March 25, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Japan disaster and Itamar killings put Jewish giving on the spot

March 25, 2011 19 Adar II 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 29

This Week

Omaha Public Schools and IHE Week of understanding Page 3

Kids’ Passover art competition planned at Blumkin Home Page 6

by URIEL HEILMAN zation’s newly established NEW YORK (JTA) -earthquake emergency fund, Almost as soon as the catassent out another urgent mestrophe in Japan began unfoldsage two days later calling on ing last Friday, Jewish groups donors to give money to the scrambled to figure out how OU’s victims of terrorism to get help to the area. fund.

In Israel, search-and-rescue As of late Monday, the totals organizations like ZAKA and collected by each fund were IsraAid readied teams to head running neck and neck, the to the Japanese devastation OU’s chief operating officer, zone. In Tokyo, the Chabad David Frankel, told JTA. center took an accounting of “We have an obligation to local Jews and began organizcare for our own,” Frankel ing a shipment of aid to said, “but the enormity of the stricken cities to the north. In tragedy that happened in the United States, aid organiJapan is so extraordinary that zations ranging from B’nai for the Jewish community not B’rith International to local to have an outpouring of supand national Federation agenport would not only be a cies launched campaigns to denial of one of our primary collect money for rescue, An aerial view of debris from the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northern obligations to care for everyCredit: Alexander Tidd/US Navy one in their time of need,” he relief and rebuilding efforts in Japan, March 11, 2011. the Pacific. said, but also a missed opporwhile seemed to shift.

Gilad Shalit -- 5 years in Hamas capBut then Shabbat came, and with it “Not sure who to think about tivity -- or the survivors of the tunity to honor the memory of the news that a suspected Palestinian first,” Nadia Levene, a British-Israeli Japanese tragedy and the dangers Chiune Sugihara -- the Japanese terrorist had brutally murdered five event planner living in Jerusalem, they may be facing.” consul general to Lithuania who in family members in the Jewish West wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

The Orthodox Union, which sent 1940 helped save at least 6,000 Bank settlement of Itamar, and the “The devastated remaining mem- out a message last Friday calling on Lithuanian Jews from the hands of focus of the Jewish community for a bers of the Fogel family from Itamar, supporters to donate to the organi- Continued on page 2

Community Yom HaShoah service

by HILLARY FLETCHER Marketing Assistant, Institute for Holocaust Education Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, will be observed Wednesday, May 4 beginning at 7 p.m. at Beth Israel synagogue, with a commemoration service open to the

Purim in the Heartland Pages 8-9

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Coming April 15 Passover Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

Bob Waisman community. The Yom Hashoah commemoration is a partnership of the Institute for Holocaust Education, the Jewish Federation, Beth Israel, Beth El and Temple Israel.

Known more formally by its full name “Yom HaShoah VeHagevurah,” literally “Day of Destruction and Strength,” the official day of remembrance takes place each year on the Hebrew date of 27 Nissan. Each year the programs for Yom HaShoah include a principal concept. This year the focus will reflect the importance of preserving the memory of Holocaust survivors in our younger generations. Rabbi Jonathan Gross reminds the community, “As Jews our mandate is to maintain the episodes of our people as personal experiences rather than detached events that happened to others long ago. We are privileged to be able to hear directly from a man who has experienced this tragedy and it is incumbent on every one of us to listen as well as to appreciate the gift of survivors in our community.”

Robbie Waisman, a survivor of the Buchenwald concentration camp and one of the subjects of the documentary film The Boys of Buchenwald, will be the guest speaker.

Waisman was born in Skarzysko, Poland in 1931 to a very close-knit family. During the Holocaust, his entire family was murdered save for him and his sister Leah. Waisman survived in different concentration camps as a slave laborer in ammunition factories. He was liberated from Buchenwald on April 11, 1945.

Waisman left Europe for Canada in December of 1949 where he settled and eventually married. It is there that he raised and nurtured his two Continued on page 2

Busy month for Temple Youth Group

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Nearly 700 Reform Jewish teens gathered in February at the 2011 Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ)

soldiers from Northern Uganda; and URJ President Rabbi Eric Yoffie.

To add to the excitement for the teens of Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG), one of their own,

Sophia Miller, left, Sophie Goldberg, Madison Baron, Hannah Perry, and Haley Burns make sandwiches to take to The Stephen Center.

North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) National Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Highlights of the convention included programs and speakers including Jacy Good, founder of the “Hang Up and Drive” campaign whose parents were killed in a crash caused by an 18-year-old driver talking on his cell phone; Invisible Children, former child

Jordan Jensen, a junior at Westside High School and current president of OTYG, won the Wendy Blickstein Memorial D’var Torah Competition established in memory of the former member of NFTY. Each entrant is required to meet with one of the clergy from their Temple to study the text of the competition’s theme and to work Continued on page 4

2 | The Jewish Press | March 25, 2011

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Japan disaster and Itamar killings put Jewish giving on the spot Continued from page 1 the Nazis by getting them transit visas to Japan.

“The Japanese community helped us in our time of need; this is our way to help them in their time of need,” Frankel said. “We can never repay the debt, but this is the right thing to do.”

By Tuesday, Israeli teams comprised of rescue personnel, emergency medical officers and water pollution specialists had reached the suburbs of Tokyo, and they were in contact with aid workers in the northern part of the country where the tsunami hit hardest, according to Shachar Zahavi, chairman of IsraAid. Several American Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federation in Chicago and the American Jewish Committee, are funneling money to IsraAid for disaster relief in Japan.

In Tokyo, the Chabad center commissioned a bakery in Sendai, one of the cities battered by the tsunami, to bake bread for its residents and surrounding areas. The center also trucked several tons of food and supplies to Sendai, Chabad officials said. The officials estimated that Chabad’s relief in Japan is costing approximately $25,000 per day.

In the United States, Jewish humanitarian organizations reported that the money was coming in fast for mailboxes set up to receive donations for Japanese disaster relief.

“We are determined to provide emergency relief as quickly as possible and to work with our partners to provide support over the longer term as well," said Fred Zimmerman, chairman of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Emergency Committee.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the main overseas partner for the Jewish Federations, said it had collected more than $400,000 by midday Tuesday.

What makes the Japanese situation a unique challenge for Jewish humanitarian organizations is the absence of relationships in a country that traditionally has been an aid donor, not a recipient.

Indeed, when the American Jewish World Service, which led the Jewish aid response to the 2004 Asian tsunami, was asked what its aid effort would be for Japan, the answer was none, because AJWS only works in developing countries and has no partners in Japan, spokesman Joshua Berkman told JTA. The JDC found itself in a similar situation.

“We had no programs in Japan prior to the earthquake; we just worked with the local Jewish community,” said Will Recant, an assistant executive vice president at JDC.

But almost immediately after the earthquake and tsunami hit, the JDC consulted with the Jewish community in Tokyo to identify local Japanese nongovernmental organizations working in the affected areas. By Tuesday, JDC had begun funneling money to JEN, a Tokyo-based organization specializing in shelter reconstruction, support of the socially vulnerable and emergency supply distribution that had managed to send personnel to the ravaged Japanese prefectures of Miyagi and Fukushima.

As with other disasters, Recant said JDC will stick around to help with long-term relief, budget allowing. Only money raised specifically for Japan will be spent on disaster relief.

There is no money in JDC’s budget for additional nonsectarian, humanitarian work, Recant said.

While Japan continues to reel from the triple disaster of an 8.9-magnitude earthquake, a massive tsunami and a subsequent nuclear crisis, experts in Israel are trying to figure out what lessons from Japan can be applied to the Jewish state, which lies on two fault lines, the Carmel fault and the Dead Sea fault.

Israel experiences tremors every so often, but the last time a ruinous earthquake struck the area was in 1927, when the West Bank city of Nablus suffered serious damage. An 1837 earthquake destroyed much of the northern Israeli cities of Safed and Tiberias and left thousands dead.

Israeli building codes have been updated for better earthquake safety compliance, but regulations and enforcement still are said to lag behind places like California, which experiences larger and more frequent quakes.

“There’s still a lot that has to be done as far as building codes are concerned,” said Professor Michael Lazar, a tectonics expert at the University of Haifa. “There’s an attempt to encourage people to renovate older buildings and make them earthquake ready, but it really hasn’t caught on.”

A scenario in which Israel’s nuclear facility at Dimona, in the Negev Desert, would face the kind of meltdown scenario situation that Japan is seeing now is much less likely, Lazar said, because Dimona is far from the tectonic lines that cross Israel.

“But,” he cautioned, “it’s hard to tell how an earthquake would disperse."

