March 4, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA March 4, 2011 28 Adar 1 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 26

Jeffrey Aizenberg’s home away from home

This Week

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press “Mr. JCC,” they called him in Dallas, and Jeffrey Aizenberg has earned the title many times over. “I hung out at the JCC from nursery school all the way through high school,” Aizenberg says, “and it’s no surprise I found my calling there.”

Jeff is from Sioux City, Iowa, and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. Next, he earned his MSW in social strategy from the University of Maryland Graduate School of social work. He also holds an MA in Jewish studies from Baltimore Hebrew College. After serving as BBYO Teen Director and Program Director at the Dallas, Texas, JCC, he spent four years as the Assistant Executive Director before trading Texas for Nebraska. “Being able to come to Omaha meant I was closer to my family in Iowa. That was definitely a big part of coming here,” he says.

After 25 years as Executive Director of the Omaha JCC, Jeffrey has decided to resign from his position. “The JCC has always been my home away from home,” he says, “so this has not been an easy decision.

It’s very hard to decide when it is the

Green Living is this week’s special focus See pages 6 and 7

Community crafts with Calli Cohn Page 7

In good company: Jeff Aizenberg, front, with Jerry Klein (left) and Jack Kozlen, who regularly meet up with him while working out at the JCC. right time to make such a big change.”

What he loves the most about the JCC is the sheer spread of its members: “Coming to work, and watching a one-year-old take his or her

A fond farewell for Gary Katz

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Center for Jewish Education, Director of Operations and Programming Gary Katz arrived on campus in 2002, hired as assistant youth direc-

There’s no business like Rose Blumkin show business Page 12

Library. In May 2004, Gary was named library administrator. On Feb. 17, staff and community members wished Gary all the best at a farewell reception held at – where

first steps, and then turning a corner and seeing a 90-year-old exercise, is fantastic. Then there is everybody in between; it reminds you why we are here: to build and strengthen our family.”

Jeffrey met Susan, his wife of 34 years at the Dallas JCC: “The ladies in the central office fixed us up,” he remembers. Susan is an associate professor of creative writing at Creighton University. Together, they have two sons: Chris, married to Joni, and Aaron, who lives in Milwaukee. Jeff ’s father, who is 91, currently resides at Remington Heights.

During his years at the Dallas and Omaha JCCs, he has worked with, impressed, and influenced many different people. Marvin Polikov, former JCC board president, says: “Jeff ’s ability to train and lead staff is impressive, but he has also been extremely successful consulting and directing lay leaders, and getting the best out of people in general. I was president of the JCC board for 2 years, and Jeff gave me so much confidence in terms of leadership. What he taught me even carried over into my career outside the JCC. What is particularly unique about Jeff is how organized he is, and the great thing is that he is able to teach others to be organized as well.”

Although Jeff ’s accomplishments are myriad, he has most likely impressed people most by bringing Continued on page 2

Jewish Family Service at 100: Looking back, looking ahead

by OZZIE NOGG Jewish Family Service archives contain old newspaper clippings and other materials that chronicle the agency’s development over the past century. But the human interest stories of JFS are found between those written lines. So (in the spirit of Midrash) I sought out someone

people thought of Jewish Family Service as the ‘go-to’ place. In those days, if there was a problem in the community that needed immediate attention, it was natural to call Paul Veret, the Jewish Federation Executive Director at the time. As the head honcho at Federation, Paul was the guy with muscle. And

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

8 10 11

Coming March 11 Gardening

Toba Cohen-Dunning, Center for Jewish Education President, left, Gary Katz and Karen Cohen, Library Committee Chairman.

See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

tor for the Jewish Community Center. A year later, he moved “down the hall”, joining the staff of the Kripke Jewish Federation

else! – the library. Gary has accepted a position as library supervisor with the South Omaha campus library at Metropolitan Community College.

Gary previously worked as an adjunct professor of World Literature at Creighton University and adjunct professor of English at Metropolitan Community College.

He has a Master’s degree in English from the University of NebraskaOmaha and is pursuing a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He and his Continued on page 3

Dorothy Spizman, left, and Iris Ricks are in charge of invitations and reservations for JFStival! The event, scheduled for June 6 at Beth El Synagogue, celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Jewish Family Service. who could fill in a few blanks. Flesh out the JFS narrative without compromising confidentiality. My choice? Bert Lewis, who shared her behind-the-scenes view of Jewish Family Service -- its work and its volunteers -- as the agency prepares to celebrate its 100th Anniversary with a JFStival! in June.

“My memories go back to the 1940s,” Bert said, “before most

depending on what needed fixing - back rent or food for the kids -Paul would pick up his phone and call people in the community to help solve the problem, either with money or their volunteer time.”

One of those volunteers was Bert’s mother, Mary Wine. “More than once my mom’s phone would ring and it’s Paul. ‘Mary, Chiam Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2011

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Continued from page 1 the JCC Maccabi Games to Omaha, in 2002, and again last year.

Arnie Sohinki, Senior Vice President of national JCC Program Services says: “Jeff is a highly valued colleague, who has made wonderful contributions over the years. I am particularly grateful to him for bringing the JCC Maccabi Games to the Omaha community. Making that happen was an amazing feat. We are going to miss him Jeff Aizenberg in the field, and I want him to know how much his work is appreciated, not just locally, but by the entire JCC association. He has taken great advantage of the programming the JCC has to offer around the country, such as the shaliach program and conferences for JCC staff.”

John Glazer, current JCC board president, has known Jeff for 10 years, and says: “Jeff has constantly improved the JCC. He is extremely organized, professional, and friendly. What has always impressed me most is how Jeff balances his business skills with an emphasis on warmth and community. I am grateful to Jeff for making our JCC one of the finest in the country, where community members as well as the staff are treated with the utmost respect. I will miss working with him, but he will never stop being my friend.”

Jeff says he has always tried to surround himself with lay people as well as professional staff who have a lot of passion for the JCC’s mission. “I’ve always enjoyed the process of

achieving our goals, for instance, the major renovation we underwent in 1999. That project included the CDC, the fitness center, and an upgrade to the health spa. It brought our JCC to the next level; I am very proud of that. When you enjoy yourself that much, 25 years go by fast. Dallas doesn’t seem that long ago.”

One member of Jeff ’s professional staff is Lisa Shkolnick, JCC Associate Executive Director. “Jeff ’s professional training in social work and his experience in group dynamics is very apparent in his management style and how he relates to the staff at the JCC,” she says. “He believes in strength-based management where he enables staff to lead with their talents.

I think the environment Jeff has built throughout his 25 years here can best be described as one of trust, support, productivity, and success. It’s an environment where staff members enjoy their work because they get the opportunity to do what they do best, every day. As you’d expect, the direct result of his leadership is that our mission and the services we provide exist at a very high level.”

Now, Jeff is looking forward to spending more time with his grandson and playing golf, as well as following his beloved Hawkeyes. He also looks forward to volunteering, “as long as it doesn’t include sitting on committees,” he says.

In addition, he hopes to consult with other JCCs, passing on his rich expertise in strategic planning and organization.

“While I initially came here thinking it would be a few years, I ended up staying for 25,” Jeff says. “Combined with 11 years in Dallas, that makes a double chai. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here, as well as hundreds of great relationships with staff and volunteers who are passionate about the JCC and what we do. We have an amazing JCC, and it has been a privilege to be part of its growth and development over the past 25 years.”

Goldstein Supporting Foundation awards grants

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by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation announced that the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Board of Directors awarded fourteen grants during their semi-annual meeting.

The Goldstein Supporting Foundation considers requests for funds that support local projects and programs of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies, synagogues and Jewish service organizations. They also consider applications from local and national Jewish and secular charities in the areas of medicine and medical research (with an emphasis on kidney-related diseases), education and current events of Jewish content, and human rights.

“Many different and worthwhile programs have been awarded Goldstein Supporting Foundation grants since 2002,” said Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Executive Director. “These grants provide support to projects that make a positive impact on our community. Leonard and Shirley’s generosity is greatly appreciated.

Since the fund’s inception, over $805,000 has been awarded.”

The Goldstein Supporting Foundation selected the Jewish Community Center to receive a grant for the 2011 Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration. The grant will help defray some of the costs of the annual event that includes a community-wide picnic, activities and music.

A grant was awarded to Jewish Family Service for Project Tzedakah. Project Tzedakah involves providing food baskets and holiday greetings each year to people in need during Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha received funding for the Young Jewish Omaha program. YJO connects Jewish young adults with local Jewish life. Programming includes a “cocktails and conversation” series, holiday and Shabbat events, and joint programming with a variety of other secular and Jewish organizations.

