remodeling -- the store’s kosher offerings now include a pizza shop, fresh sushi counter, bakery, and meat and deli counter -- business in the store’s kosher departments has tripled, according to Shapiro. Winn-Dixie has two other stores in South Florida with instore kosher operations and full-time kosher supervisors, in Aventura and Tamarac. In Miami Beach, the story has been the growing number of young families, prompting the recent construction of a new building for a JCC that for years had been housed in a 1920s-era mansion. Completed in October 2012, the 37,000-square-foot Miami Beach JCC already has 1,700 member units -- about 5,000 people. A few miles to the north, the community around the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in North Miami Beach, near Aventura, also is growing, thanks to Latin American Jewish families. While Miami-Dade has the fewest Jews of the three counties, its population is the most stable because it has more young people and fewer retirees. Farther north, in Broward County, losses due to mortality have prompted a steep decline in the Jewish population. Far fewer new retirees are moving in. The story is different in Palm Beach County, which remains the No. 1 destination in America for Jewish retirees. While growth probably has leveled off, according to Sheskin’s demographic estimates, the expected retirement of the baby boomers likely will help Palm Beach keep up its Jewish numbers in the coming years. “I think we’re losing an older generation, but we’re getting new people to retire here all the time,” said Matthew Levin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. The story of Florida Jewry has not been one of unchecked growth. The Jewish community of Miami is still far below its peak, when it numbered nearly 250,000 in the late 1970s, and Broward is down from its high of nearly 300,000 in 1990. What’s different about South Florida today is that the region increasingly is a place where second-and third-generation Jews are being born, growing up and choosing to raise families of their own.
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