Vol. LXXXVII No. 29 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Israeli television puts spotlight on transplants and Friedel by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Dr. Margalit comes from Sasa, a kibbutz in Israel When the families of two little boys, Michael and where her parents and a sister still live. Coincidentally, Ba’sem, traveled from Israel to Omaha for an extended Ra’ek Sulliman, Bas’em’s father, had built the shelter stay, they needed help. Both Michael and Bas’em need- rooms there that were added to each apartment to proed transplants, but tect families from rocktheir families needed et attacks coming from much more than medHezbollah in Lebanon, ical care. only half a mile away. Michael’s older sis“Being aware of the ter, Ortal Cohen, financial difficulties of needed schooling -the family -- moving out of their environand friends. ment in Israel and halfShe found that at way across the world -Friedel Jewish Acadand the tremendous emy, where she expenses involved with received education, the transplant, I was and a warm welcome from the community trying to think of ways of students and teachto help them,” Dr. ers. Margalit said. Tal, daughter of So she turned to her Ruti and Eyal sister-in-law, Amit Margalit, was instru- Cameraman Joseph Tinnin, left, and Channel One correspondent Nathan Goldenberg-Margalit, mental in absorbing Guttman, right, came to Omaha to interview Ortal Cohen and her family. an editor for Channel Ortal into the school last year and easing her way into One, the Israeli Public Television channel. the English-speaking environment in Omaha. “We thought a broadcast story would help these famRuti, whose daughter Doron now attends kindergarten ilies with fundraising, so I asked how we could spread at Friedel, has been involved with both families as well, the word. She suggested contacting Channel One’s corand has lately been coordinating the help needed from respondent in Washington, D.C., Nathan Guttman. It the community. She also happens to be a family physi- took a few weeks, many phone calls and late night ecian and medical educator at the University of Nebraska mails,” she added. Continued on page 2 Medical Center, where the transplants occurred.
21 Adar II, 5768
March 28, 2008
Bikers ride to remember by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press The Jewish Motorcycle Alliance (JMA) has announced its “Ride to Remember” this spring in Omaha will benefit the National Holocaust Education Fund (NHEF), established in 2002 by Sam and Frances Fried. Hundreds of motorcycle riders are expected to converge on Omaha on Thursday, May 22. “Each year we choose a not-for-profit organization to support education about the Holocaust and genocide,” said former Omahan Dr. Neil Cooper, an Atlanta member of JMA and coordinator of the ride. “All our riders are looking forward to this; it is more than just a ride. We will be an active part of outreach to local colleges as part of a weekend awareness program.” The NHEF supports the teaching of the history and lessons of the Holocaust -- especially at the college level. To that end, the Heartland Holocaust Education Fund was established last year in partnership with the Omaha Community Foundation to provide funding for courses Continued on page 2
Dr. Neil Cooper and his wife Shelley of Atlanta are organizing a motorcycle ride as a benefit for Holocaust education.
Obama: Pastor’s views on Israel ‘distorted’ by RON KAMPEAS and JACOB BERKMAN WASHINGTON (JTA) -- In a bid to quell growing unease about his relationship with a black preacher known for strident rhetoric, Barack Obama described the Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s views on America -- including its relationship with Israel -- as fundamentally “distorted.” Obama addressed the issue during a hastily scheduled speech in Philadelphia, days after the media began airing video clips of Wright's harsh condemnations of American policy, including an assertion that the United States brought the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks upon itself. Wright is Obama’s longtime pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ, an Afrocentric church on Chicago's South Side. In a sermon shortly after the attacks, Wright said, “We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards.” On March 18, Obama dedicated most of his speech to addressing Wright’s general criticisms of the United States and the wider topic of race in America, but also spent a few moments addressing the claim about Israel. “The remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial,” Obama said. “They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead they
Inside
expressed a “From our perspective the profoundly specific reference and to distorted condemn radical Islam is a view of this sensitivity to our communicountry -- a ty,” Foxman told JTA just view that sees after Obama completed his white racism speech. as endemic In a post to its Washington and that eleblog, the Orthodox Union vates what is directed readers to Obama’s wrong with rebuttal of Wright on the A m e r i c a Israel point, while adding above all that that the speech was “much we know is broader” than just a rejecright with tion of the pastor’s remarks America. A and “worth reading in full.” view that sees Among those criticizing the conflicts Obama was former Bush in the Middle press secretary Ari Fleischer, East as rooted who addressed the topic primarily in during a convention March the actions of Though Barack Obama, seen here in a televised address on race in America, called out his 16 organized by the United stalwart allies former pastor on some of his views, the candidate said such opinions must be heard if the Jewish Communities. Credit: Obama for America “The statements that your like Israel country is to make progress. instead of emanating from the perverse Obama from Jewish Republicans and clergy make when you join give a little bit conservatives eager to tie the Democratic of an indication of your own sense of and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.” Obama’s speech comes after weeks of candidate to his pastor. right and wrong, and you cannot just Wright has praised Louis Farrakhan and divorce from that,” Fleischer said, speakescalating tensions in the Democratic race, as well as mounting concerns once traveled with the Nation of Islam ing to more than 1,000 donors younger among some party leaders and activists leader to meet with Moammar Gadhafi in than 45 who are active in the Jewish fedthat the contest between Obama and Libya. eration system. But some Jewish organizations praised U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) was “If my rabbi had made those statebecoming increasingly polarized along Obama’s speech. ments, I would have left the synagogue Abraham Foxman, the national director immediately,” said Fleischer, an active racial lines. At the same time, the continuing reve- of the Anti-Defamation League, said the board member of the Republican Jewish lations about Wright’s comments have specific reference to Wright’s anti-Israel Coalition.” triggered a new wave of criticism of views was reassuring. Continued on page 2
This Week: Monthly Calendar for April: Pages 12-13
See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 20
McCain faces firestorm over Hagee endorsment: Page 4
Coming Next Month: Israel@60 on April 18 Outstanding Teacher Award goes to Friedel teacher: Page 6
Jewish People of the Byte: Kosher wines: that was then: Page 17
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
Israeli television puts spotlight on Friedel
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Continued from page 1 With cameraman Joseph Tinnin in tow, Guttman came to Omaha recently, and visited the places that have been important during both Michael’s and Ba’sem’s stay in Omaha. The story took on every more importance as Michael and his family are Jewish and Bas’em and his are Druze Muslims. Despite their differences, the families bonded -- as did their new extended family in Omaha. “They went to Michael’s house, and spoke with his mother, Smada Sweisa, and sister Ortal; they visited Ba’sem’s house where they interviewed his father and mother, Ra’ek Sulliman and Radiya Grefat,” Dr. Margalit aded. “A few community members from the many involved this year were interviewed as well,”she said, including Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, Ophir Palmon, Nancy Wolf and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. The TV crew also spoke with Dr. Debra Sudan, the transplant surgeon. Aware of how essential Friedel has been to Ortal’s well-being, she also brought the crew into the school. “I wanted Guttman to include the school in the story, so people could see the wonderful environment that helped Ortal through her family’s struggles,” Margalit explained. “I think it truly provided a respite for her after functioning with such great responsibility for her brother, even in the most difficult circumstances.” Beth Israel Synagogue, under the leadership of Rabbi Jonathan Gross, also made it possible for Ortal to attend Friedel. The support of the school’s teachers and students was very meaningful, including the assistance Helen Epstein provided with private English lessons for the Israeli student.
Bas’em and his family were due to leave last Sunday to return to their home in El-Zaarzir, a small village near Nazareth in the Central Galilee of Israel, this time with a baby girl in tow. She was born last month in Omaha. Bas’em will be followed closely by a team of physicians at Rambam to ensure a successful post-transplant course. Sweisa finds it “very encouraging that there was another Israeli family here going through the same journey as we are. It’s easier when we all speak Hebrew to communicate frequently by phone and answer each other’s questions. We support and encourage each other and pray and hope together for our children’s success.” “The people here and especially the ones from the Jewish community are wonderful people,” commented Sulliman through Dr. Margalit. “They help us; they stand by us; they were there when we had no one to turn to. We are grateful for all they have done for us, and we will never forget it. We tell all our Arab friends in Israel what has happened here and all about the support we found.” Ruti and Eyal’s daughter Doron is not the first Margalit to enjoy a Friedel education. Their two older daughters, Noam and Tal, graduated from the school in 2005 and 2007. They continue to be very involved with the school. Currently, Dr. Margalit chairs the activity committee on Friedel’s Board; she plans and organizes outdoor activities for the students, the next one coming up is Lag B’Omer, Sunday, May 18. If you’re interested in helping Michael and Ba’sem and their families, please contact Margalit at margalitim5@yahoo.com. Claudia Sherman and Carol Katzman contributed to this article.
Obama: Pastor’s views distorted
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Continued on page 2 “He was like a typical politician: It became a controversy, so he distanced himself. This is a very worrisome sign to me,” Fleischer added. The Zionist Organization of America -- a group that has worked with Israeli politicians who advocate transferring Arabs out of the country and with Christian leaders who speak of holy war with Islam, without endorsing or opposing either view -- planned to call on Obama to quit his church. After Obama’s speech on March 18, ZOA President Morton Klein said the organization had not changed its view. Klein, who graduated from the same public high school in Philadelphia as Wright, said that Obama gave his pastor “a pass by giving a basis and rationale for why Wright and other blacks feel the way they do.” Many of Obama’s defenders say it is unfair to hold him accountable for everything his pastor says. In addressing the same UJC gathering at which Fleischer spoke, one of Obama’s top Jewish surrogates -- former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer -said “we would not want to be judged by rabbis who
Bikers ride to remember Continued from page 1 at Nebraska colleges and universities “The NHEF is honored to be the JMA’s charity of choice in 2008,” said Sam Fried. “We believe the JMA’s visit and outreach to members of the higher Educational Institutions will add a deeper connection with the community in Nebraska in a fun, yet thoughtful way.” The event opens with a dinner that evening at the Marriott Regency Hotel; Dr. Ron Roskens, a member of the NHEF board, is chairman of the dinner. The visiting bikers plan to tour University of Nebraska campuses in Omaha and Lincoln. A memorial ceremony also is planned at the Holocaust Memorial at Wyuka State Cemetery in Lincoln. Funding for the memorial was provided by the citizens of the State of Nebraska and the NHEF. Included in the memorial is an on-going educational component for middle and high schools to be closely coordinated with Omaha’s Institute for Holocaust Education, a division of the Plains States region of the Anti-Defamation League. “We are thrilled there is an organization like the JMA doing tikkun olam in their ‘Ride to Remember’,” Fried added. “And we are looking forward to showing them the Midwest hospitality we are known for.” For more information, please call 402.334.6439 or visit www.tnhef.org.
sometimes say ridiculous things.” “We would hope that we would be strong enough to denounce them, as the senator has done with his pastor,” Kurtzer said. In response to some of the criticisms of Obama, liberal pundits have noted that the presumptive Republican nominee, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), has embraced the support of several Christian conservative clergymen, including John Hagee, who have made offensive statements. After several days of mounting criticism, McCain said that if Hagee indeed had ever made anti-Catholic remarks, then he condemned them. As for Obama, in his speech he strongly criticized Wright’s remarks, but also said the pastor’s views must be understood in the context of the racism blacks have suffered. He also urged Americans to accept a fuller image of Wright and their relationship. “The truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man,” he said, referring to the inflammatory remarks. “The man I met more than 20 years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another, to care for the sick and lift up the poor. “He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine, who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over 30 years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth -- by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.” If anything, Obama said, such views must be heard if America is to move forward. “Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point,” he said. “We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist between the African-American community and the larger American community today can be traced directly to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.” Even while praising some parts of the speech, Foxman echoed concerns over Obama’s insistence on contextualizing Wright. “I think there is a great deal of sincerity and eloquence in trying to communicate the scars of racism in our country,” Foxman said. “For us, the ADL, we’re disappointed and troubled and distressed by an effort to excuse and rationalize. Pain does not justify bigotry and anti-Semitism.” JTA managing editor Ami Eden contributed to this report from New York.