A grant was awarded to the JFO’s B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program. Teens establish donor-advised funds with the JFO Foundation by donating $125 of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift money, and that amount is matched with an additional $375 from the Foundation. Every year, each participating teen allocates a percentage of his or her fund to non-profit organizations, with at least one of the organizations being a Jewish charitable organization.

The Jewish Press was given a grant for the newspaper’s editor to attend the American Jewish Press Association’s annual conference. The knowledge and resources obtained at the conference will benefit the day-to-day operations of the Jewish Press.

A grant was awarded for a tree maintenance project at Mount Sinai Cemetery. The cemetery serves the entire Jewish community and is maintained by a volunteer association. The grant will help cover the costs to hire an arborist to attend to large trees that were weakened by last year’s storm, in order to prevent future damage.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home received a grant to help support the part-time Pastoral Services Coordinator position.

Rabbi Yaakov Weiss provides valuable pastoral counseling, spiritual support and Judaic programming to RBJH residents.

The Anti-Defamation League was awarded a grant for the Youth Israel Advocacy Ambassadors Program. The program provides Jewish youth with knowledge and tools to respectfully advocate for Israel.

A grant was given to the Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Education for the CornerStones Fund.

This fund provides assistance for Jewish children to attend Jewish preschool, day school, summer camps and other youth programs.

Chabad of Nebraska received funding for Camp Gan Israel day camp. The annual summer day camp lasts two weeks and is designed for children ages three through ten.

The goal is for 70 children to participate this summer.

Chabad also received funding to maintain and expand the Chabad’s Chesed Program.

Friedel Jewish Academy was awarded a grant for its Reading/Language Arts Program. Friedel’s curriculum is being revised and updated, and the school is in need of new materials, books and technology.

The Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund received a grant to help support college-level Holocaust education programs at colleges and universities. The HHEF’s goal is to teach future leaders about the Holocaust and genocides in order to eliminate intolerance and foster mutual respect and compassion.

A grant was awarded to the Institute for Holocaust Education for operating expenses associated with teacher training and program facilitation provided through workshops and educational programming.

Members of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Board of Directors include Leonard Goldstein, Shirley Goldstein, Donald Goldstein, Gail Raznick, Cheryl Cooper, Sandy Friedman, Arnold Weitz, Jerry Kohll, and Louri Sullivan.

If you are interested in setting up a supporting foundation or want to learn about other types of funds that you can establish, contact Marty Ricks at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation at 402.334.6440 or mricks@jewish omaha.org.

REMINDER: NEW AREA CODE Omaha’s new area code is 531. The new area code will be an addition to the 402 area code. Any new numbers issued will come with a 531 area code. Now you must use all 10-digits in order to make any local phone calls. If you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will provide instructions on how to redial your call.

You should still dial just three digits to reach 911.

March 4, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Jewish Family Service at 100: Looking back, looking ahead Continued from page 1 mother. She had no degree in family counYankel is in the hospital with his appendix seling, but that didn’t stop her from offering and won’t eat a bite of the tref food. So old-fashioned kitchen table wisdom. She’d gimme a favor. Make him a brisket, some say to an out-of-control husband, ‘That’s not kasha, and take it up to him.’ how you should be doing,’ and And of course, she did. She the guy would usually mend cooked more meals then I can his ways. In acute situations count, and also made sure the she might tell the wife, ‘Pick meals were delivered. Other up the heaviest pot you’ve got women volunteered, too. and give him a klop.’ The proMembers of Bikur Cholim and fessional therapists on staff at Celebrating a Council. Women like Sophie Jewish Family Service today Neveleff, who was a force of century of service would never offer such advice, nature and a fixture in the and believe me -- my mom community. You could say their work was would kvell from the support families now the precursor to the assistance programs cur- receive from JFS Crisis Intervention or rently in place at Jewish Family Service, like Family Life Education programs.”

Project Tzedakah, Project Dreidel, the Food “Jewish Family Service is a unique organiPantry. Whichever way you slice it, we’ve zation,” Lewis continued. “It doesn’t yell, always known how to take care of our own.” ‘Look at us.’ Even after one hundred years, Some of Bert’s JFS inside-stories focus on much of the agency’s work is a well-kept Holocaust survivors who arrived in Omaha secret. If my mom could comment on JFS after WWII. “They came without funds, fam- reaching this milestone, she might well say, ily, language or any other necessities of life,” ‘Back when we women were helping those Bert said. “Newcomers were loathe to admit needy Jewish families, it wasn’t a matter we they needed help. Too proud to ask. But talked about or expected to read about in the somehow Paul Veret always knew who was in Jewish Press. If somebody needed our help, trouble and he’d alert my mom. She’d assess we did our best to provide it.’ Isn’t it interestthe situation and say, ‘The first thing is to feed ing how little has changed? Client confidenthem. We’re Jews, for heaven’s sake.’ So right tiality is still critically important. The staff away she’d bring meals to their apartments.” keeps mum. The volunteers and the benefacFrom her Bert’s Eye View of the 1940s tors don’t talk, either. All these years later, Omaha Jewish community, Lewis notes, Jewish Family Service still quietly does every“Life in a new country was stressful for the thing it can to help those who need help.” immigrants, and domestic disturbances But even an agency that operates below were sometimes the result. But these things the radar deserves to pat itself on the back were always ‘sha, sha.’ Most couples wouldn’t - at least once in a while -- and Lewis looks tell their troubles to a stranger or consider forward to the JFStival! celebration at which going to a therapist, so if there was marital Gloria Kaslow will be recognized as Jewish conflict or spousal abuse, where else would a Family Service Woman of the Century. woman turn but to another woman she felt “When people talk about JFS, the name that she could trust? That woman was often my invariably comes up is Gloria Kaslow. For

1911 - 2011

JFS

me, Gloria is to Jewish Family Service what Sophie Neveleff was back in the 1930’s and 40’s. A real presence. Sophie simply followed her instincts, and they proved to be exactly right. She used her energy, and everything else at her disposal, to help solve human problems. All these years later, Sophie is still remembered for her success in finding solutions. Gloria has had success in finding solutions, too. She’s there, she’s aware and interested, she cares so very deeply. Her devotion to JFS has helped make an enormous difference to many, many kids and adults in our community who face personal challenges.

The honor of being named Jewish Family Service Woman of the Century is very much

deserved.”

The joyous JFStival! 100th Anniversary celebration is scheduled for Monday evening, June 6, at Beth El Synagogue. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, followed by dinner and surprise-filled entertainment. Andi Willensky is JFStival!

Chairperson. Todd and Betiana Simon and Carol and Steve Bloch are Honorary Chairs.

Jewish Family Service is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and a beneficiary of the Federation’s Annual Campaign.

Future editions of the Jewish Press will carry JFStival! details as well as stories chronicling the history of Jewish Family Service and its acts of loving kindness.

A fond farewell for Gary Katz Continued from page 1 wife Monica have three children, Joseph, Charlotte, and Paige.

Among farewell gifts he received, Gary, a self-proclaimed “Dead Head,” was presented with a special set of Grateful Dead glasses by Library Committee Chairman, Karen Cohen. “Gary has been a wonderful leader for the Kripke Library,” says Cohen.

“He has a knack for making people feel welcome and help them find just what they need. He has been a delight to work with and he will be sorely missed by so many patrons.”

Toba Cohen-Dunning, Center for Jewish Education president echoes Karen’s comments. “It’s no secret that I am passionate about the Kripke Library and one of the reasons is my many positive experiences with Gary. The Sunday programming Gary has done was exceptional.” Cohen-Dunning continues, “His ability to interact with the

children in the community provided a huge benefit to them, and I know that my children enjoyed every program immensely.

Gary made the Kripke Library a fun adventure and an experience that encouraged my children to visit often. It has always been such a pleasure to work with Gary; Eric, Eleanor, Teddy and I will truly miss him.”

Others recognizing Gary for his work were Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Gary Javitch, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Marty Ricks and Mary Sue Grossman. Earlier in the day, the Kripke Library Book Discussion Group also honored Gary.

“Some of my fondest memories have been in the library,” reports Katz. “I have truly enjoyed the work and have made many good friends. I am also very proud of what I have contributed. It will be odd not to walk into the Kripke Library each morning, but you’ll still see me. I may be out of the building, but I’m still around.”

