March 2, 2012

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

Mr. Corey is back!

March 2, 2012 8 Adar 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 24

This Week

Beth Cohen to head CJE

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Center for Jewish Education Our community is fortunate to have many talented professionals leading its Jewish organizations who contribute to the strength of Jewish life in Omaha. The latest benefactor of this talent base is the Jewish Federation of Omaha with the addition of Beth Cohen as the Executive Director for the Center for Jewish Education.

Snagging bargains for shalach manot Page 8 Completely at home at the Kidz Inn lounge, Allie Guido, left, Gabby Witkowski, Ella Epstein, Ivan Masyuk, Corey Kirshenbaum and Sean Monahan.

Cortney Christensen photos coming to JCC Gallery Page 9

Soldier boychik: Disenchanted Chasid turns to the military Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

This Month The Passover Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Corey Kirshenbaum has returned to the Jewish Community Center as director of Youth, Camp and Family Programming. You could say he has come full circle because Corey began his career at the JCC as the youth and camping director in 1987.

After three years as youth and camping director, doing a job he loved, he moved into administration, first as assistant executive director of the J and then as executive director of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center.

“I am so excited to be returning to

my original passion, our kids and Jewish camping. If I had to pick any area of specialty at the J, it would be camp. There’s something about planning a whole new summer of great experiences and watching it unfold each day through the campers’ eyes; there is just nothing else like it,” said Kirshenbaum. He intends to bring his unbridled enthusiasm and new ideas to all of the youth programming, from age two to eighteen.

Corey returned in January, shortly after The JCC earned the designation “Best of Omaha” for its 2011 summer camp by Omaha Magazine.

This highly regarded award includes

membership in the “Winner’s Circle” as one of the top three vote getters in its category.

“We are thrilled to have Corey join our team. He has hit the ground not running, but flying! His passion and excitement have infected us all,” said Aaron Rosenfeld, executive director of the JCC. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you caught one or two of us humming camp songs down the halls of the JCC.” “Lots of parents remember me as the youth director, they were my counselors! They have been emailing me and leaving messages on my Facebook page. They want us to Continued on page 2

ADL to host documentary When We Stop Counting

by LIZZY GILBERT Corporate & Community Development, ADL Plains States Region An influx of immigrants to a small community can present new and unique challenges to local school districts. Subjects like assimilation and prejudice can emerge in light of such demographic changes. On Tuesday March 13 the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will host a screening of a locally filmed documentary about how one school responded to changes within its community.

The ADL provides a wide array of diversity, anti-bias, and anti-bullying educational programs within and beyond Omaha’s schools. “The film introduces you to students and educators in Crete, Nebraska, and presents a heartwarming example of how a community can embrace the diffi-

cult challenges of immigration in a positive way to the betterment of all involved,” remarked ADL Civil Rights Committee co-chair Aaron Weiner.

backbreaking sacrifice in hopes of achieving the American Dream.

The film features commentary from administration, faculty, and

A scene from When We Stop Counting.

It is in our best interest to educate all children, but swift demographic changes can present challenges to this goal. The school system in the town of Crete had rather suddenly become 50% minority. Crete Public Schools had, and continues to have, a responsibility to educate all children.

The documentary, When We Stop Counting follows six Hispanic high school students in Crete through their personal struggles and triumphs while bearing the pressure of their parents’

scholars on how schools can serve both the students and the community, while the students themselves record their own footage of experiences at school, home, work, and at play.

“The ADL took an interest in the film because it humanizes the issues of education, immigration, and most importantly, our future,” said ADL Regional Director Alan Potash.

In September, the ADL showed the film to over 200 Omaha-area Continued on page 3

Beth Cohen “I am delighted to have Beth bring her enthusiasm and experience to the campus,” said Mike Silverman, Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO. “Beth interviewed for the JCC Executive Director position and made an excellent impression on the committee.

Since that time, we had hoped to find a fit for her in the organization and were very pleased to find that fit with the Center for Jewish Education.” Silverman added, “Plans are underway to expand the role of the agency and Beth will be an integral player in identifying the best way to enhance the agency’s services.”

Cohen has served as Executive Director of Beth Israel Synagogue for the past 12 years.

Her tenure included a period of exciting change for Beth Israel which included the building of a new synagogue and the hiring of new clergy in addition to the wide range of “normal” job responsibilities that assure a smooth synagogue operation.

Prior to her position with Beth Israel, Cohen worked for the JCC as the Youth and Camping Director and as the BBYO director. Beth and her husband, Harry Berman, have two children, Zoe and Brad.

“I had the privilege of working with Beth when I was president of Beth Israel and am looking forward to working with her again in my role as president of CJE” reported Bonnie Bloch.

“Beth is a true professional and her experience in the Omaha Jewish community will be invaluable as the agency makes plans for the future.”

Bloch added that Mary Sue Grossman, who has led the agency for the past year, will Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

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It’s a Family Affair

by BOAZ ARAD community center in one of the temporary housing sites SENDAI, Japan (JTA) -- Tears run down the face of built to accommodate the tens of thousands of tsunami surKohata Yuriko as she recalls the events of March 11 last year, vivors who lost their homes to the wave. Helped by the aid when a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the workers she dances, bangs on drums, laughs and smiles -coast of eastern Japan in the early afternoon. and then, asked to choose from a pile of special cards used Shopping for groceries in as psychotherapeutic tools, the small fishing town of she begins to cry.

Iwanuma, she heard the It is the first time since the tsunami sirens. disaster that she has cried in Realizing she had little front of someone, and Yuriko time, Yuriko collected her son is apologetic. She has been and 93-year-old father and unemployed for nearly a year, fled. As her foot hit the gas shares a cramped temporary pedal, she could hear the horhousing unit with her father, rible noise of the wave as it husband and son, and concame crashing through the stantly feels like she is about neighborhood. to faint from anxiety.

Later that day, Yuriko “It’s OK to cry,” says Judy learned that a grandmother Spanglet, an Orthodox Israeli and her grandson, a good social worker and family Yuriko Kohata, who saved her father and her son from the friend of her son’s, perished in therapist who has worked tsunami, is comforted by IsraAID project coordinator/transthe neighboring house as the with trauma victims all over lator Celia Dunkelman, left, and therapist Osnat Nisanov, tsunami smashed into it. the world. “It’s perfectly norright, at a workshop in one of Iwanuma’s many temporary Upon hearing the news, her mal. Let it out. You have been Credit: Boaz Arad housing sites. son started to cry. so busy worrying for and tak“Thank you, mom,” he said again and again. “Thank you ing care of other people that you have forgotten to think of for coming back for me.” yourself.”

Through an interpreter, Yuriko says she still cries all the Yuriko lets out a big smile; suddenly she seems relieved. time when she’s alone.

“Thank you for listening,” she says, sighing. “Until now I “I’m so stressed and nervous that I can hardly breathe,” she didn’t really have anyone I could speak to.” says.

The Japanese government has worked to clean up the But with the assistance of volunteers and post-trauma material damage from the tsunami and find housing for experts from the Israeli nongovernmental organization those it left homeless. The government has been less deterIsraAID, she is beginning to learn to cope with the tragedy. mined in providing survivors with needed psychological Yuriko is sitting on the floor of a caravan converted into a Continued on page 3

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Continued from page 1 bring back all the things they loved about camp so their children can have those same experiences,” Kirshenbaum added. He is looking forward to taking the best of previous camps, the events everyone enjoyed, like Color Wars, and mixing in things new and unexpected.

“There is real nostalgia for the type of camping we all enjoyed when we were kids. So, we are going to do that.”

“Why not return to some of the basics of what made camp so great for us and what a lot of us still remember as the best parts of our childhood?”

As Kirshenbaum so aptly stated, “I’m ready to turn things upside down, around, and backwards, if that’s what it takes!”

Campers are going to start off their day with an old-fashioned flag-raising. To foster true camp spirit, everyone will gather at the flag circle and raise the American and Israeli flags. “We will stay together as one group and play some classic games. Simon Says is my personal favorite. I will challenge the campers because I take great pride in my Simon skills,” said Kirshenbaum.

Music and sing-a-longs will be returning in a big way.

Remember all the great Jewish camp songs of the 70’s and 80’s? Well, Am Yisrael Chai, Ba Shanah Haba’ah, Not By Might, Not By Power (a personal Debbie Friedman favorite) and Ma Tovu will become as familiar to the campers as the latest pop singles on the Billboard chart. It may just take

them a little longer to find the videos on You Tube.

Kirshenbaum predicts no one will be singing as loud or as often as he will be. In fact, he will jokingly caution parents “don’t be surprised if the kids ask for some peace and quiet once they are back home.”

The camp day will also include a “Campers Choice” period for certain age groups in which they will pick two specialty areas of focus that may include art, sports, science, video production, or robotics.

And, if this still isn’t enough excitement, Color Wars returns in an expanded way with all-new themes and challenges. We can’t say much more about that, as Kirshenbaum insists on keeping an element of surprise to camp. “There is nothing better than seeing a camper’s face after you present a great surprise. Hopefully, they won’t even know it’s coming, because that’s the type of thing that becomes a memory never forgotten,” said Kirshenbaum.

Camp starts June 4 with Summer Fun Days. Brochures have been mailed and are available at JCC Member Services and throughout the Federation campus.

Register on or before March 11 and receive a 10% discount. Registration can be done online at www.jccomaha .org, by fax to 402.334.6483 or call Laura Wine, Registrar, at 402.334.6419. Registration must be accompanied by either payment in full or a 25% deposit. Limited financial assistance may be available through the Center for Jewish Education at 402.334.6445.

Beth Cohen Continued from page 1 remain in her position as Associate Executive Director.

“Mary Sue and Beth will be a fabulous team as we move forward with the agency’s expansion,” commented Bloch.

“Their combined talents will assure top notch programs for our community.”

In talking about her new position, Cohen commented about the excitement the move is bringing. “I consider myself so fortunate to have spent my career working for the Omaha Jewish community. Moving to the Federation feels like the natural progression as I bring the skill set that I have honed at the JCC and at Beth Israel to a broader platform throughout Jewish Omaha.” She continued saying, “As a professional, one of my priorities is to help people get connected. At Beth Israel, it was getting congregants connected to the committee or class or project that best suited them. At the Federation, I look forward to building these connections and developing new collaborations through existing avenues and through new and innovative community initiatives.”