March 28, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
In Israel visit, McCain shows his pro-Israel credentials by DINA KRAFT JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Wearing a white knitted kipah, U.S. Sen. John McCain stood at the Western Wall, tucked a note inside one of its crevices and pressed his hand on the ancient stone, striking an image meant to speak to American Jewish voters across the sea that he is indeed their man. McCain, the Arizona senator who is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, spoke March 19 of his “deep and abiding commitment to Israel” -- a theme he stressed throughout his meetings this week with Israeli leaders. Sounding a note of commonality and understanding with his Israeli hosts, McCain said that Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah were threats not only to Israel, but to America as well. “Iran is funding, training and aiding extremist groups,” McCain told Israeli President Shimon Peres. “My concern over this issue has increased following my current tour of the Middle East.” McCain also said it would be difficult for Israel to talk to Hamas about a ceasefire in Gaza. Although billed as a congressional factfinding mission with fellow Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), both major McCain supporters, McCain’s visit to Israel felt more like a campaign stop. It served as a place for dramatic photo opportunities and a venue to talk tough on foreign policy, which McCain is plugging as his forte in the race. Before arriving in Israel, the delegation visited Iraq and Jordan. In Israel, McCain made clear that like Bush and Olmert, he is sticking to the strategy that Palestinian Authority
President Mahmoud Abbas should be cultivated as a peace partner. McCain told Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during their meeting that in a phone conversation Tuesday, Abbas said he also is disturbed by the rocket fire from Gaza. “I again believe that President Abbas wants to get this process started,” McCain said. “I believe that he does not support the kind of activity that is taking place in Gaza.”
toll that Palestinian rocket fire from the Gaza Strip has taken on the southern Israeli city of Sderot. He toured a house that was badly damaged by a rocket, and was shown a pile of singed and mangled Kassam rockets collected by Sderot police. “That is not a way for people to live,” McCain said during his tour of Sderot. “No nation in the world can be attacked incessantly and have its population killed and intimidated without responding. That’s one of the first obligations of government, to provide security for its citizens.” The senator said that if rockets were to hit his home state of Arizona, residents certainly would demand a harsh response. “Seeing firsthand the situation here is one that's very compelling,” he said. “Nine hunPresidential hopeful John McCain, center, and U.S. Senate colleagues dred rocket Lindsey Graham, left, and Joseph Lieberman lay a wreath at the Yad attacks in less than Vashem Holocaust memorial’s Hall of Remembrance in Jerusalem on three months, an March 18. Credit: Brian Hendler average of one Israelis are debating whether or not it's every two hours. Obviously this puts an worth talking to Hamas to achieve a enormous and hard-to-understand strain cease-fire that would end the cross-bor- on the people here.” der rocket fire from Gaza into southern He said the violence “brings more into Israel. McCain said he would be wary of focus the absolute requirement to pursue negotiating with a group like Hamas. the peace process.” “It is my considered opinion that it is Lieberman served on the trip as somedifficult to negotiate with an individual or thing of a cultural guide for McCain. The an organization that is committed to your Connecticut lawmaker provided McCain extinction,” he said. the kipah he wore at the Western Wall On his visit, McCain saw firsthand the and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial
in Jerusalem, and explained the holiday of Purim when they were met by children in costumes. It was also Lieberman who whispered into McCain’s ear in Jordan on March 18, correcting McCain when he stumbled in suggesting that Iran, a Shi’ite nation, was training the Sunni terrorist group alQaida. McCain seemed on more certain footing in Israel trying to project the image of a statesman. On March 19, he had lunch with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, then joined Defense Minister Ehud Barak for a helicopter tour of the country. The tour recalled a similar flight taken by then-presidential hopeful George W. Bush with then-Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon in 1998 in which Sharon demonstrated the great security challenges facing Israel given its small size. Both men later became leaders of their countries, and the helicopter tour often is cited as a key element in securing Bush’s strong support for Israeli security. Perhaps the most raucous part of McCain’s trip came when he departed the Western Wall and was swarmed by throngs of photographers, tourists and well-wishers, some of whom shouted out greetings to “the future president.” As photographers and cameramen surged to get closer to McCain, they were pushed back by Israeli border policemen. Several fistfights ensued. The scene at the holiest site in Judaism may have offered McCain a glimpse of the rough-and-tumble energy in the region, which offered a stark contrast to the series of warm but sedate rounds of visits he held with Israeli officialdom. After Israel, McCain was scheduled to visit London and Paris.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
Hypocrisy flies as McCain faces firestorm over Hagee endorsement AMERICA DECIDES 2008 by AMI EDEN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Many conservatives, not to mention Clinton supporters, were smiling wide earlier this month during the Democratic debate in Ohio when MSNBC’s Tim Russert asked Barack Obama about being praised by Louis Farrakhan. But the controversy faded almost before it started after Obama denounced the Nation of Islam leader’s anti-Jewish remarks, and with a little prodding from Hillary Clinton, rejected his words of support as well. Instead it’s John McCain who has spent that week on the defensive over an endorsement from a controversial clergyman, J o h n Pastor John Hagee, a proIsrael televangelist and megaHagee. H a g e e , church leader, has endorsed the San John McCain for president. Credit: Christians United AntonioFor Israel based televangelist and mega-church leader, is best known to American Jews for his rousing speech at last year’s annual AIPAC conference and his groundbreaking success in launching a Christian pro-Israel lobby. Now he finds himself at the center of the presidential campaign, accused of bashing Catholicism, Islam and homosexuality. And despite his long record of supporting Israel and speaking out against anti-Jewish bigotry, he’s even being accused of antiSemitism by some liberal critics. At issue are a string of inflammatory comments and speeches, most notably a presentation posted to YouTube in which Hagee appears to describe the Roman Catholic Church as “the great whore of Revelations” and a “false cult system.” The media and Democrats began to pounce on the issue after Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League, issued a public statement calling on McCain to follow Obama’s lead and denounce Hagee. That liberals and Democrats are essentially taking their cues from Donohue -- a self-described conservative and a highprofile defender of Mel Gibson during
the fights over The Passion of the Christ -- is just one of the ironies/hypocrisies to emerge during the debates on the campaign trail over Farrakhan and Hagee. For starters, what to make of Republicans who rushed to condemn Obama over his pastor’s support of Farrakhan and charge the Democratic presidential hopeful of somehow not doing enough to speak out against the Nation of Islam, but are mum about McCain’s failure to condemn Hagee? Or the Republican Party in Tennessee, which in its zeal to condemn Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism and paint Obama as sympathetic to intolerance against Jews, issued a news release that critics said attempted to exploit the religious and racial fears of voters? The state- John McCain speaks at the m e n t , Republican Jewish Coalition’s w h i c h GOP forum, Oct. 16, 2007 in reportedly Washington, D.C. Credit: Courtesy of RJC ended up drawing criticism from McCain, one of the state’s GOP senators and the Republican National Committee, included a photo of Obama in what was identified as “Muslim attire,” noted that his middle name was Hussein and pointed out that his mother was white -- all while managing to confuse Islam with the Nation of Islam. On the other side of the aisle, the Democratic National Committee was quick to slam Hagee, firing off news releases filled with inflammatory rhetoric from the pastor on an array of topics. Many of the quotes cited raised legitimate questions about Hagee’s views and, by extension, his endorsement of McCain. But in suggesting that Hagee is in some way anti-Jewish, the DNC, along with some liberal pundits and bloggers, overreached. To make its case on this front, the DNC has been pointing to Hagee’s assertion that “it was the disobedience and rebellion of the Jews, God’s chosen people, to their covenantal responsibility to serve only the one true God, Jehovah, that gave rise to the opposition and persecution that they experienced beginning in Canaan and continuing to this very day.” Never mind Hagee’s long record of
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Hagee’s many critics would point out speaking up for Israel and speaking out against anti-Semitism; the quote in ques- as well that it doesn't address his attacks tion accurately reflects classical Jewish against Islam, nor his view that a series of theology and eschews the tendency in tragic events, from Yitzhak Rabin’s assassome Christian circles to demonize sination to Hurricane Katrina, can be explained as divine retribution -- whether Judaism itself. By comparison, as the New York-based it be for surrendering land or tolerating Jewish Press, an Orthodox newspaper homosexuality. reported last week, an audio collection of Undoubtedly, as the criticisms of Bible teachings from President Carter Hagee mount and such comments gain released last year contains far more problematic quotes, drawing on classical Christian attacks on the Jewish religion and the ancient Israelites. Yet it’s safe to say that many of Hagee’s critics would cry foul if Carter’s critics played the antiSemitism card against the former president. As for Hagee, he’s denied that he was talking about the Roman Catholic Church when he made the “great John McCain greets an American well-wisher as he arrives at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, March 18, 2008. whore” comment. Credit: Brian Hendler “I am referring to the apostate church, namely those Christians who more attention, Jewish groups will come embrace the false cult system of Jew- under increasing pressure to sever their hatred and anti-Semitism,” Hagee said in ties to the staunchly pro-Israel pastor. a statement, adding that he has also critiBut on this point, Donohue is willing cized the founder of Protestantism, to cut the Jewish community some slack. Martin Luther, for the “horrendous anti“I wasn’t too wild about it, but I have Semitism he spouted towards the end of a little more sympathy,” Donohue said, his career.” when asked about Hagee’s AIPAC Donohue rejected that explanation, speech. “If I’m a Jew and I know saying that Protestants have been target- Muslims are out to kill me, it’s a little ing the “great whore” epithet at the dicey to start questioning how clean he Vatican for decades. Besides, he added, has to be,” he said. that doesn’t explain away Hagee’s repeat“I have a little more sympathy. But the ed claims that the Catholic Church bears difference between AIPAC and a guy much blame for the Holocaust. running for president is enormous.”
Organization lends a helping hand Alan Dershowitz, right, and One Family Fund founder Marc Belzberg greeting Kassam rocket victim Rami Twito who was released from hospital in the care of his mother, Iris. Last month, 19year-old Rami, and his eight-year-old brother Osher, walked to an ATM near their home in Sderot and were hit by a Kassam rocket fired from Gaza. Rami was hit by flying shrapnel in the legs and arms, and Osher, who was closer to the blast, had his legs crushed. Surgeons had to amputate one of Osher’s legs. One Family Fund not only collects money to help victims of terror, but also brings together people who have suffered from similar experiences in Israel and around the world. The fund also helps to pay for special resources to assist in rehabilitation. Since its founding in September 2001, the fund has distributed over $12.2 million in assistance and programCredit: ISRANET ming for victims of terrorism.
March 28, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
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by SHARI HESS ences. She related to me her love of all life. Her face for the Sokolof Scholarship Committee beamed when she described her love of teaching. She Naama Arzi has been chosen the 2008 winner of the shared her story of leaving her United Nations position Sokolof Teacher’s Award. The impressive letters of nom- because she knew in her heart she needed to follow her ination came from students, parents, fellow teachers, a dream of being an educator. principal, an educational director, a program director, Arzi explained how she and the Jewish community of and others. Omaha became a perfect While reading the nomfit. She called Omaha her ination letters, the com“home� and began a 15 mittee was impressed by minute speech on the the many people who Arzi interesting people and has positively inspired in experiences she has had many educational arenas. since moving here. In her ability to work When asked about her with students, one parent goals and dreams, Arzi wrote: “She has enhanced told me that “Friedel his love of reading and Academy had moved to speaking Hebrew. He the major arena among stands now as a proud Jewish Day Schools.� She, Jewish boy. Without a the hidden treasure, wantdoubt Ms. Arzi has given ed to be part of the conhim a gift that will stay tinued growth and spirit with him forever.� that Friedel possesses. Friedel principal Cookie The Outstanding Katskee, described Arzi as Naama Arzi, a Jewish studies teacher at Friedel, is the winner of Jewish Teacher award will “a hidden treasure.� A the Outstanding Jewish Teacher, awarded by the Sokolof Funds. presented to Arzi on mentor described her abilities as “a natural born teacher. Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Her attention to details, passion for learning and devo- Center, along with the Sokolof Scholarship awards to tion to learning make her a perfect candidate for the high school graduates Benjamin Nachman and Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen, health care students Sarah Edelstein Outstanding Teacher Award.� I arrived at the Friedel Jewish Academy last week to and Elina Yurikov, and Karen Sokolof Javitch Music take a few pictures and discuss some background infor- Scholarships to Jeffrey Malashock and Adam Skog. The mation for this article. The moment I entered the class- event is free and open to the public. The presentation will follow the showing of A Cantor’s room, I knew immediately why these letters were written. It is truly a classroom of warmth, high expectation and Tale with featured Cantor Jacob Mendelson. A reception joy. I recognized that the reason for this was her, the will conclude the evening, organized by the Sokolof Scholarship Committee of the Jewish Federation of beloved teacher. Arzi told me of her childhood and educational experi- Omaha Foundation.
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Caterers John Hattam and by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Erwin Siegler also particiCommunications Coordinator pated in the professional Approximately 120 people chefs category. Other nonsipped nearly 20 varieties of professional soup chefs were chicken soup and sampled Steve Danon, Penny an array of challah at Temple Endelman, Lisa Epstein, Israel’s first Challah and Gail Kohll, Ellen Long, Joan Chicken Soup Cookoff earMarcus, Maxine Noodell, lier this month. While adults Linda Saltzman, Sarah and children alike treated Schondel-meyer, Mimi their taste buds, the judges, Silverman, and Jeff Slutzky. who were Judy a la carte Additional challah bakers (Gilliard), cookbook author Linda Saltzman, left, serves soup to Sandy Nogg. and food talk show host at KFAB radio; Jim Trebbien, executive director of the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College; Dave Wingert, a host on KGOR; and Jon Meyers, Danielle Gordman, Adam Kirshenbaum, and Phyllis Glazer from Temple, marked their judging sheets with impressions of every entry. Bob Freshman of Fresh Catering & More won (in the professional chefs category) and Amee Zetzman (non-professional category) for Best in Chow; Jeff Louri Sullivan and Cory Clinebell, Ironwood Schweid, took honors for Country Club, were among the winners after the Most Creative Soup; all the soup was sipped and all the challah Jeff Slutzky’s chicken soup was lovingly prepared as a tribute to his mother Adele. Cory Clinebell, from was heartily hailed at Temple’s cookoff. Ironwood Country Club, for the Most Beautiful were Katherine Finnegan, Jennifer Glazer, John Challah; Louri Sullivan for the Best Tasting Challah; Hattam, Judy Marburg, Silvia Roffman, Andrea Siegel, Gretchen Radler for the People’s Choice Soup Award; and Rosie Zweiback. Louri Sullivan for the People’s Choice Challah Award; Raffle donors were Courtyard by Marriott, Bella Vita Allison Latenser for the Kids’ Choice Soup Award; Restaurante, and the Village Grinder. Proceeds were Louri Sullivan for the Kids’ Choice Challah Award; and divided between Temple’s Family Trip to Israel in Ironwood Country Club for the Best Decorated Booth. December and the Omaha Food Bank. All the winners took home rubber chickens and bragCommittee members were Rick Fox, Patrick Jensen, ging rights! Len Burrell, Dennis DePorte, and Rosie Zweiback.