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4 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2011

Community change through commitment, stamina, and will Change inside the Federation is being driven by every employee who is being asked to think DAVID P. BAILIS, CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha differently – to approach the Change at the Federation and its agencies is tasks and issues they face daily against the upon us -- all being guided and shaped by the backdrop of a united Federation—one camdesire to better serve the Omaha Jewish com- pus and one mission--to deliver care in some munity. Change takes commitment, stamina, form or fashion to the Omaha Jewish comand a willingness to break with some tradi- munity. Some Federation colleagues deliver tions while thoughtfully preserving those care to our senior guests at the Rose that continue to serve the community well. Blumkin Home while others deliver care to The Omaha Jewish community and the the newest members of our community in Federation staff are both driving change. For the Childhood Development Center. In all a successful organization like the Federation cases, Federation employees are now to continue its work in providing quality care focused on how to deliver important servicand services to the community, it must evolve es in a manner which is impactful to the as the community’s needs change. The great- community, which is efficient so the preest long-term challenge facing the Federation cious resources entrusted to the Federation in my view is its continued relevance to the can be stretched further and which leverages Omaha Jewish community over the next 10 the strength of the Federation campus. years. By advancing itself today, the FederaThat is happening in many ways, small tion will continue to be relevant tomorrow. and large. Cohesive and comprehensive

Campus update

planning of activities across multiple Federation agencies is becoming more common place. When resource decisions are made, the question is asked whether that resource exists anywhere on the Federation campus so that no duplication or unnecessary expense is incurred. The Federation is examining itself to determine where comparable or complementary activities occur, in order to leverage its assets in delivering care and services. The Federation employees are driving these activities—and frankly have been energized by the opportunity to take responsibility for improving the Federation.

At the same time, members of the Omaha Jewish community have graciously offered their expertise and assistance in a number of the activities. Their perspective and guidance help ensure that the changes being implemented make sense and will continue to

Beth El’s Café Schmooze welcomes all for some “haimishe” hospitality and community

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Life is busy. Families’ schedules are hectic, and obligations -- carpools, activities, errands, appointments -- often spill over into the weekend. Relaxation just isn’t in the cards, and enjoying a quiet Shabbat is often out of reach.

Enter Café Schmooze, Beth El’s monthly answer to the above-mentioned craziness.

The café, a casual family-friendly haven, offers a place to meet family and friends for a delicious lunch (free of charge) in the synagogue’s social hall - the perfect place to enjoy a community Shabbat. And after the meal, there’s no need to rush off: diners are welcome to enjoy coffee and desserts while they catch up with each other and watch their children playing in the newly-added, fun-filled game area.

Café Schmooze is held in conjunction with Beth El’s new monthly “Simchat Shabbat” program, a contemporary alternative Shabbat experience; the next program and luncheon are planned for Saturday, March 5, 10:30 a.m., in the synagogue’s

West Court. The entire Jewish community is invited to attend the creative, musical Shabbat celebration, but, according to the morning’s organizers, service attendance is not mandatory for those who would just like to come for lunch.

“Years ago, people were drawn to the synagogue as the social center of the Shabbat celebration,” said Joanie Jacobson, who has helped to plan the program. “We wanted to create that warmth, that haimishe feeling again through Café Schmooze. This is a place to take a deep breath, relax, and share

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some laughs and a meal with friends.

“And if you don’t attend services, come for lunch. Come after soccer, ballet, or doctor appointments, and leave your to-do list at the door. Be sure to make reservations and enjoy!”

Once again, volunteer chef Ben Shapiro will lead preparations for a Shabbat seudah (Shabbat meal) following services. This month will feature brisket and chicken, accompanied by a variety of side dishes.

Shapiro said he’s hoping for tables full of diners who will stick around after the meal.

“The best thing that could happen is that we’ll run out of food,” he joked.

Jacobson noted that, “This time there will be four buffet lines instead of two, and the Beth El Kids Klezmer Band will play some wonderful Jewish melodies to add to the flavor.” She also emphasized the importance of RSVPs to Café Schmooze, saying that although there is no charge for the meal, reservations are essential for planning purposes. To reserve a spot, contact the synagogue office at 402.492.8550, or via email, at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

deliver the quality care and services expected from the Federation. I am grateful to these individuals who have volunteered to help.

The Omaha Jewish community has asked that the Federation evolve. We have taken that calling and are in the process of moving forward. The changes range from very mundane to very fundamental. The community’s willingness to call for change and the Federation’s embracing of that challenge is a reflection of a strong, robust and engaged Omaha Jewish community. It is but one of the very many things that make the Omaha Jewish community so special. Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at dbailis@jewishomaha.org.

Birth Antonia and Andrew Schroeder of Midwest City, OK announce the Jan. 6 birth of their son Jonathan Louis.

He has a brother, William Martin.

Grandparents are Karen and Manuel Delgadillo and Dr. Cindy and Bruce Schroeder.

Great-grandparents are Dr. Louis and Virginia Hanisch, Lucille Bausch of Fairbury, NE. and the late Martin Bausch, the late Doris and Jerome Prosterman, and the late Salvador and Belen Delgadillo.

In the news Sarah M. Hasslinger Frey has been awarded a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Management from American Military University. She completed the first year of her degree at Ben Gurion University of the Negev’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research in Sede Boqer, Israel. Sarah, Matt, and daughter Liat reside in Colorado Springs, where Matt is stationed with the US Army; he is currently deployed. She is the daughter of M'Lee and the late Larry Hasslinger.

March 4, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN

Israel Grants lead to incredible Israel experiences

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Operations and Programming, Center for Jewish Education Each year, many teens and young adults have the experience of a lifetime, traveling to Israel on a wide variety of programs. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is delighted to support these experiences through the Israel Experience Grant program.

The Israel Experience Grant is a one-time gift from the Federation for students in grades 9-12 or young adults ages 18 to 25 for an approved Israel experience. The grant is available to anyone in the Omaha Jewish community.

The following articles were written by teens who participated in programs in the summer of 2010. Each was a recipient of an Israel Experience Grant.

Nesiya means ‘journey’ in English, and I can’t think of a better name for it. We spent our first three days in the Negev, hiking throughout the day, and sleeping under the stars at night. We toured the streets of Tzfat and heard a hippie Cabalist artist explain the importance of his Hebrew name to him. “Abraham… there’s like 2,000 years of history every time someone calls my name. Its sooo deep, man.”

Twice there were workshops with local artists. The first time I did a visual art workshop and produced the most amazing artwork I have ever made, inspired by the vast desert scenery that surrounded me. The other time, there was an optional hike through the Golan. Not only was it beautiful beyond imagination; I felt a really strong connection with the land.

We had intense and meaningful discussions about everything, from the imporSophie Cemaj tance of Israel to what makes Shajar something holy, to what At the end of sophomore makes someone Jewish. One year I kept looking forward You must meet the following requirements: of these discussions took 1. The applicant must be a resident of the Omaha metro- place in Rhahat, a Bedouin for school to be over, not just for summer, but for my sum- politan area city in the south. We were 2. The applicant, or his/her family, is a donor in good split into groups with mer in Israel. standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of On June, I traveled to Bedouin teens, where we Omaha Mexico to meet my group 3. The applicant will provide an article and pictures of the talked about our cultures and with whom I was going to experience within one month of return to Omaha for publi- differences and similarities. travel. After spending a cation in the Jewish Press They were the most frustratdelightful week with my fam4. The applicant will participate in any required prepara- ing, powerful, and uplifting ily in Mexico and going to tory program three days of my life. We also computer classes with my Applying for an Israel Experience Grant is a simple one- visited Tel Aviv, where we visgrandma, it was time to leave page application. The applications are available on the ited a secular Yeshiva; they Mexico and begin my jour- Scholarships and Grants page of the Center for Jewish focus on social justice, and Education on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website at took us on a tour of the “bad ney.

The group I traveled in was www.jewishomaha.org. Applications may also be requested parts” of the city. It really a group in Mexico that was via email at scholarship@jewishomaha.org. Return com- opened my eyes and made me formed for kids who didn’t go pleted applications to the Center for Jewish Education, 333 realize that Israel is in no way South 132nd Street, Omaha NE 68154. to a Jewish school or a school perfect.

