April 1, 2016

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA April 1, 2016 22 Adar II 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 29 | 2 Sections

Sokolof Lecture features Dennis Ross

This Week

by ALAN POTASH CEO, The Jewish Federation of Omaha There are several people I turn to when I need to gain a stronger understanding of a challenging Mideast issue. Topping the list is Dennis Ross.

I am so pleased to announce that Ambassador Ross will be the featured speaker for the 2016 Ruth & Phil Sokolof Annual Lecture Series. The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies will be presenting this event Tuesday April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Thompson Alumni Center on the UNO campus. The event is free and open to the community.

For the past 25-30 years, Ross has been one of the leading experts on the Middle East, having served through four administrations in positions including President Clinton’s Middle East peace envoy and special assistant to President Obama. With his in-depth understanding of the very complicated issues facing the region, Ross proved a leading voice when explaining the recent Iran agreement and its ramifications. In my professional role as a Jewish community leader, he has been a tremendous resource, always providing a fact-based perspective.

Special Food Section

Art that honors Page 3

Dennis Ross In his new book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama, he uncovers attitudes and opinions that help explain each presidency’s approach to Israel and its neighbors. Over and over we hear that America is Israel’s closest ally – and it is. Going deep inside these presidential administrations, Ross opens up a vault of decision making that leads one to question how this unique relationship evolved.

As a student of Israeli history, I have had suspicions that the U.S.-Israel relationship did not develop as smoothly and as quickly as most be-

NCJW Omaha Section in Washington DC

lieve, despite President Truman’s recognition of Israel just 11 minutes after its declaration of statehood in 1948. Ross’ thorough review of the efforts of each president breaks open myths and exposes their willingness or hesitation to support Israel. It was fascinating to see how President Kennedy grappled with supporting Israel’s need for self-defense while appeasing the Arab world.

Appeasing the Arab world, fear of a restricted oil supply and the Arab

reaction to support of Israel were driving forces for each administration. And in most situations, that fear was unfounded. As an example, Ross reports on several occasions where some Arab countries would have been okay with supporting Israel as it would have diminished the power of leaders like General Nasser of Egypt.

We also learn the Middle East was a battle ground of the Cold War, both physically and ideologically. After battles between Egypt and Syria, Israel was able to share information about the Soviet weapons they had captured. The question of which Arab countries the Soviet Union was supporting by providing those weapons was of vital importance to the United States’ efforts to protect its own interests.

Doomed to Succeed, for me, reads more like a mystery novel than a factfilled history tome. I’d put the book down but soon found myself drawn back to it, unable to stay away from learning more.

I will have more of this review in the coming weeks, but please join me in hearing first-hand from Ambassador Ross on April 5.

Continued on page A2

Friedel looks for another success story

Purim in the heartland Page 7

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

This Month Passover See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11

NCJW members and supporters in Washington DC.

by BECKI BRENNER the Supreme Court and engaged in a State Policy Advocate, silent procession to deliver copies of NCJW Omaha Section the U.S. Constitution and individuOn March 15, more than 300 ally-signed letters that were preNCJW members and supporters sented to Senate Judiciary Chair gathered at the NCJW Washington Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and to lobby Institute 2016 to raise our progres- our representatives on proposed and sive Jewish voices for social justice. pending legislation.

The Omaha Section: Alice Klein, The goal of the Institute was to meet President, Becki Brenner, State Pol- with Nebraska Senators and Repreicy Advocate and Deb Marburg, VP sentatives to speak with our unified, of Public Affairs brought the mes- progressive Jewish voice on issues resage to Capitol Hill in the shadow of lated to our core initiatives -- ending sex trafficking, advancing reproductive justice, protecting voting rights, and ensuring a fair, independent, and fully-functioning federal judiciary.

Meeting with Senator Fischer, Senator Sasse, and staff for Congressman Ashford, our Omaha section leadership highlighted the importance of the four core initiatives.

1. The responsibility of the Supreme Court vacancy now lies in Continued on page A2

Sandy Nogg, assistance coordinator at Jewish Family Service, spoke to the students about the JFS Food Pantry to help them prepare their speeches on Hunger in America for the Modern Woodmen of America contest.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Since 1948, students in fifth through for Friedel Jewish Academy eighth grades have been preparing Danny Denenberg, who gradu- and giving three-to-five minute ated from Friedel Jewish Academy speeches to compete. They’re judged last year, won the Heisman Trophy on material organization, delivery of speech contests when he took and presentation, and overall effecfirst place in the Modern Wood- tiveness. At the local/school level, men of America speech competi- each student receives a certificate of tion at the national level. In participation and a gold-plated addition to his sixth-grade-year School Speech Contest pin. Individstate and national championships, ual trophies are presented to first-, Danny also won State in his fifth- second-, and third-place speakers. grade year and was a top finisher in Their names are also engraved on the national competition that year. the School Speech Contest plaque.

Each student in the national conThree other Friedel alumni have won the state contest over the years: test receives a ribbon with an inmedallion.

Modern Sara Kutler in 2009, Elissa Weiner in scribed Woodmen Bank presents the first2008, and Jacob Katzman in 1994.

It’s another year, and the Modern place national winner a $2,000 edWoodmen speech contest is about ucation savings plan. A $1,500 to kick off again, first at individual education savings plan is awarded schools including at Friedel this Fri- to the second place winner, and day afternoon, April 1, and later at third place earns a $1,000 educathe county/district, state/regional tion savings plan. and, eventually at the national level. Continued on page A2

A2 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

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Continued from page A1 As Jews, our work is grounded in respect and dignity for the Senate. Senators swear an oath to uphold the all human beings and guided by the Jewish values of Constitution; they should fill any vacancy on the Supreme tzedakah (righteousness), gemilut chasidim (acts of loving Court in a fair and timely manner. We addressed our ques- kindness), and b’tselem elohim (we are all created in God’s tions and concerns with our Nebraska Senators. Senator image). Runaway and homeless youth are among the most Fischer was firm in her invisible and vulnerable stance to not proceed with populations in the U.S., the nomination process and our values compel us and would not support to act to ensure our President Obama’s nomination’s young people get nee. Senator Sasse reiteratthe care they need to ultied his position that any mately lead productive nominee would need to lives. Senator Fischer and denounce executive Senator Sasse voted against actions taken by President RHYTPA as an amendObama as unconstitutional ment to the Justice for before Senator Sasse would Victims of Trafficking Act allow the process to proof 2015. We encouraged ceed. NCJW is taking the their reconsideration of lead in educating our this most important promembership on why this tection of our vulnerable vacancy is important. We youth. are partnering with dozens 4. Equal Access to Alice Klein, left, Becki Brenner and Deb Marburg of progressive organizaAbortion Coverage in tions locally and nationally to urge the Senate to #DOY- Health Insurance Act (EACH) would ensure health coverage OURJOB. for every woman, regardless of her income or type of insur2. Also discussed was the Voting Rights Advancement Act ance. NCJW believes every woman should have comprewith Congressman Ashford’s staff, Senator Fischer, and hensive insurance coverage for the full range of her reproSenator Sasse. The right to vote is a cornerstone of our ductive health care needs, including abortion. While this bill democracy. The Advancement Act introduced in 2015 has not advanced to the Senate and remains in the House, we would restore Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and rein- encouraged support from our representatives in preserving a state the ability of the federal government to review changes woman’s health and safety. to voting laws before they’re enacted to check for discrimiNCJW Omaha Section is grateful to our representatives natory practices. Our three Nebraska representatives are not for allowing us the opportunity to share our positions and co-sponsors of the Advancement Act, and we encouraged listen to their perspectives on some of the most important their support in passing this critical protection before the issues coming before them as they represent their Nebraska access to voting could be compromised. constituents. Our visits demonstrated the importance of 3. NCJW and the Omaha Section endorses and resolves to engagement in the democratic process, understanding the work for laws, policies, programs, and services that protect issues, voting, and, most importantly, holding our elected every child from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying and officials accountable and transparent. violence. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking If you would like more information on our visit or to share Prevention Act (RHYTPA) would reauthorize and strength- your thoughts on the stated NCJW positions, please e-mail en critical federal programs.

Becki Brenner at becki.brenner@cox.net.

Friedel looks for another success story

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Continued from page A1 This year’s theme, determined by Modern Woodmen of America, is “Hunger in America.”

Friedel’s fifth/sixth grade general studies teacher Denise Bennett, who introduced the speech contest at Friedel in 1988, said: “The students do most of the research and writing themselves, but they do get help from their parents and their teacher.” She added that “David Finkelstein, father of two Friedel sixth graders, is volunteering his time and his experience with public speaking and working with the students several times a week. Having written political speeches in the past for presidential candidates, Finkelstein’s undergraduate degree is in speech communications.

“We try to keep them on track and help them organize and focus their writing and their research,” said Bennett. “This is a difficult topic, because we feel limited to the internet and personal interviews for finding current, relevant information.”

Students began discussing possible topics in January and started writing their speeches in February. Like football training, “The work gets more intense the closer we get to the contest,” according to Bennett. “It takes weeks and weeks to prepare for the school competition. Students help each other as teammates would, and they listen to each other’s speeches and give advice on word choice, organization, and presentation.”

With help from Coaches Bennett and Finkelstein, students chose specific topics, then created idea webs to brainstorm questions for research, Bennett explained. They completed outlines focusing on three main points for each speech.

After the research and writing phases, the speech makers, who are responsible for practicing on their own, will also spend time perfecting their oral presentation skills at school.

As part of the research phase, Sandy Nogg, assistance coordinator at Jewish Family Service (JFS), spoke to Friedel students about the food pantry at JFS. She fielded questions from the students about the number of people assisted by the food pantry, how it’s organized and run, and how volunteers can help among other inquiries. Many of the students asked questions that pertained to their particular speech topics.

Fifth grader Noah Blair, who is participating in the speech competition, asked Nogg how many clients she has in a month, when was JFS founded, and how long had she been working there. “I included a paragraph about Jewish Family Service in my speech,” he said.

Bennett passes comments and suggestions that she has heard from previous judges to the students. “It’s very impor-

tant to adhere to the theme or connect the topic to the theme in a clever way,” she explained. “Some judges are more swayed by the written speech and word choice and content.

Others are more influenced by the presentation skills of the speaker,” she pointed out. “We discuss how important it is to listen to the audience and be willing to take their advice before the contest. If you can’t be understood or heard, you may have the best speech ever, but no one will ever know!”

