March 3, 2006

Vol. LXXXV No. 25 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Local Scholar Teaches About the Holocaust in Films at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator As scholars, historians, Jews, and millions of other people of conscience continue to struggle with the enormity of the horrors of the Holocaust, filmmakers also wrestle with the meaning of the Jewish genocide of the twentieth century. By exposing atrocities perpetrated on the inhabitants of ghettoes and the inmates of death camps, films retell the stories of survivors while trying to contemplate the German mindset.

“As someone who grew up in Israel and as an historian, I’m interested in the subject of the Holocaust,” commented Dr. Moshe Gershovich who will facilitate “Memory, Image and Meanings: the Holocaust in Films” on Sundays, March 12, 19, April 2 and 30, at Temple Israel.

“I think it’s essential for any human being (not just Jews) to learn about this horrific event and draw from it meaningful conclusions. That’s why I’m teaching a course on the Holocaust at UNO and why I’m giving this lecture series at Temple Israel,” said Dr. Gershovich, professor of Modern Middle Eastern and European History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

The four-session film class begins with Dr. Gershovich discussing Claude Lantzmann’s 1985 documentary, Shoah on March 12, 3-4:30 p.m., Dr. Gershovich will show clips from the nine-hour film that intersperses images from the sites of ghettoes and concentration camps as they looked in the 1970s with interviews of survivors, former camp guards, Polish bystanders, and historians.

The next two classes, on March 19 and April 2, will begin with a screening of the films from 1-3 p.m. followed by discussion from 3-4 p.m. On April 30, the screening will begin at 12:15 p.m.

Attendance at the screenings, which is optional, is meant to ensure a fresh perspective for the discusDr. Moshe Gershovich sion.

On March 19, the 2001 film, Conspiracy, an HBO docudrama will depict the Wannasee Conference that took place in January 1942, in which a select group of Nazi officials formulated the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question.” “The film provides fresh insight into the ‘banality of evil’ debate, sparked by the early 1960s trial of Adolph Eichmann,” said Dr. Gershovich.

Europa Europa (1990) and The Pianist (2002) will be the final two films. Dramatizations of actual survival stories, based on the autobiographies of Shlomo Perel and Wladyslaw Szpilman, respectively, the films can be used to discuss issues related to the fine line separating fact and fiction, explained Dr. Gershovich. Each film can also illuminate different aspects of the Holocaust, such as “race classes” in Nazi education and the daily routine of life at the Warsaw Ghetto, he added.

Dr. Gershovich is a graduate of Tel Aviv University and Harvard and was a senior Fulbright scholar. He has been at UNO since 2001. “This class,” he says “provides me with a way to thank Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Program Director Rosie Zweiback and to repay the Temple congregation that provided me with a new sense of belonging.”

Cost to register is $20 for Temple members and $25 for others. E-mail rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com or call Zweiback at 556.6536 to register. This adult learning is provided by Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

3 Adar, 5766 March 3, 2006

UJC Names Alperson to Lead National Campaign

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Joel Alperson, right, who just returned from Ethiopia and Israel as Chairman of United Jewish Communities’ a Leadership Mission, was named National Chairman of the 2007 Federation Campaign. Alperson is a member of UJC’s Prime Minister’s Council and has served as chairman of Midwest Regional Major Gifts and Financial Resource Development, and as co-chairman of the National Young Leadership Cabinet. He is President of Omaha Fixture International and a past Chairman of Omaha’s Federation Campaign. “I am honored to accept the important position of national campaign chairman,” Alperson said, and added he is “excited to have been given the opportunity to represent the success and promise of the campaign. It continues to inspire all generations of North American Jewry to support our life-saving humanitarian initiatives all over the world.” Alperson, an Omaha native, willtake on this new national role in July.

THE FALASH MURA’S FATE

Fleeing Famine and Fighting: How Ethiopians Got to Israel

by URIEL HEILMAN Thousands more remained SHIRE, Ethiopia (JTA)--Until the late stranded in Communist 1970s, very few Ethiopian Jews had ever Ethiopia. wandered beyond the borders of their For those left behind, life country and made it to Israel. was harsh.

During But in 1979, an insurgency in northern Mengistu’s 17-year reign, Ethiopia opened an exit route to Sudan, Ethiopian city streets were and thousands of Ethiopian Jews--who left riddled with corpses as a called themselves Beta Israel but were warning against opposing known to outsiders as Falasha--began fleethe government, bereaved ing the famine and war of northern parents were forced to pay Ethiopia on a journey they hoped would for the bullets that killed end in Jerusalem. their sons, and suspected Along with thousands of other political opponents were Ethiopians fleeing their country, which at imprisoned and tortured. the time was ruled by Communist dictator The Jews suffered no more Mengistu Haile Mariam, the Jews settled than ordinary Ethiopians, in refugee camps in Sudan and waited for but anyone who was susMossad operatives to take them out. pected of trying to flee to Zion was tortured, imprisFor the first few years, those who were taken to Israel left in one of three ways. oned and often killed.

Some were given forged documents and In the early 1990s, the tide turned in the war between the put onto planes in Khartoum bound for Tigrean People’s Athens. Once in Europe, they then were This villager and many others in his remote vil- rebel quietly put onto planes to Israel. Others lage in Ethiopia’s Gojam province are among Liberation Front (TPLF) and were moved from their Sudanese refugee thousands that might stake a claim to Falash the government, known as camps at night to Port Sudan, where Mura status but have yet to contact the Israeli the Derg, and in May 1991 Credit: Uriel Heilman/JTA rebel forces surrounded the Israeli naval commandos put them onto government. clandestine naval vessels and then transferred them onto Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Israel, which had clandestine ties with Mengistu’s ships headed for Israel. A few were airlifted directly to Israel from the Sudanese desert on illicit flights. regime, feared that the TPLF’s anti-Zionist rhetoric and A famine in Ethiopia in 1984 lent great urgency to the hostility toward Mengistu could lead to massacres of the effort to rescue Ethiopia’s Jews, many of whom were Jews when the rebels took Addis, and quickly put dying of starvation and disease in refugee camps in together a plan to rescue the country’s remaining Jews.

Sudan while they waited to be taken to Israel.

Israel pressed the United States to persuade the rebels to In the covert maneuver Operation Moses, Israel began hold their positions on the hilltops around Addis for 36 airlifting large numbers of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan’s hours while Israel airlifted more than 14,000 Jews out of desert beginning in November 1984. Leaks about the the country. operation and growing risks forced its early end in The fall of Addis came just hours after the completion January 1985, after more than 8,000 Jews had been of Operation Solomon, on May 24, 1991.

Continued on page 11 brought to Israel in the space of just six weeks.

This Week: Teen Age Features Teens of B’nai Jeshurun: Page 7 Sharon’s Illness Has Hadassah Hospital in Limelight: Page 3

Recipes for Purim Are Way to Man’s Heart: Pages 4-5

Next Week: Home & Garden Special Issue

Op-Ed: History More Potent Than Weapon: Page 9

Omaha Native Returns for Barn Girl Art Show: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

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by JILL BELMONT according to Rubin. There is no charge; however, reserBeth El Publicity Coordinator Purim at Beth El Synagogue is a holiday not to be vations are required by March 8 by contacting missed, and everyone--young and not-so-young--is 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.

Fun galore is on tap for all attending the USY Purim invited to join in the upcoming celebration!

On Monday, March 13 , 6:30 p.m., come to the kid- Carnival, Sunday, March 12, 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. friendly Family Megillah reading (the short version), and Game booths, a silent auction and raffle with fabulous don’t forget your costume--the wackier, the better! The prizes will delight everyone, so bring family and friends evening will also feature USY members, who will enter- and enjoy the festivities! Game tickets are five for $1; tain attendees with “Purim Shmurim,” a special Purim four for $1 the day of the carnival; individual meal tickshpiel. Stay for the fun, nosh on some hamantaschen ets are $6, and raffle tickets are $1 each--buy 10 and get one free. made by the baking brigade A combo package of Beth El’s Sisterhood; then (one meal and 10 game tickstay for the full Megillah ets) is $7 in advance, $8.50 reading at 7:30 p.m. the day of the carnival; or A prize will be awarded to the Family Pack (with four the BESTT class with the meals, 50 game tickets and most members attending in 11 raffle tickets) is $40. costume; all children attendOrders are being taken now; ing are asked to check in with checks, made payable to Education Director Judy Beth El USY, may be sent to Rubin to make sure their Beth El, 14506 California presence is noted.

Third, fourth and seventh Elissa Wiener and her mother, Audrey, were among the St., Omaha NE 68154. grade children who plan to many volunteers who helped to bake hundreds of pieces of For more information, constay after BESTT classes for hamantaschen for both holiday revelers and Beth El tact Seth Rich at 250.8120, or Jamie Skog at 492.8550. the Megillah reading are Sisterhood’s annual hamantaschen sale.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 3 NCSY, BBYO, USY & OTYG Shabbat Across America, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Beth El Tot Shabbat & Lunch, 11 a.m.