Those in need of additional financial assistance can also that offered a trip to Israel. apply for financial need-based scholarships. Scholarship Nesiya has the goal of creatOddly enough, I was the only applications are available as described in the previous para- ing a one-of-a-kind commuone from Nebraska in that graph. For additional information on all grant and scholar- nity, where everyone feels group. ship programs, please call 402.334.6445 or email mgross- welcome. I don’t think I can During the month in Israel man@jewishomaha.org. fully explain how it felt, to we traveled throughout the know that just as much as you country. The first day we traveled through the Old City in need them, they need you. Each thing that made us unique Jerusalem. It wasn’t long until I found a piece of Omaha in was celebrated. For some people, it was eye opening just Israel. While walking in Jerusalem, I ran into Adeev and being around Jews of different observances. On Shabbat, a Ezra Potash, and two weeks later in Zfa’at, Lilly Phillips and few participants would share their life stories in front of I unknowingly were spending a weekend in the same hotel. small groups and open it up to questions. Many of my Seeing people from Omaha was remarkable, as was meet- friends would claim that their stories weren’t unique, but ing people from all over the world. The vast diversity of the there is something special about everyone, and it was people I met was amazing. It makes me want to go to Israel inspiring to hear them speak. To me, it was amazing that all for a year after I finish high school. Hopefully my experi- of us - the participants and the counselors- were on a misence will inspire other teens to travel to Israel. sion to have a meaningful conversation with every person As the school year moves along, I long for my high school in our Kehillah, and if it didn’t happen it was a loss. Shabbat career to be over, so that I can go to Israel again. was amazing. There were so many different prayer options including reform, egalitarian, conservative, orthodox and Lily Phillips even yoga! No one was left out, and people took risks. I went Nesiya - Kehillah Experience to an ultra orthodox service in Jerusalem one night. It was I knew I wanted to go to Israel. I needed inspiration, and a chance to experience something new, and I learned a lot I needed to feel connected. My Judaism was “stuck” in neu- that night. Our Kehilla got extremely close over the course tral. My parents decided that spending a summer in Israel of the six weeks. I never expected to form friendships so would be a good idea, but I wasn’t sure. The last thing I meaningful and so deep; I know they will continue to exist wanted was to spend a month getting on and off the bus, for a long time. taking photos, and buying postcards at gift shops. I needed Nesiya taught me so much. I grew as a person in every something more. possible way. I learned to appreciate every person, and see Luckily I stumbled upon the website for Nesiya. It was each one as an individual. I learned to share my opinions touristy, but it was also real and exciting. There was the and listen to others. Actually, one of the most important sightseeing, anddiscussions on Judaism and tolerance. things Nesiya taught me was to listen - to really hear and There were hikes through the Ramon Crater and the Golan. understand what others are saying. Maybe I came back It even included a community service project and a three- with more questions than answers, but I don’t think that is day workshop with Bedouin teens. The deciding factor for a bad thing. I learned how to stop snap judgments and think me was that almost half of the participants would be for myself. Most importantly, I came back with my own Israelis. unique connection to Israel, one that was different from Immediately upon arriving in Israel, we were split into what anyone told me I would have, possibly different from groups of about 34, plus four counselors. I have never been what I originally would have wanted. But it is exactly what I surrounded with so much Jewish diversity. Our group, want now, and Israel is closer to me than ever before. Nesiya called our “Kehilla” or community, was composed of every- helped me find myself and give me a renewed and relevant one from secular Israelis and reform Americans, to an reason to be Jewish. orthodox Canadian and Ethiopians. Our head counselor I know that many of my younger peers will be planning a was a kibbutznik, another had been a tank commander. One trip to Israel in the next few summers. Nesiya may sound was a DJ, passionate about social justice, and another was a really deep, intense,and exhausting. But it was undoubtedly certified clown, with a degree in theater, who had made the best summer of my life so far. Nesiya is for everyone, aliyah to Israel. Everyone was on his or her own journey, and everyone looking for a meaningful experience should and we each played a role in helping each other get there. consider it.

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Happy cooking!

Read it and eat Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Clean up your act and become a clean foodie! With many small changes in your everyday kitchen habits you can help save Planet Earth...energy, water, packaging, waste, other environmentally friendly savings and recipes in these cookbooks.

The Green Kitchen By Richard Ehrlich (Kyle, $18.95) Become a “Green Kitchenista.” Enjoy your green kitchen trying the recipes organized by cooking methods: microwave, pressure, with the lid on, no-cooking and cooking for multiple meals. Greener cleaning...use top quality microfiber cloths which “disinfect using no cleaning agents,” the greener way of doing things, and cutting garbage suggestions. Serve meals with slimmed-down methods...think efficient. Try this versatile Salsa Verde on mashed potatoes, meat, chicken, fish and other vegetables.

SALSA VERDE 2 large handfuls of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1/4-1/3 cup capers, finely chopped 1 can of anchovy fillets, well drained and finely chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar around 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil Mix all the ingredients and leave for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serves 8 Urban Pantry By Amy Pennington (Skipstone, $19.95) In this guide, Pennington suggests growing, pickling, and canning methods, stocking a pantry, kitchen economy and over 60 recipes with kitchen tricks and tips. Use local ingredients, save time and eliminate wasteful kitchen practices...all from this urban gardener who plants edible gardens for city folk in their backyards, front yards, parking strips and in pots and containers of every size. A terrific read.

Clean Start By Terry Walters (Sterling, $25) Over 100 quick and easy seasonal recipes to eat closer to the source... “make healthy choices that are simple, nutritious and delicious”. Eat clean, live well ideas and suggestions are accompanied by green graphics and mouthwatering photography.

Begin with a clean start to your kitchen and make good choices like this soup.

CREAMY SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH MEYER LEMON ZEST AND THYME 1 large onion, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 3 tablespoons mirin Sea salt White pepper 3 cups green split peas 10 cups vegetable stock 1 Meyer lemon (zest and juice) In soup pot or large Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion and celery in oil until soft (about 4 minutes). Add thyme and mirin, season generously with salt and white pepper and sauté 2 minutes longer.

Rinse split peas and add to pot with sauteed vegetables. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 21/2 hours or until peas are soft and soup is thick. If peas don’t fall apart completely, puree with handheld blender until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with lemon zest and serve.

Serves 6 Fast, Fresh & Green By Susie Middleton (Chronicle, $24.95) The editor of Fine Cooking magazine shares her tips, techniques, and over 90 recipes for cooking vegetables, many can be made in less than 30 minutes. Sauteed Sugar Snaps with Salami Crisps is the easiest and quickest recipe in the cookbook with only 4 ingredients. Clear instructions, color photographs and, you guessed it...green print face.

Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo. com.

What really happened when the Mob ran Vegas?

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by BETH FRIEDMAN Co-President of NCJW Omaha Section What is it about Las Vegas that captivates us? Is it how the skim worked at the Stardust and how millions of dollars walked out the door uncounted? Or what really happened when Frank Sinatra threw a chair at the casino boss of the Sands? Did you ever hear the story about how some very bad Vegas guys rigged the gin rummy games at the Friars Club and took a bunch of famous people to the cleaners? Howard Hughes had some weird notions about the Silver Slipper and put his money where his paranoia was. It’s all Vegas, and it is fascinating history.

Join NCJW at the Dundee Dell, 5007 Underwood on

Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. for an evening with local author Steve Fischer, of the book When the Mob Ran Vegas. Vegas like you’ve never seen, tales you’ve never heard – until now. Sizzling, behind-theheadlines stories about the men, the Mob, movie stars, and missing money that made ‘50s and ‘60s Vegas such a hot spot in the Nevada desert. “We are so fortunate to have such a creative and talented author right here in our community,” said Beth Friedman, NCJW Omaha Section CoPresident.

The event is free and open to the public.

Your RSVP is requested in advance for planning at bmfriedman@cox.net or 402.334.7539.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Ray Somberg, the new Executive Director of the First Responders Critical Support Foundation (formerly the Firefighters and Police Appreciation Day Foundation), will talk about the overwhelmingly successful luncheon they had and the money they raised to help our first responders on Wednesday, March 9, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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

MAINSTREETERS Sign up for a fresh new musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Bellevue Little Theater on Sunday, March 20. Dinner following at the Greek Islands (dinner is on your own). The cost of $14 per person for show admissions – transportation is sponsored by Jewish Social Services. Be at the JCC by 12:45 p.m. to depart at 1 p.m. and return approximately 7 p.m. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti at 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call

Rose Pitlor at 402.558.5144.

Mainstreeters Luncheon is Monday, March 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. The guest speaker will be Greg Wagner from Nebraska Games and Parks. Come enjoy this outdoor enthusiast, and discover the Good Life! The cost is $10 per plate. Make your check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call Linda Abrams Tederman at 402.468.4939.

Arts+Entertainment Artist Julie Phillips invites the community to attend her new show, Patternscapes, at Omaha’s Anderson O’Brien Art Gallery, 1108 Jackson Street, from March 4March 20. An opening reception will be held on March 4 from 6 to 9 pm.

For more information, call the gallery at 402.884.0911, or visit www.aobfineart.com.

March 4, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Don’t throw it away! Recycle or shred it at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator With the burgeoning market of electronics and the accelerating pace of technology, e-waste (electronics waste) has led to an increased impact on the environment, according to The Daily Green, an online newsletter. The 2009 change in television transmission generated even more electronic leftovers.