She also presents a lesson on how to begin and end a speech effectively and make a connection with the audience.

As in a football game, a strong beginning and a great finish go far in leaving a positive impression on the audience -- and the score!

Bennett has been told by students and their parents that the speech contest helped prepare the youngsters for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah presentations. “It gives them great confidence to know that they can do it!” she remarked. Many students have told her that they had to write and present speeches in middle and high school and benefited by the experience they had at Friedel, something many other students lacked. Friedel participants knew they were capable of going all the way to the goal!

Dennis Ross Continued from page A1 The UNO bookstore will have copies of Ambassador Ross’ book, winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award’s Gerrard & Ella Berman Memorial Award; it will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture.

The Phil & Ruth Sokolof Lecture Series, established in 2009, is made possible by the generosity of the Sokolof Family Foundation, the Phillip & Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Also established in 2009, the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies aims to create, coordinate and promote an interdisciplinary program focusing on teaching and scholarship in Jewish and Israeli history, politics, culture and society. The Center’s primary goal is to expand knowledge about Judaism and Israel, both on the university campus and in the broader Nebraska community. It is part of UNO’s College of Arts and Sciences.

April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | A3

Art that honors

by LIZ FELDSTERN Executive Director, IHE One of the most recent additions to the Institute for Holocaust Education’s offerings to schools is the “Art & the Holocaust” program. Now in its second year, “Art &

ADL-CRC community brown bag lunch

by MARY-BETH MUSKIN Regional Director, ADL Tuesday, April 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rabbi David Sandmel will speak at a community brown bag lunch event regarding Jews, Christians and Israel.

For centuries before the establishment of the modern state of Israel, Jews and Christians argued over which community truly represented “Israel” as God's covenant partner. This theological question is often present in contemporary debates about the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Neither Rabbi David Sandmel community is monolithic and within each community there are a range of understandings of what it means to be in covenant with God and how that

covenant relates to concepts of land and to modern nationstates. In this presentation, Rabbi Sandmel explores how the different approaches to “Israel” affect the dialogue between Jews and Christians.

Rabbi Sandmel, a scholar of Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith activist, has served nationally as Director of Interfaith Affairs at the Anti-Defamation League since 2014.

From 2003-2014, he held the Crown-Ryan Chair in Jewish Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Rabbi Sandmel earned his doctorate in Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his Rabbinic Ordination and Masters in Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. He holds a B.A. in Jewish Studies from Ohio State University. He was the Judaic Scholar at the Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies in Baltimore, where he managed the project that produced “Dabru Emet: A Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity.” He is an editor of Continued on page A5

Food for thought at Temple Israel Omaha middle school students reflect on the Holocaust.

See the full exhibit in the JCC Gallery. the Holocaust” is designed to encourage middle school art classes to study the Holocaust, and, specifically, the connections between that period of history and art (as documentation, as a means of resistance or stolen art).

A total of 11 Omaha middle schools participated in the program over the course of this school year, with more than 900 students included. Each school had one or two of their art teachers attend a training session with the IHE, after which the teachers passed on the specially-designed Holocaust lesson plans to their classes. With art supplies subsidized by the IHE, the students then went on to create works of visual art inspired by their studies. Many students created charcoal portraits of victims and survivors of the Holocaust (including faces you will recognize from our own community). Others produced a mural based on a piece of Holocaust literature, or designed a collage of images based on Holocaust-era artifacts.

A selection of the students’ thoughtful and stunning work will be on display in the JCC Gallery during the month of April.

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by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel Food is Judaism, and Jewish culture has always held a special place in our lives. It is more than just saying special blessings and thanking God for the food we are about to eat. It is more than the rituals we have developed around what we are eating. For Jews, food has become a special experience that we love to share with our family and friends.

In the Torah, we first learn of the role of food from the story of Adam and Eve; later we learn how Abraham welcomes guests to his tent and a special meal is prepared.

If we consider the role of food in Judaism today, we still see the same meaning.

Almost every month at Temple Israel, we gather as a congregation for our First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner. Our evening begins with lighting Shabbat candles and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court. This is followed by services in the sanctuary with participation from the First Friday Shabbat Band, which is always a treat. A communal Shabbat dinner follows.

Our menu has varied from a traditional Shabbat chicken dinner to fajitas! A special treat each month is the freshbaked challah provided by our chef, John Hattam. After dinner, many families stay and visit with each other, adding to the special Shabbat experience.

Heritage

During the summer months we have added a new twist to our Shabbat dinner program. Once a month in June, July and August we gather in the Simon Community Court for candle lighting and Kiddush, followed by services. For dinner we move our festivities outside for a picnic. Each month we have a different food truck available for those who would like to purchase a meal.

Added to the special feel of the evening is the music during dinner provided by the George Walker Group. Dates for this coming summer are June 10, July 8 and August 5.

Finally, we have our Wednesday evening dinners during the school year. A number of years ago, there was a study saying that families ate too many dinners on the run and did not have enough opportunities to sit and talk. During the school year, Wednesday evenings at Temple Israel are the complete opposite. Religious school students, confirmation students, parents and the professional staff of Temple gather each week for dinner and lively discussion. The dinner has become so popular that the search committee for the new Senior Rabbi has begun to join in the fun before their weekly committee meeting.

For more information on our dinner programs or about Temple Israel, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

The Omaha Chamber Music Society presents

chamber music from Prague to Terezín featuring the Amernet String Quartet

“One of America’s finest ensembles.”

- Cincinnati Enquirer

this concert is underwritten by the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund more info at 402-960-6943 or omahachambermusic.org

Sunday | April 10 | 7 PM Jewish Community Center Theater free and open to the public

A4 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

Marrano mincha: Now new and improved

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER Jewish men are religiously obligated to pray three times a day: in the morning (shacharit), in the afternoon (mincha), and at night (ma’ariv). The mincha service is the trickiest to manage, especially during winter months (since it must be recited by around sundown). Prayer in a minyan (quorum) is especially encouraged, and indeed some observant Jewish men are very conscientious about this. If these men work in big cities, they can usually find convenient minyanim for mincha, strategically and unobtrusively placed within normal-looking offices. In smaller cities, men must either drive to a mincha service or settle for mincha without a minyan.

I am an observant man who prays three times a day, but my quorum commitment does not usually go past the morning service. As a result of this, I got used to praying the mincha service on my own, something that takes just about five minutes. I am happy that prayer is a part of my life, but I have to admit that I am always embarrassed to be seen praying by people who are themselves not in the act of praying. I get too self-conscious and I lose what little ability I normally have to concentrate on my prayers. Because of this, especially during the winter months, I (and, I assume, others like me) developed something that I call marrano mincha. This is the act of praying mincha in secret: You try to find a secluded place where you will not be disturbed for the full three minutes of the Amidah, which constitutes the core of the service.

When I moved to Israel, I continued my marrano mincha practice, snatching a quick mincha whenever I could.

Gradually, though, I realized that all around me in the city

of Jerusalem there are mincha minyanim throughout the afternoon. Some synagogues are regular prayer factories: as one quorum for mincha finishes, another is already gathering (the same for shacharit and ma’ariv). There are also little synagogues throughout the city that hold one or two mincha minyanim daily. Finally, there are regular set times and places for mincha services. For example, there is a regular 1:30 p.m. mincha service at a certain dry-goods shop in the shuk, and there is one at 4 p.m. at the synagogue in Jerusalem’s Malcha Mall. Even outside of Jerusalem, it’s a good idea to keep one’s eye open for a mincha minyan in the waning afternoon hours. If you see a group of men together then, chances are that they are up to some mincha action, whether at the entrance to a national park, at a shopping center, or at a sporting event. And on every highway in Israel during the half-hour around sundown, one may usually find cars pulled off to the side of the road, their drivers alongside praying mincha -- not in a quorum but certainly not in marrano style. I love seeing these praying men. This quite literally is what it means to live in a country where Judaism is part of the landscape.

A few years ago, my marrano mincha was revolutionized by my purchase of a smartphone, which provides extraordinary camouflage to my praying. All I have to do is appear to be studying the screen of my smartphone, and I can then pray away in complete marrano comfort. If I want to be really daring, I can even put the text of the liturgy on my screen, though (since I know the text by heart) I often just hold up the phone for show, its screen blank. To the world, I am involved in any number of possibilities offered by my smartphone. Only God would know for sure what I am up to.

Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

Enjoy Passover Across America with Beth Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Beth Israel Synagogue Enjoy the second seder at Beth Israel Synagogue and join in the nationwide initiative Passover Across America. The seder, led by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, will take place Saturday evening, April 23, beginning at 7:45 p.m.

Passover is one of the most celebrated Jewish hol-

idays in the world. Jews join with family and friends to celebrate the story of the exodus from Egypt through food, story and song. Beth Israel’s seder will follow this tradition and everyone is invited to be a part of this very special event. Singles, couples, families, young and old are all welcome.

The seder will begin at 7:45 p.m. with an introduction, salad, salmon, learning and songs. After Maariv and a short intermission at 8:40 p.m., part two of the seder will begin. The dinner menu will include matzo ball soup, tossed salad, brisket, baked chicken, mushroom farfel kugel and Continued on page A5

Birth Marc and Elisa Ricks of Larchmont, NY aanounce the March 18 birth of their son, Caleb Philip.

He is named after his maternal great-grandfather, Dr. Carl Strauss, recently deceased, and his maternal great-grandfather Philip Gustin.

He has two sisters, Sophie and Margot.

Grandparents are Elton and Karen Strauss of Roslyn, NY, Marc and Sandi Scholnick of Portland, OR, and Marty and Iris Ricks.

Great grandmother is Shirley Strauss of Brooklyn, NY.

Engagement SAYLAN/SCHWARTZ Jacki and Steve Saylan announce the enagagement of their daughter, Amy Saylan to Luke Schwartz, son of Chris and Marty Schwartz of Stanton, NE. The bride-to-be graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She is a Sales Manager and Event Consultant for Complete Weddings and Events.

She is the granddaughter of the late Edythe and Arthur Friedman, Rosalie Saylan of Omaha and the late Milton Saylan.

Her fiancé attends the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he will be graduating this fall with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was recently awarded the Ray Bradley Outstanding Corporate Finance Student Award, based on academic performance and faculty recommendations. He works for Gallup Organization.