Editor’s note: In Omaha, JDC donations to benefit the victims of Japan’s earth quake and tsunami can be sent to the Jewish Federation Foundation, 333 S. 132nd St., Omaha NE 68154. For more information, call Mary Bort at 402.334.6459 or email mbort@jewishomaha.org.

Israel files U.N. complaint over mortar barrage

“We like our mom living at Remington Heights because the staff cares about her.”

– Steve and Hugh Sons of Louise A., a happy resident of Remington Heights

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel's foreign minister filed a formal complaint with the United Nations following the heaviest barrage of mortar shells on southern Israel in two years.

More than 50 mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning, according to reports. Two Israelis were injured by shrapnel, and homes and buildings sustained damage.

The armed wing of Hamas, Izzadin Kassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for most of the explosives.

Israel's military struck several Hamas targets with tanks and aerial fire in Gaza later Saturday in response to the barrage. The strike lasted some 45 minutes, Ynet reported.

The bodies of two Palestinians who were suspected of planting a bomb were found the next day near the GazaIsrael border, according to reports.

Last Friday, 10 mortars were fired on Israel from Gaza.

In the complaint to the United Nations, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman decried international support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, saying that it would be a "terrorist state whose primary goal is the destruction of Israel." He also noted that the attack on Israel came as Hamas and the Fatah Party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas were talking about reconciliation.

Israel also filed a formal complaint with the U.N. Security Council on March 18 over its seizure of the cargo ship Victoria, which was transporting concealed arms from Iran via Syria to Gaza via Egypt.

Meanwhile, gunmen claiming to be from Hamas on Saturday raided the Gaza offices of the Reuters news agency, striking one employee with a metal bar, and smashing a television and other equipment. The gunmen also raided the offices of CNN and the Japanese station NHK.

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Continued from page 1 children and a children’s clothing business and where he has since been very involved in community philanthropies. He lends much of his time to Holocaust education, speaking to thousands of students each year about his experiences during the war. As an educator and past president of the Vancouver Center for Holocaust Remembrance and Education, Waisman compels his audiences to be aware of hate and racism. Waisman believes, “As survivors, we have a duty and responsibility to not only tell what happened, but to teach compassion and understanding.”

The Boys of Buchenwald shares the stories of several young men who were orphaned by the Holocaust. The community is invited to see the film on Sunday, May 1 at Beth Israel Synagogue at 7 p.m. After liberation, a home was cre-

ated for 426 boys in France, where they were cared-for and educated. Bound by the unthinkable horrors they each experienced as children in concentration camps, they formed friendships that would ultimately last for the rest of their lives. The Boys of Buchenwald captures the reunion of some of these men on the 55th anniversary of their liberation from Buchenwald. Of the 1.5 million children in concentration camps, only 5,000 survived. Waisman adds, “When I speak, I honor the memory of one and a half million Jewish children.”

Prior to the community event, Waisman and other survivors will speak with the students of Hebrew Chai School in a round-table discussion event that will take place at Beth Israel at 5:30 p.m. The week will include several other community events. Please contact the IHE for more information at 402.334.6575 or www.ihene.org.

March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Week of understanding

by HILLARY FLETCHER certified to use this training within their be more pleased with the success of the Bluffs and Dr. Lou Leviticus of Lincoln.

Marketing Assistant, curriculum. Many local Freedom Writers week. We are all excited to see where this Firestone, founding lecturer for the Simon Institute for Holocaust Education teachers and their classrooms participated goes in the future.” North High School edu- Wiesenthal Center’s Education Outreach The Week of Understanding, a joint effort in the Week of Understanding. cator, LaLeesha Haynes added, “It gave our Program in Los Angeles and the subject of of Omaha Public Schools After the first testimonies, students the opportunity [to understand] Steven Spielberg’s film The Last Days, spoke and the Institute for Geiger noticed the excite- that even in the darkest, most devastating at four of the schools and also shared her Holocaust Education, contestimony with the public cluded on March 4 at on Wednesday evening at Ralston Middle School UNO. Firestone said, “I where Renee Firestone have traveled all over for shared her testimony with 30 years and this has been approximately 200 stuone of the most meaningdents. Throughout the ful visits. One of the high week, ten schools and over school kids on the second 1800 students participated day asked me what I wantin listening to survival tesed him to learn from this – timony from nine surwhat a wonderful quesvivors – five from Omaha tion. I took the opportuniand Lincoln, three ty to talk about collective through video-conferencjudgment and stereotypes ing from California, and and that is the reason for Renee Firestone from the how these things hapSimon Wiesenthal pened to us [those who Center’s Museum of were murdered and those Tolerance in Los Angeles. who survived the camps].”

Omaha North High Director of the Institute School teacher, Laura for Holocaust Education, Geiger, was the catalyst for Beth Seldin Dotan added, the week. After attending “This was an incredible the Freedom Writers effort and we were all Institute in California, caught up in Laura’s Geiger was determined to enthusiasm. We are so reach as many students as thankful to the Leonard possible with testimony and Shirley Goldstein from Holocaust survivors.

Supporting Foundation Clockwise from top left: Kitty Williams speaking at Central High School, Rachel Rosenberg with students from North High School, The Freedom Writers is an and our additional beneRenee Firestone sharing her testimony with high school students, and the speakers for the week: Fred Kader, left, Rachel educational philosophy factors and especially to Rosenberg, Renee Firestone, Bea Karp, Dr. Lou Leviticus, and Kitty Williams. and program which uses the survivors. We are survival testimony as the basis for teaching ment in her school, “[After hearing testimo- circumstances, one can still have hope.” excited to incorporate what we’ve learned engagement, enlightenment and empower- ny] students were inspired. Students were Survivors who provided testimony includ- from this week into future school and public ment within the classroom and community. coming to ask for passes to see more sur- ed Bea Karp, Rachel Rosenberg and Fred programs in the future.”

Teachers attend the Institute and become vivors after hearing one speak. I could not Kader of Omaha, Kitty Williams of Council

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Busy month for Temple Youth Group

Jewish Philanthropy Fair

Continued from page 1 filled evening of song and dance. on the delivery of the final version of the d’var which Jordan “I had never gone to the (NFTY National) Convention read at the closing banquet of the NFTY Convention. before,” said Yaniv Azriel, a junior at Central High School.

Working with Temple’s Rabbi Eric Linder, Jordan’s d’var “But I heard it would be fun, and I knew some of my friends theme was taken from the from camp would be weekly parashat during the there.” It turned out to be convention which was “the most fun convention Vayakhel from the Book of I’ve ever been to. I loved it!

Exodus describing the buildThe best part was meeting ing of the tabernacle. “The people from other states tabernacle was a way for the and regions and the tour of Israelites to solidify their Cowboy Stadium.” beliefs. They needed someOther OTYG members thing tangible to relate to who attended the convenGod,” explained Jordan. tion were Emily Katz, “NFTY doesn’t need a locaHaley Burns, Grace Hack, tion or a structure,” to relate and Sophie Goldberg. to God, she went on to say in Junior Youth Group her d’var.

(JYG) seventh and eighth Open to all NFTY memgraders attended their own bers, the competition kept the Ariel Kohll, left, Morissa Miller, Noah Grossman, Rachel Saag, convention in early March winner’s name a secret until and Sam Burrell turn in their table orders at another success- in St. Louis, Missouri. an announcement caught ful OTYG Spaghetti Dinner.

Courtney Bierman, an Jordan “very surprised. I started crying and called my Mom eighth grader at Millard Central Middle School, liked going to to share the news,” she said. She was awarded a $5000 schol- the convention. “It was cool to meet a bunch of other kids arship which can be applied to the cost of any NFTY North from the Midwest,” she said.

American or regional program, NFTY’s Summer Travel Westside Middle School seventh grader, Abby Hack, who Program, or a URJ camp. like Courtney was attending her first JYG Convention, Several convention programs focused on the environ- enjoyed it too. “It was fun.” Her favorite part was the song ment. A Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism advo- session. cacy program explored the implications of off-shore Others who attended the JYG Convention included drilling. The youth also had an opportunity to tour the Madison and Courtney Bierman, Sophie Budwig, Madison green-certified Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Several programs Eisenberg, Max Gendler, Abby Hack, Madelin Miller, Sarah focused on the issue of over-consumption, the NFTY social Prescott, Estella Fox, and Jacqueline Wax. action theme this year, in which OTYG participated.