March 28, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Scale models: Mom and daughter taking on Everest in bid for history by DAN GOLDBERG SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) -- For Cheryl and Nikki Bart, ain’t no mountain high enough. Seven years after their first adventure in Nepal, the Barts are heading back to Katmandu next week in an attempt to become the first mother-daughter team to conquer Everest. If they manage to reach the roof of the world, the Sydney pair also would be the first mother and daughter to have scaled the so-called seven summits -- the highest peaks on each of the Earth’s continents. “My husband likes to quip that it’s a record that may go unbroken for generations,” Cheryl says with a laugh. “The first Jewish mother-daughter team to climb Everest and the seven summits!” Cheryl and Nikki Bart are both graduates of Moriah College, Australia’s largest Jewish school. Cheryl is a non-executive director of several companies and is an ambassador of the Australian chapter of the Peres Center for Peace. Nikki, 23, is in her sixth and final year of studying medicine. Their addiction to altitude was forged two decades ago when they visited Israel. While Cheryl’s husband and son took the cable car to the summit of Masada, Cheryl and Nikki, then 5, climbed up in sweltering heat. Nikki doesn’t recall the climb, but she remembers visiting Israel. “That was probably my first greatest adventure,” she says. “I remember absolutely loving it and already loving traveling with Mum. That’s probably when my travel bug began.” Since 2001, Cheryl and Nikki have climbed the highest peaks on each con-
tinent: Mount Elbrus in Europe, 18,510 feet; McKinley-Denali in North America, 20,320 feet; Kilimanjaro in Africa, 19,340 feet; Aconcagua in South America, 22,834 feet; Vinson Massif in Antarctica, 16,066 feet; and Kosciuszko in Australia, 7310 feet.
made history on May 29, 1953. The Barts know the risks. In 2006, while heading up McKinley-Denali in Alaska, they were trapped at an altitude of about 16,500 feet for six days in a severe snowstorm. “It was just so scary,” Cheryl recalls. “Our bodies were slowly
Nikki Bart, left, and her mother, Cheryl, stand atop Cho Oyu in Tibet after conquering the world’s sixth highest mountain last year. Their final frontier is Everest, at 29,035 feet, which has claimed the lives of more than 200 climbers since the first attempts were made in the 1920s -- long before Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay
atrophying, and it took a lot of effort to stay sane.” It was even worse for Nikki, who suffered frostbite on her fingers. “With extremely sore hands, I then had to walk
for 12 hours on what is called the ‘death march’ before catching the plane out,” she says. “It was a terrifying injury.” This time, however, they will be climbing in the “death zone” -- an altitude of more than 26,000 feet. At that point, according to Cheryl, “your body actually starts dying on you because it’s just too high and everything starts to shut down.” She acknowledges that some think she has a death wish. “No, I’ve got a life wish,” she insists. “There are times when it’s so magnificently glorious to be up there where not many people have stood.” She adds, “you just feel so alive. It’s so spectacular and it’s such a privilege to be there.” With the intensity of their adventures, this is no ordinary motherdaughter relationship. “Sometimes we are mother and daughter,” Nikki says. “Sometimes we are like friends and other times we are like sisters.” Cheryl says her husband and son, a snowboarding enthusiast who wonders why they don’t just snowboard down the mountains rather than climb up them, “are very supportive.” “They obviously get nervous and anxious and worried, but also know that we are very determined about it,” she says. The Barts hope to leave base camp at the beginning of April and reach the summit in May. On April 19 -- the first seder night of Passover -- they probably will be near the highest point on Earth. “We will definitely be taking some matzah along,” Nikki says. “But due to the high-carb diet we need to maintain for energy, keeping Pesach may be difficult.”
A Special Evening
Watch
A Cantor’s Tale The compelling movie about the life of Cantor Jacob Mendelson.
Hear
A Live Performance Cantor Jacob Mendelson will perform live in the JCC Theater.
Tuesday, April 1 • 7 p.m. • JCC Theater A Reception Follows this Free Evening
Honor
Sokolof Merit Awards Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund $10,000 Merit Scholarship – College Benjamin Nachman Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen $10,000 Merit Scholarship – Health Care Field Sarah Edelstein Elina Yurikov $10,000 Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award Naama Arzi
Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund Merit Scholarship Jeffrey Malashock Adam Skog
Sponsored by the Sokolof Funds
Steven Bloch, President
Martin C. Ricks, Executive Director 334-6440 • mricks@jewishomaha.org
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
Original Shabbat play to be performed Peace, shalom, salaam: by Beth El’s fifth-grade thespians theme of 2008 BBYO Spring Regional by JILL BELMONT I get to be with my friends, and the play Beth El Publicity Coordinator teaches us what not to do on Shabbat, This Sunday morning, Beth El even if it is important. Shabbat is imporSynagogue’s fifth graders will show off tant to me because I get to be with my their acting chops, as they perform family and it is a time for relaxation.” “Celebrate Shabbat for the Rest of Your Her classmate Elissa Wiener shared Life,” an original play they’ve scripted that, “I liked that we got to write the play along with teacher, Andy Greenberg. The and make it our own. I think it is really play will take place in the synagogue’s cool that every year in fifth grade, there is sanctuary on March 30, 11:30 a.m.; a play saying why Shabbat is so special. families and friends are all invited to Shabbat is special to me because we get attend. to be with family, and get a rest from the “Celebrate Shabbat,” created several busy week.” years ago as a musical CD, was the brainBeth El’s Education Director Judy child of Greenberg, who penned the Rubin, who worked with Greenberg to lyrics, and Beth El Cantor Gastón develop the lesson plan, noted the effecBogomolni, who wrote the music. tiveness of the “Celebrate Shabbat” curGreenberg later expanded the “Celebrate riculum. Shabbat” concept into a lesson plan for “I felt it [the “Celebrate Shabbat” unit the religious school; this will be the third of study] was a very compelling and worth year he has guided his fifth graders pursuing at BESTT,” she commented. through the innovative curriculum, “It’s one thing to talk about incorporatwhich culminates in the presentation of ing Shabbat into one’s life but quite an original Shabbat play. another to actually take steps to make Since last fall, Greenberg and his students have explored significant aspects of Shabbat, and what the day of rest means to each child; through creative script-writing, the play will present a variety of vignettes which highlight the students’ points of view about the imporBeth El’s fifth graders take direction from teacher Andy Greenberg tance of Shabbat. “While the theme of (not pictured) during a recent rehearsal of their play, “Celebrate the play never changes, Shabbat for the Rest of Your Life.” each year the children come up with dif- Shabbat a meaningful family experience. ferent real-life scenarios and issues which “With Andy’s guidance, the fifth grade they have to face,” he explained. “The students have been able to learn how kids focus on choices: the secular world Shabbat can make a difference in everyversus the spiritual world. How do you one’s lives,” she added. “Students have a balance? Can you balance? Do you want great sense of accomplishment in writing to balance?” the script and then performing it for the His students -- current and former -- student body and for their families.” have a great sense of pride in the plays There is a great pay-off for the time they have created, and have made an spent exploring Shabbat and its meaning important connection with Shabbat. That to each student, Greenberg remarked, sayconnection is important, Greenberg, ing that, “All during the year, the students said, because, “we have been told histor- have been learning selected Shabbat ically that we must do this and must do prayers and their meaning. They are always that as part of our religion; yet each time seeking to understand what the words we explore the benefits of a law, we begin mean and how they can relate to them. to truly understand the meaning and Their writing and presentation of the play beauty of what God created for us.” is a culmination of the year’s work; now, Sarah Kutler, one of this year’s play- they can not only lead and participate in wrights, said of the creative collaboration, services; through their own study, they “This play has been fun to be in because understand the beauty of Shabbat.”
To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $33, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.
by RACHEL BLUM JCC Jewish Program Director The Omaha council of BBYO is hosting this year’s Spring Regional Convention (SRC) April 10-13, at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, Nebraska. The convention will be host to Kansas City and St. Louis teens as we invite all members of the Mid-America Region to attend a weekend filled with Judaic, social action, and community service activities. The weekend is being coordinated by local teens Talia Tene and Michael Friedman, and our theme is Peace, Shalom, Salaam. The teens are currently working with a steering committee of 18 of their peers to bring a meaningful Judaic experience to all teens who attend. The highlight of the weekend’s programming will be a special screening of the HBO documentary, To Die in Jerusalem and discussion with the film’s director and producer, Hilla Medalia. According to Medalia, the film “explores - through the two families’ personal losses and Avigail Levy’s search for answers the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, mutual pain despite cultural differences and diverse perceptions of death; and ultimately, the hope for peace. The film’s most revealing moment is in an emotionally-charged meeting between the mothers of the two dead girls.”
A program of the Center for Jewish Education, Medalia will be in Omaha screening the film and speaking to the entire community on Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. Medalia has agreed to make a special visit to BBYO’s Spring Regional Convention to meet with our teens and to share her hope for a better future for Israel. All parents of teens who will be attending SRC are encouraged to come to the program on Thursday evening so they are able to create a dialogue with their own teens following the convention. For more information about the CJE screening of the film, contact Gary Katz at 334.6462 or email gkatz@jewishomaha.org. This program is sponsored by the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Fund, and by the Philip E. & Ethel Klutznick Fund. Other programs at SRC include an AZA visit to Sam Beber’s gravesite in Omaha, special Shabbat Services, including a sports and yoga/mediation service, Israel @ 60 programs, and a community service project where teens will be reading books onto CDs for visually impaired kids in Nebraska. Registration for SRC is still open, and BBYO members should register for the convention online at www.blinked.org. For more information about SRC or BBYO in general, please contact me at 334.6404 or rblum@jccomaha.org.
Pesach to go -- and seder to stay by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue With Pesach preparations underway, now is the time to make plans for meals and Seders. Beth Israel has just what you need to help make your Passover observances enjoyable. Beth Israel’s annual “Pesach To Go!” will again be offered. The synagogue’s caterer, Nancy Mattly, will cook up just what you need for your Seder dinners, as well as food you can eat throughout the holiday. Entrees, side dishes, soup and desserts are available. For a complete list of the items that you may order, and to place your order, call the office at 556.6288. “Pesach To Go!” orders must be placed by April 4 and can be picked up on April 18. The community is invited to attend
Beth Israel’s Second Seder. Led by Rabbi Jonathan Gross, the seder will be held on Sunday, April 20, 8:45 p.m. The extensive menu will feature roasted turkey and potatoes as well as spice cake. The cost is $36 for adults, $12 for children ages four to 12 and $5 for children under the age of four who will be eating dinner. Reservations are required by April 4. To RSVP, call the office. Pesach product guides, from both the Orthodox Union (OU) and the Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC), are available in the synagogue office. Synagogue office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 to 2 p.m. on Friday. You can also visit the OU and CRC websites: www.ou.org and www.crcweb.org.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, April 21 for Passover. The Passover issue publishes April 18; synagogue schedules are due to the Press office no later than April 1. The deadline for the April 25 issue is Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. for all ads, articles and photos. Questions? Call 402. 334.6448.