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 The Jews and the Zoo, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Pancake Man, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Hazak Movie & Box Lunch, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Parent Teacher Workshop for Children at Risk, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Barn Girl Art Reception, 1 p.m.

WRJ-O Friendship Tea, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, MARCH 6 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Decathlon Spelling Bee, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel A History of Israel, 7 p.m.

NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

Derech Torah Class, 7:30 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL “Diaries of Humanity” Docent Training, 10 a.m.

ADL Manhigim Institute, 4 p.m.

BBYO Chapter Installations, 6 p.m.

Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 Mishloach Manot, 9:30 a.m. at Kripke Library ADL “Diaries of Humanity” Docent Training, 10 a.m.

WRJ-O Baking, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Belly Dancing, 7 p.m. at Beth El Bad Boys of the Bible, 7 p.m.

Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

C L I THURSDAY, MARCH 9 P Thursday Story Time, 10 a.m. at Kripke Library

Chabad Sponsors Cirque du Purim

C L I P

Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel

& Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

JWI Sweetheart Day, 1:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Open House & Science Fair, 6 p.m. at Friedel Basic Judaism, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Pre-Purim Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN On Sunday, March 12, Omaha Temple Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Youth Group will sponsor Temple’s annual You can tell it’s almost Purim at Purim Carnival from noon -2 p.m. There’s Temple Israel as whiffs of hamana preview at 11:30 a.m. for pre-kindertaschen drift from the kitchen into garten and kindergarten children and their parents. The community is invited to stroll other parts of the Temple. Women of the cake walk (sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism rolled, floured, and Reform Judaism), crawl through Kati the filled close to 1,000 of the triangular Caterpiller, bounce on the moon walk, have treats. lunch, plus munch on popcorn.

And there’s a six-foot sinister lookBob Egermayer, owner of Fun Services, ing Haman, created by Len Burrell, has been supplying the carnival with games hanging out in the lobby. Ducky and inflatables for more than six years. So Milder and Judy Zweiback used their come have fun and pick a mitzvah for creative costume couture to give someone else at the same time. All donaHaman “just the right look.” tions can be returned to the collection basTo emphasize the gift-giving tradition of Purim, Haman’s pockets (in Six-foot tall Haman is hanging out kets at Haman’s feet or delivered to the the shape of hamantaschen) are over- at Temple ready to have his pock- Temple office. flowing with ideas to help others. ets picked ... for a good cause.

On Monday, March 13, 6 p.m., a mysDuring this holiday of revelry, it is traditional for Jews to tery group of performers will present this year’s Purim think of those less fortunate than themselves. Even the spiel, always a comical farce. Costumes are essential! If you forget yours or don’t have one, Club 56 will be poorest among us are expected to share with others.

In that spirit, children and adults are welcome to pick happy to oblige by offering a closet full of attire for chilHaman’s pockets to do tzedakah to celebrate Purim. It dren and adults. Immediately following the reading of might be a zoo pass for a child or a family from Castelar the Megillah and the spiel, Popeye’s will cater dinner.

School; school supplies for the Gordon School in Akko, Hamantaschen and drinks are provided. There will also Israel; food for Jewish Family Service’s pantry; CD disc- be crafts for the kids to make.

Make reservations by Thursday, March 9 by calling mans for Hebrew classes to create a language lab; or books for Temple’s library and school. There is even an Temple at 556.6536 or e-mailing mkube@templeisopportunity to make get well cards for congregants who raelomaha.com. Dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children are coming home from the hospital. This project is ages three to 12, and free for children two and younger.

The dinner is sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. sponsored by Temple’s Social Justice Committee.

& S A V E

by JOAN. K. MARCUS for Chabad House Estie Katzman, program coordinator, invites everyone to attend Cirque du Purim, a community-wide Purim celebration at Chabad House.

According to Katzman, “Only those who want to have a wonderful time (from the ages of zero to 120) should plan to attend!” The event on Tuesday, March 14, 5-7 p.m., at Chabad House, promises events for all family members, with the four mitzvot of Purim that can be observed by all.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, will read the Megillah and tell the tale of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people. During the multi-media reading, when “a certain guy’s name” is mentioned, partiers will twirl groggers, (noisemakers) and stomp their feet to drown out the evil name.

Listeners will also get a chance to watch a slideshow featuring local personalities.

Opportunities will be given to fulfill the second mitzva: that of giving gifts to at least two who are poor.

Pushkahs (charity boxes) will be strategically placed around Chabad House in order to give the celebrants a

chance to help those less fortunate. Two different types of ready-to-eat foods will be available for guests to choose. If possible, these Mishloach Manot should be sent by a third party.

Feasting and celebrating will be observed and costumes are traditionally worn. “We dress up because the whole story of Purim isn’t as it looks,” said Katzman. “Though the hand of G-d was involved in every step of the plot, we can’t see it. Purim is the unmasking of the work of the Almighty.”

We all know the story! Haman was a wicked, wicked guy and a definite enemy of Jewish people!

The holiday is one of fun and celebration and silliness because, sustained by hope, goodness and love have triumphed over evil and hate. Jews everywhere celebrate because they have reached this season.

“It isn’t mandatory that you come in costume.

However, you must wear one if you hope to get a prize!

The theme of the evening will be ‘circus time!’ There will be games and an abundance of prizes for children and adults and, most fun of all, pony rides for children.

Advance reservations are: adults $7; children three to 12, $4; three and under are free. Tickets at the door are $10.

Call 330.1800 or e-mail cirque du purim@gmail.com.

March 3, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Hadassah Hospital Chief in Limelight with Prime Minister’s Ongoing Illness

by AVIGAIL SCHWARTZ NEW YORK (JTA) -- Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef’s trip to New York was supposed to happen six week ago, but then disaster struck: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered his second stroke and went into a coma.

“I took it upon myself to be spokesman of the hospital” because “I thought it’s very delicate and a huge responsibility, and thought it should be handled by a doctor and not by a professional in PR or press department,” Mor-Yosef, the director general of Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, told JTA in an interview last month.

And handle it delicately he did. Everything was cleared first with the family, and a strategy was decided upon from the beginning. “It’s a problem, an ethical problem, how much you can disclose, how much you can say about a patient who is also the prime minister,” MorYosef says.

“But we agreed after the first hospitalization what we’d say. We consulted with the sons and took the decision to give only data without any evaluation and leave the evaluation to the journalists, to the doctors from other hospitals.”

Mor-Yosef cuts a tall, trim figure. His thatch of gray hair is well-groomed, but his expression is tired. And for good reason: Mor-Yosef arrived in New York on the morning of Feb. 16 from Israel, and had been in meetings with New York staff members, donors and fundraisers from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, as well as reporters. The next day, he was slated to fly to Florida for further meetings.

Despite his hectic schedule, he remains pleasant and unruffled during the interview. He speaks carefully, choosing words without hesitation but precisely, much like the press reports he has been delivering since he was suddenly placed in the spotlight following Sharon’s second stroke.

Mor-Yosef has been the hospital’s director for five years, and worked in medical administration for 15. He practiced as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Israel.

He studied medicine at Hadassah, then earned a mas-

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ter’s at Harvard in Public Administration. His English is lightly accented, but fluid and graceful.

He switched from treating patients to administration by request from the Hadassah Hospital, he says.

“It came as a surprise, but I tried it for three years and found it very interesting and my input is more substantial, more meaningful.”

Though his role has expanded to become so public over the past weeks, he downplays it, shifting focus to the hospital.

“Hadassah got huge exposure, the hospital got huge exposure, we had journalists, reporters, TV crews, radio crews for a week, day and night in the hospital, and they broadcast from there.”

Hadassah University Medical Center's director general, Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, updates the media on the condition of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon outside the Hadassah hospital where Sharon was being treated following a massive stroke, Jan. 5, in Jerusalem.

Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA He also dryly remarks that “we are not a hospital for one person. We have 1,100 beds and we treat 1,000,000 patients” annually, citing an occupancy rate this winter of 106 percent.

Humor aside, Mor-Yosef acknowledges that Sharon’s illness affects Israelis both inside and outside the hospital.

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“Of course, it is emotional to every one of us” at the hospital, he says, and he understands that it is also the case with the public. “I don’t know any Israeli, anyone around the world who doesn’t pray for his recovery,” he says.

In the United States, Mor-Yosef is speaking to donors about the hospital’s various plans. He presses no particular one, saying that “usually the donors choose their projects.”

In the works right now is a three-floor addition to the hospital’s mother-child unit; a hotel for patients’ religious relatives who cannot walk to the hospital on Shabbat and holidays; and a research and technology incubator.

Mor-Yosef’s favorite project is a new building on the campus, in planning since 2003. He hopes to begin construction in 2007, and have it completed in 2012, in time for the hospital’s 100th anniversary.

