March 23, 2007

Vol. LXXXVI No. 28 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

4 Nisan, 5767 March 23, 2007

Halfway there, “New Beginning” ready for Blumkin Home’s community campaign

by OZZIE NOGG Paul and Sandy Epstein and Richard and Joanie Jacobson will lead the community-wide fund raising campaign for the New Beginning of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

The campaign officially starts at an Open Forum on Tuesday, May 8, 7-9 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club, during which Mike Silverman, Executive Director, Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, will take the audience on a virtual tour of the new facility and answer questions from the floor.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Howard Kooper and the late Harlan Noddle, millions of dollars of seed money have already been raised from a small group of very, very generous donors,” Joanie Jacobson said. “Howard and Harlan are two of the finest examples of dynamic, determined and effective leaders any community could ever want.

When Harlan died last year, Federation Director Jan Goldstein stepped in to help Howard, and believe it or not, we’re over half way to our $18 million goal -- how’s that for momentum?

She added, “Now it’s our turn. The

Richard and Joanie Jacobson entire community will benefit from the new Home, and it’s the entire community that can put us over the top -- get us to the finish line. We have to do it, and we will.”

A second Open Forum is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, 7-9 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center.

“Dessert will be served at both Open Sandy Forums,” Epstein said, “and reservations would really be appreciated.”

Please e-mail her at slepstein@cox.net,

Noted author helps community commemorate Yom HaShoah

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Center for Jewish Education Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, will be observed Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel, with a commemoration open to the community.

The service will begin with a procession of area Holocaust survivors lighting the memorial candelabra.

“The importance of the community to gather together at this time of remembrance is critical to honor those who were lost and to remind us to ‘never forget’,” states Bea Karp, Yom HaShoah Committee Co-Chairman and a survivor. “We must all be vigilant to keep such an unfathomable event from happening again and to protect the future for generations to come.”

The featured speaker of this year’s commemoration will be Ann Kirschner, author of Sala’s Gift. The book tells the story of Kirschner’s mother, Sala Garncarz Kirschner, who survived five years as a slave in five different Nazi labor camps. She kept her experience a secret from her family, until 1991 when scheduled for heart surgery. Sala showed her daughter a collection of more than 350 letters and a diary from her years in the camps, documents that she had kept carefully hidden in a cardboard box. Kirschner said in that moment, her mother changed her life.

Continued on page 2

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

understand why we need everyone to participate in this fundraising drive. There is no such thing as an insignificant pledge. Every dollar counts and everyone in our community is needed.”

The Epsteins and Jacobsons bring personal experiences with the Blumkin Home to their campaign leadership roles. Paul Epstein currently serves on the RBJH board, and both couples have seen the care given to their grandparents, parents, in-laws and other family members who were, or still are, residents of the

Paul and Sandy Epstein or call 397.2528, “to let us know you’ll be with us,” she added.

According to Paul Epstein, “It’s important to attend so you can see first hand

Richard Jacobson: “Jews help Jews. Whether it’s a new synagogue, a JCC, a Child Development Center, a Day School, it’s all possible because of the generosity of this fabulous community. This is another opportunity for us to help one another.” the planning that has gone into the future of the Blumkin Home, and to better

Home.

“The main reason I’m doing this job is to honor the memory of my parents, Morrie and Helen Lipp,” Sandy Epstein said. “I love what the Home did for my family, what they’ve done and continue to do for people I know. My aunt and uncle, Marge and Norm Lincoln, are perfect examples. Some years ago they went to the Home for rehab and chose to stay as permanent residents because they have medical needs that can’t be met anywhere else. There’s magic in the Blumkin Home. The more you’re there, the more you see it.”

Continued on page 3

Holocaust memorial sculpture to be unveiled during Yom HaShoah commemoration in Lincoln

by MARCIA KUSHNER Mayors Mike Fahey of Omaha and Coleen Seng Two days of events of Lincoln. marking Yom HaShoah An educational comwill take place in Lincoln on Sunday, April 15 and ponent is planned so Monday, April 16. The those who visit the site annual commemoration may learn about the of the Holocaust includes Holocaust and its mesthe dedication of a sage of vigilance. Rabbi unique memorial sculpMyer S. Kripke of ture, a service, the perOmaha, Dr. Rev. Otis Young and Monsignor formance of a Dutch play Dawson of Lincoln will translated into English by participate in the prosurvivor Lou Leviticus, gram. School children and a lecture by internafrom several Nebraska tionally known author Dr. and professor, schools, as well as more Deborah Lipstadt. than 200 donors from The commemoration across the state, funded begins with the dedicathe monument. tion of the Nebraska The Annual Nebraska Holocaust Memorial on Holocaust Commemoration will be at the Sunday, April 15, 2 Nebraska State Capitol p.m., at Wyuka Rotunda, later that afterCemetery. Internationalnoon, on Sunday, April ly recognized Toronto, Canada artist Morton 15, 4 p.m. The impresKatz designed the stainsive candle lighting cereless steel monument, Artist’s rendering of the new Holocaust memorial to be dedicated mony will honor the sur“Star of Remembrance”, Sunday, April 15, at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. vivors, the liberators, and and will be present at the dedication. those who risked all to shelter those imperiled.

Area survivors of the Holocaust are invited to particiNebraska will no longer be one of only six states that have neither a monument nor a museum. Since the proj- pate. Call me at: 402.423.5959 to take part in the proect began four years ago, Governors Mike Johanns and gram.

Dave Heineman have supported the project along with Continued on page 2

This Week: Monthly Calendar for April: Pages 8-9 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Nebraskans lobby congress at AIPAC : Page 4

Coming Next Week: Passover Issue Dinner to honor community educators: Page 6

Grads, students, parents love Friedel: page 16

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

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A specially commissioned score performed by the Continued from page 1 Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel will chant the Third Chair Chamber Group will accompany the play. A “El Malei Rahamin” and three prize-winning poems by discussion will follow the performance. The Train plays Lincoln Public Schools Holocaust studies students will for several dates in Lincoln and in Omaha at the Jewish Community Center on be read.

Betty Shrier and Bill Coach bus transportation is available by reservation for April 24-25. For reservations and dates of other Ramsey will deliver the $12 per person. It will leave the Jewish Community Lincoln performances call commemoration address about Grand Island Center in Omaha on Sunday, April 15, 12:30 p.m., for the Lied box office at: 402.472.4747.

German Jewish immi- Lincoln and return to the JCC by 6:30 p.m.

Continuing on Monday, grant David Kaufman, This transportation is co-sponsored by the Institute for April 16, 7 p.m., the who sponsored and saved Holocaust Education, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, European Jews from the commemoration features the Center for Jewish Education, and the Jewish Holocaust by allowing the 2007 Annual Wald them entry to the United Federation of Lincoln. The bus will not, however, stay in lecture delivered by Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt at States. Because Kaufman Lincoln for the opening production of The Train. For bus the Sheldon memorial did not talk of his work or reservations, please call 333.1303.

Art Gallery Auditorium, keep a journal, the exact number of those saved is not known, but 83 signed affi- UNL campus. Her book, History on Trial: My Day in davits representing 250 or more people have been Court with David Irving, is the story of her libel trial in found. His connection with these new immigrants did London against David Irving who sued her for calling not stop with their arrival in the States. He took his him a Holocaust denier and right wing extremist. The sponsorship further by giving each person $50 and trial was described by the Daily Telegraph (London) as retaining frequent contact. having “done for the new century what the Nuremberg The day will close with the performance of The Train tribunals or the Eichmann trial did for earlier generaSunday, April 15, 7 p.m., at the Johnny Carson tions.”

Theater on the campus of the University of Nebraska.

After a five year ordeal, the judge found Irving to be a The one-act play was translated from the Dutch by Dr. Holocaust denier, a falsifier of history, a racist, an antiLou Leviticus and will be performed by the Angel Semite, and a liar. Dr. Lipstadt has been called upon by Players. The play examines the role of memory in our members of Congress to consult on political responses lives by showing a husband and wife, both survivors, liv- to Holocaust denial. ing with their memories of the Holocaust.

Names Recovery Month launched in advance of Holocaust Remembrance Day

by ESTEE YAARI Foreign Media Liaison at Yad Vashem Jerusalem -- Nissan 5767, (March-April 2007) has been designated Names Recovery Month by Yad Vashem. The month, including both Passover and Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 Nissan/April 16), will be marked by local community campaigns to recover names of Holocaust victims. Thousands of Jewish communities will engage in this historical grassroots initiative.

Names Recovery Month is part of the overall 11th hour campaign calling upon people to memorialize Jews murdered in the Holocaust by recording their names, and when available, photos and other biographical data on Pages of Testimony. It has taken upwards of five decades to document over 3.1 million names currently listed in the online Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names. “Millions more names may be lost forever,” warns Avner Shalev, Chairman of Yad Vashem. “Jewish

communities play a key role by actively reaching out to the generation that best remembers before it is too late.”

Thousands of posters and tens of thousands of Pages of Testimony are being distributed to synagogues, Holocaust centers, Jewish community centers, agencies, federations and schools globally in preparation for Names Recovery Month. Communities are enlisting volunteers to assist survivors and their families to complete Pages of Testimony in memory of Shoah victims.

Since the Names Database went online in November 2004, there have been more than 11 million visitors, from 215 countries. Some 465,000 names and biographical details and nearly 5,000 photos have been added to the Database, available in English, Hebrew and Russian.

More information and material about the Database and the names recovery campaign, can be found at: www.-yadvashem.org/lwp/workplace/IY_HON_ Welcome.

