March 7, 2008

Vol. LXXXVII No. 65 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

30 Adar I, 5768

March 7, 2008

Women’s seder returns to the Heartland world of writing, too, and her newly pubby MARY SUE GROSSMAN lished book, Seder Stories, Passover Administrator Center for Jewish Education In March of 2004, Jewish women from Thoughts on Food, Family and Freedom, is the Omaha metropolitan area and a collection of Passover stories from peobeyond joined together for an inspiring ple from all over the world. Throughout evening at the first Omaha Women’s the evening, excerpts of the book will be Seder. Music, readings, laughter, and of read by several women. course, food, were enjoyed by the stand“Nancy seemed the perfect choice to ing room only group. lead this year’s seder,” said committee Nearly four years have passed and it is member Patty Nogg. “Nancy’s enthusitime for the women of Omaha to again asm, storytelling talents, and warm percelebrate together. The second Women’s sonality will give the seder a very special Seder will be held on Monday, April 14, twist. Throughout the evening she will 7 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center share stories from her book, which will be auditorium. a real treat.”

“I was delighted to be The seder will also feainvolved in the first ture the music of Yachad: Women’s Seder,” states The Traveling Tefillah Rosie Zweiback, a member Band. The band is a of the Women’s Seder Kansas City based ensemCommittee. “In the fall, I ble of vocalists and musitalked to several friends and cians who have been asked if we should do it together since 2000, again and the overwhelming adding a new spirit to response was ‘absolutely!’

Jewish worship. The comWith just a few phone calls, bination -- yachad, which the new committee was on means “together” and board and planning was tefillah, meaning “prayer” underway.”

-- describes the focus of Nancy Rips The seder will be led by the group in encouraging local favorite, Nancy Rips. Well known in participants to more fully participate in the Omaha community for her love of services and lift their spirits. The group, reading, she has now ventured into the who played at the first Women’s Seder,

and Temple Israel Women of Reform will add a unique sound to the seder.

Invitations will be mailed to the women Judaism.

Bag ’n Save, the Jewish Federation of of the community next week. The cost is $14 per person through March 28, after Omaha, the Mike Milder II Memorial which the price increases to $18. For ages Fund, and the Samuel and Bess 10 through high school, the cost is just Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund $10 each. Reservations are required and gave financial support and in-kind donaearly reservations are recommended as tions. For any questions, please call Patty seating is limited. A raffle will also be held Nogg at 493.3479. for the opportunity to win Passover items from local Sisterhood gift shops. Tickets are just $1 each with all raffle proceeds donated to Jewish Family Services.

Committee members are: Ann Goldstein, Margie Gutnik, Phyllis Hoffman, Debbi Josephson, Shani Katzman, Kelli Kirk, Bette Kozlen, Cheryl Lerner, Patty Nogg, Vicki Perlmeter, Andi Willensky, and Rosie Zweiback.

The Women’s Seder is co-sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood, Beth Israel Sisterhood, Beyt Shalom Women, Chabad Women, Hadassah, the National Hagaddah cover art from ‘The Journey Continues,’ 1999 Council of Jewish Ma’yan: The Jewish Women’s Project, by Jennifer Abadi.s Women-Omaha Section,

Pew survey provides Jewish snapshot, but critics say the sample is too small

by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- American Jews are adopting and discarding their Jewish identities with increasing rapidity in a country that is becoming less white and less Christian, according to a new study of religious affiliation in the United States.

But just hours after the study’s publication last week, Jewish demographers already were disputing some of the findings on Jews, contending that the sample is too small to draw meaningful conclusions.

The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey (http://religions.pewforum.org), released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, shows how Jews fit into a national religious mosaic that is shifting at ever-increasing speed.

It shows that more than one-quarter -- 28 percent -of Americans have left the faith in which they were raised and either joined a different faith or profess no faith at all.

Some of the findings about Jews, including the high income and educational levels, came as no surprise, as they mirror the results of earlier Jewish-only population studies.

The Pew study is the largest, most in-depth survey of American religious beliefs and behaviors, putting numbers to what religious experts have long believed was happen-

Inside

Young Jewish voters energzied

by ANNE MUSKIN Jewish Press Editorial Intern

ing, Pew officials say.

The last time the U.S. Census asked questions about religion was in 1957.

More than 35,000 of America’s 225 million adults were interviewed, including 682 Jews. A second report based on the same data, describing America’s religious practices and beliefs, will be released in late April, followed by a third report on social and political views later in the summer.

Leading Jewish Credit: JTA Staff d e m o g r a p h e r s , including those who worked on the National Jewish Population Studies of 1990 and 2000-2001, dispute some of the Pew data relating to American Jewry, particularly the figures about converts to and from Judaism.

“While we can learn a lot from this kind of survey in a general sense, in terms of Jews per se we have to be cautious because they’re such a small part of the sample,” said Jonathon Ament, the assistant director of research at the United Jewish Communities and the senior project adviser on the 2000-01 NJPS. The NJPS survey included 4,523 respondents.

With fewer than than 700 Jewish respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 points that Ament calls “quite high,” he said the Pew report should be “taken with a grain of salt” when it comes to its conclusions about American Jewish adults.

Continued on page 2

This Week: Purim recipes: Pages 10-11

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12

Chabad celebrates two decades of tradition in a modern world: Page 3

It is election season. The current is buzzing through coffee shops, radio stations, and of course the Internet.

The American public has been heavily inundated with the candidates, their issues, and boisterous yells for change. In the midst of all the hype and constant news coverage, we as voters are expected to be educated, care, and vote. Debates, Super Tuesday, and the trickle of caucuses have brought us a tiny bit closer to picking the nominees. However, a lot of America is still deciding whom they want to support and the presidential election is proving to be a fierce and electric contest.

In the Omaha Jewish community, young adults have spoken. Omahans and former Omahans living around the world have weighed in. Their responses were passionate, energized, and thoughtful. Among the list of concerns, the top three issues for Republican and Democrat respondents alike are: the Iraq war, stem-cell research, and pro-choice abortion stance. There was a six-way tie between taxes, Israel, homosexual rights, separation of church and state, the environment and energy alternatives, and immigration.

Continued on page 4

Mark Javitch, right, greets Jim Esch, who ran for the Second Congressional Seat in 2006, and is running again.

Coming Next Week: Spring Home & Garden Issue Friedel students learn secrets during Science Fair: Page 5

Local synagogues to hold Purim celebrations: Pages 6-7

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 7 Parent/Toddler Class, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon A Look at Jewish Mysticism, noon at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 8 Scholar-in-Residence, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel

C SUNDAY, MARCH 9 L Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel I Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El P Four Bs, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Teen Class with Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad

& BESTT third grade Consecration, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El

Challah & Chicken Soup Cook-off, noon at Temple Israel Hazak Deli Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El

S A MONDAY, MARCH 10 V ADL Essay Contest Judging, 5:30 p.m.

E Iran, Jews & Israel with Dr. Moshe Gershovich, 7 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11 Eye on Israel, noon Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel Friedel Academy Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

ADL Essay Contest Judging Snow Date, 5:30 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Yachad Vocational Skills Class, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Friedel Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 AIPAC Nebraska Council Meeting, 11:45 a.m.

Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Hadassah Purim & 100 Birthday Party, 1:30 p.m.

BESTT Hebrew High School dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel JFS’s Love and Logic, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, MARCH 13 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El ADL Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 7 p.m.

Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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

This Space For Rent Call Allan Handleman 334-6451

Pew survey provides Jewish snapshot Continued from page 1 Pew researchers take umbrage at that suggestion, saying the sample size is statistically sound.

“From a purely statistical viewpoint, the study should be taken seriously,” said John Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Forum. “We have every confidence that the Jews in our study are representative of Jews nationwide.”

Finding the total number of Jews has often been a source of controversy within the Jewish community. The Pew study arrives at its own numbers, suggesting the continuing difficulty of defining who is a Jew. Pew counted an estimated 3.8 million Jews, or 1.7 percent of the total American adult population. The NJPS counted 4.1 million Jewish adults out of a total Jewish population of 5.2 million.

Some thought the NJPS underestimated the Jewish population, including Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, which offered its own estimate of 6 million to 6.4 million.

But it was the findings on converts to and from Judaism, which involve controversial definitions -including “Who is a Jew” -- that drew the most skepticism among Jewish demographers.

According to the Pew study, 15 percent of America's nearly 4 million Jewish adults were not raised as Jews.

That means, Pew researchers said, they either converted to Judaism or embraced the Judaism of one of their parents or grandparents.

The study also reports that 9 percent of adults who were raised Jewish now profess another faith. Four percent of those former Jews are now Protestant, about half of them evangelicals; 1 percent are Catholic; and nearly 5 percent belong to a non-Christian faith, ranging from Islam to Buddhism to a New Age religion.

Still, the report found that Jews and Hindus are the most successful at retaining their people.

More than 84 percent of those who were raised Hindu still identify as Hindu, followed by 76 percent of those raised Jewish who say they are Jewish today. Fourteen percent of those raised Jewish now identify with no organized religion.

Judaism, Catholicism and Hinduism are the three faith groups filled with the highest percentage of born followers. Eighty-five percent of today's Jewish adults were raised as Jews, vs. the 15 percent of today's Jews who have “joined” the community. Ninety percent of today's Hindu adults were born and raised Hindu, along with 89 percent of Catholics.

Other highlights of the Pew report include: • Jews are tied with Mormons as the sixth largest faith group, each claiming 1.7 percent of the country’s adult population.

• The largest faith group is evangelical Protestants (26.3 percent), followed by Catholics (23.9 percent), mainline Protestants (18.1 percent), the unaffiliated (16.1percent) and members of historically black churches (6.9 percent).

• There are twice as many adult Jews as adult Muslims.

• Jews rank fourth among religious groups most likely to marry in the faith. According to Pew, 69 percent of married Jews are married to another Jew -- the same figure reported by the 2000 NJPS. Of the 31 percent of Jews married to someone of a different faith or no faith, the largest percentage, 12 percent, are married to

Catholics. The faith groups most likely to marry their own are Hindus, Mormons and Catholics.

• America’s slim Protestant majority of 51 percent will soon disappear as the country continues to become less white and less Christian.

• Those who say they are unaffiliated comprise the fastest growing “faith” group today, followed by nondenominational Protestants, who are largely evangelicals.

• The faith communities most heavily comprised of people who have switched affiliation include the unaffiliated, Buddhists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and members of “other faiths” and non-traditional Christian sects.

• The most highly educated faith communities are Hindus (48 percent with post-graduate degrees) followed by Jews (35 percent), compared to the national average of 10 percent.

• Two percent of America’s 1.57 million Buddhists were raised Jewish.

When it comes to drawing a Jewish picture from the Pew study, it’s difficult to compare the results to the National Jewish Population Study because it is rare to find the exact same questions or categories in both studies.

In addition, the NJPS and other Jewish-sponsored population studies use a combination of self-identification and behavioral questions to arrive at a nuanced understanding of who is a Jew, whereas the Pew report allowed respondents to declare their own religious identity.

The conversion figures offered by the Pew study differ from those of other Jewish studies. The 1990 NJPS showed that 180,000 people had converted to Judaism, comprising 3 percent of the total Jewish population.