His old-school gentleman demeanor does not crack when the possibility of ending Sharon’s life is broached, but he is quietly and calmly adamant.

“First of all, he’s not under any life-support machines.

In order to stop his life you have to kill him. Not to disconnect him from a machine. And no one is expecting us to kill him--as a patient, not as the prime minister.

Secondly, it’s a family issue. We are not in this stage at all. We think we have to fight for his life and recovery, and the family thinks it.

“And of course I’m aware of people who think that maybe it’s better for him to die than to live but it’s not our attitude. It’s like ‘why are you doing so much to him?’ But what we are doing is standard treatment” for this kind of patient, he says.

A prognosis is difficult, he says. “The main problem with brain recovery is that we don’t know exactly the mystery of the brain, and no one can say if, when and to which level he’ll be with us. It’s something that is beyond the medical profession’s abilities to focus the future in this specific case.

“But we all know that there is a chance that he will recover, and this is what we fight for.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

How Food Can Help a Jewish Girl Land Both a Mensch and a King

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA) -- Wedged between the drama of life and death, Purim is also a love story. It’s the saga of how a young woman met her husband, a man who initially seemed coarse and hard-boiled, but in the end arguably turned out to be a real mensch.

Set in ancient Persia, the story opens with King Ahasuerus banishing his wife. Eager to replace her, he tells his men to gather every beautiful maiden to his palace for his version of speed dating.

Esther, niece of the revered Jew is leader Mordechai, is taken to the palace with the other girls. Mordechai instructs her not to her backreveal How to Marry a Mensch ground, and visits the

by Robin Gorman Newman. palace gates daily, hoping for news of his niece.

The king meets a number of potential queens, but selects Esther, unaware of her religion.

The plot thickens when the king’s vizier, Haman, builds a gallows for Mordechai, intending to kill him and annihilate the Jews. Esther, with Mordechai’s help, sways the king and averts disaster for the Jewish nation.

Because of this, the Jewish people have praised Esther’s bravery for centuries. But did anyone ever consider how a nice Jewish girl landed a king? “I imagine Queen Esther acted like she was happy to there, like she wanted to meet Mister Right,� says Robin Gorman Newman, author of How to Marry a Mensch, a recently published book. “She didn’t just fantasize about it, she put her best foot forward.�

Newman is a love coach who helps single clients of all ages navigate the ever-changing social scene. In the age of JDate, the online dating service for Jews, her tips are timeless, as applicable in ancient Persia as they are now.

She advises clients to seek a mensch. She defines a mensch as a decent, responsible person, someone with good morals and strength of character, someone of whom even the fussiest Jewish mother would approve. While the word mensch derives from Yiddish, it’s infiltrated popular culture, applying equally to men and women.

The love coach claims you must be a mensch to attract a mensch. Esther was a mensch, because she risked her safety and happiness in order to help her people.

A mensch is also a person you can trust, someone who will be there in times of trouble, the way King Ahasuerus

responded when Queen Esther revealed that she was Jewish and that Haman was plotting genocide against her people. Instead of automatically accepting his vizier’s advice, the king listened to his wife, hanging Haman on his own gallows.

Afterward, Mordechai instructs Persia’s Jews to celebrate their salvation, something that’s relived in presentday Purim parties. Yet in all that joy, it’s worth noting that the holiday is not only a tale of redemption but also the joining of two menschen.

Let’s imagine our heroine in action. When approaching the king, what did she do right? Did she act like herself, or play by “The Rules�?

The love coach speculates that Esther was a “mensch magnet,� meaning that she was adept at making eye contact and starting conversations. “In the dating game, flirting is important, as is giving compliments.�

She mentions an attractive client who was too shy to talk to men, until Newman encouraged her to take a chance. Long story short--by chatting a little, she married a great guy.

The Megillah of Esther indicates that the queen was beautiful. But for 12 months before the night she met the king, she was in his harem, beautifying herself with oil, cosmetics and perfume. The night she met the king, she dressed according to the knowledgeable advice of the harem’s eunuch--and, Newman hopes, smiling.

While today’s dating scene has migrated to the Internet, the same tips apply. “Even on the Internet, you should distinguish yourself with a good photo,� says Newman. “Write a punchy profile that shows your personality.�

She describes a young man whose JDate profile wasn’t drawing much attention. When she saw it, Newman knew why. “Your picture looks like a military mug shot,� she told him. “You’re too stiff. You’re not smiling.�

The importance of appearing friendly can’t be overestimated when it comes to attracting a mensch. “People want to meet someone who’s happy,� says Newman.

She suggests seeking Cloud Eight. “Too many people want perfection, that knock-my-socks-off feeling.� They don’t give a comfortable conversation with a nice person a chance.

Yet Esther was probably open to Cloud Eight. “Not a terrible compromise,� says Newman. In all likelihood, Ahasuerus wasn’t the man of her dreams. Besides having left wife No. 1--there are some suggestions that he had her killed--he was older than our heroine.

Like the king, a good percentage of Newman’s clients are mature daters, people who’ve been divorced or widowed and are looking for mates. “You can get married at any age, if you have the right attitude,� she says. “If you’re afraid you’re 50-plus and won’t meet anybody, you probably won’t.� As a matter

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of fact, Newman’s father, a widower of 82, has enjoyed the company of several wonderful women.

With spring fever in the air, Purim is the perfect time to think of love. Whether people are single or long married, Newman believes that sweets kindle romance. For that reason, she shares her mother’s almond sherry cake recipe, a baking contest winner, which has been stealing people’s hearts for decades. Because pies are now trendy, she suggests making her honey cheese pie. One slice sends people to the moon.

No matter how old or new a relationship, nothing is more appealing than homemade mocha truffles or dipping strawberries into white, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate. “The adage, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ is truer than ever,’’ says Newman. Conversely there’s nothing better than a man who bakes. Now there’s a real mensch.

In line with the holiday’s theme, which revolves around exchanging desserts, she suggests throwing a singles Purim party, setting the mood by serving sweets.

Invite every unattached person in your circle and ask them to bring friends.

You never know who you could meet. If Queen Esther was still single, that’s what she would do.

ALMOND SHERRY CAKE

by Robin Gorman Newman 1 (18.25 oz.) box yellow cake mix (without pudding) 4 large eggs 3/4 cup cream sherry 3/4 cup cooking oil 1 (3 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. cardamom 1 tsp. flour 1/8 tsp. salt Preheat oven to 350Âş. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.

Place all ingredients listed above into a large bowl. Mix at low speed for one minute, scraping bowl constantly. Then mix at medium speed for three minutes. (Batter is lumpy.)

Pour half the batter into bundt pan.

Sprinkle streusel filling (recipe below) over batter in bundt pan.

Pour remaining batter over streusel filling.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched lightly and inserted cake tester or toothpick comes out clean. Turn off oven, leaving cake inside with door ajar for two minutes. Cool completely on a rack.

Turn mold upside down over a serving plate. Cover with sherry glaze (recipe on the opposite page). Yield: 8-10 servings.

Continued on page 5

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How Food Can Help Continued from page 4 Streusel Filling: 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup flour 3 tbsp. firm butter 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted at 350º for 2 minutes Mix brown sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon until Robin Gorman Newman crumbly. Then stir in almonds.

Sherry Glaze: 2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted 1/3 cup melted butter 1 tbsp. sherry 1-2 tsp. hot water Place confectioners sugar, butter and sherry in a medium bowl and stir together. With a fork, slowly mix in water, until glaze is slightly thickened but loose enough to drizzle over the top of the cake.

HONEY CHEESE PIE

by Robin Gorman Newman Pie Crust: 11/2 cups flour 1 tbsp. sugar 1/4 lb. sweet butter cut into 4 chunks, plus 1 tbsp.

1/4 cup ice water Fit food processor with cutting blade. Place flour, sugar and 1/4 pound of butter in its bowl and cover.

While processing ingredients, slowly add water through the feed tube and run for about two minutes, until dough forms into a large ball.

Dust kitchen counter and rolling pin with flour. Place dough ball on floured counter and roll into a 12-inch circle. Should dough separate or tear, push it back together with fingers. Cover half the dough circle with foil. Fold dough over foil. Cover half the remaining surface with foil and fold again so you have 1/4 of a circle.

Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with remaining tbsp. of butter. Place dough over 1/4 of pan and unfold until it covers the entire pan. Press into place.

Cream Cheese Pie Filling: 1/2 cup whole milk 3 eggs beaten 1/2 cup honey 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 8-ounce pkg. cream cheese at room temperature, cut into 6 chunks Preheat over to 350º.

Place milk, eggs, honey, vanilla and salt in a large mixing bowl and combine.

Place cream cheese in another large bowl. Gradually add the milk batter above. Mix at medium speed until well blended. Batter will be quite liquid.

Pour into prepared pie pan.

Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until cake tester or toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool and serve.

Yield: 8-10 servings.

More recipes in next week’s Jewish Press.

