Issuu

Vol. LXXXII

No. 31

Omaha, NE

2 Nisan, 5763

April 4, 2003

SPECIAL PRE-PASSOVER FOOD ISSUE--ANNUAL PASSOVER ISSUE NEXT WEEK

Community Yom HaShoah Memorial Remembers the Hidden Children of the Holocaust

Humanitarian Yale Richards Dies at 80

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director

“Mensch”, “a sweetheart” and “quiet, behindthe-scenes humanitarian” were the adjectives used to describe Yale Richards, who died March 27 at the age of 80. Services were held March 30 at Beth El Synagogue with burial at BHH (Fisher Farm) Cemetery. “We, his family, always knew how incredibly special Dad was,” said his son, Bruce Richards of Atlanta. “But only now do we fully appreciate the breadth and depth of his contribution to the community--and just how many people he helped during his lifetime.” That “help” sums up a life of giving and nurturing, according to the board members of the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundation, for which attorney Yale Richards served as Executive Director for 28 years. “Yale was absolutely wonderful and helpful, within our deliberations as Livingston Trustees. His calming influence, sage advice and broad communal perspective...not to mention his superb knowledge of the law were tremendous support to the Trustees,” said Murray Newman, a member of the Livingston Foundation board.” With his retirement last year as Executive Director of the Foundation, Richards’ status was elevated to ‘Honorary Trustee’. On his 75th birthday and to celebrate 25 years as counsel, the Livingston board created a new endowment, the Yale Richards Professional Education Endowment

As one of the so-called “hidden children” of the Holocaust, Walter Reed learned quickly that he had to keep quiet to stay alive. Today, Reed is speaking out and he will address the community as the keynote speaker for the Omaha Jewish community’s annual Holocaust memorial service, Yom HaShoah, Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m. at Beth El. Reed’s incredible story and the readings and prayers by Omaha’s rabbis and cantors will reflect on the idea of moral courage, the theme of this year’s Yom HaShoah memorial service. In addition, local Holocaust survivors, including “Hidden Children,” will lead the symbolic candle lighting commemorating the victims of the Walter Reed Holocaust. Six local high school students will receive awards for their outstanding essays written on the topic of moral courage for a contest sponsored by the AntiDefamation League. (Read three of the winning essays on page 21, TeenAge.) Walter Reed was born as Werner Rindsberg in 1924 and raised in Mainstockheim, a village near Wuerzburg, Bavaria. His father was a second-generation winemaker and wine merchant. Until 1933, the community of 900 provided a peaceful and pleasant life for the 25-30 Jewish families who lived there. But all this changed quickly after the Nazis came to power. In 1938, before and after Krystallnacht, (The Night of Broken Glass, when Nazis rampaged through the streets, killing Jews, breaking windows on Jewish-owned businesses and burning synagogues), most doors were closed to Jews wishing to leave Germany and Austria. (Continued on page 11)

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor Fund. This fund enables the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha to present seminars dealing with estate and tax planning strategies for charitable giving. “I worked with Yale from almost day one in Omaha and found him to be one of the most capable and competent lawyers I’ve ever worked with,” said Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, “and one of the nicest men you’d ever want to meet. “People who have served on boards with him have said that he has a canny way of summing up all the bits and pieces discussed at meetings,” Ricks added. “It’s like he can read your mind and address the most complicated legal issues in a few concise sentences.” A senior partner in the law firm of Marks, Clare and Richards, his education was interrupted by World War II. He spent 1943-45 on active duty in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant, Richards served in the 775th Bomb Squad of the 463rd Bomb Group, in Foggia, Italy, from March, 1944 through September, 1945. When he returned to Omaha, Richards married Ida Epstein and enrolled in Creighton Law School, from which he graduated in 1947. He practiced law for 55 years. A few of his hundreds of clients over the years (Continued on page 12)

Note to AIPAC: ‘Road map’ is Alive

Bush Administration to Jews: ‘Road map’ Must Move Ahead by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--The Bush administration is calling out the heavy hitters to convince the American Jewish community that it won’t ignore Israel’s concerns as it mounts a renewed push for Israeli-Palestinian peace. Five Bush administration officials addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual policy conference this week, including Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. Some Israeli officials and U.S. Jewish leaders have worried that the Bush administration will pressure Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians in order to shore up international support for its war against Iraq or to “pay back” Arab states that have supported, or at least tolerated, the war. At issue is whether both Israel and the Palestinians are expected to move forward simultaneously--or whether Israel will be pressed to make concessions only after the Palestinians have shown that they are serious about ending terrorism and moving toward peace. While there were no visible protesters, the main page of AIPAC’s website was hacked Monday with a statement that included expletives and said “try lobbying for some peace.” The site also greeted “all Muslims and all people across the world who are opposed to this “ZIONIST-AMERICAN oil war.” A link directed people to an Al-Jazeera television web page. The site remained hacked Tuesday morning.

In a landmark policy speech last June 24, President Bush expressed support for a future Palestinian state--but only after an end to violence against Israel, a change in Palestinian leadership and significant reforms in Palestinian governance. In contrast, America’s partners in the diplomatic Quartet that authored the “road map” toward peace--the United Nations, European Union and Russia--expect both sides to make simultaneous concessions. Current drafts of the plan envision a simultaneous process. Speakers repeatedly invoked the June 24 speech. “The road map is not an edict, it is not a treaty,” Powell told the conference Sunday, which drew 5,000 activists from around the country (including Harlan Noddle, Murray Newman and his son, Michael--representing Topeka, KS, Mort Glass, Tom Fellman, Jerry Kohll, Gary Javitch and Larry Roffman). (Continued on page 23)

INSIDE: Where Are They Now? ............................ page 9 Passover, Matzah & the Internet ....... page 10 Palestinians demonstrated in support of Saddam during a protest in Bethlehem Sunday. They also renamed a street in Jenin for the suicide bomber who killed four U.S. servicemen last weekend. Photo by BP Images/JTA.

Teen Age .................................................. page 21 Hadassah Cookbook Mixes Recipes, History, Helpful Tips ........................................... page 22

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Lunch and Learn on Shabbat (BELLS), 12:30 p.m., at Beth El 7th & 8th Grade Melavah Malka, 6 p.m. at Beth El C L I P & S A V E

C L I P MONDAY, APRIL 7 & YES Program, 10 a.m. Florence Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. S A Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 5 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel V Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Noach Orlowek, 7:30 p.m. E

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 Beth El Kids’ Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m.

at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Couples - Interfaith Group, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 Federation/Synagogue’s Presidents & Rabbis Meeting, noon B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m. C C at Beth Israel L I P & S A V E

L I P & S A V All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not E

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 BBYO Spring Regional Convention Weekend at Camp Sabra, through April 13 Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. JFS Project Tzedakah, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. JFS Becoming a Love and Logic Parent, 6 p.m.

responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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April 4, 2003

SPARKS FROM THE WORD Do Jewish Soldiers The Final Redemption by RABBI MENDEL KATZMAN Parasha Tazria In the beginning of this week’s portion, Tazria, the Torah states: “If a woman conceived seed, and bore a male child.” According to the Ohr HaChaim commentary, this verse alludes to the Jewish people and their Final Redemption with Moshiach. “A woman” is symbolic of the Congregation of Israel; “conceived seed” alludes to the Jews’ service of mitzvot and good deeds; “and bore a male child” refers to the ultimate result of this process--the birth of the Messianic Era. The Final Redemption is referred to as “male” as an expression of its strength, for after Moshiach redeems the world there will be no possibility of further exiles, and the Messianic age will last forever. This same concept is expressed in a Midrashic reference to the 10th and final song that will be sung by the Jewish people with Moshiach. The 10th song is called “shir,” the masculine form, whereas the nine songs that have already been sung are termed “shira,” the feminine form. In order to understand why the Jewish nation is symbolically a woman we need to examine the Hebrew word for woman. Eve was called “isha” (woman) “because out of man (“ish”) was this one taken.” The word isha therefore expresses the woman’s relationship with her husband, and reflects her innate desire to reunite with him. Similarly, in the spiritual sense, G-d is “male,” whereas the Jewish people is “female.” Just as Eve was created from Adam, so too is every Jew’s soul “taken” from within G-d himself, being a “veritable piece of G-d Above.” Accordingly, says the Rebbe every Jew’s innate desire is to reunite with G-d, the source of his being. Material wealth and physical pleasures can never satisfy the Jew’s longing for G-d; neither can spiritual delights totally satiate this yearning. Consciously or not, throughout his life the Jew seeks this union with G-d; it is the driving force of his existence. To continue the metaphor of the “seed,” this innate desire to unite with G-d must be sown precisely in the ground, finding expression in practical mitzvah observance. A seed planted in the air will never sprout; good intentions and positive feelings toward Judaism alone will never yield the desired results. Only through actual Torah study and the observance of mitzvot does the Jew cultivate the “seed” and allow it to grow. Of course, the underlying objective of the Jew’s service in the world is its ultimate “germination”-the Messianic Era. Translating one’s positive feelings into action-doing one more mitzvah, performing one more good deed for a fellow Jew--is what will bring the revelation of Moshiach and the redemption of the entire world. Rabbi Mendel Katzman is the Director of Chabad of Nebraska.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE All photos used in the Passover issues of the Jewish Press can be picked up at the office before April 25.Those photos remaining will be turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives. Photos may be picked up during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or call 334-6448 to make other arrangements.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed the first two and last two days of Passover, Thursday and Friday, April 17-18, and Wednesday and Thursday, April 23-24. Deadlines for upcoming issues are as follows: Issue Deadline April 11 Passover issue--no regular news April 18 Wednesday, April 9 April 25 Monday, April 14 May 2 Monday, April 21 Questions? Call 334-6448.

Face Increased Danger During War?

by MICHAEL J. JORDAN NEW YORK (JTA --It’s now well known that just before Daniel Pearl’s captors in Pakistan slit his throat last year, they forced The Wall Street Journal reporter to admit his Jewish blood. Less known is that the faith of the American pilots captured by Iraq during the first Gulf War reportedly also animated their torturers. “What is your religion?” a beaten, bloodied and blindfolded Marine Capt. Michael Craig Berryman was asked, according to testimony on Jan. 28, 1991. “Baptist,” he replied. “No, you are a Jew!” they screamed. The beatings grew more savage, says Berryman: “They just went crazy.” Neither the pilots nor Pearl, according to those familiar with his case, were captured because of their real or perceived Jewishness. Nevertheless, for the countless journalists and soldiers now in Iraq who are Jews, recent history indicates that their faith carries added risk in case of capture or imprisonment. There are crucial distinctions between soldiers and journalists in hot spots. Soldiers are obeying orders, going where they are sent, while journalists are there willingly. And soldiers are combatants, whereas journalists are not. Earlier this month, the British Ministry of Defense agreed to allow Jewish soldiers to erase religion from their dog tags, out of concern in the British Jewish community that they may be singled out for harsher treatment. In the first Gulf War, U.S. Jewish soldiers deployed to the Gulf were encouraged to shield their identity and classify themselves on their dog tags as “Protestant B,” an internal code to let military chaplains know the person was Jewish. The Geneva Conventions, adopted in 1949, states that “members of armed forces who have laid down their arms” shall “in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith.” It is this passage, among others, that lawyers for 17 American POWs--and 37 of their family members--contend the Iraqis violated in the first Gulf War. In their $610 million lawsuit against the Republic of Iraq, which co-counsel John Norton Moore says will soon come before the District of Columbia’s Federal District Court, several POWs describe how they were not only accused of concealing their religion, but had their pants yanked down and genitals inspected. “The Iraqis were apparently unaware that many American males are circumcised, regardless of their religious beliefs,” Moore told JTA. “It was also reasonably clear to those subjected to this offensive treatment that if they’d been Jewish, they would have been subjected to greater danger and greater torture. “If we are to deter such outrag e o u s Cathy Brown, left, and Matt behavior in Boyer hug in January 2003 at Ft. the future, Campbell in Kentucky. Boyer is we have to now in Iraq with the 101st bring it to Airborne, and Brown, his fiancee, the world’s is with the 101st Airborne in a t t e n t i o n Kuwait. Photo by JTA. and ensure that this sort of action is punished.” The greater risk for Jewish soldiers is no secret to their families. Judy Ledger is concerned for her son, Matthew Boyer, who is a Marine in Iraq. The 24-year-old’s dog tag clearly states his religion as Judaism. Says Ledger: “When it comes to POWs, I just think Daniel Pearl--that's all I can think about.”