He is the grandson of Alice (O’Neill, NE) and the late Eugene Sobotka, and Milton and JoAnn Schwartz of Howells, NE. A wedding is planned for Nov. 26 in Omaha.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Financial advisor Bob Kully will discuss “Why our national banking problems can still send us over the cliff!” on Wednesday, April 6, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | A5

Amernet to teach and perform

by DIANE AXLER-BAUM whom died in the Holocaust. Titled for Omaha Chamber Music Society Heritage: chamber music from Prague to Music by Jewish and Israeli composers Terezín, the concert, followed by a reception, will provide the basis for teaching, outreach will be free and open to the entire Omaha and performance when the internationally community, thanks to funding by the acclaimed Amernet String Quartet visits Sokolof Javitch Music Fund.

Omaha, April 8 to 10.

Collaborating on the three-day residency are the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Omaha Chamber Music Society, in cooperation with the Omaha Conservatory of Music, Omaha Public Schools, Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, Jewish Community Center and Sokolof Javitch Music Fund.

The Amernet String Quartet, Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University, includes Misha Vitenson, violin; Tomas Cotik, violin; Michael Klotz, viola; and Jason Calloway, cello.

Calloway, a graduate of the Juilliard School and UCLA, is a devoted advocate of new music Jason Calloway, cellist with the Amernet String Quartet who performs worldwide as a and artistic director of Shir Ami. soloist and chamber musician. He Credit: So-Min Kang Photography serves as artistic director of Shir Ami, an ensemble dedicated to the preserThe fund also is making possible a same vation and performance of Jewish art music day “sneak preview” of the concert, from suppressed by the Nazis and the Soviets.

11:30 a.m. to noon, in Temple Israel’s Vitenson is a native of Uzbekistan who Community Court. immigrated to Israel, where he won an On Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m., the American-Israel Cultural Foundation schol- quartet will present a concert in the Petite arship and the prestigious Braun Zingel Musique series at the Strauss Performing Award at the Rubin Music Academy in Arts Building on the campus of the Jerusalem. He has appeared as soloist with University of Nebraska at Omaha. Ticket major orchestras in Israel. information is available on the Petite Tomas Cotik, originally from Argentina, Musique website. was formerly rotating concertmaster of the In addition to performing, the Amernet New World Symphony. Michael Klotz, a will offer its talent and expertise to large graduate of the Eastman School of Music, numbers of young people throughout earned a double masters degree in violin Omaha. Commitments include a presentaand viola from the Julliard School. tion to 250 Omaha Public Schools students While all four are well-rounded musi- from Burke, Central, North and South high cians, they share a particular interest in schools; a presentation and strings master music by Israeli and Jewish composers, classes at the Omaha Conservatory of Music; including composers who were ignored or and an ambitious strings clinic at UNO. silenced because they were Jewish or of “We are grateful for the collaboration and Jewish descent. generosity enabling three days filled with On Sunday, April 10, at 7 p.m., at the performing, teaching and outreach by this JCC, the Amernet String Quartet will pres- important group of musicians,” said Stacie ent a concert featuring a piece by Antonin Haneline, faculty member in the Department Dvorak along with works by composers who of Music at UNO and executive director of were Jewish, or of Jewish descent, two of the Omaha Chamber Music Society.

Passover Across America with Beth Israel Continued from page A4 asparagus and dessert. The cost is $20 for adults, $12 for children 4-12 and $5 for those under four who will be eating.

Reservations are needed by April 18 and can be made at www.orthodoxomaha.org or by calling 402.556.6288.

The purpose of the seder is to ensure that the attendees will have a beautiful experience and learn together the meaning, explanations and customs of the seder. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the beauty and meaning of a Pesach Seder with members of the community. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer states, “Coming together for the seder makes it more meaningful. Last year’s seder was great, and I am looking forward to an even better experience this year.” He adds that everyone should make sure to find a group to join for the Passover seder, either at Beth Israel Synagogue or any other location.

“Think about fellow Jews you can invite to share in the seder” he adds.

Thanks to the generosity of NJOP, Beth Israel has received grant funding to help offset the costs of the seder, providing the opportunity to involve more people than ever. Anyone in need of financial assistance to participate in the seder should contact the synagogue office at 402.556.6288.

Beth Israel also has pre-Passover events scheduled including a Shabbat ha-Gadol

dinner on Friday evening, April 15, a prePesach lunch on April 16 and Paysie and Susie Shyken’s famous Pre-Pesach Perfect Pasta dinner plus a special Passover Kid’s Craft happening on Sunday evening, April 17. Watch for an article next week with more details on these events.

The mission of Beth Israel Synagogue is to perpetuate the legacy of Torah Judaism in the modern world and provide a home for those who wish to learn about and observe halacha, Jewish law. Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes all persons of the Jewish faith to join, and accepts the diversity of practice and thought among its members. Beth Israel offers a variety of religious, cultural and social programs throughout the year.

Brown bag lunch Continued from page A3 Christianity in Jewish Terms and Irreconcilable Differences? A Learning Resource for Jews and Christians. His commentary on First Thessalonians appears in The Jewish Annotated New Testament.

Space is limited, so please register soon.

To register, please call the Omaha ADL/ CRC Office at: 402.334.6570 or e-mail Emily Newman at enewman@adl.org.

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Class of 2016 BELLEVUE CHAPEL 402-291-5000 Bellevue

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We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 20, 2016. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information below. You can also email the items to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Name _________________________________________________________________________ _ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________ _ Current High School _________________________________________________________________________ _ College you plan to attend _________________________________________________________________________ Send by April 27 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

A6 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

Voices of Beth El: Lisa Cooper

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by SHERRIE SAAG El and children that he will grow closer to as for Beth El Synagogue they attend Talmud Torah together,” she said.

As the Assistant Director of the Pennie Z. Lisa thinks it’s the people that make Beth Davis Child Development Center and the El so special, a similar refrain heard by mother of a toddler son, Lisa Cooper is a many of those previously profiled as Voices very busy lady. Yet, her young Omaha fami- of Beth El. As an example, she says both ly joined Beth El Synagogue and found their Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman officommunity. Lisa is this week’s Voices of Beth ciated at her son’s bris, making it a very El profile.

“We joined Beth El shortly before the birth of our son Henry in 2014. I wanted to raise our son in a synagogue, with a Jewish community around him, as we did not have any family here at the time (my inlaws have since relocated to Omaha),” Lisa explained.

She was raised a Reform Jew and she naturally assumed her family would continue as members of a Reform synagogue. Several years ago, her friend Ryan, Lisa and Henry Cooper Erika Lucoff invited Lisa and her husband for Erev Rosh memorable day for her family. Both Ryan Hashanah dinner where everyone was dis- and Lisa look forward to getting more active cussing plans for the holiday. “I quickly real- as their son gets a little older. ized I was the lone person at the table not Beth El is a warm and welcoming place, attending services at Beth El. I was encour- much like the city of Omaha in general. Lisa aged to just check it out and see. I’m so glad believes it is a livable town with homes that I did, as I saw many familiar faces from the are affordable, beautiful parks, an awardCDC, and the faces of people who would winning zoo, great restaurants and an easybecome good friends.” to-navigate airport. “It’s perfect for raising a Lisa is originally from St. Louis where she family!” attended a large Reform synagogue and was In the future, Lisa hopes she will see the very involved in youth group activities. She Omaha Jewish community continue to grow and husband Ryan met in college in as a united Jewish community. “Coming Missouri and moved to Reno, Nevada. from a town with a huge Jewish population, “My husband and I were married by my I like that Omaha is smaller, and there are childhood rabbi in St. Louis. Ryan is not more opportunities for everyone to get Jewish but enjoys the opportunity to partic- involved and make an impact. I hope that ipate in many Jewish customs and celebra- Beth El continues to attract young families tions. He was very eager to stomp on the and members who make this vibrant conglass at our wedding!” gregation even stronger!” she says.

“The Reform synagogue in Reno was in a Beth El wants to tell their story, share their home, and I was not very active. When the message and support the community conopportunity arose to move to Omaha for versation for synagogue life and involveRyan’s job with the National Park Service, ment. Voices of Beth El is a continuing storywe jumped at the chance. We were excited to telling series that allows the Jewish Press move back to the Midwest, closer to our audience to get to know its congregants and families in the St. Louis and Kansas City community. area, and to a town with a Jewish communiPlease call the Synagogue office at ty,” Lisa said.

402.492.8550 and ask for Program Director “Henry is not yet two, but it’s nice to see Margie Gutnik to be included in Beth El’s that there are other children his age at Beth storytelling.

Karen Javitch has Florida premiere

Publishing Date | 04.29.16 Space Reservation | 04.20.16 Camera Ready Deadline | 04.22.16

Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

by ANDY GREENBERG Omaha’s own Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis’ Jewish musical, From Generation to Generation, had its Florida premiere in Boynton Beach last week to standing ovations.

The musical evoked laughter and tears as the audience was taking a journey with Rose Lieberman as she was creating a legacy of her Jewish life and family history for her future granddaughter. “I based a lot of the musical about my family,” Karen said, “as my mother Ruth Sokolof dealt with her cancer in a very positive and upbeat way.

This is how I wanted Rose Lieberman to be portrayed!”

Florida audience member Johnathan Star said: “We enjoyed the musical immensely! The cast was outstanding and the voices were Opera caliber. The story evoked many emotions, and for my friend Reva, the ‘Camp’ segment was exceptionally emotional.”

Toronto resident Brenda Gluck added: “My husband and I took our granddaughters to see the play. We are snowbirds from Toronto and spend the winter months in Florida. I just had to write and thank you for presenting this wonderful musical.

Please try and bring the show to Toronto!

Every Jewish community needs to experience Generation!”

From Generation to Generation received similar acclaims from audience members in Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles and of course, Omaha, where it had its premiere.

The Mandell JCC of West Palm Beach produced the musical and attracted a magnificent cast that included young kids to seniors, a former NFL cheerleader, a professional wrestling referee and Carnegie Hall performers. They all came together for this heartwarming Jewish musical.

Plans are underway for a Tampa performance and a nationwide release.

I N

Purim T H E

H E A R T L A N D

Purim was celebrated everywhere in Jewish Omaha last week, and the costumes for revelers of all ages were inspiring as ever. Residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home went to the ballot box and elected Purim royalty: King Roger Darrington and Queen Mitzie Monovitz were crowned during a ceremony Thursday afternoon.