BIRTH Meghan and Lt. Benjamin J. Cipperley of Zushi, Japan announce the Jan. 20 birth of their son, Nathaniel Blair.

Grandparents are Maureen and Doug Blair of Euless, TX, and Sharon and Geoffrey Friedlander of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Although Passover is more than a month away, it isn’t too soon to start planning for the holidays. Beth Israel is offering the community its annual Shmurah Matzah and “Pesach to Go” sales. Additionally, Beth Israel will host a Seder on the second night of Passover, April 13.

For those who wish to serve Shmurah Matzah during Passover, look no further. Each order is one pound of “Kosher for Pesach” matzah, from a kosher bakery in Brooklyn, NY. The cost is $18 per order. “We want to thank Helene Shrago and Bag ’n Save for working with Beth Israel to offer this,” stated Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

Matzah orders will be available for pick-up at Beth Israel the week prior to Passover. The deadline for ordering is March 10.

If you would like to stay out of the kitchen during Passover, then you’ll also want to take advantage of Beth Israel’s annual “Pesach to Go” meals. Purchase a variety of “home cooked” entrees, side dishes and desserts to get you through the holiday. The “Kosher for Pesach” food will be prepared by Beth Israel’s experienced caterer, Nancy Mattly and Culinary Services. Orders must be made no later than April 3. Contact the synagogue for order forms.

The cost for the community Second Seder on April 13 is $36 for adults, $12 for children, ages 4-12, and $5 for children under four who will be eating a meal. Make your reservations no later than April 3.

To place orders and to make your reservations for the Seder, contact the office at 556.6288 or BethIsrael@ OrthodoxOmaha.org.

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If you want the scoop on some of the more colorful personalities in Jewish history, be sure to sign up for “Bad Boys of the Bible,” scheduled for Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-8 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue.

The thought-provoking course will be taught by Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation’s Center for Jewish Education.

“Bad Boys of the Bible,” will take a close look at Samson, Korah, Pinhas, David, and Jonah, said Matalon, who noted that “the Bible contains stories that are quite complicated--the characters are not one-dimensional and are much more complex personalities than we realize. We tend to judge the characters based on our moral assumptions as opposed to taking them at their face value.

“The point of this course is to reevaluate our notions of bad, good, hero, villain, etc. A fresh perspective of the foundational stories of our religious tradition will force us to examine our values and beliefs.” He encouraged community members to participate in the class, saying that because many adults seldom explore the Bible, “we rarely approach the text with the right sort of ‘glasses.’ What people will learn is that our text is much richer when we read it as adults--the characters are more real and human --and it can inspire us to look deep into ourselves with a different perspective.”

Cost of the course is $18; to register or for more information, contact Mary Sue Grossman at the Center for Jewish Education, 334.6445, or via e-mail at mgrossman@jewishomaha.org, or Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethelomaha.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

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NEBRASKA HORSE EXPO March 10-12, 2006

Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln, NE

ORGANIZATIONS THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC with a special musical program. Carmelita de la Guardia will dazzle you with her talent. A former Mrs. Nebraska, she performed recently at Carnegie Hall in New York and will perform at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Cost is $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Exercise begins at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations for the day trips to the Hollywood Diner on March 16 and Ameristar Casino on March 30.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Visions Luncheon is March 17, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Cost is $9.50 per person. Our guests are coauthors Bill Ramsey and Betty Schrier, who will discuss their forthcoming book, David Kaufman: Holocaust Rescuer. Send payment to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114 by March 10. For information, call Jim Wax at 393-4442. Deadline is March 10.

Join us for lunch and Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Dress for Dinner at the Mahoney State Park on Sunday, March 19. Cost is $23 per person includes transportation, buffet lunch, theater ticket, tax and gratuity. Send form with payment to Rose Pitlor, 827 Dillon Dr., Omaha, NE 68132 by March 8.

For information, call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358.

Tour Kansas City with Elite Tours on June 6 & 7.

Cost is $180 double occupancy/per person or $210 single. Send payment to Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway #302, Omaha, NE 68114 by April 20.

Make all checks payable to Visions.

Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NAI Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RITH BREADBREAKERS Gov. Dave Heineman, who hopes to win re-election to the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, March 8, noon, at the Regency Lodge.

Cost is $11 for lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

Breadbreakers is open to everyone in the community.

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IN THE NEWS Selected by their peers, 182 University of Nebraska Medical Center physicians have been recognized as being among the Best Doctors in America. The physicians are affiliated with the Nebraska Medical Center, UNMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital partner. The 2005-06 database contains names and professional profiles of approximately 32,000 physicians in the United States, or the top 3-5 percent of specialists in each state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Best Doctors recognition reaffirms that our faculty are outstanding clinicians in their field,â&#x20AC;? said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. Physicians are selected on the basis of the question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer them?â&#x20AC;? A peer-review survey by thousands of doctors determines the doctors included in the database. Only those who earn the support of their peers are included and only physicians in the database are allowed to receive the survey, nominate others and vote.

UNMC physicians featured include: Ken Cowan, Medical Onc/Hem; Glen Ginsburg, Orthopedic Surgery; Sam Cohen, Pathology; Bruce Gordon, Pediatric Specialist; Stephen Rennard, Pulmonary/Critical Care Med; Alan Langnas, Surgery; and faculty member Marvin Bittner, Infectious Disease.

This summer, a Creighton University course will be offered at the JCC. Prof. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, will teach â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theology 201: Reading the Old Testament,â&#x20AC;? beginning Monday, May 15, 6 p.m. This three-credit course is open to students as well as all interested individuals.

For details, call 280.2304, e-mail ljgrn@creighton.edu or go to the Summer School at www.creighton.edu.

Beth Israel Senior NCSY Attends JSU Tour of NYC

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Two members of Beth Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Senior National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) were among a group of high schoolers who attended the annual Jewish Student Union (JSU) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tour of New York.â&#x20AC;?

Accompanied by NCSY Director, Brooke Shrago, Arielle Levine and Laura Adler joined students from Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.

According to Shrago, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This trip was designed to give kids a taste of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;authenticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jewish New York, as well as to see the sites. We went to Chinatown, the Empire State Building, the South Street Seaport and Ground Zero.â&#x20AC;?

Laura Adler and Arielle Levine (and a small replica of the Statue of Liberty) pose in a shop near the Empire State Building.

Additionally, the tour included a visit with Hatzolah, a Jewish ambulance service known for their quick arrival times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Members of Hatzolah were among the first to arrive at the Towers on 9-11,â&#x20AC;? said Shrago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They told us about firefighters entering one of the towers who turned them away from the buildings shortly before they collapsed. Many Hatzolah would have been lost if they had entered behind the firefighters.â&#x20AC;?

Another highlight was attending a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Fringeâ&#x20AC;? concert. The group enjoyed listening to the Jewish rock group perform at Yeshiva University. Adler and Levine also had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Steve Burg, the National Director of NCSY and JSU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also spent time in Boro Park, a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn,â&#x20AC;? said Shrago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids took pictures of all the storefronts that had signs in Hebrew, since that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something you see in places like Omaha.â&#x20AC;?

March is Full of Fun and Games for Beth El Youth

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Purimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the only entertaining game in town for Jewish kids during March: two of Beth Elâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth groups will also offer several fun-filled activities for their members during the next several weeks, according to Youth Director Jamie Skog and Education Director Judy Rubin, the eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organizers.

This Sunday, 3-4:30 p.m., the synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh and eighth grade Kadima group will be treated to an afternoon of laser tag at ZZZAP Laser Tag Adventures, 11108 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Qâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; St. Drop-off and pick-up will be at ZZZAP, Skog said; cost is $15, and reservations may be made at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

On Sunday, March 19, 1:30-3:30 p.m., BESTT Chaverim, the synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group for fourth-sixth graders, will meet at the Family Fun Center, 7052 Dodge St., for an afternoon of games and miniature golf. For those making reservations prior to March 16, the cost will be $9 for members, $11 for non-members; after March 16, the cost is $11 for members and $13 for non-members. The fee will cover 30 game tokens, nine holes of miniature golf, a snack and soda. If desired, parents are welcome to send extra money along with their children, Rubin said.

BESTT Chaverim is open to all Jewish children in the metro area; for more information or to RSVP, contact Rubin at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.

Checks, made out to Beth El, may be sent to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Special thanks goes to David Feingold for collecting the material.

Hallah High Makes Learning Fun!

by CLARISSA SIEGEL-CAUSEY Congregation B’nai Jeshurun The experience of Hallah High has been amazing for Lincoln’s Jewish teens.

Over the past several years, teenagers from both of Lincoln’s Jewish congregations, South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel, have come together to study topics at this cool Sunday school program. Although there was much discussion between the two congregations putting their teen groups together, it was finally done.

I feel like the two congregations have really come together through this experience.

I also believe that this opened doors for new opportunities for the congregations. Hallah High spends half of the year at South Street Temple and the other half at Tifereth Israel. This really helps make the equality between the two congregations prominent.