The 2000-01 NJPS did not report the number of converts to Judaism, so it’s impossible to make comparison with the Pew report’s statement that 15 percent of today’s Jewish adults were not raised Jewish.

“What does ‘raised Jewish’ mean?” asks demographer Bruce Phillips of Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, who also worked on the 2000-2001 NJPS. “To you and me it might mean someone went to Hebrew school,” but the respondents answering the Pew study were not asked to elaborate.

Similarly, the 1990 NJPS showed that 210,000 Jews had converted out of Judaism, representing nearly 4 percent of American Jewry. By the time of the 2000-2001 NJPS, that figure had risen to just above 5 percent, along with an additional 7.6 percent who said they had left Judaism for no religion.

The NJPS total of 12.6 percent is less than the 23 percent of Jews who told Pew researchers that they now professed no religion or had joined another faith. But some of that difference can be ascribed to definitions used by the study organizers.

Pew researchers acknowledge these “definitional issues,” said Green, a senior researcher on the project.

But that was not the focus of the Pew study.

“Our purpose was to look at religion in America quite broadly,” he said.

The study was concerned with measuring how much movement there is into and out of faith groups rather than in describing exactly what those faith-shifters are discarding and adopting, or why.

“We’re not really measuring conversion,” Green said, “we’re measuring change.”

JFS donates Love and Logic materials to the Kripke Library C L I P & S A V E

by ANDREA BARTMAN for Jewish Family Service Due to the overwhelming success of the class Becoming a Love and Logic Parent and requests from some community members, Jewish Family Service has donated five new items to the Kripke Jewish Federation Library; three books and two CD’s on Love and Logic parenting techniques.

According to Gary Katz, Library Administrator, the books include, Love & Logic: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years, Love and Logic: From Innocence to Entitlement and Parenting with Love and Logic. The CD’s are titled, Allowing Kids to Choose Success and Hormones and Wheels Parent Survival Tips. This donation, says Katz, “broadens the appeal of the Kripke Library collection and greatly enhances our parenting section. These are our only two parenting CD’s in the collection and they provide more options to our patrons.

This is a tremendous donation and I would like to thank JFS, Karen, and the donor for this gift.” Katz goes on to report that the items are already being checked out.

Community members attending the Love and Logic

classes were seeking access to the materials for reference both during the course and after its completion. Thanks to a donation by Judy Vann through the Howard and Judy Vann Family Educational Fund the materials are now available at the library. Vann was consulted by JFS and was thrilled at the idea of using her fund to supply the needed items.

Karen Gustafson, Director of Jewish Family Service, comments, “I am always excited when there is an opportunity to work cooperatively with another Federation agency. There was a request from the community to make resources available for Love and Logic, the parenting program that JFS has now taught for seven years.

The program continues to grow through the support of Judy and the Vann Family Educational Fund, strong advocates of parenting education. We were pleased to be able to use their fund to purchase this variety of resources for the Kripke Library.”

The next course on Becoming a Love and Logic Parent will be offered on April 3. For more information on the classes or to register, please contact JFS at 330.2024.

March 7, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Chabad celebrates two decades of tradition in a modern world ilation, or for other reasons.” lessons, the children follow their own According to Shani, the bima at program, often accompanied by lots of Chabad serves as a visual reminder that screaming that can be heard throughout new is not always better. the entire building.

“The bima was originally housed at the “Mishpacha Mornings are great,” says Kapulier Shul, but when we received it, it Kirk, “It always starts off with a fantastic was covered in three layers of paint,” she breakfast, and gives parents the opportunoted. “It was painstakingly restored to its nity to learn alongside their children, as former glory; nowadays we often receive well as connect with other parents from comments about how beautiful it is.” many different backgrounds.”

The Chabad House is not a synagogue, Another well-attended function is but an outreach organization. It requires “Bedtime Storytime”, organized on a no membership, and collects no dues. monthly basis by Shevi and Estie “Visitors of all different backgrounds Katzman. Children of all ages are invited can feel welto come to come here Chabad, dressed because they in their pajamas; aren’t expectready for snacked to live up to and story time. a certain stanThey are encourdard,” Rabbi aged to bring Katzman says. blankets and “We accept all stuffed animals; Jews without after they do a asking them to craft, it’s time to fit a certain spread out on mold; we want the floor and listo be a bridge Shani and Rabbi Mendel Katzman have served the ten to the storythat connects Jewish community for 20 years; children Feigy and teller.

Chabad the finite with Zalman are in the background. Credit: Ophir Palmon also offers relithe infinite, the past with the present, and gious school, summer and winter camps, the deeply committed with the peripher- adult education, and special holiday ally involved.” events, such as the March 21 Purim party Kelly Kirk is a regular at the Chabad currently being planned.

House; she and her children take classes Excitement is building about Chabad’s and attend special events whenever they gala, which is scheduled for Sunday, can. “We always feel welcome at Chabad, April 13, 5:30 p.m., at KANEKO, and have grown tremendously as a fami- Omaha’s newest entertainment venue.

“We want to raise awareness of who we ly,” Kirk says.

Current programming includes are,” Rabbi Katzman says, “and let people Mishpacha Morning, which takes place know how much we can contribute to on Sunday; while parents focus on that their lives. Also, a large part of Judaism is week’s Parsha or various holiday-related feasting, partying, and gathering your

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT for Chabad House It was 1986, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani had been married for a year and a half, when the young couple and their newborn baby first arrived on the scene in Omaha.

“It was very exciting,” Shani says. “We knew absolutely nobody, and had never even seen the city of Omaha.” Both Katzmans were prepared and hoping to be sent somewhere in order to operate their very own Chabad House.

Rabbi Katzman explains that to be sent out by Chabad is not the same as coming to a pulpit: “You have a specific mission, and you are asked to make a lifetime commitment to empower all Jews to become what they are meant to be.”

Both Katzmans acknowledge there was no specific reason to come to Omaha beforehand to see what they were getting themselves into; they would have said “yes” to any destination. Rabbi Katzman had traveled extensively for Chabad, and they had done some traveling as a couple before being sent to Omaha and asked to open up their own Chabad House.

Shani Katzman remembers those first days well. “Although we found a wonderful and warm community when we came, many people thought we were too old fashioned for these modern times, and saw us as having not much relevance,” she explained. “Little by little, we were able to convince people that traditional Judaism always has relevance; we focus on maintaining traditions while bringing new vitality and enthusiasm. We attempt to revive many elements that people may remember from their grandparents, certain practices and customs that have fallen by the wayside either because of assim-

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friends together. We want to say thank you to our honored guests, Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum and Mike and Gail Yanney, not via a Hallmark card, but in person.”

“Rabbi Katzman did not come into this community with a heavy hand,” Joe Kirshenbaum explains, “and he quickly endeared himself to many members in the community. He is very good at motivating people to go that extra mile, without stepping on anybody’s toes. Rabbi Katzman has the time and freedom to go anywhere. And he does, quietly, making a difference one on one. He and Shani add a dimension to our community that’s critical. More people need to know them.”

Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum have known the Katzman family since they first came to Omaha and have been supportive of Chabad since the beginning, something Rabbi Katzman is grateful for.

“It is very heartwarming to know people that are always ready to give advice, and support us in any way they can,” he adds.

Rabbi Katzman has been equally impressed with Mike and Gail Yanney’s presence in the Omaha community.

“Mike and Gail are all about rolling up their sleeves, and not farming things out to others. Both couples are so unassuming; in spite of their respective accomplishments, they have stayed the same,” the rabbi says.

“Being that humble is not a natural reaction to success. They represent many values Chabad stands for, such as concern for the individual and lack of complacency.”

After being part of the community for 20 years, Chabad will be saying ‘thank you’ in a big way; the Mitzvah and Music Gala promises to be big, innovative, and, most of all, extremely fun. For information, call 330.1800 or visit www. ochabad.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

Young Jewish voters energzied Continued from page 1 One thing that all respondents agreed upon was the importance of voting. Mark Javitch, an Omaha business owner, remarked, “I believe in active participation and debate in the issues and civic process.” He also expressed frustration in saying, “The state primary system and electoral college devalue the importance of voting in Nebraska.” Aaron Wolfson, an Accounts Receivable Specialist in Springfield, KY, added, “I believe it is important to vote regardless of whether or not you have a favorite candidate.”

Beyond this, there is a little less agreement.

Rachel Javitch, a former Omahan now teaching in Buenos Aires, summed things up, noting, “Keeping up with the happenings of a presidential election process is rather overwhelming.” She expressed the obstacles facing voters of all ages: “It is not enough to get your political news from online headlines or to simply read the front page of the newspaper…

Success is also difficult to analyze since there are so many factors that contribute to political achievement.”

With so many important issues facing voters, it can be hard to prioritize. Nikki Romanik’s solution was to take “a voter quiz to see which candidates I agree with.” To her surprise, she found herself endorsing a different party altogether, based on issues alone. “I have long considered myself a Democrat and the quiz showed that I am a Republican! The quiz made me take a second look at who I was endorsing.” She also highlighted the changing nature of the Republican Party.

“In this day and age Republicans are always swaying democratic on social issues (abortion and stem-cell research).

Since I am about to graduate from medical school and be in the real world with bills, of course I do not want my taxes to increase,” Romanik said.

This follows a growing U.S. trend.

Classified as Libertarian, the social liberal coupled with the fiscal conservative stance, makes up roughly 13% of the electorate, according to the CATO Institute (a D.C. based non-profit public policy research foundation). CATO executive vice president, David Boaz, claims that

those with Libertarian views qualify as swing voters. “Political analysts talk about base motivation and the shrinking of the swing vote. But the evidence says they are wrong.” Boaz believes this growing group of Libertarians “is sizable enough to swing elections.”

While a few of young Omaha’s Jewish voters are on the fence and delving deeper into their own personal political philosophies, many are more than decided. Justin Jacobson, a sophomore at Columbia College in Chicago said, “I feel really strongly for Obama for many reasons… I had the opportunity to see him speak last year in Omaha and was absolutely taken by his charisma and stance on multiple issues, such as the war, stem cell research, and being prochoice.” Jacobson added, “I believe that after enduring Bush for eight years, we need a president that can change the pace of our country, quickly.”

Robbie Epstein, a law student at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., countered with, “The only candidate I strongly support is Hillary Clinton. I am unimpressed with Barack Obama. Sure, he talks about change and bringing people together, but he doesn’t tell us exactly how he is going to implement those things. His inexperience is problematic for me.” Epstein cited that Clinton “seems to be the only one who I think is actually capable of improving our situation at home and abroad.

She has the experience, and the intelligence. She also has Bill at her side, which is a huge plus.”

Emily Muskin, a senior Latin American studies major at the University of Kansas said, “Foreign policy issues are extremely important for the upcoming election and that is what I have been trying to follow.

Obama is the one candidate I feel is genuine and reflects the change that I would like to see.” Muskin and Jacobson are in good company as Obama’s momentum has continued to grow.

Aaron Wolfson offered, “The only candidate who interests me is Obama, but I believe it is important to vote regardless of whether or not you have a favorite candidate.” Aron Neesman is also touting Obama and said, “There are several issues

that matter to me so yes I’m paying very Edwards campaign during the Iowa cauclose attention.” cuses and Rebecca Murow works for the Many respondents however, like Tony National Jewish Democratic Council.