At home, OTYG raised several thousand dollars at the Participants also met teens from all over the continent. annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction in February. The Rabbi Yoffie spoke about how teenagers today can make money is donated to Camp Rainbow in Missouri and Camp the world a better place through words and actions. He said CoHoLo, near Gretna, which serve children who have life there are three ways for young Reform Jews to make the threatening conditions such as cancer and blood disorders. world saner: eliminating the word “hate” from their vocabSophia Miller, chair of the television show “Glee-themed” ulary, not surrendering to bigotry or bullying, and standing dinner, thought “it went really, really well. We had an aweup for minority groups in America. some OTYG and JYG (Junior Youth Group) turnout. It was “We are Jews,” he said, “and Jews find sanctity in faith. very successful.” She added, “I just want to say thank you to Every time you help the poor and defend the stranger, you all the people who helped us. We couldn’t have pulled it off show your faith and prove the presence of God. Every time without you. It was a pretty decent amount of work.” you light the Shabbat candles, bless the wine, and have a Amy Katz, OTYG advisor, congratulated the youngsters.

Shabbat meal around the table, you are creating a sense of “The congregation is lucky to have youth such as you to lead sanity in the midst of craziness, and you prove the presence the next generation.” of God. We need a Jewish presence, and we are looking to Carrying on with their social action goals, OTYG memyou through your actions and enthusiasm to create one. bers simulated the process of applying for food stamps. With Nothing matches the sensation of discovering your own the “stamps” they received, the teens made sandwiches power to advance justice and fix the world.” which they took on March 13, along with apples, juice, and A concert series at the convention featured the music of snacks, to The Stephen Center, an emergency shelter on Josh Nelson and Dan Nichols which contributed to a spirit- South 28th Street.

Ketubah prepared for Great Britain’s royal couple

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- A British artist has prepared a ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, for Britain’s Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton.

Michael Horton, who has Israeli citizenship, designed the ketubah for the couple’s April 29 wedding, according to The Associated Press. The language, in Hebrew and English, has been altered to be egalitarian and nonreligious. Neither the prince nor Middleton are Jewish.

The ketubah reads, in part, “May we remain com- Prince William and Kate Middleton mitted to each other’s physiCredit: love-sepphoras.com cal and mental well-being, and to each other’s emotional and spiritual growth.”

Horton delivered the gift to the British ambassador to Israel in a ceremony in Ramat Gan.

Marriage FOX/GREEN Former Omahans Marsha Fox and Michael Green of Pompano Beach, FL were married on March 6 in Deerfield Beach, FL at Oceans 234. The ceremony was officiated by friends, Rabbi Stephen Spiegel and Cantor Debbi Ballard.

The bride is the daughter of the late Dee and Phil Fox. The groom is the son of the late Dorothy and Arthur Green.

A champagne brunch reception followed the ceremony.

In the news Mitch Sherman, who has worked at the Omaha WorldHerald since 1996 as a sports writer, has taken a new job as the senior college football and basketball writer for ESPN’s recruiting network and will occasionally contribute to the network’s broadcast platforms. He’ll be covering national stories, issues, and personalities for ESPN. Malashock's Jewelry is now the exclusive dealer in Omaha of Debbie Brooks handbags. A member of the American Gem Society, Malashock’s has been in business in Omaha since 1894. For more information, please call 402.496.9990 or visit www.malashocks.com.

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by JILL BELMONT people.’ The YWCA Clothing Closet providBeth El Publicity Coordinator ed career-ready clothing for over 1212 In an effort to assist women and men who clients last year.”

Parsow will also discuss her other responare hoping to re-join the workplace, Beth sibilities at the YWCA, El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh including individualized Group will come together on career planning, careerThursday, April 7, to donate coaching, transformation clothing to the YWCA’s programs and job search Career Clothing Closet. The 7 assistance. She also oversees p.m. get-together will take the annual Career Fair Career place at the home of Faye Ruback, 9403 Harney St.; her and Clothing Extravaganza, co-hosts for the program will during which she said, “We be Carole Lainof and Jane encourage everyone to attend Dreyfus. and learn more about naviThe evening’s featured gating the challenging waters speaker will be Margo of our current employment Margo Parsow Parsow, Career and Comclimate or by finding their munity Services Director for the Omaha own personal success whether it be in YWCA. Parsow will share with attendees regaining hope, achieving self-sufficiency, the various programs and services provided or feeling empowered to fulfill their goals by her department. and pursue their dreams.”

“Our Career Clothing Closet is operated For those donating clothing at the upcomthrough the generosity of community dona- ing Rosh Hodesh meeting, the mosttions,” she explained. “It contains business requested items include new or gently-used casual and professional clothing, as well as large-sized black slacks, conservative tops shoes and accessories for women who are and jackets. entering or re-entering the workforce. As All women in the Jewish community are one client said, ‘The YWCA helped me be invited to attend. To RSVP, contact Lainof at prepared for employment without being 402.293.0321 or thelainofs@cox.net; or made to feel like you were less than other Ruback, at 402.391.2788.

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nett@templeisraelomaha.com) must be presented by customers who wish to have Zio’s make a donation to the Religious School.

“We are so grateful to Usha and Dan Sherman for their generous support of our students. As diners, we can have a delicious meal -- and an excuse not to cook -- and help fund our school,” said Bennett, Religious School coordinator. The Shermans are owners of Zio’s Pizza and members of Temple Israel.

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Zio’s Pizza donating part of proceeds to Temple’s Religious School

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Zio’s Pizza at 76th and West Dodge Road and at 132nd and West Center Road, are donating a percentage of their proceeds to Temple Israel Religious School on Sunday, March 27.

Twenty percent of both dine-in and takeout purchases between the hours of noon and 9 p.m. that day will be donated toward the Religious School budget. Coupons, available by contacting Lori Bennett at Temple Israel (402.556.6536 or lben-

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MasterSingers present Bernstein songs

by SUSAN ROTHHOLZ The MasterSingers and the Sokoloff Javitch Music Fund presents “A Simple Song: the Music of Leonard Bernstein.” This concert of well-known (and lesser known) works by the American master will be presented on Sunday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center theater.

The concert will feature some of Bernstein’s classical works, including selections, Kaddish, Chichester Psalms, and Mass, and Broadway numbers from On the Town, Wonderful Town, and West Side Story.

Admission is free, but donations are graciously accepted and appreciated!

MasterSingers is conducted by artistic director D. Laureen Pickle and accompanied by Kay Clark. Singing in the choir are community singers: Jordan Feinstein, Donald Gerber, Scott Goodman, Amy Nachman, Gary Nachman, Tamar Schiller, Jeff Schweid, Lisa Senal, Eadie Tsabari, and Lou Wolfson.

For more information go to www.master singersomaha.com or email them at mastersingersomaha@gmail.com.

Stacy and Curtis Marti of Jenks, OK announce the March 15 birth of their son, Mitchell Quinn.

He has a brother Max, 7, and sisters, Adia, 5 and Sophia, 2.

Grandparents are Don and Karolyn Kagan Marti of Lincoln and Arnolds Park, IA, and Christy and M.R. Hershey of Coffeyville, KS. Great-grandparents are Lois Hershey of Coffeyville and the late Ralph Hershey, and

the late Moses and Gertrude Kagan.

Lindsay and Dustin Nichols of Herndon, VA announce the Feb. 21 birth of their daughter, Sadie Isabelle.

Grandparents are Barbara Nichols and Dennis Nichols, and Bev Keller and Ben Keller, Durham, NC. Great-grandparents are the late Robert and Anne Sklenar of Tekamah, NE and Katherine Nichols and the late Ron Nichols.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19 & 20 for Passover; the deadline for the April 22 issue is Wednesday, April 13, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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by OZZIE NOGG tesy of Jewish Social Services,” Conti said. “The afternoon On Sunday, April 10, groups of students from grades 3-6 will give the kids a great chance to interact with their will come together in a Passover Art Competition on Main friends, as well as with residents of the Home and visitors, all Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The event runs of whom are encouraged to watch the fun.”

A panel of judges will determine from noon until 4 p.m. a first and second place winners in “The murals created during the each grade division, and cash competition will decorate Main prizes will be awarded.