Noted author helps community commemorate Yom HaShoah

An old bag for a new one

Continued from page 1 “It is a deep honor for our agency to coordinate the annual commemoration of the Holocaust,” states Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education (CJE). “Honoring the survivors and the memory of those who perished is such an important responsibility of each and every Jew.” Prior to the community event, Kirschner will speak to Omaha area Jewish teens, focusing on selected letters from her mother’s collection. The teen educational program will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and concludes at 6:45 p.m.

The Yom Hashoah event is presented by the CJE and sponsored by Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel.

Karp and her daughter, Nancy Kutler, are co-chairmen; committee members include Toba Cohen, Katherine Finnegan, Beth Seldin Dotan, Rosie Zweiback, Rabbi Arzeh Azriel, and Zohar Weiner.

For information, please call 334.6445.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed for the first two and last two days of Passover, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3-4, and Monday and Tuesday, April 9-10. Early deadlines for all ads, photos, news and announcements are at 9 a.m., as follows: Issue Deadline Monday, March 26 April 6 April 13 Monday, April 2 Questions? Call 334.6448.

by ANDREA BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH L.O.V.E., the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly, invites you to attend an event to benefit the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “An Old Bag Affair” will be held at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, April 25, 6 p.m.

This evening, organized by the L.O.V.E. board, promises to be fun for everyone and will include a handbag auction and light buffet dinner. Three handbag and accessory vendors will be present as well. Material Girl, Accessorize That!, and Cathy Fife’s House in Blair will each donate a handbag for the auction as well as a portion of their sales proceeds for the night to L.O.V.E. In addition to the above vendors, each attendee is asked to donate a new handbag for the auction. Cost is $18 per person -- and one donated handbag. Reserved tables of eight each may be purchased for $120 and one handbag per person. At 6 p.m., attendees may preview the auction items and do their accessory shopping. The buffet dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the handbag auction at 7:15 p.m.

All funds raised from the auction and shopping will be used by L.O.V.E. to purchase special needed items for the “New Beginning” of the Blumkin Home.

All donated handbags need to be dropped off at the RBJH reception desk by no later than Friday, April 20.

Please attach your name and phone number to the bag.

For more information, please contact Lois Wine, Director of Volunteer Services at 330.4272.

March 23, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Blumkin Home’s community campaign Continued from page 1 And the Jacobsons? “I can’t say enough good things about the Rose Blumkin Home,” Richard said. “My mother, Edith Jacobson Cohen, lived the last four-anda-half years of her life there, and it was the best situation I could ever have hoped for. Because of the staff, she was able to maintain her health, dignity and sense of humor.”

Joanie described how Richard’s late aunt, Adalynn Nogg, was treated with such kindness at the Blumkin Home, and praised the staff who took time to engage her and know her as a person.

“Yes,” Richard continued, "we pay the nurses to take care of residents, administer their medications and make sure they get the proper amount of food -- and they do that job really well. But they also give the residents and their families love and devotion -- they’re a dedicated and loyal staff -- and that’s an extra something money can’t buy.”

All four leaders recognize that with its New Beginning, the Blumkin Home will provide even better and more advanced healthcare, and agree that the planned addition of a Special Care Alzheimer’s

Joanie Jacobson: “Life is enhanced at the Blumkin Home. There’s spirit in that building. There’s fun and a lot of laughs.”

Paul Epstein: “We want everyone in our community to be able to say they helped build and maintain our fabulous Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Every dollar counts.”

Unit, an enhanced short term rehabilitation suite, the innovative Main Street and resident room refurbishing will help the Home maintain its reputation as one of the top nursing facilities in the Midwest.

“But we’re not only building a new Home,” Paul Epstein said. “We’re going to make sure that the Blumkin Home will always have enough funds to provide and maintain the best professional staff, care, state-of-the-art equipment and programs, now and in the future.”

The Epsteins and Jacobsons bring a shared sense of obligation -- a need to “pay back the Home” for the care it gave

for them, provide for them. It’s like we’ve come full circle. First they gave us a home and clothes and food and now it’s our turn to provide the same for them. And even if the elderly aren’t our blood relatives, they did provide a community -- a place for us to grow up.”

She added that, “Every dollar we give the Blumkin Home -- every visit we make -- is a mitzvah that brings comfort to the residents. And to us, too.”

Sandy Epstein: “Even if the Home doesn’t directly affect you, we all take part in the wonderful campus. I’m passionate about this. At this stage in my life I only want to get involved in things that I’m passionate about.” their families -- to the New Beginning campaign. They also take pride in the way Jews help one another.

“In my early years both at home and in Hebrew School I was taught that it’s the obligation of every Jew to care for the aged,” Paul said.

“The wonderful people at the Blumkin Home are a very important part of our extended family, and their well-being is our true obligation.” Joanie agrees. “Being part of this project lets us put into action the commandment to honor your father and mother. We need to care

Below: Construction has already begun on the north side of the building to enlarge and remodel the Blumkin Home kitchen.

Congratulations to the Winners of the Annual Awards from the Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund $10,000 Merit Scholarship — College Michael Crabb

David Sukiennik

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$10,000 Merit Scholarship — Health Care Field Daniel Lercher

Michelle Simon

University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nebraska Medical Center

$10,000 Outstanding Teacher Award Gail Krasne Kenkel Bloomer Elementary, Council Bluffs

Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund Merit Scholarship Ilya Poluektov University of Nebraska–Omaha

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

Nebraskans lobby congressional delegation at AIPAC conference

by GARY JAVITCH Special to the Jewish Press Two weekends ago, 10 Nebraskans journeyed to the nation’s capital to participate in a policy conference organized by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which is arguably the most influential lobbying organization in America .

AIPAC is perhaps the fastest-growing Jewish organization in the country, as well. Its political success is due in part to its one-issue agenda. Its goal is to promote Israel as “an American value.�

The theme attracts Jews of all stripes --Republicans, Democrats and Independents. This year the record-setting attendees numbered over 6500, with an additional 400 or so coming to the gala banquet on Monday evening. The conference is held at the Washington D.C. Convention Center .

But Jews are not the only ones to flock to the group.

Many Christians come to the event, too. And in an effort to broaden its base further, AIPAC has begun to reach out to African-Americans. In addition, as at previous gatherings, AIPAC invited more than 1200 students, including about 120 student government presidents of all faiths to join them.

The conference is held over a three-day period and attracts speakers of great renown or expertise. They include the prominent and the preeminent from government, private think tanks, public life, or academia.

In the first category, for example, Vice President Dick Cheney spoke, as did key Israelis including current Prime Minister Olmert, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Tzippi Livni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Kadima).

Former CIA Director James Woolsey and Steve Emerson, an international expert on terrorism, were representative of the experts from think tanks. A special guest was best-selling author and pastor, Dr. John Hagee. Professor Jonathan Adelman of the University of Denver’s graduate school of International Relations came from academia, along with scores of other interesting speakers. Dr. Adelman was Secretary of State Condi Rice’s dissertation advisor.

And walking around, it would not be unusual to bump into an ambassador or two.

The first two days of the conference are filled with sessions where all 6500 delegates are present. Then interspersed through the day, there are smaller breakout sessions. All of this leads up to the final day in which the attendees hear from two important keynote speakers and then buoyed by their speeches, they have the opportunity to lobby their own congressional representatives.

Uniqueness of AIPAC What is unique about the AIPAC program is that all the delegates share the same warmth toward Israel. That explains why centrists, conservatives, and liberals get

along so well together: They all have a mindset that keeps in the forefront the goal of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

This feeling of strong support for Israel contributes to the sometimes right-of-center political tilt of the members of the audience, who might on other issues follow a strictly liberal line of thought.

That mutual goal also makes it easy to understand the reception that Dick Cheney received when he spoke.

The president-elect of AIPAC introduced the vice president as representing a very pro-Israel administration that has repeatedly stood with the Jewish state, especially during the recent war, supplying them with arms and other munitions, and speaking on their behalf at the G8 and in other important venues.

At the AIPAC conference are, front row: Marsha Kleinberg, left, college student Trevor Gerson, Jan Schneiderman, Lindsay Jungblatt, Nebraska Methodist College student body president; back row: Jerry Slusky, Mark and Gary Javitch, Steve Riekes, Rabbi Royi Shaffin, Milt Kleinberg, and Bob Evnen.

In contrast to the reports in last week’s Jewish Press by Ron Kampeas, representing the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), this reporter saw Cheney being warmly received with a standing ovation upon his arrival and departure. His speech was interrupted by ovations numerous times. It is safe to say, however, that the warmth was not universal.

Still, all the politicians who come also see a value in having as an ally the only true democracy in the Middle East. And quite a few of them fall over themselves to identify their Jewish connections, whether by marriage, ancestral lineage or by grandchildren.

Nevertheless, with the upcoming elections, it was exciting to see potential presidential candidates and others who had rented space in the convention center to meet and greet supporters following the Monday night banquet. These included Senators Biden, Brownback, Clinton, and Obama. Sen. Coleman, in a tight re-election race, had a room also.

Some Presenter Comments With the Conference focus on Iran, the presenters

made frequent reference to the need for strength through diplomacy without ruling out military action at a later time. Occasionally the issue of Iraq crept in.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said that Iran and Iraq are not two separate issues. The enemy, he said, doesn’t “believe we have the fortitude to fight ...

We cannot look away and hope the problem goes away.�

Netanyahu warned that “Iran will have nuclear weapons in three years.� He told the audience that the Iranians were testing ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) that had the range to reach far into Europe.

To thunderous applause, evangelical pastor John Hagee gave the overwhelmingly Jewish crowd a look at the “Hell, fire, and damnation� type of speech his parishioners see when he shouted out, “I went to Israel as a tourist and returned as a Zionist.� He cautioned Iran and supported the Jewish people by declaring, “Israel, you are not alone.� In his beautiful, full-bodied voice he admonished all, “It is 1938. We must stop Iran’s nuclear ambition and we must stop it before it starts.� He was a huge crowd favorite.