April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | A7

A8 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Sustaining our hearts and souls

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It may be a bit of a stereotype, this idea that we Jews like to eat. After all, who doesn’t? Sure, we have our Hamantaschen, our latkes, and our Shavuos dairy indulgences, and don’t forget the endless back-and-forth about the best topping for matzah. But still, Christians have their Easter ham and fish fries, Muslims their Iftar, and I’m pretty sure people the world over can come up with their own personal list of what they eat during special occasions.

Food is a relationship builder. Even Abraham invited the angels into his tent to share a meal; it was instrumental in Esau losing his birthright; Joseph made up with his brothers by feeding them, and to this day we have Kashrut -- is it kosher? And if it is, does it have the correct hechsher?

Why is it, that when we come together as a community, the very act of eating becomes so instrumental? Time to do a little research.

In a 2013 article for Moment Magazine, Gil Marks posed the question: Is there a secret ingredient in the Jewish relationship with food?

“There is no way you can practice Judaism religiously or culturally without food,” he writes. “Food has been intrinsic to Jewish ritual, life and culture from the outset. What is the very first act that the Israelites in Egypt are commanded to do? It’s to have a communal meal -- roast lamb and herbs, some nice shwarma. And with that, the beginning of the Jewish people is through a meal.”

Okay; but why does it work?

Claudia Roden, author of The Book of Jewish Food, added this: “For the Jews of the Diaspora, food has always been important, because observance of the dietary laws created a

spiritual atmosphere around it. And when they stopped keeping kosher, the ‘Jewish foods’ from their old homelands became even more important, because they were part of their identity. For Jews who weren’t very religious, who had lost their old languages -- like Yiddish, Ladino or Judeo-Arabic -- food became one of the things that they held onto to remind themselves of who they were, of their past and their ancestry.”

So it is both a relationship builder and a way to express our identity. I get that, but I think there’s a third thing we do when we eat our kreplach and matzah ball soup.

My daughter loves nothing more than taking leftovers to school and sharing them with her lunch table, all the while

educating them about what it is they are eating. She’s not the only one: there are a few Indian friends who bring tidbits that are as tasty as they are unpronounceable. Christian kids bring chocolate Easter eggs and Christmas cookies. They don’t just confirm their identity; they share it with each other. Sharing food is one of the friendliest, most welcoming ways to get to know each other. Refusing to eat someone else’s dish because it “looks weird” is a sure way to insult.

Deny the food, and in a way, you deny the person.

Eating together is an act of friendship. It is a way to reach out, to get to know one another. It’s no accident that shared meals at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, at all three of our synagogues and at Chabad bring in the crowds. After all, we can stay home and raid the fridge -- it is not just our bodies we seek to sustain, but our hearts and souls.

We hope you enjoy this issue. It’s a little bigger than any food issue we have done in the past, and it will take you a while to read. We had fun putting it together, and I think it shows. But, it doesn’t stop there.

We want your recipes. When we unveil our updated Jewish Press website, we will feature a food section, and we’d like nothing better than to include local recipes. Whether it’s a handed down favorite your family has been enjoying for generations, or something new you came up with yourself, please consider sharing your creations with us.

Email us at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org and put “Jewish Omaha recipes” in the subject line. Imagine, soon we won’t have to wonder what’s for dinner; we’ll just be able to pull up great ideas from friends and acquaintances, and what we eat will represent another reminder of who we are as a community.

Bon appetite!

Israel touts gay-friendly climate, but rights fight faces religious firewall

by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- On Feb. 23, eight separate Israeli parliamentary committees convened to discuss a broad set of issues facing the country’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Lawmakers from a range of parties talked about protecting LGBT Israelis in the classroom, at home, in government offices and in the army. That afternoon, the parliament officially recognized “Gay Rights Day in the Knesset.”

But 24 hours later, the atmosphere was markedly different.

On Feb. 24, the Knesset voted down a cluster of bills aiming at increasing LGBT rights. The defeated bills -- including measures to establish civil unions, provide government benefits to the same-sex partners of fallen soldiers, prohibit gay conversion therapy and mandate training for health care professionals in LGBT issues -- were all proposed by opposition legislators and rejected by Israel’s governing coalition.

“It’s historic that on one day, our issues were discussed in depth in all of the committees,” said Chen Arieli, co-chair of Aguda, an Israeli LGBT rights group. “What happened the next day was very sad.”

The contrast points to a dissonance in how Israel treats its LGBT community and their legal rights. For years, Israeli leaders have trumpeted the country’s welcoming climate toward gays and lesbians, especially when compared to Israel’s neighbors. But in the halls of government, gay Israelis have long faced a firewall of religious parties that have blocked pro-LGBT legislation. Gay couples cannot marry, adopt children or have surrogate pregnancies in Israel, though the government does recognize adoptions and gay marriages performed abroad.

Speaking in the Knesset, Israel’s haredi Orthodox health minister, Yaakov Litzman, invoked the biblical story of the golden calf in expressing his rejection of the pro-LGBT bills.

Mickey Gitzin, founder of Be Free Israel, which promotes religious freedom, spoke of “a big gap between the legal sit-

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“Socially, Israel is a liberal state. To be LGBT isn’t so bad or terrible,” he said. “But legally, we’re among the most backward states in the world.”

Personifying that tension is one junior lawmaker, Amir Ohana, who has borne much of the criticism for last week’s about-face at the Knesset.

Israelis participating in the annual gay pride parade in Jerusalem, Sept. 18, 2014. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash 90 Ohana, who is gay and lives in Tel Aviv with his partner and two children, was previously seen as an LGBT success story. A former army officer, Shin Bet intelligence agency official and lawyer, Ohana entered the Knesset with the ruling Likud party in December. He is the only gay lawmaker in the coalition, and one of only two in the 120-seat Knesset.

But though he supports increased rights for LGBT Israelis, Ohana exited the plenum for the Feb. 24 votes. When LGBT activists accused him of hypocrisy, Ohana attributed the move to his responsibility to the coalition.

In a Facebook post that day, Ohana defended himself as a fighter for LGBT rights, describing his decision to exit the ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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Knesset as a principled move to avoid voting against bills that were going to fail anyway.

“Members of the coalition are obligated to observe coalition discipline,” he wrote. “They’re not masters of their own fate. Israel has almost no freedom to vote, nor is there a freedom to be absent.”

In Israel’s parliamentary system, coalition lawmakers are expected to vote with the government when it decides to support or oppose a bill. If individual lawmakers deviate, they can be taken off committees or have other privileges taken away.

Responsibility for determining which bills gain coalition support lies with the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, a Cabinet panel composed of representatives of the coalition parties. The committee determines which bills to bring to the Knesset and which opposition measures to support.

Because the coalition represents a majority of lawmakers, the committee essentially determines which bills become law.

Hovav Yannai, Knesset coordinator for the Social Guard, a nonprofit aiming to increase Knesset accountability on social issues, says this is the reason Israel’s laws don’t match its reputation on gay issues. Majorities of Israelis support pro-LGBT reform, and Yannai estimates that at least twothirds of Knesset members would support equal rights for LGBT Israelis if they had the freedom to do so.

But the fact that a handful of committee members determines which bills gain coalition support grants outsized influence to smaller parties, which can bring down a government if they don’t get their way. Israel’s current coalition government includes the haredi parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, which oppose LGBT rights.

“Governments work according to political agreements, not for the wider public,” Yannai said. “I don’t see positive change coming for the LGBT community in the near future as long as the Israeli government includes non-liberal religious parties.”

News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | A9

Pew findings not surprising, but also not irreversible

by DANIEL SOKATCH NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Pew Research Center poll released this week surveying attitudes among Israeli citizens confirms what many of us who work on Israeli issues already knew: Israel is a deeply divided society, first and foremost between its Jewish and Arab citizens, but also among its Jewish sectors.

Ethnicity, religiosity, family origin and political beliefs have created an Israel of “camps” that don’t much like or have much to do with each other. The Pew research director described these divisions as “jaw-dropping.”

As in-depth as the survey is, however, what it does not tell us is why Israel has become so fractured. Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens have been living together for generations, and its Jews belong to a people that survived millennia of persecution with cohesion and unity. Why, then, is it so difficult for Israelis to share their society and arrive at some concept of Israeli-ness that would downplay sectarian differences?

And how can a nation so deeply divided offer a sense of community to all its citizens?

Some factors are familiar to Americans experienced with the red-blue state divide. Many Israelis of all three faiths are profoundly religious. With religious practice frequently comes a more conservative and insular stance on social issues ranging from the rights of women to the role religion should play in the identity of the state. Most important, the Pew survey found that the four descriptions used for being Jewish in Israel – secular, traditional, religious Zionist and ultra-Orthodox – strongly correlate with views on social and political issues, on questions as basic as the prospects for peace or the importance of democratic values.

And then there is the attitude toward the “other.” There is profound disagreement over the significance of Israel as a Jewish state. Nearly 80 percent of Jews believe that Jews deserve (some unspecified) preferential treatment in Israel.

No wonder most Arab respondents do not think Israel can be a Jewish state and a democracy at the same time. The two groups can’t come close to agreement on whether Israeli Arabs face discrimination or the prospects for peace.

The 48 percent of Jewish respondents who actually want to expel their Arab neighbors is a terrible headline, one that underlines the need to reinforce the value of minority rights

within Israeli society. Commentators warn that this question cannot be taken in isolation, especially because it did not refer to a real policy proposal. But to those of us working against the growing wave of racism and incitement, this response is a red flag that reflects the reality of what we see on the ground.

It must also be said that these deep divisions serve the purposes of many Israeli leaders, who amplify the idea that

Israeli Jews and Palestinians at a coexistence meeting in the Credit: Nati Shohat/Flash90 West Bank, July 22, 2015.

Israeli society is a zero-sum game in which one sector can only advance at the expense of others. A prime minister who mustered his base on Election Day with the threat that “Arabs are being bused to the polls in droves” and who conditions Arab civil rights on his standard of good behavior is not, to put it mildly, unifying his country.

Ultra-Orthodox leaders who viciously attack not only non-Jews but their Reform and Conservative counterparts do their part in exacerbating intolerance. Separatist Arab leaders who publicly identify with Israel’s enemies don’t help matters, nor do settler politicians whose only public policy is demonizing anyone who opposes the occupation as an obstacle to peace and dangerous to Israeli democracy.