Fortunately, awareness of the potential ecological impact is rising, and there are ways to make a difference especially at the end of a product’s life. Considering that 20 to 50 million tons of electronic waste are discarded globally every year, according to Greenpeace, if all that rubbish were stuffed into containers on a train, it would go once around the entire world!

In the past, no one thought about recycling computers and other electronics. The only option was to toss them on the curb. But these days, engineers have taken notice of electronics that usually contain a wealth of valuable materials. In addition, recycling almost always means lower net carbon emissions leading to reduced global warming. Furthermore, electronics are made with a sizable amount of lead, cadmium, bromated fire retardants, and plastics that can leach toxic breakdown products that we don’t want in our water supply.

So what can you do with your electronic trash? Bring it to Temple Israel on Sunday, April 10, between the hours of 10 a.m.-noon. In cooperation with Recycling Fundraiser, Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee and Omaha Temple Youth Group will sponsor an Electronic Recycle and Shred Day which will be open to the community. Bring your old cell phones, ink jet printer cartridges, laptop computers, Apple iPods, MP3 players, digital cameras, digital video cameras, GPS devices, radar detectors, Kindle and Sony book readers, handheld game systems, even your unwanted, tangled or broken metal jewelry. It will be packed and shipped to Recycling Fundraiser in Dallas where most of it will be refurbished and resold. Approximately 20 percent of the throw-aways are too damaged or too outdated to use again. All precious metals are removed, plastic is shredded, and the rest is totally destroyed. Nothing goes to a landfill, said a Recycling Fundraiser spokesperson.

If you can’t get to Temple Israel on April 10, all electronic waste must be delivered by Earth Day, Friday, April 22.

You can also bring two boxes (about the size of copy paper boxes) of paper to shred. Shred Safe, a division of Omaha Paper Stock, will accept blank and cancelled checks, computer printouts, contacts, correspondence and memos, credit card receipts, credit information, deposit slips, employment

applications, expired coupons, extra photocopies, financial records, insurance information, legal documents, loan applications, medical records, prescriptions, Social Security numbers, and tax records among other paper documents.

By shredding sensitive information on identity and personal information, you can help save natural resources and avoid overflowing landfills. Shred Safe is one of the largest independently owned paper recycling companies in the Midwest. The shredded paper undergoes a recycling process subject to federal and state laws that require proper destruction to prevent identity theft.

Rabbi Eric Linder explained that “Jewish tradition commands us to protect God’s creation. The Talmudic law of Bal Tashchit, “do not destroy,” derived from Deuteronomy 20:19 paired with our mandate to “till and tend” our natural world (Genesis 2:15), emphasizes the need to act as guardians of our environment, ensuring a safe world for ourselves and a clean and productive future for our children.

“It is our sacred duty as Jews to acknowledge our Godgiven responsibility to take action to alleviate environmental degradation and its negative impact on those most vulnerable in our society.”

Community crafts with Calli Cohn

by SHERRIE SAAG Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Over 45 people joined artist Calli Cohn Sunday, Feb. 20, to craft their own mosaic masterpieces! Calli gave direction in tile placement and expertly grouted each pot so participants could go home with a finished product. The event was a great way to recycle materials from last summer’s Maccabi weekend into something beautiful and useful for Spring planting.

Clockwise from top: Emma Klein, left, artist Calli Cohn and Sara Klein; Taylor Richman, left, and Sophia Kohll; A work in progress with gorgeous glass tiles; Almost finished and ready for the garden!

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8 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Us and them

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press In January of this year, State Senator Charlie Janssen introduced LB 48, following through on his promise to introduce a statewide illegal immigration measure. Modeled on Arizona’s SB 1070, it would, among other things, address how members of local law enforcement respond to people they suspect are undocumented. The question now is not whether we will have a debate; I think that ship has sailed.

The question, instead, is how we are going to behave during that debate, regardless of the side we are on.

Fear of those who are different, in one form or another, has been around for centuries. It seems very likely that any public debate about illegal immigration will provide a vehicle for some to express that fear. Truth is, the language we currently have at our disposal is not very positive. We speak of ‘illegals’, of ‘aliens’, as if these are people from a different world. Sure, there is such a thing as an immigrant without good intentions, but what about those who come here simply to seek a better life? What about their children, who often have no say in the matter to begin with? Can we discuss how they break the law simply by being here, and still acknowledge they are human beings? Or is it easier to dehumanize every person who doesn’t have the correct piece of paper?

Coming on the heels of a (temporary, I’m afraid) national discussion about what we say and how we say it, we should be aware of how we talk about each other. With a debate that centers on who deserves to live where, it is very easy to see how some could see the introduction of LB 48 as a license to use discriminatory language. I am not being alarmist; I just think this is a slippery slope.

Of course we need immigration reform, there’s no real point in denying that. Besides the fact that border security

needs to be evaluated for a myriad of reasons, those who try to immigrate legally often meet a wall of resistance. They are confronted with a paperwork nightmare and stifling cost, not to mention the years it takes to get the entire process completed.

Specific suggestions about how to treat immigrants are not yet part of the public debate. For now, all we are hearing is how illegal immigrants should be caught, and by whom. We hear about how they shouldn’t be allowed to rent houses, hold jobs, and how their children should not get in-state tuition or medical care. Senator Janssen considers it a drain on taxpayers, and he wants to fix it. But once these people are caught, then what? He doesn’t say. Does he think they should “go home?” Should they sit in jail? Or is it enough to merely, for now, draw a line between “us” and “them?”

There is a real danger of generalization here, and Janssen’s bill does not address that. There is a big difference between a drug runner who sneaks into the country, and the sixteen-year-old high school student who came here with her parents when she was two years old. Extreme examples, yes, but not unrealistic. We simply cannot speak of “illegal immigrants” as if they were a separate category, a homogenous blob of people who have no individual stories. Human beings should

not be reduced to passports, green cards, and driver’s licenses; they should be treated with respect.

So here’s the challenge that stares us in the face: to create a humane context for this debate. To speak of others the way we wish them to speak of us. To remember that behind that lack of citizenship, there is a story, a beating heart, a life. To remember that we once were strangers, and to remind ourselves that a human being is worth much more than the papers in his or her wallet.

It’s a big challenge, sure, but one worth taking on. Because when we speak about each other in a humane way, and we treat each other as people, rather than statistics, we all benefit in the end.

Missing the resolution, not missing an opportunity to miss an opportunity

Behind the headlines RON KAMPEAS Just as this tedious battle is gearing up over the U.N. resolution slamming Israel on settlements, I’m going on vacation.

Yay! I mean, oh, well.

“Tedious,” you say? How is this definitive battle “tedious?”

How could I say such a thing? The heated backs and forths, the pile-on of “unprecedenteds” and “historicals” and “betrayals” -- what I am saying, for the love of all that is good?

This isn’t tedious -- it’s fun!

Okay, first, in the history of this conflict, one I’ve been covering since before I was born (or it seems that way), it is true that the Palestinians have more often than not been on the wrong end of the “never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity” epigram. (I could make a list, but instead I offer my friends on the left a simple reality: Which side has a state? Thank you.)

But there have been a few occasions when the Israelis have flubbed it, and this is one of them.

Let’s start with the mother of all Israeli missed opportunities: Algiers 1988.

One could argue that muted references to Israel in the Palestine National Council’s Declaration of Independence, Yasser Arafat’s use of a French word so obscure it doesn’t even appear as a pun in the entire Asterix ouevre, the references to U.N. resolutions recognizing Israel instead of outright recognition -- that all of this was a bridge too coy.

But for years, Israel and its defenders had been filling the vacuum created by Palestinian terrorism and rejectionism with a simple sentence: “There is no one to talk to.”

And then, in 1988, there was, and the world watched.

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And Israel did virtually nothing for five years.

In that meantime -- in that vacuum created by Israel, not the Palestinians -- Arafat’s corrupt oligarchy co-opted whatever was positive about the first Intifada, and Hamas became a force to be reckoned with.

The problem with Israel’s posture was not that Arafat and the PNC and the PLO were generous in Algiers -- it was that when the Palestinians ventured forward, when they negated the “no one to talk to” reality, Israel did nothing. (The same problem would characterize the Palestinian response to Israeli offers at Camp David 12 years later.)

Those five years, from 1988-1993, were a vacuum and Israel allowed others to fulfill it.

Now, this U.N. resolution is small potatoes, comparatively.

But, I must say, since Algiers, the Palestinians have raised a generation of very sharp diplomats.

The resolution goes further than the “caduc” playfulness of 1988. Then, it was, “You want us to recognize Israel? Well, we’ll recognize resolutions recognizing Israel -- how’s that?”

Like I said, coy.

Now -- and look at the operative elements of the resolution -- the Palestinians are smarter. They’re saying: You want a return to direct talks? It’s in. It’s the major component.