April 4, 2003

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelighting Friday, April 4 .............................................. 6:34 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism

7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

1502 No. 52 St., Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB--www.bethel-omaha.org

FRIDAY: Men’s Club, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation; Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m. A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice. Toddlers through children in the primary grades are encourages to bring their families. Enjoy songs and a story with Rabbi Craig Marantz; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah; Morning service, 10:30 a.m., David James Clark, son of Laurie and Jim Clark, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available each Friday evening at the 7:30 service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is religious school. Charge is $2 per family. Please make reservations with the office. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, April 8: The History of Israel in the Biblical Period, noon-1 p.m. Dr. Rami Arav will begin this Lunch and Learn course with the Golden Age of David and Solomon and progress to the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah and to their collapse; “Taking Leave: The Jewish Roots of Christianity”, 7-8:30 p.m. with John Dacey. WEDNESDAY, April 9: “A Guide to the Perplexed: Reading the Writings of Maimonides”, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Comparison of Jewish Biomedical Ethics with other Philosophies of Religious and Secular Biomedical Ethics, 7-8:30 p.m. with Dr. Howard Needelman. THURSDAY, April 10: Beyond Basic Hebrew, 9:15-10 a.m.; Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 1011:30 a.m. ANNUAL NEW YORK TEMPLE DELI NIGHT SUNDAY, April 13: Please call the Temple office, 556-6536, to make your reservations for an evening of fun and great food. Seating begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 6:45 p.m. Take-out orders available. Sponsored by Temple’s Men’s Club.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:40 p.m.; The West Minyan is at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, at 6:40 p.m. A weekly e-mail update is now being sent out, listing synagogue events. Please e-mail the office to be on the list. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m., Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 6:20 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, sponsored by Manny Kreitstein for the yahrzeit of Lois Kreitstein, and Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m MONDAY: Talmud Class, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Kutner. TUESDAY: Preparing for Pesach, 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Kutner. Have questions on preparing your home for Pesach? Want to make your seder more meaningful? This class is for you! The OU’s Passover Product Guide is available in the synagogue office.

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday , 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought For Shabbat” e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to Exec@bethel-omaha.org. This message is free and open to the entire community. SATURDAY: Men’s Club Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. Hearing Men’s Voices and Let’s Talk About It! are the themes for this morning’s Shabbat. Beth El Men’s Club members will participate in the service and sponsor the Kiddush; BELLS luncheon following Shabbat services. Professor Sidnie White Crawford of UNL will discuss Not According to Rule: Women, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Qumran. Evening services at 7:50 p.m. Rabbi Levin’s Torah Class meets at 7:20 p.m. Everyone is welcome for the informal discussion and snack. SUNDAY, April 6, 11:30 a.m.: Snack and Learn for kids ages 3-4 and their parents. Make something “crafty” for Passover and have a light snack. Evening Services and Study Session from 5:30-6 p.m. This relaxed, informal minyan, led by Gastón Bogomolni, explores the structure of daily services and the meaning of specific prayers. This Sunday’s topic is “Different Songs of Pesach From Around the World.” WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin's weekly “Thought For Shabbat” email message, please send your e-mail address to exec@bethel-omaha.org. The message is free and available to the entire Jewish community. ADULT EDUCATION Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.: Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class will be led this week by Ritual Director, Gastón Bogomolni. Stage Two continues with studies in the Shaharit Service for Shabbat. Thursday, April 10, noon: current focus of Rabbi Levin’s Introduction to Judaism Class is on Uncovering the Deep Messages of the Jewish Holidays: Pesach. Lunch is available by reservation.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 tiferethisraellincoln.org

423-8569

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., followed by Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m. SUNDAY: Pirket Avot, 10 a.m.; Adult Book Club, 2:30 p.m. MONDAY: Torah Study, 7:30 p.m. MEN’S GROUP Meets at The Knolls every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. SAVE THE DATE Thursday, May 1, Friday, May 2 and Sunday, May 4: Congregants may bring their “stuff” to the synagogue after Passover for Tifereth Israel’s Garage Sale.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m..

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 e-mail: doc jeb @aol.com FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.

BEYT SHALOM

An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., P.O. Box 241130 Omaha, NE 68124-5130 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/ FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue. SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 3:30 p.m. at the JCC. Theme is Passover. TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at the JCC.

FRIDAY: Rabbi Joshua Taub will lead services, 7:45 p.m. Ben Boomer celebrates his Bar Mitzvah. SATURDAY: Rabbi Taub will lead Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m.. TUESDAY: Hagaddah class with Rabbi Milder, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Library. THURSDAY: B’nai Mitzvah class, 5 p.m. SPECIAL EVENT Saturday, April 5, 8 p.m., I Never Saw Another Butterfly, a play about the children of Terezin concentration camp, is at Union College. Tickets are $5. SIGN UP FOR SEDER This year’s community Passover seder will be on Thursday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children. For reservations, call Stephanie at the Temple, 435-8004.

PERSONAL Congratulations Taylor Sanford, Nebraska State Gymnastic Champion!!! Love, Aunt Susie and Uncle Jim

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., are led by Steve Riekes and are open to the community.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m.

BAR MITZVAH Nimrod (Nimmy) Ginsburg, son of Orly Gilat and Jacob Ginsburg, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Beth El Synagogue. An eighth grade honors student at Beveridge Magnet School, he enjoys playing basketball. Nimrod has a sister, Hamutal. Grandparents are Shimon and Sara Gilat, and Abrasha and Penina Ginsburg, all of Israel.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

EDITORIAL Readers have asked how the Jewish Press will cover the war in Iraq. Since we’re a weekly newspaper and can’t compete with 24-hour-a-day coverage by cable networks, we see our role as publishing in-depth stories from a Jewish point of view or a behind-thescenes look at how the war affects our mishpocha in Israel and the remaining Jews in Arab lands. We also note that life goes one--here in Omaha, as well as overseas. To that end, we add the following: Shayna the horse died last month. For readers who can recall the glory days of Camp Esther K. Newman, Shayna was the last horse to be sold when the camp closed 28 years ago. She lived out her years (31 of them--more than a decade longer than most horses) at a farm owned by Dik Weiner and even outlived her two colts. Shayna belonged to Weiner’s youngest daughter, Wendy Weiner Runge (who today, lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Peter, and their children). The beloved horse even gave rides to children at Beth Israel year after year at Purim carnivals. Today, Camp E.K. Newman is the Platte River State Camp, used by District 66--among others--for their sixth-grade outdoor adventure every

OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa--When American tanks, troops and planes were only poised at the borders of Iraq, more than 300 foreign journalists flocked to Israel. They established headquarters, contacts, observation points. Based on the experience of the Gulf War in 1991, when Iraq directed 39 Scud missiles at the Jewish state, they knew that this is where they could get a first hand and exciting story. The days flew by. The correspondents hung around for a while. They read of the action in Iraq, saw photos on television and came to the conclusion that they were in the wrong place. There was no story here, and most of them left. No, there was no story for them, but Israel has undergone an experience that will not be soon forgotten by those who live here. Mindful of Milton’s admonishment that “they also serve who only stand and wait”, Israelis have played a personal though passive role in the events that have unfolded amid a mixture of emotions marked by tension, conflicts, fears and even some humor. The big question was, would there be Iraqi missiles, possibly bearing chemical or biological contaminants? While Prime Minister Arik Sharon assured the public that there was only about a one percent chance of such an attack, the authorities decided to take no chances, and plans were drawn up for a nationwide program of prevention and defense. For one thing, with

April 4, 2003

Memories To Last a Lifetime fall. The proceeds from the sale of the camp (closed because of increasing expenses and decreased participation by Omaha youth) now fund the E.K. Newman Grants, which fund new and innovative programs for children, youth and teens, and scholarships for the Friedel Jewish Academy. As to a local overnight camp for Jewish kids--the Jewish community did run--and successfully--Camp JCC at several rented locations near Fremont, about an hour’s drive from Omaha. For the first several years in the mid-eighties, the camp was filled to capacity, but once again, a decision was made several years ago to close the camp--this time because of the inability to rent a suitable campsite during the weeks in August when Omaha students would still be on summer break. When the last horse from Camp E.K. Newman died, perhaps the era of local Jewish overnight camping died, too. But it’s not necessarily a time for mourning. There are now more programs than ever for families seeking quality Jewish camping, ranging from one-week “trial” sessions for first-time campers to eight-week sessions for

older seasoned participants. The Jewish Federation helps those parents by giving two grants of $500 each to every Jewish child in greater Omaha at the time of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The grants can be used the summer before and after B’nai Mitzvah and go a long way to assisting parents in assuming the financial responsibility of providing quality Jewish experiences for their children. The B’nai Mitzvah Grants are not subject to income restrictions (although additional funds

can be obtained through the Financial Aid Committee). When a two-week session at a Midwest summer camp can cost close to $1200, a $500 grant goes a long way--and not just in financial terms. It might just be the incentive a family needs to introduce this powerful Jewish experience to their child. So goodbye, Shayna--the memories of Camp E.K. Newman are fading, but the impact of Jewish camping can last a lifetime.

What Israel Has Gone Through in Recent Weeks American help, a network of Patriot and Arrow missile interceptors was set up, and many Israelis woke up to discover the mechanical monsters literally in their backyards. But some missiles might get through, and every Israeli family that did not have access to a suitable shelter was instructed as to how to set up a sealed room in his apartment, a room in which the family could take refuge when the alarm sounded. Windows and doors were to be hermetically sealed so that no poisonous fumes could get through. Emergency supplies, including food for a possible prolonged stay, were to be included. The prospects were not happy ones. Some families hastened to prepare their sealed rooms. Others waited until the American invasion actually began. Others decided to take the risk that no bombs would fall near them. The Gas Mask Problem The preparation of gas masks involved other problems. Every citizen of the country is entitled to receive a gas mask from the government without charge. Those who already possessed such equipment, held over from 1991, were asked to turn them in to be up-dated. There was no immediate run to the distribution centers, but as action took place in Iraq, the lines became longer. Special protective devices were available for infants, for small children, for men with long beards, for the elderly. To begin with, the instructions were

explicit. Do not open the sealed boxes yet. Complaints followed that most people were no longer familiar with the masks, and would not be able to unpack, adjust and don them under pressure. With the outbreak of the war, the instructions were changed, and the public was advised to try on the masks. As time passed, and there were no missiles, criticism was voiced that the early opening had not been necessary. Further, the cost to the government for the sanitizing and repacking of the millions of masks would run to about a billion shekels. The press published detailed advice on how to behave in case of an attack. Every household was provided with a thick explanatory booklet. The listing of the dangers to be expected did little to cancel fears. There was never any panic, however. A public opinion poll revealed that people were uneasy. Only 23.6% claimed that they were not worried at all. People managed to carry on with their normal existence, but it was obvious that a dark cloud was hanging overhead. The waiting period, the doubts, caused uneasiness. Still, this is a population which has lived through two and a half years of Intifada, with repeated suicide bombings close to home. One becomes steeled to tragedy under such circumstances. Or, as one Israeli reported on his reaction to the fears, doubts and uncertainty: We watch television;