This is also cool because we get a chance to experience what it feels like to be in both synagogues!

Hallah High is not only a good experience for congregation members, but for the teens and preteens that attend. We have two fabulous teachers: Sarah Trainin and Brian Shur. They take care of all of the learning and they make sure it is fun. We not only get to learn through this great experience, but we get to be with

Interview with Randi Emanuel, the New South Street Temple Youth Group Advisor

Above: Rabbi Ilan Emanuel talks to Clarissa SiegelCausey and Callie Feingold. Left: Feingold listens to teachers Sarah Trainin and Brian Schur. other Jewish teens, which rarely happens. As you may know, Lincoln has a very small Jewish community--so we take every chance we get to be with other Jewish teens.

Overall, Hallah High is just an amazing experience, and if you had the chance, I know you would join it, too.

Clarissa Siegel-Causey is a freshman at Lincoln High School.

A Joyful Jewish Summer Camp Experience

by CALLIE FEINGOLD Congregation B’nai Jeshurun The very first time I went to Shwayder Camp, a Jewish summer camp located in Idaho Springs in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, I knew I was home.

After just one night, nerves and doubts melted away like the snow-capped mountains surrounding me. At first I was slightly scared: was it healthy to be this comfortable with people I met, like, three hours ago? I searched for a catch in the magic and found nothing. No pseudo-connection, nothing artificially processed. All I discovered that first summer was an indescribable bond created among relative strangers, strangers who soon evolved into family.

The laughter and memories I store each summer at camp have been the fuel that motivates me to improve myself and others throughout the year until I eventually return “home” (for two weeks each summer) to once again experience the “Shwayder magic” (a commonly repeated phrase used to describe the camp’s atmosphere).

I largely attribute my discovery of Shwayder to my Temple--Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. A little over two years ago Zim Zimmerman, Director of Shwayder Camp, visited during Sunday School. He talked about what an amazing experience Jewish summer camp is and showed us pictures. Something about the enthusiasm in Zim’s voice, still excited about camp even as a fully grown adult, drew me in. Something in my gut convinced me I needed to experience the magic for myself.

As a result, I was a camper for two years and have been

selected to return this summer as a Staff-In-Training (SIT). As an SIT, not to mention the only one from the Cornhusker State, I will actually be at camp for the entire 10 weeks of summer.

Since my outrageously positive experiences at camp, I have been encouraging other Jewish youth in Lincoln to explore Jewish summer camp. I hope they also will have a memorable time and build upon their Jewish identities. It is an absolutely amazing feeling, coming from such a small Jewish community, being surrounded by so many people that share your values, beliefs, and hobbies.

I, as well as other friends that have gone to Shwayder, grow tremendously as an individual each summer.

Returning to Lincoln, I always feel a newly adopted sense of confidence and knowledge. I’m in regular contact by phone, e-mail and IM to all my Shwayder friends; we’re in touch at least once every other week.

Truly, Jewish summer camp has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am now beginning to be involved in NFTY, the nation-wide Reform high school youth group, which is a great way to stay in touch with my friends from camp.

I am so thankful to religious school for exposing me to these amazing opportunities, and to the Lincoln Jewish Federation for giving “campership” incentives to Lincoln kids heading to Jewish summer camp.

Shwayder is more than just a Jewish summer camp. It has become a part of me and still feels like home.

Callie Feingold is a sophomore at Lincoln East High School.

JFS Needs Help to Stock Pantry

by SHARON BARGAS Through the Jewish Family Service (JFS) Pantry, Jews have a special opportunity to help feed low-income Jewish families. In keeping with the biblical mandate of tikkun olam, “perfecting the world,” JFS established the Jewish Community Pantry in 2005. This program seeks to address the growing problem of hunger by supplying non-perishable food items to those in need and supplies allowing families to maintain sanitary homes.

Currently, the following items are needed for the pantry: toiletries, paper goods, laundry detergent, and cleaning products. Food and household items will be distributed once a week with eligible Jewish households able to pick up items twice a month.

The pantry is open from 10 a.m. until noon at no cost to recipients. Drop off donations to JFS, from MondayThursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

For more information, call 330.2024.

The Jewish Federation of Lincoln will host Sam Horowitz, United Jewish Communities Director, for an update on the issues facing Jews in need, in Israel and around the world and how UJC responds.

This is an informational event--not a fundraiser--so make plans to attend this Sunday, March 5, 5 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Refreshments will be served.

by EMILY STANFIELD Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Emily: What activities are you planning for the youth group?

Randi: The first thing I want to do is get together with Temple Israel in Omaha. They’re having a Chavura in April that I want some of our kids to attend. Also, NFTY regional director Emily Losben will be in Omaha, and she can tell us about NFTY and different activities we can do with them. I want us to connect with the whole country.

E: Did you participate in a youth group as a teenager?

Did you like it?

R: I was in BBYO, but not NFTY. It was an all-city group in Dayton, Ohio. There were some things I liked about it, like feeling part of a Jewish community. But I really liked being in a Jewish sorority at the University of Cincinnati. There were so many opportunities to be involved in campus life. I was very active in that.

E: Have you worked with teenagers before?

R: No, this is my first time! But I feel like I’m still a kid, so I’ll be able to figure you out a bit. You’ll have to cut me some slack; I’m learning as I go along.

E: Can we go to New York City?

R: If we can manage it and if we had a good excuse, then I’m all for it. That would be a blast! We’d need appropriate supervision, of course, and I’d expect our kids to act responsibly.

E: Are you excited about your new position?

R: Yeah, a little overwhelmed, though! I really want to bring in kids we haven’t seen in a while. If we did that, I would feel like we’ve accomplished something.

E: Is there anything else you would like to say?

R: I really want the Temple youth group to connect with NFTY at a national level. It would be a great leadership chance for you guys, to feel part of the larger Jewish community. There are a lot of Jewish kids from different parts of the country you could meet. And it would be great experience to prepare you for college!

Emily Stanfield is a sophomore at Lincoln High School.

Dream

by ALEX CALIDONNA Congregation B’nai Jeshurun When walking in the woods on a cold night, With the moon up and the stars out, You begin to wonder If someone or something Is behind, in front or right beside you.

Your hands start to sweat, You get a chill down your spine, Your heart starts racing faster and faster, You hear a scream behind you.

It is cold, very cold.

You begin to panic, You run faster and faster till BAM! You wake up from your dream Wondering if you should fall back asleep.

Dear Wanderer

by ALEX CALIDONNA Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Dear Wanderer, why do you wander, so likely to misplace your foot holding and fall into the deepest of the deepest pits?

Wanderer, why do you come from so far away, not only to wander far from home?

Wanderer, have you come a long way? Have you been to many places?

Wanderer, why don't you answer me?

Alex Calidonna is a freshman at Southwest High School.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

The Olympic Spirit Lives (in Some Places) Though we don’t admit it, many Jews were proud to see the Jewish names of athletes who competed in the recent Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. Whether they won medals--like figure skaters Sasha Cohen’s silver, Irina Slutskaya’s bronze, and ice dancers Ben Agosto’s silver (with his partner Tanith Beldin)--or not (like the Israeli pair Galit Chait and Sergei Saknovsky), we were proud of their Jewish heritage and our connection to them.

Of course, it took decades before an Israeli athlete won a medal as Gal Fridman did in windsurfing at the 2004 Athens Games. How proud were we when the world heard “Hatikvah” played for the first time at the Olympics!

Of course there are Jewish athletes, but seeing a Cohen on the medals stand is somewhat unusual. Yes, we have Ben Jacobson of Omaha playing basketball on the college level today, as Irv Yaffe once did for UNL, but we still smile when we think of Jews in sports.

It’s good, too, that Cohen was especially gracious at the Olympics, giving credit to her fellow skaters and admitting that her falls were her fault. Unlike some of the other Americans on the U.S. Olympic team who were overhyped and who under-performed, Cohen understood that she was representing more than just herself.

Another athlete, Apollo Anton Ono, American--but not Jewish--praised the U.S. Olympic Sports group in Colorado, where he lives and trains. He thanked not only his trainers and the sports medicine doctors, but even the cafeteria staff! With his million-dollar

package of endorsements, Ono can afford to live in a pricey home; instead he lives among other Olympic athletes in the dorms in Colorado Springs. He showed true humility when he was interviewed by NBC reporters, following his gold-medal win in the 500-meter short track race. And, as Americans (Jewish or not), we shared a little of that pride as he spoke in true Olympic spirit.

Too bad not all Olympic athletes demonstrated that same spirit.

Performing tricks so close to a sure fire gold medal win, telling reporters you “didn’t care about the medals,” getting into bar fights, are just some of the expressions of the uglyAmericanism expressed last week.

These were not reflections on us as Jews, but they were slurs on our American reputation--something we hardly need at the moment. Between the mismanagement of the war in Iraq, the latest news about selling our ports to a subsidiary of a company based in Dubai, and the anti-Western and antiJewish cries from Islamofascists, American athletes should be on their best behavior--not their worst.