You don’t want mentions of refugees? No mention of refugees.

You don’t want final status reference to borders, Jerusalem? We’ll take out final status. (In the PDF of the draft resolution someone emailed me, an allusion to final status is actually inked out -- so they were considering it, and rejected it.)

What’s in is what every nation on earth except Israel considers critical -- and what Israel committed to in prior agree-

ments, including the road map: A settlement freeze.

Now, there’s a lot of nonsense out there about how withholding a veto of a resolution that Israel doesn’t care for is unprecedented. (It’s commonplace, and happened as recently as 2009, when the Bush administration allowed the resolution calling for an end to the Gaza War.) A slightly more sophisticated version of that nonsense emerged today from the Republican Jewish Coalition, in its statement saying that “the United States has historically opposed U.N. Security Council actions that target Israel specifically.”

Not true either. The last Bush administration did not veto a May 19, 2004, resolution calling on Israel to stop demolishing Palestinian homes, and there were numerous vetowithholds during the Clinton, first Bush, and Reagan administrations regarding the deportation of Palestinians and Israeli military actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and in Lebanon. All of these specifically targeted Israel.

The smartest take supporting a veto is one I saw in a proIsrael off-the-record circular this morning: That there has not been a veto-withold of a resolution specifically targeting Israel on settlements, specifically, since three during the Carter administration. That, as far as I can make out, is true.

What’s also true is that the Palestinian-drafted resolution is not “balanced” -- not, of course, in the sense that the P.A. is building settlements in the Sharon, but in that arch diplomatic tradition of having to slam one side if you’re going to slam the other, however apples and oranges it gets. (The abortive U.S. attempt to head off the resolution with a declarative presidents’ statement included such a reference to rocket fire from Gaza.)

But that narrow focus reduces what is happening here Continued on page 9

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March 4, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Proposed cuts in House could prove disastrous to U.S. Refugee Program

Focus on issues GIDEON ARONOFF, President and CEO of HIAS (New York, NY – Feb. 22, 2011) – Cuts contained in the Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by the House of Representatives at the end of last week would bring the U.S. refugee program to the brink of disaster, if enacted.

The House of Representatives slashed the Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account, which provides basic, life-saving assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons, by 45 percent from current funding levels. If this level of funding is ultimately enacted by Congress when the Senate returns from the President’s Day recess, the State Department would essentially have no additional funding to continue to protect and resettle refugees for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, which ends on September 30th.

The House of Representatives also approved a significant cut to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) budget.

ORR provides a basic level of assistance to newly resettled refugees in order to help them obtain economic self-sufficiency and restart their lives in the United States.

ORR has been chronically underfunded, and reducing the

already limited funding available would mean an even more difficult start for refugees who must overcome so many obstacles on their path to recovery and success in their new country.

Also of great concern, the House did not include an extension of the Lautenberg Amendment. In effect for more than 20 years, this amendment is a critical component of the ability of the U.S. to protect refugees fleeing religious persecution in Iran and the Former Soviet Union. It must be renewed each year and has already expired. As a result, Jews, Christians, Baha’is, and other religious minorities, seeking to flee, are stuck in Iran, where they will remain until Congress authorizes an extension of the Lautenberg Amendment.

HIAS is doing all it can to ensure that the Senate continues to fund MRA and ORR at fiscal year 2010 levels through the end of this year and includes the Lautenberg Amendment in the CR so that the U.S. can continue to rescue and resettle refugees in 2011.

HIAS shares the concern expressed by Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), who while visiting a camp for refugees from Cote D’Ivoire in Liberia last week, said: “I find myself

both inspired and reflective about the essential nature of the work that PRM and our implementing partners do to save lives and alleviate suffering. The work not only reflects a moral imperative, but helps to promote peace and security when despair and desperation threaten stability and U.S. national security interests. For these reasons, I also find myself deeply concerned – even heartbroken – by the prospect of proposed humanitarian aid reductions of historic and devastating proportions.”

Times are tough in America, but we can and must still help those who have fled persecution, leaving their homes, family and possessions behind. This is what our country has always been about, and turning our back on refugees would not only be a tragedy for them, but a stain on our country’s values, history, and tradition of providing basic aid to those around the world who need it most and have nowhere else to turn.

In 2011, HIAS, the international migration agency of the American Jewish community, honors 130 years of dedication to persecuted and oppressed Jews and other people worldwide. To date, HIAS has assisted more than 4.5 million people to start new lives in freedom and security, including the vast majority of Jewish families in the U.S.

FSU Jewish women take women’s case to U.N., D.C.

Focus on issues SUE FISHKOFF (JTA) -- When Elena Kalnitskaya of Ukraine talked about her organization’s women’s empowerment projects at a United Nations conference last week, she was presenting the face of social progress in her country.

And she was doing it as a Jewish woman -- worth a second look when the representatives in question are from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Kalnitskaya and her three colleagues are from Project Kesher, a Jewish women’s organization that promotes human rights and women’s concerns in the former Soviet Union.

They are the only representatives from the former Soviet Union at the weeklong conference. And, Kalnitskaya notes, Project Kesher is the only Jewish group standing up in an international forum for the rights of women of all ethnicities and faiths in a half-dozen Russian-speaking countries.

Kalnitskaya spoke to JTA on Feb. 25 as she was wrapping up three days of meetings at the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, which brought delegates from more than 4,000 nongovernmental organizations to U.N. headquarters in New York to discuss civil society, human rights and the advancement of women around the world.

She had spent the day in a workshop on women and technology, where she talked about Project Kesher’s computer training and job skills program. The program has helped

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more than 17,000 people, mostly women and girls, in the organization’s 17 computer centers throughout the former Soviet Union.

In its two decades, the group has gained the respect of political leaders in the region, a development that Illinoisbased Executive Director Karyn Gershon attributes to the nonsectarian nature of its work.

Project Kesher activists in Belarus who work to gain access for more women to the country’s sole mammography machine are helping all women, not just Jews, Gershon points out. That’s also true of the tolerance-building projects the group runs in Ukraine, a country plagued by xenophobia and rising violence against non-Slavs.

The activists are motivated to do this work because of the Jewish values they learn through the organization’s Jewish education programs -- education dedicated to inspiring tikkun olam, or work to repair the world’s ills -- a relatively new concept in the former Soviet Union.

“We have a seat at the table now,” Gershon said, noting that Project Kesher works with the Russian Parliament, as well as with top government officials in Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia. “They see that the Jewish community is not insular.”

At the United Nations, Kalnitskaya and her colleagues are trying to share their most successful models of empowerment with women from Third World countries facing the same struggles against illiteracy, sexual violence and job discrimination, which have been heightened by the global eco-

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Continued on from 8 to whether Susan Rice raises her hand tomorrow afternoon, and how nasty the United Nations is.

What’s ignored is a Palestinian-drafted resolution that, beyond freezing settlements: • Calls for a return to the table, now.

• Omits preconditions like refugees, a Palestinian capital in Jerusalem, 1967 borders, or even 1:1 exchanges based on 1967 borders.

Those are the expressed demands of the current Israel government and its predecessors.

And yet we’re back to caduc-like quibbles.

There may be good reasons not to seize this day.

I have yet to hear them articulated beyond specious references to diplomatic traditions that just ain’t.

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Olga Krasko of Belarus outlined Project Kesher’s job training success at a workshop on women and financial literacy.

“Women from Haiti and Ghana came up to me and said how much they appreciated hearing about our methodology, learning how we started,” said Krasko, of Polotsk. “Today it’s useless to talk about ending domestic violence and sex trafficking if we don’t empower women with legal and financial knowledge.”

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10 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, March 11: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Rachel Jacobson, Executive Director of Film Streams, will discuss Film Streams Ruth Sokolof Theater - Omaha’s Nonprofit Cinema. The community is invited.

a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code.

TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat & Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. with dinner following. Dinner cost is $10 for Beth El members, $15 for non-members. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact the office.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Simchat Shabbat/Café Schmooze, 10:30 a.m. lay-led alternative Shabbat celebration followed by lunch at Café Schmooze, at no charge. Entire Jewish community is invited; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:15 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: The Mystique of Judaism, with Andy Greenberg, and Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; BESTT Family Siddur Program, 10 a.m. for third graders and their parents; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Susi Frydman-Levin.

MONDAY: Women’s Rosh Hodesh group meets at 7 p.m., in the synagogue kitchen, to bake desserts for the Nebraska AIDS Project. RSVP to hostesses Janie Kulakofsky at nwumom@cox.net or 402.333.7394; or Joan Marcus at hmarcom@juno.com, or 402.333.5995.