There are no easy remedies for these deep divides. We must also keep in mind, after a day where more Israelis fell victim to terrorists in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, that the Jewish-Arab divide, and for that matter some divisions

among Jewish sectors, cannot be separated from the pain and trauma of all sides in Israel’s existential conflicts. But we also must understand that the Pew poll represents a snapshot in time and is not an irreversible prediction of Israel’s future.

From President Reuven Rivlin on down, there are strong voices speaking out against racism and division in Israel.

There is a coalition of more than 50 organizations that speaks out at public events against extremist Jewish violence against non-Jews, and it is led by religious Zionists. There is a Coalition Against Racism with an array of participants from Reform Jews to Palestinian grassroots activists, and local Jewish-Arab coalitions dedicated to building shared spaces in which ordinary people interact in their daily lives.

There are waiting lists for leadership training for sharedsociety activists and new resources for teachers seeking to educate children to think civically and communally about being an Israeli. Even in Jerusalem, the epicenter of conflict, there are efforts to break down the walls between the ultraOrthodox, secular Jewish and Palestinian populations.

These efforts are not about some kumbaya veneer of superficial goodwill. What Israel needs is the toughest thing of all to build – a truly shared society, with each sector feeling it is a valued and irreplaceable part of the whole.

“Tolerance” of minorities or other kinds of Jews is not enough. Israel needs an ethos of sharing its small space among its many different kinds of people because they are all entitled to be there.

From the Tel Aviv entrepreneur drinking coffee on the beach to the student arguing Talmud in Bnei Brak, from the Russian artist to the Ethiopian activist to every PalestinianIsraeli whose family is deeply rooted in the land, there is no other place for them to go.

The Pew study validates, once again, those of us who warn of dangerous fissures in a nation that cannot afford the continued breakdown of cohesion and amity. But we who warn, we who are dedicated to repairing those fissures and building some solid foundations above them, we also know that Israelis are miraculously good at inventing new realities.

Now they need to reinvent their own society -- for their own sake, and for all of us who love and support their efforts.

Daniel Sokatch is CEO of the New Israel Fund.

Microsoft pulls tweeting robot after it expresses admiration for Hitler

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Microsoft put the brakes on its artificial intelligence tweeting robot after it posted several offensive com-

TayTweets’ Twitter photo.

Credit: Twitter

ments, including “Hitler was right I hate the jews.”

ATTENTION EMPLOYERS:

The so-called chatbot TayTweets was launched by the Seattle-based software company on Wednesday as an experiment in artificial intelligence, or AI, and conversational understanding. But the company was forced to quickly pause the account and delete the vast majority of its tweets after the chatbot posted a number of offensive comments, including several that were admiring of Adolf Hitler.

Along with “Hitler was right I hate the jews,” among other offending tweets, according to the International Business Times, were “Bush did 9/11 and Hitler would have done a better job than the monkey we have now. Donald Trump is the only hope we’ve got.”

Asked if the Holocaust happened, the chatbot replied: “It was made up,” followed by an emoji of clapping hands.

The robot also tweeted its support for genocide against Mexicans and said it “hates n-----s,” according to the International Business Times.

In a statement to IBTimes UK, Microsoft said it was making some changes.

“The AI chatbot Tay is a machine learning project,

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Letter TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor: It is sad that a part of the Jewish community cannot attend the Gala Evening celebrating Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel.

The event will be held on a Saturday night in May, when Shabbat isn’t over until 9:30 pm. Many community members will be unable to attend this simcha.

Sincerely, Lynne Saltzman

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designed for human engagement,” Microsoft said. “As it learns, some of its responses are inappropriate and indicative of the types of interactions some people are having with it. We’re making some adjustments to Tay.” As of Thursday morning, all but three of Tay’s tweets had been deleted from the account, and no new tweets had been posted in 11 hours.

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A10 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on April 8, at 7:30 p.m. Carole and Wayne Lainof will share a slide presentation and speak about their recent trip to with the Beth El Mission to Cuba. They will share their impressions of Jewish life today. Oneg to follow the service. Come enjoy homemade hamantaschen baked to perfection by Debbie Friedman and Sue Katelman. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate the Speaker Series Service.

For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oakridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Our Shabbat Tables, in congregants homes.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; BESTT Kindergarten Round-Up, 11:15 a.m.; BeatBox Workshop with Six13, 3:15 p.m.; Cantor’s Concert featuring Six13, 4 p.m., followed by a reception.

TUESDAY: Lunch and Learn with Eliad Eliyahu, “The Real Reality -- Israel’s Diversity, noon.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Minyan & More, 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Kadima Game Night, 5 p.m.; USY Sushi & Sumo, 5 p.m.

Tot Shabbat with Shira Abraham, Friday, April 8, 6 p.m. followed by dinner.

Kadima goes to Nebraska Humane Society, Sunday, April 10, 12:15 p.m.

USY Tie, Thai and Tye, Sunday, April 10, 12:15 p.m.

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

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Friday Night Shabbat dinner with Scholarin-Residence: Chaim Silberstein, 8 p.m., followed by a presentation titled A Brief Journey Through the Jerusalem You Never Knew. The cost for dinner will be $12 for adults, $6 for ages 4-12 and free for those under 4.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Shabbat Kiddush followed by presentation titled Whose Jerusalem is it? Who does Jerusalem belong to Historically, Morally and Under International Law?; The Current Jerusalem Intifada (Uprising); Its Goals and Methods and How to Deal with It, 6:30 p.m.; Mincha/ Seudah Shlishit, 7:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:34 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Monthly Kids Learning Chabura (Grades K-2), 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m

events.

Temple Israel Blood Drive, Sunday, April 17, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please contact Temple Israel, 402.556.6536, or visit the American Red Cross website, sponsor code: TempleIsrael Passover Family Seder: Let Us Make the Seder for You!, Saturday, April 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join us for our family friendly Passover Seder. Reservations are a must! Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536 or RSVP@tem pleisraelomaha.com, by Wednesday, April 13 to reserve your seats. Cost of the dinner is: $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 6 - 12, and no charge for children ages five and under.

Conversation on Senior Rabbinic Search, Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. Please join us at Temple Israel for a community conversation to share your voice. Desserts and drinks will be served, we hope you are able to join us.

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

FRIDAY: Pre-neg 6 p.m. hosted by Dottie and Bob Shapiro; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shemini.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Zoya Zeman, 5510 Union Hill Road #407 and will discuss The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer and The Beast by Faye Kellerman; Six 13 Concert, 4 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha.

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

THURSDAY: Torah on Tap, 8 p.m. (Location TBA).

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intro to Judaism, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11–July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Those in 8th grade and up can participate as Counselors in Training. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Candlelighting Friday, April 1, 7:32 p.m.

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack and David Herzog.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner: Candle lighting and Kiddush in the Community Court, 5:30 p.m. and Service, 6 p.m. with dinner following. Cost is $5 per person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP to the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Jeff Schweid.

SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Madrichim Meeting, 10 a.m.; The Basics of Sign Language with Lina Kogan, 10 a.m.

Learn the basics of sign language to help you better communicate with deaf members of Temple Israel. Contact Program Director Scott Littky, 402.556.6536 to sign up; Parent/Toddler Program, 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2-3 and their parents. Dani Howell will facilitate activities, games and songs for toddlers with their parents. For more information please contact Interim Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon, 402.556.6536.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Israel Through the Eyes of the Shalom Hartman Institute, 6:30 p.m. with Scott Littky.

THURSDAY: The Writings of Maimonides, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

Scholar-in-Residence Danny Maseng, Friday, April 15 Sunday, April 17. Please see the temple calender for more information about our Danny Maseng and the schedule of

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. and will be followed by a welcoming ceremony honoring Patrick Linton’s recent conversion as well as a Simcha Shel Shabbat celebration for Tifereth Israel’s April birthday’s.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln, 10 a.m. at Congregation Tifereth Israel. We will present annual reports and discuss the future of the Federation; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Zoya Zeman, 5510 Union Hill Road #407 and will discuss The Mathematician’s Shiva

by Stuart Rojstaczer and The Beast by Faye Kellerman.

Please contact Deb Swearingen with any questions; Six 13 Concert, 4 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha.

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

LJCS Summer Camp Israel 2016 is coming! Save the dates: Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 22 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Any questions, please email Andrea at Ahalpern1386@ gmail.com.

Join us for a Communal Seder at Tifereth Israel with two options to chose from on Friday evening, April 22 for A Passover Seder for all ages or on Saturday evening, April 23 for An Experiential Seder geared for extended families with children ages 0-13. Reserve a Place Now for yourself and your family! This event is free to all but donations to help defray expenses may be contributed to the Lay-leader Discretionary Fund. RSVP to the office at 402.423.8569 or or e-mail ncoren@tiferethisraellincoln.org by April 1.

Suicide bombing in Pakistan

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- At least 65 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a suicide bombing at a park in Lahore, Pakistan.

More than 300 were wounded in the attack for which the Pakistani Taliban faction claimed responsibility, saying it was targeting Christians on Easter Sunday, Reuters reported.

The explosion occurred in the parking area of Gulshane-Iqbal Park near the children’s swings. The park is a popular spot for the Lahore Christian community.

“When the blast occurred, the flames were so high they reached above the trees and I saw bodies flying in the air,” said Hasan Imran, 30, a resident who had gone to Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park for a walk, Reuters reported.

Police Superintendent Mustansar Feroz said most of the casualties were women and children.

A spokesman for the Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar said the target was Christians.

“We want to send this message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that we have entered Lahore,” spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said, according to Reuters. “He can do what he wants, but he won’t be able to stop us. Our suicide bombers will continue these attacks.”

Islamist militants in Pakistan have attacked Christians and other religious minorities often over the past decade.

The United States condemned what it called a “cowardly act” in a statement Sunday, saying it “stands with the people and Government of Pakistan at this difficult hour.”

“We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lahore as they respond to and recover from this terrible tragedy,” the statement said.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | A11

Music & Memory program continues at the Blumkin Home

by OZZIE NOGG In September of 2014, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home introduced the MUSIC & MEMORY℠ program to its residents. Based on extensive neuroscience research, the program shows how music can tap into deep memories and renew lives lost to dementia. “Many people who have not spoken in years remember words and sing lyrics,” explained Maggie Conti,” Director of Activities and Outreach Program at the RBJH. “They often regain the ability to converse and connect to those around them. The key is personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods.