Endelman, a writer/producer at KPTM, The NJDC is a Washington based said “I’m not concerned as much with organization which serves as “the liaison specific issues, as I am with the general between the Jewish and Democratic comleadership of this country. munities and ...

I’d be satisfied with any of works to educate this year’s Democratic voters on the difcandidates.” He noted a ferences between change in his voting their candidates for habits altogether as a elected office while result of the importance also informing the of this election, adding, Democratic Party, “I’ve never particularly its leaders and cancared about politics or didates, about politicians until this year. issues that matter In 2000, I was too young most to the Jewish to vote, and in 2004, I c o m m u n i t y, ” thought I was making Murow said. some sort of statement by “I believe the not voting. This year, I ideals of the will undoubtedly vote Democratic Party because I, along with Dan Morris, a student at the University of align most closely everybody else, am des- Nebraska-Lincoln, was initially involved in with those of the perate to see a change.” the Edwards campaign.

Jewish community Dave Rennard, who is currently because beyond the party’s strong proresearching renewable fuels for his Ph.D. Israel stance, domestic policy items such as in engineering, is still weighing his the separation of Church and State, reprooptions. “I find Hillary to be a promising ductive rights, stem cell research, healthcandidate because she takes so much crap care, and environmental awareness are from the other side of the aisle and still equally important to both communities.” manages to get things done and make From the survey responses to this artiwhat I consider to be a positive differ- cle, Murow appears right on target. ence. In the face of adversity, I am on Many Democratic voters feel a tug to board with what the Clintons offer in nominate a winner at all costs, feeling that general. I miss the prosperity, interna- sentiments of change cannot translate to a tional support, and promise of the 90s.” conservative. Especially considering the He added, “Obama is a very inspiring elder Bush’s endorsement, it is difficult to speaker and, for the first time, not count- equate McCain with the kind of epic ing Hillary, I have to say his spouse is sort change some voters seem to pine for. of a draw as well. Obama’s credentials as At the end of the day, it’s exciting to see a community organizer thrill me; he’s the young voters involved and interested. kind of person you’d see at a local meet- This election is attempting to define an ing making a difference, and the kind era. Our era. you’d hope would run for president.”

The cloud of apathy is being chalThough Rennard seems to have a fairly lenged, and the public wants to speak. good pulse on the Democratic nominees, This passionate current has defied boundhe mentioned, “My view is probably that aries of race, gender, economic status, Obama is more easily electable in the and religious affiliations. As Rachel general election, but that Hillary will like- Javitch notes, “Beyond all the issues our ly win the Democratic nomination.” country currently faces, this diversity In addition, many former Omahans alone sends a message of change and have taken an active role in this year’s progress to the people of the U.S. and to election. Dan Morris worked on the the rest of the world.”

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March 7, 2008

Friedel students learn the truth about dog breath and wet popcorn

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT researched whether wet popcorn popped for Friedel Jewish Academy as well as the dry kind. Her presentation Last month, Friedel Jewish Academy included a large bowl filled with what hosted its annual Science Fair. Under the Principal Cookie Katskee identified as expert supervision of Josephine Zbylut- “my lunch.” She added, “I’ve been eatBirky, “Mrs. ZB” for short, students from ing it all day.” kindergarten through sixth grade preLillian Cohen, daughter of Michael and sented their projects to an enthusiastic Karen Cohen, had a project important to audience.

Jewish tables everywhere; she found out “We had 38 participants,” Zlybut-Birky how dough rises, and baked her own chalsaid, “and that number goes up each year. lah. Her title “The Knead for Yeast” got It’s always amazing to see the enthusiasm mentioned as the most original heading. of the students as they embark on their Possibly one of the more disgusting, own scientific journeys. They really get but very fascinating, projects came from caught up in all the different experi- the brains of sixth graders Sarah Potash, ments, and the nice thing is, they don’t just learn from their own work, they learn from each other as well.”

Ten elementary education students from Creighton University came to Friedel to judge the presentations, which lined the tables in the commons and library.

“They were blown away by the quality of work,” Zbylut-Birky said, “and were very impressed with the Destiny Wiseman, daughter of Sarah Wiseman, displays her student’s ability to explain home grown crystals. their work. They answered questions with solid knowledge of their projects and were willing to share.”

Parents got involved too, not an easy feat for James and Nanciana Hamicksburg, whose three daughters attend second grade at Friedel Academy. Dahlia Hamicksburg was the proud producer of the best smelling science experiment.

Her sister Tziporah investigated which catnip was most Yael Schuller shows her science project to kindergarten attractive to her cat, and is teacher Diana Zeman. already thinking about next year’s topic, Eva Phillips, and Michael Popkov. while Illyana Hamicksburg found out Together they researched whether a that some fluids don’t mix with other flu- dog’s mouth was cleaner than a human ids. mouth. The Phillips’ dog Pablo volunWhen asked what the best part was, teered to be swabbed, and luckily the Illyana said, “It was fun, because I got to outcome was positive for the human race: mix all kinds of things. Also, I accidental- the bacteria that spread over the Petri ly dyed the table pink.” dish proved it.

“I think the Science Fair really teaches Josephine Zbylut-Birky expressed high my daughters perseverance,” Nanciana hopes for next year, and is convinced Hamicksburg said, “and it is a great even more students will participate. thing to see them stick with something “There are no losers, only winners,” she for the long term. It teaches them said, “everybody receives a medal and a patience in addition to science; I think certificate. It’s great to see the kids be so it’s a fabulous event. I’m a biologist, so enthusiastic, and most of them are of course I love it.” already planning their projects for next First grader Gabby Witkowski, daugh- year. The Friedel Science Fair will only ter of Isaac and Susan Witkowski, grow bigger and more exciting.”

Slicha, eich ani magia l’Omaha?

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator Center for Jewish Education Some readers may look at the headline, wondering if the spell-check feature has been turned off. Instead, this is the transliteration of a sentence in Hebrew: “Excuse me, how do I get to Omaha?”

Are you interested in learning more about Hebrew? Do you want to keep up with the Hebrew skills of your kids? Can you picture yourself walking down the streets of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and understanding the conversations around you?

If so, join the Center for Jewish Education’s upcoming Conversational Hebrew class for adults. The class, taught by a native Israeli, will get you started on Hebrew from the basic AlefBet (the Hebrew alphabet) to conversational skills in modern Hebrew.

Mor Sheinbein will be the instructor for the course. She is the Administrative Assistant for the CJE and also teaches fifth grade Hebrew at Temple Israel.

Her experience also includes teaching this past summer at OSRUI, in the camp’s seven-week Hebrew immersion program for teens in Wisconsin.

The class, which is open to the community, will meet weekly on Mondays, March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 28, May 5, 12, and 19, 7-8 p.m. Tuition is $45, discounted to $36 for donors to the Federation Campaign. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, please call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org No matter if it has been a long time since you had a Hebrew class or if you have never learned it before, this is a great opportunity. And by the end, class participants will be able to say: Gam ani medaber eivrit!

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

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Celebrate Purim at Beth Israel

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Prepare for Purim and celebrate Purim at Beth Israel.

There will be many things to do and experience, including preparatory classes, activities and Purim celebrations - and the community is invited to attend.

Beth Israel will hold Purim-related classes prior to the holiday. Rabbi Jonathan Gross’ weekly class, held Thursday evenings, 7:30 p.m., will pertain to Purim on March 6 and 13. The class on March 6 will be “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat: the Laws of the Purim Seuda.” The March 13th class will be about “The Whole Megillah: Explore Megillat Esther.”

In preparation of Purim, there will be two programs for all ages on Sunday, March 16, 3 -5 p.m. For youngsters, there will be a kids’ crafts program with Andreea Shnayder. Children will participate in a creative Purim activity. All children are welcome, but little ones should be accompanied by a parent in order to have help in completing the project.

“Kids will have the opportunity to make a Purim-related wooden craft project to take home,” explained Shnayder. “It will be a unique -- something for Purim, made with a twist. They’ll also make something to go along with the synagogue’s Mishloach Manot project.

The crafts project should be lots of fun for the kids, and will get them geared up for Purim.”

There also will be a congregational Purim project led

by Elinor Matalon, also from 3-5 p.m. An intergenerational project, everyone is invited to help make Mishloach Manot baskets for Blumkin Home residents.

“What we’re trying to do is connect the past, the present and the future of our congregation,” said Matalon.

“Mishloach Manot connects the beauty of Purim mitzvot and the essence of being Jewish. For me, it’s very important to do something that brings the congregation together as a whole. It has so much meaning. We’re all connected to the Blumkin Home, in some way.”

According to Rabbi Gross, “To truly experience the holiday of Purim, it’s very important to observe its very

simple, but meaningful, mitzvot. The mitzvah of hearing the Megillah at night and during the day reminds us of the significance of the holiday. And during the day, fulfilling the mitzvot of Mishloach Manot and a festive meal engenders a sense of community that’s necessary for a proper celebration of this festive day.”

Purim celebrations will begin on Thursday, March 20, 7:15 p.m. Beth Israel’s 2008 costume theme is “Magic Kingdom.” Come dressed as a king or queen, your favorite Disney character, a magical magician or court jester, or as characters from the Megillah. Festivities begin with a costume parade. Prizes will be awarded for best adult costume (male and female), best child costume (boy and girl), best baby costume (under the age of two), best theme costume and best family costume.

The celebration will continue with Ma’ariv and a Megillah reading at 7:45 p.m. followed by a pasta dinner with ice cream sundaes. This will be followed by “The Late Show with the Amazing Arthur” at 9:30 p.m. The show is “shul-approved,” but may run past bedtime for little ones. “We’ve had The Amazing Arthur here before,” noted Executive Director Beth Cohen.

“He was an absolute hit with everyone.” There is no charge if your reservations are made by March 14. After the 14th, the cost for dinner will be $5 per person.

On Friday, March 21, there will be 6:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. Megillah readings at Beth Israel, followed by a 10:30 a.m. reading at Remington Heights. A late Megillah reading will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by Purim Seudah, with fried chicken and more. Kabbalat Shabbat will be at 7 p.m., followed by a brisket dinner.

“Since Purim ends and Shabbat begins at sundown on the 21st, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to have a large, festive meal for everyone to enjoy,” explained Cohen. “The meal will be wonderful. Come hungry!”

The cost for the seuda or the dinner is $9 for adults. If you plan to attend both, the charge will be $18 for adults. Cost for children ages 4 to 12 is $5.

For more information or to RSVP for the meals, please call the office at 556.6288.

Corks will be poppin’ during Beth El’s upcoming pour-’em wine tasting

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The festive holiday of Purim directs celebrants to eat, drink and be merry, so Beth El Synagogue is happy to comply by sponsoring a fun-filled Pour-’em Wine Tasting Evening on Saturday, March 15, planned especially for young Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s (singles and married couples alike).