Street during Passover this year,” The idea for the Competition said Maggie Conti, RBJH Director came from Mike Silverman, RBJH of Activities and Outreach Executive Director. “Growing up Programs. “And we hope to store the children’s artistic expressions in on Long Island,” Silverman said, a safe place so that next Passover -“my friends and I often took part and for many future years -- they in art contests. We’d go to the can continue to be shared with the Sunrise Highway -- which is sort of community.” Blumkin Home like Dodge Street, lined with small Activities Director Mary Heiman shops -- and paint murals on storeadded, “Our goal is to make sure front windows. I especially the kids have lasting, positive remember one year, when a friend impressions of Passover. These of mine and I came up with a murals guarantee that the tradidesign and while we were painting tions the children learned from it on the window, I looked down past generations will be transferred the street and saw dozens of kids Mary Heiman, Blumkin Home Activities Director, to the next generation and doing the same thing. It felt great left; Lois Wine, RBJH Director of Volunteer beyond.” to be part of the activity, part of a Services, and Maggie Conti, Blumkin Home The Passover Art Competition group.”

Director of Activities and Outreach Programs with asks groups of three to five particiCompetition entry forms are an example of the murals to be created at the pants -- divided by age -- to design being distributed to students at the April 10 Kids’ Passover art competition. one-of-a-kind 6 foot by 2 1/2 foot Friedel Jewish Academy and all murals inspired by the Exodus story. “At noon, before the synagogue schools. Competition sign-up deadline is April actual creative process begins, participants will receive com- 1. For additional information, contact Lois Wine -plimentary Kosher pizza provided by STAR Catering, cour- 402.334.6519 or Maggie Conti -- 402.334.6521.

Beth Israel and Jewish Family Service co-host guest lecturer

by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue, in conjunction with Jewish Family Service, is proud to host Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum for Shabbat on April 2. Rabbi Schwarzbaum will speak at Beth Israel at 1 p.m. on the topic, “Cults and Missionaries: Still a Threat to Our Youth.”

For the last 37 years, Rabbi Schwarzbaum, a former pulpit rabbi, has been involved in helping parents rescue children from different forms of self-destructive behavior by connecting parents to existing resources that are available to them. He works together with social workers, medical professionals, and community rabbis to help parents craft a comprehensive plan for helping their child.

Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum is the founding Executive Director of Torah Life and Living, Inc. TLL is actively involved in the complex, and often dangerous, work of helping people who are trapped in cults and missionary groups find their way home. Under the determined, fearless leadership of Rabbi Schwarzbaum, TLL has become renowned as the “ER for Jewish souls,” ministering to those who are about to reject a Judaism they have never truly understood.

According to Rabbi Schwarzbaum, “Many times, parents

will call me as a last resort without realizing that the community already has ample resources that the parents were simply not aware of. Unfortunately, usually when I am called, a child has already digressed into very destructive behavior. Like everything, early prevention is critical. The purpose of my lectures is always to alert people to different red flags that children may exhibit and ways that they can help. Jewish tradition teaches that we are all responsible for one another. The more people who hear my message, the more people will be aware and will be able to direct those who need help to the proper resources.”

Since he began his outreach career as a USY advisor in the mid-70’s, Rabbi Schwarzbaum has dealt with drug addiction, at-risk teens, and other destructive and self-destructive behaviors. Rabbi Schwarzbaum has lectured extensively, across the United States as well as in Israel, Canada, England, and Hong Kong, on the subject of Jews at-risk. His presentations are compelling, insightful, and practical, offering ‘battle-proven’ strategies for solving these critical emergency situations. His insights and suggestions are not ‘ivory tower’ solutions, but perspectives and strategies gained from a long career in the trenches confronting these and other crises that threaten the continuity of the Jewish people.

Temple Israel Shabbat to celebrate educators and music of Debbie Friedman

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN be open for tours. A family Shabbat worship service will folTemple Israel Communications Coordinator low at 6 p.m. Kol Rina and Omaha Temple Youth Group To foster a friendly atmosphere of understanding and members will sing selections from the music of Debbie sharing, the Temple Israel Friedman, the well known Religious School is sponsorJewish singer-songwriter who ing “A Celebration of died earlier this year. The eleLearning: An Educators mentary school children will Shabbat” on Friday, April 1. also sing one of her songs.

Children in kindergarten Dinner will be served at 7:15 through sixth grade will have p.m. Religious School staff a chance to share Shabbat and Temple Israel’s clergy will with their public or private be available to answer quesschool teachers and princitions. pals and their Religious Families are encouraged to School instructors. invite their teachers and prin“This is a wonderful opporcipals to both the worship Temple Israel Religious School second graders practice for tunity for secular educators to service and dinner as guests. the upcoming Educators Shabbat. see how their Jewish students Reservations for dinner must are involved in Temple Israel,” said Lori Bennett, Religious be made by Monday, March 28, at the latest. Cost of the dinSchool Coordinator, “in addition to honoring their ner is $9 per adult and $6 per child age four and older. Each Religious School teachers.” family attending the dinner is asked to bring three dozen From 5:30 to 5:50 p.m., Religious School classrooms will treats for dessert.

March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Former Omahan hits a different kind of jackpot in Las Vegas

Where are they now?

DONN KAPLAN

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Donn Kaplan was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska.

He graduated from Central High School in 1967, and left for Oklahoma University. “That really wasn’t quite far enough,” he says, “and so I asked myself where I really wanted to go.”

The answer, as it turned out, was Hawaii, where he worked as a D.J. until he was drafted for the Vietnam War. He spent 1971 and 1972 oversees; when he returned, he found a job with KRCB in Council Bluffs. “After Vietnam, I promised myself I’d never sweat the small stuff again,” he says. “I came back with a bad case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

He spent some time in Lake Charles, Louisiana, before finally settling in Las Vegas in 1975.

“Vegas was so very different back then,” he says. “Ceasar’s Palace was built in ’66, and only nine years old; the MGM Grand, where I work, didn’t yet exist. Now, the Dunes is gone, the Stardust, the Landmark, the Aladdin; they’re all gone. All those old buildings have been imploded to make way for new ones. Progress is nice, but I still hate to see how much has disappeared. In the old days, everything was comped and the shows were cheap.”

Las Vegas, however, has to keep up with the times. Donn, who makes his living in the casino industry, agrees the newer casinos are spectacular. At the MGM Grand, he is the head dealer at Roulette and Blackjack. It’s a job he loves, and although he is planning to semi-retire as of December 31, he is not willing to give it up entirely. “I’ll still work special events and holidays, but I want to do something more with my time.”

That ‘something more’ refers to his wish to help those who

haven’t been as lucky as he has been. “I’d like to work with disadvantaged kids, as well as with animal rescue,” he says, “because you can’t just live for yourself. The casino has been fantastic, but I want something that allows me to give back a lot more. You can’t pass through life without making a difference.”

Recently, the MGM Grand Casino, where he has worked since it opened in 1993, singled him out to record a training video for new employees. One of these new employees is Paul Thompson, an unemployed construction worker from San Diego. Donn is experienced and in a good position to pass on his vast knowledge to a new trainee. They asked him to come in on his days off, miked him, and hit record. Donn was a little annoyed. “Frankly, I almost refused,” he says. “As a casino dealer, you really, really need your time off. It’s hard work, and you stand there breathing in second hand smoke, and so I wasn’t very pleased about having to do that.”

Yet, he participated, and allowed himself to be filmed during work, even during lunch: “This guy didn’t have a clue about the job. He obviously didn’t know what he was doing.

We had some very nice conversations, but I do remember thinking he was asking an awful lot of questions. About my life, my job, what I love, about my personal experiences.”

Donn wasn’t impressed with Paul, the trainee. “They told me I was supposed to let this guy work a live game, and he so obviously wasn’t ready. It was way too soon; I panicked a little. But then they brought me in (again on my day off, of course) and sat me in an suite with a million dollar view, and told me to wait.

The rest is television history: Donn met his ‘trainee,’ this time without a disguise, who turned out to be none other than Scott Sibella, the President and COO of MGM Grand.

There was no new employee, there was no training video; it was all a set-up. Unbeknownst to him, Donn had been selected for the CBS show “Undercover Boss.”

“When you hear about Las Vegas,” Sibella told the camera, “you usually only hear about the parties and the craziness.

You never hear about the people who give back to their community. It is important to highlight all the good that people do.”

Afterwards, Sibella reached out to a very deserving Donn.

He accompanied him to a Veteran’s support group, and made a large donation. Donn was also invited to go see the

THE RESIDENTS OF THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME EXTEND A CORDIAL INVITATION TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO SHARE THE SEDERS WITH THEM IN THE JCC AUDITORIUM

Sooners take on the Texas Longhorns in October, with his brothers Marc and Steve accompanying him. The Kaplans will be sitting in Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops’ private box.

“My brothers are everything to me,” Donn says. “Having Scott Sibella include them was pretty special.”