The latest arrow shot against Jews and the West is so bizarre, it almost makes one laugh. Some Iranian clerics now claim that the Hanna Barbera cartoon “Tom and Jerry” was created to clean up the image of the Jews as “dirty mice”--and if that wasn’t enough, the clerics have it confused

with Walt Disney cartoons (Disney, as you might recall, was thought to have been antiSemitic). By the way, where were the Iranian Olympic athletes (or the Syrians, the Yemenis, the Saudi Arabians)? Guess they’re too busy drumming up hatred against cartoonists, Jews, Americans, and our way of life than practicing the Olympic spirit of sportsmanship, gracious behavior and freedom. On to Beijing?

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

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Day in Court with Irving Shows History a More Potent Weapon than Censorship

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DEBORAH LIPSTADT ROME (JTA) -- David Irving’s arrest and three-year jail sentence for having denied the Holocaust has been met with a chorus of cheers in the Jewish community. A notorious liar, he was once considered a prominent historian. Many people were delighted that prison would now house a man who has called Jews cockroaches, believes black newscasters should be relegated to reading news of criminals and drug busts, and asked a survivor how much money she had made from having a number tattooed on her arm.

At long last, justice seemed to prevail. In the immediate aftermath of the verdict, my blog (Lipstadt.blogspot. com) was flooded with expressions of delight. Most people assumed I was dancing the hora.

But I was not.

I fought this man’s libel charge against me for six years. For over three months I had to silently sit in court in London listening to him say the most horrible things about Jews, people of color and survivors. He made fun of those who talked about gas chambers and sneered at survivors’ accounts of what they endured. He was full of bluster about how he was going to demolish the myth of the Holocaust.

Quietly and meticulously, relying on the stellar work of a dream team of historians, we showed that every one -- not many, not most, but all -- of David Irving’s claims were complete rot. They were based on lies, distortions and fabrications. They were, as the prominent historian Richard Evans and the leader of our research team, said, “A tissue of lies.”

In no way, Evans continued, could this man even be thought of as a historian. Some people have argued that since he has written over

30 books on historical topics, he is a historian. If I wrote books on building bridges that would not make me a structural engineer. Irving has been dubbed by some people on the Internet as a “distorian.”

During my trial, Irving kept trying to introduce evidence of a world Jewish cabal or global conspiracy against him.

He described me as “the gold-tipped spearhead of the enemies of truth,” his euphemism for the Jews. He laughed at survivors, declaring them liars or psychopaths. And he called the judge--in a very telling slip, “Mein Fuhrer.”

He suffered an overwhelming loss. When the judge, in a 350-page judgment, said he “perverts,” “distorts,” “lies,” and that his conclusions are a “travesty,” Irving’s reputation was left in tatters. When two different courts of appeal concurred, he faced financial ruin.

Why then was I not delighted with the court sentence handed down in Vienna on Feb. 20?

I am writing this sitting in the shadow of the Vatican, preparing to teach a course on the Holocaust at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Jesuit university affiliated with the Vatican. For centuries the church censored Jewish books, forcing Jews to remove anything the church authorities deemed objectionable to Christianity. Even prayers were censored.

We Jews, who have suffered from censorship, should not be supporting it. Moreover, I don’t believe censorship is efficacious. It renders the censored item into forbidden fruit, making it more appealing, not less so.

Here in Europe, as in many quarters in the United States, this discussion has been joined with the debate over the Danish cartoons.

Various Jewish organizations have pointed out --and rightfully so--that the Islamic world, which is so vigorously protesting the insult

(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine.

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they perceive in these cartoons, is ignoring its own double standard. It has lived quite comfortably for many years with a spate of antiSemitic cartoons. Some are well nigh pornographic and worthy of what one might find in Der Sturmer, the Nazi anti-Semitic newspaper.

While it is legitimate to argue that there is a difference between cartoons and the murder of millions of people, it is hard to argue for laws against Holocaust denial but demand that the Danish cartoonists’ freedom of speech be protected. It suggests a double standard.

More importantly, there is a far better way to fight Holocaust denial than to rely on the transitory force of law.

When David Irving forced me to go to court to defend my freedom of expression, my most important weapon was the historical truth.

We have truth and history on our side.

From both an ideological and strategic perspective, those are far more powerful weapons than laws, especially laws that seem to counter the ideal of freedom of expression.

The best way to counter Holocaust deniers is to teach as many people as possible this history.

That is why courses on history of the Holocaust have proven so popular and important.

Students who take those courses will never fall prey to the David Irving-like distortions.

Jewish tradition teaches that the word emet, truth, composed as it is from the first, middle and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, encompasses everything. The truth of the Holocaust is terrible and painful, but it is the truth and that is the most potent weapon anyone could want.

Deborah Lipstadt teaches at Emory University and is the author of History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving [Ecco, 2005] which is a winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

We have truth and history on our side. From both an ideological and strategic perspective, those are far more powerful weapons than laws...

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March 3, 2006

Beware of the Hamas/UNRWA Connection

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by DAVID BEDEIN At a time when the governments of Israel and the U.S. have made a policy decision to cut funds for to pay health, education and social service salaries to the Hamas dominated Palestinian Authority, it has been suggested that Israel and the US simply allocate the funds through UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency that administers 59 refugee camps for Palestinian Arab refugees from 1948 and for their descendent. All told. UNRWA services about three million Palestinian Arabs, one third of whom actually live in the camps, with the rest of the UNRWA clientele living contiguous to the camps.

However, the Hamas connection to UNRWA is pervasive and deep.

Writing about UNRWA during a week that the Israel Defense Forces (The IDF) is engaged in house to house search operations of wanted Hamas terrorists in the UNRWA camp in Balata, near Nablus, the use and the infiltration into UNRWA facilities and UNRWA operations by Hamas and by Hamas-affiliated people who are in the employ of UNRWA is nothing new.

At the memorial ceremony for Sheik Yassin which was held at the UNRWA boys’ school in that same Balata refugee camp on April 3, 2004, veiled operatives held mock Kassam rockets; the families of “martyrs” were given gifts and certificates of gratitude.

In an earlier incident Hamas convened a conference in a school in the Jabalya refugee camp, in which the school’s administration, teachers and hundreds of students participated, was reported on the website of the Israeli prime minister.

Saheil Alhinadi, representing the UNRWA Teachers Association, praised UNRWA pupils who carried out suicide attacks against Israel.

That Alhinadi was speaking for the teachers should not be surprising, since Hamas-affiliated officials dominate in the teachers’ union of UNRWA in Gaza, and control its executive committee. This is particularly worrisome because of the influence on young refugees studying in UNRWA schools.

Hamas has influenced the UNRWA schools in yet another way, as well: The Islamic Bloc, which works within the Hamas, and refers to itself as a “Jihad” dedicated to the organization, “Islamization” of the Palestinian cause and the necessity of liberating all of the land of Palestine, and it has been charged

by Hamas with furthering the goal of Hamas within the schools.

IDF Colonel (ret.) Yoni Fighel, a former IDF intelligence officer, observed that “As long as UNRWA employees are members of Fatah, Hamas, or PFLP, they are going to pursue the interests of their party within the framework of their job…Who’s going to check up on them to see that they don’t? UNRWA? They are UNRWA.” Meanwhile, Israel’s former UN Ambassador, Dr. Dore Gold, visited the UNRWA camp in Jenin in April 2002 and himself witnessed the presence of shahid (martyr) posters on the walls in the homes of UNRWA workers. “It was clear,” he says, “that UNRWA workers were doubling as Hamas agents.”

It should be noted that, for political reasons, adequate vetting of prospective employees in Judea and Samaria is not done by UNRWA, while such vetting of prospective employees for UNRWA does take place in the UNRWA camps in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

At UNRWA’s international conference that was held in Geneva in June, 2004, I asked Peter Hansen, then the UN Commissioner General for UNRWA, how he could account for the fact that Hamas members were on the payroll of UNRWA. Hansen then admitted that “We do not check the religious affiliation of our staff members.”

A week later, Hansen was interviewed

by CBC radio and said that he saw no problem with having Hamas members on his staff.

Employee involvement with Hamas should not come as any surprise, since the employees of UNRWA are themselves Palestinian Arab refugees, and the evidence that the refugee population is supportive of and affiliated with Hamas is quite considerable: Indeed, UNRWA has never denied beneficiaries aid or relief because of Hamas (or other terrorist) associations.

This is because UNRWA has a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on the matter.

Inevitably, then, funds given to UNRWA recipients ends up paying the salaries of Hamas officials.

Last month, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed UNRWA of its great displeasure with the fact that Hamas officials remain on the payroll of UNRWA. In other words, there is no way to support UNRWA without at some level providing aid and assistance to Hamas at the same time.