The theme was selected to “put a fun spin on the holiday,” said Heather Kelln, who is co-hosting the event along with Toby Schonfeld. “Toby and I have been looking for an event that we could co-chair together, and Purim is right up my alley -- I love the costumes and masquerades, so I was really excited to have this opportunity,” Kelln said, adding that, “We’re always anxious to meet new folks and spend time with old friends, so this will be a great time for mingling and getting to know each other. We’re planning a few activities during

RBJH staff and residents make time for fun on a cold day

by ANDREA BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH The staff of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home recently participated in an employee pajama day to coincide with a movie day for residents featuring Pillow Talk, starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall.

Residents have always enjoyed movie days, but thanks to a creative suggestion by Stephanie Nigro, RT on the physical therapy staff, movie days are occasionally expanded to include themed dress, along with exercises and activities for residents. Blumkin resident Harry A staff pillow fight and res- Paskowitz participates in ident exercise session were pillow exercises with the included in the day’s festivi- physical therapy staff. ties. Residents voted Josh Gurock, administrative intern, and Mike Silverman, executive director, as their favorite pajama attire. “Residents enjoy activities with staff participation,” says Linda Fitzgerald, activity director.

“Exercises and laughter are always healthy benefits.”

the evening, and think this will be a lot of fun for everyone who attends -- this is all about having fun.”

The event will be kicked off with a short Havdalah service at 8:15 p.m.; afterward, party-goers will enjoy snacks, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages, and are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite wine for tasting and sharing with others. In addition, to help fulfill the Purim mitzvah of matanot laevyonim, all attendees are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item or purchase a Beth El grocery certificate, to aid needy members of our community.

Cost to attend is $5, and all young Jewish adults in the metro area are invited to partake in the festivities.

To RSVP, please send a check -- made payable to Beth El -- to Pour-’em Wine Tasting, Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. For more information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Standing ovation greets Israeli dancers

The Western Galilee’s Ga’aton Dance Group, shown arriving at the JCC, performed for almost 300 last month. The crowd was mesmerized by the variety and complexity of the different dances. The program was third in the Federation’s Partnership with Israel Performing Arts Series, which concludes Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m., with the Akko Women’s Theater.

March 7, 2008

Temple Purim mystery to be disclosed at Spiel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator You never know who’s going to show up at Temple Israel on Purim. In past years, it’s been Dorothy and her Wizard of Oz friends, Elvis, the Beatles, homesteaders from Shushan on the Platte, former executive director Dorothy Spizman impersonators, farm animals, aquatic life, and even an R-rated Kazakstani reporter named Borat.

Always a well-guarded secret, one thing is for sure this year, Cantor Wendy Shermet promised, “It’ll be a family friendly spiel, and as always, filled with the mirth and merriment typical of Purim.” Cantor Shermet is keeping the spiel under wraps and hidden from everyone’s view at her farm on the far outskirts of town.

At press time, the Temple staff confirmed that the Megillah will be read on Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m., followed by an all-new spiel starring Cantor Shermet, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, Executive Director Dennis DePorte, and others. The only “price” for admission to the sanctuary is a costume. Wild attire will be available at Temple if you can’t find something in your own closet. Groggers will also be on hand to drown out the wicked Haman.

Speaking of Haman, he’s back -- in the hallway at Temple. For the third year, Haman is hanging out in the lobby with pockets full of cardboard hamantaschen.

Each one suggests a mitzvot such as donating Tupperware containers in which to freeze soup to give to Temple members recently home from the hospital, making get well cards to deliver with the soup, contributing canned foods for the Omaha Food Bank, and making Shabbat Shalom cards for residents of the Rose Blumkin Home to fulfill the Purim tradition of Matanot L’evyonim.

Afte rall, Esther’s personal status as queen would have saved her from the gallows of Shushan, but she intervened on behalf of her people so they would not perish

from the heinous Haman’s decree. The pride felt for Esther is derived from her inability to stand by idly as her people were about to be slain. In our day, although we might not feel the oppression of a modern-day Haman personally, we cannot stand idle either when others need our help.

After the spiel, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and a dessert potluck will be served for dinner. Please make a reservation by calling the office, 556.6536, by Thursday, March 13. All who attend are asked to bring a dessert to serve 12 people. Dinner costs $8 for adults, $5 for kids, five to 12, and no charge for children younger than five. The cost for reservations made after March 13 is $10 for adults and $7 for kids five to 12.

On the preceding Sunday, March 16, make sure your wrist is ready for grogger whirling. The Megillah reading will be at 11:15 a.m. followed by the ever-popular, anxiously anticipated Purim Carnival. Pre-kindergarten children and their parents will get a sneak preview at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome from noon to 2 p.m.

Candy walk winners will take home a bag of sweets.

There will also be a chance to play inflatable basketball and soccer, Gorilligan’s Island, and more games. Enjoy a kosher hot dog or pizza for lunch.

Seventh grader Morissa Miller has chosen “Nothing But Nets,” which is also one of the mitzvah suggestions in Haman’s pockets, to raise money to fight malaria and global poverty for her mitzvah project. She will have a booth at the carnival. For $10, you can shoot baskets for two minutes. Morissa will also be at Temple on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons to collect additional donations towards her goal of raising $500.

Malaria kills one million children each year, but it costs only $10 to buy a bed net, distribute it to a family, and educate them on its use.

“It feels really great to raise money for people who don’t have it so they can be healthier,” said Morissa, a modern-day Queen Esther.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Clarinetist and mandolinist Andy Statman comes to Des Moines for a concert of Jewish mystical music and American roots music at Caspe Terrace on Wednesday, April 2, 8 p.m., when the Andy Statman Trio takes to the stage at Caspe Terrace in Waulee. Tickets for the concert are $25 for adults and $20 for students and can be ordered by calling 515.279.6452.

The concert, which is being funded by Abe and Jackie Goldstein, is being co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, who is providing the auditorium at Caspe Terrace, and the Waukee Arts Council, who will host a post-concert reception for the

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Chabad hosts Seudah, one of four required mitzvot to celebrate Purim

by SHEVI KATZMAN for Chabad House Celebrate life and the wondrous miracle of Purim with a kosher deli style Purim feast at the Chabad House on Friday, March 21, 12:30 p.m. Fresh kosher lunch meats imported from Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa, are part of the selection to stack in your deli sandwich.

Vegetarians, don’t worry; tofurky will be there too!

Shani Katzman, co-director of the Chabad House explains that “on Purim we focus on the material joys - celebrating with food, drink, and merriment. We mark the turn of events which saved the Jewish people from physical annihilation, hence the preoccupation with indulgence of body.” Katzman and her team will prepare a delectable menu complete with multi-flavored Hamentashen pastries.

Miri Katzman, left, and Ariel Kohll create Purim baskets at the 2007 Chocolate Factory while Feigie Katzman and O’Bryen Edwards look on.

Feasting is just one of the four “unique” mitzvos to Purim. Take the opportunity on this happy, highlighted holiday to give Tzedaka to the Jewish families in Sderot.

Listen to the reading of the ancient Megilla and watch a slide show of the Purim story performed in Omaha by some local Jewish kids.

Finally, swap gifts of food with your friends and then you’re good to go. There will be plenty of time to wine and dine and be merry! Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite or most original costume. RSVP to Carol at 330.1800 or chabadoffice@cox.net. Lunch is $6 per person and free for children under five.

Mountains and Memory Sticks, works by Lincoln artist Sarah Bauman., opens Friday, March 7 and runs through March 29. An opening reception will be held March 7, 5-7 p.m. at the LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln.

DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

Beth Israel Sisterhood’s March activities to include luncheon

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood will host Mah Jongg, a luncheon and “Spirits and Spirituality” during the month of March.

Come to Beth Israel on Monday, March 10, 1-3 p.m., to play Mah Jongg. Please bring your card and set.

There will be light snacks served during this event. The cost is free to Sisterhood members and only $2 for nonmembers. Please make a reservation with the office.

Make plans to attend a special Sisterhood luncheon at noon on Tuesday, March 11. The cost for the bagels and lox lunch is $5 per person. For planning purposes, please RSVP with the office. Babysitting is available at no charge, but reservations are required.

The guest speaker at this event will be Rebbetzin Talia Mizrahi, wife of Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. The Mizrahis will be visiting Omaha in preparation for their move here this summer, when Rabbi Mizrahi will begin his duties as Assistant Rabbi at Beth Israel.

Talia Mizrahi grew up in Boston and attended Oberlin College where she studied sociology and Jewish studies.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Mizrahi went to Israel to study in seminary. She then returned to the U.S. to pursue a master’s in early childhood development at Chicago’s Erikson’s Institute, where she specialized in infant studies. After working as a developmental therapist in the early intervention system and teaching at the Educare Center in Chicago, she moved to Israel in 2006. She met Rabbi Mizrahi, the grandson of Jeanette Nadoff and the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, dur-

ing her year of study and they were married in November of 2007.

Sisterhood’s monthly “Spirits and Spirituality” will be held the evening of Tuesday, March 11, 8 p.m. This popular program will be held at the home of Kathy Weiner and led by Liat Shyken. Please contact the synagogue for directions to Weiner’s home. A group for women of all ages, “Spirits and Spirituality” is an opportunity for women to connect with other women and explore Judaism from a feminine perspective. Wine and light refreshments will be served.

Shyken encourages people to attend. “It is nice to have people come out and learn with us,” she commented. “We can all learn from one another’s viewpoints and ideas. I usually try to teach something that relates to women, as the class is for women. Often the topics come from suggestions from the class. Topics we’ve covered include candle lighting, challah, family purity, Tznuit and the story of Esther.”

Shyken continued, “I usually break the class into two sections -- one relating to halacha, or the practical laws of a subject, and the other hadracha, or an understanding of the spiritual reasons for the laws or where the idea comes from in the Torah. I focus on developing character traits and who we are as Jewish women. It is a fun class to teach; people are readily engaged.” Shyken was recently named Beth Israel’s “Mensch of the Month” for her volunteer work with Sisterhood’s “Spirits and Spirituality.”

For more information or to RSVP to Sisterhood events, please call the office at 556.6288.

Join book discussion at Kripke Library

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Enrich your knowledge by joining the Dorothy and Myer Kripke Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group. Meetings are held at the library the third Thursday of the month.

In their next meeting, on March 20, 1 p.m., the group will discuss selected stories from Max Apple’s The Jew from Home Depot. This is the first collection to appear in 20 years from one of America’s best short story writers. His stories are marvelous -- funny, heartbreaking, and wise by turns, and on occasion all three at once.

Copies are available at the library, for $2.

On April 17 and May 15, the group will discuss the best selling book The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands. Copies will be available for purchase.

The group is open to everyone. Call the library at 334.6462 for more information or contact me at gkatz@jewishomaha.org

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the IMAX and lunch at Piccolo Pete’s on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 9:45 a.m. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638.

VISIONS Visions Luncheon Meeting is Friday, March 14, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Cost is $11 per person.