The Center for Jewish Education is responsible for a wide variety of programs including Partnership 2Gether, the Israeli Shlicha, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, scholarships and grants, the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program, the Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation, the Omaha Jewish Community Chai School, adult education, teacher training, Special Needs education, the Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Book Month and more.

Other agency staff members are Shirly Banner, Library Specialist; Eileen Clignett, Special Needs Teacher; Na’ama Keren, Israeli Shlicha; Mark Kirchhoff, Administrative Assistant; and Shiri Tene, B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program Coordinator.

“When I was in high school, my dad was honored by the Jewish nursing home as a ‘board member for life,’” reported Cohen. “We teased him about that not being such a good deal. Now, I think how lucky he was to be connected to a Jewish organization whose mission he was so committed to fulfilling.”

March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 3

Israelis bring trauma expertise to tsunami victims When We Stop Counting

Continued from page 2 proven effective worldwide,” he adds. “We support. A number of volunteer groups, make cultural adaptations, of course, but in most of them Japanese, have worked to fill the end we are all human and we share the that hole, running community-based sup- same fears and the same dreams.” port programs focused mainly on fun It is a tight operation, effectively run by activities for children and the elderly. A few, however, have dug in deeper.

IsraAID, a humanitarian organization funded by a number of North American Jewish federations, is one of them.

Arriving in Japan shortly after the disaster, IsraAID’s small team of volunteers has supplied medical relief items, provided training to handle post-traumatic stress disorder and organized art, Yotam Polizer, IsraAID’s Japan project manager, plays the guimusic, movement and tar for residents of a temporary housing site for tsunami surdrama therapy sessions vivors in Ishinomaki as part of a music therapy session run by for residents of the many post-trauma experts from the Israeli NGO. Community leader small towns devastated Chiho Shimura, center, is among those enjoying Polizer’s by the tsunami.

Credit: Boaz Arad music.

The sessions, which utilize a mostly nonverbal approach to help two people: project manager Yotam Polizer, people express their feelings, have been so a 28-year-old social worker who spent the successful that IsraAID is now planning to last few years volunteering in Nepal; and operate a training center for at least anoth- project coordinator Celia Dunkelman, an er year and a half. The NGO was honored energetic Indonesian-Jewish musician who for its work recently by the Japanese grew up in Japan and functions as both Chamber of Commerce in New York. translator and coordinator. Polizer shuttles “Israel, sadly, is pretty much a trauma lab,” almost weekly between workshops in says Meirav Tal-Margalit, an IsraAID vol- affected towns and meetings with Ministry unteer and movement therapist who works of Health officials in Tokyo. with domestic abuse victims and residents “The main idea behind our activities is to of the rocket-stricken Israeli town of Sderot. supply the Japanese with the therapeutic “We have extensive experience in this tools and the know-how to help them deal field, and the tools we use here have been with the trauma themselves,” Polizer says.

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“We locate local community leaders and professionals from the health and education sectors, and work directly with them.

They then use what they learn and pass it on to many more people than we can reach on our own.”

One of these local leaders is Chiho Shimura, an independent event organizer from Tokyo who was so shaken by the disaster that she left her business to volunteer with survivors in her native Ishinomaki, a port city of 164,000. Ishinomaki was so badly devastated by the tsunami that nearly a fifth of its population now lives in temporary housing.

Some survivors, tired of waiting for the temporary shelters to be constructed, returned prematurely to their partially destroyed houses, living in some cases with no heat or running water. Shimura has been running a support center for them, supplying warm clothes, mobile heaters and food.

“I had a storm raging inside me for a very long time,” she says. “And then, in the first IsraAID workshop I participated in, it finally came out. I cried like I have never cried before, and it was so relieving. We’ve had Japanese social workers come here and talk to people, but they were not able to do what the Israelis have done. They immediately saw into our hearts. They definitely saw into mine.”

IsraAID, Shimura adds, is different than the other aid groups that have come to Ishinomaki, delivered their donations, made a speech, took some pictures and left.

“They don’t just keep coming back,” she says. “They come whenever we need them, even on the weekends. They have become a part of this place.”

Continued from page 1 educators and administrators as a part of the organization’s Educator Breakfast Series.

“The overwhelming interest from the local education community helped us to realize that When We Stop Counting has a broader appeal,” said Ellie Batt, ADL board member and one of the event’s organizers.

“As a nation of immigrants, this film is something almost everyone can relate to, either historically or through their current situation,” Batt went on to say. Other event organizers include Mimi Silverman and Shirley Cemaj, both members of the ADL’s Civil Rights Committee.

The event will begin with a networking reception at 6:30 p.m. in Aksarben Cinema’s lounge area, with the film beginning at 7 p.m. Aksarben Cinema is located at 2110 S. 67th St. Following the film, co-director Elisabeth Reinkordt, Crete Public Schools Superintendent Kyle McGowan, and Crete Bilingual Guidance Counselor Karen Buchfinck will participate in a panel discussion.

“This is a unique opportunity to learn about one school’s success in a diverse and evolving community,” said Potash. “We welcome the community to join us for this film.”

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased online through Aksarben Cinema’s website, or at the box office.

To watch a trailer for the documentary, visit http://youtu.be/yd_PwJ41USc. For more information about this event or the ADL, please call 402.333.1303 or email EGilbert@adl.org.

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Temple Israel’s Purim Spiel will Rock to the Beatles

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Get ready to laugh, sing, and drown out Haman’s name on Wednesday, March 7 starting at 6 p.m. at Temple Israel’s

a go-getter. Don’t ever let Haman under your skin. Then you begin to make it better!” Purim will never be the same!

Originally written by Norman Roth for the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, the production (to the tune

Practicing for the Purim spiel, above, from left to right: Adam Silverman, Ben Brodkey, Jeremy Silverman and Jeremy Wright; right: Mike and Mendy Halsted prepare Hamantaschen in time for Purim.

Purim spiel, “The Megillah According to the Beatles” directed by congregant Jeremy Wright. Interspersed with tunes by the Beatles (including She Loves You) with slightly adjusted lyrics such as It’s Purim, yeah, yeah, yeah, the spiel is for grandparents, parents, and kids -- whether they grew up in the ‘60s, before that or after the Beatles’ heyday.

Wright, Bright Start Transition Specialist at Metro Community College, has acted in numerous productions including the Great Platte River Playwright’s Festival and the Jewish Community Center’s Theatre Acting Group. Colin Brown, vocal music instructor at Central High School, will conduct choirs of adults as well as all the children from Temple Israel’s Religious School in the production. Joi Brown, a performing arts professional with more than 20 years experience in choreography, among other theatrical arts, has arranged the choreography.

With refrains from Beatle melodies such as (to the tune of Hey Jude), “Hey Jews, don’t weep and wail! I won’t fail to be

of She Loves You) “With the Beatles here, you know you should be glad!” Join the cast as (to the tune of Yellow Submarine), “We all pray in a yellow synagogue, yellow synagogue, yellow synagogue.” The spiel will be performed on the stage in the Friedman Social Hall and is free to all who attend.

Wear your costume to the 11:30 a.m. prayer assembly on Sunday, March 11. The Purim Carnival follows at noon along with pizza, hog dogs, pasta and hamentaschen for lunch. To enjoy both the carnival games and lunch, the cost is $10 per family including up to four meals ($5 per additional meal). Adults who would like to volunteer at the carnival can call Wendy Goldberg or Dennis DePorte at Temple, 402.556.6536.

Purim at Tifereth Israel

by MARCIA KUSHNER South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel in Lincoln will celebrate Purim on Wedneday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. A Purim Schpiel: The Grand Old Megillah Goes Country will start the evening. This original production of music and fun is directed by Maria Cadwallader and Judy Hart, well known equity actor and director.

Appearing in the play are Rabbi Lewis, Sue Schreiber, The Watch Family singers, Marcia Kushner, Miles Bryant, Elaine Monnier, and many others. The reading of the Megillah will follow the play.

The audience of all ages is encouraged to come in costume and there will be opportunities to join in the fun throughout the production. There will be treats and prizes.

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Beth El Megillah reading and Purim Carnival

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Purim fun at Beth El can’t be beat, offering a rollicking good time for holiday revelers of all ages. This year, the synagogue’s festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, with Minha/Ma’ariv services and followed by the congregation’s fun-filled Family Megillah Reading.

Everyone in the Jewish community is invited to enjoy this abbreviated reading of the tale of Shushan and its shenanigans, which will have attendees clapping, stomping their feet, cheering for Queen Esther and booing for Haman.

Attendees are encouraged to strut their stuff in silly, creative costumes; those showing up in wacky garb -- adults and children alike -- will receive a free game ticket for the annual BILY USY Purim Carnival.

After the Family Megillah Reading, stay for a pasta buffet dinner, which is free for Beth El members and only $5 for non-members. Reservations are required and may be made by visiting www.bethel-omaha.org, by calling the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or by emailing reception@ bethel-omaha.org. The full Megillah reading will take place after dinner at 7:30 p.m.

The synagogue’s holiday festivities continue on Sunday, March 11, as teens from USY present their annual Purim carnival from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature entertaining game booths for children of all ages, a silent auction, raffle, a ping pong tournament, and a holiday lunch served by the Men’s Club. This year’s carnival chairmen are Tal Margalit, Ethan Potash, Naomi Zipursky and Elissa Wiener.

According to organizers, game tickets are five for $1, four for $1 the day of the carnival. Raffle tickets are $1 each – buy 10 and get one free. Individual meal tickets are $7, and patrons may also take advantage of the combo packages being offered: a combo pack (one meal, 10 game tickets and one raffle ticket) is $8 in advance, $9.50 the day of the carnival; or the Family Pack (including four meals, 50 game tickets and 11 raffle tickets) is $40.

Tickets orders are being taken now: checks -- made payable to Beth El USY – may be sent to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. Tickets may also be purchased at www.bethel-omaha.org. For more information, contact Youth Director Shiri Tene in the synagogue office, or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

The Purim carnival serves as USY’s biggest fund-raiser of the year; proceeds are used for convention travel expenses and scholarships, and a portion is donated to two charities selected by USY members. The entire community is invited to support Beth El’s teens and have a great time in the process.

March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 5

JCC Lions Select Boys Basketball Team wins tournament

by BRIAN HENSON practice nights a week and at least one game JCC Omaha Director of Sports and Recreation on the weekend. Each team also has the The JCC Lions Select Basketball opportunity to play in four tournaments Program’s Mission is to develop young men throughout the season. and women through basketball. Our coachAs a member of the JCC Lions, players es and staff teach and mentor each player in have the opportunity to go to both a a manner that promotes sportsmanship, fair Creighton Men’s and Women’s basketball play, and teamwork. Playing in a positive game for free. Our relationship with environment enables our players to reach Creighton also allows us to bring in their full potential while learning new sports and life skills, and having a great time.