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March 28, 2008
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Joan Tower’s “Made in America” was the catalyst for three Grammy Awards, announced on Feb. 10 by the Recording Academy. Omaha Area Youth Symphony performed “Made in America” in 2005 as part of Ford Made in America, a partnership program of the League of American Orchestras and Meet The Composer. “Made in America” was recognized as Best Classical Contemporary Composition. OAYO’s Music Director, Aviva Segall, was quick to note the advantages to Youth Symphony members in participating in the project. The groundbreaking Ford “Made in America” program, the second cycle of which will launch in the fall of 2008, is the largest orchestral commissioning consortium in the country’s history. The program enables orchestras with smaller budgets to commission a work by an established American composer of national repute. “Made in America” was performed by 65 American orchestras in every state of the Union. Opening at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on Friday, March 28, Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin’s debut feature, The Band’s Visit, is a subtle, heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that continues to plague the Middle East. “The Band’s Visit is a lovely first film from young Israeli director Eran Kolirin that offers a Middle Eastern inflection on the bittersweet stylings of Jim Jarmusch and Aki Kaurismäki,” according to Rex Reed, film critic for the New York Observer. Entertainment Weekly film critic Lisa Schwarzbaum writes, “Something marvelous happens as the filmmaker, in his first feature, expertly metes out small scenes of communication between people taught, for generations, to be wary of one another: This Band swings with the rhythms of hope.” “The Israeli film that’s become celebrated for what it lacks -- enough Hebrew to contend for the best foreign language Oscar -- can now be seen and appreciated for what it has in abundance: visual wit, verbal charm and a completely droll sense of humor,” opines Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan. The Band’s Visit is showing at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on Friday, March 28-Thursday, April 10. Show times are available at www. TheRoss.org, by consulting your newspaper, or by calling the MRRMAC film information line at 402.472.5353. Opera Omaha plans a spectacular finale for its 50th anniversary season. An all new production of Verdi’s classic, Aida, has been designed by Omaha artist Catherine Ferguson and is being directed by Sam Helfrich. Opening Friday, April 4, with four additional performances on April 6, 9, 11 and 13 at the Orpheum Theater, Aida is a sizzling drama of love, loyalty and jealousy. Tickets are
Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group to share tips for a lite and easy Passover by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The women of Beth El are invited to celebrate the beginning of Adar II with a fun and informative Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting, offering handy tips for creating healthy, easy Seder menus. The Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., meeting is at the synagogue. Two components will make up the evening, according to Evie Mitchell, who is co-hosting the program along with Anna Mosenkis and Leah Grunkin. The first will focus on the holiday of Passover and the celebration of freedom; the cooking portion of the evening will feature demonstrations and samplings of dishes, for both Passover and everyday meals. All recipes will include nutritional information. In addition, she noted that during the evening, the co-hosts will share ways to make Passover preparations “as stress-free as possible.” RSVPs are needed by April 3, and may be made by contacting Mitchell, at 333.7668 or evmit@cox.net; or Mosenkis, at 330.1127, or igormos@yahoo.com.
available by calling the Opera Omaha box office at 34.OPERA, online at www.operaomaha.org and through Ticket Omaha, 345.0606. Menopause The Musical, America’s #1 “Girls’ Night Out” returns to the Scott Recital Hall in Omaha’s Holland Performing Arts Center, Wednesday, May 21 for eight weekly performances through June 15. During this hit show’s last Omaha run in March 2007, nearly 8,000 were in attendance. Menopause The Musical is a comedic celebration of “the change” and all that comes with it, from eating binges to night sweats. The show features four middleaged women who meet at a lingerie sale at a New York City Bloomingdale’s. Although at first they seem to have no more in common than a shopping addiction, they soon learn that they share menopause experiences, bonding over their mutual frustrations with wrinkles, memory loss and (of course) those pesky hot flashes. The show parodies classic songs of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s with tunes like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine; You No Longer See 39” and “Stayin’ Awake! Stayin’ Awake!” Tickets are $39.50 with a $4 discount per ticket available to groups of 10 to 49 and a $6 discount for groups of 50 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at charge-by-phone www.ticketomaha.org, 402.345.0606 or at the Ticket Omaha box office, 13th & Douglas St., Omaha, NE. For discounted group ticket sales call 402.661.8516. Ventriloquist, impersonator, singer and comedian Terry Fator, the winner of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” brings his “Million Dollar Voice” to Slosburg Hall in Omaha’s Orpheum Theater, Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. The long road from a 10-year-old’s dream of becoming a great entertainer to being named America’s top talent wasn’t an easy one, but Terry Fator has traveled it faithfully and finally arrived when America chose him the August 2007 winner of “America’s Got Talent.” Tickets are $69.50, $49.50 and $39.50. A limited number of VIP seats will be available for $99.50 to include a pre-performance “meet and greet” with Fator. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketomaha.org, charge-by-phone 402.345.0606 or Ticket Omaha box office, 13th & Douglas St., Omaha, NE. America’s most beloved musical, Annie, is back in its 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Omaha Performing Arts and Broadway Across America present the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater for just five performances Friday-Sunday, April 25-27. Curtain times are Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced from $28 to $58, can be purchased at the Ticket box office at the Holland Center, 1200 Douglas St., by calling Ticket Omaha, 402.345.0606 or online at www.ticketomaha.org.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Tony Raimondo will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, April 2, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate will share his thoughts on why he should represent Nebraska. (His opponent will speak on May 7.) All men and women in the community are invited. Cost is $13 for lunch and $3 for beverage service. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, April 4, 9:30 a.m., at the JCC . Mystery Tour is Sunday, April 13. Depart from the JCC at 11 a.m. (be at the JCC by 10:45 a.m.) and return approximately 5:15 p.m. Cost of $30 per person includes transportation, lunch, admission, tax and tip. Send reservations to Phyllis Aron, 11306 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154 by April 1. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. For transportation to the JCC, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make check payable to Visions.
March 28, 2008
Israeli society through Jewish Home Cooking film to offer a glimpse at by Arthur Schwartz ( Ten Speed, $35) popular movies READ IT AND by MOR SHEINBEIN Administrative Assistant Center for Jewish Education Despite Israel being the only place in the world with more Jews than Hollywood, for decades its film industry didn’t attract many Israeli filmgoers, much less international audiences. But things are changing and in recent years, there has been a tremendous transformation in Israeli films. Israeli films have enjoyed recordbreaking years on many levels, with many films attracting mainstream American audiences. In May, the Center for Jewish Education will give the community the opportunity to learn more about the films that are attracting so much attention. During a four-week course called “Israel Society Through Film,” Zohar Winer, community shlicha, and Gary Katz, administrator for the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, will explore contemporary Israeli society as viewed through current films. Each movie will highlight and represent a different culture and segment of Israel’s diverse population. After viewing the film, a group discussion will follow. Movies will include: Ushpizin, the story of an Orthodox couple who host unexpected guests for Sukkot. This film, by Gidi Dar, made close to $1.5 million. Walk on Water, which holds an all time record for Israeli films at the U.S. box office, brought in over $2.7 million. The film’s subject relates to the Holocaust with a second generation twist. Yossi and Jagger tells the story of two gay servicemen serving in the IDF. And Live and Become is the epic story of an Ethiopian boy who is airlifted from a Sudanese refugee camp to Israel in 1984 during Operation Moses. Classes will be held Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, and 29, 7-9:30 p.m. in the Kripke Library. Tuition is $23, discounted to $18 for donors to the Federation Campaign. Pre-registration is required by April 30 by calling 334.6445 or via e-mail to mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Part-ime food editor at the New York Post and writer, cooking teacher, “Food Talk” host, and cookbook author, Arthur Schwartz begins this cookbook of Yiddish revisited recipes, “Food can connect us to our past. The historic tendency is for Jews to assimilate culturally, including gastronomically.” The food was pre-health and well-being and included great grandma’s “shiterein”, handful, pinch, “tam” and glassful ... Yahrtzeit glasses used for measuring are half the size of 10 years ago ... that could really change a recipe. Wander the streets and foodways with Schwartz on a historical tour of New York City where today the metro area has the largest concentration of Jews outside of Israel. Eating well is a sign that you are blessed...in Judaism food is sacred; there is symbolism, rituals and regulations. As the Jews assimilated, eating food at home and “oyesesen”, eating out, changed. Sprinkled here and there are Yiddish words and expressions coloring the descriptions. The chapters are: Appetizers (forshpeiz), Soups, Side Dishes, Meat Main Courses, Dairy Main Courses, Passover, Breads and Desserts & Sweet Baking. Nearly 100 recipes from the Jewish table have memories woven in here and there in the chapter notes and headnotes that cover various aspects of the dish, serving up history past and present, detailed instructions, variations and a delicious color photograph ... make that mouth-watering photograph, accompanying the one-to-a-page (often pages, as some of the recipes cover more than one) recipe format.
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
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Don’t miss this delightful stroll with Schwartz and enjoy the read and visit. From Arbes (Seasoned Chickpeas ... chickpeas are mentioned in the Bible) to Zemmel (an onion roll), walk along the food feast including cholent, charoses and matzas, “the only three truly Jewish dishes”. There’s Ingberlach (Matzo Farfel Ginger Candy), Matzo Buttercrunch, Karnatzlach (Romanian Grilled Garlic Sausage), Holishkes (Stuffed Cabbage) and Shlishkas ... just like my grandma’s Potato Dumplings with Onions and Breadcrumbs, Birthday-Break-the-fast and Potato kugels, p’tcha (Jellied Calf’s Feet with Garlic) and this easy side dish that used to be on the tables of delicatessens and family-style restaurants. PICKLED BEETS 1 (15-ounce) can sliced beets, or 2 cups sliced boiled fresh beets 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar 1/2 cup cold water 2 teaspoons sugar 1 small onion, thinly sliced Drain the beets, canned or fresh, reserving the liquid from the can or 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Combine the vinegar and the water in a bowl, then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. In a small bowl, combine the beets, vinegar mixture, sliced onion, and just enough of the reserved beet liquid to cover the beets. Refrigerate, tightly covered, for several hours or overnight, until well chilled. Serve cold or at room temperature. The beets will keep in the refrigerator for at least a week, getting more vinegary as time goes by. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.
Reservation deadline is April 10. Please call Maggie Conti at 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 – April 19 at 6:00 p.m. Leaders Andy and Carole Greenberg
Seder 1 Menu Matza Ball Soup Honey Chicken Glazed Sweet Potatoes Garden Mixed Vegetables
Seder Plate Relish Tray Honey Cake Coffee/Hot Tea
Seder 2 – April 20 at 6:00 p.m. Leaders Miles and Eileen Remer
Seder 2 Menu Matza Ball Soup Prime Rib with Au Jus Herbed Potatoes Seder Plate
Fresh Asparagus Relish Tray Fruit Compote/Cookies Coffee/Hot Tea
Address: ________________________________________________ Residents you would like to sit with: __________________________ _________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
April 19 – Seder 1 Meal
April 20 – 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
Total Amount Enclosed $ _________
Jewish Senior Services THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 28 Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon A Look at Jewish Mysticism, noon at Temple Israel JSS Support Group Meeting, 1:30 P.M. Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 2:30 p.m. at Blumkin Home
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SUNDAY, MARCH 30 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad BESTT fifth grade play, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m. Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Concert Honoring Blumkin Home Residents, 2 p.m. Jewish Literature Identity and Imagination, 2 p.m. MONDAY, MARCH 31 BESTT Pesah Activities, 4:30 p.m. CJE Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Iran, Jews & Israel with Dr. Moshe Gershovich, 7 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, APRIL 1 Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel ESTT (Beth El Talmud Torah) Pesah Activities, 4:30 p.m. BBYO Council Elections, 6 p.m. Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad A Cantor’s Tale, 7 p.m. at JCC Theater JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 ADL Managing Religious Diversity Issues, 7:30 a.m. BESTT 7th grade visits Blumkin Home, 4:30 p.m.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 3 Women of the Torah with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m. Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JFS Love & Logic Classes, 6 p.m. Budget & Allocations Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Junior Congregation Spring Break, 4:30 p.m. Beth El “Out of Sight Saturday Night,” 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 Friedel Academy Executive Board, 5:30 p.m. Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel JFS’s Love and Logic, 7 p.m. Beth El Friedel Academy Board of Directors, 7 p.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Spring Regional Convention in Omaha, April 10-13 CJE Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. “To Die in Jerusalem,” 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, APRIL 6 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, Lessons for the Jewish Soul, and Men’s Club Breakfast and Speaker, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study 101, 10 a.m. Temple Israel Shiputznick Teen Mitzvah Day, 12:30 p.m. Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Shiputznick Teen Mitzvah Day BBQ, 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
MONDAY, APRIL 7 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. Beginning Hebrew, 7 p.m. Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 Men’s Club Yellow Candle Project, & kashering the kitchen for Pesah, 9 a.m. at Beth El Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Involving the entire family in Passover, 10 a.m. Visions Mystery Trip, 11 a.m. Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m. Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Jewish Literature Identity and Imagination, 2 p.m. NCJW Congressional Candidates Debate, 2 p.m. Deli Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Chabad Gala honoring Kirshenbaums and Yanneys, 5:30 p.m. at KANEKO
TUESDAY, APRIL 8 ADL Project Interfaith Focus Group, 7:30 a.m. ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Council Elections, 6 p.m. It’s Not Your Maxwell House Haggadah, 7 p.m. Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad
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TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m. BBYO Council Installations, 6 p.m. Budget & Allocations Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel CJE “Eye on Israel” Evening Edition, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 CDC Passover Seder, 10 a.m. Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m. Leslie J. Klein Art Reception, 5 p.m. THURSDAY, APRIL 17 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon Beth El Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JSS Concert, 1:30 p.m. Beth El Clergy at Remington Heights, 1:30 p.m. JFS Love & Logic Classes, 6 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, APRIL 19 Beth El Junior Congregation Spring Break, 4:30 p.m. RBJH Passover Seder, 6 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 20 Congregational Seder, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel RBJH Passover Seder, 6 p.m. Community Second Seder, 6 p.m. at Beth El Second Seder, 8:45 p.m. at Beth Israel
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 BESTT make up art day for Primary grades, 4:15 p.m. THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JFS Love & Logic Classes, 6 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, APRIL 25 JSS Support Group Meeting, 1:30 p.m. Junior Congregation Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Beth El Junior Congregation Spring Break, 4:30 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC
TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Hebrew Lunch ‘n Learn, 12:15 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Budget & Allocations Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. 39 Forever Travelogue, 6 p.m.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
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March 28, 2008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
IN THE NEWS The National Genealogical Society announces its 2008 Annual Conference and Family History Fair in Kansas City, MO. May 14-17 will mark the 30th Annual Conference in the States and Family History Fair of the Society and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotel in downtown Kansas City The conference will feature four days of educational sessions for the beginner to the more experienced family history researcher. In addition the Family History Fair will feature over 150 exhibitors of genealogical goods and services, including genealogical software companies, book sellers, genealogical and historical societies, gifts, maps, and more. There is a fee to attend the conference, but entrance to the exhibit hall is free of charge. Midwest research, homesteading records, military records, National Archives records, writing lectures, Research in the States, methodology, computer topics, a Board for Certification of Genealogists Skillbuilding track, adoption research, and land records, are among the many topics covered in over 150 sessions. A DNA lecture track and several computer labs, as well as other workshops, are among the many special presentations. There will also be several luncheons by participating genealogical organizations each day of the conference. The full program, downloadable PDF of the conference brochure, and registration is online at www.ngsgenealogy.org. Register by March 31 for reduced early-bird fees. Further information on the NGS Conference in the States & Family History Fair can be found at the NGS website at: www.ngsgenealogy.org. Contact Jeanne Lund 703.525.0050, ext. 112. 703.525.0052 (Fax) or Lund@ngsgenealogy.org Beth El Synagogue’s Education Director Judy Rubin, a member of the Jewish Educators Assembly (the professional organization of educators in the Conservative movement), recently attended that organization’s 56th annual conference, held in Skokie, IL. The four-day gathering brought together congregational school principals, heads of Solomon Schechter Day Schools, early childhood directors, bureau and agency personnel and family and informal educators from all across North America and Israel. The theme of this year’s conference was “Vision Driven Institutions”; topics focused on helping educators look at the “big picture” of what they hope to accomplish and all that is possible in their school communities. Abraham Lincoln High School will add four graduates to the school’s Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the school’s auditorium, including Patty Lee Nogg, educator and community volunteer.