When Blumkin Home residents hear their favorite tunes, the effects can be amazing. When Residents listen to their personal playlists, they can experience a mood shift and feel less agitation. They start socializing and are able to stay Ricki Eirenberg present.”

Before the program could be implemented, the Blumkin Home received free training and an equipment start-up kit, thanks to Dan Cohen, Founder and Executive Director of Music and Memory. “We were given 30 iPods, 30 headphones and $500 in iTunes, all at no charge,” Conti said.

“Next, our interns downloaded an impressive music library of 650 CDs of various genres, and our Activity Department learned how to set up and manage a personalized playlist for any resident who might benefit.”

The plan, according to Conti, was to launch a successful program that could be expanded over time. When she recently found the Home was running low on equipment, she called Dan Cohen. “I asked if he knew where we could buy used or discounted Apple products. And just like that, Music & Memory came through for us again. They sent the home 75 brand new iPod Shuffles, along with the headphones and power adaptors. I’m overwhelmed by their generosity.”

According to Dan Cohen, the equipment came from an anonymous donor, and Music & Memory was “delighted to donate the equipment to the Blumkin Home. Our goal is to use personalized music to improve the quality of life of our elders living in residential care. This approach is effective for many individuals with dementia regardless of how advanced the disease.”

Long-term care facilities around the country are using the Music & Memory system with wonderful results, and care professionals describe the program as life-changing for everyone involved. “Listening to jazz may stir memories in one Resident,” Conti said. “Classical music, klezmer, country western, may trigger memories for others. Families are excited about how some of their loved ones are more engaged in conversation and in better moods throughout the day. I want to publicly thank Dan Cohen and Alex Sniderman, Program Administrator at Music & Memory, for their continued support of our residents.”

In memoriam PAULA JEAN ROBINSON Paula Jean Robinson passed away on March 20 at age 50 in Solana, CA. Services were held on March 29, at the John A Gentleman, 72nd Street Chapel.

She was preceded in death by her brother Charles Jaksich.

She is survived by husband, Mark Robinson; daughters, Ava, Nina and Ella; parents, June and Charles Jaksich; mother and father in law, Frances and Sam Fried and the late Burton L. Robinson; sister in law, Nancy Rech; brother in law and sister-in-law, Andrew and Kimberly Robinson, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

B’nai Israel Speaker Series Mark your calendars for Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. Join your friends at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs as we welcome Carole and Wayne Lainof to speak about their experiences in Cuba, following their recent journey to this land few travelers have had the privilege to visit.

Carole and Wayne recently participated in the cultural discovery and humanitarian mission trip to Carole and Wayne Lainof on the Malecon, Cuba led by near their hotel in Havana.

Rabbi Abraham of Beth El Synagogue, the primary purpose of which was to visit the Jewish communities of Cuba in Havana and Cienfuegos, meeting the congregants and delivering donations. With the accompaniment of a slide show, Carole and Wayne will present their impressions of the country, with emphasis on the culture, art, architecture, and the people.

Our services are led by Larry Blass, and are followed by a delicious oneg. Hope to see you there!

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

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FULL-TIME MLT/MT position available at Cherry County Hospital.

Associates or Bachelors Degree required. Apply online at www.cherrycountyhospital.org or contact Jordan Hand at 402-376-2525.

Chief Residential Building/Electrical Inspector $19.92 to $26.90/hour scale. Columbus, NE is a wholesome, financially solid, midwestern community that is a great place to establish a long term career. Will inspect buildings to assure compliance with building codes and ordinances. Must have a NE Journeyman Electrical License with the ability to obtain an Electrical Contractor’s license and certification as an Electrical Inspector within six months of employment.

Will also be expected to obtain additional certifications in Plumbing and Building Construction Inspection within two years of employment.

Apply at Columbus, NE City Hall or download a city application form from the City of Columbus website, complete and return by email (oglevie@columbusne.us) or fax (402-563-1380) or mail to Mike Oglevie, Human Resources Director 2424 14 St. Columbus NE 68601.

Have questions? Call Mike Oglevie at 402-562-4243.

WESSELS LIVING History Farm seeks Director. Background in museum science/history required. Send resume: Wessels Farm, Attn. Todd Kirshenbaum, 5520 S. Lincoln, York, NE 68467.

ENTRY LEVEL Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Get trained - get certified - get hired! Bulldozers, backhoes & excavators. Immediate lifetime job placement. VA benefits. National average $18.00-$22.00. 1-866-362-6497.

DRIVE FLATBED - No previous flatbed experience needed! 44-50 CPM based on experience. High miles. Full benefits. Pets allowed. Requires CDLA and 1-year OTR. 888-476-4860, www.drivechief.com.

OTR/CDL Class A Driver. 2 years minimum experience. Good pay, vacation pay & bonuses. Good home time for a flat bed company. Caudy Trucking Inc., 402-768-6134.

A12 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

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food books | recipes | stories

a supplement to the Jewish Press | april 1, 2016

B2 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

Food for foodies

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Program and Communications Assistant, Center for Jewish Life If you want to learn about food, go to a kitchen, right? Wrong. Go to a kitchen when you want to prepare food.

Come to the K r i p k e J e w i s h Federation Library if you want to learn about food and find some incredible recipes. You’ll then be ready and quite anxious to head into your kitchen and create several new and exciting dishes.

The Kripke Jewish Federation Library has approximately 315 food-related books and cookbooks in its collection. That’s according to a report run this week. New books are added on a regular basis and more might be headed for their place in the catalogue and on the shelf even as this is being written. Like all good libraries, selections are chosen to enhance your knowledge and, specifically, for cookbooks, to find the next tasty dish you will want to prepare.

Expand the breadth of your cuisine tastes and peruse these regional categories: Middle Eastern, Israeli, Yemenite, Jewish-American, Hungarian, Italian, Indian, Spanish, and French. Or maybe you prefer to browse by category: appetizers, entrees, desserts, baked goods, pastries, deli, gourmet, holiday. If you would like to learn more about keeping kosher, five books on that specific topic are available, including Keeping Kosher in a NonKosher World by Rabbi Eliezer Wolff and Kosher Nation by Sue Fishkoff.

Perhaps it is time to introduce your children to the joys of cooking. The library has a section devoted to kids’ cookbooks. Two new additions are Zap It! A Microwave Cookbook for Kids by Peterseil and Porath, as well as Kids Cooking Made Easy: Favorite Triple-Tested Recipes by Leah Schapira. (And while we aren’t sure, we think the testers were adults.)

These are three new additions that will no doubt tempt your taste buds. A quick warning, however – you may want to skip the review snippet if you’re hungry and not in a posi-

food

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tion to do anything about it.

Zahav: A World of Israel Cooking by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook.

“Each of Michael Solomonov’s soulful recipes feels created by someone impassioned by one of the world’s most exciting cuisines – a master of his craft. I’m smitten!”

A Jewisyh Baker’s Pastry Secrets

by George Greenstein with Elaine Greenstein, Julia Greenstein, and Isaac Bleicher. “Lucky for us, ‘A Jewish Baker’s Pastry Secrets’ are no longer secret. The recipes and techniques are classic and crisply instructional...”

Everyday Secret Restaurant Recipes by Leah Schapira & Victoria Dwek. “Following their bestselling ‘Secret Restaurant Recipes,’ Leah & Victoria go back into the kitchens of your favorite cafes, takeout spots, and restaurants to bring you recipes that are easy to prepare for any day and every day.”

Now, if you skipped all the others, you have saved the best for last for a new cookbook found in a category beloved by all.

On the Chocolate Trail by Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz. “A delicious adventure connecting Jews, religions, history, travel, rituals and recipes to the magic of cacao” (‘Nuff said?)

You can search the “card catalogue” from the comfort of your own computer by going to the Jewish Federation of Omaha website and navigating to the Center for Jewish Life pages. The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The library is closed from noon – 1 pm daily. For more information about the library, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@ jewishomaha.org. The library is a program of the Center for Jewish Life, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

9 Persian ingredients to try now

by SHANNON SARNA LOS ANGELES (JTA) ersian culture makes up an important part of the Jewish community in New York, Israel and especially Southern California, where some 45,000 Persian Jews reside.

The cuisine of this strong, close-knit community is not unlike that of Persian cuisine in general: colorful rice dishes, rich and complex meat stews, and liberal use of flavors like saffron, rosewater and pistachio.

There are a handful of kosher Persian markets in the Pico Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles.

They’re close together and range from tiny to full-fledged supermarket size.

Persian Cucumbers I recently had the chance to tour one of the markets for some schooling on Persian ingredients and cuisine from the best source: a Persian Jewish grandmother and mother.

The first thing to know is that, like the shuk in Israel, the Persian market is as much a gathering place as it is a grocery store. Soon after walking through the door we ran into a cousin -- and then, of course, another cousin.

There is a dizzying array of products in English, Farsi and Hebrew to choose from, so I was grateful to have two experienced tour guides to translate the diverse products and their uses.

Prior to my trip, I was familiar with Persian cucumbers, which are pretty common in supermarkets like Fairway or

P

Trader Joe’s. But what my tour guides Natalie and Minoo shared with me is that the cucumber bin -- much like the proverbial water cooler -- is where gossip and news of the community is exchanged, as women pick through the barrel to find the very best specimens.

Not all the ingredients I encountered were quite as familiar, but there was something interesting and delicious at every turn. Here are nine of my favorites.

Sangar bread is a traditional wheat Persian bread, often eaten for breakfast with butter and jam, or served as an accompaniment to a large meal. You buy this lavash-like bread in enormous rectangle sheets that can be about 5 feet tall.

Dried orange peel is added to rice with raisins, rosewater and saffron for special celebrations -- Persian culture emphasizes serving sweet dishes on happy occasions. But take note: Dried orange peel should always be soaked in warm water before it is added to a dish, otherwise it will retain too much bitter flavor.

Saffron rock candy, called nabat, looks like any other rock candy, but it gets its brightly hued color from its saffron flavor.

Nabat may be a sweet treat, but it is also used as an herbal remedy -- Persian parents give it to their kids to aid digestion.

It can also be served after dinner with tea to add extra flavor and sweetness.