Recently the JCC’s 4th grade boys’ team won the Second Annual Youth Sports of Nebraska’s Valentines Jam. Coach Steve Clark said: “We played Treynor Iowa in the first game, a team that went 7-0 during the fall predator session and beat us 29-20 in league play.

They were a big, physical team and we battled hard Josh Siegel, left, Sam Clark, John Trainer, Grant Tagge, Adam for rebounds and stayed McGauvran, back, Alex Goldstein, front, Michael Finan, Joe composed with the ball to Kirshenbaum, and Jeremy Silverman. grind out the first win. Our next game was against the Tigers. Again, we Creighton players to help run our summer won that game by 1 point on a 3 point shot basketball camp. Last year Josh Jones, with less than 10 seconds left. This game was Gregory Echinique, Grant Gibbs and Nevin a low scoring affair where the boys had to Johnson helped with the camp. We are very overcome the excitement of the first game excited to have them back this year. Camp and wait around an hour to play again. Our is Monday through Friday June 11-15 from third game was against YSON Bobcats; even 9 a.m.–noon. Registration is open now for though we had the tourney wrapped up, the camp, so call to ensure you have spot. boys battled and won 35-31. They showed Although the 2011-2012 season is windthey could play together with a number of ing down, now is your chance to become a good passes against pressure defense and part of an amazing program. Come join us some balanced scoring.” for tryouts the weekend of March 18th This year the JCC has 8 teams; five boys’ (details will be out soon, so check your teams and three girls’ teams. Our goal is to emails and read the flyers). For more inforcontinue to grow and to provide an amazing mation, please contact Brian Henson at basketball experience. Our facilities are sec- 402.334.6422 or bhenson@jccomaha.org. ond to none; each team is guaranteed two Go Lions!

Annual Omaha lunch at Langer’s Deli, LA...

Norm Veitzer, left, Richard Murfeld of LA, a friend of Norm’s, former Omahan Sheldon Rips, Mike Erman, Steve Bloch, Mel Bergman, of LA, a friend of Murray’s and Murray Newman.

WikiPURIM

by RABBI LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN for Chabad Center Wikipedia: millions of individuals sharing tidbits of knowledge, seemingly unrelated to each other, but each serves as a puzzle piece and together form a vast encyclopedia.

In ancient Persia, a series of seemingly unrelated incidents occurred, each one a critical element in the historic story of Purim.

The Purim story was just a number of moments: A party thrown, a queen killed. A villain empowered, a queen selected. A nation condemned, the villain humiliated. A child’s prayer, a queen’s request. A kingly offer, a people’s salvation.

Together, the puzzle pieces reveal a story of Divine intervention, G-dly salvation, and miraculous nature.

In this spirit Chabad Center will be hosting a WikiPURIM celebration. “Mindful of the micro puzzle pieces that make up each

of our lives, which are reflective of the Purim narrative, we will focus on the puzzle of life as we know it”, explained Shani Katzman, one of the organizers of the event.

“As fragmented and disconnected the series of events that form our individual lives may be, there is a rich tapestry being sewn together as we live each day. The people we meet. The places we go. With whom we interact and when. The challenges. The personal victories both large and small. Each helps form the big picture”, she added.

WikiPURIM will offer a delectable Purim Feast on Thursday, March 8 at 5 p.m. at the Chabad Center. The Megillah will be read and fun for every member of every age group will be in abundance. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume.

Reservations can be made by calling 402.330.1800 or by emailing shalom@ocha bad.com. This program is open to the entire community at no charge.

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6 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

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ELDERFEST 2012 City Auditorium Thursday, April 19 Wayne 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Doors open promptly at 9 a.m. - exhibits conclude at 11:30 - entertainment from 1-5 and dance from 7-10. Keep your money in your pocket...it's all FREE"

FREE GIFTS, REGISTER FOR PRIZES, FREE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT. FREE ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

Attention Exhibitors: Only 35 8-Foot Tables Available.

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

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

Call Dennis @ 402-375-1130, Cinda @ 402-369-2582, or Susan @ 402-369-0910.

Please send your contact information to: Elderfest, 1200 Providence Road, Wayne, NE 68787

A day-long celebration ... especially for our friends 55 years of age and over.

Mainstreeters offers March Madness

by OZZIE NOGG Mainstreeters -- like the NCAA -- will also have a ball in March. Here’s the fun and games line-up.

Poker -- A Refresher Class: Tuesdays, March 6 and 13.

Free classes run from 10-11 a.m. in the Husker Lounge on Main Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Instructor Shawn Menagh, poker enthusiast and volunteer at the Home, will teach you the poker hand rankings, how and when to bet, when to bluff, and all the important poker lingo. To reserve your spot at the table, call Maggie Conti, 402.334.6521. If you have questions, call Rocky Stern at 402.343.4952.

Mah Jongg -- Connect the Dots, Bams and Cracks: Thursdays, March 22 and 29. Free classes run from 10-11 a.m. in the Husker Lounge on Main Street at the RBJH. Instructor Lois Wine, Director of Volunteers, will be your beginners’ guide to this wildly popular game. And listen up, men. Combat the stereotype that Mah Jongg is for women, only. Come join us, fellahs, and take a ‘crack’ at learning this ancient Chinese game. To reserve your spot, call Maggie Conti, 402.334.6521. Questions? Call Rocky Stern at 402.343.4952.

Lunch with Lieutenant Shayna Ray, Omaha Police Department: Monday, March 19 at 12:30 p.m. in the Blumkin Home Auditorium. Our special guest, Lt. Ray, was the first woman to lead both the homicide and the gang units. Come hear her remarkable story. For your entree, choose either Panco Crusted Cod or Panco Crusted Boneless Chicken Breast, both served with chicken noodle soup, rice pilaf, roasted mixed vegetables, challah rolls, cookies and a beverage. Cost is $11.50 a plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, March 12. For information, call Linda Abrams Tederman at 402.468.4939.

Join Us at the Movies: Moneyball. Friday, March 23.This free showing (with free popcorn) starts at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Nominated for Best Motion Picture and Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Moneyball is a movie for anybody who has ever dreamed of taking on the system. Based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s -- who reinvented his team on a tight budget and went on to outsmart the richer clubs -- this film will leave you cheering. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. If you’d like to enjoy lunch at the Star Deli at the Blumkin Home before the movie, call Maggie at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. The Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is on your own.

Bellevue Little Theatre: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Sunday, March 25. This toe-tapping, fun-loving musical comedy will appeal to anyone who has ever worked in an office. Come watch our hero climb the ladder from window washer all the way to the top. It’s the perfect big business satire. Cost: $15 a person includes show admission and school bus transportation to the theatre sponsored by Jewish Social Services. Bus leaves the JCC at 1 p.m. -- please be at the main entrance by 12:45 a.m. -- and returns at approximately 7 p.m. Dinner, on your own, is available after the show at The Greek Islands. Ticket reservations are needed by Thursday, March 15. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and mail to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Questions? Call Maggie at 402.334.6521.

Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed bag of social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest. No dues are required to be part of Mainstreeters, but a $5 per person communication fee is needed to keep your name on the mailing list. Jim Wax, 402.393.4442, is the guy to call.

Come to Temple Israel Tot Tifereth Israel Shabbat in your pajamas! Shabbaton to feature

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Steven Abraham A short service of stories and songs created with young

We do everything from the concrete to the roof

children in mind will be led by the clergy at a Pajama Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 9 at Temple Israel.

Especially for families with children through the second grade, their parents and grandparents, the worship service will be followed by a pajama party and a breakfast-themed dinner, prepared by Women of Reform Judaism.

“My kids, Riley, four, and Avery, two, really like Tot Shabbat,” said Jeff Nogg. “They like the singing and being with a lot of kids their age. Honestly, they could care less about the food but enjoy running around with their friends after dinner. As parents, we (he and his wife Kelly), enjoy Tot Shabbat since it’s a good family activity that involves us with the synagogue and gets our kids excited about being Jewish!”

Cost for dinner is $5 for adults; no charge for children.

Contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536 or RSVP@ templeisraelomaha.com to make a dinner reservation.

by MARCIA KUSHNER for Congregation Tifereth Israel Congregation Tifereth Israel in Lincoln will host a special Shabbaton next weekend, featuring Beth El Synagogue’s new assistant rabbi, Steven Abraham. On Friday, March 9, the congregation is invited to a 6 p.m. meet and greet reception with the rabbi, and at 6:30 p.m., he will help to lead Shabbat services.

On Saturday, services begin at 9:30 a.m., and Rabbi Abraham will present the morning’s d’var Torah, entitled, The Lesson of the Golden Calf. Services will be followed by a special Israeli-inspired Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the Tifereth Israel Board of Directors, and after the meal, Rabbi Abraham will lead a study session exploring the topic, How Do We Avoid Building a Second Golden Calf? All congregants, as well as University of NebraskaLincoln Hillel members, are invited to attend.

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by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc. It’s been said that part of the American dream is to own a home. Due to the recent housing crash, you should not buy a house under the assumption it is going to go continually up in value. In fact, from a financial perspective, for some people home ownership is not the best option.

If you do want to own a house, there are guidelines to follow, which will help you avoid foreclosure, or being forced to sell in a down market.

The major cause of the housing crash was that people were buying homes that they could not afford. One important rule to follow is don’t buy a house unless you pay up 20% up of its selling price. Homeowners, who didn’t make a down payment, or just a small percentage down, are the ones whose homes were foreclosed on or got into financial trouble.

When it comes to rent or mortgages, it should never be more than 25% of your net income; it insures that you will not get in over your head.

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Arts+Entertainment KANEKO invites the public to Homage: Remembering Chernobyl, an exhibition by the award-winning, international photographer Jim Krantz. The exhibition opens on March 2 and coincides with a special presentation featuring Jim Krantz in conversation with Henry Henderson, Director of the Midwest Program of the Natural Resources Defense Council. They will discuss the humanistic impact of nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and the environmental ramifications in the current quest for energy alternatives.

The exhibition opens at 6 p.m. followed by the presentation and Q & A at 7 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.thekaneko.org or call 402.341.3800.