Former CIA director James Woolsey describing Iran, said, “Iran wants the bomb to dominate the region ‌ and Israel would be its first target.â€? He added that Iran could conceivably become the first martyr nation, if they bombed Israel and then had destruction rain upon them, in the retaliation attacks that followed.

Lobbying On the final day, following a speech by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the delegates dispersed to see their representatives to discuss three basic issues. Jan Schneiderman led a delegation to see Ben Nelson. She thanked him for his support of Israel and her group discussed the first of the agenda items: the need for more sanctions against Iran to keep them from becoming a nuclear power.

The second issue explained to the Senator was the importance of his vote to approve military aid for Israel.

The last issue concerned the desire for Sen. Nelson to sign on to a letter urging Secretary Rice to keep the Quartet (the European Union, the United Nations, Russia, and the United States) on board in denying recognition to the Hamas-led government until they met three conditions: recognize Israel, forswear violence, and accept previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements I led the group in a meeting with Sen. Hagel. The senior Nebraska senator received us warmly. He has been an advocate for opening up talks with Iran and Syria in relation to Iraq and also to Israel. In response to questions by Jerry Slusky, he did draw a distinction between “engaging� Syria and “dealing� with them in the search for peace. A short while later, Jerry Slusky chaired the meeting with Representative Terry, who has always been a strong supporter of Israel .

Continued on page 5

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Israel nearing 60: growing pains or mid-life crisis

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Center for Jewish Education In 2008, Israel will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

From the wars, economic challenges, the absorption of millions of immigrants, terrorist attacks, and identity issues, it has been an amazing six decades of events and opportunities.

So where is Israel heading?

To consider where Israel is now and where it is going, Dr. Moshe Gershovich will lead a five-week class, “Israel Nearing 60: Growing Pains or Mid-Life Crisis” on Mondays, April 23, 30, May 7, 14 and 21, 7-8:30 p.m., the Jewish at Moshe Gershovich Community Center.

“Israel Nearing 60” will give a critical, yet sympathetic look at certain trends in the history of Israel since its establishment with an emphasis on current perspectives and a bit of projection to the future. Among topics to be addressed will be: From “Melting Pot” to Multiculturalism: The Changing Face of Israeli Society; Who is a Jew?; State and Synagogue in Israel; One of Every Five Citizens: Israel’s Arab Population; From Iron Wall to Wall of Separation: Changing Perspectives of Israel’s Security Concerns.”

“When I designed this course, I was thinking of peo-

ple who already know a thing or two about Israel, who may have perhaps visited it and who care about its future,” said Gershovich. “Even though there may be all sorts of things about Israel today that we may not like, it is still the only Jewish state and as such, what happens in it and what it represents should be our concern. This class should provide not only information about Israel, but also an opportunity for us to re-examine how we feel about it.”

Gershovich is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of NebraskaOmaha. A native of Israel, he earned his BA from Tel Aviv and received his PhD from Harvard. He taught at MIT and at Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, before joining UNO in the spring of 2001. He is a frequent guest at the Center for Jewish Education’s “Eye on Israel” program, discussing current happenings in the Middle East.

Eric Dunning, a student last spring in Gershovich’s “History of Israel” course comments, “Moshe is such a talented lecturer that each class went far too quickly, as soon as we started it was over. He knew his material so well that we could have used twice as much time productively.”

This course is presented by the Center for Jewish Education. Tuition, which includes all materials, is $36, discounted to $30 for Jewish Federation donors. To register, e-mail mgrossman@jewishomaha. org or call 334.6445. Please note that pre-registration is required.

Temple Israel members to meet Finegold Alexander architects

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel members have been invited to meet the architects of Finegold Alexander + Associates, who were selected last year to design a new Temple, at a Congregational Café on Tuesday, March 27, 7 p.m., in the Friedman Social Hall at Temple.

Moe Finegold, one of the founders of Finegold Alexander, and Tony Hsiao, a principal and director of design at Finegold Alexander, will be making another of several visits to Omaha from Boston.

The programming phase of planning a new building is “nearing completion,” according to Jon Meyers who, along with Stacey Rockman and Rick Fox, is a member of the Steering Committee, chaired by John Waldbaum.

The Steering Committee oversees 19 program committees.

“In architectural terms,” said Meyers, “the programming phase is the time to figure out what is needed in a facility. The programming committees have been determining, for example, how big rooms should be, how many rooms, what the rooms’ functions will be, and how they will relate to each other. We are having the final meetings next week before the architects will have visuals for us to see.”

At the Congregational Café, Waldbaum will give an update of the building process.

Dorothy Spizman, Ducky Milder, and Andi Willensky are coordinating the Congregational Café which will give congregants a chance to provide input regarding design of the new Temple’s sacred spaces, social/meeting spaces, classrooms, office areas, and common spaces and to meet and hear from the architects. Spizman said that she, Milder, and Willensky are planning a relaxing evening which will include refreshments.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel described, the Café “as a great opportunity for all of us, our community of Temple Israel, to talk about our next home. This home will embrace all the generations, the old and the young. We, the members of this historical congregation, need to discover again the courage to envision, dream, and build an inviting, embracing kind of home for a meaningful future.”

“We really do want input from everyone. Everything about the physical space is still open to suggestion,” emphasized Meyers who added, “As I’ve said from the beginning of this process, wherever we end up, I hope the Temple congregational community will be stronger for having gone through this inclusive process.”

Page 5

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Jr. NCSYers to enjoy a chocolate seder at Beth Israel

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Soon, families and friends will come together for their Pesach sederim. The meaning of Passover, unique foods and companionship all help to make the Seder a special experience for all.

To get ready for Pesach, young people at Beth Israel will have the opportunity to experience their own unique Seder, at Beth Israel’s Junior National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) Chocolate Seder. The Chocolate Seder will be held on Sunday, March 25, 6 p.m., and all fifth through eighth graders

in the community are invited to attend.

“This is an event designed for fun and education,” said Rabbi Seth Nadel. “The chocolate seder will have all the elements of a seder, but with a chocolate twist. For example, there will be chocolate matza and four cups of chocolate milk. And instead of bitter herbs, we’ll have bitter sweet chocolate. This is an opportunity for the kids to learn more about Pesach while they enjoy some pizza and chocolate.”

Please RSVP by e-mailing RabbiNadel@OrthodoxOmaha.org or calling 556.6288.

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Nebraskans at AIPAC Continued from page 4 End Notes Lincolnites Rabbi Royi Shaffin and Bob Evnen who met with Jeff Fortenberry and Adrian Smith, the Republican congressmen from the First and Third districts, respectively, felt they made quite a bit of headway in establishing relationships with them. Both are pro-Israel.

First-time attendee Steve Riekes remarked how meaningful the conference was to him. Marsha and Milt Kleinberg, veterans at the AIPAC conference, provided strong pro-Israel information to the representatives.

As I left for home, I recalled two speeches in particular. Centrist Democrat Sen. Joe Lieberman decried the state of politics today. He called for a moratorium on criticism of Iraq for six months to allow the new commander, Gen. Petraeus, to implement his new plan.

And more importantly, he encouraged everybody to

stand up for their convictions. Yet, he deplored the present situation where “Just because President Bush says ‘Yes,” too many people say ‘No.’ And they do it reflexively. That has to change.” He pleaded for people to find a way to disagree with out hating.

Finally, Prime Minister Olmert spoke via satellite. He repeatedly said how much he appreciated the support AIPAC gives Israel, and the magnificent assistance the Jewish state receives from the American government.

He concluded his far-ranging remarks about the volatility in the Middle East, by saying, “I do not want to get involved in American [election-year] politics, but I want you to know that Israel will be in a difficult situation if the United States ends up seriously weakened in Iraq.”

For those of us who support Israel strongly, it was a sobering thought.

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Teacher appreciation dinner to honor community educators

by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education “Learning, learning, learning -- that is the secret of Jewish survival.”

So said Ahad Ha’am, an early century figure in the Zionist movement. If Jewish education is the portal to engaging Jews in meaningful Jewish lives, then Jewish educators are the keys.

For their efforts and accomplishments, the Center for Jewish Education will honor teachers from the four area synagogues, Friedel Jewish Academy and the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at a teacher appreciation dinner on Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center.

“Jewish survival and continuity requires committed and dedicated Jewish educators,” said Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education.

“We are fortunate to have such teachers educating our children in our synagogues, day school and pre-school.

We are looking forward to honoring and recognizing their work.”

Educators have the profound privilege and responsibility to positively influence the development of Jewish identity of our younger generation.

Judy Rubin, education director of Beth El Synagogue notes work of the community’s teachers who teach out of love of Judaism and dedication to educating children.

“The results of our work are difficult to measure. We may not see how we have influenced our students’ lives until they are grown and raising their own families,” she said. “However, the fact that so many of us have worked in the field for over 10 years is a tribute to the fact that we feel that teaching Judaism to the next generation is

important.”

Jenni Schlossman, religious school director at Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue, has high praise for the teachers, most of whom have taught for the entire eleven years of Beyt Shalom’s history.

That kind of longevity will be recognized at the event with special honors going to teachers who have taught 10, 18 and 25 years and over and also to retired teachers who spent 18 years or more teaching in the community.

Dr. Matalon said, “To my knowledge, this is the first time that the community is coming together to thank our educators. The dinner is meant to bring together past and present teachers; to inspire and to become inspired and continue on the path of Talmud Torah.”

To that end, the keynote speaker at the dinner will be former Omahan, Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum, the current president of Gratz College. The topic of his address to educators will be, “Guaranteeing the Future: Jewish Education and the Window of Opportunity.”

Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue recognizes that “the future of Omaha’s Jewish community is in the hands of the dedicated individuals who teach our children,” and also stresses the value of teachers as role models now. “We can all learn so much from those individuals who not only teach our children the material each week, but teach them to love Torah, to love coming to shul, and to be proud that they are Jewish.”

The event is open to the community; dinner is $12, but there is no charge for current teachers. Reservations are due by April 19. For more information, please contact me at: 334.6462, or clerner@jewishomaha.org.

Temple Israel Seder to celebrate spring, freedom and community

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator There’s much to celebrate during Passover which begins at sundown on Monday, April 2. The birds are returning from warmer parts, tulips and daffodils are beginning to poke their vibrant blossoms through the snow sodden soil, and buds are beginning to sprout on the branches of deciduous trees. Perhaps most important of all, Passover is a celebration of freedom.

On the second night of Passover, Tuesday, April 3, it’s also about community at Temple Israel. The annual congregational Seder that night will begin at 6 p.m. and feature brisket as well as a vegetarian alternative with all the traditional symbolic food -- not to mention a delectable dessert -- all prepared by Chef Hattam.

Karen and Manuel Delgadillo have attended Temple’s congregational Seder. “We enjoyed it,” she said. “We went to be part of a big Seder. It was different when the children were home. Now it’s nice to enjoy the Seder with other people.”

Sarah Schondelmeyer and her ten-year-old daughter Abby have also enjoyed past Seders at Temple. “We went to see what it was like. Abby loved it! And we enjoyed spending part of Passover with our friends from Temple,” Sarah Schondelmeyer said.

Reservations are requested by March 27. Cost for adults is $19; children through sixth grade are $8; there is no charge for children two and younger. Forms were mailed to all Temple members. More are available at the office where reservations and checks should be returned.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Education legislation panel at Temple Beth El Mini-Course to explore helps clarify current issues Bible Translation for Jews were members of the panel -- moderated

by Omaha World-Herald columnist Mike Kelly.

“I was amazed to learn that even though the law hasn’t been enacted, the fact that it has passed has tremendous implications on education,” said Joan Marcus. “I thought that Mike Kelly did a tremendous job of moderating the panel with a great sense of humor and a lot of knowledge.

The people on the panel all came with different perspectives, but they spoke in an orderly manner. We at Temple Israel were greatly honored to have two very influential senators come. I am pleased that we had such a good attendance.” She added that the “people in the audience were those who are well informed, Nancy Huston, left, Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Board mem- and they asked interesting ber, State Senators Gwen Howard, a member of the Education and provocative quesCommittee, and Lowen Kruse, and Tom Baker, president of the tions.”

Board of Westside Community Schools, were members of the Shari Hess, a retired panel earlier this month at Temple Israel.

OPS teacher, also found school board members at Temple Israel the discussion to be “very informative. earlier this month helped cut through For myself, it gave me a good start on the bewildering assortment of bills in the knowing what the legislature will do this year regarding the state of LB124. I also Unicameral.

Nancy Huston, Omaha Public Schools was pleased to see that the districts have (OPS) Board member, State Senators come together to work as one. That was Gwen Howard, a member of the obvious from the Westside and OPS Education Committee, and Lowen board members.”

Hess also noted that “Mike Kelly cerKruse, and Tom Baker, president of the Board of Westside Community Schools tainly added to the presentation.”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator All those legislative issues on education can be confusing. Learning communities, inter-local agreements, Class I schools, educational service units, proposed tax cuts, statewide student assessment programs can take hours to understand.

But a panel of state legislators and

by JILL BELMONT aimed to provide freer renderings that Beth El Publicity Coordinator will be more easily understood by readA month-long mini-course sponsored ers.”

by Beth El will take an in-depth look at He continued, “For Jews, translations ‘Bible Translation for Jews,’ led by can never take the place of the original Professor Leonard Greenspoon, who Hebrew or Aramaic wording. For this reason, it is desirable that the holds the Klutznick Chair English language version in Jewish civilization at and the Hebrew text be Creighton University. The placed on facing pages, so class is scheduled for the Thursdays, April 12, 19, that we always keep in mind 26 and May 3, 7-8 p.m. that the English version is at the synagogue. forever pointing to the origEach session will carry its inal, not taking its place. own theme, according to That said, the study of Greenspoon. The focus on Jewish Bible translations is April 12 will be nonetheless of great imporLeonard Greenspoon “Introduction and Overtance. It allows us, for examview: How and Why Jews Translate the ple, to see how different translators Bible;” the April 19 session will address interpreted various passages for their “In the Beginning: The First Jewish communities.

Translations of the Hebrew Bible;” the We can also see the impact of tradiApril 26 class will explore “To and tional Jewish interpreters and note sigFrom the Four Corners of the Earth: nificant differences between how Jews Jewish Bible Translations Throughout and Christians approach Scripture. the World;” and the final class will deal Moreover, by comparing different with “On Both Sides of the Atlantic: Jewish versions of the Bible, we can view Translating the Hebrew Bible into at first-hand developments over the cenEnglish.” turies and differences among contempo“Jews have always had the idea that rary groups. members of our community should “All in all, this is a worthwhile effort know Hebrew; but the reality has gener- that brings understanding and enjoyally been quite different-hence the need ment to those who pursue it.” for translation,” said Greenspoon, who ‘Bible Translation for Jews’ is open to also serves as Professor of Classical and the entire Jewish community; cost is Near Eastern Studies and Theology at $18. To register or for more informaCreighton. “Traditionally, Jewish trans- tion, contact Program Director Margie lations have for the most part been quite Gutnik at 492.8550 or programliteral; some more recent versions have ming@bethel-omaha.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23 Faith, Medicine & Maimonides with Dr. Nuland, noon Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to Blumkin, 4 p.m.

Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 24 Scholar-in-Residence, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Hazak Lunch and Learn, noon at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Pancake Man, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El The Kosher Kitchen, noon at Beth Israel Shiputznick Teen Mitzvah Day, 12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 26 Visions Mystery Trip, 9:30 a.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Intro to Jewish Ethics, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Notions of the Afterlife, Part 2, 7 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, MARCH 29 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Kindergarten Round-up, 10:30 a.m. at Friedel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 30 CDC Model Seder, 11 a.m. at JCC Auditorium

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 8 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at Beth El Sokolof Scholarship Awards Ceremony, 3 p.m.

MONDAY & TUESDAY, APRIL 10-11 Federation Offices Closed for Passover

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, APRIL 1 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at Beth El BBYO New Officer Training, 3 p.m.

92 St Y with Tom Brokaw, 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 2 JCC Closes at 6 p.m. for Passover RBJH Passover Seder, 6 p.m. at JCC TUESDAY, APRIL 3 JCC Closed for Passover Congregational Seder, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Community Second Seder, 6 p.m. at Beth El RBJH Passover Seder, 6 p.m. at JCC Second Seder, 8:30 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 Federation Offices Closed for Passover Specialty Camp Spring Fling, 9 a.m. at JCC THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Hebrew Classes, 6 p.m. at JCC Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 NCJW new member event, 6:30 p.m. at That Pottery Place Heartland Philharmonic, 7 p.m.

Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, APRIL 12 BBYO Spring Regional Convention, April 12-15 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel JFS Programming Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Torah on Wheels, noon at Bergman Incentives Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

Bible Translation for Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel B’nai B’rith banquet committee meeting, 7 p.m.

B&A Meeting, 7 p.m. at Blumkin Home Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Havdalah Pajama, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad House Temple Israel 4B’s, 10:30 a.m.

What’s Jewish About BUGS?,” 12:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim Trip, 12:30 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 16 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m.

Jewish Film Series, 7 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Lecture Series, 7 p.m. at William H. Thompson Alumni Center, UNO Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Intro to Jewish Ethics, 6 p.m.

BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Spirits & Spirituality Group, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 Abba, Eema and ME, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El AIPAC Council Lunch, 11:45 a.m. at Ironwood Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m.

Yom HaShoah, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 USY Spring Kallah in South Sioux City, April 19-22 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Ann Kirschner, author of Sala’s Gift, noon at Kripke Library Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m.

JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

Hebrew Classes, 6 p.m.

NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

ADL Youth Leadership Meeting, 7 p.m.

Bible Translation for Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El The Mothers’ Circle, 7 p.m. at Beth El B&A Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel 39 Forever Progra.m., 6 p.m.a SUNDAY, APRIL 22 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Tapestry Workshop, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad House Yom Ha’atzmaut, noon MONDAY, APRIL 23 W.O.W Craft Shoppe, 10 a.m. at Chabad House Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

Jewish Family Service Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Israel Nearing 60, 7 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 24 WOW Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL presentation of The Train, 1 and 7 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Intro to Jewish Ethics, 6 p.m.

BBYO Parent/Teen Info Night, 6:30 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

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Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

Hebrew Classes, 6 p.m.

Bible Translation for Jews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Teacher Appreciation Dinner, 7 p.m.

RBJH LOVE Meeting, 7 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 27 NCJW Tour of UNMC, 11:30 a.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

IN THE NEWS Do you know a family who has strong family values, is loving and caring, encourages individual and marital growth and works well as a team? Nominate that family to be honored in the 2007 Heartland Family Service Salute to Families Recognition Program. Selected families will be recognized next November in two Salute to Families ceremonies: one in Council Bluffs and one in Omaha. Deadline for nominations is May 1. Call Heartland Family Service at 553.3000 or 322.1407 for a nomination form, or go to www.heartlandfamilyservice.org/events/salute/nomination.asp.

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Dr. Benton Kutler Dental Provider Award will be given at the Champions of Hope dinner, marking the 10th anniversary of “giving hope to the uninsured and underserved of the Omaha metro area.” Tickets are $85 or two for $150 to the event on Thursday, March 29, 6 p.m., for cocktails and silent auction and 7 p.m. for dinner at the Forte Banquet and Conference Center, 1502 Cuming.