David Bedein is the Bureau Chief, Israel Resource News Agency, and President, Center for Near East Policy Research. He can be reached at: www.ibtn.co.il.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

JINSA Calls for Policy to Protect American Port Management from All Foreign Ownership

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by JIM COLBERT (Washington, D.C.)--Tom Neumann, Executive Director of The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, said the issue of any foreign firm running a U.S. port amounts to a “fox guarding the henhouse” situation that is best avoided altogether.

JINSA has noted that there is more than a little anti-Arab sentiment in the uproar over a Dubai firm purchasing the British operating company running terminals at six major American seaports.

Otherwise, the organization asked in its latest JINSA Report (#551 Port Insecurity), “how do you explain the lack of concern over Chinese companies running terminals at two major West Coast ports and New Orleans, the locus of much of our energy imports?

Or about the original British company where there are probably as many jihadists in Britain today as there are in Dubai?” In fact, the report noted, as of Feb. 21, the Department of Homeland Security was still trying to determine the ownership of terminal management in all 361 U.S. ports.

Ports are not military installations, but they are considered “critical infrastruc-

ture” under an Executive Order signed

by President George H.W. Bush.

According to the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) American ports handle 95 percent of America’s international commerce an 10 million cruise passengers annually. Furthermore, they also enable deployment of U.S. military vessels, personnel and cargo to support U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and provide relief organizations the ability to ship critical supplies to areas of the world hard hit by man-made and natural disasters. U.S. ports handle some $2 trillion worth of international trade annually representing 27 percent of America’s GDP. “The issue of Dubai Ports World owning the firm running U.S. ports has led me to conclude that it is time to have a real policy to protect the management of our ports from all foreign ownership,” Neumann said.

The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs is an independent, nonprofit, non-partisan, non-sectarian educational organization established in 1976 to educate the public on national and international security issues, including the importance of an effective U.S. defense capability and the key role of strategic allies, including Israel, to promote democratic values in the Middle East. Visit on the web at: www.jinsa.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Last month at the JCC, 14 Jewish organizations--including: 39 Forever, ADL, AMIT Women, Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Beth El Hazak, Beth El Men’s Club, Beth Israel, Chabad, Hadassah, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Women International, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, LOVE, and Visions--jointly sponsored a presentation

by Omaha World-Herald reporter C. David Kotok and photographer Jeff Bundy about their impressions during their recent assignment in Iraq. They were imbedded with Nebraska and Iowa troops for seven weeks. A lively question and answer period followed.

More than 250 of our community attended and a dessert reception followed, sponsored by Jewish Senior Services.

I want to thank all of the organizations who participated; I am very proud of our community for supporting this momentous event. I hope that the Omaha Jewish community will support more joint

efforts in the future.

Again, let me thank all of you who helped to organize and publicize this event and, most importantly, the members of the Omaha Jewish community who attended to honor David and Jeff for their courage and devotion to journalism and their desire to inform the citizenry of Jim Wax what they observed.

President, Hazak To the Editor: Camp Ramah in California celebrates its 50th anniversary as an organization on the forefront of Jewish continuity and leadership. A number of programs and initiatives are planned to take place throughout the United States, culminating in a gala at camp on Sunday, Dec. 3 in Ojai, CA. All former campers and staff are invited to participate. We encourage former campers and staff to register on our website: www.ramah.org/alumni, or to call : 888-Camp-Ramah.

Rabbi Daniel Greyber Executive Director Camp Ramah in California

Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com .

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, March 3, 5:59 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

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

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Services, followed by Oneg.

FRIDAY, March 10: Purim Celebration; Speaker Michael Sigmond will discuss Jewish Consumer Issues. Purim dairy dinner will follow. Call 323.8885 to let us know what you will bring. The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m., in the chapel. Third and fourth graders will participate in the service, followed by a dinner for students and their families.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (37), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:4511:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 6 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10 a.m.: Bible Discussion Group, Living Hebrew, Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, and The Blessing of Good Parenting, (babysitting is available); Nashir Choir, 10-11 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class and From Your Heart to God’s Ears, 11 a.m.

THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m.

PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m., for parents and toddlers, 18 months to age three.

BESTT WORKSHOPS Sessions address bullying and other types of child victimization, Sundays, March 5 and 26, 12:15 p.m. There is no cost. To register, contact Judy Rubin.

HAZAK MOVIE & LUNCH Sunday, March 5, 12:30 p.m.

SISTERHOOD LUNCHEON on Sunday, March 5.

BAD BOYS OF THE BIBLE Mini-course on Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-8 p.m. at Beth El. Cost is $18; RSVP to Margie Gutnik in the office.

TROPICAL SALSA NIGHT Saturday, March 18, 8 p.m.11 p.m.; cost is $10 per person.

RSVP by March 13 to Margie Gutnik.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services

conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Across America, 5:30 p.m., for all Jewish high school students, hosted this year at Beth Israel; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by dinner for Jewish teens at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Errol and Lynne Saltzman in honor of the auf ruf of Scott Saltzman; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m.; “The Jew and the Zoo” toddler tour, 9:30 a.m. at the Henry Doorly Zoo lion statue near the main entrance. “The Jew and the Zoo” family tour begins at 10:30 a.m. Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv time.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.

THURSDAY: Pre-Purim Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m.

“Exploring Megilat Ester: A sophisticated study drawing from midrashic, classical, and modern commentaries”; Rabbi’s weekly Parsha class at 9 p.m. is cancelled whenever he teaches a class earlier in the evening.

Make plans to attend Purim celebrations on March 13 and 14.

Call the office for information.

BEYT SHALOM

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Family Service, 6:30 p.m., The music and format of this Family Service, led by Rabbi Emanuel, will appeal to all ages. There will be no Torah service and no oneg following the service. Sitter service will be available.

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

SUNDAY: Gan Simcha, grades 2-7, and Hallah High 9:30 a.m.noon, at Tifereth Israel; grades K1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1-3 p.m.; Lincoln Jewish Federation Meeting, 5 p.m.; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarain Church, 6300 ‘A’ St.; the topic is “Economic Issues” with guest speaker Stephan Wang.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

THURSDAY, 7 p.m.: Divrei Shir, Jewish Music with Mark Miller, Holly Heffelboiwer and Elaine Monnier.

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Torah Studies, 10-11:30 a.m. The Exodus Series; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champ, 10 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots (ages 35), 4:15 p.m.

For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE

a.m.-noon; Family Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.

FRIENDSHIP TEA Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m.: Invite your non-Jewish relatives, teachers, co-workers and friends to learn about Jewish rituals.

There will be food representing all the Jewish holidays, plus talks with the clergy. For information, call Susan Rothholz at 391.3043.

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 7 p.m.: Decathlon Awards Night in the Temple Social Hall, sponsored

by Men’s Club.

TUESDAY, March 7: Family School and Dinner, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, March 8: Religious School, 3-6, 4 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Middle/ High School, 7-12, 6:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, March 5: The 4 B’s: Behaving, Believing, Belonging and Bagels: Kosher Sex, taught by Rabbi Marantz, 10:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, March 9: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m.

SHABBAT COMES TO YOU: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead a Shabbat Service on Friday, March 10, 4 p.m., at Remington Heights.

TIFERETH ISRAEL

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate; Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m.; Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Corps Readers: Lee and Howard Needleman.

SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10

Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m., followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class.

SUNDAY: Gan Simcha, grades 2-7, and Hallah High, 9:30 a.m.noon, at Tifereth Israel; grades K1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun.; Federation meeting, 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, at 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION Monday and Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m, and Thursdays, noon-2 p.m Friday, March 31: The last Friday of the month we will have services at 6:30 p.m., with a Shabbat dinner following.

Sam Monsky, son of Pam and Henry Monsky, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 11, at Temple Israel.

Sam is a seventh-grader at Millard Alternative Middle School.

His interests include cooking, archery, and wrestling. For his mitzvah project, Sam worked in the Watanabe Wellness Center kitchen at the Nebraska AIDS Project, helping to prepare and

serve lunch to 3040 clients.

Sam has a sister, Rachael.

Grandparents are Nancy and Sid Pearlman of Des Moines, IA, and Ramie Monsky of Palm Desert, CA, and the late Hubert Monsky.

Great-grandparents are the late Henry and Sadie Monsky, the late Anne Ferer Sostrin and Hyman Ferer.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg.

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B’NAI MITZVAH Jenna Gerber, daughter of Joell and Todd Gerber, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 11, at Beth El Synagogue.

Jenna is a seventhgrade honor student at Buffet Middle School.

Her interests include bowling, cross-country and drama club. She made the summa cum laude

honor roll for all four quarters.

For her mitzvah project, Jenna collected winter coats for children at the Lydia House.

Jenna has two sisters, Alyssa and Bailee.

Grandparents are Debbie and Ron Powers, and Janice and Bruce Bratetic.

Great-grandparents are Bernice Gerber and the late Arthur “Sonny” Gerber.