Join Beth Katz, Director, Project Interfaith, an affiliate of the Anti-Defamation League Plains States Regional Office, to hear more about this non-profit organization that serves as a leader and resource on interfaith and religious diversity issues. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha will perform on Sunday, March 16, 1:30 p.m. at the JCC. There is no admission fee and all are welcome. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY NJHS is in the process of gathering memorabilia regarding the history of the Old Market area. If you can help us with any information, please contact Renee Corcoran at 334.6442 or email njhs@jewishomaha. org.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS John Hoich will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, March 12, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The local entrepreneur will discuss his new book on how he went from poverty to being a millionaire. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $13 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

SOKOLOF FUNDS OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION World renowned Cantor Jacob Mendelson will sing on Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, when the Sokolof Funds Committee presents the Ruth and Phil Sokolof Merit Scholarships and the Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award. A reception will follow the concert and the showing of Cantor Mendelson’s film, A Cantor’s Tale.

March 7, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

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each person or family on your list, she

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA) -- Marcy Goldman suggests, then add thoughtful extras that still recalls the kind gesture on a Purim in personalize each gift basket based on the the mid-1980s. Her first son had come recipient’s interests or taste. Some examinto the world with newborn jaundice ples: For tea lovers, include an assortment and had to stay in the hospital after of fragrant teas, a tea bag caddy and a tea Goldman, the author of A Passion for infuser. Avid readers might enjoy a new Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baking (Oxmoor House, 2007), was dis- novel, bookmarks or magazine subscriptions. Goldman claims that on her Web charged.

Reluctant to leave her baby -- he’s now site, Betterbaking.com, she receives PA C K T H E H O U S E !

22 and healthy -- Goldman spent some more traffic on Purim than at any other NEBRASKA FOOTBALL-SPRING GAME sleepless nights in the lounge nearby. holiday during the year, even though it is APRIL 19, 2008, 1 P.M.- MEMORIAL STADIUM WEL COME WELCOME Dismal, she calls those nights. “But early a mainstream site.

General Admission tickets may be purchased at one morning, three Orthodox ladies “People who don’t bake find a way to State Huskers.com or call 800-8BIGRED came with hamantaschen, graggers rise to the occasion at Purim,” she says.

Bask Basketball etball [noisemakers] and small cakes,” Goldman also is full of ideas on present• $8 for adults Fans • $4 for youth and senior citizens Goldman remembers. “They sprinkled ing these breakfast treats with style. One • Students 8th grade and below get in free by pennies and pastries around me. Like is to use attractive tins, which can be Stopby&seeus! taking the Drug Free Pledge three angels, they gave me that gladness ordered online at Cookietins.com. But Get your tickets today!

Catch the of feeling, that very festive joy, which with open containers, such as baskets, she Bo Pelini, Nebraska Head Football Coach Purim is known for.” suggests wrapping with yards of celloshuttle to the phane that can be purchased in a rainbow Each year when the Megillah of Esther Devaney Center is read, Jews revisit the story of Haman, of colors at stores that sell gift wrap. Loaf across the street. the wicked vizier who plotted to annihi- pans work well as containers, as do colorlate the Jews of ancient Persia and instead ful mixing bowls, large Chinese take-out was hung on the gallows he had built for boxes (from Dollar stores, Sweet his intended victims, thanks largely to the Celebrations and party stores), flower pots, platters or help of Queen bowls (bought on Esther.

Much Nebraska Press Advertising Service sale or at thrift relieved, her Uncle shops) or any offMordecai asked the 9th&Q,Lincoln beat vessel.

Jewish community to 1 of 1 Page ____ People love to be turn Purim into days Western Region: Central Northeast Southeast Statewide 2x2 Network surprised by unusual of feasting and gladpackaging. No two ness. He implored Special Order gifts have to be preJews to send gifts to sented the same way, one another and These ads are to run ONE TIME, nor do they have to donate money to the beginning the Week of March 3, 2008 contain identical poor. Jews to this day extras. Here are give charity, or Your newspaper has agreed to tzedakah, to worth- Blueberries-and-Cream Mall Muffins from A some extras that participate in the Nebraska Display while causes and con- Passion for Baking, can be a delicious Purim complement breakAd Network program by running fast pastries: jars of vey gift baskets, or treat. these ads in the main news section Credit : Courtesy of Oxmoor House honey or jam, panmishloach manot, of of your newspaper (NOT the baked goods, wine and other delicacies to cake mix, maple syrup, granola, a small classified section of your newspaper). family and friends. They also send to the breakfast cookbook, tea, coffee or mugs.

9-5, Sat.March8 At times, advertisers may request needy and those new to a community or The day’s newspaper might be a nice 10-4,Sun.March9 a specific Publishing section, however, Datethe » 04.18.08 touch, too. whose spirits need bolstering. decision is ultimately up to each Ag. Park Like the three women who one mornAs a recipient of this kind of compasSpace Reservation » 03.14.08 newspaper.

Columbus, NE sion Goldman, a pastry chef and master ing long ago showered Goldman with All ads designed and distributed Camera Ready Deadline » 03.21.08 Dealers inside & outside baker, believes that everyone can sprinkle pastries and pennies, you can be the sunby the NPAS are in SAU50 sizes. $2 admission good both days joy as easily as confectioners’ sugar. One shine that brightens someone’s day.

Contact your advertising [1 column = 1 13/16 representative inches] The recipes below are from A Passion just needs an oven; she will help with the to advertise inIfthis very specialisedition. your newspaper using rest. “At Purim more than at any other for Baking. other size, you may to Call 308-234-4354 forinfo holiday, it’s especially meaningful to Callany Allan Handleman atneed 402.334.6451 www.casantiquemarket.com adjust these ads to fit your format.

LEMON-YOGURT POPPY SEED bake,” Goldman says. “Besides the fact or email:ahandleman@jewishomaha.org Please remember quality is important, MUFFINS that most pastries don’t taste as good NEXT SHOW APRIL 12-13 • HASTINGS so please use the correct tools and A traditional Purim ingredient, poppy prepared outside of the home, Purim is a Call Robyn Belgrade at 402.334.6559 computer programs to ensure seeds lend crunch to these muffins that holiday about giving, and baking is about or email:robynbelgrade@jewishomaha.org quality reproduction of these ads. stay fresh for days. You can make them giving of the spirit.”

Hamantaschen -- homemade or other- extra large for a splashy presentation or in PLEASE DO NOT BILL FOR wise -- for centuries has been the heart of miniature for small mishloach manot THESE ADS! Purim presents among Ashkenazim. But containers.

Payment procedures have already with the advent of the Internet, many Muffin Batter Ingredients: been handled by the NPAS. people buy professionally prepared gift 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened packages revolving around themes, such 1 1/2 cups sugar These ads, the Nebraska Press as breakfast fare, healthy snacks or pita 2 large eggs Association’s monthly bulletin, bread and Middle Eastern cuisine. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Statewide Classified Ads, and many Although Jewish law permits engaging an Juice of 1 lemon other items can be downloaded agent, such as a store or company, to dis- Zest of 1 lemon, finely minced through the NEAT system at: tribute gift baskets, a business cannot 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract www.nebpress.com duplicate the homemade flair or assemble 1 cup plain yogurt 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 all purpose flour feeling.

This ad should be includedgifts with with the other 2x2/2x4/ For questions regarding these ads, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Since themes are popular and everyone 1x4’s for the week of 3/3/08. If you have any quesplease call the NPAS at: 1/2 teaspoon baking soda appreciates the warmth of a cozy breaktions, feel free to contact Carolyn at 800-369-2850.

1-800-369-2850. fast, make this Purim the year to bake 1/4 teaspoon salt muffins, scones or coffee cake for family 2 to 4 tablespoons poppy seeds (This text is NOT an ad, do notfriends. place it in your Goldman is an Lemon Syrup: and Although newspaper.)

Thank You! award-winning cookbook author, she 3/4 cup water Name For the ad, Advertisers ________________, remains a home baker at heart. She has 1/4 cup lemon juice the Advertiser has requested plenty of advice for those who fear bak- 1 teaspoon lemon extract Section Name placement in your _______________ ing. “Look for recipes where the batter is 1 cup sugar section.

Preparation: mixed in one bowl,” she says of the fussPreheat oven to 375º. Arrange oven rack free, time-saving technique.

Many oneName For the ad, Advertisers ________________, to middle position. Line a large 12-cup bowl recipes yield impressive results. the Advertiser has requested muffin pan or a 24-cup mini muffin pan “Make an easy dough,” Goldman says.

Section Name placement in your _______________ “Prepare a lot of one thing. Instead of with appropriately sized paper liners and section. attempting to bake four different pastries, place pan on a parchment paper-lined bakName For the ad, Advertisers ________________, ing sheet. make four batches of one recipe.”

Continued on page 11 Give limited amounts of the batches to the Advertiser has requested

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Page 11

Bake up the gift of pastries Continued from page 10 In a mixer bowl, cream butter until smooth and creamy.

Blend in sugar and then eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, zest, lemon extract, and yogurt. Blend well; fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.

For large muffins, use a large ice cream scoop to scoop a generous amount of batter into prepared muffin cups.

Make sure you load muffin cups full, but deposit one muffin first as a tester -- batter should stay in place. If it topples over, add a bit more flour to the remaining batter. For mini muffins, use a mini ice cream scoop to fill muffin cups.

For large muffins, bake until nicely browned around the edges and muffins are set, about 28 to 32 minutes. For mini muffins, bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until muffins spring back when gently pressed with fingertips.

5. For Lemon Syrup, simmer water, lemon juice, extract, and sugar over low heat for 5 minutes. Cool well.

6. Brush baked poppy seed muffins 2 or 3 times with Lemon Syrup while they are still warm. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Yield: 12 large muffins or 24 mini muffins BLUEBERRIES-AND-CREAM MALL MUFFINS No mixer is necessary for these gems with wonderful domed tops, just like you get at the mall, or for mini muffins, which fit nicely into small containers for mishloach manot gifts.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 2 1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon each pure lemon and orange extract, optional 5 cups, approximately, all purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup sour cream 2 cups semi-frozen blueberries Finishing Touch: sugar for dusting Preparation: Preheat oven to 425º. Arrange oven rack to middle position, which is the upper third of most ovens.

Generously spray a 12-cup large or standard muffin pan or a 24-cup small muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and then line with paper muffin liners. Place pan on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

In a small mixer bowl, blend sugar with oil and butter.

Briskly add eggs, vanilla, and other extracts. Fold in 4 cups

flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend somewhat before next blending in buttermilk and sour cream.

Batter should be quite thick; if not, add a touch more flour.

Gently fold in berries with a spatula, trying not to break them apart.

For big mall muffins, use a large ice cream scoop to scoop a very large amount of batter into prepared muffin cups, loading them as full as you can. You need almost a scoop and a half of batter per cup. For mini-muffins, use a mini ice cream scoop. Dust tops of muffins with a little sugar.

For big mall muffins, bake 15 minutes at 425; then reduce oven temperature to 350 and bake until muffins are golden brown and spring back when gently pressed with fingertips, about 12 to 16 more minutes. For mini muffins, bake at 375 until muffins spring back when gently pressed with fingers, about 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Yield: 12 large mall muffins or 24 mini muffins BETTERBAKING.COM’S FAMOUS BREAKFAST SCONES As a mishloach manot gift, these wholesome scones can be presented inside an oversized coffee mug.