Former Omahan Julie Rochman has joined the Glover Park Group in Washington, D.C., as a Senior Vice President in the Public Affairs division, where she will lead a range of major corporate and issue-advocacy accounts. With more than two decades of public and government affairs experience, Rochman previously served as Senior Vice President at the American Insurance Association and as Vice President of the Insurance Initiative for Highway Safety. She is the daughter of Marcia Cohen and Dick Rochman.

Hadassah has received a gift of $75 million from William and Karen Davidson on behalf of Guardian Industries Corp. of Auburn Hills, MI, to support the new inpatient tower at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. In recognition of this gift, Hadassah will name the new facility the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower, to honor the memory of William Davidson’s mother, who was a founder of the organization’s Detroit chapter.

According to Davidson, “I so appreciate the long history my family has had with Hadassah, the women’s organization, whose impact on the Jewish world I have admired over the years. Moreover, we have maintained a long-term relationship with the Hadassah Medical Organization, first on Mt. Scopus and now in Ein Kerem.

Today I proudly follow in my forebears footsteps.”

Sarah Wetsman Davidson grew up in Iowa and as a teenager moved to Detroit, where for 10 days in 1917, her parents opened their home to Henrietta Szold, Hadassah’s founder, who this year will be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

Szold was in Detroit at the time to spread the word of Zionism and solicit interest in supporting pre-state Israel from the women of the Jewish community. Her visit resulted in 30 women joining together to form the Detroit Chapter of Hadassah, today one of Hadassah’s oldest chapters. Sarah was part of that initial group and was instrumental in its success for years to come. William Davidson was raised in his mother’s home, instilled with a love of the organization.

In order to maintain a tradition of medical excellence at Hadassah Ein Kerem, Hadassah is building a new patient facility, scheduled for completion during 2012, the centennial year of its founding. The new, 14-story structure, costing $210 million, will include 500 beds, 20 state-of-the-art operating rooms and 50 intensive care beds, and will provide a huge boost to Hadassah’s capabilities in a wide range of fields.

Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni was one of three winners of the recent University of NebraskaOmaha Concerto/Aria Competition.

Cantor Bogomolni performed “Una Furtiva Lagrima,” from L’Elisir D’amore by Donizetti; he noted that this is the first time in recent history that a singer has been honored during the competition. All of the competition winners will be given the opportunity to perform with the UNO Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra during the 2007-08 season.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Reservations are needed for the Wednesday, March 28, noon, Breadbreakers luncheon at Regency Lodge.

Dr David Chand, a UNO political science professor and a native of Sudan, will discuss Darfur. Please RSVP to Lois at 334-6443 or email lepstein@jewishomaha.org

by March 26. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. Due to Passover, there will be no Breadbreakers on April 4.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA Passover in the Aisles is this Sunday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bag ‘n Save, 7646 Dodge St. Volunteers will be located near the Pesach foods display, answering questions about the holiday and handing out brochures containing Passover wisdom and synagogue events.

A Yachad Task Force will hold an open meeting for the community this Sunday, March 25. Refreshments will be served at 1:45 p.m.; the meeting at the Jewish Community Center begins at 2 p.m. Families of developmentally disabled loved ones are urged to attend and offer input, so the task force can address these special needs.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 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 you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Reminders: For those members going on the Mystery Tour on Monday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m.

Visions Board meeting is Friday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. in the Blumkin Home Conference Room.

Deadline is March 26 for the trip to Kansas City for the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Depart from the JCC at 8:30 a.m. (be at the JCC by 8:15 a.m.). Then arrive home at approximately 9:30 p.m. Send reservations to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western Ave., #127, Omaha, NE 68114. For information call her at 399.2001.

Make check payable to Visions.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Associated Artists of Omaha is sponsoring an art sale on Saturday, April 7, 5-9 p.m. at the Field Club of Omaha. Peruse art by many of our talented local artists including Shelly Bartek, Kristin Pluhacek, John Thein, Larry Sosso, Bill and Renee Farmer, Betsy Kinnick, Christina Narwicz, and Kristae Peterson. Over 50 artists are participating. The one-night-only show is free and open to the public, with food and a cash bar.

Part of the proceeds will go to The ARTery, a nonprofit midtown arts education organization committed to bringing the arts to everyone and offering an everexpanding variety of camps, classes, and workshops for kids. For questions, call Isabel Cohen at 345.5387.

On Saturday night, March 24 (check for local listing time) MTV News will air its second annual “The Amazing Break,” a 30-minute special highlighting college students who spend their vacation time volunteer-

ing for local or international causes. Divided into four segments, one part of the program will showcase the Jewish National Funds program, Alternative Spring Break.

An MTV crew is traveling to Israel to film the first group (there are two) as they prune forests, paint bomb shelters, build parks, meet with the residents and foresters who endured last summer’s war, and have a great time.

To read more JNF’s Alternative Spring Break, visit www.jnf.org/site/R?i=5smeYLVpmpicc3H-tH 606g.

On Sunday, March 25, 3 p.m., Mary Bircher will be featured in the Organ Vesper Series at Presbyterian Church of the Cross. Her husband, trumpeter Craig Bircher, is playing with the UNL Brass Quintet in Prague from March 26-30.

March 23, 2007

A Taste of Tradition

by Tamar Ansh (Feldheim)

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN In case you think that for Pesach there’s “nothing to eat,” read on. Kosher for those not using matza flour -“not eating gebrochs” -- and needing gluten-free recipes, A Taste of Tradition includes 250 recipes preceded by Helpful Hints and Tips.

The recipes include variations, tips, brief instructions, serving suggestions and are in the chapters: Salads & Dressings, Soups & Then Some, Fish, Meat & Poultry, Side Dishes & Cooked Salads, Potatoes & More Potatoes, Dairy Delights, Cakes-Cookies & More, Desserts & Drinks and Fresh Fruity Ideas. Lokshen, Kneidlach, Borsch, Bubby’s Potato Kugel and this meat and poultry dish, perfect for Pesach.

CHOLENT 3-4 lbs. meat, chicken pieces and/or turkey necks 3 soup bones 2 large onions 4 garlic cloves 1-2 large potatoes, grated 4-6 potatoes, chopped 1 T. paprika 1⁄2 tsp. Pepper water Cut up onions and garlic and saute in bottom of pot.

Add in all the meat pieces, brown for a few minutes, and cover with water. Sprinkle in paprika and pepper. Take the grated potatoes and add into water. Then add the chopped potatoes on top of mixture, sprinkling more paprika on top.

Let cook for at least three hours before putting on blech (literally, “piece of tin” in Yiddish -- a warming tray used to keep food hot on Shabbat).

Serves 6-8.

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

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Add special meaning to Passover with a focus on Ethiopian Jewry

by GALINA VROMEN We are admonished on Passover to re-enact the exodus “as though we ourselves came out of Egypt.” So, consider adding special meaning to your Passover this year by turning it into an opportunity to learn about the dramatic exodus of more than 22,000 Ethiopian Jews who fled to Israel in hopes of a better life.

Operation Moses in 1984-85 rescued some 8,000 Ethiopian Jews, many of whom trekked through Sudan under horrendous conditions; in 1991 Operation Solomon airlifted another 14,300 to Israel in a matter of days. Learning about these events serves as a reminder of how relevant the flight from oppression to freedom remains in contemporary life. The ongoing struggle of the integration today of the 100,000-strong Ethiopian Jewish Community in Israel underscores how complicated the process of liberation can be.

There are many sites that can help you research Ethiopian Jewry for your seder. Information can be found at the Israeli Association of Ethiopian Jewry site at: www.iaej.co.il/pages/history.htm. For an excellent series of articles on the history of Ethiopian Jews from ancient times to the present go to www.ujfmetrowest.org/content_display.html?articleID=7964.

More can be gleaned from Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land, a new book, with lots of photographs, from Jewish Lights Publishing.

Consider including Ethiopian Jewish handicrafts on your seder table or as a gift to your hosts. Adisia (Amharic for “renew your tradition”), a cooperative of about 30 women embroiderers in the northern Israeli city of Afula, produces matza covers, table runners, and pillow cases. Their hand-embroidered t-shirts make memorable afikomen gifts.

Contact their sales director, Sabrina Globus, at adisia@wizo.org for a special Passover catalog or check out their year-round catalog at www.wizo.org/adisa.

Not only are the products lovely, but purchasing them also helps the women generate income for their families and helps them maintain pride in their tradition.

One way to help children at the seder begin to grasp the notion of oppression is to have them list all the things they most like to do. Then ask them to consider what it would be like not to be allowed to do those things and how it would feel.

This activity, recommended by Shoshana Zonderman,

director of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Sulamot Family Education Program, can be adapted to the situation of Ethiopian Jews by asking the children to then consider what activities on their list could not be enjoyed by Ethiopian Jews because of economic conditions and political oppression.

You might want to include a traditional Ethiopian Jewish prayer at your seder. The following one comes from the Foundation for Family Learning, headed by Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner, on the website www.jewishfreeware.org: Do not separate me, O Lord, from the Chosen.

From the joy, from the light, from the splendor.

Let me see, O Lord, the light of Israel, And let me listen to the words of the just While they speak about the Law. To teach fear of thee, O Lord, King forever.

Thou art blessed, O Lord, be merciful to me.

By day be Thou my shepherd and my guardian by night.

When I walk be my guide, when I sit be my guardian.

When I call Thee, keep Thou not silent.

I love Thee, hate me not; I have confidence in Thee, abandon me not.