March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 7

In the news

A travesty hits close

Former Omahan Amy Frankel, Chicago, Il, daughter of the late Dean and Barbara Frankel, was elected Lincolnwood School District 74 Board of Education President. In 2009, Frankel was elected to the Board. Her goal is to restore transparency and trust with the community, while leading the District’s mission and “lighthouse” education model.

Former Omahan Avi Katzman has announced the opening of her online gallery space at http://www.etsy.com/ shop/avigailkatzman on Etsy.com, the “world’s handmade marketplace.” A 2011 graduate of the School of Visual Arts, Avi is a photographer living in New York City.

Her most recent works were in a fundraiser held at the New York City Public Library for Olana, the 250-acre estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church.

Avi is the daughter of Carol and Mike Katzman.

Marvin J. Bittner, MD, was installed as President of the Metro Omaha Medical Society for 2012-2013 at the society’s dinner meeting at Champions Run on Jan. 24, 2012. The Metro Omaha Medical Society is the county medical society for physicians in Douglas and Sarpy Counties and is affiliated with the Nebraska Medical Association.

He has been a member of the society for 30 years and has been editor since 2001 of its bimonthly magazine, the MOMS Physicians Bulletin.

He is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases and is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine. His clinical practice is at Creighton Medical Associates, Creighton University Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center in Omaha.

Births Lauren and Jonathan Zoob of San Mateo, CA, announce the Feb. 14 birth of their daughter, Zoey Madison.

Granparents are Nora and Barry Zoob and Terye and Jacob Levy Great-grandmothers are Marilyn Baruh and Rachael Levy.

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by SYBIL KAPLAN A few years ago, Barry chanced to strike up a friendship with a personable man in his ulpan (Hebrew language classes) from New Jersey. After a few coffee chats, he learned that Italian Al Nucciarone was the Baptist minister of the Jerusalem Baptist Church. The friendship grew as the wives met and soon we were sharing dinners; they came to our synagogue for Purim and Simchat Torah; we went to their church for the Christmas program and other events.

Pastor Al Nucciarone Monday morning, Feb. 20, a Credit: Barry A. Kaplan/ phone call came to Pastor Jerusalem Nucciarone that vandals had scrawled “Death to Christians,” “We will crucify you,” and “Jesus son of Mary the whore” on the outside walls of the church, on a window and on a shed.

Three cars, two belonging to Israeli neighbors, parked in the parking lot, were spray painted and had their tires slashed.

Barry spent most of the day, just showing support for Al; our rabbi who has met the Pastor on numerous occasions, went with Barry to show support and alerted the Mayor’s office. The Reform synagogue behind them which shares the parking lot, sent flowers to show support.

Later in the day, we drove Al to the Israel Broadcasting building and I accompanied him to the building and studio in case he needed Hebrew translated, where he was interviewed on the 5 p.m. English news about the incident.

Two weeks ago, similar sentences were spray painted on the Valley of the Cross monastery and an Arab-Jewish school had anti-Arab graffiti spray painted on its walls.

Ordinarily, watching the IBA news producer and three

Graffiti on the outside wall of the church.

Credit: Barry A. Kaplan/Jerusalem production assistants sitting before the formidable wall of 11 large TV screens and 10 mini-screens with boards of lights and buttons, or looking through the window to watch the studio anchormen broadcast would have been very exciting for me.

In this case, watching the interview of our friend was disturbing, knowing that Al is so very strongly supportive of Israel. As someone said, Baptists have been in Israel since 1911; they, like Pastor Nucciarone, who has been here four years, love Israel. And we share in his hurt from this despicable, thoughtless, hateful act.

Summer camp registration opens for Chabad

by CASSONDRA TABER for Chabad Center With the beautiful Nebraska spring weather these days, it is obvious that summer plans need to be made. Chabad’s renowned Camp Gan Israel will be in session this summer for two weeks from June 4-June 15.

“Talking the Talk” is this year’s theme as kids will immerse themselves in a wide array of sports, arts, and fun.

The camp is for children ages 5-11 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and includes hot lunches and healthful snacks each day. Cost is $180 with a 10% discount for registration received by March 15th.

The parent camp committee is Debbie Denenberg, Tippi Denenberg, and Lise Sasson.

To register go to www.ochabad.com/camp or call 402.330.1800.

Michael Denenberg, left, and Mendel Wright

8 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

Beth El gets ready for Cantor’s Concert

Beth El Prepares to Rock the Rafters: As the March 4 Cantor’s Scholarship Concert approaches, performers tune up, warm up and rehearse for the 4 p.m. performance of “Beth El’s Got Talent.” Top photo: guitarists Bob Adler, left, Jeff Dworkin and Jill Belmont rehearse their folk number; bottom photo: director Joanie Jacobson works with participants on the show’s opening song. For ticket information, visit www.bethel-omaha.org, or call the synagogue office. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Sarah Bleicher, a senior at Boston College, will share her African experiences from her recent school-sponsored Uganda Solidarity Trip on Wednesday, March 7, noon at the Blumkin 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 To know Yiddish is to become an artist with words and a master at describing the foibles, the quirks, and the strengths of human character. Yiddish is the best way to understand the soul of the Jewish people. We meet every Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Home Board Room. Come join us and enjoy meeting your soul mates.

For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Snagging bargains for shalach manot

by EDMON J. RODMAN Esther, I would need to be flexible. Luckily, in the book aisle LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Falling between the giving season I found a soft cover King James version of the Bible that had of Hanukkah and the getting season of tax refunds, Purim the Book of Esther. time finds households like mine searching for ways to keep “Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus,” the text holiday expenses down to earth without losing the mirth. began. What could I find to represent the king, ruler of 127 What with the cost of fancy, professionally made kosher provinces, and by royal decree the instigator of a search for “fair shalach manot (from “mishloach manot,” “sending of por- young virgins?” In the drink aisle I found a bluish plastic bottions”) baskets going for 50 bucks and up, I wanted to find a tle of G2, Gatorade Perform, which the packaging said would less expensive way to share the joy with more people. “replenish vital nutrients and energy” -- just the thing to repreI wanted to make my own basket of goodies, but what were sent an active ruler with a “second house” just for his women. the basic requirements? I mean “Now in Shushan the palace there was a cervery basic. On Purim, accordtain Jew whose name was Mordecai,” the text ing to Jewish law, you should continued, going on to say “And he brought send at least two food items to up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s at least one person, both to daughter...” ensure that they have food for To represent Esther, I found a package of a Purim feast and to promote Hannah Montana Milk Chocolate Sticker friendship between Jews. coins. The Hannah Montana/Miley Stewart So what kind of friendship double life characterization (played by Miley could I promote for, let’s say, Cyrus on the Disney show) reminded me of 10 bucks or less? I wanted Esther’s double life as a secret Jewish maiden variety, abundance, novelty who is also Ahasuerus’ queen. and kosher. I wondered, For Mordecai, who saves the king from an could I fill my basket at that assassination plot, and ultimately emerges as purple island of bargains, the victor in a power struggle with Haman, I 99 Cents Only Store? thought some bling would show off his new I really didn’t want to give a status. In the candy aisle I found a package of basket filled with clearance Ring Pops, the “wearable candy.” I imagined cookies, weird candy and the sunlight glinting off them as Mordecai sat obscure snacks. Yet since by the gate. these stores promote themBut first he would need to escape the shadselves by saying “Shop us first ow of Haman. ... for everything,” with per“After these things did King Ahasuerus proCredit: howaboutorange.com mote Haman the son of Hammedatha the fect Purim logic I reasoned why not shalach manot?

Agagite... And all the king’s servants bowed and reverenced Admittedly I had my doubts. That is until while searching Haman... But Mordecai bowed not...” the Valentine’s Day chazerai for some kind of box to hold my For Haman, by tradition I needed something like a grogdiscoveries -- once they put out the Easter baskets, the pickings ger to properly blot out his name. On the toy rack I found are easier -- I saw a kippah-wearing man also eyeing the stuff. just the thing: a hand-shaped clapper that even had a large “Do you ever shop in here for Purim?” I finally asked, des- sticker that read “Make some Noise!” perately wanting a co-conspirator.

Thinking about Haman always makes me hungry for “Yes, for shalach manot they have all kinds of stuff, some- hamantaschen. Suspecting that the 99 Cents Only Store times even close-out Jewish things,” he replied. would be short on three-cornered pastries, I searched the “There’s kosher apple juice, food, and you get so much cookie aisle until I found a fill-in: Knott’s Berry Farms round more here. You found the right meshuginah,” he added, raspberry shortbreads, each with a dollop of red showing in pointing me toward a red plastic container that he claimed the center. I imagined if you trimmed them to a triangle, was “holiday” looking. they would look close. I did say flexibility would be key.

As he gave me his phone number, in case I needed more Now to add the final touch to my shalach manot, and to details, I discovered he was a rabbi. I felt so relieved. fulfill the Purim tradition that one should drink on Purim The rabbi was right. Walking the aisles, I easily found pack- until they don’t know the difference between Mordecai and ages of nuts, cookies, candies and pretzels, all certified kosher. Haman, I found an unlikely solution: Larry the Cable Guy But that wasn’t enough; I also wanted a theme. The best Purim Beer Bread. Just add Beer and Butter.” baskets have some clever connecting idea, like “A night at the According to Larry, who is featured on the package wearmovies,” the theme of a plastic movie popcorn box filled with ing his trademark sleeveless plaid shirt, “This recipe calls for candy and popping corn that my synagogue sent me one year. a can of beer... just be sure to use the beer and not drink it!”

I brainstormed for a minute, and after tossing aside a It’s Purim. Of course you can drink the beer. But my theme of Shushan nightlife (I didn’t want to give a basket of Purim basket will carry this warning: When you can’t tell the 99-cent booze), I settled on a more sober theme (or so I difference between Larry and Miley Cyrus, it’s time to stop. thought) of the Megillah’s four main characters.

Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on An accompanying text would help explain my theme, but Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@ since a 99 Cents Only store is unlikely to carry a Megillah gmail.com.

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March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 9

Photographs by Cortney Christensen coming to JCC Gallery

by LYNN BATTEN JCC Gallery Manager The first element the viewer notices when seeing Cortney Christensen’s artwork is his genuine love of nature. Cortney has been camping, hiking, and exploring the wilder-

Morning Glow ness since his first Boy Scout camping trip in fifth grade, to just recently hiking the breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On weekends, he can be found at a nature preserve just a couple miles from his house, clicking away on his camera absorbing the beauty that is so

very near to him. The discovery of photography during a black & white film class in college awakened this new spirit within him which has manifested itself in the combination of these two passions.