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March 3, 2006

A Jewish Value System

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Terumah We speak blithely of Jewish values, but without considerable thought, most of us would be nonplussed to say what we mean when we speak of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewish values.â&#x20AC;?

In the first place, what is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;valueâ&#x20AC;?? And, secondly, what is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewishâ&#x20AC;? value?

Well, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;valueâ&#x20AC;? may be understood as some principle or standard of thinking or acting that is desirable, that we consider worthwhile. Thus, bravery, honesty, sobriety, might be considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;values.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jewishâ&#x20AC;? values may be understood as values that are particularly stressed in Judaism, though shared by many others. For example, we might say that study, education, intellectual achievement, taken together, are a Jewish value. Jews became a â&#x20AC;&#x153;people of the Bookâ&#x20AC;? early on. During the Babylonian Exile (sixth century BCE), the Temple sacrifices could not be offered. Scriptures then became the religious fare of worshippers, who would gather around those who had them and could read and interpret them.

And when the Torah-Book was made the â&#x20AC;&#x153;constitutionâ&#x20AC;? of the restored community under Ezra (around 400 BCE), the Jews were participants in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Book Religionâ&#x20AC;?--even though the sacrifices were again being offered in the new Temple in Jerusalem. But the Book became paramount, especially under the Pharisees and their successors, the rabbis. Study has been a Jewish hallmark ever since.

I am led to this discussion of Jewish values by our Sidra. The Torah narrative has it that the Children of Israel were told to bring gifts--offerings for the Sanctuary that was to be built: precious metals, furs and fabrics, spices, semi-precious stones. Jews have been taught ever since, generation after generation, that wealth was held only in stewardship, â&#x20AC;&#x153;for the whole earth is Mine.â&#x20AC;?

Further, Jews were admonished in the Torah, to look after the poor, with outright gifts, with no-interest loans, with produce left purposely in the fields.

Tzedakah which we translate poorly as â&#x20AC;&#x153;charityâ&#x20AC;? means â&#x20AC;&#x153;righteousness.â&#x20AC;?

The history of philanthropy in the Unites States, I am told, includes the fact that United Way campaigns followed patterns set up by Jewish communities for themselves, since Jews were so far ahead of the general populace in raising money for worthy purposes.

There is a noble history behind this. Jewish religious values include an approach to the world, to wealth and to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbor, that should make us proud.

The big problem for American Jewry is whether or not we can continue this process of education in Jewish values for new generations.

Fleeing Famine and Fighting Continued from page 1 In the end, it turned out that Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fears were unfounded: The new regime in Addis Ababa proved itself friendly toward the Jews and forged strong ties with Israel.

After Operation Solomon, the only Ethiopians with Jewish ties left behind in Ethiopia were the Falash Mura, Ethiopian Christians whose progenitors were Jews who had converted to Christianity. Many of them sought to return to Judaism in a bid to emigrate, but Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thenprime minister, Yitzhak Shamir, instructed his government not to accept them. Unlike those who had immigrated to Israel, Shamir noted, these Ethiopians were not identifiably Jewish and maintained Christian practices.

Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy gradually changed, however, and since the early 1990s, tens of thousands of Falash Mura have moved to Israel--nearly as many as the Ethiopian Jews who made aliyah during and before 1991.

During these last 15 years, Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government has maintained a policy of open emigration, which is why no special operations have been necessary to bring the Falash Mura to Israel.

In the last decade and a half, led by rebel-turned-headof-state Meles Zenawi, Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government has accelerated the pace of the country's industrialization, improved its economy and so far prevented any repeats of the devastating 1984-85 famine that killed an estimated one million Ethiopians and struck hardest in Tigray.

And though the Ethiopian government remains a target of human rights advocates, including some in Israel, observers abroad say the Meles governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excesses do not approach the scope of that of Mengistuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Terror.

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DEATH PAULINE GENDLER Former Omahan Pauline Gendler died Feb. 25 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, at the age of 89. Services were held there Feb. 28.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gendler, and a daughter, Judith Dandy.

She is survived by her sons, Alan Gendler of Florida and Neil Gendler of California, grandchildren, Jeff and Amy Dandy and Lisa and Greg Sutton; and five greatgrandchildren.

CORRECTIONS Harry Alloyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picture was in the Super Sunday thank you ad on Feb. 17, but his name was omitted from the list of volunteer callers. The Federation regrets the error.

JWIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweetheart Day at the Blumkin Home is Thursday, March 9, 1:30 p.m., not March 8 as listed in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press.

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Falash Mura work in the fields of Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Achefar region in March 2005.

Credit: Uriel Heilman/JTA But since last May, when government forces shot dead dozens of people in Addis Ababa protesting disputed election results, there have been growing tensions between the Amhara elite who live in the center of the country, around the capital, and the Tigrean minority that runs the government.

There also has been increased international criticism of the Meles government, which had been a rare African darling of Western democracies.

Some American Jewish federation leaders visiting Ethiopia last month suggested that one reason for Israel to speed up the aliyah of the Falash Mura is political instability in the country. But recent political tensions notwithstanding, experts on Ethiopia say there is little danger of imminent collapse for the current regime.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 3, 2006

Scotland-based Artist Returns Home as Barn Girl Art Opens at the JCC painting itself,” she explained. “I try to convey spiritual and emotional truths in the most direct way using form and color.”

Her work can be found in private collections around the world and is also on display in public venues in Scotland. She now lives and works as an artist in Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, Darren.

This will be Horwich’s third show in Omaha. Joining her is local artist Kim Goldberg. Goldberg’s artwork focuses on the transformation of historical design elements from diverse cultures throughout history into contemporary paintings that incorporate specialty paper and other medium.

The intention of her work is to tie historical elements to present time, melding the past with the future.

Goldberg has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Former Omahan Suzanne Horwich lives in Institute and has shown work at Scotland with her husband Darren and dog, Elton. Jackson Artworks, University of

by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director The Barn Girl Art Exhibit will return to the Gallery at the Jewish Community Center through March 30 and opens with a reception this Sunday, March 5, 1-5 p.m. A percentage of all proceeds will go to the Barker Art Residency.

Barn Girl Art was created in 2002

by Suzanne N. Horwich, a native of Omaha, in memory of artist, friend and mentor, David Barker. It is dedicated to the encouragement and support of artists in the realization of their potential.

“Without the help and encouragement from David, I would not be the artist I am today. I feel it is important to pass this message of enthusiasm on to other artists,” Horwich said.

Horwich left Omaha in 1990 and Kim Goldberg lives in Omaha with her husband traveled and lived around the world Bob and daughter, Lily. searching for aesthetic variations from Nebraska at Omaha, and several public place to place as an inspiration for her locations in San Francisco.

For more information about Barn Girl paintings. “For me the expressive method of painting is equally as important as the Art, visit www.barngirlart.com.

Beth El Connects with Congregants through New Weekly E-mail Newsletter

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator As a new avenue to communicate with its congregants, Beth El has established a weekly e-mail newsletter named Beth El Views and News.

Delivered every Thursday, the Rabbi Levin newsletter will do more than only highlight the synagogue’s activities and events, according to Rabbi Mordechai Levin. “‘Beth El Views and News’ will also be a vehicle to share the richness of Judaism, the teachings of the Torah, the Talmud and thoughtful insights of contemporary rabbis and other Jewish thinkers,” he explained. “Each week I plan to share with the subscribers a mix of different learning opportunities,” he added.

“Some weeks I’ll send my personal

thoughts; other weeks I’ll offer a selection from various Jewish sources--including excerpts from important Jewish books-with the hope that these samples will inspire our readers to examine the entire work.

“These e-mails will explore the world of Jewish authors and Jewish web sites, with links to the weekly parashah, haftarah and commentary. I hope this exposure will inspire everyone to increase their Jewish knowledge.”

Because others throughout the community are interested in Jewish learning and happenings at Beth El, the newsletter is available to everyone in the Jewish community, Rabbi Levin noted.

To subscribe, e-mail Program Director Margie Gutnik at programming@ bethel-omaha.org or call her at 492.8550, and include the following information: your name, the Omaha Jewish organization with which you are affiliated and your e-mail address.

Recipients may unsubscribe at any time.

Newcomers to Meet Each Other, Community

by JANIE MUROW Community Development Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha will host a Newcomer’s Brunch on Sunday, March 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. All area newcomers who have been in Omaha for two years or less are invited; children are welcome to attend.

The brunch provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the Jewish community’s diverse programs, services and organizations. This is also a great time to meet other newcomers, Omaha natives and

community professionals.

All of the Federation’s agencies and Jewish organizations have been invited and will answer questions about their roles.

Those who attend will have a chance to talk about their interests and what they’d like to see from the Federation. Denise Ipock, JCC Member Services Director, also will be available to give tours of the ‘J’.

If you haven’t received an invitation and would like to attend, call me at 334.6566 or e-mail jmurow@jewishomaha.org.

Come join us for good food, great conversation, and a special welcome gift bag!

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