Another way to bring the Ethiopian experience literally to your table is to include an Ethiopian dish in your seder meal. The following traditional recipe was noted down by Daniel Rogov, gourmet food and wine columnist of the Israeli daily Ha’aretz: GREEN BEANS AND PEANUTS 3 Tbsp. olive oil or more if the skillet dries out 1 large onion, chopped 3/4 cup unsalted, skinned peanuts 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped 1.2 lb. (675 gr.) green beans 1 large green pepper, chopped salt and pepper to taste In a skillet heat the oil and in this saute the onions, nuts and garlic until the onions are translucent. To this mixture add the beans, green pepper, salt and black pepper.

Continue to saute until the beans are tender. Serve hot.

Galina Vromen is director of Israel grants at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which, among its many activities, funds education enrichment programs for Ethiopians in Israel and supports Adisia. This article first appeared in the Western Massachusetts Jewish Ledger.

BIRTH Kolleen Feldman and Cory Tichauer of Talent, OR announce the Feb. 12 birth of their daughter, Aralia Dawn.

Grandparents are Gayle and Carl Tichauer of Peoria,

AZ, and Janice Dawn and Earl Feldman of Medford, OR. Great-grandparents are Lillian Lerman of Peoria, AZ, and Helena Tichauer.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

Next year in Jerusalem!

A week from Monday night, all over the world, Jews will share the seder together to celebrate the Festival of Freedom -- Passover. And the last words recited will be “L’shana haba b’Yerushalayim -- next year in Jerusalem.” The implication in the Haggadah is that maybe, just maybe, the Messianic age will bring us all together, as a people, in the Holy City of our ancestors, and today’s friends and relatives.

But why should we wait?

Since last Passover (and more than eight months after Israel evacuated Gaza and made it Judenrein -- free of Jews), Palestinian groups ranging from Al Asqa Martyr’s Brigade to Hamas and Islamic Jihad have regularly lobbed rockets across Israel’s sovereign border into Sderot, the Negev and even Ashkelon.

The world also has witnessed the kidnapping of three Israeli soldiers who have yet to be returned ... one taken from across Israel’s border by terrorists in Gaza, the other two surprised by Hamas in a cross-border raid from Lebanon. What ensued was war and rightly so, yet the media continued to lambaste Israel for protecting its people.

Those with a one-world viewpoint continue to insist that it is Israel that has to make concessions in order to bring about peace, never mind the hate-filled Palestinian textbooks, the attempts of suicide bombers to get through the security barrier, and the pressure on Israel to negotiate with a terrorist group that refuses to even recognize Israel’s existence!

Despite the doom and gloom (including reports of the IDF incompetence in the summer war, sexual harrassment in the Israeli President’s office and corruption in the Prime Minister’s government, there is much good

news -- not the least of which is Warren Buffett’s purchase of two Israeli companies and Las Vegas billionaires Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson’s magnanimous gift of $25 million to Taglit birthright israel, which offers a free 10-day trip to Diaspora Jewish youth, ages 18-26, who have never visited the Holy Land before.

But why should only young people visit Israel? If their parents go as well, they can influence not only their young adult children, but forge a relationship to Israel with younger children that will increase the odds of their staying within the Jewish community.

The Jewish Federations of Omaha and Lincoln, to their credit, have pumped up efforts to direct missions aimed at specific targets. An Omaha Federation family mission is planned for June and Rabbi Jonathan Gross will be leading a Beth ISsrael group next month.

There are other ways to get to Israel: high school graduates can spend a year in Israel on Young Judaea, NATIV or a myriad of other programs; college students can enroll in a semester at any one of six Israeli universities. Young people and adults also can volunteer on programs offered by Hadassah, for example. And of course, Israel offers vacations, too, from snorkeling in Eilat to skiing on Mt. Hermon.

Next year in Jerusalem? You bet!

CORRECTION In last week’s editorial, “Memo to the Palestinians,” the last line was inadvertently omitted. It should have read like this: Not only have we in the West had it with you, it seems your own people have too.

Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; 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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Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

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Birthright’s working, but community must step up commitment even more

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by JEFFREY SOLOMON NEW YORK (JTA) -- When young American Jews prefer Cinco de Mayo parties to Purim celebrations, Israel is in trouble.

When they’d rather pay for a trip to Cancun than take a free one to Israel, not just the Jewish state is in trouble -- so is the future of American Jewry.

Unfortunately, we see more and more young Jews making such choices. Roughly one-third of young American Jews say their Jewish identity means little to them, recent surveys show.

If the trend continues, American Jewry’s historic role as a key strategic asset to Israel will be severely undermined. Could the timing be any worse, given the threats Israel faces today from Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, growing anti-Semitism in the Muslim world, and the indifference to Israel's security in Europe and elsewhere?

Let’s not forget that as Israel goes, so goes the spiritual well-being, and perhaps even the physical safety, of American Jews -- not to mention the remainder of the Jewish Diaspora.

How has this happened? As the comic-strip character Pogo famously said, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

American Jews have been enormously successful in myriad ways, but not in passing on a love of Israel to today’s younger Jews.

Arguably, until recently we didn’t even try very hard.

Taglit-birthright israel -- the most desired Israel educational experience for American Jews aged 18 to 26 who haven’t yet visited Israel on a peer-group trip -- tries harder.

There are now more applicants for birthright

than there are bar and bat mitzvahs in the United States. The program’s market penetration is higher than Jewish schools, camps and other institutions.

To date, some 130,000 young Jews from 51 countries have visited Israel on one of the program’s free 10-day trips, and the program is even more popular in some countries abroad than it is among American Jews.

The positive impact of the visits is stunning.

During last summer’s conflict with Hezbollah, some 54% of birthright israel alumni backed Israel’s military response fully, compared to just 37 percent of young Jews in the United States who had not gone on the program.

One year after their trip, more than 80 percent of birthright alumni say they feel more connected to Israel than they did before they went. Three years later the figure still stands at more than 70 percent.

...imagine what an effort modeled after the Peace Corps, in which Diaspora and Israeli youth work together in Israel and elsewhere, could do for the Jewish state and Jewish spirit.

Intermarriage has had a tremendous impact on American Jewry, and it's no secret that those raised in homes with just one Jewish parent are generally less connected to the Jewish community and Israel than those raise by two Jewish parents.

In this light, it’s significant that three-fifths of birthright participants say one year after their trip that they want to marry another Jew. Even more exciting is that after three years, 62 percent still prefer to find a Jewish spouse.

Additionally, 78 percent of these alumni say

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern

they will raise their children as Jews. Three years later the picture is even brighter, with 83 percent saying they’ll do so.

These are clear signs of how the Taglitbirthright israel experience grows in importance as participants mature into the values they’ve been exposed to during their formative years -- the very age group the program serves.

Still, there’s so much more that birthright can and should do. All it takes is a Jewish community determined to make the necessary investment of just $2,400 per participant.

Today more than half of all birthright applicants in the United States are put on a waiting list because of funding shortfalls. Four-fifths of those on the waiting list never get the chance to take the trip, either because they fail to reapply or because the timing no longer works for them. We must strike while their enthusiasm is at its height -- when they first apply. We also know that if there were an option to take a second trip as a young adult, it would do a lot more to cement a lifelong bond with Israel.

And imagine what an effort modeled after the Peace Corps, in which Diaspora and Israeli youth work together in Israel and elsewhere, could do for the Jewish state and Jewish spirit.

There’s no doubt that Taglit-birthright israel is a great success, but it must try harder.

And it is. If this is truly to be a young Jew’s birthright, then waiting lists are unacceptable.

Planning for the program’s expansion is under way, but it awaits resource development.

Recently I participated in the annual Herzliya conference in Israel, at which a bevy of political, military, academic and philanthropic leaders put forth a host of suggestions for securing the Jewish state’s future. Many of the suggestions were on target.

But what future can there be if young Jews are not invested in Israel and in their Jewish selves?

Jeffrey Solomon is president of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies.

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March 23, 2007

The Gilad Shalit reality check

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by DR. AARON LERNER A group of radical extremist Israelis snuck into the Gaza Strip and kidnapped a Palestinian and are holding him hostage in an unknown location.

The group has issued a series of demands to the Palestinians. Israeli government officials say that they support the demands of the group and suggest that it would be best for the Palestinians to end the incident quickly by conceding to the demands.

The United States Government has offered to help expedite negotiations between the hostage takers and the Palestinians. While the Israeli government is not officially involved in the kidnapping, the prime minister and other senior members of his party have participated in negotiations as the representatives of the kidnappers.

Certainly sounds absurd. And it is.

Because it never happened. And it never will.

Not on the Israeli side. But the Arab side is a different story.

We have reached This is exactly what happened when Gilad the point that it is Shalit was taken hostage. commonplace for Palestinian officials didn’t insist on Shalit’s Palestinians to be unconditional release and labeled “moderate� if the punishment of his kidnappers --they called they say they will only on Israel to meet the kid- try to murder us... nappers’ demands.

Egypt didn’t turn the screws on Hamas and the various groups directly involved in the operation -- it has instead made efforts to facilitate an Israeli pay-off to the kidnappers.

And the list goes on.

We Israelis have become so jaundiced that we take this all for granted.

We have reached the point that it is commonplace for Palestinians to be labeled “moderate� if they say they will only try to murder us if they can’t get their way without resorting to violence.

This deterioration of standards doesn’t promote peace and reconciliation.

Dr. Aaron Lerner is Director of IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis). He can be reached at: imra@netvision.net.il or visit the organization’s website for a comprehensive list of articles and commentary on the Middle East: www.imra.org.il.

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- It may or may not have been a conscious rejoinder to “The Israel Lobby,� the academic screed that revived accusations that Jews are torn by dual loyalties to Israel and the United States, but AIPAC’s annual policy conference last week week aimed to show that ties between the two nations are both deep and organic.