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Nogg was Patty Lee when she graduated from A.L. in 1971 and earned a degree in education at Arizona State University. She graduated in 1975 and moved to Omaha, where she married Steve Nogg. She spent the first two years after college as a first-grade teacher at Hoover Elementary and then chose to stay home to raise her twin sons, Jeff and Brian, and daughter, Annie. In 1993, she began teaching preschool at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center. She worked with two- and three-year-old children and served as a Judaic specialist and the music teacher. Nogg has been involved at the Omaha Community Playhouse, performing in musical productions and volunteering. She was chairman of the annual membership drive, a box office volunteer, a board member of Act II (a volunteer support system), and a board member of Stage Door (backstage support organization for the Playhouse). She has also served as a board member for the Omaha Children’s Museum, the JCC, the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and Beth El Synagogue. Nogg has started several funds with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, supporting mental health services for Jewish Family Services, programs honoring grandparents and special programming activities at the Jewish Community Center for youth. In 2007, Nogg received two awards, including the JCC’s Eileen S. Erman Educator of the Year Award for outstanding contributions in the field of Early Childhood Education, and the President’s Award, an honor given to a non-board member. Seventy-nine young leaders from high schools across the United States have been named Morehead-Cain Scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among them is Rebecca Joy Crabb of Westside High School, daughter of Ian and Suzan Crabb Among the largest and most competitive scholarship programs in the United States, the Morehead-Cain pays all expenses for four years of undergraduate study, including the cost of a laptop computer and four summer enrichment experiences. The value of the scholarship is about $80,000 for each in-state student and $140,000 for each out-of-state student. Selection criteria are leadership, academic achievement, moral force of character and physical vigor. Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen by merit and accomplishments, not financial need.
Irving Zucker, Ph.D., has been named the second University of Nebraska Medical Center Scientist Laureate for his outstanding research into heart failure. The award is the highest recognition given to a UNMC scientist. Dr. Zucker was honored along with 26 other researchers who recently were named UNMC Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator award winners for 2007. The scientists are recognized leaders in their fields and represent all UNMC colleges, as well as the Eppley Institute. Both the 2007 Distinguished Scientists and New Investigators receive a merit-based salary supplement of $10,000. Dr. Zucker will receive a $20,000 supplement for being named scientist laureate. “These scientists rank among the world’s best in their respective areas,” said Tom Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research at UNMC. “The process of selection of these awardees includes a thorough analysis of all of the candidates, objectively comparing their publication quality and impact, and their history of successful competition for extramural funding. “As it was last year, the competition for these awards was intense, and I continue to be impressed by the corps of excellent researchers who work here at UNMC. Among this distinguished company, Dr. Zucker stands out. There are few scientists anywhere with his long record of outstanding achievement. He is recognized around the world, not only for the impact of his original work, but for his ability to nurture and inspire younger scientists.” The Distinguished Scientist award is sponsored by the chancellor and recognizes UNMC researchers who have been among the most productive scientists in the country over the past five years. Dr. Zucker, professor and chairman of the cellular and integrative physiology department in the UNMC College of Medicine, joined the medical center in 1973. He received his bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York in 1965, his master’s degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1967 and his Ph.D. from New York Medical College in 1972. Dr. Zucker is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Physiology Society, of which he will start a term as president later this year. The first UNMC Scientist Laureate award was given in 2006 to Stephen Rennard, M.D., Larson Professor of Medicine in pulmonary and critical care in internal medicine and courtesy professor of pathology and microbiology.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
A bibliomystery within a biblio-mystery
THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK The literary marketplace has been abuzz with Bernard Schlink’s Homecoming. Bibliomysteries are set in libraries, bookstores and publishing houses. They involve mayhem to books and people. Tension is built by skullduggery, theft, murder and fire. The mystery writers leave clues for readers. It is not appropriate for reviews of fiction to give away the plot or the ending. But the reviewer may alert the readers to an important academic subtext. Bernhard Schlink’s first novel, The Reader (1995), when translated into English became a 1999 Oprah Book Club selection. It details the tragic story of Hanna, an efficient hardworking prison guard, who followed orders unquestioningly. Her tragic flaw lay in illiteracy. If she could have read the orders, rather than been told what to do, she may have reflected and reconsidered her assignment and rejected it. She compensated for the embarrassment of illiteracy by being loyal, loyal to the Nazi regime’s genocide. Schlink, a lawyer and writer, teased out
the tensions of morality, evil, humanity, and illiteracy while Hanna awaits trial as a war criminal. A movie based on The Reader is in the making. We await whether illiterate Nazis will be made out to be sympathetic victims. Germans live under the dark burdens of history. Nazis and the Holocaust are not airbrushed or written out of history. The destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989 offered reunification of West and East Germany. Schlink’s most recent book, Homecoming, should be read at multiple levels. It is about reading, writing, editing, translating, and publishing, the opposite of Hanna’s problematic illiteracy. Schlink refers directly to well recognized homecoming fam-ily reunification stories, the Odyssey (700 BCE) and the Return of Martin Guerre, a 1982 film and a 1983 book by Natalie Zemon Davis. Remarried war widows are utterly surprised when their soldier spouse returns home years later. Conversely, soldiers play dead, disappear, abandon their families, and take on new identities. What is true, what is a lie or deception? What did Daddy do after the war? Peter Debauer, the main character, searches for his roots. He never met his
father and is skeptical of his mother’s explanation about his wartime death. Peter, a law book editor, attempts to determine the provenance of a few printed pages from an incomplete book, which he suspects is related to his family, a complete copy of which does not exist in any library. Readers may hear echoes of A Canticle for Leibowitz (1960) by Walter M. Miller, Jr., an apocalyptic story set in 3254 CE, where a monk reconstructs a mathematics book damaged in a nuclear holocaust. What internal evidence does the incomplete book contain about the author and the ending of the story? Now for the academic subtext. Enter the real historical character Paul de Man, a prominent Yale University scholar and pioneer of literary deconstruction who died in 1983. In 1987 a European researcher discovered about 200 newspaper articles by de Man in an early 1940s
pro-Nazi Belgian newspaper. Upon arriving in America de Man effaced his past. Google, the New York Times on line, and Alice Kaplan’s French Lessons (1993) narrate the de Man controversy. Schlink creates a fictional John De Baur who taught political science at Columbia University. Unknown to the university he wrote several anti-Semitic articles in the German press. Peter’s literary sleuthing links the Professor to the tattered book and his family. Homecoming and The Reader are translated into English. Readers will determine whether Peter, not always a sympathetic character, is weak, pathetic, immature, an antihero, a prototypical conflicted German intellectual, or a brave nuanced investigator of the skeletons in the family closet. Author, attorney and history professor Oliver B. Pollak may be reached at: obpomni@aol.com.
Lincoln Federation kicks off 2008 Campaign at the movies by DAN FRIEDMAN for the Lincoln Jewish Federation A dessert reception following the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center’s showing of the award-winning Israeli film, The Band’s Visit (rated PG-13) will be the highlight of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln’s opening event next month. Tthe 2008 Campaign begins on Sunday, April 6, 7 p.m., when the Federation will purchase a block of tickets for the showing closest to that time. A dessert reception next door in the Van Brunt Visitors Center follows the film. The Harris Center for Judaic Studies is co-sponsoring this event. For
more information on the film and for exact show times, see the Ross website www.theross.org. To RSVP, contact Elaine Evnen, 423.2200 or esevnen@aol.com by Monday, March 31. The mission of the Federation is to help Jews in need in Lincoln, in the U.S., in Israel, and around the world. Locally, the Federation provides significant financial support for the Lincoln Jewish Community School and for Lincoln’s Jewish kids to attend Jewish camps. If you are not yet a member of the JFL, please consider adding your support.
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Kosher wine: that was then PEOPLE OF THE
BYTE
by MARK MIETKIEWICZ Little did Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz know over a century ago, that his name would become associated with one of the largest kosher wine companies in the world. Despite their popularity, labels like Cream Strawberry Coconetta, Loganberry, and the venerable Concord Grape haven’t convinced wine drinkers that kosher wines can compare with the finest that France, Italy or California have to offer. Many kosher winemakers say their products can rival the best in the world. And they are trying to get that message across by some pretty sophisticated sites on the Internet. So what better time to sample their sites as we begin the countdown for Passover! Where did the idea that “kosher wine” equals “sweet wine” come from? According to the Kosher Wine Institute “the poor quality of Kosher wine is due largely to historical circumstance. The Concord grape, the only available variety for Jewish immigrants arriving in the New York area, is an acidic grape which must be balanced with sugar to be enjoyed. Hence, sweet wine. Time passes, and compromise becomes tradition.” [tinyurl.com/ 33qyou] If extra sugar and Concord grapes don’t make a wine kosher, then what does? [tinyurl.com/2v2jhg] The rules surrounding the production of kosher wine are much more stringent than those regarding other kinds of kosher food. Equipment used to make the wine is used exclusively for the production of Kosher products. Only Sabbath observant Jews can handle the grapes and wine. In fact, no non-Jew can come in direct contact with the wine or associated machinery unless the juice has been briefly heated (“mevushal”) to between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius. [simchawine.com/ kosher.html] Many critics of kosher wine claim that this heat-flash pasteurization damages the wine while winemakers say modern techniques minimize effects of the heating. For a lively discussion, see Mevushal Need Not be Nasty. [tinyurl.com/ 2meowp] Jewish winemaking goes a bit further back than the Concord grapes of New York. Israel’s premier wine critic, Daniel Rogov, suggests that although the land has a tradition of winemaking that stretches back millennia, those ancient wines were nothing to write home about. “The wines shipped to ancient Egypt
were so bad that they had to be seasoned with honey, pepper and juniper berries to make them palatable, and those sent to Rome and England during the height of ancient Roman civilization were so thick and sweet that no modern connoisseur could possibly approve of them. So bad were most of these wines that it was probably a good thing that the Moslem conquest in AD 636 imposed a 1,200 year halt to the local wine industry.” [tinyurl.com/ 3x7q4f] Jump forward a few centuries to the 1890s and Baron Edmond de Rothschild felt the country vintners deserved another chance. He built two large wineries which would become Carmel Wines, Israel’s largest. [tinyurl.com/ 22qmhz] On this side of the Atlantic, Herzog Family’s giant Royal Wine Corporation traces its roots to 19th century Czechoslovakia. The company is now based in New York and is known for its Kedem and Baron Herzog lines. [kedemwines.com] Another well-known name, Schapiro’s Wines, was founded in 1899. The company’s motto was “wine so thick you can cut it with a knife.” [tinyurl.com/ yuuv5m] I found a delightful piece of Jewish wine trivia about the non-Jewish Martini Wine Company, one of the few wineries in the United States to remain in operation during Prohibition. When Narciso Martini found out that rabbis were allowed fifty gallons of wine per year for religious purposes, “he shipped as much as ten thousand gallons of wine a year -all perfectly legal -- to rabbis in New York for the duration of this period. ‘It’s amazing,’ Elmo, his son, once recalled, “how many more rabbis there suddenly were in New York during Prohibition.’” [tiny url.com/2yb69q] And Manischewitz? Actually Manischewitz wine is not produced by Rabbi Dov Behr’s B. Manischewitz Company. [manischewitz.com]. The famous brand was purchased by the Centerra Wine Company in 1987 and is produced at Widmer Wine Cellars in Naples, NY. [manischewitzwine.com] If you can’t make it their in person, you can join the online virtual tour to show you how their products are made. [tinyurl.com/34wkk8] And you can learn more about the company’s unforgettable offerings like Concord Grape, Blackberry, and Extra Heavy Malaga (“a specially sweetened fruity wine with generous mouth feel.”) Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.