These days, Donn doesn’t get back to Nebraska very much. However, his friends Steve and Judy Epstein moved out to Nevada in 1997 (they’ve been friends since 7th grade) and so even in Las Vegas, Donn always has a piece of Nebraska close by.

Ophir Palmon announces publication of new book Photographer Ophir Palmon announces the publication of his new book, March of the Living. The book chronicles the events and experiences of the 2010 BBYO mission to Poland and Israel.

The March of the Living is an annual event that brings together teens, adults, and Holocaust survivors from around the world for a learning and commemoration experience of the Holocaust.

During the two weeks of the mission Ophir experienced the memories, places, and events with and through the eyes of the group of teens he was part of. The book tells the story of the mission in hundreds of images and includes Ophir’s personal thoughts and observations.

A link to the book’s preview is available on Ophir’s website, www.avpol.com. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book, please contact Ophir at 402.597.6842 or ophir@avpol.com.

Reservation deadline is April 18. Please call Maggie Conti at 402-334-6521 with any questions. Make check payable to: Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Mail this order form with payment to: Rose Blumkin Jewish Home c/o Maggie Conti,Director of Activities and Outreach Programs 323 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 Name: __________________________________________________

Seder 1 – Monday, April 18 at 6 p.m.

Leaders Andy and Carole Greenberg

Address: ________________________________________________

Seder 1 Menu

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Matza Ball Soup Orange Glazed Chicken Seasoned Red Potatoes Roasted Vegetables

Seder Plate Relish Tray Honey Cake Coffee/Hot Tea

Seder 2 – Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m.

Leaders Polack Family Jim, Susan, Max and Josh

Seder 2 Menu Matzo Ball Soup Seder Plate Relish Tray Beef Brisket Chocolate Mousse Cake Sweet Potato Tzimmes Seasoned Asparagus w/Strawberries Coffee/Hot Tea

Residents you would like to sit with: __________________________ _______________________________________________________

April 18 – Seder 1 Meal

April 19 – Seder 2 Meal

Number of Adults ($18.00) _____

Number of Adults ($18.00) _____

Children under 12 ($12.50) _____

Children under 12 ($12.50) _____

No charge for Residents

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8 | The Jewish Press | March 25, 2011

Purim in the heartland

Clockwise from above: Miss Jan and Miss Hayley’s threeyear-olds get ready for the CDC parade; Esther and Stuart Simon ruled as the 2011 RBJH Purim Queen and King; Suzy Rubin, left, Shiri Tene, Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg at Beth El Synagogue; Annie Rifkin and Naomi Fox at the YJO Purim party; Lindsay, left, Ann, Robbie, and Don Osborne attended Temple Israel’s Purim spiel and carnival; Friedel students Leah Gurock and Jake Berman; Danny Denenberg at Beth El; Renee and Louie Kazor brought their grandchildren Zachary, Emily, and Elizabeth Kazor to Temple Israel.

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March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Purim in the heartland

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On June 10, the Jewish Press will publish â&#x20AC;&#x153;Salute to Graduating Seniors.â&#x20AC;? If you are interested in participating, please call 402.334.6558 or e-mail jpress@jewishomaha.org for details.

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April Community Calendar FRIDAY, MARCH 25 No School Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8 a.m. at Friedel Women of the Talmud with Miriam Gross, noon Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Third Grade Consecration, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Zio’s Pizza School Fundraiser, noon at Temple Israel OTYG Lunch and Program, noon at Temple Israel Javitch Music Fund Concert The Master Singers, 6 p.m.

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MONDAY, MARCH 28 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

CJE Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 Eye on Israel, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home BBYO Installations, 6 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 The Torah is a Parenting Guide? 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Fair, 7 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Community High School, 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 31 Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting Group, 6:30 p.m.

Everyday Holiness, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Tot Shabbat & Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat!, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Simchat Shabbat & Cafe Schmooze, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat is for Study, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Music in the Park (inside), 3 p.m. at Beth El Temple Israel JYG Dive-ventures, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 4 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

PTO Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home BBYO Council Elections, 6 p.m.

Table Talk - Talking to Kids About Race, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon with David Bailis No BESTT classes grades 3-7 at Beth El Community High School, 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 7 BBYO Spring Regional Convention through April 10 Farewell Breakfast Honoring Mike Collier & Lisa Shkolnick, 7-9:30 a.m.

Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Psalms with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting Group, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 Let’s Do Lunch with Rabbi Levin, noon SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Men’s Club Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 10 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Temple Israel Electronics Recycle Day, 10 a.m.

Beth El Chaverim Pesach Art Competition, noon Beth El Pizza & Parasha with Cantor Beth, noon Beth El Kadima goes to Family Fun center, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 11 JFS Project Tzedakah - Passover, 8 a.m.

Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

Center for Jewish Education Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

Lets Wine About It! with Cantor Schlossberg, 6:30 p.m. at Fox and Hound, 120th & Dodge Jewish Genetic Testing Orientation, 7 p.m.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 JFS Project Tzedakah - Passover, 8 a.m.

ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Beth El Passover Class at Remington Heights, 2:30 p.m.

Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Community High School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon with Bruce Rasmussen Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group Dress Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

Community High School, 6:30 p.m.

Navigating the Prayer Service with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 pm at Temple Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 14 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Psalms with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting Group Performance of Willy Wonka, 6:30 p.m.

Start Up Nation - The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, 8 p.m. with Dan Senor

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, APRIL 16 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Learner’s Service with Cantor Schlossberg, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 17 No BESTT classes at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El OTYG Welcomes 8th Graders, noon at Temple Israel Deli Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, APRIL 18 Friedel Jewish Academy No School Pesach 18 thru 26 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

No BESTT classes grades 3-7 at Beth El RBJH Passover Seder, 5 p.m.

JCC Closes at 6 p.m. for Erev Passover TUESDAY, APRIL 19 JCC Closed for Passover Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home RBJH Passover Seder, 5 p.m.

Community Second Seder, 6 p.m. at Beth El Second Seder, 8:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Psalms with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel School Directors Committee Meeting, 10 a.m.

Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Beth El brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat is for Study, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, APRIL 24 No BESTT classes at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El MONDAY, APRIL 25 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

No BESTT classes grades 3 - 7 at Beth El TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 School Resumes, 8 a.m. at Friedel Navigating the Prayer Service with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community High School, 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Psalms with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El

330-0200 402-330-0200 210 Regency Parkway

392-0400 402-392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C.

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 above events.

March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Steve Coufal, the Executive Director of the Eppley Airport Authority, will update on his efforts to make our airport “Eppley International!” on Wednesday, March 30, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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

We all need help

by MICHAEL ELIAS VNA Stewardship Director Young or old, we all need help.

A couple weeks ago, when helping my 80-year-old father to the car, I slipped on a tiny patch of ice and managed to pull a muscle. Naturally, my father found it funny, pulling a muscle while “helping” him avoid injury.

He said: “It’s okay, Michael, we all need help from time to time.” It was a comic moment, for us, but he was right: we all need help.

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) knows this, of course. It was first created by a woman, Anna Millard Rogers in 1896, who heard and responded to calls for help in the home. We still do that, every day, but so do many others.

Home care options for seniors have become so plentiful it’s hard to know who’s doing what. So we created a series of forums (free, only 1.5 hours long, with food provided) that brings “help” specialists together in one place.

About the Series The VNA Senior Speaker Series is a community-sponsored program made possible with the support of the Lincoln Financial Foundation.

We asked specialists on fall prevention, nutrition, communication, finances, taxes, and estate management to come together and help—not to sell, but to help—and they agreed.

There is no charge, and catering will be provided by Wheatfields and Kitchen Emporium (April 28).

The Series schedule is as follows: • Thursday April 21, 5:30-7 p.m., Talking to Your Physician, VNA Omaha office • Thursday April 28, 5:30-7 p.m., There is Help, Bluffs Senior Center - Council Bluffs, IA For more information or to RSVP, contact Michael Elias at 402.930.4018 or melias@thevnacares.org.

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by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Egypt’s foreign policy will change, but it has an interest in sustaining its peace accords with Israel, Hillary Rodham Clinton said.

“I think there will be different decisions” on foreign policy, the U.S. Secretary of State told NPR on Wednesdaty after she toured Egypt. It was Clinton’s first visit there since the revolution that ousted longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak, who had maintained the Camp David accords with Israel.

“But I think that there is such an interest in keeping the peace in the region,” she continued. “Egypt has got a lot on its plate. It’s going to have to politically reform, economically reform. It’s got a big agenda ahead of it. I think the last thing it wants is to see any kind of problem between itself and its neighbors.”

Clinton said she expected Egypt to maintain controls keeping terrorists and guns from entering the Gaza Strip.