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that’s reality. A member of the Knesset thought he was being reassuring when he emphasized the importance of all the precautions being taken. He estimated that in a city whose population had been provided with the necessary protection, only about ten citizens would fall victim to an attack by a nerve gas. In a city whose population had not been afforded protection, he declared, a thousand could fall victim. Extra Precautions Optimistic and pessimistic moods succeeded each other, depending on events. When President Bush delivered his final ultimatum warning to Iraq, pregnant women due for delivery shortly thereafter, were called to a special seminar at the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv and instructed how to wear a gas mask during delivery, as well as how to care for the infant while bombs were falling. Extra precautions were announced. Israelis were advised to carry all their personal identification papers on them when they sought shelter in the sealed room. No explanation was given, but to some it was obvious that this would facilitate identification of the bodies. Quietly, Disaster Victim Identification units were set up to retrieve the bodies of victims. Committees were composed of a lawyer, police officer and a rabbi to determine the identity of the body and (Continued on page 5)

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

April 4, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

What the Israelis Have Gone Through (Continued from page 4) to notify families concerned. All hospitals were on the alert. Precedents had already been set as the result of the numerous suicide bombings. It was no secret that large sections of public parks in the big cities had already been surveyed and consecrated by the rabbinate for use as emergency cemeteries in the event of a large number of victims. What should be done if an alarm was sounded as a crowded Egged bus was making its rounds? Instructions to drivers were to unload the passengers at the nearest public air raid shelter. What about department stores filled with customers? They are presumed to have suitable shelters, all prepared for just such contingencies. In the first days of the war Israelis avoided bus travel or shopping, but as time wore on and nothing happened here, the public gradually returned to their normal routine. Information and reassurances were made available regularly via radio announcements in Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French and Amharic, the latter the language of the Ethiopians. Prime Minister Sharon again provided reassurance: “We estimate, believe and hope that we will not be involved in the war, but if we are dragged into it, Israel is prepared to deal with any possible threatfrom both a defensive and offensive standpoint.” No matter what the tensions, school sessions were held on schedule and pupils were instructed to bring their gas masks to school every day. Implementation varied from school to school. In some places the educators encouraged the young ones to decorate the drab brown boxes with colorful art work, and it was suggested that prizes be offered for the best work. Despite advice, most adults did not take the gas masks with them when they went to work or shopping. In times like these rumors are rife, and a special unit has been set up to follow all news reports and nip in the bud any false reports before they lead to panic. The Light Touch Most Israelis deny they have been in any state of repressed depression, but merchandisers report a significant rise in the sale of sweet things. A psychologist explains: “Sugar and carbohydrates raise the levels of serotonin (a hormone released in the brain) which makes people feel calmer.” Some enterprising merchants have sought to capitalize on the situation and have been advertising newly received women’s clothing styles as the latest in “wartime fashion”. Advice columns in the papers offer suggestions on how to keep calm: Engage actively in matters of interest; listen to music; eat slowly, breathe properly, avoid coffee and alcohol--the list is a long one. Bamba, a highly popular candy snack for children, has attained the status of a vital element in Israel’s security picture. Since it is important to keep children's spirits high during these tense times, a supply of the delicacy must be assured. Hence, in the event of a wartime emergency, the Labor Ministry has declared Bamba to be a vital staple food, and employees of that plant will receive “call-up” orders to report to work, just like soldiers on the front line. A bit of humor imported from the U.S. has made the rounds here in various forms. As the current and oft-repeated tale goes, Saddam Hussein phoned President Bush and told him he had just had a great dream. He dreamt that all the big buildings in New York and other American cities were adorned with placards and billboards, “What was written on the signs?” Bush asked. Saddam replied that they all bore messages of greetings and good will to Saddam Hussein. Whereupon Bush replied: “I had a dream too, and in my dream all the major buildings in Baghdad and other cities of Iraq were also covered with big signs.” “What did they say?” asked Hussein. Bush replied: “I don’t know. I can’t read Hebrew.” But the Threat Remains As the fighting in Iraq continues, local defense sources proclaim that if the Iraqis use chemical weapons against the Americans, thus revealing that they have them in their possession, we shall have to raise the level of our preparedness. The atmosphere has not been calmed down by the reports of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank holding mass street demonstrations to express their support of Iraq and their hopes

for an American defeat. It is reported that Palestinian couples have been naming their new-born babies Saddam in honor of the Iraqi leader. With the outbreak of the war almost all foreign airlines discontinued service to Israel, leaving the country’s own airlines, El Al, Arkia and Israir as the only travel connection with the outside world. As the first elements of nervousness diminished, some of the foreign lines have resumed limited service. In any event, Israelis are not going any place. Those few who had chosen to leave the country have already left for Europe and America. Others had sought to seek safety in places where missiles were least expected, primarily Eilat. Hotels there reported many reservations, later cancelled as the danger seemed to abate. In such cases, accompanying deposits were lost. Obviously, the economy of the country has been affected, both in terms of the additional security costs to both civilians and the military, and the freezing of much shopping during the tense period. There has also been a drop in productivity and in leisure activity revenue. The absence of tourists, already felt as a result of the terrorist activity, was even further intensified because of the war threat. It was not pleasant for the few incoming tourists to be told that they had to be supplied with gas masks, to be borne wherever they went. Those who profited from the situation were few in number. Among them were the producers of bottled

mineral water, to be stocked up in case of need, and the marketers of the plastic sheeting and masking tape used to seal the rooms. How will it all end? Even the Americans are now admitting that the war may take longer than expected. When Saddam realizes that defeat is near, and with his back to the wall, he may resort to desperate measures and throw his chemical arsenal at Israel, going down to defeat, but in a blaze of glory, from his point of view. Even an end to the conflict without any direct harm to Israel does not mean that brighter days lie ahead. President Bush, and Tony Blair as well, have made it clear that with the closing of the Iraq episode they will turn their attention to the IsraelPalestine conflict. When Bush says that a solution of the problem will be marked by “a cessation of activity in the occupied territories”, does he mean cessation of Arab terrorist activity, or cessation of Israeli presence there? In the Meantime In the meantime, Israel knows no peace. A suicide bomber in Netanya reminds us that this kind of domestic threat is ever present. Simultaneously the Histadrut selects this period of time to call farreaching strikes which can paralyze the economy. Yet even in its own suffering, Israelis feel a deep sense of empathy with America for the losses it is suffering in Iraq. And life goes on.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

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ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS First Lt. Ben Yosfan will speak Wednesday, April 9, noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, Breadbreakers Chairman. He will speak about his life as an Air Force navigator based at Stratcom. Tom Gouttierre will speak about world and current events at Breadbreakers on April 16. Gouttierre is Dean of International Studies and Programs at UNO. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Because of the Passover holiday, there will be no Breadbreakers on April 23. Breadbreakers is open to the community. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum leads a parasha shiur at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St., April 5, 5:35 p.m. Torah Tots is Monday, April 7, 10 a.m., with Shari Blum (parents can learn with Rabbi Blum at the same time); Time for Talmud with Rabbi Blum is cancelled--instead the community is invited to hear Rabbi Noach Orlowek, Mashgiah of Yeshiva Torah Ore in Jerusalem, who will speak at 7:30 p.m.; the Beit Midrash meets on Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. The Wednesday Women’s Class is April 9, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL house. Join OCTL for the weekly discussion of Torah Topics at Lunch ’n Learn, Wednesday, April 9, noon, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library; the Wednesday Teen Class meets at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Brooke Shrago, 805 So. 120 Ave. Rabbi Aryeh and Shari Blum will be out of town during Pesach. The parasha shiur on Saturday, April 12, will be held at the OCTL House at 6:40 p.m., however, classes from Monday, April 14 through Sunday, April 27 are cancelled. For more information about OCTL or to arrange one-on-one learning or small group sessions, call Rabbi Blum at 320-8055. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” discussion group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, John Fullerton with Radio Talking Book will speak on the many services this network provides. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Make all reservations with Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for Bluff Run Casino on April 10, deadline is April 7; Musical Extravaganza with Stan Widman and Esther Wax on April 28, deadline is April 21. The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center presents Miss Nelson is Missing on Thursday, May 8. See a great show, tour the majestic Rose Theater and have lunch. Cost is $12 which is all inclusive or $8 if you provide your own lunch. Depart from the JCC at 10:30 a.m. and return by approximately 2:30 p.m. Deadline is April 28.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW-Omaha Section will hold its monthly board meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m., in the Conference Room at the JCC. The board meeting is open to all NCJW members. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC main entrance by 8:45 a.m. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. in the Social Hall of the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. VISIONS Enjoy the rich rewards of travel the easy way. The Walters Professional Travel Film Series present Israel Today on Friday, April 25. Cost is $7 per person. At 11:30 a.m., dine at Joslyn’s Le Cafe Durham (on your own) and 2 p.m. enjoy the travellogue on Israel. Send reservations to: Fred and Sandy Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. Make checks payable to Jewish Senior Services. Deadline is April 18. Visions Minneapolis Getaway is July 8-10. Cost is $172 per person based on double occupancy ($252 single occupancy). Tour includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, two nights accommodations at Mystic Lake Casino (play $10 and get $10), Mall of America--eating fun and shopping extravaganza-dinner and play at Chanhassen Dinner Theater to see Meshuggah Nuns, and baggage handling. Send reservations with $50 deposit by May 1 to: Betty Sanford, 9205 Western Ave, #127, Omaha, NE 68114. Depart from the JCC at 8 a.m. on July 8 and arrive back in Omaha on July 10 by 6 p.m. Make check payable to Visions.

A “Honey” of a Duo Sings to Y.E.S. by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Young Energetic Seniors were entertained recently to music of the 40s and 50s by Bob Berg, JCC Custodial Services Manager, right, and his “lovely” side-kick, Gordon Weidman, JCC Health Spa Attendant.

Beth Israel Sisterhood Sports Spring Styles by LESLI SHRAGO

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Last month’s Sisterhood luncheon at Beth Israel Synagogue featured a spring style show with clothing and accessories by Mainstream Fashions in Bel Air Plaza. Models include, left photo: Bette Kozlen, left,

Sandy Kohll, Nadine Kutner, Elaine Feldman, Annette Fettman, Helene Shrago, Susie Shyken, Joan Kaiman, Margie Alperson and Vera Lewis. Right photo: Helen Shrago models her outfit for the crowd.

April 4, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Shop Shalom After Dark

MARRIAGE SCHNEIDER/WALTER Ann Schneider, daughter of Dr. Larry and Marilyn Schneider of Cincinnati, OH, and Adam Walter, son of Rabbi Gerry and Carenjean Walter, also of Cincinnati, were married Dec. 1, 2002, at the Plum Street Temple in Cincinnati. The groom’s father officiated, along with Rabbi Lewis Kamrass. The bride is a graduate of the University of Arizona. She earned her law degree from Capitol Law School in Columbus, OH, and is employed by Faulkner and Tepe in Cincinnati. She is the granddaughter of Minnie Breslow of Lincoln, NE, the late David Breslow and the late Mary and Ed Schneider. The bride’s greatgrandparents were the late Dora and Nathan Yaffe, the late Ida and Lab Breslow, the late Libby and William Botwin and the late Anna and Jacob Schneider. The groom graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He is an account executive with Manor House in Mason, OH. He is the grandson of Irma Simon and the late Louis Simon and the late Annette and Leon Walter. Following a honeymoon to Las Vegas, the couple has made their home in Mason, OH. CORRECTION Readers Glenn and Lenore Richter of New York point out that former Romanian chief rabbi Moses Rosen died on May 6, 1994; he is not alive as Dr. Greenspoon stated in his article on “A Romanian Purim.” Also, they note that the New York Jewish Week is probably not “the largest... Jewish newspaper in the country” as stated in the article about a Live From the 92nd Street Y broadcast: “Biased or Balanced: Israel and the Media.” Richter asserts that the Jewish Press of Brooklyn probably has more subscribers. The Jewish Press stands corrected.