TUESDAY: Parsha & Pizza, 6:15 p.m. monthly mini course, led by Cantor Schlossberg. Cost is $3 per session for members, $4 for non-members. To register, call the office.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible, noon. Cost is $36 for members and $45 for non-members. Open to all adults in the Jewish community. To register, contact the office; Everyday Holiness, 7 p.m. mini course, taught by Guy Matalon.

LET’S DO LUNCH: Join Rabbi Levin for lunch at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli on Friday, March 11, noon, for a delicious meal and some serious schmoozing. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated so the rabbi can reserve seats. Contact him at rabbilevin@bethel-omaha.org.

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

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

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

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Sarah Kelen, with D’var Torah by Rabbi Craig Lewis, with oneg following.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Winter Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street: “Former Soviet Republics and their relationship with Russia” with Kathleen A. Collins, Associate Professor of Politcal Science, University of Minnesota.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:01 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 3:45 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 4:45 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:02 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Jr. NCSY Make-Your-Own Pizza night, 5 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30

Bat Mitzvah Debbie Turetsky, daughter of Lucy and Boris Turetsky, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 12, at Beth El. Debbie is a seventh-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Millard North Middle School. She has received awards for her artwork.

Her interests include dance, tumbling, and music.

She has a brother, Eugene.

Grandparents are Svetlana Goldina and the late Yefim Goldin, and the late Rovim and Roza Turetsky.

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

Candlelighting Friday, March 4, 6:01 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:01 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. Kol Rina and St. Paul Choir to sing Somthing for Everyone.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Gavin Rogers, son of Marcelyn and Charles Rogers, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Adult Education Meeting, 10:30 a.m.; Kol Rina and St. Paul Choir to sing Somthing for Everyone, 11 a.m.; Grade 2 Parents Learning Coffee, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6-8 p.m.; Rituals and Beliefs: Death and Mourning, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Linder.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m.

Temple Israel’s Red Cross Blood Drive, Sunday, March 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (see full story on page 12.)

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

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

SATURDAY: Learners Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study.

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

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

Join us Friday, March 18 for services and a dairy potluck dinner at the home of Cindi and Marlon Weiss, 6400 Country View Lane. Services begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. Please bring a dairy dish. Please RSVP to Nava in the office by Wednesday, March 16.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. programs presented at Beth Israel

by BETH COHEN Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue Bullying. A fact of life for children and parents everywhere: 75% of school age children in the United States experience bullying. Bullying harms targets, bystanders and bullies. Emotional, behavioral, social and educational consequences can result if bullying behavior is not immediately and appropriately managed.

Beth Israel Synagogue’s rabbis are working to help parents and children stop bullying behaviors as soon as they happen, no matter where they happen and no matter who they are happening to. On March 13, Beth Israel will host R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. (Relationship, Empowerment for Students, Parents, Educators & Community Through Theatre), a not-for-profit organization and their staff of actor-educators. Two anti-bullying-themed theatre productions specially geared to the children in grades K – 6 will be presented with concurrent parent training workshops.

The children’s programs and parent workshops are available to the community at no charge, with thanks to generous donors: Jonathan and Stacey Rockman, Drs. Dan Schuller & Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller, and R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. “Theatre is an extremely effective teaching tool – a dynamic and motivating way to help students learn about different kinds of bullying and the possible consequences

that can result,” explains Dr. Patricia Newman, Executive Director of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. “Students of all ages can identify with the characters in the programs and what they experience. More importantly, they can also learn behavioral strategies that work to help themselves as well as their friends who are faced with bullying and abusive behavior.”

“In Torah and in rabbinic literature, much focus is placed on respecting one another,” explains Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi, Beth Israel’s Associate Rabbi. “We are excited to have professionals help us to instill in our children these important values and help them learn to deal with bullying when it is initiated by others.”

The afternoon will start with “Stop and Think” a play helping children from grades K – 3 learn how situations and people can change and how a person can become empowered if they “stop and think” before they say or do.

Next “Spelling it Out,” a program designed for students in grades 4 – 6 will be presented. Physical, verbal, relational and emotional bullying are confronted, and the ability and power of bystanders to help out peers in need is revealed.

Actor educators will facilitate large group discussions and lead role playing exercises with the audience after each program. While students learn about the dynamics of bullying, behavioral strategies and choices to help themselves and friends, and resources that are available to help them, Continued on page 11

Pulverent e

March 4, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

From sacrifice to Kashrut

In memoriam SARAH SILVER

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Tzav Our Sidrah tells us how the contributions of the Israelite camp were to be used.

The purpose was to surround the traveling Sanctuary with as much beauty and holiness as could be managed in the wilderness.

First, attention was given to the garments of Aaron the Priest (Kohen). Priestly garments were meant to evoke a sense of holiness in all who saw them.

Further, the altar itself and all its appurtenances were to be plated with gold.

I’ll remind the reader to assume that all of the gold, silver, bronze, and acacia wood and splendid curtains were assembled by the Israelites in Egypt before they left. Thus, all these materials were available to create a portable Sanctuary, fully enclosed.

The Israelites were to follow directions on how sacrifices were to be offered on the altar.

We are missing the point if we do not understand that the sacrifices were to be used for food for the Israelites. One might say that these instructions about sacrifices were the forerunners of what became, in later years, a system of Kashrut.

The Bible, at the very beginning, permits the ritual slaughter and consumption of certain farm animals in accordance with ordained regulations.

It is a total misunderstanding of the sacrifices if we assume that animal flesh was to be carelessly stripped off the carcasses (or living animals!) for food.

The underlying assumption is that we eat to live, not live to eat. This ancient concept rose in Israel while Israelites were still traveling in the wilderness. They were to be a people respectful of life. The need to sustain life by eating did not include a ravenous disregard for life itself. I think we may understand the instruction about sacrifices to be a forerunner of the laws of Kashrut. It is worthwhile to repeat this thought again.

The point here is, without saying it in detail, to thank God for the provision to maintain life.

“Smart and Sassy – Women of the Talmud”

by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education Feared, ridiculed, admired, and loved. These are the words to describe the way that women are perceived in the Talmud.

In many societies and cultures, men have expressed an ambivalence towards female sexuality, and intelligence. While closeness between the sexes has always been the basis of romantic expression, fear of the unknown and misunderstood aspects of womankind, in some cases, has lead to discrimination and a decrease in social standing within the society.

The rabbis in the Talmud deal with this situation in a much different way. A rabbi will value God, Torah study, and knowledge above any sort of social expectations. This provides a surprising sense of gender equality throughout the Talmud. Those unfamiliar with Jewish history will no doubt find this as a new concept.

Miriam Gross, Director of the Omaha Jewish Chai School, will teach a three part class highlighting two of the “smart and sassy” women of the Talmud, Yalta and Bruria.

“The rabbis show tremendous respect for the intellectual capacity of women, and engage in serious Torah discussions with them,” said Gross, “yet they struggle with a deep seated fear of women moving too close into the inner sanctum of their world of Torah study.” Yalta and Bruria were both extraordinary women and each one can be described as “smart and sassy”. Yalta was an arbiter of Jewish law and philosophy and a Talmud-era commentator. Bruria was quoted as a sage in Talmud and is said to have learned from the rabbis 300 halachot on a single day. The class discussion will also include a look at the men who challenged these ladies and let them shine.

The sessions will meet on Fridays from noon-1 p.m., March 11, 18, and 25 in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Tuition is $26 discounted to $21 for donors to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Pre-registration is required by calling 402.334.6445 or via email to mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. This class is presented by the Center for Jewish Education.

Sarah Silver passed away on Feb. 22 at the age of 91.

Services were held on Feb. 25 at Beth El Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by husband, Solomon; son, Donald; parents, Celia and Robert Barnett; sister, Daisy Solomon.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Barry Snyder; sister, Josie Shrago; brother and sister-in-law, Rosa and Donald Barnett of Johannesburg, South Africa; grandchildren: Dawn and Bill Havens of California, Debbie and Brent Miller of Wisconsin, Michael and Jane Snyder, Piper Silver of St. Louis, Jeremy Silver of Peru, NE; and sixgreat grandchildren: Marcus and Robert Havens, Lauren and Zachary Miller, Elizabeth and Ben Snyder.

Sarah was a buyer for Brandeis Department Store.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

CARL FREDRICKS Carl Fredricks passed away on Feb. 20 in Lighthouse Point, FL, at the age 91.

He was preceded in death by wife, Bette Fredricks.

He is survived by son, Gordon of Deerfield Beach, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Gail of Rockville, MD; brother and sister-in-law, David and Arlene Fredricks; four grandchildren three great-grandchildren; niece and nephews.