“I think there’s also an argument that Egypt’s got security interests in not permitting the import and export of arms and possible ingress and egress of terrorists,” she said. “So it’s not only what Egypt will or won’t do with respect to Israel, it’s what Egypt will decide is in its interest to do. And that will be up to the Egyptian government to determine.”

Casspi could rejoin Maccabi Tel Aviv

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi said he might rejoin his former Israeli pro basketball team if the NBA imposes a player lockout next season.

Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the National Basketball Association, told Israel’s Army Radio Thursday that he would consider rejoining Maccabi Tel Aviv if the league and the players’ union do not come to a new agreement by the June 30 expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, which Omri Casspi could lead to the cancellation Credit: Kingsconnect.com of the 2011-12 season.

Casspi has been sitting on the bench lately for the Kings.

He has averaged 9.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season.

Although Casspi is under contract with the Kings, he would be allowed to play abroad in the event of a lockout, The Jerusalem Post reported.

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12 | The Jewish Press | March 25, 2011

Point of view

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Hit the road, Jack

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press What is it with crazy dictators that they never know when to leave? From Czar Nicholas II to Adolf Hitler, from Benito Mussolini to Saddam Hussein; they all overstayed their welcome. And along the same lines, how come while leaders like them make their own people suffer, that part of the world not directly affected so often sits idly by, watching from afar?

It is a strange and puzzling phenomenon, the rise and fall of certain individuals to great and abusive power. Words like ‘personality cult’ and ‘dangerous charisma’ are thrown around in numerous essays, by numerous historians; at the end of the day, there seems to be no satisfactory explanation for how a certain personality type is able to wreak this much havoc.

Yes, Moammar, I am talking about you. Regardless of how many puppets you put in front of your cameras, waving their little portraits of you, the majority of your people are sick and tired of seeing your face. They want you gone, and if history is any indication, they will ultimately succeed. The more you fight it, the more you stand to lose. Hosni Mubarak tried it last month, and you saw how that played out. You’re fighting a losing battle, and for what? Have you not hit your personal murder quota yet?

Never again, the world’s politicians screamed in unison after Hitler’s atrocities came to light. At the time, they meant it. Of course, Moammar Ghaddafi is no Hitler. And yet, in the past 3+ decades, he has been responsible for thousands and thousands of deaths. Between the conflict in Sierra Leone in the ‘90s and the systematic oppression of his own people as well as his alleged involvement in the Lockerbie attack, it is a miracle the ‘Brother Leader’ is still in power.

And that is exactly the problem; if history teaches us anything, it can seem nearly impossible to dethrone these types of leaders. And yet, the United Nations’ Security Council made an uncharacteristically fast decision on March 17: “The U.N. Security Council approved a no-fly zone over Libya Thursday as Moammar Ghaddafi’s military jets bombed the airport in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

Ghaddafi proclaimed that the ‘hour of decision has come’ and ‘there will be no mercy or compassion’ for those who resist as the troops advanced to the besieged city.” (Daily News.com) That means that, first of all, it is possible that a ground offensive will eventually become a reality (Ghaddafi has declared a cease fire several times, but it seems his interpretation of ‘cease’ is a little loose).

It also means the United States will have to tread lightly. That U.N. resolution, after all, was not a unanimous decision, and there are several countries, both in Europe and in the Middle East, who may yet change their mind about interfering in Lybia. Even if President Obama has announced we will not send ground troops in; who really knows what the future might

bring? It’s impossible to tell what will happen between me writing this and you reading it; the downside of running a weekly paper as opposed to a daily one, I’m sure.

Regardless of what Ghaddafi does next, the question remains why the world has allowed Ghaddafi to remain in power this long. It’s quite possible our children and grandchildren will ask that same question down the road. The answer is as overdue as Ghaddafi’s departure: crazy dictators will continue to pop up and thrive like weeds. It’s time we figure something out.

Don’t believe gloomy forecasts on Conservative Judaism

Behind the headlines ALAN SILVERSTEIN WEST CALDWELL, N.J. (JTA) -- Conservative Judaism is dying, I hear -- or at least according to the media. Not so.

Please don’t tell me that because North America’s United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism has had its problems, that means Conservative/Masorti Judaism is declining around the Jewish world.

Yes, the number of USCJ affiliates has diminished from its peak of 800 a half-century ago to its current 650. Why? Dozens of congregations have remained self-identified as Conservative, yet have disaffiliated from the USCJ for internal organizational reasons.

Rabbi Steven Wernick, the recently appointed USCJ executive vice president, is addressing the decline in membership, as well as looking to seed new congregations in areas with rising Jewish populations.

In assessing the USCJ’s temporary institutional challenges, let us recall that in the 1960s, a declining Orthodox Union was re-envisioned successfully, while the diminishing Union of American Hebrew Congregations effected a similar about-face in the Reform movement in the 1970s.

In the words of American Jewish historian Jonathan Sarna, “As our 355 years on American soil testify, we [Jews] have repeatedly confounded those who predicted gloom and doom, and after periods of adversity, have often emerged stronger than ever before.”

But to get the full picture of Conservative/Masorti Judaism, a wider lens is needed beyond the limited confines of the USCJ, especially to look at the denomination globally.

A glimpse into the internationalization of the movement will be evident during the Rabbinical Assembly convention March 27-31 in Las Vegas.

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf.

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

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page sto-

Forty years ago, the USCJ serving North America was the only organization worldwide with which Conservative Jews could affiliate. In contrast, in 2011, Conservative/Masorti Judaism has become a growing and ever younger global movement. There are nearly 60 Masorti kehillot in Israel, plus another 140 throughout Latin America, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Australia, Africa and Asia. In the past eight months alone, eight new European communities have affiliated, as have six additional Israeli kehillot.

The active involvement of large numbers of young people augurs well for Conservative/Masorti Judaism’s future. More than 25,000 youth are members of USY (North America) or NOAM (Noar Masorti in Israel, Latin America and Europe).

Tens of thousands of students are enrolled in Conservative/ Masorti full-day Jewish schools in the United States and Latin America. Nearly 18,000 campers are part of Ramah summer camps in North America or in Ramah NOAM camps. Hundreds of synagogue supplemental schools educate vast numbers of youngsters, as do full- and half-day synagogue-based preschools.

In terms of the rabbinate, in 1960, the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City was the only institution training Conservative rabbis for pulpits in the United States and Canada. Over the past half-century, the Rabbinical Assembly has grown by the admission of multilingual rabbis educated not only at JTS but also at the Ziegler Rabbinical School in Los Angeles, the Seminario Rabbinico Latinamericano in Buenos Aires, the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem and a rabbinical seminary in Budapest.

The RA has grown from fewer than 800 male rabbis to more than 1,600 men and women. Its regions now extend to Israel, Latin America, Canada and Europe.

Fifty years ago, only an infinitesimal percentage of Conservative Jewish baby boomers had visited Israel, either as children or as young adults. By 2004, a JTS Ratner Center

survey of 1,000 Conservative young adults found that more than 60 percent had been to Israel at least once by age 22.

Such lofty numbers have been increased by the subsequent impact of Birthright Israel. Ratner data also indicate that in contrast to many of their non-affiliated peers, more than 90 percent of Conservative young adults see Israel as “important” or “very important.”

In the early 1960s, few Conservative young men or women enrolled in Jewish studies courses during their college years. Today, substantial numbers of Conservative-affiliated collegians study Hebrew language, the Holocaust, modern Israel, modern Jewish history, Israeli literature and other Judaica subjects.

The quality of current-day Conservative student life on campus far surpasses all previous levels of campus engagement.

In 2011, on Shabbat mornings, America’s campus Conservative minyanim provide a previously unavailable option that is both egalitarian and traditional. Similar thriving has blossomed among MAROM (Mercaz Ruhani Masorti) networks involving thousands of Masorti collegians in Israel, Europe and Latin America.

Supporters of Jewish life should be reassured as to the future vitality of the Conservative/Masorti movement in the United States, Canada, Israel and all parts of the Jewish Diaspora. There are nearly 1 million affiliated adherents globally, with hundreds of thousands of others on the verge of joining more than 900 Conservative/Masorti communities.

With hundreds of congregations and schools, and thousands of rabbis, cantors and educators, Conservative/ Masorti Judaism’s glass is more than half full.

Rabbi Alan Silverstein is the board chair of the Masorti Israel Foundation and spiritual leader of Congregation Agudath Israel in West Caldwell, N.J. He also is a past president of the Rabbinical Assembly and of the World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues.

ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the

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is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org.