Cortney now concentrates his efforts on digital photography, and his camera is as indispensable as his hiking boots.

While he likes to capture the perfect “postcard shot” wherever he visits, he also likes to look up, look down, and zoom in to find other less obvious shots that capture the beauty of his surroundings. Sometimes this could be something as simple as the way a wet rock glistens in the afternoon sun, or how a meandering vine branches out from a tall tree. While Photoshop is an important tool for any digital photographer, he only uses it to ensure that his work closely represents the reality of the natural world. What you see in each photograph is very close to what he saw when he was there.

Cortney grew up in Omaha and currently lives in Gladstone, MO, with his dog, Ringo. After graduating with a BFA from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he pursued a career in graphic design and now works as a graphic designer for Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

The public is encouraged to attend the artist’s reception on Sunday, March 4 from 1-3 p.m. For more information on this exhibit, contact Lynn Batten, Gallery Manager, at 402.334.6564.

Classof2012 High School Seniors High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on June 1, 2012. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information to the right. You can also email the information and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

High School Senior Information Name _______________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _______________________ Current High School _______________________ College you plan to attend _______________________ Send by May 7 to: The Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

The Artist salvages Jewish pride at Oscars

by JTA NEWS STAFF LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Jewish director Michel Hazanavicius won top honors at the Oscars for The Artist, while Israel’s entry in the awards, Footnote by Joseph Cedar, lost to an Iranian film.

The Artist, a black-and-white homage to Hollywood’s silent film era, won five Oscars -- for best picture, director, actor, costume design and original musical score -- at the ceremony Sunday at the Kodak Theater.

Hazanavicius is a French Jew whose parents and grandparents survived the Nazi occupation by hiding in the French countryside.

Producer Thomas Langmann is the son of famed French director Claude Berri, whose parents were Eastern European Jews and whose first film, Two of Us, dealt with a French Jewish boy hiding from the Nazis.

In addition, veteran Woody Allen won the golden statuette -- as always in absentia -for his original screenplay for “Midnight in Paris.”

Israel’s contender, Footnote, which depicted the rivalry between father-and-son Talmudic scholars, lost out in the best foreign-language film category to the Iranian entry, A Separation. An Israeli movie has made the list of five Oscar finalists in four of the last five years but without garnering the top prize. Also falling short in the category was Poland’s In Darkness, a Holocaust-era film about a dozen Jews hiding in underground sewers during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

Director-writer Asghar Farhadi of A Separation, which centered on the conflict

of a husband and wife in a complex and difficult society, struck a note of international conciliation in his acceptance speech. He spoke of his country’s “rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics,” and of his countrymen as “people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment.”

In a backstage interview, Farhadi heaped special praise on Poland’s Agnieszka Holland, the director of In Darkness, describing her as “a great director, a great filmmaker and a great human being.”

Holland’s Jewish father’s parents were killed in the Warsaw Ghetto. Her mother was a Catholic who fought in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and was a member of the Polish Underground.

A Sunday night viewing party hosted by the Israeli Consulate and the Israel Leadership Council brought together some 200 Israelis at a Los Angeles-area hotel, and while guests acknowledged some sense of disappointment at the Oscar outcome, most tried to look at the bright side.

Israeli Consul-General David Siegel noted that Israeli movies and television programs were showing the world that “Israel is not just about conflict but has become a fountainhead of creative talent.” He added, “We’re now the people of the book and of the film.”

Documentary filmmaker Dan Katzir sounded a similar note of optimism, observing that “with each year, Israel gets closer to winning an Oscar.”

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JERUSALEM (JTA) -- As his weight dropped and his face Adameer, a Palestinian human rights group, says that grew gaunt, Khader Adnan became the latest Palestinian some 20,000 Palestinians have been held under administracause celebre. tive detention orders since 2000.

Israel arrested Adnan, a 33-year-old Palestinian from the “Administrative detention is a draconian measure,” West Bank village of Arraba, on Dec. 17 and placed him in B’Tselem spokeswoman Sarit Michaeli told JTA. “You’re takadministrative detention. The former spokesman for the ing away a person’s liberty without due process, without a terrorist group Islamic Jihad was one of thousands of trial and without the person being able to fight against these Palestinians over the years who have been arrested and held charges.”

by Israel for months on end without charges.

Michaeli said that while administrative detention is not What made Adnan’s case different was the hunger strike illegal, it should be used only in very limited circumstances, he launched after his arrest, galvanizing Palestinians and some Israeli human rights activists, and catching the attention of international media.

On Feb. 20, after 66 days without eating and with his condition reportedly critical, Adnan agreed to end his hunger strike after Israel said it would release him when the order for his administrative detention ends in mid-April -- if no new evidence is brought against him.

The deal with Israel’s state prosecutor came less than an hour before the Israeli Supreme Court was to hold a hearing on Adnan’s case and as Israeli security officials warned that Adnan’s death could spark a wave of violent demonstrations throughout the West Bank.

“I always dreamt of marrying someone Palestinians demonstrating outside Israel’s Supreme Court in Jerusalem in strong, someone who struggles in defense of support of Khader Adnan, who declared a hunger strike in Israeli jail more his country,” Adnan’s wife, Randa, told Al than two months ago, Feb. 21, 2012. Adnan ended his hunger strike that day Jazeera. “When I married him I knew I following an agreement with the State Prosecutor’s Office. should expect anything. I am proud of him, Credit: Kobi Gideon/Flash90/JTA whether he is under the ground or above it.”

Adnan’s case ignited a debate in Israel about the issue of not for widespread detention of hundreds of Palestinians. administrative detention. Over the past few weeks, thouSome in Israel defend the use of administrative detention sands of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have as an effective means of preventing terrorist attacks against held rallies to support Adnan, and several dozen Israelis Israel. demonstrated in Tel Aviv last week calling for Adnan’s “Administrative detention is a tool used when information release and an end to the practice of administrative deten- pertaining to a case is based on sensitive sources that cannot tion. be released,” said Israel Defense Forces spokesman Eytan The legal basis for Israeli administrative detention is a Buchman. “Defendants retain the right to appeal the court British mandate law from 1946, part of a Law on Authority order, both to the military court and to the High Court of in States of Emergency. Administrative detention orders are Justice.” issued for a maximum of six months, although they can be Administrative detention has been used occasionally easily renewed. A military judge must confirm the order. against Israelis, including in the aftermath of the assassinaIsrael often uses administrative detention when the evi- tion of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995. But it is most dence against a defendant is based on information from the often used against Palestinians. security services. In many cases, Israeli officials say a public Many Israeli politicians support administrative detention. trial could reveal sensitive security information, such as the “We have seen periods when buses were blowing up in identities of Palestinian informers or Israeli security agents Jerusalem. Administrative detention helps secure the wellwho have infiltrated Palestinian organizations. being of Israelis,” said the Likud Party’s Danny Danon, a “It’s always a dilemma,” said Jonathan Livny, a lawyer and member of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense former military judge for more than 20 years. “I never felt Committee. like I had the tools to make a decision on whether to uphold But several Israeli human rights groups say that the pracan administrative detention order. Most often I upheld or tice of administrative detention contradicts international shortened it, but rarely canceled it.” law and must be ended. Amnesty International had Livny says that cases based solely on Palestinian inform- launched a campaign urging Israel to free Adnan and to stop ants can be suspect, as Palestinians sometimes will provide the practice of administrative detention. false information to Israeli security agents if they bear a “Under administrative detention, detainees’ right to a fair grudge against another Palestinian. trial as guaranteed by Article 14 of the International “I always asked the security agents, “Do you know the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) are consisinformant? How reliable is his information?’” Livni said. tently violated,” Amnesty wrote in a statement.

“But at the end of the day I never really knew.”

This isn’t the first time Adnan has been in prison.

There are 309 Palestinians in administrative detention Palestinian reports said Adnan had been detained eight among the nearly 4,800 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, times by Israel and once by the Palestinian Authority, in according to the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem. 2010. It’s not clear whether his current detention is related to One prisoner has been held in administrative detention for any direct involvement in terrorist attacks. In his village of more than five years, the group says, and 17 have been held Arraba, Adnan reportedly owns a bakery.

March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 11

Surging Santorum has Jewish GOPers shrugging, shvitzing and kvelling

by RON KAMPEAS Such blasts are bound to increase now that Santorum is sions with Iran increase.

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- If Rick Santorum secures the leading in polls for the Feb. 28 Michigan primary. Winning “My sense is that those issues, while they’re important to Republican nomination, expect to hear this mantra from his in Michigan would likely cripple the campaign of Romney, him, are not what his campaign is about,” Kaplan said.

Jewish supporters: In times of crisis, social issues don’t mat- who until now (although with some difficulty) had claimed “Obviously it’s a challenge. It doesn’t hurt him during priter. front-runner status: It is the state in which Romney grew up maries. In the general [election] they’ll raise it again and The former Pennsylvania senator, who is leading in and where his father had been a popular governor. Arizona again, so he counters it by saying what his rationale is for national polls in the race for the GOP presidential nod, is also votes the same day; polls show Romney in the lead running.” fiercely anti-abortion and believes that states have the right there.

There is a precedent: Ronald Reagan campaigned well to to ban birth control -- stances that are at odds with the the right of his GOP rivals and predecessors, yet won nearviews of most American Jews. ly 40 percent of the Jewish vote in 1980. It was a year, like Not a problem, says Matt Brooks, executive director of this one, when the U.S. was tangling with a recalcitrant, the Republican Jewish Coalition. unpredictable Iran and a sagging economy. That’s a bigger “Jobs and the economy and international affairs, these chunk of the Jewish vote than any Republican had won in macro issues are front and center,” he said. “If the micro decades. No Republican presidential candidate since has issues, abortion and contraceptives, become predominant, matched that level of Jewish support. then you’ve got a problem. But this is a big picture, big Kaplan says 2012 is similar, given the jobs crisis and the issue, high-stakes election.” tensions with Iran. Santorum has been the most hawkish But the prospect of Santorum winning the Republican of the candidates on Iran, going beyond years of “no nomination excites Jewish Democrats, as they believe he options are off the table” language to explicitly say that he will be an easier opponent for President Obama in would order a U.S. strike if necessary to keep Iran from November. having a nuclear weapon.