BIRTHS Jean and Phillip Paley of Atlanta, GA announce the Feb. 13 birth of their daughter, Elisheva Meira. She is named for her maternal grandmother, Alice Rich Diskin. Grandparents are Dennis and Susan Paley, and Yale and Marilyn Shure of Atlanta. Great-grandparents are Joan Rips, the late Norman Rips, the late Arthur and Evelyn Paley, Bob Diskin, of Atlanta, the late Alice Rich Diskin, the late Sidney Rich, Dan Shure and the late Annette Shure. Rabbi Baruch and Ariela HaLevi of Swampscott, MA, announce the Feb. 23 birth of their daughter, Shoshana Lev. She has brother, Yehuda (Yudi), age 5, and sister Maya, age 3.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers
Blair Community Schools 2008-2009 The Blair Community Schools, a nationally recognized, award winning school system, located 22 miles north of Omaha, in a progressive and supportive community of 8,000 has several teaching positions available for the ‘08-’09 school year. Plus various activity openings also available.
Beth El Teens travel to Washington, D.C. for Panim el Panim Institute by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Politics with a Jewish twist were on the agenda for four Beth El teens during their recent trek to Washington D.C. to attend the Panim el Panim Institute. Panim el Panim (Face to Face) is a national seminar for high school students in grades 10 to 12, which integrates Jewish values with social activism and public policy. During the four-day seminar held in mid-February, participants from around the country had the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives or staff, and hear guest speakers discuss public policy and social activism from a Jewish perspective. The trip was sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah’s (BESTT) High School; Omaha’s delegation included seniors Anna Grossman, Daniel Canfield, Alec Lerner and Dayna Cohen, and the students were accompanied by BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin. Several factors led Cohen to make the trip to the capi-
The students also met with one of Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel’s legislative aides, and Rubin found the teens to be engaged and inquisitive. “They asked him pointed questions on gun control, immigration, childhood obesity, genocide in the Sudan and the plight of the homeless. It was a delightful meeting and our four handled themselves beautifully.” The entire Omaha contingent agreed that the “Street Torah” program was the most powerful part of their visit. The Panim participants were assigned to not only hand out toiletries, gloves and clothing to homeless individuals at MacPherson Square, but to also make a personal connection with them. “Talking to the people experiencing homelessness really had an impact on me,” said Grossman. “All they needed was a couple pairs of socks and they were completely at ease. How something so simple could really make a person feel that relaxed shocked me. “Before I went on Panim I viewed homeless people as smelly, ragged, drug-induced people,” Canfield admit-
Left: During the “Street Torah” session, Lerner and Canfield chatted with a homeless gentleman, who exhorted the young men to “stay in school.” Right: The Omaha contingent: tol. “Before Panim, I was very politically unaware,” said the Millard West sophomore. “I was interested, but didn't know anything about the presidential election, where candidates stood on issues, and pretty much everything else. I thought that Panim would be an interesting and fun way to inform myself. I also went because I wanted to see the Jewish perspective on the major issues in America. Being surrounded by 60 other Jewish high school students gave me a chance to look through various perspectives.” Lerner echoed Cohen’s thoughts, saying that, “Up until the program, I knew nothing about our nation's political system. I am really in my own little world most of the time and it was a great experience to be exposed to politics in our nation’s capitol. “The program impacted me more than I expected,” added the Burke High junior. “I completely changed my views on many things in America: homelessness, government policies, pollution, etc. After this experience, I can actually contribute to political discussions. Also, now when I look at the Internet or newspapers, I look at other things besides sports.” Grossman, a sophomore at Millard North, was drawn to the seminar because of its focus on the environment and energy conservation. And, she said, while the presidential election wasn’t a factor in her decision to attend, “it was an amazing bonus to really learn about each candidate’s perspective.” For Canfield, the Panim trip “really impacted my life, mainly because of the people I met, and also because I had a fun time learning about different views and facts about politics in the nation’s capitol.” Among the activities on the agenda was a simulated presidential campaign, where students were assigned to a particular candidate and worked together to build a campaign and promote that candidate; a visit to the Holocaust Museum; and a unit on the environment, land allocation and how to lobby legislative officials. The land allocation component was particularly interesting to Canfield, who explained that during the exercise, students belonged to opposing groups which had to argue about who deserved the majority of a piece of land. “Through this simulation, I learned a lot about Jewish law and people’s opinions,” the Millard North senior remarked.
Dayna Cohen, left, Alec Lerner, Dan Canfield and Anna Grossman, met with Eric Schewe, center, one of Sen. Chuck Hagel’s assistants. ted. “Then, when we had a speaker who was homeless for over 10 years talk to us, he was just like everyone else and had a very interesting story to share. What I learned was these are people who have had a tough life and just want to talk about life and current events.” Cohen recounted that during her visit to McPherson Square, “it was incredibly eye-opening to listen to these people tell their stories about their childhoods, life before their homeless experiences, and how they got through or are still getting through that horrible time. Many stereotypes that I had were broken and proven wrong, and I think that this was definitely a once-in-alifetime experience.” Overall, Panim el Panim was enlightening to the stu-
Complete an application on-line: www.blairschools.org (or) www.nsenjobs.org (or) contact Blair Community Schools Personnel Office, P.O. Box 288, Blair, NE 68008 (402) 426-2610
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During their stay in Washington, the Beth El teens met up with former Omahan and Beth El buddy, Natan Lailari, second from left. dents and a worthwhile, invaluable experience, Education Director Rubin said. “I cannot say enough great things about the Panim el Panim program. It was very well organized, well run and engaged our Omaha kids from the first moment,” she shared. “It is a wonderful program because it stretches each participant's experiences and comfort zone. “There were new experiences for me as well,” Rubin said. “In preparing the students for this trip, I asked each one to be open to new experiences and meeting new kinds of people. They were an exceptional group and I was very proud to have accompanied them. They were also a lot of fun and we got to know each other a lot better.”
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE There is no regular news in the April 18 Passover issue and the Press will be closed on Monday, April 21 for the second day of Passover. Synagogues must send the Press the Passover schedule of services no later than than Tuesday, April 1, 9 a.m. The deadline for all articles, photos and ads for the April 25 issue is Tuesday, April 15, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
March 28, 2008
Sderot is not forgotten An estimated 10,000 shoppers converged on the beleaguered town of Sderot late last month in order to show solidarity with the local residents by spending money in the town, and thus injecting badly needed cash into the local economy. A volunteer group from Modi’in was instrumental in organizing the event and supplied visitors with maps of the town identifying the local shops and asking the shoppers to divide their expenditure among several businesses. The organizers reported a response beyond expectation and people came to the town from places as far apart as Nahariya in the north and Beersheva in the south. At times the road leading into the town was completely jammed with hundreds of vehicles, including bicycles! On the back of one, the placard reads, ‘Together we travel to Sderot.’ Local residents were reportedly overwhelmed with all the visitors and can expect in a short time further hoards of shoppers coming once again to show their practical solidarity. The constant rain of rockets from Gaza that have afflicted the town have had the effect of bringing the local economy to its knees. Credit: ISRANET
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish apples and not-so Jewish eggs
TIME OUT by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT When my daughter was three years old, she announced one day: “From now on, I am not Jewish anymore.� Oh boy, an identity crisis at such an early age? Now what? Realizing that the question of who and what is ‘Jewish’ is a tough one to answer at any age; we more or less left it alone, hoping it would fix itself. It did. Years later, buying organic eggs at the farmer’s market, the seller offered her an ‘Easter egg’. “I can’t have those,� she answered. “I’m Jewish.� The farmer, a Mennonite who was all too familiar with minority culture and the importance of assessing one’s identity, laughed it off. We explained to her that this was not that kind of Easter egg, but merely came from a special kind of chicken, and took it home. She still didn’t trust it, and wouldn’t eat the egg. So it sat there in our fridge: a symbol of my daughter’s newfound sense of self. I think when children start answering the question of Jewish identity, they feel a need to categorize each person, and every object. Jewish or not Jewish? I may be Jewish, but are my shoes? My goldfish? What about the President of the United States? And, while we’re on the topic, why can’t I hang a stocking from the mantle in December? What if it is a Jewish stocking? Apples have been a source of trouble ever since they were wrongfully accused of making Eve fall. Last fall, we went to an apple orchard in honor of the Jewish New Year. Afterwards, a friend of us decided to let her children help her clean
the apples; this involved some explanation of what to look for in a perfect apple. “No worms,� she explained to her four-year-old son, “because worms are not kosher.� He immediately retorted: “So they’re Christian?� Oy. Answering our children’s questions about who and what is Jewish is harder than it looks. Elie Wiesel tells the story of the Jewish child, who asked his Rebbe: “What is a good Jew?� The Rebbe answers the question with another question: “Do you think you are a good Jew?� “I don’t know,� the boy says, after which the Rebbe says that maybe good Jews are people who, when asked if they are good Jews, answer: “We don’t know.� I ask my daughter whether she thinks she is a good Jew, and she doesn’t hesitate: “Yes.� I ask: “Why?� “Because I say most Brachot,� she answers. “What else?� “I don’t know.� Well, there it is. She doesn’t know, which is okay; at her age it’s not necessarily the knowing that counts, but the doing. From lighting Shabbat candles and giving Tzedakah, to attending a Jewish day school and saying the Shema when she goes to sleep at night, her Jewish identity is being shaped by actions. She still has a lot of growing to do, and she’ll get confused from time to time, but that’s okay. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn that sometimes, an egg is just an egg, and an apple is just an apple. Annette Van de Kamp-Wright is a freelance writer who also volunteers her time at Friedel Academy and Chabad. She can be reached at: avandekamp@tconl.com.
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KAF>K> KFSBOPFQV— ILLJFKDQLK Director, Institute of Jewish Culture and the Arts Professor of Jewish Studies and English PhD: Brown University, 1967 The editor of William Blake: Essays (1969) and the Collected Poetry of John Wheelwright (1972), he is also the author of numerous scholarly and critical articles on American poetry, Jewish writers, and the literature of the Holocaust. Indiana University Press published his Confronting the Holocaust: The Impact of Elie Wiesel (co-edited with Irving Greenberg) in 1979 and, in 1980, published his A Double Dying: Reflections on Holocaust Literature (the book has since appeared in German and Polish translations). With his wife, Erna Rosenfeld, he translated Gunther Schwarberg’s The Murders at Bullenhuser Damm, a book on Nazi medical atrocities published by the Indiana University Press in 1984. His Imagining Hitler was published by Indiana University Press in 1985 (available also in a Japanese translation). He edited Thinking About the Holocaust: After Half a Century (Indiana University Press, 1997), a collection of articles by 13 scholars, which includes his essay, “The Americanization of the Holocaust.� His The Writer Uprooted: Contemporary Jewish Exile Literature is forthcoming. He is also editor of a series of books on Jewish Literature and Culture published by Indiana University Press.
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Professor Rosenfeld has served as an editorial board member of various scholarly journals, including Holocaust and Genocide Studies, as well as a board member and scholarly consultant to various Jewish institutions and organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Lilly Endowment, the Wexner Heritage Foundation, and the Koret Foundation. He held a Presidential appointment on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council (2002-2007) and presently serves on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Executive Committee and is Chair of the Academic Committee of the Museum’s Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies. Professor Rosenfeld was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, by Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion, in May, 2007.
Sponsored by the Norman & Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies. ÂŽ
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
Guilt by association? Are political candidates responsible for the comments of people with whom they associate? This is a really tough, but timely question. And like any good Talmudic discussion, we can answer this question with more of our own. If they are, should they merely “distance” themselves or make a total break? And what can we infer from this political season about our own behavior? By now every one knows not only about Sen. Barack Obama’s spiritual adviser, Pastor Jeremiah Wright, but also about John McCain’s endorsement by Rev. John Hagee. And we’ve heard the oft repeated statements made by Hillary Clinton adviser Geraldine Ferraro. (Dare we add Eliot Spitzer and his, ahem, “associations” and where that led? Oy!) We’re not going to repeat any of their comments here, as the discussion now centers on a page from earlier conflicts (in both the Clinton and Bush presidencies): “What did he know and when did he know it?” We all disagree with our relatives, friends and rabbis from time to time. Sometimes we aren’t even on the same page, whether it’s about political parties and which candidate we support (or detest) or Jewish rituals, customs and practice. When we take issue with our rabbis, we should stop to consider their intent. Are they asking us to review our own behavior? Do they want us to raise the level of our Jewish observance? Are they requesting that we take on more mitzvot? Maybe urging us to think about others, instead of focusing on our own problems?
If the answer is ‘yes’, then perhaps we should cut our rabbis some slack in this area. After all, it is their job to help us become better Jews -and sometimes that’s painful. (We can all admit to resisting the urge to learn more, take on more Jewish ritual, and pay attention to why we are Jews in the first place.) But when the talk turns to politics, what then? As tax-exempt institutions, synagogues (churches, mosques -- and this newspaper) are prohibited from endorsing candidates and political parties. But what about bashing them? Is it permissible to repeat lashon hara -- gossip -- like Rev. Wright’s insinuation that the United States government is responsible for the spread of HIV and AIDS? If it concerns national security -- and therefore our own personal safety and the health and welfare of our loved ones, we certainly should speak out when those running for the highest office in the land associate with false prophets. So we ask again: are political candidates responsible for the comments of those with whom they associate? When it comes to family, of course we often take the road of shalom bayit (literally peace in the house).
But do controversial issues transcend that -especially for politicians? Only for politicians? Or for all of us? If you call yourself a leader, should you be held to a higher standard? Playing the devil’s advocate here could mean “guilt by association.” The U.S. Constitution, in a case upheld by the Supreme Court, held that the right to “freely associate” is guaranteed to all Americans. But it’s still a choice we make. And some -- at least those in positions of power (whether it’s in the pulpit or the Oval Office) need to recognize that this right also comes with tremendous responsibility -- the kind that not only influences others, but has the power to change history -- for worse -- or for better. Like it or not, we are all known by the company we keep.