by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director Are you looking for a “When we first heard shopping experience about Shop Shalom, we with some sizzle? thought that it was Make your plans now to such a creative idea! come to “Shop Shalom We’re proud to be able After Dark” on to help out with ‘Shop Saturday, May 3, 9 Shalom After Dark,’ p.m. to midnight at the because Gary and I Jewish Community have a deep love for Center. Israel and we wanted to “Shop Shalom After do something to help, Dark” is part of the but didn’t know how. four-day Israeli ven‘Shop Shalom After dor’s fair called “Shop Dark’ will literally put Shalom,” being held food into the mouths of Thursday and the people who are sufFriday, May 1 & 2, 10 fering,” said Cheryl. a.m. to 5 p.m. at the The Sanfords couldPark Inn Regency Cheryl Lerner, left, and Vicki Sanford are co-chair- n’t agree more. Lodge, 909 So. 107 St., ing Shop Shalom After Dark, along with their hus- “Mark and I also love and Sunday, May 4, bands, Gary Lerner and Mark Sanford. Israel and the Israeli 12-6 p.m. at the JCC people and we can’t part of Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) bear to see how they are suffering. celebration. Shop Shalom is sponsored by the “The merchants and artists who are coming to Jewish Federation of Omaha. Omaha for Shop Shalom are so grateful to us for But “Shop Shalom After Dark” kicks the shopping hosting them….they told us that without fairs like experience up a notch. ours and others around the country they would be The event is a shopper’s and food lover’s paradise out on the streets,” said Vicki. featuring extraordinary merchandise from more “That’s why ‘Shop Shalom After Dark’ is so much than 25 Israeli artists and shop owners along with more than a fun shopping party…we really are savdelicious appetizers from the Mediterranean Bistro, ing lives.” desserts, wine and beer all served up in a beautiful Tickets for “Shop Shalom After Dark” are $18 per and unique atmosphere. person and are available at the door or by calling Proceeds from the event are going to the Israeli the Jewish Federation of Omaha at 334-6431. artists and shop owners who have been deeply Payment may be made by Visa or MasterCard, cash affected by the continuing intafada. or check. Chairpeople for “Shop Shalom After Dark” are For more information about the Shop Shalom Cheryl and Gary Lerner and Vicki and Mark project, please contact me at 334-6431 or log on to Sanford. Both couples said they are eager to help the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomthe people of Israel in any way they can. aha.org.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

a D y y l i m a F ENJOY

Sunday, April 6,11am-4pm $10 Admission per Family (2 adults, dependent children)

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Meet Charles Lindbergh’s grandson, Erik April 5, 1:00pm

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April 4, 2003

IN THE NEWS Jeff Schrier Ford, which operates a “mobility motoring” division has announced its expansion, according to Joe Martin, Tom Wagner and Mark Zach. Zach, who formerly owned a conversion van business, came to work at Schrier Ford more than a decade ago to open opportunities to customers with disabilities. It was the first of its kind in Omaha. A free evaluation is available along with these other services: new and used vans with adaptive equipment already installed; factory-trained adaptive equipment technician on site; and rental wheelchair vans available. Martin, Wagner and Zach also assist customers in acquiring funding to buy or lease their specially equipped vans. Since customers’ needs vary--from wheelchair lifts to hand-operated gas and brake controls--as well as to family size and type of disability--Zach stressed the importance of the evaluation. For more information about these services, call 896-6000 or visit the company’s website: www.mobilitymotoring.com.

Room of the Juvenile Court. Judge Johnson not only encourages children and parents going through his court to read, he insists they get a library card; plus they’re invited to select a book to take home. More than 200 boxes of books have been delivered since the program began in November. Judge Johnson appeared with Rips March 31 on KMTV, in commemoration of National Library Week.

This Passover, customers can help victims of terror in Israel by purchasing Manischewitz products. Manischewitz will contribute a portion of the purchase of its five-pound package of Passover Matzos to ARMDI--American Red Magen David for Israel. ARMDI is the exclusive authorized fundraising organization in America for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical ambulance, blood and disaster service. Manischewitz also announced their inclusion in the new Weight Watchers 2003 Complete Food Companion (also known as its “points bible”). The official guide lists many Passover specialties, from the Creamy Hot Wheat Cereal to traditional items such as macaroons and gefilte fish. Year ’round items (not for Passover use) are also listed.

Tom Evnen won the 2003 Nebraska State Lincoln-Douglas Debate tournament held in Kearney last month. Tom has participated in high school debate since ninth grade. A senior at Lincoln Southeast High School, he is the son of Debra and Bob Evnen.Earlier this year he won regional tournaments at Westside, Central, Millard West and Creighton. He qualified for the state tournament by winning the district tournament recently held in Fremont. As a junior and senior, Tom has participated in several national invitational tournaments. He hopes to work as a staff member at the National Debate Forum camp this summer in Boston, and at an Omaha debate camp being planned.

Nancy Rips, Omaha bookseller and reviewer, is Chairman of the Friends of the Omaha Public Library’s Juvenile Court Book Project. Working in conjunction with Douglas County Court Juvenile Judge Doug Johnson, she selects books from the library’s Book Sales to be delivered to the Waiting

Sara Lindholm, daughter of Cathy Kushner and David Lindholm, has been accepted into the Class of 2004 National Student Leadership Conference on International Diplomacy. The former Lincolnite, now a junior at Guilderland High School in New York, will spend 11 days this summer attending workshops in Washington, D.C., on such topics as critical thinking, communications skills, and problem solving. Lindholm plans to major in international relations in college and study foreign languages. She is the granddaughter of Sheldon and Marcia Kushner of Lincoln.

Phil Paley, son of Susan and Dennis Paley, announces the opening of Paley Landscaping. Before relocating to Omaha last month, Paley owned and operated the company for several years in Chicago. Paley Landscaping offers weekly/monthly maintenance, landscape design and installation, trimming, aerating and spring/fall clean-up. For information, call him at 333-5120.

BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS If you keep house, no matter where you live unless it's in a hotel or a managed facility, you need a handyman. If you own your own place or rent it, every now and then, something goes wrong and you need a Mr. Fixit--a handyman. Such a person is known to Jewish ladies from my great, great, great Bobie down to me as being blessed with “goldenah hent”. This is a time honored way of saying “golden hands”. Why would anyone say golden hands? In particular, why would Jewish ladies use that expression? Okay, here’s where I take my life and many friendships in my hands and imply (rather strongly) that a large percentage of our otherwise wonderful Jewish husbands are not the handiest guys on earth. Therefore, a man who can repair, mend or fix stuff that gets broken around the average house, could conceivably be thought of as possessing golden hands. Are you with me so far? Okay. I, like all those other people who maintain a household, frequently need the services of a handyman. They aren’t easily found, and only a lifelong friend would give anyone the name of a dependable Mr. Fixit, because obviously, if too many people know about this maven, pretty soon he’ll be too busy! And you know how it is to get an appointment with a busy professional. Well, I don’t want to brag, but I have three such valuable contacts. One is right here in the same city, and I call him when something erupts or quits erupting, whichever the case may be. Unless it’s an extreme emergency, he puts me down for “let’s see, some time next week.” Fine. He’s a good guy and I don’t want to offend him with hysterics. And his rates aren’t too exorbitant. On another level entirely, I have two other men I can call on for minor problems that need attention. The only problem is, neither of them lives where I am, so I have to depend on visits. When I get a call or an e-mail that says, “Hi Mom, I thought I’d pop

in for a few days to see you and Dad,” I know it’s time to make a list of “stuff that needs doing.” Understand, I never knew they taught courses in household repair in either law school or medical school, but someplace between “I’m moving out now” and the present, my two sons learned how to do more than open the door of the fridge. And do I love it when they visit! The eldest, known to some of you as Steve, came from Florida for a brief visit recently. When he left, I tallied up the score. He replaced light bulbs in inaccessible places, straightened a floor lamp which has been leaning toward Yuma, installed two yard lights, adjusted one telephone, programmed two radios, defragmented my computer (whatever that means), then talked me into junking it altogether and getting a new one. This, of course meant he spent most of the last day of his visit setting up the new one. I shouldn’t fail to mention that each and every one of these little chores was done cheerfully, with assurances that they were “no big deal.” And all but the computer stuff could be thought of as no big deal, until it’s more convenient for somebody else to do them. The bottom line is simply this: while I wouldn’t go so far as to say they have goldenah hent, my guys are more than a big help when they show up for their infrequent visits. Maybe that’s unfair--they both do much more complicated stuff around their own houses than my little chores, but I’m not sure what qualifies as gold so I’d better not underestimate their talents. I do know for certain that one is a good lawyer and one is a good doctor, and you know I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body. Right? So now you know we enjoyed having one of our kids with us for a recent visit, you know all the broken stuff is repaired around here and you know how to say golden hands in yiddish. I have nothing more to share with you, until the next time. Stay tuned for further developments.

April 4, 2003

Clergy Learn About Islam at Temple’s Annual Ministers Institute by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Pastor Neal Mather, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of De Witt, Nebraska, was one of about 100 clergy from Nebraska and Iowa who attended the 63rd A n n u a l Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Institute on Judaism for Clergy at T e m p l e Israel in Dr. Moshe Gershovich March. “If you want to know what community is, you have to come here,” Pastor Mather said. “Temple has a loving and welcoming sense of community.” He also thought the guest speaker, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, assistant professor of Modern European History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, was “excellent.” Dr. Gershovich’s remarks were entitled, “Lectures on Islam.” He discussed “Foundations: The Essence of Islam” and “Coexistence and Conflict: Muslim Interaction with Other People of the Book.” “Hopefully, it’ll help us understand the world situation a little better,” remarked Pastor Mather. Sandra Palmer, a chaplain resident with Alegent Health in Omaha, agreed with the pastor. “It’s very interesting and very enlightening,” she said. “Dr. Gershovich’s overview was concise and I’m really enjoying it.” Father Glenn Rankin, Episcopal Trinity Church in Denison, Iowa, has attended most of the Ministers Institutes over the past 30 years. “This is always an interesting day,” he mentioned. “I’m very interested in how the three faiths of Abraham interface today.” In light of how “the media portrays the conflict (between Judaism, Islam, and Christianity),” Father Rankin was looking forward “to hearing something different.” Jane Brooks, wife of the late Rabbi Sidney Brooks, who served Temple Israel from 1952 to 1985, said Dr. Gershovich was “a superb speaker.” She added that she is “really deeply grateful to the congregation for continuing the Institute and naming it after Sidney.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? by JOAN K. MARCUS Dr. Lawrence Alan Epstein didn’t just have fun received his medical degree in 1961. He left when he was a teenager at Central High School. Nebraska to do his residency in internal medicine According to the 1954 O-Book, Central’s yearbook, at Fresno General Hospital, an affiliate of the Epstein was a member of the National Honor University of Southern California at Los Angeles Society, class president and was active in student School of Medicine where he became the chief resigovernment. Even in those days, he was known as a dent. He finished in 1964 and took a teaching “mensch” or an upright, honorable and decent per- assistantship at the UC-Davis. son. With obligations to Uncle Sam, Epstein became a We tracked Dr. Epstein to Cupertino, California, captain in the United States Army in 1966 at the where he is a internist in private practice, special- height of the Vietnam War. He was the captain of a izing in cardio-vascular medicine. mobile army field hospital in Tay Ninh, Vietnam, It can also be said that Dr. Epstein (Larry, or the first transportable surgical unit used by the “Eppie” as we used to call him) was always up for a army. He was awarded a commendation medal good time at an AZA party or in the canteen at the while stationed there. old ‘J’ on 20th and Dodge. In addition to many After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed in Jewish Youth Council activities, he also participat- the Fort Ord area where he met a native “California ed in choir, bowling, girl.” He and Monica tennis, was on the staff have been married of the Central High almost 35 years and newspaper--The have two children: Amy, Register, and was a 30, is a first grade member of the Central teacher, and David, 33, High Players as well as is a dentist. many other activities. After leaving the Academics were army, he taught at important to him even UCLA and then, in then and he qualified 1977, became chief of for membership in their Department of Junior and National Medicine. Dr. Epstein, Honor Societies and who was listed in Who’s was named a delegate Who in California, was to Nebraska Boys chosen as one of the bay State. area’s top physicians “"Growing up in and one of the top Omaha was great!” he nationwide physicians insisted. “Central High by the Center for the never had locked doors Study of Services in then and my dad was Washington, D.C. active, along with me, In addition to private in AZA. Those were The Epstein family: David, standing, left next to practice, he continues simpler times and I his mother, Monica; Amy, seated, Dr. Lawrence to be a guest speaker on have great memories of Epstein. various medical topics close friends, a warm and is a consultant for town and a great education.” pharmaceutical companies who evaluate products After high school graduation, he graduated from before using them in the market place. the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in three Larry says he values the foundation laid by his years, with majors in liberal arts and zoology. While loving, “but not overbearing” parents. He misses the there, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, years of peace and the closeness of the community President of his fraternity, a cheerleader and in which he grew up. President of the University Red Cross. He still man“I miss everything about Omaha,” he admitted. aged to have a good time and was voted “One of the “The fast pace here is sometimes a bit much. I can Ten Most Eligible Bachelors.” never trade the background and the education I After earning his undergraduate degree, he con- received in Nebraska.” tinued his education at the University of Nebraska For those readers in Central’s Class of 1954, Epstein at Omaha and its Medical Center, where he is planning to attend the 50th reunion next year!