Among Jewish Republicans, the bulk of the party’s “Israel is severely challenged today, and all of us are very Jewish donors and advisers have signed with Mitt Romney. comfortable with Rick’s stand on Israel,” said Kaplan, a forThe former Massachusetts governor’s relative moderation mer president of the American Israel Public Affairs was seen as a natural fit for a GOP Jewish constituency that Committee. “And while the economy is showing signs of is hawkish on Israel and often fiscally conservative but improvement, it’s been bad for four years.” averse to extremes on social issues.

Harris of the NJDC said that was wishful thinking, disJewish backers of Rick Santorum, shown speaking at an Arizona “We know he’s a great friend of Israel,” Fred Zeidman, a missing any efforts to compare Santorum to Reagan or to Republican Party fundraiser in Phoenix on Feb. 21, 2012, say Houston lawyer who is one of Romney’s leading fundraisGeorge W. Bush. While those candidates embraced socialJewish voters should look past his hard-line social conservatism ers, said of Santorum. “I do fear his social views will be ly conservative stances, Santorum has been defined by and consider his message on the economy and on Israel. anathema to a great deal of our Jewish community.” them, he said.

Credit: Gage Skidmore via CreativeCommons Romney Republicans like Zeidman have counted on “It’s not that he takes a principled stand re: abortion,” he Romney’s moderation to carry swing states where substanLiberal websites have compiled “greatest of ” lists of said. “It’s that he’s long prided himself on being the most fartial Jewish populations could make a difference -- for Santorum’s hard-line stances on social issues. right social issues candidate.” instance, in Florida, Pennsylvania and Nevada.

“During his 99-county tour of Iowa, Santorum frequently Alan Steinberg, a New Jersey political commentator who In recent interviews, several top Jewish Democratic compared same-sex relationships to inanimate objects like has been advocating for a more conservative alternative to activists have launched conversations, unsolicited, with a trees, basketballs, beer, and paper towels,” Think Progress Romney, suggested that whatever support Santorum would reporter with “What about Rick Santorum?” followed by said Jan. 4 after Santorum’s first surprise showing -- a virtu- lose among more moderate Jews he would make up in suphearty, relieved laughter. al tie with Romney in the state’s caucuses. port among Jewish conservatives.

“He will clearly be a nonstarter with the Jewish communiLonny Kaplan, a New Jersey businessman who is leading “His stance on social issues will be a plus, particularly in ty,” said David Harris, president of the National Jewish Santorum’s fundraising in the Jewish community, says his the Orthodox community,” he said. “He will have the Democratic Council. “I wish him the best of luck in the pri- candidate can overcome his Jewish problem by making his Orthodox, Jewish conservatives and the pro-Israel commumaries.” election about the economy and backing Israel as its ten- nity that is pro-Netanyahu and pro-Likud.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Chocolate Wars

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Purim is just about here, and you know what that means: the kids expect candy. Time to hunt for imported Israeli chocolate bars, because that’s just more fun than a plain old Hershey bar. Not that I’d allow those in my house anyway.

Chocolate, after all, is Serious Business, not to be trifled with. Only the best of the best goes in those gift bags, especially since some of it will be left over, and we’ll undoubtedly have to eat it ourselves.

It used to be that any chocolate-related debate focused on dark versus milk, nuts or not, coconut or peanut butter. But during the past years chocolate has also turned political. In July of 2011, a chocolate shop in Melbourne, Australia, was the scene for a pro-Palestinian protest that eventually turned ugly. Three police officers were injured and 19 protesters were arrested. The protesters claimed Strauss, which owned the Max Brenner coffee and chocolate shop, aids the IDF. The protesters claimed that by targeting the shop, they targeted “Palestinian oppression” and “ethnic cleansing.”

“These people are prejudiced fanatics who should look into their soul,” Jewish Labor MP Michael Danby said at the time. “While 1500 people are murdered in Syria, they launch their own sad little attack on a chocolate shop because it also has stores in Israel.” (VosizNeias.com) Danby has a point, even though he’s not very nice about it. But then, neither are the protesters.

The Max Brenner boycotts are part of a long list of businesses that are in the crosshairs of those Australians who believe peace will come to the Middle East if you just shop right. To these vehemently anti-Israel protesters, Max Brenner is the perfect symbol of what they deem an apartheid-regime.

If that wasn’t enough, the Strauss company is now also under fire from Israelis themselves, albeit for entirely different reasons: “With Israel’s cottage cheese protests all but forgotten, the consumer public is targeting Strauss-Elite, the second largest company in Israel, unwilling to accept what is perceived as price gouging. Organizers of the grassroots

protest point out that it is simply unacceptable that here in Israel, where the products are manufactured, we pay significantly more than shoppers in North America.”

(Haaretz.com).

It was a post on Facebook that got the ball rolling: someone in New Jersey posted a picture of his receipt, after paying 74 cents for a Pesek Zman candy bar. Israelis pay 6.3 NIS for that same candy bar, which is more than double; the photo sparked quite a reaction. Organizers have called for a month-long boycott in Israel, similar to the dairy boycott a year ago. Of course, that close to Purim, a boycott of chocolate can be quite effective. Just the announcement caused stocks to go down. Two different boycotts, for two completely different reasons: it seems Strauss can’t win. I bet Willy Wonka never had these worries.

Here in America we know exactly what Israelis should worry about: Iran and the nuclear threat. Israelis have other ideas: “We love to complain about all kinds of things,” a friend told me. “And we love chocolate. Now we get to combine two of our favorite things.” How dare they?

I know how. Israel is a grown up country, and Israelis have grown up concerns.

Yes, there’s an issue with safety, and conflict with more than one neighboring country. And the hate expressed by Iran’s leadership would keep me awake at night, too. But at the same time, Israelis also have a mundane, daily life, with mundane concerns. How to pay the mortgage, where to find a better job, how to pay for their children’s education.

They worry about what the weather will look like this season, and whether grocery prices will behave themselves. And yes, they worry about the price of chocolate.

Previously, complaints about dairy prices led to much bigger social protests.

Remember the tent cities of 2011?

Remember the massive rallies, 150,000 strong, in Tel Aviv?

Every large public protest starts somewhere. Who is to know whether a small complaint against the price of a chocolate bar won’t do the same? Those Melbourne chocolate boycotts are a road to nowhere. But the boycott in Israel may have a very different result. We’ll wait and see.

That the prices of chocolate and many other things in Israel are out of control, I believe. But how a boycott of one company can fix that, I am not sure; unless, as I mentioned, it paves the way for a more general outcry against the continually growing cost of living.

Meantime, I still plan to buy my kids a pile of Elite for Purim. Because at the end of the day, I’m never, ever in favor of boycotting Israeli companies. Least of all when they produce chocolate. And I have a hard time saying or thinking anything mean about Strauss. Besides, I have never seen a $0.74 piece of Israeli chocolate here in Omaha. I wish. I think that Facebook thing was probably on sale because someone dropped it on the floor.

didn’t make me feel more connected to the Jewish community in the least. If anything, it further marginalized me from Jewish life. I hated it when my mom forced me to go to Hebrew school, and I hated the jokes that my baseball team would make after I told them why I had missed practice the week before. They’d drop change on the ground, jeering: “Pick it up, Jew!” and I would respond with, “Why would you say that? I’m only half-Jewish!” I waited and hoped that the jokes would someday end – that someday I could shed the Jewish piece of my identity.

Then, one afternoon in 9th grade, a friend invited me to hang out with a bunch of Jewish guys. I was initially reluctant; but once he said we’d be playing basketball, I couldn’t resist. I had a great time—even when the game transitioned into a discussion on how leadership qualities on the basketball court could be embodied by leaders in the Jewish community. I soon learned that this program was a part of something larger called AZA – the nearly 100-year old boys’ division of BBYO. That AZA basketball program was the first time I had been part of a Jewish community built by my peers. The entire program was teen-led, whereas my whole “Jewish” experience until that point had been facilitated by adults that I either didn’t know, or – frankly – didn’t trust to show me a good time. I joined AZA because it was fun, accessible, and gave me a peer community. It was a place that belonged to me, and a place where I belonged. My Judaism began to take shape in a very personal, meaningful way.

And yet the question lingered: Do I consider myself a Jewish American or an American Jew? Today – as a young Jewish man approaching his 18th birthday, and three years since that first AZA basketball game – my perception of myself and the world around me has changed dramatically. Now, when the occasional antiSemitic joke is tossed my way, I no longer defer to the sheepish response that “I’m only half Jewish” because no longer do I feel squeezed between Judaism and Christianity. No longer do I feel compelled to defend my Judaism. No longer do I feel Judaism is a burden. Today, Judaism is a pillar of my life – a context through which I interact with the world, deeply embedded in my soul.

BBYO has been the gateway to my Jewish identity, connecting me with fellow Jewish teens from across my area and around the world. This incredible community brings together teens whose interests dovetail with mine, and teens whose interests don’t. They continually challenge and expand my horizons and invigorate my passion for our common bond that is Judaism. My love and pride in my Jewish heritage, awakened through AZA, is why I consider myself a Jewish American.

Being Jewish takes center stage in the way that I lead my life. Judaism lies at my core. Being a Jewish American means that while I abide by the principles of the Constitution, when life throws me its most difficult tribulations, it’s the Torah – our sacred values and guiding principles – from which I seek Continued on page 13

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A proud Jew

Focus on issues SEAN FRAZIER My name is Sean Frazier. I stand at 6 feet 2 inches tall. I’m 18 years old from Tidewater, Virginia. I have hair that can never decide whether it’s blond or red. I’ve been a baseball player since I was four years old.

I don’t look Jewish, but I am. I’ve been able to keep my Judaism fairly quiet when I go out for the baseball team or attend summer camp. As a kid, I often dreaded the day I’d have to miss a game because it fell on Yom Kippur. Blowing my cover would have been a nightmare.

For a long time, I didn’t consider myself a Jewish American or even an American Jew, for that matter. Judaism just made things more complicated; it made me an outsider.

I grew up in an interfaith home where Christianity was quite pronounced. This environment made developing an understanding of what it meant to be Jewish all the more challenging for me.

With a Christian father and a Jewish mother, I celebrated holidays from both traditions. I don’t remember much meaning in any of these occasions. Present-receiving was often my chief concern; what could be more important to a kid growing up?