Ingredients: Zest of 1 small orange 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup unsalted butter or canola oil 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 large eggs 1 cup, or a bit more, buttermilk, or soured milk, or loose plain yogurt 1 cup granola cereal, a particularly fiber filled brand 1/3 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons ground flax seed 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup chopped almonds 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup dried sour cherries or cranberries 1/2 cup frozen raspberries or blueberries, or diced apple Finishing Touches: Milk for brushing, flour or granola for dusting, warm honey for drizzling Preparation: Preheat oven to 400º. Have oven rack set up in upper third oven position. Stack together 2 baking sheets and line top sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, blend orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and whole wheat flour. Cut in butter or drizzle oil.

Make a well in center and add honey, maple syrup, eggs, and most of buttermilk. Mix it halfway through and then fold in granola, oats, cornmeal, flax seed, sunflower seeds, nuts, and fruit. Stir with a fork to make a soft batter, adding more buttermilk, if mixture seems dry and doesn’t hold together.

Use an ice cream scoop to deposit scones on prepared baking sheets. Brush with milk or dust with flour and granola, or leave plain.

Bake 17 to 20 minutes until scones are nicely browned.

Brush with warm honey as scones come out of the oven, if desired. Yield: 12-14 small to medium scones BREAKFAST CAFE CINNAMON CRUMB CAKE This fragrant spice cake is easy but delicious. It’s a tender cake that can be divided into individual servings and sealed in plastic wrap for mishloach manot gifts.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Preparation: Preheat oven to 350º Generously spray a 9- or 10-inch springform pan or a 13-by-9-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place pan on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

In a mixer bowl, blend butter, flour, both sugars, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Remove 3/4 cup of this mixture and add chopped nuts and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon to it. Set aside to become crumb topping.

To batter remaining in mixer bowl, add baking powder, baking soda, egg, vanilla, and buttermilk. Using a hand whisk, blend well.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle on reserved crumb topping. Bake until cake tests done and springs back when gently pressed with fingertips, about 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with confectioner’s sugar. Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

Israel@60 For those of you who missed the deadline to submit articles and photos for “Israel@60”, our April 18 Passover issue, we’re sorry, but we’re out of room. We were overwhelmed by the number of submissions from Omahans, former Omahans living around the United States and in Israel, and students there now.

It’s very gratifying to know that a) our readers are paying attention to requests in the Jewish Press; and b) that they’re willing to participate and be a part of this historic issue, celebrating the 60th anniversary since the founding of the modern State of Israel.

Given the current tense situation in Gaza with the continuation of rocket attacks on Israeli towns by terrorists who hide behind women’s skirts and set up launchers in the middle of residential areas, we hope and pray to G-d that there will be a 70th anniversary to celebrate in a decade.

Islamic jihadists have vowed to wipe Israel off the map and it’s no idle threat. They really do believe that Israel (and the Jews) have no right to exist. Inheritors of Nazi philosophy, their propaganda machine continues to pour out vitriol against the Jewish people (and the “crusaders from the West” -- namely Americans and the British). They use children to sing songs of death and harmless Disney look alikes from Mickey Mouse to a bee to a bunny rabbit to create innocent sounding songs and videos that

threaten the lives of Jewish children everywhere (not to mention the psychological damage to helpless Palestinian children who are being brainwashed by adults who do not see the irony of their child abuse).

We’re not the only editorial voice who has stated the obvious parallel: if Canada or Mexico was pounding our border towns with kassam rockets on a daily basis, the United States of America would not stand idly by. And yet, Western governments (and the ineffective United Nations) keep calling for proportionality in Israel’s response to the rocket attacks.

One columnist, Noah Bedein, Director of the Regional News Service for Sderot and the Western Negev, had a brilliant suggestion: “Every time a kassam is fired at a populated area in the Negev, the IDF could show its commitment to proportionality and install a missile battery to fire a kassam missile at an UNRWA Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza. To further demonstrate an absolute commitment to proportionality, the IDF could also install Red Alert siren systems in each UNRWA Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza to give UNRWA camp residents the same 15 seconds to run for their lives that residents of Sderot have when they hear the Red Alert siren.

“Now that would be a proportionate response from Israel!”

Think the UN, Iran, Hamas and other

jihadist apologists would be on board?

In the meantime, the Press staff will continue working on our large issue celebrating Israel and publishing informative editorials and news articles that readers won’t get in the “Anglo” media. And we’ll keep praying for the safety of the members of the IDF, the Israeli government and her citizens.

Putting a distorting myth to rest

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by JEANETTE FRIEDMAN If Jews around the world do not want Holocaust history distorted, then perhaps we should examine how we create our own myths -- and lay those distorting myths to rest, once and for all. One such myth is particularly egregious, since it deals with Israel and the Holocaust.

A day after the United Nations Holocaust Commemoration on Jan. 28, an e-blitz from Barbara Wind, the director of the Holocaust center at United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, contained the following statement: “Amb. Dan Gillerman spoke eloquently, saying that if Israel had existed[,] the Holocaust would have been averted.”

The Israeli diplomatic corps has been promulgating this myth for years -- a luxury it can afford with 20-20 hindsight. Shimon Peres made a similar statement when he became the president of Israel a few months ago. These statements fly in the face of reality and don’t help Israeli credibility one iota.

Who can compare the Yishuv with today’s Israel?

Eighty years ago, there were approximately 350,000 Jews, many of them refugees from Europe, living in Mandate Palestine, surrounded by millions of hostile Arabs. The Jews bought the land they lived on -- until the British stopped them. Many of those Jews, who came in the first wave of pioneers, returned to Europe between the wars because they had nothing to eat. For those who remained, the economy was a disaster, and there were virtually no guns, no army and certainly no planes or tanks to use for self-defense.

There were 17,000,000 Jews in the world when World War II began, most of them in Central and Eastern Europe, and many in Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. In that war, the Nazis and their collaborators (including the Italians under Mussolini) caused the deaths of almost 60,000,000 people, including our own 6,000,000 Jews.

Could little Israel have stopped the Holocaust? Could she have absorbed

17,000,000 refugees or even 6,000,000?

Today’s Israel has capacity, reach, and scope that she didn’t have then -- and couldn’t imagine having during the days of her birth.

The State of Israel wasn’t even an idea until the late 19th century -- so how could its 350,000 Jews have managed to defend itself against the Axis assault on Mandate Palestine?

They couldn’t. Even the British empire was at serious risk when confronted with the German war machine, and all of Europe practically collapsed like a house of cards within months of the Nazi onslaught. Poland fell in less than a month; Denmark, France, Belgium, Holland, and other countries far more powerful than Palestine fell even more swiftly.

When Ben-Gurion proposed that the British recruit thousands of Jews in special units in the war against the Nazis, the British rejected the request. Only after the situation deteriorated, and the Germans gained ground, did the British agree to establish the Jewish Brigade -5,000 troops. And even then, many Zionists refused to fight the Nazis and their collaborators because it meant helping the British.

When France fell in 1940 and the Italians aligned with the Germans, Syria and Lebanon came under the control of Vichy France. The 30,000 Jews in Syria became victims of the same Nazi laws promulgated in Europe.

Businesses were Aryanized and Jews were interned in camps. Henri Dentz, the Syrian high commissioner, planned to open concentration camps. Thankfully, in 1941, the British and Free French forces seized control before he could do so. Members of the Palmach -Moshe Dayan (who lost an eye in the campaign), Yitzhak Rabin, and Yigal Allon among them -- participated in the Allied invasion against Vichy Syria, thus preventing the deportation of the Syrian Jews. (But success still did not allow Jewish entry to Palestine.)

In 1940, Italian planes were stationed in Rhodes. On July 15, they bombed Haifa. Nine days later, another bombing left 50 dead. In September, the Italians invaded Egypt and also bombed Tel Aviv, leaving more than 100 dead and many wounded, with extensive property damage. The Yishuv was already a German target.

As an official Jewish state, "Israel" would have attracted a much larger invasion. (For the record, the Jews of Rhodes were deported in 1944.)

In April 1941, the Germans invaded Libya, causing British fear of an impending invasion of Palestine. By the end of May, German General Erwin Rommel reached the Egyptian border and the mighty British Empire retreated.

During that same week, the Balkans, Yugoslavia, and Greece fell to the Germans.

Among the POWS were 1,500 British soldiers from the Yishuv. That same month, a Palmach sabotage mission to Vichy Lebanon failed.

On June 10-12, 1941, the Italians returned and bombed Haifa and Tel Aviv. A year later, Rommel crossed Egypt to El Alamein, 60 miles from Alexandria. People were terrified the British would abandon Palestine, leaving it to the Germans -- who had already made their deals with the mufti of Jerusalem to deport the Jews.

When the Germans invaded Russia and headed for the Caucasus, there were fears of an invasion from the north. A state of emergency was declared and plans were made to fortify the Carmel, just in case. Palmach units were sent south toward the border with Egypt and to the sea, to prevent Axis attacks -- the equivalent of sending a little Dutch boy to stick his finger in a dyke to stop a flood.

It wasn’t until October 1943, when British Gen. Bernard Montgomery attacked Rommel’s army, that the German threat to Egypt and Palestine ended. That month, the Russian victory at Stalingrad marked the beginning of the fall of Nazi Germany. And that, and only that, stopped the German juggernaut.

So even if there would have been an official state of Israel (which would have been even tinier than it was in 1948, since Trans-Jordan was not an option if the West wanted its oil), how would it have possibly absorbed millions upon millions of impoverished Jews who would have flooded the area? With no infrastructure or space or even enough potable water, who would have been able to care for those millions of displaced Jews?

And when all the established countries of Europe, including Russia, couldn’t stop Germany until it self-destructed, do we really believe tiny Israel could have saved six million Jews and prevented the slavery of millions more?

Jeanette Friedman is a freelance journalist and editor who founded Second Generation North Jersey in 1979. She lives in New Milford, NJ.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Carin Parcel, George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services.

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The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing.

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March 7, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Obama’s spurned supporters

Debate over candidate shows that being mainstream means being pro-Israel

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by JONATHAN S. TOBIN Last week, Sen. Barack Obama (D.Ill.) decided to stop letting others speak for him when it came to his position on Israel. Given the range of views imputed to or associated with him by a wide variety of sources, it wasn’t a moment too soon.

Rather than allow the debate to be defined by urban legends spread via email about his Muslim ties or the identity of his foreign-policy advisers, Obama was wise to get people to stop talking about Zbigniew Brzezinski and Robert Malley, and to start parsing his own words.

Obama’s question-and-answer session with members of the Jewish community in Cleveland was fascinating and remarkably candid. It also should go a long ways toward reassuring voters that an Obama administration would not rupture the U.S.-Israel alliance.

He told them that he supports Israel’s existence unconditionally and views its security as non-negotiable. He wants to eliminate the threat to Israel from the radical regime in Iran which has vowed to destroy it. Though he favors diplomacy to back off Tehran, he says that he won’t negotiate with Hamas so long as it refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist. He also says all the people that he listens to on Middle East policy are stalwart friends of Israel.

As for the fact that the pastor of his church has lauded Louis Farrakhan, Obama says he disagrees with him and rejects any expression of anti-Semitism.

Card-Carrying Lobbyist Everybody satisfied? Well, we should be. These statements place him well within the range of pro-Israel opinion in this country.

Saying all this earned Obama his proIsrael merit badge. Yet that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask him to clarify his positions in the coming months.