He graduated from NYU and attended Creighton Law School before leaving for service in the Army during WWII. After leaving the service, he established an accounting practice in Silver Spring, MD. Always active in community affairs, he served as President and long-time Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Silver Spring. After retiring to Florida he enjoyed his life-long interests as an avid tennis player and boater. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary where he achieved the ranks of Captain of a Flotilla and Commodore of a Division.

Memorials may be made to Hospice by the Sea, 1531 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486 or charity of your choice.

ALAN LEWIS BRAMSON Alan Lewis Bramson passed away Feb. 8 in Carmel, New York. Services will be held March 20 at the Mount Kisco Holiday Inn, Mount Kisco, NY He was preceded in death by his wife, Berenice Sommer.

He is survived by his son, Steven Bramson and grandson, Joshua Bramson of Los Angeles; daughter, Bobbe Bramson of Bedford Hills, NY; brother, Robert Bramson of Los Angeles.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. programs presented at Beth Israel Continued from page 10 their parents will participate in corresponding parenting workshops that are centered around techniques of forum theatre, role playing and improv. The goal of the parenting workshops is to help parents learn different ways to talk with their children about bullying and to help them to develop healthy relationship skills.

Child care for children not involved in the R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. Program will be available at no charge to parents participating in the workshops. Reservations for child care are required for planning purposes. Contact the synagogue office to make your reservation, 402.556.6288 or Beth Israel@OrthodoxOmaha.org.

“Moshe Rabbeinu witnessed three separate bullying situations and each time he chose to intervene rather than remain a bystander. The values related to dealing with bullies are all pervasive throughout the Torah,” explains Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “I was greatly inspired the first time I saw a R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. program, and I am grateful that we are able to invite the community to this amazing program at Beth Israel. I only wish that there was a program like R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. when I was a child, and I am overjoyed that the kids in our community can benefit from it.”

Since 2001, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. has presented anti-bullying and relationship empowerment productions to nearly 300,000 students in kindergarten through college age in communities across Nebraska and Iowa. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.T. is the recipient of numerous community and professional awards and was recently listed as a Best Practice Intervention for Children by the Wilder Research Institute.

For more information on the organization and resources to help combat bullying and other types of relationship abuse and violence, visit www.respect2all.org.

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Maintenance electrician: !"#$ &#'!(!#)" *($$ +#," # -('(-.- /0 1 2"#34 "$"&)3(&#$ -#(')"'#'&" "56"3(7 "'&" (' # -#'.0#&).3('8 0#&($()2 *()+ 4)3/'8 9:;< "$"&)3(&#$ #'! 3/=/)(&4 )3/.=$"7 4+//)('8 4>($$4? ;#'!(!#)"4 *()+ $"#!"34+(6 "56"3("'&" &/.$! =" &/'4(!"3"! 0/3 83/.6 $"#!"3 6/4()(/'? !"#$%&' )"*'$'"+&, -". &-"$# /&,!-&, +01 humanresources@lindsay.com or mail to: Human Resources Lindsay Corporation, 214 E 2nd St. Lindsay NE 68644

BULL SALE? Run this size ad in over 170 Newspapers for just $5.06/newspaper!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 170 Nebraska newspapers & get your message to over 900,000 readers. Statewide coverage for just $5.06 per publication. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska.

Other sizes available upon request.

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 for more information.

Nebraska 2x2/2x4 Display Ad Network

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ADOPTION: THE promise of a secure home for your unborn child, filled with warmth, compassion & endless love! Expenses paid. Legal/Confidential. Kathy & Chris, 1-877274-5156.

ADOPTION: UNPLANNED Pregnancy? Married couple will give your baby a secure home & endless love. Expenses paid. Margaret/Santo, 1-888-449-0803.

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $210/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-3346448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 177 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

GREAT RESTAURANT opportunity, Oscar’s for sale in Ponca, NE. Home of Ponca State Park, Nebraska’s #4 tourist attraction. Call 1-402-755-2224.

IN-ROW STARTER & Foliar Fertilizers. Highest quality. 100% orthophosphate.

Delivered direct to your farm. Call or text for pricing to: 1-402-430-7727.

SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 1-800369-2850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com. web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold!

FARM FRESH Wisconsin replacement calves, 2-10 weeks of age. Offering free delivery.

Will deliver on buyer’s approval. All calves will have vaccinations. Call 1-715-853-8326.

YOUR LAND and $250 deposit is what you need. Big 3 bedroom doublewide. Delivered to your land. It’s easy to prequalify. Call 800-375-3115.

CITY OF Columbus, NE. Communications Supervisor. Pay Scale $14.91 to $20.12/hour. Apply by Wednesday, 3/9/11. See details at www.columbusne.us.

NORTH PLATTE Community College is hiring Full-time Electrical Technology Instructor.

AAS Degree, Nebraska Master Electrician Certification, training/teaching experience preferred. Start August 15. Submit applications by March 21. Instructions/Information at www.mpcc.edu. Mid-Plains Community College, Human Resources, 1101 Halligan Dr., North Platte, NE 69101. EEO Education Employer.

SELLBUYZIP.COM WEBMASTERS wanted! Easy to manage! Promote your business! Help your neighbors! Family friendly website! Contact: info@sellbuyzip.com, 1888-872-8772.

WANTED: COMPANY Drivers. Must have 3 years experience, current Class-A CDL, 23 years of age and clean MVR. Health/Dental/Vision, paid vacation/401K. Call Monson and Sons, Inc. @ 1-800-463-4097 ext 107. EOE. YOU GOT the drive, we have the direction. OTR Drivers, APU equipped pre-pass EZpass, pets/passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% No Touch. 1-800-528-7825.

ATTENTION OWNER Operators! Earn up to $200,000/year. No upfront costs! Bonus programs. Home weekly. Must be 25, 2 years OTR, CDL-A. Call 866-946-4322, www.fccinc.com.

DRIVERS-OTR: Experienced? $1,000 sign-on, O/O’s & CO. Need new career/guaranteed job? Offering sponsored training at FFE Driver Academy, Fort Worth, TX, 800-569-9232, recruit@ffex.net.

IF YOU used Type 2 Diabetes drug Avandia between 1999-present and suffered a stroke, heart attack or congestive heart failure, you may be entitled to compensation.

Attorney Charles Johnson, 1-800-535-5727.

BUYING GOLD & Diamonds! Sartor Hamann Jewelers, your trusted local buyer in Lincoln or Grand Island. Cash or trade. www.sartorhamann.com or 877-570-9138.

12 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2011

At the Rose Blumkin Home, there’s no business like show business

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home opened its doors to guests, judges, and talented staff and residents for a well received Gong Show. From left to right: Joanie Bernstein entertains with her Bumblebee song, Mike Silverman acted as emcee, Jenn Kirshenbaum sings about friends in low places, and Shelly Spencer and Shana Hester join the audience after participating in a Sister Sledge act.

Temple Israel sponsors community blood drive

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Across the country, thousands of expected pints of blood -- up to 30,000 and still climbing -- have gone uncollected due to severe winter storms, according to the American Red Cross. As a result, blood collections in January were the lowest the Red Cross has seen in a decade.

On Sunday, March 13, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Temple Israel will conduct its annual Red Cross Blood Drive to help ease the drought. Ron Budwig will again chair the drive which is open to the community.

Through its national blood inventory system, the Red

Cross distributes about 22,000 units of blood every day to more than 3,000 hospitals across the country. This process enables the Red Cross to provide blood where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Blood is essential for accident victims, cancer patients, patients having surgery, those with blood disorders, and many others. An aging population and more complex medical procedures have increased the need for blood donations.

It usually takes about one hour from start to finish to donate blood. Donors are required to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.

Please allow at least 56 days between blood donations.

To make an appointment, log on to www.redcross blood.org. Then click on Make a Blood Donation Appointment (in the blue box on the right side of the screen). Under Find a Donation Opportunity Near You, enter the sponsor code 113. You can also make an appointment by calling Executive Director Dennis DePorte at Temple Israel at 402.556.6536. If he’s not there, please leave a message indicating what time you’d like to make your appointment. You can also call Ron Budwig at 402.289.2601.

Appointment donors will have priority over walk-ins who will be scheduled into available time slots.

Passover Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren.

Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry these ads will only be accepted through March 21, 2011.

A $52

Passover Greetings from Your names go here

B $65

Passover G R E E T I N G S

from Your names go here

C Passover $88

GREETINGS

Passover Greetings Ads Name __________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________ State ______________ Zip _____________ Check the size of ad you would like: O A O B O C Use the lines below to list your family members names you would like on your Passover ad. _______________________________________________________________________________

from

_______________________________________________________________________________

Your names go here

_______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Please send a check for the amount listed along side the different sized ads with this form at the Jewish Press office in the JCC or mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154