Unlike the army of academics and journalists who have busied themselves wading through the distortions and misrepresentations of the paper by the University of Chicago’s John Mearsheimer and Harvard’s Stephen Walt, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee ended 10 months of virtual silence on the topic by offering something simpler -- a story.

The theme, flashed across huge screens hanging from rafters of the the Washington Convention Center on March 11, was “Israel: An American Past.�

First, Israeli-American historian Michael Oren outlined a history of the United States that made the founding of the republic seem as much about moving Jews to the Holy Land as it was about dumping tea into the harbor.

Then Pastor John Hagee, pledging eternal evangelical love for Israel, stirred the crowd to its feet in a delirium, shouting together, “Israel lives!�

The launching point for Oren’s entertaining potted history was the Walt-Mearsheimer work. He said the professors, who earned a high six-figure advance to turn their paper into a book, just don’t get it. “Upwards of 70 percent of Americans admire Israel and support the alliance,� Oren said.

He also noted, to wild applause from the 6,000 activists at the conference, that his own recent work, “Faith and Fantasy: The United States in the Middle East, 1776 to 2006,� had superseded another Israel policy critique, Jimmy Carter’s Palestine: Peace not Apartheid, on The New York Times’ bestseller list.

Oren’s main point was that identification with Israel is not simply an alliance of two democracies against terrorism, but has been an integral part of American history and thought.

According to Oren, the depth of American affection for Israel predates both states -- in fact, it stems from

the font of Americanness, Plymouth Rock. He quoted William Bradford as saying as he alighted on the rock, “Come let us declare the word of the lord in Zion.�

Oren drew a line from the identification early Pilgrims felt with the Israelites to “restorationism,� a stream of 19th-century Protestant thinking that advocated the Jews’ return to the Holy Land.

Paralleling the rise of modern Zionism, the movement inspired young Americans to move to the Holy Land to help the indigenous Jewish population learn to farm it.

It was described in the writings of Herman Melville and Mark Twain, and manifested in the actions of presidents including Woodrow Wilson -- who helped persuade the British to recognize a Jewish claim to the land in 1917 -- and Harry Truman, the first world leader to recognize Israel in 1948.

Next to speak was Hagee, who last year founded Christians United for Israel, a culmination of 25 years of hosting “Nights for Israel� at his independent charismatic church in San Antonio.

The popular TV preacher went straight for the heart, and if there were doubts that an evangelical could cast aside concerns about proselytizing and make his case based simply on love of Israel, they were quickly dispersed. “What we have in common is far greater than the things that have separated us over the years,� Hagee said to applause. “We must stop Iran’s nuclear threat, and stop it now, and stand boldly with Israel!� he said to even greater applause. “Ahmadinejad is the new Hitler!�

Even greater applause.

Directly addressing the Iranian president and his wishes for Israel to disappear, Hagee said, “You may well be speaking of your own demise when you talk of passing with a sudden storm!�

That brought hoots, cheers and the sound of chairs scratching cement as they were pushed back so listeners could get to their feet. “There will never be another Holocaust, not on our watch and never again!� Hagee continued.

Hagee counted the perceived enemies of Zion, from Ahmadinejad on down, with allusions to Carter, Walt and Mearsheimer.

Thousands of Jews from Miami to Marin County, from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Ore., shouted as one, “Israel lives! Israel lives! Israel lives!�

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, March 23, 7:22 p.m.

Synagogue Listings

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

B’nai Israel Synagogue

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

April from 7-8 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Margie Gutnik in the office.

618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by special dinner for all Tot Shabbat families. Dinner cost: free for children ages six and younger, $5 for all other attendees. To RSVP, contact the synagogue office.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (grades K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 11:15 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored

by Beth El; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group; Living Hebrew with Susi “The Frydman-Levin; and Weekly Parasha: It’s All About Me?!” led by Andy Greenberg, all at 10 a.m.; “Jewish Pot Pourri,” 11 a.m., led by Frydman-Levin.

NOTIONS OF THE AFTERLIFE: Mini-course at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in March, led by Dr. Guy Matalon.

THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights into the Siddur.

HAZAK LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: Saturday, March 24, following Shabbat services. Guest speaker Rivkah Sass, executive director of the Omaha Public Library, will talk about “The Omaha Public Libary: Irrelevant or Indispensable?” Cost is $9.50 for adults, $6.50 for children six12, and free for children five and younger. RSVP by mailing a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 So. 138 Ave. Cir., Omaha NE 68144. For information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

CREATING A LIVELY SEDER: Led by Rabbi Levin on this Sunday in preparation for Passover, this class is geared especially to parents of school-aged children but open to all adults in the Jewish community and will explore the significance and offer ideas about creating an engaging, meaningful seder.

BESTT: Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon, all students will participate in special Passover activities.

BIBLE TRANSLATION FOR JEWS: Mini-course led by Prof. Leonard Greenspoon, scheduled for every Thursday in

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, 7:22 p.m.

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 Bonnie Bloch in honor of the birthdays of Howard Gendelman and Lesley Gendelman; Mincha, 7 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class; Havdalah, 8:23 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m.; The Kosher Kitchen: Extreme Passover Edition, noon; Junior NCSY Chocolate Seder, 6 p.m.

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

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Paysie’s Pre-Pesach Pasta and Pizza Party, 6 p.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com

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BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 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.

Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi

BAR MITZVAH Matthew Lane Ostrow, son of former Omahans Gary and Marcie Ostrow of Sharon, MA will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 31, at T e m p l e Israel in Sharon, MA. Matt is a seventh-grade student at Sharon Middle School in

Sharon, MA. His interests include computers, video games, and photography. He is also very active in his Boy Scout Troop where he is currently a First Class Scout and Patrol Leader.

He has an older brother, William.

Grandparents are are Hershie and Fran Meyer of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Millie Meyer of Long Grove, IL, and the late Fred and Sondra (Sandy) Ostrow.

Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following provided by Lori Merliss.

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

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

ADULT EDUCATION “Judging Judges -- New Approaches to Reading the Bible,” on Sunday, March 25, 79 p.m.

MONDAY: Public Policy Forum, 7:30 p.m. Join the Social Action Committee for the second forum, presented with the cooperation and support of the Center for People in Need, with guest Susan Hale, Legislative Coordinator. no registration or reservations needed; refreshments served.

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

Annual Community Passover Second Night Seder on Tuesday, April 3, 6 p.m. To make reservations, call the Temple office at 435.8004 or send an email to stemple@neb.rr.com by March 30. To volunteer, contact Barbara Straus at 476.1070.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You 4 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Home; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Linder, and Cantor Shermet will lead the service.

D’var Torah by Scholar-inResidence: Dvora Weisberg, “The Search for ‘Truth:’ Rabbinic Stories as Fact or Fiction.”

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Dvora Weisberg talks about “And the Study of Torah is Equal to Them All: Stories About Torah Study”; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. led by Grade 6.

SUNDAY: Pancake Man, 9 a.m., $4 per person; children three years and under at no charge; Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon; Bagel Brunch, 10

a.m. Dvora Weisberg, “What Does God Do All Day? Rabbinic Stories About God.” TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m.; Congregational Café, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel. (See full article on page 5.)

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Club 56 Chocolate Seder, 6 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 79 and 11-12, 6-8 p.m.; no 10th grade class tonight.

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

Congregational Seder on Tuesday, April 3, 6 p.m. Mail your check and reservation form to Temple Israel by Monday, March 26. Adults, $19; children in sixth grade and younger, $8; children two years old and younger, no charge.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

There will be no services during the week of Passover, April 1-12.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin.

Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg.

SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class; Junior Congregation.

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

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Rabbi Michael Weisser.

FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS: Havdalah: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; following Havdalah Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; following Drumming Social Time until 10 p.m.

MONDAYS: Sitting/Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: Sitting/ Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed for the first two and last two days of Passover, Tuesday/Wednesday, April 3-4, and Monday/Tuesday, April 9-10. Early deadlines for all ads, photos, news and announcements are at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 26, for the April 6 issue; and Monday, April 2 for the April 13 issue.

Large print Haggadot available The Jewish Heritage For The Blind announces that they have extra large type Haggadahs for the visually impaired at NO COST. Please contact main office at 718.338.4999 or fax request to 718.338.0653 or e-mail request to jewishheritage@gmail.com.

March 23, 2007

Israel’s most important holy day

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayikra We open this week the Third Book of Torah -- Vayikra.

It deals largely with the rituals of ancient Israel. But I wish not to deal with that now, since we have the whole Book before us to discuss these rituals if we wish to.

Instead, I should like to turn our attention to Passover, which is the great festival waiting impatiently in the wings of our calendar. The Exodus from Egypt, which is what is before us in our celebration of Passover, is one of the high spots in the history not only of Israel, but of mankind. It celebrates the high moral sense of

Israel in looking upon freedom as a great human value.

Notice, for example, that the Ten Commandments are introduced not by saying that the Lord is Creator of heaven and earth, but, rather, that the Lord is the Power that brought Israel out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Israel’s contemplation of itself and its history almost never leaves out reference to the escape from Egyptian slavery, for that really describes the birth of the People of Israel as a people.

Note, for example, the Sabbath evening kiddush. It refers to two events: It refers to Creation, where the universe and human life begin. And it refers to the Exodus from Egypt, as though it were of equal importance.

Thus, in terms of Israelite history and the history of humankind, Passover is of prime importance, surely surpassing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are merely (!) religious.

Hag Sameyah! Happy holiday! Good Yom Tov!

DEATHS

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ROSE LAGMAN RICHMAN Funeral services were held March 14 in Tucson, AZ, for former Omahan Rose Richman, who died at the age of 69.