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Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Israel’s revolution for disabled needs a greater voice

Focus on issues SHLOMIT GRAYEVSKY JERUSALEM (JTA) -- As revolution sweeps across the Middle East, cries for freedom ring out, touching millions around the world and bringing hope to millions more.

Finally their voices are being heard, progress is being made.

Still, an important segment of the population goes unheard, as it cannot participate in high-profile protests or even voice its grievances and concerns.

The mentally and physically disabled are underrepresented throughout the Middle East, and there are few signs of this changing soon. Progress is at a standstill.

Everywhere, that is, except for Israel.

Over the last few years, Israel has launched a quiet revolution of its own. Residential and treatment centers for the disabled, once funded and run exclusively by private individuals and initiatives, now have garnered government funding, support and participation. Israeli corporations in the fields of technology, defense and telecommunications are making projects to support the disabled population a priority, contributing significant amounts of time and money to the cause.

In addition, public discourse on equal access for the disabled has set in motion a heroic effort by the management of thousands of eateries, malls, schools, office buildings and theaters to ensure that their facilities are accessible to everyone.

A recent conference in Jerusalem gathered religious leaders, teachers and celebrated thinkers to publicly address the need to include the disabled in religious life.

What brought about these dramatic changes?

I believe the key has been a national re-evaluation of life and what makes it worth living. Israel has transitioned from its obsession with identifying one’s abilities -- due, in part, to a history fraught with trials, persecution and an ongoing struggle for survival -- to a deeper commitment to the value of human life. Instead of gauging one’s worth according to his or her military profile, we have come to the realization that every human life should be treasured, even those who will never contribute to society. An example from my own life should help clarify the point.

Many of the children in my care suffer from severe disabilities as a result of complications during childbirth.

Extreme prematurity, prolonged lack of oxygen and other traumas have left these children in a very difficult state.

They are the babies that you don’t normally hear about.

They are born injured and their limitations are extreme.

They will never speak, write or walk on their own. They will never finish a degree or hold a steady job -- they are completely dependent on our care.

There was a time when families were so ashamed of such children that they would leave them at our doorstep and dis-

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appear, sometimes even fleeing the country. But today, this is unheard of in Israel. The families of disabled children and the communities in which they live see a soul, like yours or mine, trapped in a damaged body -- not something to be ashamed of but rather someone who needs more love and support. This is the principle upon which our silent revolution continues to thrive.

As Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, one of the most vocal champions of the disabled population in Israel, has often said, “Our generation will be judged by the way we treat the weakest members of society.”

Not surprisingly, the revolution has benefited all who embrace it on many levels. When one spends less time seeking out those who can advance his own position and more time seeking out opportunities to give of himself, life becomes more rewarding and truly worth living. As an entrepreneur who supports our work recently said, “I have

Letters TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor I have been blessed with great mentors and teachers who have helped me understand the wisdom and enduring strength of this truth. These lessons make me who I am and have contributed to any accomplishments of value in my personal and professional life.

When we are blessed to have such teachers, we do not always know their influence until later in life. Rarely, we are blessed with connections with special teachers and recognize it when it is happening. I have been so blessed.

Words alone cannot communicate the power and influence Ann Goldstein has had in my life. Ann was a gentle force of nature who oozed humanity while quietly and confidently leading. Her commitments to her beloved family, her dedicated friends and to her larger community will live on through her impact for generations.

Her themes, spoken and lived with every breath, were light and wisdom. Ann was a true “Tzadekis”, a righteous woman who warmed my heart in every joyful encounter whether in easy or challenging circumstances.

I know the world is dimmer and less for the hole in the fabric of so many hearts touched by her extraordinary love.

And I know that Ann would smile and wisely look to tomorrow, pointing to a challenge yet to be conquered, a problem remaining unsolved. And for me, Ann will always be herehelping navigate a yet unperfected world with perfect love.

Thank you Ann. Bob Wolfson Associate National Director of Regional Operations Anti-Defamation League

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Dear Editor This letter is in response to the editorial in the March 11 Jewish Press, “Wisconsin Governor’s Plan Threatens Workers and Jewish Values.”

To understand the fiscal crisis that some states are facing, one needs to investigate the causes of these problems. One area of concern is that collective bargaining does not work properly for public sector employee groups if the costs of the employee wages and benefits are spread over a large tax base.

Collective bargaining in the private sector generally works because the negotiations are between adversaries; for example, the current negotiations between “labor” and “management” in the National Football League “work stoppage.” Conversely, in public sector collective bargaining the incentives between the negotiating parties are misaligned. There is not a strong incentive on the “management” side to control “costs” when those “costs” are borne by a large number of current and future taxpayers. Moreover, “management” often consists of elected politicians who received political contributions from the unions with whom they are negotiating.

This may lead to salaries and benefits for public employees that are much more generous than corresponding private sector compensation. Some states, including Wisconsin, are addressing the situation by attempting to limit the collective bargaining authority of public employee unions.

I disagree with the opinion presented in the aforementioned editorial that the action in Wisconsin and other states threatens “Jewish Values.” The states that are struggling must take fiscal responsibility, and this action is one in a series of many to address these issues.

David Lee

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never seen such an investment in a project that exhibits no clear results for a bottom line, and yet the results for those involved are truly invaluable.”

While the revolution marches on, progressing like previously unimagined, Israel still has one more hurdle to overcome. We must find our voice and share our story with the rest of the Middle East, with the world. In short, the revolution can no longer move forward in silence.

Our successes must be shared and our achievements must be applauded, not just to give us our due for a job well done, but to allow those who will never have a voice to finally be heard.

Shlomit Grayevsky is the founding director of ALEH Jerusalem and assistant director general of ALEH [http:// www.jta.org/?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aleh.org], Israel’s largest network of residential facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities.

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14 | The Jewish Press | March 25, 2011

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. A family-friendly congregational Shabbat picnic dinner follows: attendees will have the opportunity to meet Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham, a candidate for the assistant rabbi position. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages six–12, and free for children five and younger. RSVP by March 23 by sending a check – payable to Beth El – to the synagogue. For more information, contact Margie in the office or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat is for Study session led

by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham, 6:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:35 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Susi FrydmanLevin; Third Grade Consecration, 11:15 a.m. followed by brunch for students and their families.

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

ASSISTANT RABBI VISIT: Assistant rabbi candidate Rabbi Steven Abraham will spend time at Beth El during the weekend of April 1-3. The rabbi will participate in services on Friday evening and will lead a study session at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

TOT SHABBAT & SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: Friday, April 1, 6 p.m. Dinner follows. For reservations made by Wednesday, March 30, dinner cost is $5 for Beth El members, $7.50 for non-members; after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office.

SIMCHAT SHABBAT: Our next alternative, lay-led Shabbat celebration is on Saturday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the synagogue’s West Court. A special Café Schmooze luncheon will follow. Open to everyone in the Jewish community. To RSVP for lunch, contact the office.

PASSOVER SEDER: Spend the second night of Passover, Tuesday, April 19, at Beth El’s congregational Seder, open to the entire community. The family-friendly holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. For early-bird prices, make your reservations by April 9. For more details and cost to attend, call Margie in the office; information and order forms are also available on the synagogue’s web site, www.bethelomaha.org.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:24 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 5:15 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and

up), 6:15 p.m.; Mincha, 7:15 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:25 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code.

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

WEDNESDAY: Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m.

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Peaceful Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, celebrating the conversion of Burns Davis, with oneg following hosted by Burns Davis and Maureen Lobb.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes for LPS Spring Break; Book Club, 4 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s house, 1632 Old Farm Rd and will discuss Peony by Pearl S. Buck and Jews in China.

Please let her know if you plan to come 402.423.5959 or kushner.marcia @gmail.com.

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

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:24 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

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

Vandalism reported at B’nai Israel Synagogue

by ALLEN A. KURLAND President B'nai Israel B’nai Israel Synagogue had five windows above the back entrance destroyed by nine large chunks of cement that were thrown through them. This was in a secluded area on the east side of the building. The damage was discovered on Friday, March 4, 2011, and was immediately reported to the Police.

The broken windows were replaced with white Citadel glazing panels, which are not breakable. The long window

panel in the door was replaced with the same material. The tcost was $1,216. In addition, $235 was paid for the glass company to board up the windows overnight. This vandalism was a large and unexpected expense, since the insurance deductible is $2,500, and the cost of the repairs was not covered. It is not assumed at this time that this act was anti-Semitic in nature.