Families of yeshiva victims inspire with their love of faith
FOCUS ON IS SUES by RABBI HERSHEL BILLET and RABBI ELAZAR MUSKIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Condolence visits are part of a rabbi’s life, but no one ever taught us how to make nine visits in a 48-hour period. We arrived in Israel on the morning of March 11 and left the following night. Our mission, representing the Rabbinical Council of America, was to express solidarity with the families of the victims of the terror attack at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, comfort the injured in the hospitals and visit the yeshiva. We were joined on different parts of our trip by Rabbi Joseph Pollack of Boston, and Rabbis Milton Polin and Jay Karzen of Jerusalem, as well as the president of Yeshiva University, Richard Joel, and his chief of staff, Rabbi Joshua Joseph. During our two days in Israel, we never heard anyone call for revenge. What we heard was a determination to enhance Torah study, prayer, concern for the welfare of the nation and a vision to double the Mercaz High School enrollment from 250 to 500. This, it was said, would be the appropriate answer to the terrorist’s destruction. We immediately traveled to Ashdod to visit the family of Doron Meherte, 26. He had arrived in Israel from Ethiopia at the age of 8 during Operation Solomon. He was an outstanding Talmud student who was studying for the rabbinate. Known for his keen concentration, Doron did not even notice the terrorist entering the library, and was the only student killed while sitting at his table immersed in his studies. The volume he was studying, saturated with his blood, was buried with him. Ro’ie Roth, 16, of Elkana, was passionate about prayer and often would be the last in the yeshiva to complete his daily prayers. Yonatan Eldar, 16, of Shiloh, was part of a close-knit group of friends. His great love for
the land of Israel turned him into an avid hiker. Yehonadav Hirschfield,19, of Kokhav Hashahar, was the grandson and great-grandson of two prominent American rabbis. He had completed studying the entire Mishnah 70 times and on that fateful night he was completing the Mishnah yet again. Avraham Moses, 16, of Efrat, the son of American immigrants, was beloved in his com-
... we heard remarkable stories about each boy’s commitment to Torah and acts of kindness. Each family expressed the feeling that they were not alone in their grief and that the entire Jewish nation was mourning with them. munity for his exceptional acts of kindness. Segev Avihail, 15, of Neve Daniel, was a prolific writer at his very young age. Yohai Lifshitz, 18, of Jerusalem, blessed with an analytical mind, spent his days and nights in the study hall. Neria Cohen, 15, the youngest victim, was an eager student who wrote sophisticated questions to Israel’s leading rabbis. At each home we were received with warmth. Each family remarkably demonstrated an incredible spirit and an awe-inspiring faith. We were shown blood-stained and bulletburned books that the boys had been studying, and we heard remarkable stories about each boy’s commitment to Torah and acts of kindness. Each family expressed the feeling that they were not alone in their grief and that the entire Jewish nation was mourning with them. One father remarked that he received calls from all over the world.
Our trip included hospital visits to the three most seriously wounded students. The oldest is a 26-year-old father of two who suffered a serious arm injury. The youngest is a ninthgrader named Nadav Samuel, who calmly recounted his experience of being shot six times in his arms and legs while taking cover behind a bookcase. The most gravely hurt boy is Naftali Sheetrit, 16, of the long-suffering Israeli town of Sderot. As of the time of our visit, he was in a medically induced coma, with serious abdominal and leg wounds. We met his family sitting outside the intensive care unit next to an Arab family that also was waiting on news of a loved one. The surgeon who operated on Naftali had rushed to the hospital when he heard about the attack and was the first to open the ambulance door. When he saw the gravity of Naftali’s situation, the surgeon wheeled him into the operating room without scrubbing. The boy had to be resuscitated twice during the procedure Before Shabbat we learned that Naftali is now awake, speaking and off the critical list, thank God. Our visit, with Joel, to Mercaz HaRav was quite emotional. Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, the head of the yeshiva, gave us a walking tour of the library and a full description of the murderous attack. Contrary to news accounts, the terrorist never had any association with the school. The signs of the horror are still visible. Our brief visit reaffirmed our pride in Israel and its many unsung heroes. The boys who were murdered take their place among our nation’s martyrs, and the courageous survivors are a great inspiration. Through this tragedy we again are reminded of the indomitable spirit, resilience and deep faith of the young and old who dedicate their days and nights for the Jewish future in Israel. May that memory propel us and our nation to lead more meaningful lives. Rabbi Heshie Billet is the spiritual leader of Young Israel of Woodmere, N.Y. Rabbi Elazar Muskin is the spiritual leader of the Young Israel of Century City in Los Angeles.
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Conversion deal with Chief Rabbinate could diminish a major Jewish rift
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by RABBI MOSHE KLETENIK SEATTLE (JTA) -- We are all too familiar with the stories. Someone who for his entire life considered himself Jewish is suddenly told by a rabbinical court that his Jewish identity is suspect. A woman adopted and converted as a child is informed that the conversion does not meet halachic standards. Beyond the personal, conversion to Judaism has in recent years been a painful and persistent issue confronting the Jewish world at large. It has pitted Jew against Jew, threatened to weaken IsraelDiaspora relations, caused synagogue and communal strife, and, most importantly, has brought undeserved anguish upon sincere converts and their offspring But a significant development, announced last month by the Rabbinical Council of America and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, has the potential to diminish the severity of these problems in several important respects, while still maintaining reasonable halachic conversion standards. In the process, these two rabbinic entities have created a model for reasoned cooperation, rather than rancor, in Jewish life. I am referring to the announcement establishing a North American network of standing regional rabbinical courts for conversion, under the auspices of the Rabbinical Council of America, with the blessing, and endorsement, of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The network accom-
plishes multiple goals. First and foremost it ensures that its converts will be assured that their status as Jews will not be questioned in the future, whether in Israel or in other major mainstream Orthodox communities. In addition it introduces long overdue standardization and comprehensive record-keeping into the conversion process. The courts follow clearly understood policies and practices. Candidates for conversion will know what to expect and what will be expected of them. ... what we have There is a reason before us is a timely that RCA opportunity to foster rabbis have constructive change in overwhelming that will bring n u m b e r s resolution to a welcomed festering communal the net- challenge ... work. It enables them to work in close cooperation with their peers, free of undue pressures, but still allows them to cultivate personal mentoring relationships with the candidates they sponsor. The network has procedures in place to deal with special circumstances including adoption, conversion motivated by marriage, alreadymarried couples or families with nonJewish spouses and children. Following conversion, integration of the converts will be facilitated in numerous ways, including standardized documentation, comprehensive databases, information-sharing and follow-up. There are some voices who argue that the network violates local rabbinic independence. Or that it substitutes a bureaucracy for what has been a close
rabbinic-lay relationship. It has even been said that the new standards impose unreasonable hardships on converts or that the network is proof of weakness by the Modern Orthodox rabbinate. Such fears, and conclusions, are misplaced. Every candidate will have the benefit of his or her own rabbinic sponsor as mentor throughout the process. Each court will be made up of qualified local rabbis, many of whom have previously been supervising conversions. But now, through the network, they will be formally recognized -- now they will be acting in partnership with each other and with rabbinic authorities around the Jewish world, and will moreover be able to function with some local flexibility in implementation. In any case, an individual rabbi can still elect to do conversions outside of the national network. Such conversions will not automatically come with the endorsement of the RCA. But that is nothing new. The RCA has not previously given blanket endorsements to the conversions of its members. As to the standards themselves, I believe that even a cursory review will demonstrate that they echo the consensus of halachic requirements for conversion. No more and no less. True, there have been a few rabbinic dissenters in the past as in the present, advocating different halachic conversion criteria. But the overwhelming rabbinic perspective has required, as does the network, genuine commitment to Shabbat, Yomtov (holidays), kashrut, sustained Jewish education of children and certain fundamental affirmations of faith and practice. Claims by some outspoken crit-
ics that these are extraneous or recent stringencies are incorrect. Worse yet, such critics are publicly undermining a long overdue and eminently reasonable solution that would facilitate the acceptance of such converts into the Jewish people and faith. What reasonable alternative do they propose that will assure converts wide-ranging acceptance for themselves and their children? As guardians of tradition in a time of societal change, Orthodox rabbis are by nature and training surely cautious when it comes to innovations. Yet the overwhelming majority of RCA rabbis and many outside of it have enthusiastically welcomed the creation of a new network, consisting of new as well as established rabbinical courts, new working relationships, utilizing new technologies and new global partnerships. Why? Because they know that what we have before us is a timely opportunity to foster constructive change that will bring resolution to a festering communal challenge as well as peace of mind to converts and their families. It will hopefully benefit the Jewish people in a manner that is fully in accord with what is both rooted in antiquity and timeless -- namely, our sacred Torah and the dynamism of Jewish law. I certainly hope that these developments will be embraced by the Jewish community with the enthusiasm we feel, and the support that our singular people, and its precious converts, deserve. Moshe Kletenik is the religious leader of Bikur Cholim-Machzikay Hadath Congregation in Seattle and the Rosh Beth Din of the Pacific Northwest Regional Beth Din for Conversion.
Conversion deal hurts converts, disrespects Orthodox rabbis in U.S.
ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by RABBI MARC ANGEL and RABBI AVRAHAM WEISS NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Rabbinical Council of America have concluded an agreement related to conversion that will allow the two groups to work together. This solves a problem that reached its peak when Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi, Shlomo Amar, announced in April 2006 that he would no longer automatically recognize conversions performed by rabbis belonging to the RCA, the main union of Orthodox rabbis in America. According to the terms of the agreement, the Chief Rabbinate approved a list of about 15 RCA rabbinic courts and approximately 40 rabbinic judges whose conversions will be accepted. From this point on, only conversions done by these rabbis or tribunals will be recognized. Any rabbi who wishes to be added to that list needs the approval of two leading Yeshiva University rabbis representing the RCA and one from the Chief Rabbinate. The RCA and the Chief Rabbinate also agreed that all conversions previously performed by rabbis, other than the 40, are subject to re-evaluation by the head of the RCA’s Beth Din of America. This agreement is deeply disturbing on many levels. What is most troubling is that conversions, done years ago with the informal backing of the RCA, are now being scrutinized. This, we believe, strikes at the very ethical fabric of halacha. Over the years, thousands of people have been halachically converted and now they and their children, and for that matter, their marriages, will all be questioned. The pain that this will cause the convert, a person whom the Torah commands to love, will be unbearable. Indeed, the RCA’s capitulation to the demand of the Chief Rabbinate to scrutinize past conversions done by its members raises the strong possibility that down the line the bar may be raised even higher. Already, the Israeli institution no longer represents the centrist, religious Zionist ideology, but is, in effect, made up of religious appointees of the haredi (fervently Orthodox) world. Years from now a new, more extreme Chief Rabbinate may very well pressure the RCA to question “sanctioned” conversions being done now. Not only is the convert’s status questioned here, but
the respected position of the local rabbi is also at stake. The policy sends a clear message that rabbis who have Orthodox ordination and are not among the chosen 40 do not have sufficient knowledge, judgment and wisdom to perform conversions -- and they never have. There is an irony here in that, from a certain perspective, congregational rabbis have a greater understanding of the issues surrounding conversion than those who are primarily situated in the Beit Midrash. These synagogue rabbis who are “in the trenches” with
To consolidate so much power in the hands of so few rabbis -- whether left, center or right -- is a frightening step. the potential converts have a unique understanding of the situations and conditions that affect their respective constituents. As is displayed on their ordination documents (smicha klaf), these rabbis are sent to spread Torah to their communities and have been invested with the trust, power and weight of our Torah to help shape the Jewish world. This decision undermines their mission. If this agreement was meant to develop a mechanism of oversight, there are other ways in which this could have been accomplished. One proposal could have been that junior rabbis in their first three years do conversions under the guidance of senior rabbis. Additionally, the RCA could have questioned individual rabbis whom they suspected were doing conversions improperly. We are not the first to raise concerns about the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. Over the last few years, there have been legitimate and important Orthodox voices in Israel that have expressed opposition to its rightward trend and its hard-line position concerning conversions in Israel. Now, through its deal with the RCA, the Chief Rabbinate is dictating its specific conversion standards to those living thousands of miles away in the United States. Rather than extend the Chief Rabbinate’s reach to the Diaspora, the RCA should display confidence in its loyal members by declaring that their conversions are valid and acceptable in the eyes of God and halacha. This should be our posture as we move forward together with like-minded voices in Israel. This was a moment of truth. The criteria on conversion as drafted by the RCA/Chief Rabbinate are the
most stringent and do not reflect the range of legitimate halachic opinions. The approach insists, for example, that parents converting an adopted child commit to 12 years of yeshiva education. But suppose parents are only prepared to make an eight-year commitment; suppose they are committed to sending their child to a community day school; suppose, as is a growing trend in our Jewish world, they simply cannot afford tuition; and suppose their child has a learning disability and must be sent to a secular school? We have received reports that such potential converts have already been turned away. What is next? Will past conversions, such as these, now be nullified retroactively? If these standards become the criteria for who is a Jew, it means there will be only one voice -- enforced by just two rabbis -- speaking for Modern Orthodoxy in America. The first issue is the question of who is overseeing the overseers: What are the criteria for appointment? What makes these 40 judges competent and hundreds of others not? What communities do they represent? Are the appointments based on merit? On politics? On being dedicated students of particular rabbis? To consolidate so much power in the hands of so few rabbis -- whether left, center or right -- is a frightening step. Making matters worse, the RCA has chosen as its representatives two Yeshiva University rabbis who speak only for the right-wing of Modern Orthodoxy -- effectively abandoning the organization’s trademark commitment to providing a home for both right- and left-wing voices. With its cowering to outside dictates, the RCA appears to have opted to reflect the haredi-controlled voice of the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, instead of insisting that the broad spectrum of Modern Orthodox positions be part of the solution. What makes this chapter especially sad is that the new arrangement not only undermines the power of the local rabbi as teacher and spiritual guide, but even worse, puts fear into the hearts and minds of many wonderful converts who are upstanding Torah-observant and Godfearing Jewish souls. Rabbi Marc Angel is the rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York and past president of the Rabbinical Council of America. Rabbi Avraham (Avi) Weiss is the senior rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and a longtime member of the RCA.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008
Candlelighting Friday, March 28, 7:27 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Tunes and Tales, led by “Miss Patty” Nogg will focus on learning Passover songs. Open to all Jewish children five and under with parents and grandparents, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Kiddush is sponsored by Jodi and Gary A. Epstein, in honor or their daughter, Melissa, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 7:35 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Insights and Values from the Torah, noon; Women’s Book Club, 1:15 p.m., led by Susan Paley. FIFTH-GRADE PLAY: “Celebrate Shabbat for the Rest of Your Life,” will be performed on Sunday, at 11:30 a.m BESTT: Model seders on Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1, 4:15-6 p.m. MEN’S CLUB SHABBAT: Saturday, April 5, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush, sponsored by Men’s Club NURTURING YOUR JEWISH SOUL: Monthly class, led by Susi Frydman-Levin, is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. to noon. MEN’S CLUB SPEAKERS’ SERIES: Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m., featues Larry Raful, Dean of the Touro Law Center in Huntington, N.Y. The community is invited, at no charge; complimentary breakfast will be served. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Will meet on Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., for
“A Lite and Easy Passover.” To RSVP, contact Evie Mitchell at 333.7668 or evmit@cox.net; or Anna Mosenkis, at 330.1127, or igormos@yahoo.com.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Susie and Paul Shyken in honor of the upcoming marriage of Jeff Shyken and Paige Levy, and in honor of Jeff’s aufruf; Mincha, 7 p.m., followed by Suedat Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:29 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Oxman, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s teen class, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m., “FAQs: Pesach facts.”
Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Marc Shkolnick, with oneg following, hosted by Stacie and Bob Bleicher. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Stephanie Dohner; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rick Kohn. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the Library.
BEYT SHALOM
FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.
FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue. SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Parsha class for pre-schoolers, 12:30 p.m.; Halacha class, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Parsha class for first graders, 3:45 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome. TUESDAY: Hebrew Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m. at JCC Israel Fair. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel. FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE, Friday, April 4, 6 p.m. Grade Four students will lead the service along with Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet. CRADLE ROLL, Sunday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. Help your toddler explore his or her Jewish identity. Come for a Passover craft, snack and story time. RSVP to the office. JYG COLOR WAR, Sunday, April 6, noon-1:30 p.m. Seventh and eighth graders are invited to Color War! There will be a wide variety of competitions and prizes. Lunch is provided; cost is $5.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Understanding Jewish Mysticism, noon, with Dr. Guy Matalon; Shabbat Comes to You at the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead the service; “A Celebration of Learning: an Educators Shabbat,” 6 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Zane Fletcher, son of Hillary and John Fletcher, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade Two Model Seder, 10:45 a.m.; Camp Meeting, noon. SITTER SERVICE: Available
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., followed by kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
Free Haggadah from The Jewish Heritage for the Blind
B’NAI MITZVAH
This year, the Passover Seders will be celebrated on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday,
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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559
Morissa Miller, daughter of Jennifer and Paul Miller, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 5, at Temple Israel. Morissa is a seventh-grade Supererior Honor Roll student at Kiewet Middle School. She plays soccer with the Arsenal soccer association where they have won awards. Her other interests include being very active in youth activities at Temple. For her mitzvah project, Morissa raised money for “Nothing But Nets”, a charity
that buys mosquito nets for families in Africa to prevent deaths from malaria and other diseases. Morissa has two sisters, Sophia and Madelin, and a brother, Brett. Grandparents are: Babette and Sandford Miller, Robert Harper, and Judy and Arthur Henry. Great-grandparents are Bertha and Morris Avirom, and Elizabeth Henry.
April 20. If you are expecting guests who are seniors or visually impaired, you many obtain a Braille or large print Haggadah free of charge by contacting the Jewish Heritage for the Blind at 800.995.1888; or fax 718.388.0653; or e-mail to jhb.ny@verizon.net.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, and complete form.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
March 28, 2008
Who says we may?
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Shemini Before us, there are the Parashiyot of Leviticus. Most of us have not been satisfied with the regular slaughter of beasts for sacrifices to the Lord. But we have missed the point. The point in all the sacrifices is not that we insist that God has a portion of everything we eat. The point is that we revere life, including the life of the fourlegged creatures whom we assume to be legitimately food for our tables. It is not the question of sacrifice. Rather it is the reverence for life, even the life of animals. We do not assume that the animals were given life only so that we may take their lives for food for our tables. It should make us pause before we take animal life for food for ourselves. Even though one can defend Biblically that animal life was created only for the benefit of humans, our reverence for life demands that we think twice before giving ourselves permission to take animal life for ourselves. A Talmudic story tells of one who reproved the lamb about to be slaughtered, with a comment, “It is for this that you were created!” But he was punished for his lack of sensitivity. We must create within ourselves a new sensitivity for life in any form. Life is God’s great gift. It must not be squandered, and it must not be taken lightly. The vegetarian has arrived at a solution for himself. We who eat meat must recognize that the vegetarian is really greater than we and we must constantly create excuses and rationale for our indulgence.
DEATHS MOLLIE CHODAK KOSOWSKY Mollie Chodak Kosowsky died March 10 at the Rose Blumkin Home at the age of 93. A graveside service was held at Mt. Sinai Cemetery on March 12. Rabbi Mordechai Levin officiated. She was preceded in death by her husband, Isadore Kosowsky; daughter Annette Kosowsky, and brother, Leo Chodak. She is survived by herdaughter and son-in-law, Arlene and Michael Braff of Phoenix, AZ; son and daughter-inlaw, Harold and Alice Kosowsky; grandchildren, Arthur Kosowsky, Steven Kosowsky, Joanna Kosowsky, and Dane; brother-in-law Sam Fedman; and six great-grandchildren. HELEN GOULD Former Omahan Helen Gould died at the age of 84. A graveside service was held March 25 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur S. Gould; brother, Harold Cooperman; and sister, Sybil Freiden. She is survived by her children, Howard, Mark and Laurie Gould; grandchildren, Genevieve, Kevin and Alex Gould. Memorials to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Washington, c/o Malia Rumbaugh, VAPSHCS S-182 GRECC, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA, 22312.
Rabbi Linder to introduce fun, creative way to study Torah at Temple Israel
Wiesel organizes Nobel laureates to press China on Tibet crackdown
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Many of us have a favorite activity such as reading, running, playing an instrument, or sometimes even working simply because we love to do it. We don’t need a reason to engage in this chosen pursuit, and it’s hard to stop doing it even if we’re not good at it! That’s the idea behind studying Torah for its own sake. As Pirke Avot teaches, study of Torah should not be motivated by material gain or status, however, it is of value in and of itself and can lead to action, the performance of mitzvot, ethical behavior, changed perceptions, and meaningful learning. But “if you’ve never studied Torah before or feel like it’s not meaningful,” Rabbi Eric Linder welcomes you to Torah Study 101 on Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel “for an off-the-wall journey. “Why should I care about what some French guy (i.e. Rashi) says about the Torah?” asked Rabbi Linder somewhat facetiously. “Torah Study 101 will be a fun, creative way to get into Torah study if you’re new at it or feel intimidated.” The rabbi mentioned that he would even make references to pop culture to help you think about how to figure out whether or not something is meaningful. Rabbi Linder added that this introductory study of Torah “is guaranteed to make you learn...and laugh!” Sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, this class requires registration by contacting Temple Program Director Rosie Zweiback at 556.6536 or at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.
by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- Elie Wiesel has recruited 25 of his fellow Nobel laureates to sign a letter condemning the Chinese government’s “violent crackdown” on protestors in Tibet. The letter, which was released March 20, urges the Chinese government to show restraint and calls for a resumption of talks with Tibet’s exiled leader, the Dalai Lama, the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner. “We protest the unwarranted campaign waged by the Chinese government against our fellow Nobel laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” the letter reads. “Contrary to the repeated claims of Chinese authorities, the Dalai Lama does not seek separation from China, but religious and cultural autonomy. This autonomy is fundamental to the preservation of the ancient Tibetan heritage.” For nearly two weeks, China has worked to suppress reporting of the worst unrest in Tibet in decades. Protests earlier this month defying a Chinese order led to riots in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and a violent crackdown by China, which has occupied Tibet since 1951. Wiesel told JTA that he finds China’s insistence on claiming sovereignty in Tibet to be inexplicable. “One thing is clear,” Wiesel said. “What I say to my fellow Nobel laureates, it is our duty to speak up on moral issues.” The latest conflagration in Tibet couldn’t come at a worse time for the Chinese authorities. China’s leadership has invested massively in the success of this summer’s Beijing Olympics, which are widely viewed as a coming-out party for an emerging global power and a potent source of national pride. Increasingly, however, China’s plans seem in danger of going off the rails. Recent news reports have focused on Beijing’s major pollution problem, which could pose health risks to the athletes. And as the games draw closer -- the opening ceremonies are Aug. 8 -- China’s foreign policy and human rights record have come under increasing scrutiny, in particular its role in abetting the mass murder in the Darfur region of Sudan. Last month, Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg backed out as an artistic adviser to the games because China was unwilling to take stronger action against Sudan. China sells military equipment to Sudan and imports from that country a significant amount of the oil required to fuel its exploding economy.
To submit obituaries: E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, April 21 for Passover. The Passover issue publishes April 18; synagogue schedules are due to the Press office no later than April 4. The deadline for the April 25 issue is Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. for all ads, articles and photos. Questions? Call 402. 334.6448.
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Statewide Classified PREGNANT? NOT ready? Call us! Childless couple, warm hearts and home, long to adopt newborn. Love, laughter, secure future. Expenses paid. Debbie & Robert, 1-800673-3191. ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $195/25 word classified ad. Over 170 newspapers with circulation of more than 400,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. 16 ACRE Acreage for sale with home. Quarter mile off Hwy. 40, 3 miles from Callaway. Room to grow, play. Price reduced! 308-836-2328 or 2845. 1942 LINCOLN Continental Cabriolet, ’52 Jaguar XK120 DHC, ’63 Corvette fuel injected. Over 250 cars at auction. Consign your car now! The Branson Auction, 800335-3063, www.bransonauction.com. HOT TUBS, “Early Bird” sale, March 1-30, final closeout on all 2007 Aquaffordables. Call 1-800-869-0406 for price list and pictures. Free delivery in March. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; New and used equipment; icemakers & frozen drink machine. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105. SAWMILLS FROM only $2,990.00 -- convert your logs to valuable lumber with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300N - Free information: 1-800-578-1363-ext: 300-N. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. AG POSITIONS: A growing Case IH dealership is looking for an additional full-time outside agriculture salesman. Should have good communication skills, computer knowledge and desire to learn, operate various highly technical products. Full benefits. Position also available for additional combine technician. Requires Case IH knowledge and repair skills. Full-time position includes full benefits. Send resume to Alan Anderson, Grosshans International, 1471 West Hwy. 34, Aurora, NE 68818, or call 308-324-2121. BUSINESS-2-BUSINESS and management opportunities in Nebraska for licensed insurance agents. Colonial Life offers benefits communication, enrollment services, and voluntary benefits to employers of all sizes. First year $60k and up. EOE company. Call Dean at 1-888-234-3303 ext. 223. CITY OF Grant, Nebraska, accepting Clerk/Treasurer applications. Excellent accounting, computer and organizational skills required. Contact Tyson McGreer, 308-352-2100. Resume: PO Box 614, Grant, NE 69140. WANTED: JD Technicians. Send resume to Plains Power & Equipment, PO Box 465, Geneva, NE, 68361 or call Steve at 1-800-247-8866. DRIVER: JOIN Knight & roll right! New dedicated positions available. OTR/regional/casual. 3 pay raises in 1st year. Call & qualify immediately, 888-5627783. www.knighttrans.com. O/O 800-437-5907. DRIVERS OTR: Small reefer company - Midwest - East - South - Southeast. No NYC, quality home time, great pay - benefits - equipment, one year OTR. 888-518-5463, M-F, 8am-5pm. DRIVERS-STUDENTS: Drive a big rig! Sponsored training/tuition reimbursement available! Possible $40k 1st year! Experienced drivers ask about our $5,000 sign-on! www.ffeinc.com, 800-569-9232. DRIVERS: ASAP! Sign-on bonus, 35-42 cpm, earn over $1,000 weekly, excellent benefits. Need CDL-A and 3 months recent OTR. 800-635-8669.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 28, 2008