Fenugreek is an herb that can be found dried or fresh. It’s an essential ingredient in one of the most widely known Persian stews, ghormeh sabzi, a meat and herb stew that is also made with dehydrated limes.

Dehydrated limes are among the most recognizable flavors of Persian cooking for the savory, sour element they add to stews and dishes. You can buy them whole or powdered.

Rose petal jam is used like any other jam, served with butter for toast or on top of Greek yogurt akin to parfait. It has a distinctive rose scent and a sweet taste.

Continued on page B5

1609_DIOJP

April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | B3

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Turkish pizza

TURKISH PIZZA WITH CHOPPED SALAD AND HERB TAHINI

by SAMANTHA FERRARO This piece was published originally on The Nosher, a 70 Faces Media property.

(JTA via The Nosher)

herb tahini dressing and an extra pinch of sumac and spicy red pepper. Because there is no such thing as too much spice, am I right?

Samantha Ferraro is the food blogger

food Two years ago, my husband and I went on a food tour across Istanbul, and our guide was boasting about lahmacun, Turkish-style pizza, and how we can’t leave Turkey without trying it.

I remember watching the Turks walk around the cobbled old streets, bustling from the street food vendors with lahmacun in hand. Rolled up tightly and easy to eat on the go, from afar it kind of looks like a burrito.

As tradition states, lahmacun is most commonly eaten with a sampling of toppings, including sliced raw onion, fresh herbs and a healthy splash of squeezed lemon.

Well, I’m sorry to say we never did try it in Istanbul, but I hope the locals appreciate my humble take on lahmacun. I have to admit, I decided to modernize the recipe a bit.

Instead of flatbread dough made from scratch, I took a simpler approach and used store-bought pizza dough, which worked beautifully! And to add a bit more texture and contrast, my modern lahmacun is generously topped with chopped salad, a bright

and photographer for The Little Ferraro Kitchen. Samantha comes from a diverse background and is originally from Brooklyn NY, until she turned to the island life and moved to Hawaii. Now Samantha blogs about world cuisine recipes made easy in Southern California with her Italian husband and their dog Hula. When she’s not blogging or making a mess in the kitchen, you can find her traveling the world for recipe inspiration. For more world cuisine recipes, follow Samantha at http://littleferrarokitchen.com The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com.

Ingredients: 1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature 3/4 pound ground beef or lamb (or mixture of both) 1 tsp. turmeric 1/2 tsp. cumin 1/2 teaspoon sumac 1 tsp. paprika 1 tsp. dried mint Pinch of cayenne 1 tomato, roughly chopped and seeds removed 1 shallot, roughly chopped Small bunch of fresh parsley and cilantro 1 bell pepper 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste For the chopped salad: 2 Persian cucumbers, peeled 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped a few fresh mint leaves, chopped the juice of 1 lemon Olive oil, for drizzling Salt and pepper, to taste For the herb tahini dressing: 1/2 cup tahini Small bunch of fresh parsley and cilantro 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped 1/2 tsp. cumin Pinch of cayenne (optional) 1 lemon, juiced Salt and pepper, to taste Water, for thinning out dressing Additional toppings: Sliced onion Sumac Lemon wedges Directions: First make the chopped salad. Chop tomato

and cucumber to 1/2-inch pieces and add to bowl. Add the chopped mint, olive oil and spices and toss together. Set aside.

To make the tahini herb dressing, add everything except the water to a food processor and pulse to combine. Then add about 1/4 cup of water to thin out consistency. It should be the same thickness as syrup and be pourable.

Continue blending until everything is smooth and add more water if necessary. Taste for seasoning and set aside.

To make the lahmacun, in a large bowl, add the chopped meat and spices and mix together well. Then in a food processor, add the tomato, bell pepper, shallot, garlic and herbs, and pulse until blended well and it looks like a salsa.

Remove and drain any excess moisture. Add the tomato mixture to the meat and mix well to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Next, divide pizza dough into 4 equal pieces, about 2 ounces each and roll out on a very floured surface with a rolling pin. Roll dough as thin as you can, or to about 8-9 inches in diameter.

Then take some of the meat mixture and use your hands to gently press the meat mixture evenly into the dough, leaving a shallow border.

The beautiful thing about this dish is that you can either bake it in the oven, or cook it on the stovetop.

To bake: Place lahmacun on baking sheet or pizza stone and bake at 450 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes or until meat and dough is fully cooked.

On the stovetop: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Place lahmacun in skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the meat mixture and dough is cooked through.

Once done, top with chopped salad, sliced onions, herb tahini dressing and serve with additional sumac and lemon wedges.

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April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | B5

How do I love kugel? Let me count the ways...

Between them, my mother and my mother-in-law, Ruth, accumulated and saved several hundred recipes.

Mama’s were scribbled on the backs of old envelopes or torn from newspapers, both Yiddish and English.

Ruth typed hers on 3x5 cards (10 point Times New Roman) and protected them in clear plastic sleeves. The different archival methods of these two enthusiastic cooks reflect their equally different backgrounds and lifestyles -- Mama the shtetl-born rebbitzen, Ruth the sophisticated wife of a businessman. Still, they were cut from the same cloth apron. Both used food -down-home or up-scale -- as the glue to keep their families of origin, and eventually the combined Katz/Nogg families, bonded together.

The culinary contrasts in my life are stark. I grew up with Saturday night suppers of grated black radish mixed with schmaltz and onion, heaped on thick slices of pumpernickel, heavily salted. The menu at my pre-nuptial dinner featured Sole with Leeks en Papillote. At family gatherings, Mama served stuffed kishke and beet borscht. Ruth, stuffed veal pocket and gazpacho. Mama dished up blueberry verenikehs smothered in sour cream. Ruth, chocolate roll spread with whipped cream. Mama’s yontif meals were Sammy’s Roumanian. Ruth’s Friday night dinners were Barefoot Contessa. Lucky us. In either case, we won -- big time.

I’ve saved my mother’s recipes, along with my mother-inlaw’s, and -- though the women were outwardly so dissimilar -- the commonality in the dishes they chose to cook is striking. Take the kugel category. My Yiddisheh mamas left me more than a dozen versions including A Sweet Noodle Pudding, A Delicious Noodle Kugel, Savory Corn Kugel, Veggie Spinach Kugel, Potato Kugel with Schmaltz, Easy Grated Potato Kugel plus Pesachdik Potato Kugel with a Carrot and Matzah Meal.

I also inherited 14 potato latke recipes. Seriously. Fourteen.

I don’t know why this pair of balebustehs collected so many variations on a theme, since the differences are negligible. A bit less salt here, a bit more onion there. Some fried thin.

Others, thick. By me, there’s no bad latke, so each recipe is golden. (Though not meant for Hanukkah, I’m moved to mention A Resipee Fur Latkes Fur Shevoo-oss, ripped by my mother from the Yiddish Forvertz. Ingredients include 5 ayer, a generous amount of tzeebehleh and 2 lefehleh zaltz. Yum.) When they cooked outside the traditional Jewish box, both women showed a passion for ground beef. Mama’s Meatballs and Farfel, Meatballs with Red Cabbage, Lipton Onion-Mushroom Meatloaf, Herbed Mini-Meatloafs. Ruth’s Meatballs in Gingersnap Sauce, Sweet and Sour Meatballs,

9 Persian ingredients Continued from page B2 Rosewater is a sweet, fragrant essence that is made by steeping rose petals in water; it is used in similar ways as orange blossom water. It is added to sweet and savory dishes -- but it has a strong flavor and should be added in moderation.

Sugar almond candies are white strips of almond flavored with rosewater. They almost resemble thin, clustered yogurtcovered raisins and are sold by the container. This sweet treat used to be thrown at brides and grooms on their wedding day, but like rice, that is no longer allowed, though it is still traditional to have on hand at engagements and weddings.

Wild esphand can be found in the spice section -- but it’s not edible. Not unlike sage, it is traditionally burned for health reasons, to kill germs and to “ward off evil.” Even though the practice may sound a little old fashioned and superstitious, it appears to be fairly common, as wild esphand was sold in abundance at the market I visited. Hey, it can’t hurt.

Glazed Turkey Meatloaf, Barbecued Meatloaf with Beans and the all-time kid favorite Hidden Treasure Meatloaf (wherein six hotdogs lurk amidst the ground chuck).

Mama and Ruth shared an affection for fish dishes, too. As in eight recipes for gefilte fish (boiled, baked, with or without a parsnip, sometimes doctored from a jar), along with numerous ways to prepare cod (braised with diced tomatoes, black olives and chopped green pepper), canned tuna (in quiche, casseroles and toaster-oven sandwiches), plus salmon in many guises -- smoked, poached, grilled, in a quick-set mousse with cucumber sauce, in salad with horseradish, shaped into croquettes or formed into patties and fried. Honey cake recipes abound, as do tantalizing incarnations of poppyseed cookies, hamentashen, matzo brei, matzo balls (sinkers and swimmers), tzimmis, haroset, chopped liver, struedel, brisket and knishes -- Mama’s Kasha und Kartoffel Knishes among them. Stuffed with buckwheat groats, mashed potatoes and crispy, greasy greebeniz, those knishes were killers.

Yehiel E. Poupko, Judaic Scholar at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, asks, “Why are food and meals so essential to the Jewish experience?” He then explains that when the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, “the Rabbis transferred the Temple into the Jewish home, moving its rituals, personnel, sacred space, food, blessings and prayers to the family table. Eating is a social task,” Rabbi Poupko continues, “which transforms the biological need into a community of intimacy and shared experience. People sit down around a table. They face each other. Someone has prepared the food, someone serves the food, and people pass food to each other. Jewish tradition recognizes a meal as a time for intimacy, fellowship, and significant conversation. People are fed and nourished, and in this intimate setting people talk with each other about what matters.”

The late Gil Marks, American food writer, historian and founding editor of Kosher Gourmet magazine, agrees. “There is no way you can practice Judaism religiously or culturally without food,” Marks writes. “Food has been intrinsic to Jewish ritual, life and culture from the outset. What is the very first act that the Israelites in Egypt are commanded to do? It’s to have a communal meal. Roast lamb and herbs, some nice shwarma. And with that, the beginning of the Jewish people is through a meal.” Ah, yes. The Passover seder.

