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
Pet/House Sitter Responsible and mature healthcare professional will pet/house sit to take care of your needs. Reasonable rates with 20 years of experience. References available on request. Contact Linda at 639-1149.
BLUE RIBBON Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Over 25 Years Experience Steve Snail 558-8617
Page 15
Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
341-2452
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.
Statewide Classified BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Paperbacks, puppets and pizza
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $195/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.
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. DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $35,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap. HOT TUBS, older Hot Springs models, choose from five sizes, $995 each, new pumps, new heater/controls, Town Center Showcase, 2645 O Street, Lincoln, NE, 402-4756698. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new and used equipment; ice makers & frozen drink machines. See www.chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105. SAWMILLS FROM only $2,990.00 -- convert your logs to valuable lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300N - Free information: 1-800-578-1363-ext: 300-N. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. BUSINESS-2-BUSINESS and management opportunities in Nebraska for licensed insurance agents. Colonial Life offers benefits communication, enrollment services, and voluntary benefits to employers of all sizes. First year $60k and up. EOE company. Call Dean at 1-888-234-3303 ext. 223.
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.