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

Passover, Matzah and the Internet

PEOPLE OF THE BYTE by MARK MIETKIEWICZ The panic is beginning to set in. With only weeks until Passover, kitchen cupboards are getting a meticulous cleaning, store shelves are being stocked with unbelievable new Passover products and shoppers are careening down aisles tossing everything in sight into their carts. But today, I want to focus that classic, simple food that is the heart of the holiday: matzah. It all started in Exodus where we are commanded to “Eat matzahs for seven days. By the first day, you must have your homes cleared of all leaven.” (Exodus 12:15) -http://makeashorterlink.com/?S19 726AF3. Much has been written about the symbolic meaning of matzah and its place in the formation of the Jewish people. “The characteristic of leavened dough (chometz) is that it rises and swells, symbolizing pride and boastfulness. A Matzah, on the other hand, is thin and flat, suggesting meekness and humility. Passover teaches us that chometz-arrogance--is the very antithesis of the ideal of Torah.”-http://makeashorterlink.com/?R2 BE12EF3. Matzah has also become a modern symbol of survival. Yuriy Kheyfetz is 74 and lives in Moscow. He remembers that 60 years ago, a Jew would come to his house to bake matzah for his family. “We never had a seder at home...but for some reason, my parents were not giving up the tradition of baking and eating matzot once a year.” This fascinating article traces the role that matzah played in the Soviet Union during a time when the state could forbid Jews to perform major Jewish rites but could not tell them what they should eat.--www.jew-

ishsf.com/bk970411/ikey.htm. Most of us are used to stopping by the store to pick up a few boxes of machine-made matzah from companies like Manischewitz--www.manischewitz.com/--or Israel’s Matzot Rishon--www.matzot-rishon.co.il-and Yehuda Matzos--www.yehudamatzos.com.

Randi Jaffe says members of her Reform temple don’t care that it’s shmurah or ritually perfect. “It’s the fact that it's round and bumpy and doesn't look like the square, perfect ones. It's a much more palpable connection to the ancient tradition. You can really imagine it going on someone’s shoulder and baking in the

But hand-made Shmurah Matzot are gaining in popularity. David Kibbe has captured the dedication and devotion to detail needed to make these matzot. He follows Satmar Hasidim of Kiryas Joel, New York who work for three months next to the stifling heat of 1,200 degree ovens to bake kosher hand-made matzot--http://makeashorterlink.com/?Y1CB41EF3. Apparently, Shmurah Matzah is gaining in popularity outside the ultra Orthodox community--www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/980410/matzo .shtml.

desert sun as the biblical Exodus story tells us the original matzah did while our ancestors fled their slavery in Egypt, heading for a new world.” Many children and adults now get a chance to bake their own Matzot at “Model Matzah Bakeries” operated by Chabad-Lubavitch. You can follow along as the kids of Congregation Beth Sholom of Corona, CA, transform flour and water into the ancient food--www.uscj.org/pacsw/corona/Matzah.html. If you don’t have access to a Matzah Bakery, you can watch a meticulous

step-by-step demonstration of how matzah is made--www.matzahs.com /photo_gallery.htm. And if you’d like to try it at home, take a look at Marcy Goldman’s recipe for Homemade Matzah--www.koshercooking.com/ resource/matzoh.html. As Marcy mentions, her recipe is NOT in accordance with Passover law and should not be used for the holiday. But it can be a lot of fun to see how your work compares to the professionals’. If you would like to decorate your seder table with matzos, you can download some free matzah clip art-http://graphicdesign.miningco.co m/library/passover/blpasclip1.htm. Matzot are central to Passover and while many people look forward to them, not everyone has acquired a taste for our “bread of affliction.” Apparently once Marilyn Monroe was served matzah ball soup for three meals in a row. Not too impressed, she asked, “Isn’t there any other part of the matzah you can eat?”-http://anecdotage.com/index.php? aid=7750. I guess Marilyn never had a chance to eat a matzah concoction prepared by the likes of Wolfgang Puck. A few years ago at the post-Academy Award celebrations, the Chef-to-theStars tried something different. He served 1,600 Tinsel Town biggies high-calorie hors d’oeuvres including smoked salmon on Oscar-shaped matzah crackers--www.flashnews. com/news/9tin5th1.htm. No word on their availability for your seder. Yet. Mark Mietkiewicz is a website producer in Toronto with an interest in the Internet. He can be reached at: highway@rogers.com.

BIRTHS

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Laura and Jeff Katz of Phoenix, AZ, announce the Nov. 16, 2002, birth of their daughter, Shayna Rochelle. They also have a son, Adam. Grandparents are Dr. Larry and Judi Yampolsky of Omaha, Susi and Harry Ross of Winter Springs, FL, and Peggy and Albert Katz of Lake Mary, FL. Great-grandmothers are Edith Epstein of Omaha and Ella Kandel of Pam Beach, FL. Elyse and David Zacharia of Chicago, IL, announce the Nov. 29, 2002, birth of their son, Jacob Michael. Grandparents are Sharon Pressler of Las Vegas, NV, and the late Michael Pressler, and Barb and Larry Zacharia of Omaha. Dr. Douglas and Jacqueline Monasebian of New York City, announce the March 11 birth of their son, David Michael. David has an older sister, Liza Diana, age 31/2. Grandparents are Mrs. Nathan J. London of Omaha and the late Nathan London, and Mr. and Mrs. Sion Monasebian of White Plains, NY. To Submit a Birth Announcement: Send the name of the child, date born (or arrived, in the case of adoption), names of parents and the city in which the family resides. Other siblings and their ages may be listed as brothers and sisters of the new baby, rather than as children of the parents, to avoid confusion where the birth announcement comes from a “blended family.” Names of all grandparents or step-grandparents, as well as living great-grandparents may be included as well as the cities in which they live. Late grandparents as well as a late spouse may also be included, but not late great-grandparents. Weight and height of the baby are not included. In cases where the parents have lost a child prior to the birth or arrival of the new baby, parents may add that information in a form of their choosing. Mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; fax to: 1-402-334-5422; or e-mail to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

April 4, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Developing and Expanding a Business Infrastructure by SIMON GRIVER, Israel Bonds Corporation Since the 1950’s Israel Bonds has supported the Israeli government in developing transport, energy, water, housing, health, education and other basic infrastructures. In recent decades the Israeli government has also developed a “business infrastructure.” By offering a diverse range of loans, grants and incentives for small businesses and start-ups, innovative products and overseas firms locating in development regions the Israeli government laid the foundations for the commercial boom and rapid economic growth of the 1990’s. The Law for the Encouragement of Industrial R&D is administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) at the Ministry of Industry & Trade. The idea is to share in the risks inherent in the earliest stages of a start-up or new product before even venture capital would be prepared to invest. R&D and prototype grants are available following scrutiny by technological and business experts, which become loans if the company/project is successful. Nearly 40% of grants given by the OCS are

Hidden Children of the Holocaust (Continued from page 1) Great Britain offered to accept 10,000 Jewish children and Belgium 1000. The heart rending decision to part with their children created a dilemma for these parents. Most of these children were never to see their parents again. While a great deal is known about the children who were sent to Great Britain in what has become known as the Kindertransport, very little is known about the children who were sent to Belgium. Walter Reed was one of those children. The experiences of Reed and the other children sent to Belgium have been recently chronicled and are now known as the stories of “The Children of Chateau La Hille,” a reference to a chateau in the French village of Montegue where they were hidden. When the Nazis invaded Belgium in 1940,100 Jewish children, ranging in age from three to 17 years, were hustled off to Southern France on a children’s transport where they spent several months, including one harsh winter, in a barn belonging to an estate in the tiny village of Seyre. The barn did not contain plumbing facilities or heat, food was hard to come by, and in general conditions were very difficult. The children were discovered by members of the Swiss Red Cross who took charge of them. The Red Cross located an abandoned chateau in disrepair located approximately 50 miles away, near the village of Montegue-Planteral. Members of the Red Cross along with the older children renovated the chateau so that they could house the children. It was here that these children continued their education, grew vegetables, maintained the facility, and were able to find employment with the surrounding French farmers. Disaster struck when 40 of the older children were deported to camp Le Vernet. Through desperate actions by the Red Cross, and the administrator of the chateau, the 40 children were eventually released. In time, some of the children escaped into Switzerland and Spain, and some were rescued by the AFSC (Quakers), or relatives in the United States. Out of the 100 “Children of Chateau La Hille,” 90 of them survived the war. Over the years they have maintained contact with one another, and have held re-unions both in the United States as well as at the sites of their wartime experiences. Reed has become the organizer, leader, and chronicler of the experiences of the “Children of Chateau La Hille,” and their story is one of survival, love, determination, and gratitude toward one another as well as those who, by their actions, became the true heroes that enabled the survivors to make meaningful lives for themselves and their families. The Community Yom Hashoah Memorial Service is free and open to the entire community. Sitter service is available by reservation only at no cost. For more information, please contact Kathy McGauvran at the Federation office, 334-6431.

recouped in royalty repayment of successful projects, which also generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in export, overseas investment and tax revenues. For example one major Israeli communications firm took a grant of several hundred thousand dollars for a new two way digital radio it was developing. The product proved successful so that not only was the grant repaid with interest but the new radio has earned tens of millions of dollars in export income. Other OCS programs include: technological incubators providing a sheltered environment for new immigrant and other scientists with no entrepreneurial experience, grants for encouraging cooperation between academia and industry, and bi-national funds for joint international projects etc. The government’s 24 technological incubators, which have an annual budget of $34 million, have attracted investments of $600 million in the past decade, and are in the process of being privatized. For example, a company set up in an incubator by a new immigrant from the former Soviet Union which has developed systems for examining optic lenses for eye glasses and contact lenses has annual sales of $12 million and has attracted investments of over $20 million.

The Law for the Encouragement of Investments provides tax holidays and grants for overseas investments in development regions through its Industrial Investment Center (IIC) and Unit for Regional Development. This policy has nurtured the development of the Galilee, Negev, Jerusalem and other high priority regions. One major US multinational developer and manufacturer of computer chips received a large government grant to set up a plant in a Negev development town. The plant produces annual exports worth $800 million. The Ministry of Industry & Trade also offers business loans through its Small Businesses Administration and loans for companies wishing to enter overseas markets through its Export Promotion Fund. All these loans come with valueadded expert advice and feasibility consultations which are often more valuable to businesspeople than the loans themselves. At present all these programs are facing budget cuts as the cash-strapped Israeli government must come to terms with the country’s worst economic recession since the 1950’s. Israel Bonds can help minimize the impact of cuts of these aforementioned programs, which are vital for Israel’s future economic growth and global industrial competitiveness.