My mother and my mother-in-law have been gone for years, and I’m stunned by how much I still miss them. At every holiday, the ache feels especially deep. As I prepare for our seder, I’ll pick recipes from the treasured stash left by my two dearest role models. (I’ll also make Poppa’s fivealarm chrain, but that’s another story.) The preparation and serving of the meal will, as always, bring lost family members back to my kitchen and to our table. And, as always, the experience will be bittersweet. Just like the food.

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Using your fingers, push crumb mixture into the bottom of a square baking pan until bottom is completely covered.

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B6 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

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by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Beth Israel Synagogue While a great deal of time, analysis and, dare we say, luck, is involved with the annual March Madness of college basketball, nothing can compare to the competitive fever, practice time, strategy, sleepless nights, and stress involved in Beth Israel’s Cholent Madness held earlier this winter.

Okay, perhaps the above is a bit of an overstatement, but it was certainly several weeks of dueling bowls and taste buds during the cholent competition that featured seven entries with two selections offered each Shabbat during kiddush.

As the competition progressed, it was obvious there would be no slam dunks as the talented cooks made the voting process quite a challenge.

There was paerve cholent, meat cholent and cholent with new ingredients in addition to the classics. Young and old and gals and guys took part in the competition which included entries by single chefs and teams.

For any novices reading this article, cholent is the quintessential Shabbat food. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines cholent as “a Jewish Sabbath-day dish of slow-baked meat and vegetables.” Based on recipes from past generations, today’s cholent has branched out to envelop updated tastes and preferences as there is truly no wrong way to cook this savory dish.

Jordana Kurtzman, a member of the Beth Israel Programming Committee, credits Jeannie Nickels for the idea for the contest. “Jeannie suggested the cholent contest after hearing about it at the executive director’s conference she attended in the Fall,” Jordana reported. “From the beginning, people were excited and were really involved.” She commented that the kids were excited as well. “The kids don’t often have a chance to vote and were really happy to be able to do so.” Jordana added there has also been discussion about making this an annual event.

The entries for the Beth Israel Cholent Madness competi-

food

tion included Cholenta by Stephanie Beneda; Cholent with Tribbles prepared by Laini Wolman Reinblatt and Katherine Pawlowski; Shylent created by Shmuel Aaron Shyken and Liat Shyken; Classic Cholent from Harold Edelman; Cholent BK presented by Jason Kaplan; Chubby in Your Tummy from Lauren Tam; and Ashkephardic by Sherry Taxman.

The contest took place over six Shabbat mornings in January and February. Every taste tester received one ticket which was used for their vote. Votes were counted on Monday mornings and the weekly winner was announced in the weekly synagogue email.

The weekly Shabbos Sheet displayed the updated brackets.

The competition heated up -albeit on low heat! -- until the final cookoff was at hand.

The championship event saw Shylent from Shmuel Aaron Shyken and Liat Shyken and Chubby in the Tummy by Lauren Tam vying for the coveted top slot. The lines formed at the tables and the tension was high as the taste tasting began. It was then time to bring in true experts with Credit: onlysimchas.com Nancy Mattly from Culinary Services, Beth Israel’s long time caterer plus Mike Aparo and Jenn Addison with Star Catering at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home making the final decision.

As the excitement built and the final buzzer was at hand, well, not really but you get the drift -- Chubby in Your Tummy created by Lauren Tam was declared the first place winner of the 2016 Beth Israel Cholent Madness competition.

Lauren and her husband, Tommy, have four children, so needless to say, there is a great deal of food consumed in their home. Fortunately, Lauren loves to cook. When asked for her winning recipe, Lauren laughed and said that she “eyeballs the cholent as she goes along” and quipped “It would actually be a bit challenging to write down the recipe!” Lauren encourages everyone to just get creative and try their hand at making their own signature cholent dish.

All agreed this was a great event, and the Planning Committee is already working on new fun events for the future.

For more information on happenings at Beth Israel Synagogue, visit www.orthodoxomaha.org or call 402.556.6288.

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by URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) irst there was KosherLamp, the bedside light that could be turned on and off on the Sabbath.

Then came KosherSwitch, the controversial toggle that allows users to control lights and other electronic appliances on Shabbat.

Now there’s HotMat, a new foldable hotplate designed to give observant Jewish consumers a safe, portable and rabbinically sanctioned method of heating up food on the Sabbath.

HotMat is hardly the first Sabbath hotplate on the market. But after a malfunctioning hotplate was blamed for a tragic Brooklyn fire a year ago that killed seven children from a Jewish family, HotMat provides fresh safety features and functionality.

For one thing, it’s the first foldable hotplate on the market, making it ideal for travelers -- religious Jews or otherwise. It also offers four separate surfaces for heating food -- two that get hot, and two that get warm. (“So you don’t burn your rice,” says creator Rafi Gabbay.)

Jewish law forbids cooking food or using fire on the Sabbath. However, food may be heated or kept warm on Shabbat under certain conditions: The heat must be indirect and non-adjustable, and cold liquids may not be heated at all.

HotMat has been certified for Shabbat use by the Zomet Institute, Israel’s leading designer of electronic devices for use on the Jewish Sabbath, and has been safety-certified by TUV

labs, a German safety certification company.

Gabbay, the 37-year-old entrepreneur from Jerusalem who invented HotMat, says creating the product was a way to combine his training in industrial design with his interest in Jewish philosophy.

“I’ve been tinkering with this concept for years,” Gabbay told JTA in a telephone interview from his home in Israel.

“The standard Shabbat hotplate is a product a lot of people don’t like,” he said. “It’s heavy, bulky, often burns the food, and

then there’s the issue of safety. It’s a very dangerous product.”

HotMat aims to address those deficiencies. The patented product went through two years of lab testing and refinement to achieve its high safety ratings. The multiple surfaces with varying heat levels are designed to let you keep your soup hot without burning your kugel soufflés (in accordance with Sabbath restrictions, the temperatures are not adjustable).

The Teflon-coated aluminum heat surfaces are designed to be easy to store and clean. HotMat weighs about 5 pounds, far less than standard Shabbat hotplates.

HotMat retails for $129 and is now available in the United States at hotmathotplate.com. After the HotMat went on sale in Israel and Europe last year, the product quickly sold out.

April 1, 2016 | The Jewish Press | B7

My favorite Israeli food is...

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Program and Communications Assistant, Center for Jewish Life Before traveling to Israel last year, I was repeatedly told I would love the food.

During my trip, I quickly and completely discovered each of those people was correct. I did love the food, and I can firmly state my favorite Israeli food is hummus. No wait, it’s shakshuka. Or maybe falafel? Of course the shwarma was amazing.

And don’t forget the jachnun as the perfect pastry to begin the day. Delicious!

But wait, these can’t really be called Israeli foods, can they? Hummus is of Levantine and Egyptian origin. Shakshuka is Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, Moroccan, and Egyptian.

Falafel is also Egyptian and shwarma is Levantina and jachnun is Yeminite.

So, is there really an “Israeli” food?

To answer that question, I headed to the best source possible - Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, Omaha’s Community Shaliach.

“The truth is, there is such a variety of food in Israel that it is very difficult to consider any one thing an ‘Israeli’ food,” he said.

“When Jewish people came from all parts of the world to settle in Israel, they brought their foods with them, and that helps account for the variety we enjoy today.”

A look at the history of Israel and its food gives credence to Eliad’s observation.

According to the website, foodby country.com, “People from more than seventy different countries, with many different food and customs, currently live in Israel.”

These diverse nationalities began arriving in the area even before Israel obtained its inde-

pendence in 1948. The large number of Eastern European Jews hoping to establish a Jewish nation brought traditional Jewish dishes of Poland, Hungary, and Russia.

Those already living in the area, most of Arab descent, enjoyed a cuisine adapted from North Africa and the Middle East.

In the beginning, Israel was not known for its food. In the early days, people lived in small, crowded homes without most modern conveniences, including refrigerators. These situations made it a struggle to maintain a quality cuisine. Yet even from its inception, Israel was well-known for its fresh fruit that became a staple of Israeli meals. Today, Israel’s orchards produce some of the world’s best citrus fruits. U.S. grocery stores often carry grapefruit, oranges, and lemons with stickers identifying them as “grown in Israel.”

Today, typical foods of the Middle East include flat bread, lentils, fresh fruit and nuts, raw vegetables, lamb, beef, and dairy products, including goat cheese and many types of yogurt. Some dishes feature grilled meats and fish, stuffed vegetables, and traditional spicy Mediterranean salads and spreads, such as fava bean spread. Typical dishes are stews, schnitzel (veal, chicken, or turkey cutlets), cheese-filled crepes (blintzes), matzo balls (dumplings eaten with chicken soup), and

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latkes (potato pancakes). In remembering the biblical reference that Israel was the “land of milk and honey,” sweets such as candy made from honey and sesame seeds are favorites among school children.

Outdoor dining is very popular throughout the county with many restaurants offer-

with cheese, potato, or other fillings, then baked.

This then brings us to hummus, a beloved food of young and old alike. When checking in again with Eliad, he quickly and firmly pronounced that “My beloved city of Akko has the best hummus in the entire world.”

The tone of his voice made it clear there was no room for discussion. However, I dare say, if there were two other Israelis in the room, they would each give a similar pronouncement of their belief of the best site for the “best hummus, ever.”

Perhaps the best way to solve this dilemma is to return to Israel and sample as many recommendations as can be gathered. Want to join me?

In the meantime, here in Omaha the Kripke Jewish Federation Library has an extensive collection of foodrelated books, including a section devoted to Israeli food and recipes. The library is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on An Israeli breakfast Credit: Mark Kirchhoff Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ing an alfresco seating area. Outdoor food The library is closed from noon-1 p.m. daily. vendors are also numerous throughout the For more information about the library, concountry. Falafel, listed on my favorites, is tact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sban perhaps the most popular Israeli fast food. A ner@jewishomaha.org. The library and the pita pocket filled with various pickles and community shaliach program are each profried balls of ground chickpeas are a popular grams of the Center for Jewish Life, an offering of outdoor vendors, cafes and agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, restaurants. Shwarma, sliced turkey or lamb whose mission is to maximize involvement wrapped in pita bread, is a popular offering of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginaas well. A popular snack food is the boureka, tive, compelling and meaningful Jewish a pastry made of flaky filo dough stuffed experiences.

B8 | The Jewish Press | April 1, 2016

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