At the age of 13, I had a bar mitzvah. I hesitate to say that I became a bar mitzvah – son of the commandments – because the experience lacked much significance for me. It

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March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 13

Community security is everyone’s responsibility

Focus on issues ELISE JARVIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- The recent attacks against Israeli diplomats abroad, which are suspected to have been carried out by Iran or its proxies, and the recent series of high-profile anti-Semitic incidents in the United States have raised new concerns about the safety and security of American Jewish communities.

The sad reality is that we are a potential target of terrorists and haters. But this does not mean that we need to change our level of religious involvement or activities. It is possible to make our institutions safer and more secure while still maintaining a welcoming approach for our community, friends and neighbors.

As a leader in providing community guidance on institutional security, the Anti-Defamation League has worked closely over the years with local federations, synagogues, schools and law enforcement in an effort to encourage them to take a holistic approach to security awareness.

Here is some of the practical advice we have given communities to help them develop and execute a comprehensive security plan.

Security, first and foremost, is about having a heightened awareness of your surroundings. Security should not only be the responsibility of an executive director, a religious school principal, a camp director or a rabbi. All staff and leadership at Jewish communal organizations should have regular training on institutional security.

Everyone who uses a Jewish facility should ask questions about security, should know what to do in an emergency, and should observe and report things or people that seem odd or out of place. This includes paying attention to details -- if you see someone acting strangely, note their physical appearance and what they are wearing. If it is a vehicle that seems out of place, note the type, the color and the license plate.

People sometimes ask how to identify suspicious behavior that could be a threat. The most important thing is to trust your instincts when something or someone’s behavior strikes you as unusual or suspicious.

For example, if someone is asking questions about a security system or security procedures, your antennae should go up. The same is true if you see a stranger taking pictures inside or outside of a Jewish institution. If the person gets defensive or uncooperative when asked what they are doing, notify the staff immediately, so that they may notify law enforcement. Do not explain away unusual behavior. It is law enforcement’s job to filter through information and make threat assessments.

Jewish communal staff should ensure that their institution has established relationships with law enforcement officials and other first responders entrusted with protecting the community. All institutions should invite members of their local police and fire departments to visit their building.

Offer them a tour or share an events calendar with them, so they are aware of Jewish holidays or occasions that may attract a large number of people.

Relationships are critical. Jewish institutions are always

Gingrich at AIPAC: Faux pas or a sign?

by RON KAMPEAS I just heard that Newt Gingrich is speaking at AIPAC’s annual policy conference, which runs from March 4-6.

This is the cost of being in this position for so long: I remember when John Kerry was bumped in 2004 because, AIPAC flacks told us at the time, it was considered tacky to ask a challenger to speak, especially when an incumbent is speaking. (No such problem in 2008, because all three slated candidates -- Barack Obama, John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton -- were running for an open presidency.)

Obama is speaking on March 4.

Making this curious news even curiouser: March 6 is Super Tuesday. I’ve heard from other campaigns that their candidates see campaigning as the wiser option than showing up at AIPAC. Is this a sign Gingrich, who is trailing, is considering bailing by then? Or did AIPAC forget its customs?

I‘ve got a call into AIPAC. UPDATE: I spoke to two sources close to the matter.

Here’s the chronology: Kerry was furious with the snub in 2004, which he thought was absurd. So were a bunch of his

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backers who also gave to AIPAC. That led AIPAC’s board to reconsider the policy. What’s more, AIPAC is going all out to make it easy for the candidates to fly in and out for the conference and still do the primaries thing.

But now I hear from one of the sources that Obama’s folks are peeved, because if all three (wait, I’ll explain) get to speak, that’s a three to one GOP-Obama time ratio.

Why three? AIPAC, citing the Republican Jewish Coalition precedent last December, is refusing to ask Ron Paul to speak.

UPDATE II: AIPAC spokesman Patrick Dorton confirms the policy change: “In 2004, just after the election, the AIPAC Board of Directors adopted a policy to invite all the leading presidential candidates in future elections to speak at the Policy Conference.”

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better off when the first call to the local police department is not an emergency 911 call.

There is a place for security equipment, but vigilance about security awareness can be more valuable than the most expensive equipment.

Jewish facilities can have the highest quality security cameras, special locks, buzzers and warning systems at the front entrance, but if someone has propped a back door open because the social hall or the gym is hot, all the high-tech equipment in the world won’t do much good.

The bottom line is that we can all be vigilant about security and still enjoy everything our synagogues, federations, community centers and other institutions have to offer.

Elise Jarvis is the Anti-Defamation League’s communal security coordinator.

A proud Jew Continued from page 12 insight. Although my patriotism is true and unwavering, and I may even be willing to put forth my life for the sake of my country, being a Jewish American means that preserving the Jewish People will always be most pressing.

And although I’ll always be that tall, baseball playing American guy, being a Jewish American means that being Jewish takes precedence.

A short time ago, my 80-year-old grandfather looked at me with tears in his eyes and said that his father would be ashamed of him. Ashamed, because services were never part of his family’s weekend routine. Ashamed, because the relationship he facilitated between his children and Judaism hardly transcended the most basic holiday rituals. Ashamed, because he could have done more—he could have done more to raise his family in a Jewish context.

So as I sat there, witnessing this grown man cry in front of me for the first time in my life, I told my grandfather that he should not be ashamed. Judaism has found its place in my life. And I promised to pass the heritage to his great-grandchildren, and later generations in our family to come.

My name is Sean Frazier. I stand at 6 feet 2 inches tall.

I have hair that can never decide whether it’s blond or red. I’ve been a baseball player since I was four years old.

I am a member of BBYO. I am a grandson of a proud man. And most importantly, I am a Jewish American.

Sean Frazier, 18, is from Tidewater, Va. He is a senior at Norfolk Collegiate, and is the winner of BBYO’s AZA Oratory Contest. He addressed the prompt: “Am I a Jewish American or American Jew? Jewish Canadian or Canadian Jew? Whenever you live, does your Judaism come before your nationality?”

14 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

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 9: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Gerry Appel, Journalism Teacher/ Advisor, Journalism Today: The Benefits and Evolution of Scholastic Journalism. 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, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat/ Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner for participating families. Dinner cost: Beth El members, $5; non-members, $7.50. No charge for children six and younger. RSVP by calling the office or emailing reception@ bethel-omaha.org; Following Shabbat service, stay for Dinner & Drash, a new monthly program, which offers attendees the opportunity to share a meal and join in a discussion with clergy members about interpretations of religious texts. Dinner begins at 7 p.m.; cost is $8; reservations are required and may be made by contacting the office.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given

by Dr. Richard and Audrey Wiener, in honor of their 25th wedding anniversary; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:05 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; T h e community is invited to the Beth El’s Got Talent, the 2012 Cantor’s Youth Scholarship Concert at 4 p.m., at the synagogue. The afternoon will feature singing, dancing, juggling and fun for all ages. For ticket prices, contact the office, or visit www.bethel-omaha.org.

MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham.

WEDNESDAY: Family Megillah Reading, 5:30 p.m.

Afterward, stay for a pasta buffet dinner, free for Beth El members (cost for non-members is $5). To RSVP, visit www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact the office at recep tion@bethel-omaha. The full Megillah reading will take place at 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s What Do Jews Believe, noon; Women’s Book Club, 1 p.m. will discuss Perfect Fit: Clothes, Character, and the Promise of America by Jenna Weissman Joselit.

Join Rabbi Levin at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli, Friday, March 9, noon. RSVP to the rabbi at rabbilevin@bethelomaha.org.

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: 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, 5:59 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 3:45 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 4:45 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 4:45 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit;

Bar Mitzvah David Atri Schüller, son of Adina Schüller and Eduardo Atri, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 10, at Beth Israel Synagogue.

David is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School.

His interests include learning torah, playing chess, sports and science.

For his mitzvah project, David visits patients at various local hospitals.

He has an older sister, Aviva.

Grandparents are the late Elias Atri, Jennie Atri, and Shmuel and Esther Schuller of Mexico City.

Havdalah, 6:59 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call.

TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; A Guided Tour of the Guide of the Perplexed, with Dr. Guy Matalon, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Fast of Esther begins, 5:28 a.m.; Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.; Megillah Reading, 7 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner to break the fast; Late Megillah Reading, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 6:30 a.m.; Megillah readings, 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.; Megillah reading at Remington Heights, 12610 W. Dodge Rd, 3 p.m. (community is welcome); Megillah Reading, 4:30 p.m.; Purim Seuda and Costume Contest, 5 p.m.; Megillah Reading, 6 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:20 p.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: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Parshas Zachor Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Zachor Reading, 11:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon will follow. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m. Special Farbrengen to mark festive and important dates in the month of Shvat; New feature: Parsha Patrol.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY: JLI class, Money Matters Class, 7-8:30 p.m. taught by guest Rabbi Shmuely Aber. Refreshments served.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Fast of Esther; Mincha and Machatzis Hashekel Ceremony, 6:15 p.m. followed by Ma’ariv and Megillah Reading.

THURSDAY: Megillah reading, 7:30 a.m. coffee and hamantaschen will be served; WikiPurim Family Dinner, 5 p.m. (see full story on page 5.)

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: Kiddush, 6 p.m. hosted by Eleanor Kirkland; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Tetzaveh.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at South Street Street, prepare and deliver Mishloach Manot Baskets; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 7-9 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes; The Grand Ol’ Megillah Goes Country Joint Purim Spiel, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Full Megillah Reading, 8 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #9 led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials.

Register by calling the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com Note: Please contact Rabbi Lewis if the cost for a class creates a financial hardship.

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, 5:52 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Jim Polack and his sons, Max and Josh.

THURSDAY: Purim Megillah Reading, 10:30 a.m. with

Candlelighting Friday, March 2, 5:59 p.m.

Rabbi Gross; Purim celebration and crowning of King and Queen, 1:30 p.m.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: The Rabbi Sidney H. & Jane Brooks Institute on Judaism presentation on Jewish, Christian and Islamic: How Sacred Text and Liturgy Impact Inter-Faith Relations, 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Hosted by the Congregation of Temple Israel, featuring Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rev. Ernesto Medina, and Simon Wood. Suggested donation $10 in advance or at the door.

Lunch included. Registration was required; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Experience Shabbat for grades 3-6, 9 a.m.noon; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Mikayla Langdon, daughter of Sharon ComisarLangdon and Randy Langdon, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah; OTYG Spaghetti Dinner setup, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.noon; Grade 5 at Food Bank, 10 a.m.; Purim Rehearsal, noon; OTYG’s A Night at the Musuem Annual Spaghetti Dinner with Live and Silent Auction, 5 p.m. RSVP to 402.556.6536 or rsvp@templeisraelomaha.com. Cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6-8 p.m.; Purim Spiel and Dinner, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Responsa, 10-11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel. He will use ancient Jewish text to provide answers to questions about modern Jewish living.