ADL Sends Students to Nation’s Capitol by DEBBIE ZWEIBACK, ADL-CRC Assistant Director Last month, 20 Omaha area high school students participated in the Youth Leadership Mission to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the AntiDefamation League (ADL). The students, of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, spent the majority of their time at the United States Holocaust Museum. For the third year in a row, a donation from former Omahan Robert B. Sturm, now of Denver, CO, made it possible for the students to experience this interactive educational

trip using the lens of the Holocaust to view human behavior. The ADL developed the Youth Leadership Mission by using an anti-bias curriculum to help motivate students in fighting prejudice within their own lives, in their schools and communities. The delegates learn to become positive agents for change and help teach their peers about the strength of diversity. For more information about the program, please contact me at the ADL office, 333-1303.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

A Gift of Life by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Former leukemia patient Ilan Litbar, 52, and Erga Levine,23, from Jerusalem met for the first time in Tel Aviv. Litbar’s life was saved by a blood donation from Levine. The Ezer Mizion Bone Marrow Registry will hold in Israel its annual bone marrow transplant drive. The registry hopes that some 30,000 people in 70 locations around Israel will give small blood samples to be added to the central registry for potential blood donations in the future. The procedure is the first step in matching tissue types for potential blood transplants for people with leukemia. Photo by ISRANET.

April 4, 2003

Yale Richards (Continued from page 1) have included the Housing Authority of the City of Omaha, The International Theatre Equipment Association, Center Bank, S. Riekes & Sons, Service-Life Insurance Company, and Overland-Wolf, Inc., to name a few. He served on a number of boards, including Jewish Senior Services (JSS), which nominated him for the 1999 Trustee of the Year Award from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Upon learning that he had won, Richards said, “I don’t know what I did that so many of my peers have not done for our community.” Joan Bernstein, President of JSS, added, “Yale served as Treasurer of Jewish Senior Services for many years and was currently serving as Vice President. He was a mentor for everyone who became President of our Board, although he would never accept that position for himself. Providing the best care for the senior members of the Jewish community was his passion and he was truly dedicated to that end for decades. “He touched the heart and soul of everyone who ever knew him. Yale had the ability to put problems into proper perspective in very few words. He always preceded his advice with a warm smile,” she added. “Perhaps that is how he shall be remembered most, with a smile on his face and love in his heart for his family, his friends and his community.”

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He served on the Jewish Federation board of directors, which honored Richards with the Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2001 and the first Spirit of Federation Award in 1998. The boards of the Livingston Plaza, the Anti-Defamation League, Beth El Synagogue, the Highland Country Club, and Jewish Family Service were also recipients of Richards’ leadership. In the general community, Richards was a member of the boards of several local corporations: Ballantyne of Omaha, Center Bank, Norwest Bank Omaha West, S. Riekes & Sons, and Service Life Insurance Company. “I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who, in the last two weeks, have told me the things my dad did for them and how he affected their lives,” said Richards’ son, Howell “Skip” Richards of Westboro, MA. “He knew and he touched so many people and he made the lives of everyone who crossed his path a little bit better.” “Yale never sought personal recognition,” Newman added. “He approached his assignment with the Livingston Foundation--and other boards--in the truest and most righteous sense of tzedakah--unpretentious, unassuming and seeking no credit for himself.” Richards is survived by his wife, Ida; his sister, Belle Gross; son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Penina Richards, of Atlanta, GA; son Howell “Skip” Richards of Westboro, MA;

grandchildren, Sarah Richards of Salt Lake City, UT; and Lisa Richards, who attends the University of Rochester; Nicelle, Marley and Alden of Atlanta; brother-in-law and sisterin-law, Simon and Irene Epstein of Las Vegas, NV; and sister-in-law, Rose Gross, Vista, CA. Former Omahan Sue Rubin of Huntington, Long Island, NY and daughter of Bus and Betty Rubin, recently wrote Richards a letter in which she said, “When I was a little kid, I always wondered what G-d would look and act like and (later) I realized He would be a lot like you. Well, to be honest, I thought he would be a little taller. “You seem, however, to match the inner traits. G-d would be kind and non-judgmental.. He would be smart, but not use His intelligence to intimidate, but to help. He would be charitable and give of Himself for the pleasure of giving rather than the recognition. He would be cute and laugh a lot! He would make people around Him feel comfortable and important...He would bring joy to the world and make His presence so powerful that the world would be a better place. So that is why I came to the conclusion you have the traits I believed I saw in G-d.” The Yale Richards Memorial Endowment Fund has been established in his memory. To donate to the fund or for more information, contact Marty Ricks at the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, 334-6440.

The First Seder After a Loss, It’s Important to Set a Place for Grief by ILENE SPRINGER NEWTON, MA (JTA)--Matzah, the seder, ancient Egypt. These are some of the things that come to mind when we think of Passover. But probably the most poignant thought is that of family and friends. For better or worse, what would Passover be without sharing it with the most important people in your lives? And yet, every year, some people-and most of us eventually--have to face the first Passover without someone significant, whether it be a husband, wife, mother, father, or wonderful friend. And for those people, it means that this Passover will be different--and difficult. This is especially true for older adults who, according to geriatric researchers, often face accumulated losses. But there are some things you can do for yourself (or others) to get through a lonely Passover. Don’t expect things to be the same this Passover if you’ve lost someone close to you. Allow yourself to remember how it was before, and give yourself time to grieve. Don’t try to pretend everything is okay for the benefit of others. If possible, do something in the person’s memory, such as lighting extra candles. Change the tradition a little. Some people say it’s helpful to sit in the person’s place at dinner, so you don’t dwell on the empty spot. Or if you’ve always held the seder at your home, go to someone else’s house this year. Do anything to make it easier. And most important, remind yourself that the holiday or your present circumstances will not always be like this: Pain does lessen over time. Find others who share your grief. If you don’t have a seder to go to at someone’s home, check out the many

seders held at various temples and Jewish community centers. It may even help you to volunteer at one. Or invite someone over to your home for an informal seder; the company and a little tradition is what’s important, not a big, elaborate meal. At a time when you’re feeling especially sad, it’s important to take extra good care of your physical and emotional health. Keep up your exercise; long walks are the easiest and best. Eat properly and avoid self-medicating yourself with alcohol or other drugs. And by all means, get enough rest. Grief is a very physically taxing process, and you need time to renew your strength. In other words, be good to yourself. It’s normal after a loss to experience sadness around a holiday like Passover, and on other memorable occasions, as well. But if the sadness persists and deepens, affecting your functioning, you may be suffering from clinical depression which requires medical intervention. If you’re feeling sad and hopeless for two weeks straight, if you’re having trouble eating and sleeping (too little or too much), call your doctor. On Passover, we open the door for Elijah. This Passover, when you open the door, also let other people into your life who can help you during this tough time. Ilene Springer writes on health for Cosmopolitan, Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle and other national magazines and is a regular health columnist for www.JewishFamily.com. This article is reprinted from JewishFamily.com, a service of Jewish Family & Life!

April 4, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

The man who does good and does not pursue kavod (honors), him will kavod overtake. Talmud

Yale Richards

or almost three decades, Yale Richards was the Executive Director and legal counsel of the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundation. When he announced his retirement in May 2002, the Trustees felt that his input was so valuable that a new position was created for him--that of Honorary Trustee. The Livingstons created the Foundation in 1948 to continue their legacy of charitable donations. Since that time, more than $10 million has been contributed to primarily Jewish causes in the Omaha area, Israel and throughout the world. Yale’s meticulous administrative work, his insightful mind, and his keen judgment enabled us to evaluate the scores of requests that we would receive each year. He was a quiet, gentle man who never dominated a meeting. However, his wisdom, compassion and strength would always guide us. He had a calming influence and broad communal perspective, not to mention a superb knowledge of the law, that was invaluable to our deliberations. One important meeting was held without Yale. It was to decide how best to honor him on his 75th birthday and for his almost 25 years of service to the Livingston

Foundation. After much discussion, talk centered on Yale’s impact on the community through his relationship with his personal clients. He helped them understand the benefits of planned giving as he quietly and behind-thescenes directed them to the needs of various organizations. Not only was his legal counsel of enormous benefit to the organizations, but in addition, his clients experienced the joy of seeing their charitable gifts at work during their lifetime. By the end of that meeting, the Yale Richards Professional Education Endowment Fund was created. The permanent fund enables the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha to hold seminars for professionals to raise their awareness of charitable giving and to bring to their attention changes in the law and new approaches and ideas. They will also plan seminars for donors to inform them of community needs and opportunities for them to make an impact. Yale'’s commitment to develop endowment funds will continue for generations to come. When the Livingston Trustees meet, Yale’s leadership will still be present. For we all know that during challenging times, we will pause and quietly reflect on our friend and ask ourselves, “How would Yale feel about this?”

Yale was the core of the Livingston Foundation. How appropriate it was that Ida, his wife of 57 years, was by his side when he retired May 7, 2002, as Executive Director and legal counsel. Yale always said that his dedication to communal work would not have been possible without Ida’s love, support and encouragement. Surrounding the Richards are Trustees: Patricia M. Newman, Murray H. Newman, Gerald A. Hoberman, Suzanne Richards Singer, Stanley J. Slosburg and Robert I. Kully.

The Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

Need an Invitation for Passover? Jewish Music by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor

Jews who are new to Omaha, ser- ‘til, well, let’s just say it will be late, vicemen and women stationed at according to Rabbi Katzman. StratCom (Offutt Airforce Base), colIn Lincoln, UNL students can join lege students in Omaha and Lincoln-the Jewish community these are some of the folks who may for a second seder at not be able to go “home” B’nai Jeshurun on for Passover and Thursday, April 17, are looking for invi6:30 p.m. Call 435tations to a seder (or 8004 for reservationsvited n I y l two). -and inquiries about l Cordia e r A Temple Israel invitations to first u Yo would be happy to seders being held in match people up, private homes. offered Dorothy Tifereth Israel, the Spizman, Executive Conservative synagogue Director of Omaha’s in Lincoln, will also help place guests largest synagogue and a in private homes for the sederim. Call member of the Reform Movement. 423-8569, for information. She can be reached at the Temple Rabbi Kalman Dubov, chaplain at office, 556-6536. Offutt, can be reached at the base at Beth El Synagogue is actually offer- 294-6244. ing a community-wide Second Seder In addition to invitations to homes on Thursday, April 17, starting at 7 and to community sederim, Jewish p.m. Cost is $24 for adults and $15 for Family Service packages and delivers children ages 5-12. Reservations can them to families in need. If you need be made by calling the Beth El office kosher-for-Passover food, you can call at 492-8550--and inquiries can be JFS at 330-2024 in strict confidence made about invitations for the first and make arrangements directly with seder, too. them. Volunteers are also needed this The Reconstructionist Congregation week to help sort through the donaof Beyt Shalom is famous for their tions and deliver the holiday food. potluck meals. They can be reached at Individual families have also offered 660-2395. to open their homes for guests. If you want a traditional experience, Arrangements can be made by calling including Mincha/Ma’ariv services, Allan and Rini Gonsher, known which start at about 7:45 p.m. on the beyond Omaha for their hospitality, at first night, call Rabbi Howard Kutner 558-2767, or this writer at the Jewish at Beth Israel Synagogue, 556-6536, Press office, 334-6450. or Rabbi Mendel Katzman at Chabad “There’s a place for everyone who of Nebraska, 330-1800. Keep in mind wants one--at a seder table near you!” that the seder probably won’t start Rini Gonsher added, noting that “in until after 9 p.m. and you won’t eat Omaha, no one has to go hungry.”