If you want to help, please contact B’nai Israel synagogue by calling 1.712.323.8885 or email us at cbsynagogue@hot mail.com

Candlelighting Friday, March 25, 7:24 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder; Bishop John Shelby Spong at Alternate Shabbat Worship Service, 7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. John Shelby Spong is the retired American bishop of the Episcopal Church Diocese of Newark, New Jersey. A liberal Christian theologian, religion commentator, and author. Sponsored by Temple Israel’s neighbor, First United Methodist Church, Bishop Spong will be in Omaha as part of the church’s Horizons of Faith yearly lecture series.

Retired since 2000, he has authored 22 books and has been a weekly columnist on the internet.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Ben Oyler, son of Karen Oyler, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Religious School (PreK-6), 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m.; PreK and Kindergarten Seder, 11 a.m.; Zio’s Pizza School fundraiser, noon-9 p.m. (7834 Dodge St and 12997 West Center Road locations) Don’t forget to take your flyers with you; Religious School Steering Committe Meeting, noon.

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

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Family School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8 Students and Parents B’nai Tzedek presentation and dinner, 6-8:30 p.m. at the JCC; Teaching the Holocaust through a moral lens, 6:30 p.m.

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

Educators Shabbat & Celebration of Debbie Friedman's Music on Friday, April 1, 6 p.m.

Talking with Children about Race: Are you? Should you be?

When and How on Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.

Electronic Recycle & Paper Shredding Day on Sunday, April 10, 10 a.m.

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

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

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

by Max Neiden in honor of his birthday.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes for LPS Spring Break; Book Club, 4 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s house, 1632 Old Farm Rd and will discuss Peony by Pearl S. Buck and Jews in China.

Please let her know if you plan to come 402.423.5959 or kushner.marcia @gmail.com.

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

Israeli troops thwart attack following Gaza strikes JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli troops thwarted Gaza Palestinians preparing to launch an anti-tank missile at an Israeli force operating in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defense Forces said its soldiers hit their target in Tuesday’s operation. A Kassam rocket was fired from Gaza into southern Israel that same day.

Israeli combat planes Monday night pounded the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a weekend mortar attack, the worst barrage of rocket attacks on southern Israel in two years.

More than 50 mortar shells struck the area on Saturday morning. On Monday, a long-range Grad-style rocket was fired from Gaza at southern Israel.

The Israelis’ attack targeted two terror tunnels, two weapons manufacturing and storage facilities and two additional terror activity sites across the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF. Direct hits were confirmed, the IDF statement said.

Israel had responded earlier Monday to Saturday’s barrage with airstrikes on suspected bomb smuggling tunnels. The latest attack seemed more comprehensive and sustained, according to Israel Radio.

The armed wing of Hamas, Izzadin Kassam Brigades, had claimed responsibility for most of the explosives sent Saturday from Gaza.

Before Israel’s attack Monday night, a spokesman for Hamas, the terrorist group that controls Gaza, had indicated that the group was ready to return to a fragile truce.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

March 25, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

Be sure you understand the situation

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Shemini Our Sidrah opens with something that happened on the eighth day.

Which means we have to go back and remember what happened on the seven previous days. What happened on the seven previous days were elaborate ceremonies inducting Aaron and his sons into the Priesthood.

Now on the eighth day, there was a disaster. Two of the young Priests, overenthusiastic about their duties, offered a sacrifice on the altar. Nobody had authorized them to do so.

Disaster: a fire broke out and consumed the two young Priests, and they died before the altar.

Moses, not really understanding what had happened, bade Aaron to bring certain offering to the altar. Aaron, livid, said: “After what has happened to me, you ask me to do that?”

Moses was now suddenly aware of the tragedy that had happened. Now, he listened to Aaron.

We who have heard or read this story should profit from the lesson in it. When we are talking to our relatives or friends or acquaintances, we must be aware of their moods. When they have recently suffered some kind of tragedy, it is not the time to break in upon them with something funny or happy.

If we are to learn from this happening in the Torah, which we have just read, we must learn to be sensitive to the situation of our friends and family so we do not trod on their feelings.

We hope they also have learned that lesson, to sense our mood and situation.

Tikkun editor Michael Lerner’s home attacked again

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The northern California home of Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of the progressive Tikkun magazine, was vandalized for the third time in less than a year.

Tuesday’s attack came a day after Lerner presented the Tikkun Award for ethics to South African Justice Richard Goldstone at a celebration of Tikkun’s 25th anniversary attended by more than 600 people at the University of California, Berkeley.

Goldstone, author of the U.N. report on the Gaza war that said Israel had committed acts approaching war crimes, has come under fire from many segments of the Jewish community.

The vandalism, which was discovered Wednesday morning, included several posters of Lerner dressed as a Nazi carrying away an innocent Jew identified as the State of Israel.

Goldstone was mentioned as well in the posters.

The first act of vandalism against Lerner occurred early last May and also included posters attached to his door and the fence around his house. It occurred just days after Lerner announced that Goldstone would be this year’s honoree. The second attack was reported to police but not made public, the magazine said in a statement.

Police are calling Tuesday’s attack a hate crime due to the content of the posters, according to the magazine. The first case was investigated only as an act of vandalism because the police said Lerner was being attacked for his politics, not his religion.

“Anyone concerned about civil liberties should be concerned about this pattern of attacks on the private home of a magazine editor. And for those who believe that there is a new tone of civility in the Jewish world, well ... it obviously has not impacted on right wing Zionist extremists,” read the statement from the magazine, which examines Jewish life from a left-progressive perspective.

“There is no reason to believe, and we do not believe, that American Zionists as a whole either intended or approve of this kind of activity,” the statement continued.

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

In memoriam BEN JOSIN Ben Josin passed away on March 15 at the age of 91.

Services were held March 17 at The Mount Zion Section of Hillcrest Memorial Park.

He is survived by his wife Emma, son and daughter-inlaw, Harvey and Cindy Josin, daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Kenny Goldberg, and grandchildren: Richard Goldberg, Lindsay and Corey Freedman, Jenny Goldberg, and Grace Josin.

Born in Ozorkow, Poland, Ben, who survived the concentration camps, was the lone survivor of his entire family.

He met his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Emma, in a concentration camp, and they married in Bomberg, Germany before immigrating to Omaha.

In 1985, Ben was honored in Omaha by the State of Israel Bonds. The award recognized his extraordinary and heroic efforts to help build a new life for his family and the Jewish people.

In 1990, Ben and Emma retired to Aventura, FL and then moved to Dallas in 2010. They were members of Beth Israel Synagogue in Omaha. Ben was active in Jewish and ProIsrael causes.

Regardless of the amount of time any one person may have spent with Ben, his special sense of humor and warm heart made an everlasting impression.

Memorials may be made to the Dallas Holocaust Memorial Center in memory of Ben Josin.

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Facebook purchases Israeli start-up JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Facebook is purchasing its first Israeli company, a start-up called Snaptu. Facebook will pay an estimated $60 million to $70 million, according to reports citing market sources. The deal is expected to be finalized in the next few weeks.

The company, established in 2007 with offices in London, Tel Aviv and northern California’s Silicon Valley, has developed applications that allow mobile phones to access the Internet. The applications could apply to about 80 percent of all mobile phones in use around the world.

Warren Christopher, overseer of Mideast talks, dies

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Warren Christopher, the U.S. Secretary of State whose intensive shuttling shepherded talks with Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians in the mid-1990s, has died.

Christopher died March 18 at home in Los Angeles of complications from cancer.

He was 85.

As secretary of state under President Bill Clinton, Christopher traveled to the Middle East 18 times in an effort to bring peace to the region.

Christopher pressed negotiations between Israel and Warren Christopher the Palestinians, and oversaw credit: sierramadrenews.net the signing of the Oslo Accords between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in 1993.

Christopher also shepherded negotiations between Israel and Jordan, and attended the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries in 1994. He also worked to achieve peace between Israel and Syria.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called Christopher a “dear friend” in a statement released over the weekend.

“Warren was a diplomat’s diplomat -- talented, dedicated and exceptionally wise,” she said. “As well as anyone in his generation, he understood the subtle interplay of national interests, fundamental values and personal dynamics that drive diplomacy. America is safer and the world is more peaceful because of his service.”

President Obama called Christopher a “resolute pursuer of peace,” as well as “a skillful diplomat, a steadfast public servant and a faithful American.”

Christopher “brought his strong intellect to bear on such pressing problems as the Iran hostage crisis, Israeli and Palestinian peace negotiations, the Bosnian war, and racial tensions in Los Angeles,” said U.S. Rep. Howard Berman, the ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement.

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16 | The Jewish Press | March 25, 2011