In his Cleveland statement, he made

the mistake of saying that he favors a Palestinian state that will be “contiguous.”

Supporting such a state is not controversial anymore. It’s the Palestinians and the Arabs who don’t appear to not want one, preferring to hold on to their hopes of destroying Israel. But even if the Palestinians do accept it one day -- given the realities of the map -- making it “contiguous” is impossible.

Obama also said that being “pro-Israel” doesn’t mean being “pro-Likud,” and that being for peace doesn’t mean that someone’s against Israel.

He’s right about that.

But he’s also drawing on the old paradigm of American Jews being split along pro-Labor and proLikud lines in their affection for Israel. That may have once been true, but it’s an outdated way of looking at things.

In the wake of the collapse of the Oslo process, most Israelis and American Jews realize that such a division is meaningless. Both the left and the right in Israel have failed -- and almost everyone knows it. Israelis want peace and are willing to make sacrifices for it, yet they no longer blindly trust in the peaceful intentions of their antagonists.

Obama needs to drop this line, especially since, if he’s elected president, the odds are that he may have to work with a Likud prime minister of Israel named Benjamin Netanyahu some time during his term of office.

That said, like anyone who makes such unequivocal statements, Obama must now be considered a card-carrying member of the pro-Israel “lobby” conspiracy, as defined by authors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.

All of which has to be highly disappointing to a number of people who would otherwise be the senator’s natural

allies.

Obama’s rhetoric of inclusion and natural charisma has created a groundswell of support from a wide spectrum of opinion, including some people who are chagrined at his proclaimed fealty to a proIsrael platform.

One such supporter is Tikkun magazine editor Michael Lerner, a pillar of the hard left, who is deeply critical of both Israeli measures of self-defense against Palestinian terror and American supporters of Israel. He sees Obama as a kindred spirit. But he wrote last month to lament the fact that Obama had apparently sold his soul to AIPAC. According to Lerner, “Obama’s problem is that his spiritual progressive world view is in conflict with the demands of the older generation of Jews who control the Jewish institutions and define what it is to be pro-Jewish, while his base consists of many young Jews who support him precisely because he is willing to publicly stand for the values that they hold.”

More disappointed was PalestinianAmerican extremist Ali Abunimah, who said to Public Broadcasting’s “Democracy Now” program that when Obama was his state senator in Illinois he was an opponent of Israel, but now laments “how far he has moved to try to appease AIPAC and pro-Israel movements.”

This point was underlined last month by gadfly and perennial presidential candidate Ralph Nader, who fulminated on “Meet the Press” that Obama used to be “pro-Palestinian,” but now backs the “destruction” of Gaza.

Abunimah and Nader have given up on Obama, but Lerner is holding on to some hope that he will revert to his “spiritual progressive” identity.

The odds of that happening are pretty slim since, no matter what his foreign-policy positions might have been when he was in the Illinois State Senate, Obama

Both the left and the right in Israel have failed -- and almost everyone knows it. Israelis want peace and are willing to make sacrifices for it ...

knows the vast majority of Americans whose votes he needs to win in November when he hopes to face off against Republican Sen. John McCain will not support a man who repudiates the bond between Israel and the United States.

The moral of the story is that the citizens of the people’s republic of Berkeley, Calif., like Lerner, as well as the radical anti-Israel/Jimmy Carter wing of the Democratic Party, have irrevocably lost Barack Obama (if indeed, they ever had him) because a person who does not embrace Israel cannot represent himself as part of the political mainstream.

Consensus, Not a Cabal In the views of hard-core leftists like Nader, Obama’s pro-Israel apostasy validates the Walt-Mearsheimer thesis about the dark power of the “lobby conspiracy.”

But what it demonstrates is that, far from being a cabal, the pro-Israel position cuts across most demographic and political lines to form what is truly a bipartisan consensus. Defying it requires not an act of courage, but of political suicide.

Given all this, does this mean that we should cease, as some partisans urge, probing candidates to spell out their positions on Israel and the Middle East?

The answer here is no.

Though some fear that even to debate the putative superiority of one candidate over another on Israel is not helpful, the process by which the would-be presidents are forced to spell out their positions is instructive.

Though many of Obama’s supporters felt questions raised about him on Israel were unfair, the end result helped anchor him even more closely to the pro-Israel consensus.

The moment the Jewish community ever stops trying to hold candidates accountable in this way is the moment they can no longer count on them. That’s a lesson that Obamaites, as well as backers of John McCain, should never forget.

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia.

He can be contacted via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

Destroying sculptures of Muhammad

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DANIEL PIPES Last month, Denmark’s police foiled a terrorist plot to murder Kurt Westergaard, the artist who drew the strongest of the 12 Muhammad images, prompting most of the country’s newspapers to reprint his cartoon as an act of solidarity and a signal to Islamists that their threats and violence will not succeed.

This incident points to the Islamists' mixed success in curbing Western freedom of speech about Muhammad – think of Salman Rushdie’s Satanic Verses or the Deutsche Oper’s production of Mozart’s Idomeneo. If threats of violence sometimes do work, they as often provoke, anger, and inspire resistance. A polite demarche can achieve more. Illustrating this, note two parallel efforts, dating from 1955 and 1997, to remove nearly-identical American courthouse sculptures of Muhammad.

In 1997, the Council on American-Islamic Relations demanded that part of a 1930s frieze in the main chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., be sandblasted into oblivion, on the grounds that Islam prohibits representations of its prophet. The seven-foot high marble relief by Adolph Weinman depicts Muhammad as one of 18 historic lawgivers. His left hand holds the Koran in book form (a jarring historical inaccuracy from the Muslim point of view) and his right holds a sword.

Chief Justice William Rehnquist, however, rejected CAIR’s pressure campaign, finding that the depiction “was intended only to recognize [Muhammad] … as an

important figure in the history of law; it is not intended as a form of idol worship.” Rehnquist only conceded that court literature should mention that the representation offends Muslim sensibilities. His decision met with riots and injuries in India.

In contrast, back in 1955, a campaign to censor a representation of Muhammad in another American court building did succeed. That would be the New York Citybased courthouse of the Appellate Division, First Department of the New York State Supreme Court.

Built in 1902, it featured on its roof balustrade an eightfoot marble statue of “Mohammed” by Charles Albert Lopez as one of 10 historic lawgivers. This Muhammad statue also held a Koran in his left hand and a scimitar in the right.

...pressure by Muslims on the West to conform to Islamic customs predates the current Islamist era.

Though visible from the street, the identities of the lawgivers high atop the building were difficult to discern. Only with a general overhaul of the building in February 1953, including its statues, did the public become aware of their identities. The Egyptian, Indonesian, and Pakistani ambassadors to the United Nations responded by asking the U.S. Department of State to use its influence to have the Muhammad statue not renovated but removed.

Characteristically, the State Department dispatched two employees to convince New York City’s public works commissioner, Frederick H. Zurmuhlen, to accommodate the ambassadors. The court, Chief Clerk George T. Campbell, reported, “also got a number of letters from Mohammedans about that time, all asking

the court to get rid of the statue.” All seven appellate justices recommended to Zurmuhlen that he take down the statue.

Even though, as Time magazine put it, “the danger that any large number of New Yorkers would take to worshiping the statue was, admittedly, minimal,” the ambassadors got their way. Zurmuhlen had the offending statue carted off to a storehouse in Newark, New Jersey. As Zurmuhlen figured out what to do with it, the Times reported in 1955, the statue “has lain on its back in a crate for several months.” Its ultimate disposition is unknown.

Then, rather than replace the empty pedestal on the court building roof, Zurmuhlen had the nine remaining statues shifted around to disguise the empty space, with Zoroaster replacing Muhammad at the westerly corner spot. Over a half-century later, that is where matters remain.

Recalling these events of 1955 suggests several points.

First, pressure by Muslims on the West to conform to Islamic customs predates the current Islamist era.

Second, even when minimal numbers of Muslims lived in the West, such pressures could succeed. Finally, contrasting the parallel 1955 and 1997 episodes suggests that the earlier approach of ambassadors making polite representations -- not high-handed demands backed up by angry mobs, much less terrorist plots -- can be the more effective route.

This conclusion confirms my general argument -- and the premise of the Islamist Watch project -- that Islamists working quietly within the system achieve more than those relying on ferocity and bellicosity.

Ultimately, soft Islamism presents dangers at least as great as does violent Islamism.

Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum, is suspending his column for several weeks. More of his opinion pieces can be read at: www.DanielPipes.org.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, March 7, 6:04 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni.

FRIDAY: Musical Shabbat services, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Minha/ Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, Third grade Consecration: 11:15 a.m.; Hazak Deli Dinner, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Variety of sandwiches and sides available; dine in or take out. To order, call Tootie Simon at 397.3616.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Insights and Values from the Torah, noon; Women’s Book Club, 1:15 p.m.

TOT SHABBAT: Friday, March 14, 6 p.m., led by Patty Nogg. Dinner will follow. Cost is $5 for adults, free for children ages six and younger. Open to all Jewish families. For more information or to RSVP for dinner, call the office.

LOVE & LOGIC CLASS: Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. led by Karen Gustafson, executive director, Jewish Family Service.

POUR-’EM WINE TASTING PARTY: Saturday, March 15, 8:15 p.m. (See full story on page 6).

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 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.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:04 p.m. Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom will speak Shabbat morning, Seuda Shlishit, and following Havdalah.

His visit is sponsored by Bruce and Linda Potash in commemoration

of the yahrzeit of David Potash.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Bruce and Linda Potash; Mincha, 5:30 p.m., followed by Suedat Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:05 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Oxman, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s teen class, 10 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Sisterhood Mah Jongg, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY: Sisterhood Lunch with Rebbetzin Talia Mizrahi, noon. Lunch costs $5; Sisterhood’s Spirits & Spirituality, 8 p.m. at the home of Kathy Weiner led by Liat Shyken.

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Snacks, 6 p.m. provided by Alicia Chapelle; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Temple; Winter Lecture Series, 6 p.m. at Unitarian Church.

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

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

a.m.-noon; Four B’s, 10 a.m.; WRJ-O Board meeting, 10 a.m.; First Annual Challah and Chicken Soup Cook-off, noon.

TUESDAY: Hebrew Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; OTYG Israeli Cooking wiht Zohar, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; OTYG Social with ARTZA, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.

PURIM TOT SHABBAT, Friday, March 14, 6 p.m., brings a Shabbat experience to our youngest congregants and their families, designed for birth throguh second grade; older siblings are invited.

Cost for dinner is $5 for adults; no charge for children. RSVP to the office or mkube@templeisraelomaha. com..

PURIM SPIEL AND DINNER, Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m. (See full story on page 7).

BEYT SHALOM

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Parsha class for pre-schoolers, 12:30 p.m.; Halacha class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon with Dr. Guy Matalon will teach a four-week session that offers a glimpse of Judaism that is spiritually enriching and intellectually stimulating.

To register, please contact Rosie Zweiback or rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Grade Five Shabbat Service and Luncheon, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10

FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:04 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan.

FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush lunch and Talmud study.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

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

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B’NAI MITZVAH Avi Knecht, son of Jennifer Rosenblatt and Kurt Knecht, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 15, at Tifreth Israel in Lincoln.