A graduate of Central, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Omaha University in 1959, where she gained a reputation as a dancer and thespian. She later received a master’s from the University of Arizona and taught English as a second language, and in more recent years, special needs.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Richman; daughter, Katrina Richman; son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Jen Richman; a granddaughter; and sister, Dena Lagman.

GERRY L. FELLMAN Gerry L. Fellman died Feb. 16 at the age of 75 in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. Services were held on Feb. 25 at Mt. Sinai Memorial Cemetery in Los Angeles.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; brother and sister-inlaw, Gordon and Pamela Fellman of Cambridge, MA, and their children, Ezra and Talia.

He earned a law degree at the University of Nebraska and a Master’s in Labor Economics at the University of Minnesota. His career in Labor Law and Conflict Resolution commenced in 1958 when he moved to California where he worked for the National Labor Relations Board and the California Division of Labor Law Enforcement. He later went into private practice.

He co-founded the Southern California Chapter of the Industrial Relations Research Association, later serving as president. He was a board member of the National Academy of Arbitrators, president of the Legal Aid Foundation of Southern California, and was recognized in Who’s Who. Gerry and and his wife were involved in the rescue of Ethiopian Jews and their relocation to Israel. He bore witness to their plight in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a delegation of rabbis in 1990. As part of this rescue effort, he was a frequent speaker.

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Memorials to Friends of Ethiopian Jews, c/o Gerry Frim, McCormak Frim, One International Place-7th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, noting “Donor Advised Gerry Fellman.”

RUTH LEVY KLEIN Ruth Levy Klein died at the age of 88. Services were held March 22 at the Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, Queens, New York.

She was preceded in death by her husband Julian Klein.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maxine Gersh Kaltman and Larry Kaltman; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce A. and Jacqueline Klein; grandchildren, Eric Gersh, Michael and Monica Gersh, Joel Gersh, Joshua Klein and his fiancé Laura, and Elayne Klein; and a great-grandchild.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or VNA Hospice Service.

JANET WINTROUB Janet Wintroub died at home on March 17 at the age of 85; the cause of death was cancer. Services were held March 20 at Beth El Cemetery Chapel.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Herb, who died during World War II. Born and raised in Milwaukee, she graduated as a dietitian from the University of Wisconsin. When her husband returned to the practice of law, she took over the management of the family business, Omaha Lace Laundry, for 20 years.

An active athlete, she was as a competitive swimmer and tennis player in high school and an accomplished golf and tennis player in her adult life. Last year, at age 84, she won a doubles tennis tournament. She also was an outstanding competitive bridge player, just short of Life Master status.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ernie Wintroub; sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce and Marya Wintroub of San Francisco, and Frank and Marji Wintroub of Fairfield, IA: daughter and son-in-law, Beth Wintroub and Tim Schabacker of Longmont, CO; son, John Wintroub of Denver; grandchildren, Anne (Alex), Ben, Molly, Noah, Sam and John Gregory; and siblings, Al, Eddie and Betty Ann. Memorials to the charity of your choice.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.” Guidelines are located on the Jewish Press home page.

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DORIS SHUKERT Doris Betty Shukert died at age 85. Funeral services were held March 19 at Beth El Synagogue.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Cyril Garland.

She is survived by husband of 60 years, Nathan Shukert; sons and daughters-in-law, Martin and Aveva Shukert, and Jamie and Ruth Shukert; grandchildren, Rachel Shukert and Benjamin Abramowitz of New York City, Ariel Shukert of Los Angeles, Richard and Jennifer Shukert, Jennifer Shukert of Lincoln, NE, and Angela Shukert of Lawrence, KS; one greatgrandaughter; and sister-in-law, Shirley Garland.

Memorials to Hadassah, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, Children’s Hospital, or Girls, Inc.

Page 15

SALES AND SERVICE

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 23, 2007

Grad students -- and parents -- demonstrate love for Friedel

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Rabbi Shmuley Boteach once said: “To raise a child is to introduce Godliness.” With that comes great responsibility; today’s parents are faced with many decisions.

Possibly the most important one is which school is best equipped to meet your child’s needs.

On March 7, staff and current parents at Friedel Jewish Academy attempted to make that decision a little bit easier. Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller, who is a board member as well as a Friedel parent, organized an open house. Parents of prospective students were invited to the school to hear teachers, watch a movie about Friedel, and ask questions.

They also had an opportunity to meet several current and former Friedel students, and visit the classrooms.

Principal Cookie Katskee emphasized the importance of keeping Jewish traditions: “We want you to realize that Friedel is a stepping stone for both parents and children.

We provide a traditionally Jewish educational framework for grades K through six. Parents should be part of the Jewish tradition, and part of the responsibility.”

While the general studies curriculum is successful, as evidenced by test scores, there is indeed a rich Jewish experience at Friedel, which sets this school apart from all others. Katskee added, “Here at Friedel, we have a passion for education. There is love, caring, and genuine concern that every child comes out a winner.”

This concern was evident in the film that followed Katskee’s comments. Teachers Denise Bennett explained, “We do our best to integrate General Studies and Jewish Studies. Many opportunities arise, sometimes not even planned, because the students are able to look at their daily lessons from a Jewish perspective.”

This leads to a multi-disciplinary approach, which was evident when the children recently studied the environment during Tu B’shevat. They learned about the planet, they planted; they created their own art projects in the shape of trees.

Art teacher Julie Phillips added, “Fine art is taught through a Jewish lens. The students become familiar with Jewish artists and are able to experience and create their own art within a Jewish framework. As a teacher, I am so far out of the box, the box is completely gone. We don’t stick with crayons or markers; we try to expand

their use of different materials. The students are inspired by the artists they study and subsequently create their own masterpieces.”

One can see evidence throughout, as many walls are covered with kids’ projects. Art is displayed in every classroom as well as the Principal’s office. Katskee added, “Teaching Judaism through art opens up so many doors.”

Friedel graduates Trevor Gerson, left, Noam Margalit, and Robert Mosenkis spoke at the recent open house.

Na’ama Arzi gave visitors an introduction to the Hebrew classroom. She brought out current students to illustrate the curriculum. From kindergarten on, students are immersed in the Hebrew language every day, and the students love it. They gain a comfort level with the language, which will benefit them later in life.

Arzi and her colleague Eadie Tsabari are popular with the students. According to Arzi, “Jewish day school is extremely important for American Jews. Through assimilation, it is easy to disappear as Jews, and we need to help our children form a strong Jewish identity.

Language is a very large part of that identity.”

All teachers at Friedel have an intimate knowledge of the students. No child goes unrecognized and teachers don’t limit themselves to students in their own classroom.

As K-1 teacher Diana Zeman said, “The children have a second home here at the school. They are comfortable with the adults as well as each other. The older kids have a very protective attitude towards the younger ones.”

This relationship between the students is something

Jewish Senior Services THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home extend a cordial invitation to family and friends to share the Seders with them JCC Auditorium Seder 1 – April 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Seder 2 – April 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Seder 1 – April 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Leaders Andy and Carole Greenberg

that deserves extra attention. Bullying -- and the violence it leads to -- has been in the news, and keeps parents awake at night. At Friedel, students don’t bully; they don’t make fun of each other; they genuinely care about each other’s well being.

It is obvious as soon as one walks into the school, that the older kids are true role models to the younger ones.

They help them open their fruit cups, they comfort them when they are sad, and they point them in the right direction.

Sarah Teetzel, parent of current students Nathaniel and Naomi, concurred: “I am so impressed with the interaction among students, and how comfortable they are with each other. They are never afraid to fail, or worried they will look silly. My daughter recently participated in the talent show, and because of the snow days, she hadn’t been able to practice with her partner. She went on stage anyway, because she was secure in the knowledge that absolutely no one would make fun of her.”

One highlight of the evening was a visit from several former Friedel students. Robert Mosenkis, who attended from 1991-93, stated, “This is where I forged friendships that last to this day.”

Trevor Gerson, who was a student from 1991-95, agreed: “I’m still friends with all my kindergarten classmates. We keep in touch, and I know that is because of our shared experience at Friedel. At Friedel, you learn how to think. It is not just a set curriculum, it is tailored to the students’ personal needs.”

Other good memories were shared by Noam Margalit, whose younger sister Tal is currently in sixth grade: “I remember most of all how welcoming everybody at Friedel was. It prepared me very well for middle school.”

If what Boteach says is true, and there is Godliness in raising children, we want our schools to reflect that. A Jewish day school deserving of the name should be warm and welcoming, reflect Jewish values, but also the happiness and spiritual richness found in Judaism. The students at Friedel are happy; they have a rich spiritual life, and they are welcome. The teachers love what they do and the students reap all the benefits from that love.

If you want your child to receive a complete Jewish educational experience, find your needs met at Friedel.

Seder 1 Menu Matza Ball Soup Braised Beef Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Honey Cake

Relish Tray Seder Plate Fresh Asparagus Coffee/Hot Tea

Seder 2 Menu Matza Ball Soup Orange Glazed Chicken Relish Trays Fruit Compote/Cookies

Seder Plate Fresh Broccoli Matza Dressing Coffee/Hot Tea

Reservation deadline is March 26. Please call Cathy at 334-6520 with any questions. Make check payable to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Mail this order form with payment to: Colleen Busk, Activities Director 323 So. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154 Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ Residents you would like to sit with: __________________________ ________________________________________________________

Seder 2 – April 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Leaders Miles and Eileen Remer $18 Adult - $12.50 children under 12

April 2 – Seder 1 Meal

April 3 – Seder 2 Meal

Number of Adults _____

Number of Adults _____

Children under 12 _____

Children under 12 _____

Total Amount Enclosed $ _________