Tot Shabbat: Pajama Jammin Shabbat, Friday, March 9, 6 p.m. (see full story on page 6.)

Purim Carnival, Sunday, March 11, noon.

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: Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennifer, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. with an interactive learning session followed by Kiddush lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple, prepare and deliver Mishloach Manot Baskets; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 7-9 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes; The Grand Ol’ Megillah Goes Country Joint Purim Spiel, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Hadassah marks centennial

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Hadassah marked its centennial with a Shabbat service and rededication ceremony at Temple Emanu-El in New York, 100 years to the day since Henrietta Szold and a small group of women founded Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

Hadassah has launched a year of celebrations, including a three-day milestone celebration in Jerusalem in October.

In addition to the ceremony at Temple Emanu-El, a new online exhibition, Art at Hadassah, features artworks at Hadassah sites in Israel, and 100 Hadassah members share their Hadassah memories and moments through contributions to Thin Threads-Real Stories of Hadassah Life Changing Moments, a book commemorating how Hadassah has impacted the lives of individual members.

Personal I would like to thank my family and friends for the flowers, donations, cards and gifts. A special thank you goes out to the therapist at the Rose Blumkin Home.

Sincerely, Reva Oruch

Pulverent e

March 2, 2012 | The Jewish Press | 15

An “Eternal” Light

B’nai Israel Speaker Series

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha t’Tzaveh We have reached a point in traveling through the wilderness where the struggle for survival has been met, and now attention may be given to some of the niceties of life.

The Israelites were commanded to bring pure olive oil for what is called a “perpetual light.”

In our synagogues and our temples, we have a light of one kind or another that remains burning all the time. It is necessary now and again to change the bulb when one burns out.

The Israelites burned their olive oil from evening to morning. It was as close as they could come to a “perpetual light” for they renewed it every evening to burn through the night, in the Tent of Testimony.

It need not be said, since it is so simple, that our “perpetual light” requires us only to plug into the electrical system, which the Israelites didn’t have.

Preseason victory for Mets— against a kosher vendor

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The New York Mets can prevent a kosher food vendor from selling its wares on Shabbat, a federal judge ruled.

Judge Jack Weinstein of U.S. District Court in Brooklyn ruled Tuesday against Kosher Sports Inc. and ordered the Englewood, N.J., company to pay damages since it stopped paying its fees.

In his ruling, Weinstein said that Kosher Sports’ contract with the Mets did not give the company the right to sell concessions at all events, the New York Post reported. The judge did not deal with the issue of whether the stand was actually kosher if it sold products on Shabbat.

Kosher Sports, the owner of three stands at the Mets’ CitiField in Queens, signed a 10-year deal with the team in 2009, but it stopped paying its annual fees after the National League club refused to allow the stands to operate on the Sabbath.

The vendor launched its $1 million lawsuit two years ago, claiming that it had lost a half-million dollars in profits because its stands were not allowed to open on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Kosher Sports said it had received permission from kosher-certifying authorities to open the stands to sell food items on the Sabbath, but the rabbi who certifies the stands denied the claim.

The Post reported that a federal magistrate will iron out the details of how much the vendor owes the Mets and if the company will still have a contract with the team.

Kosher Sports’ stands at CitiField sell hot dogs, sausages, knishes, hamburgers, beer and other food.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press:

B’nai Israel heard guest speaker, Dr. Wayne Lainof, discuss his experiences as a pediatrician the past four decades. His topic was Pediatric Medicine since 1970: What has changed, what has not?

Dr. Lainof described the advances that have been made in pediatric medicine including immunizations, advances in medication treatments, and implementation of good health practices. The entire field of medicine has made great strides and this has had an extremely positive affect on children.

Some concerns for what is immediately foreseeable is the increase in overweight and obese children and atypical decisions parents are making regarding immunizations and medications.

This was a great learning experience for those attending Friday night services. The speaker series continues on March 9 at 7:30 p.m., when Gerry Appel, Abraham Lincoln Journalism Teacher/Advisor, will discuss Journalism Today: The Benefits and Evolution of Scholastic Journalism. An oneg will follow service.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Netanyahu rips Abbas over Al-Aksa destruction claims

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned a speech by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in which Abbas said that Israel was planning to destroy the Al Aksa Mosque.

“This is a harshly inflammatory speech from someone who claims that he is bent on peace,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued from his office Sunday night. “The time has come for the Palestinian leadership to stop denying the past and distorting reality.”

In a speech Sunday at the International Conference for the Defense of Jerusalem in Qatar, Abbas said that “The Israeli occupation authorities are using the ugliest and most dangerous means to implement plans to erase and remove the Arab-Islamic and the Christian character of east Jerusalem” and spoke of Israel’s plans to “Judaize” Jerusalem, including ethnic cleansing of Arabs.

Abbas also denied the existence of a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and accused Israel of planning to harm the Al Aksa mosque. He also called on Arabs and Muslims to visit Jerusalem.

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16 | The Jewish Press | March 2, 2012

Soldier boychik: Disenchanted Chasid turns to the military

by RUKHL SCHAECHTER NEW YORK (Yiddish Forward) -- When Ari Mandel arrived at Army boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in June 2007, it was a scorcher. His fellow soldiers, who had been accustomed to wearing airy shorts, T-shirts and flipflops during the summer, groaned as they donned knee-high woolen socks, combat boots, cargo pants, jacket and a hat.

Mandel felt perfectly comfortable, however, having grown up in Monsey, N.Y., wearing woolen tzitzit, a long silk coat and a beaver hat even on the hottest summer days. The reason? Before Ari Mandel became a private in the U.S. Army, he was Ari Moyshe Aaron Mandel, a Nikelsburger Chasid.

Now, after five years of military service, including a tour of duty in Korea and one in Haiti working on the reconstruction following its earthquake in 2010, Mandel has embarked on his next goal: going to college. Along with attending Hunter College in New York City, he also writes a blog, Confessions of a Koifer (or atheist), which has attracted a number of Chasidic and former Chasidic readers.

Mandel is the son of Chabad-Lubavitch parents who moved from his native Seattle, Wash., to the Chabad community in Morristown, N.J., when he was 4. His father, longing for what he considered a more authentic Chasidism, moved the family to Monsey, a town about an hour’s drive from New York City, and joined the Nikelsburg sect. Mandel attended the Nikelsburger yeshiva, but as a 13-year-old he was sent to a sleepaway yeshiva, Darchei Torah, which had a better academic reputation and more structure.

“At Darchei Torah the way to educate, starting with the principal, was to hit the students, even more than at other yeshivas,” Mandel said. “The first night in the dorm I phoned my mother in tears and begged her to take me home, but she and my father were naive and answered, ‘He’s a rosh yeshiva [the head of the yeshiva]. He must know what he’s doing.’”

He would spend a semester in Israel and learn Torah in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. He developed a thirst for reading.

After marrying at 18, Mandel dared to venture into a public library and took out a secular book, The DaVinci Code.

“I was fascinated and started borrowing other books,” Mandel said. “My wife didn’t mind but didn’t want to hear about it. After a while I brought the Internet into the house

and that was the beginning of the end. Through the Internet I met other Chasidim like myself, and this opened my eyes to the whole world.”

Despite Mandel’s enthrallment with the secular world, his gnawing conscience forced him to seek spiritual guidance

Ari Mandel at his wedding in Monsey, N.Y., August 2001.

Credit: Ari Mandel

Ari Mandel at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 2008.

Credit: Ari Mandel

from his rabbis. They didn’t understand.

“One told me to go recite Psalms; a second one tried to convince me that the gentile world was nothing more than a hotbed of immorality, whereas among us Jews there was the warmth of the Sabbath table,” Mandel recalled. “I didn’t want to hear these cliches. I wanted proof of God’s existence.”

Mandel moved with his wife to the non-Chasidic “black hat” community of Lakewood, N.J. , shaved his beard and continued learning at a yeshiva, but the doubts returned.

Finally he told his wife that he could no longer live a lie.

“I said that I didn’t want her to change her life for me because someday she would wake up and see that she had no family left, and she would blame me,” he said.

At 23 and the father of a toddler, his maternal grandparents -- who were no longer observant -- visited Monsey from Seattle for a family simcha. Several weeks later he called his grandmother and blurted out, “I’m going out of my mind!”

She urged him to take the next flight to her.

Mandel bid farewell to his wife and son and moved to Seattle, working odd jobs. As he drove to work he would listen to two favorite conservative talk show hosts among the

Chasidic community - Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly.

“I heard them defending the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it suddenly occurred to me: I’m single, looking for adventure, I have to earn a living, want to go to college. Why not join the Army?”

He relayed the decision to his wife, and to his surprise she came with their son. After several days she took off the wig and even entered a McDonald’s for an iced coffee.

“She started telling me that since I’d left she had been doing a lot of thinking,” said Mandel, whose parents had urged her to divorce their son, even promising to support her and the child.

The five years of military service weren’t easy for the family. In Korea, Mandel was not permitted to bring his wife and son onto the base. But after a year he brought them over anyway, even managing to get his son enrolled in the base school.

Later he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, N.C., an infantry division specializing in parachute landing operations. He worked as a motor vehicle operator, driving the soldiers to the airstrip and delivering the parachutes to them.

“It was all new to him,” said Mandel’s former team leader, Col. Erik Miller. “Yet he didn’t hesitate to ask if he was doing things right or to ask others if they needed any help. He took a lot of initiative.”

Mandel never achieved a rank beyond private because he was deemed overweight. Among the former Chasidim who read Mandel’s blog, his military rank matters little. To them he is no less than a hero.

“He shows a strong sense of purpose,” said Shulem Deen, author of the blog Unpious, a website of writings by and for Chasidim “on the fringe.” You get the sense that he’s not just rebelling against the Chasidic world but that he did something that he really wanted to do.”

As he begins his studies at Hunter College, Mandel says he will continue to blog, although his political views are now much more liberal and libertarian than before - a result of his disillusionment with the bureaucracy and inflexibility he witnessed in the military.

“The best way to become a liberal is to join the Army,” he quipped.

Rukhl Schaechter is a staff editor and writer of the Yiddish Forward, from which this article was adapted.