Avi is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Irving Middle School. He won second place in a county-wide music compostion contest and placed ninth in Math Counts. He is also a member of the Chorus, Chess Club, and Improve Club.

His interests include soccer, frisbee, music, video g a m e s , Kadima, and Camp Herzl.

For his mitzvah project, Avi sold Star of David lollipops to benefit MAZON,

Avi has a brother, Zachariah.

Grandparents are Judith Rosenblatt of Orlando, FL, and, David Rosenblatt, Keith and Marilyn Knecht, all of Tampa, FL. Great-Grandparents are Ruth Kline, Jean Bean, Paul and Louise Knecht of all of Tampa.

Samuel Munzesheimer, the son of Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 15, at Beyt Shalom.

Sam is a eighth-grade student at Millard North Middle School.

His interests include playing video games, swimming, water parks, rollerskating, playing tennis and baseball.

For his mitzvah project, Sam helped during Shabbat morning service at the Blumkin Home by assisting the residents and helping as the service leader.

Sam has two sisters, Sara and Anna.

Grandparents are Trudie and Herbert Nieder, and the late Larry and Lillian Munzesheimer.

Noah Alexander Placzek, son of Kimberly and Matthew Placzek, will become Bar Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, March 15 at Temple Israel.

Noah is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School, where he enjoys playing trumpet in the

band. He was selected for the Duke Univeristy Talent Identification Program.

His interests include playing tennis, collecting coins, skateboarding, and magic tricks. He competes locally, as well as part of the traveling team, for the Nebraska Competition Training Center’s Tennis Team.

For his mitzvah project, Noah volunteered for the Nebraska AIDS Project. He also sold various items on eBay, with the proceeds benefitting Ahope Orphanage in Ethiopia that houses children with AIDS. Noah has a sister, Phoebe, and a brother, Aaron.

Grandparents are Barbara and Marshall Kushner, Claire Placzek of Columbus, NE, and the late Gene Placzek.

March 7, 2008

The Sanctuary is completed! DEATHS

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Pekudai/Rosh Hodesh This last Sidra of the Book of Exodus happens to be on the same Sabbath as Shabbat HaHodesh, this year welcoming Adar II, as it is a leap year and the Jewish calendar adds an extra month (not day).

The Sidra by itself describes the final events in the construction of the Sanctuary in the wilderness. In a very real sense, this Sanctuary also marks the birth of the Jewish people. For a Sanctuary, a place of worship, becomes a center of attention and, thus, a center of the spiritual growth of a people, which until now, has been amorphous. It is the Sanctuary which gives goals and purpose to a people; it defines the people’s inner hopes and inner desiderata.

It is because of this that people have been so zealous with their religions over the centuries and so willing to give their blood where necessary to maintain their religious integrity.

We think of the Pilgrims who were among the first Americans. We think of Bilu, the Jews who were among the first to settle in unsettled Israel, although it is fair to say that it was religio-national rather than simply religious ideals which motivated them. The whole land seemed to them to be a religious Sanctuary.

I remember that when I was a small boy I was mildly shocked to hear my teacher say that he was about to leave, not for Jerusalem, but for a small town whose name I did not know. He then pointed out to me that the whole land is holy; the whole land is a sanctuary.

There was destruction in the land of Israel, both in 722 and 586 BCE and Solomon’s Temple and a second temple were both destroyed, the last destruction occurring in the first century of our era.

But it is one thing to destroy a building, and it is quite another to destroy the Sanctuary that remains in the hearts of worshippers. And it is in these spiritual, not physical Sanctuaries that the presence of the Lord is felt.

(Editor’s note: this column, originally ran in the March 8, 2002, issue of the Jewish Press.)

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

Fellman/Kooper scholarships applications now due

by Jewish Press News Service The Bruce M. Fellman Charitable Foundation Trust and the Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper Charitable Foundation Trust have announced the availability of scholarships for the 2008-09 academic year. They will be based on financial need for Jewish students with ties to the Omaha community who are pursuing their post-secondary education. This is limited to undergraduate studies only and does not include any graduate programs.

Bruce, son of Tom and Darlynn Fellman, was a 1982 graduate of Westside High School. He was active in BBYO and served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of Chaim Weizmann AZA. He attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and was participating in the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea at the time of his death in 1984.

Trustees of the Foundation are Darlynn Fellman, Terri Schrager, and Howard Kooper.

Robert Kooper had a long history of service to the Jewish community. He was elected B’nai B’rith president in 1929; headed Beth El in 1941; was president of Highland Country Club in 1951 and of the Federation from 1958-60. He died in 1961. Mrs. Kooper was a strong supporter and worked with the Jewish Federation and Beth El Sisterhood. She died in May, 1995.

“Awarding a scholarship to a young Jewish person is a very appropriate way of honoring my parents,” Howard Kooper noted. He and his wife, Sharon, fund the Kooper Charitable Foundation Trust. Tom Fellman also serves as trustee for the Foundation.

Applications for both scholarships are available by contacting Mr. Kooper’s office in writing at 809 No. 96 St., Omaha, NE 68114. The application packet will be mailed out and must be received back in the office no later than April 1.

JACK STISS Jack Stiss died Feb. 18 at age 74. Services were held Feb. 19.

A graduate of Omaha Central and Omaha University, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Center of Jewish Education, awards from the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and a recipient of the Heart and Hand Award. He was passionate in his support for the State of Israel and received recognition for his efforts on behalf of the State of Israel Bonds.

Stiss was a Nebraska state champion in handball, representing the YMCA, and a member of the Jewish Athletes Hall of Fame at the Jewish Community Center.

He accumulated an extensive library of Judaica, classical, and Broadway recordings, left to the Blumkin Home.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Sol and Therese Stiss; nephew, Carey Stiss; nieces, Becky Heffner and Sarah Stiss, all of Florida; and great nieces and nephews, Allen, Brian and Evan Heffner; and Jana, Jessica, Hilary and Maxwell Stiss NORMAN B. GENDLER Norman B. “Stormin’ Norman,” Gendler died at the age of 88. Graveside service was March 6 at Golden Hill Cemetery, followed by lunch at Beth Israel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice; brothers Chuck and Irving Gendler; and sisters, Jean Gendler and Margie Alperson.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Arlene and Jim Endebrock of Elkhorn, and Shari and Nick Brady of Hawthorn Woods, IL; grandchildren, Jillian, Abigail and Tyler Endebrock, and Cameron (and fiancée Amy), Jessica and Andrea Brady; brothers, Hymie and Sam Gendler; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Leon Wintroub.

Memorials to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America, Nebraska Branch Office, 1941 S. 42 St., suite 543, Omaha, NE, 68105.

HARRY L. BERENSON Harry L. Berenson died at the age of 81 in St. Petersburg, FL, on Feb. 27.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Stephen Berenson of Colorado Springs; daughters, Ann Lacy of St. Petersburg, Lynn Eshelman of Memphis, and Wendy Berenson of Springfield, NE; sisters, Marilyn Morris of Las Vegas and Rosalie Altshul of Milwaukee; four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials to Beth El Synagogue or B’nai Israel, 300 58 St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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PROGRAM ASSOCIATE The Jewish Federation of Omaha is seeking a Program Associate. This position is part-time (approximately 10 hrs/week) flexible, with some night and weekend hours required. This individual will be responsible for arranging, implementing and promoting Young Jewish Omaha events. Responsibilities include working with and recruiting lay leaders in the 25-45 year old demographic in social, cultural and community service programs. As a member of the Community Development team responsibilities will also include outreach, engaging newcomers and coordinating the Shalom Baby program. The qualifications for this position include: • Superior communication skills • Computer savvy with knowledge of latest communication tools (i.e. Facebook, Evite) • Must be familiar with and have the ability to communicate the mission of The Jewish Federation of Omaha • Must demonstrate the ability to interact with senior management and community leaders • Must be energetic, dynamic and able to develop strong relationships with the 25-45 year old demographic • Bachelor’s degree preferred Please send resumes to Janie Murow at jmurow@jewishomaha.org or call Janie at 334-6566.

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by DUANE J. PIEPER Yachad members were the guests of Gary Katz last month when he unlocked the mysteries and secrets of the renowned Kripke Library and opened up a whole new world to many of them. His relaxed and effective teaching style drew everyone in and his enthusiasm was contagious. The members will look at this world of ideas, history, culture, music and cinema with new eyes.

Forget about that old stereotypical dark, quiet, sterile image of a library. This library is filled with excitement and surprises. It came alive with the apt telling of one of Aesop’s fables animated through the puppeteering skills of Katz and his assistant, Aaron Neesman.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

NEBRASKA HORSE Expo: March 7-9, Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, NE. Featuring Matt McLaughlin, Stacy Westfall, Lynn Palm. Numerous vendors, demonstrations, model horses, entertainment, more. 402-290-9076, www.nebraskahorsecouncil.org.

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Gary Katz, left, Kripke Library Administrator, leads a tour for Ben Friedman, Lisa Salomon, Grace Isler, Jill Salomon, Josh Parsow, Nancy Isler, and Avi Wolfson.

The treasure hunt not only helped Yachad members become familiar with the library itself, but gave them a greater appreciation for the resource it is and also that it is theirs to access and enjoy. This event dispelled any apprehension they may have had about coming back to the library and exploring it further.

After being issued their membership cards many checked-out resources to be enjoyed in the comfort of their homes and thanked Katz for opening a new door for them. If you have a door you want to open for Yachad, call 334.6491 at Jewish Family Service.

POLICE OFFICER: The city of Chadron is accepting applications for Police Officer. For information and packet contact Elizabeth Sanchez: City of Chadron, PO Box 390, Chadron, NE 69337-0390, 308-432-0505, or www.chadron-nebraska.com under City News link. Deadline March 14, 2008. EOE. WANTED: JD Technicians. Send resume to Plains Power & Equipment, PO Box 465, Geneva, NE 68361 or call Steve at 1-800-247-8866.

DRIVER: OTR for Omaha carrier, 75mph classic condos, reefers, health and life insurance, requires CDL-A, 2 years experience, good employment history. Lanny, 800-8105432.

DRIVERS-STUDENTS: Drive a big rig! Sponsored training/tuition reimbursement available! Possible $40k 1st year! Experienced drivers ask about our $5,000 sign-on! www.ffeinc.com, 800-569-9232.

DRIVERS: ASAP! Sign-on bonus, 35-42 cpm, earn over $1,000 weekly, excellent benefits. Need CDL-A and 3 months recent OTR. 800-635-8669.

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 7, 2008

Omaha Performing Arts Presents Alvin AileyÂŽ American Dance Theater Monday, April 14, 2008 | 7:30 p.m.

Slosburg Hall Orpheum Theater Part of the Part of the

Dance Series Orpheum 80th Anniversary Celebration

Additional support provided by Mid-America Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts

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Friday, March 14, 2008 | 8:00 p.m.

Slosburg Hall Orpheum Theater Part of the

Dance Series

Hospitality Host: Magnolia Hotel

Tickets from $19

Media Partners: Star 104.5, City Weekly, Omaha Magazine and Cox Business Services

| 402.345.0606 | www.ticketomaha.org | 13th and Douglas streets New Phone Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.