is for Everybody

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Jewish music is intended for all week,” said Cantor Shermet, who members of our community to learn, along with Temple member Dr. experience, and enjoy,” according to Tamara Field, will sing the solos in Temple Israel’s Cantor Wendy the a cappella arrangement. Shermet. Prior to then, on Wednesday, April By participating in Kol Rina, Temple 9, the choirs will sing the “K’dusha” Israel’s adult choir, congregational together at the church, 5410 Corby members have an opportunity to enjoy St., at 7 p.m. Jewish music and “express their Parker, who had a long association involvement in Jewish life.” with the Robert Shaw Chorale, wrote Organized about eight years ago by “K’dusha,” which is 12-14 minutes Hazzan Erik Contzius who was the long, as a commission for the cantor at Temple at the time, Kol Rina Organists Guild of America. features the voices of six to seven men “We’re very excited to do this setand eight women. Several more con- ting,” remarked Cantor Shermet who gregants augment the choir during enjoys working with Brabec and Dr. the High Holidays. Field. Ranging in age from their 20s to Kol Rina will also sing on Friday, their 70s, everyone in the choir is a June 13, at Temple during Shabbat member of Temple’s congregation. services honoring Cantor Emil “Some of them have musical train- Berkovits upon his retirement from ing, although a few, who cannot sight Beth El Synagogue. read, learn by ear,” said Cantor Cantor Shermet encourages others Shermet. “They just like to sing!” who are interested in joining Kol Rina In addition to the High Holidays, next year to contact her at Temple. Kol Rina sings on Hanukkah, Shabbat The choir practices on Thursdays Shira, Passover, and during occasion- from 6:30-8 p.m. nearly every week al Shabbat worship services. Prior to with extra rehearsals to prepare for Thanksgiving every year, the Temple the High Holidays. Although there are choir joins with groups from five no auditions, the Cantor suggests Omaha Christian congregations in an choir members have “a sense of interfaith service that alternates per- humor, patience, and respect for othforming each year at Temple and the ers.” Kol Rina’s voices “give a sense of churches. For the second year in a row, Kol greater congregational involvement in Rina will be joined by the St. Paul our service, because they are regular United Methodist Church Choir con- congregants,” Cantor Shermet said. Jeff Schweid, chairman of the ducted by Jerry Brabec. The choirs will participate in Shabbat morning Temple Israel Music Committee, worship services on Saturday, April agreed that Kol Rina “adds a lot of 12, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel. spirituality to the service. The choir Brabec will conduct the singing of enhances the whole experience and “K’dusha” by Alice Parker, an accentuates the holiness. Music is a American composer, conductor, and way to connect with the service through familiar melodies that teacher. “We’ll be doing this in honor of encourage participation,” he said. Pesach which comes the following “Music is another form of prayer.”

Local Red Cross Needs Blood for U.S. Military

Let all who are hungry come and eat! Please join us for the

Community-Wide Second Seder

by JEWISH PRESS News Service The American Red Cross has been alerted by the Department of Defense’s Armed Services Blood Program that a supplemental supply of red blood cells and frozen plasma is needed by the military in preparation for handling war casualties, according to Mark Thornhill, CEO of Midwest Region Blood Services. Because blood is perishable and has a limited shelf life of 42 days, it must

be regularly replenished. “While many generous Nebraskans are willing to arrive at a blood center right now to help, we encourage blood donors to make an appointment,” Thornhill explained. Greater Omaha residents may call 271-2588 for appointments at its 132nd and Dodge facility or 38th and Dewey; the rest of Nebraska and Iowa can call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

Beth El Synagogue 144th & California Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.

Shop Shalom Hours Thursday & Friday, May 1 & 2 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park Inn Regency Lodge 909 S. 107th Ave. A $5 donation is requested in lieu of an entrance fee on 5/1 & 5/2 only.

Complete • Traditional Delicious • Kosher L’Pesach Adults $25 • Seniors $22 Children 5-12 $15 • Children under 5 $5 Includes 3% contribution to Mazon, the Jewish Response to Hunger

Reserve by April 8 Call Beth El Synagogue:492-8550

Sunday, May 4 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. In conjunction with Yom Ha’Atzmaut festivities! @ More than 25 Israeli merchants and artists will be selling unique jewelry, art, clothing, posters and much more available only in Israel! Perfect for wedding & shower gifts, anniversaries, baby showers birthdays or a gift to yourself!

@All proceeds benefit the artists and shop owners whose lives have been dramatically altered by the continuing violence in the Middle East.

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The Jewish Federation of Omaha For more information and links to some of the artists and merchants, visit www.jewishomaha.org or call 334-6431

Jewish Community Center 333 South 132nd St.

Shop Shalom...after dark Saturday, May 3 9:00 p.m. to midnight Jewish Community Center Gallery Tickets: $18 and include appetizers from Mediterranean Bistro, desserts, wine and beer. Tickets available at the door or call the Federation at 334-6431 Reservations are recommended

April 4, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Learn how looks can be deceiving. Our many thanks to the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth for their sponsorship of this program.

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Enjoy ‘Deli Delicious’ at Temple Before Passover by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator If you’re getting ready for Passover, getting rid of the chametz, cleaning the house, shopping for and preparing all the holiday delicacies and favorites, take a break on Sunday evening, April 13, to attend Temple Israel’s Annual New York Deli Nite. It might be your last chance before the first Seder. Everything from chopped liver, pastrami, tongue, corned beef, and (for the cholesterol-conscious) turkey deli sandwiches as well as homemade matzah ball and kreplach soup will be on the menu. “And for a great ending,” according to chairman and chief cook,

Dennis DePorte, New York style cheesecake will be offered for anyone who enjoys the rich creamy taste. Sponsored by Temple Men’s Club and the Women of Reform Judaism, Deli Nite is a tradition at Temple for everyone in the community who appreciates good food. Dinner reservations should be made for a time between 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. by calling the Temple office at 556-6536. Carry-out orders will also be taken at that number. Reservations are also being taken for babysitting during the dinner.

Beth El Kadimah and USY Hold Chocolate Seder by OZZIE NOGG The ever-popular Chocolate Seder returned to Beth El recently. The program for Kadimah and USY seventh grade through high school aged youth is sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. “The kids look forward to this event every year,” said Jeff Shyken, Beth El’s Youth Director. “It prepares them for the real Passover Seder in a truly fun way.” The Chocolate Seder follows the

same basic format as the regular Seder and uses a specially designed Haggadah. Included on the Seder plate were chocolate covered matzah, chocolate eggs, green M & Ms as stand-ins for the karpas (greens) and bittersweet chocolate to signify the maror (bitter herbs). “Four cups of chocolate milk are used instead of wine,” Shyken added, “and all in all, this night is very different from all other nights!”

Visions Tours Bethsaida Exhibit by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Yair Dalal with the Ankri Trio Saturday, April 12th 8pm Tickets $10 students $15 general Available @ The Mill UNL City Union At the Door

Wick Alumni Center (15th & R - Lincoln, Ne) Brief reception to follow sponsored by:

The Harris Center for Judaic Studies

More info: www.unl.edu/raag

Join us on April 13th for an Enlightening Encore - 10:30am Interactive program with the Temple and Synagogue Religious Schools - 11:15am Multicultural Music of Israel (lecture) and performance @Tifereth Israel Synagogue Sponsored by:

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Members of Visions enjoyed an afternoon recently touring an ancient fishing village at the Bethsaida Excavations exhibit at the university of Nebraska-Omaha: Fred and Sandy Bromley, left, Leo and Myra Sivin, Miriam Meyerson, Abe Schloff, Jim and Esther Wax, Ethel Goldston, Dorothy Kotok and Harry and Doris Alloy.

promotion, In celebration of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 100th Anniversary, we are taking a look back at major international, national and local events in Jewish history. Each column will feature important Jewish events that occurred in the corresponding week during the last 100 years.

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April 4, 1909: Hashomer, the first Jewish selfdefense organization founded to protect Jewish settlements. April 4, 1920: Anti-Jewish riots take place in Jerusalem where five Jewish people were killed and 211 wounded. Vladimir Jabotinsky and others were arrested for organizing self-defense league. April 4, 1917: Jews granted full rights in Russia.

April 5, 1919: Thirty-five well known Jews were executed after being taken from a business meeting of the Jewish Cooperative and accused of being “Jewish Bolshevists.” April 9, 1917: The Jewish Welfare Board established to provide for the social and religious requirements of Jewish soldiers. April 11, 1909: Tel Aviv founded.

April 4, 2003

Beth Israel Plans Pre-Pesach Dinner by BETH COHEN, Executive Director This night before Seder is difficult for families because people’s homes have already been cleaned of chometz, items forbidden during Pesach. Beth Israel’s annual Pre-Pesach dinner will be Tuesday, April 15, 5:30 p.m., at the Jewish COmmunity Center. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will cater a dinner featuring a buffet of treats that are off-limits during Passover including macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, and cream puffs!. Lynne Saltzman, annual chairperson for the dinner, has made arrangements for the dinner to be held in the social hall of the JCC. “My kids wouldn’t eat that day if I didn’t organize the dinner!” she said. The community is invited to make reservations for the dinner by calling the Beth Israel office at 556-6288 or e-mailing BethIsrael@novia.net. Cost for the dinner is $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12, and free to children three and under.

Lincoln Represented on Israel Mission by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Lenny Kleinman of Tampa, Fl, left, Jerry Klinger of Rockville, MD, and Gary Hill of Lincoln, NE, had lunch at the Knesset last week on the Action of Unity Mission sponsored by Jewish National Fund, American Friends of Likud and several other Jewish organization co-sponsors.

KOSHER CONNECTION by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director (Editor’s note: This is the last article in a series about keeping kosher for Passover.) As you walk down the aisles of the supermarket, you notice the words “Kosher for Passover” on some items. Why would some soda, candy, or even vegetables be kosher for Passover while others would not? Passover is the time of year when kosher consumers are most careful about what they eat. Ensuring that food is kosher for Passover is even more difficult because many of the ingredients that are routinely used and are produced under kosher supervision are not kosher for Passover. Nothing can be used containing foods which are considered chometz. Most American Jews are Ashkenazim (of European decent) and do not use kitniot; legumes (such as soy, peanuts and peas) corn and rice. These are the basis of many functional food ingredients more and more products from Israel (where the majority of the population are Sephardim, who do use kitniot) have been imported to this country. These products are not kosher for Passover for Ashkenazim. On Passover, even the type of oil used becomes important, since the standard corn, canola and soybean oils cannot be used. Cottonseed, oil, grapeseed and safflower oil become the oils of choice for Passover. Products, such as canned tuna, which contain vegetable oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein, need to be supervised as to the source, since soybeans are commonly used. Manufacturers are not required to list processing aids on the labels. Processing aids are added during manufacturing of a product, such as the oils for greasing pans in a bakery.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

Why are some foods kosher for Passover and others not? Soda sold for everyday use contains a number of ingredients, which are not kosher for Passover. Corn syrup is everyday sweetener of choice, since it is cheaper for the manufacturer than cane sugar. Passover formulations must contain cane sugar. Soda contains flavorings and colorings that may contain grain based alcohol, which is not kosher for Passover. Kosher for Passover sodas must contain kosher for Passover ingredients. Dried fruits and raisins need special certification on Passover. Producers put oils or waxes on to prevent clumping. Dried fruit and raisins may be dried in ovens used for processing chometz. Keeping kosher for Passover requires vigilance and education with the reward of a kosher and happy holiday. And her are the Ten Commandments for Passover, courtesy of Kashrut.com: I. Thou shall read product labels carefully--make sure a reliable Kosher for Passover appears on the package. II. Thou shall beware of look-alikes--products have identical packaging except for the symbol. III. Thou shall know that not all matzahs are kosher for Passover. IV. Thou shall know thine personal kashrut level --not all kashrut certifications are created equal. V. Thou shall look before you cook--non-kosher for Passover item could be purchased inadvertently VI. Thou shall not assume-ask--if in doubt about a product ask the rabbi. VII. Thou shall not purchase a product just because it was good last year. VIII. Thou shall sell your chometz. IX. Thou shall let your voice be heard. X. Thou shall have a kosher and happy Passover.

Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

Israeli Teacher at Friedel Academy Enjoys New Experiences by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Naama Artzi was born in 1974 in Haifa, Israel. She grew up in the Golan Heights, and after serving in the Israeli Army, she traveled to Southeast Asia. She’s worked for the United Nations (UN) and also as a counselor with Ethiopian children in a boarding school near Haifa. And since last August, this young Israeli who likes “to experience new places,” has been teaching at Friedel Jewish Academy in Omaha. “I always wanted to teach Hebrew outside of Israel,” she said. Artzi’s parents are also native Israelis. Her mother is a nurse and her father works for a lobby that advocates for the Golan Heights. The family moved there to help expand the Jewish population. Naama, her two younger sisters, and her brother, who is now serving in the Army, went to school there. Naama graduated from high school at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu and then spent nearly two years in an infantry unit in the northern part of Israel. After a year studying in Jerusalem, she spent two months traveling through Thailand and Viet Nam before going back to school in Israel to earn a degree in behavioral science and dance (or movement) therapy at a college near Afula. Southeast Asia was very “different” from Israel, Artzi acknowledged, but she liked the experience “very much.” “Then I worked for the United Nations on the border between Israel and Syria,” she said. Artzi’s job was to provide foreign troops, who were serving under the UN, with an Israeli perspective. The work was “very interesting,” Artzi commented, and as she clarified the Israeli outlook, “it helped me understand another perspective.” But after two and a half years with the UN, “I wanted to do something else,” Artzi admitted. She set her sights on being a Hebrew teacher in the United States. In less than a year, she got her wish when she took a job at a Jewish day school near Seattle, Washington. After a year there, she was ready to move again. “I just like experiencing and meeting new people,” she said. In 2002, Artzi sent her resumé to Beth El Synagogue to apply for a job as youth director. Her resumé, however, was referred to Jewish Educational and Library Services. Artzi was offered a position at Friedel teaching Hebrew and Judaic studies to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. As a community teacher, she also teaches Hebrew five days a

week to third and sixth graders at Beth El. At break and met some friends from Seattle. They visTemple Israel, she is a seventh grade Hebrew ited Yellowstone National Park, the Badlands and teacher. Mount Rushmore, which she described as “amazArtzi’s trips to Omaha for interviews and her ing,” in South Dakota. In Idaho, for the first time in eventual relocation here were made possible by a her life, Artzi went skiing which she enjoyed despite grant from the C. M. “Nick” Newman Fund for pro- not being particularly fond of snow. fessional development. The fund was established She is surprised by the cold temperatures and the from a bequest created by Newman who died at the amount of snow she has been in Omaha this winter. age of 47 in 1973. He was honored that same day at “The landscape is very different,” she commented. the cornerstone dedication ceremony of the Jewish But “the moment I got here, people were very invitCommunity Center (JCC) for his gift to the Center ing and warm.” She also takes note of how “very Building Fund. He had been instrumental in devel- quiet it is here compared to Israel. I feel relaxed oping the plans which led to the opening of the JCC. even though I’m not at home.” In addition, he served a wide array of other organizations. Administered by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, the Nick by DIANE AXLER BAUM Newman Fund aids in recruiting Jewish Federation staff, invests in training or upgrading staff, offers additional incentives to attract staff, permits the use of experts on a consulting or a visiting basis, and defrays expenses for the professional enrichment of staff. Staff members of virtually every agency connected with the Jewish Federation have benefitted from the Newman Fund. “With discretionary funds at a minimum, the Nick Newman Fund has filled in the gap many times to help in our recruiting and training as well as overall enhancement of the professional staff,” said Marty Ricks, Friedel students fain valuable writing and speaking skills by particiExecutive Director of the pating annually in the Modern Woodmen of America School Speech Jewish Federation Contest. This year’s topic: “What It Means to be an American Hero” proved especially inspiring for Alena Senik, left, Dylan Wertheim and Foundation. Jesse Reno. Their winning speeches in phase one of the competition Since relocating to earned them the plaques they’re holding. Dylan and Jesse, as Friedel’s Omaha, Artzi went to first and second-place winners, will represent the Academy at the disIdaho during winter trict semi-finals later this spring.

Friedel Students Consider ‘Heroes’

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Assertive Communication: 20 Tips

JFS CORNER by TANYA SEINA, MSW, PLMHP Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further in life than being passive or aggressive. But few of us were actually taught how to be assertive. Here are some helpful tips. Choose the right time. Imagine you’re dashing down the hall on your way to a meeting. Liz passes by. You call out, “Can you have the Microsoft project out by Tuesday?” Because you haven’t scheduled a special time to bring up the issue, Liz has no reason to think your request deserves high priority. Choose the right place. Discuss important issues in a private, neutral location. Be direct. For example, “Liz, I would like you to work overtime on the Microsoft project.” Whether or not Liz likes your request, she respects you for your directness. Say “I,” not “we.” Instead of saying, “We need the project by Tuesday,” say, “I would like you to finish the project by Tuesday.” Be specific. Instead of, “Put a rush on the Microsoft project,” say, “I would like the Microsoft project finished and on Joe’s desk by 9 a.m. Tuesday.” Use body language to emphasize your words. “Liz, I need that report Tuesday morning,” is an assertive statement. But if you mumble this statement while staring at the floor, you undermine your message. Confirm your request. Ask your staff to take notes at meetings. At the end of each meeting, ask

your group to repeat back the specifics that were agreed upon. This minimizes miscommunication. Stand up for yourself. Don’t allow others to take advantage of you; insist on being treated fairly. Here are a few examples: “I was here first,” “I’d like more coffee, please,” “Excuse me, but I have another appointment,” “Please turn down the radio,” or “This steak is well done, but I asked for medium rare.” Learn to be friendly with people you would like to know better. Do not avoid people because you don’t know what to say. Smile at people. Convey that you are happy to see them. Express your opinions honestly. When you disagree with someone, do not pretend to agree. When you are asked to do something unreasonable, ask for an explanation. Share your experiences and opinions. When you have done something worthwhile, let others know about it. Learn to accept kind words. When someone compliments you, say, “Thank you.” Maintain eye contact when you are in a conversation. Don’t get personal. When expressing annoyance or criticism, comment on the person’s behavior rather than attacking the person. For example: “Please don’t talk to me that way,” rather than, “What kind of jerk are you?” Use “I” statements when commenting on anoth-

er’s behavior. For example: “When you cancel social arrangements at the last minute, it’s extremely inconvenient and I feel really annoyed.” State what you want. If appropriate, ask for another behavior. (“I think we’d better sit down and try to figure out how we can make plans together and cut down on this kind of problem.”) Look for good examples. Pay attention to assertive people and model your behavior after theirs. Start slowly. Express your assertiveness in lowanxiety situations at first; don’t leap into a highly emotional situation until you have more confidence. Most people don’t learn new skills overnight. Reward yourself each time you push yourself to formulate an assertive response. Do this regardless of the response from the other person. Don’t put yourself down when you behave passively or aggressively. Instead, identify where you went off course and learn how to improve.

Can You Identify These Photos? by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Once again, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is looking for help. If you can identify the people, event or location of these photos, please call Renee Corcoran, Executive Director, at the NJHS office, 334-6442.

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These books feature photographs of over 100 years of Omaha history. A great gift for anyone who has ever lived in Omaha; perfect for parents and grandparents. Hurry and order now, these books will not be reprinted.

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

OTYG Lends a Hand for Purim at Temple Israel by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Breaking the Code by RACHEL BLUM, BBYO Director The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is partnering with Jewish Family Service (JFS) to bring a substance abuse workshop to our Jewish teens and their parents. The program, titled “Breaking the Code” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m., at the JCC. The workshop, which will last just over an hour, is designed for Jewish teens and their parents to learn how to deal with drug and alcohol abuse among their peers. With separate programs for parents and teens, this workshop is designed to facilitate a parent/teen dialogue about teens not only using drugs and alcohol, but teens learning when it’s no longer okay to keep a friend’s secret. There seems to be an unwritten rule that teens don’t “nark” on

their buddies. One of the objectives of the workshop is to communicate with teens what their true responsibilities are as a friend when they find their peers in a dangerous situation. Professional staff from the Addiction and Behavioral Health Services, which offers a treatment home and outpatient services for youth, will facilitate the workshop, and teens who have graduated from the program will tell their stories. All parents and teens are encouraged to attend this workshop, which is co-sponsored by BBYO and Jewish Family Service. Funding has been provided by the Pennie Z. Davis Family Life Education Fund. For more information about the program, please contact me at 334-6404.

BBYO Honors Advisers by DENA YOSFAN, BBYO Head Adviser

Top photo: Leora Azriel, left, Janet Baack, Allie Willensky and Lauren Freeman bring their own “sparkle” to the Megillah reading. Below left: at Temple’s Purim Carnival, Chelsea Taxman sets up her booth, while, right photo: Jeremiah and Jake Bleicher run the duck pond.

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization honored its advisors last week with its annual dinner, catered by Julio’s. Pictured clockwise from top left, Scott Tatelman, Chaim Weizmann AZA # 1510 Advisor; Gary Katz, Mother Chapter AZA #1 Advisor; Dena Yosfan, BBYO Head Advisor; Debbie Friedman, Advisory Board Chairman; Caryn Rifkin, MZ Yoshanah BBG #2053 Advisor; Lisa Epstein, Ediar BBG #710 Advisor; and, Rachel Blum, BBYO Director.

Exceeding expectations. At Creighton, you can expect challenges, opportunities, personal attention and success. Expect to receive an excellent education through rigorous academics and motivation in a values-centered environment. Expect to push beyond your limits and exceed you expectations in all areas of your life— in mind, body and spirit. Creighton offers students: ■ Over 50 undergraduate majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, ■ College of Business Administration and School of Nursing ■ Graduate School and professional programs in Medical, Dental, ■ Law, Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions (Physical and ■ Occupational Therapy) ■ Extensive Study Abroad opportunities ■ Internships-for-Credit ■ Leadership Program in the College of Business Administration ■ Direct Entry for freshman into the School of Nursing U.S. News and World Report has ranked Creighton the Midwest’s #1 Regional University for the fifth year in a row! To find out more about Creighton, contact the Creighton University Office of Undergraduate Admissions 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 • 402.280.2703 • 800.282.5835 Visit our website at: www.creighton.edu

April 4, 2003

TeenAge

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

1st Annual Tribute to the Danes and Other Rescuers Essay Contest This year’s contest on Moral Courage was co-sponsored by the ADL; Dana College in Blair, NE; and the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, IA. Below are the top three essays.

Everyone Scars

TRAGEDY... TERROR... TRIUMPH?

by Alicia Gunnels

by Dallas Flynn

Moral courage is having the strength to help those in need even if it may put themselves in danger. There are many ways to demonstrate moral courage. I believe the Danish government showed moral courage during the Holocaust. During this time the Danish government courageously protected the Jewish citizens in Denmark from Hitler and the Nazi regime. Even though the Danish government was under great strain to isolate the Jews, they displayed their moral courage by deciding not to mark the Jews with the Star of David. Once it was leaked to the Danish government that the Germans had decided to deport the Danish Jews and potentially cause their death, “the Danes passed on information to the Jewish community.” Many citizens decided to help the Jews; “the Jews were helped to safety in the countryside and then said to Sweden from the east coast of Zealand.” The Denmark Jews suffered emotional and physical scars but miraculously they were still alive to tell about them. “It is probable that Danish interest and protests against the imprisonment of Danish Jews protected the Jews against being sent to the extermination camps in Poland.” If the people of Denmark would have discarded the Jews as all the other countries had, those seven thousand people would have lost their lives. Even one person showing compassion for their fellow countrymen made a difference. Every citizen who cared to help save a life helped ease the pain of the scars. Unfortunately, remnants of Nazi sentiment are evident in today’s world. Many people like to ridicule others for their physical imperfections. They segregate those with limitations and treat them as if they are less than human. Today, many teenagers pose a certain danger to others that do not follow the crowd by isolating those members from the group. By not succumbing to this type of peer pressure I have, in a small way, shown moral courage. I decided at a young age that

instead of ignoring or mocking people who are supposedly imperfect, I would try to get to know them and befriend them. I have tried to seek out those who are teased and make them feel not as if they are less than others, but equal. Just because someone is overweight, mentally handicapped, nerdy, brainy, unstylish, non-athletic, of a different skin color, or a different religious affiliation, does not mean they do not deserve to be treated as human. Many teenagers like to criticize others about their appearance, but they should realize that by doing so they are segregating themselves. Everyone is created equal and everyone has feelings that are easily hurt. Making fun of someone or putting them down can impact a person and leave that child or teenager with many deep scars. This anguish could lead to other problems that could be experienced the rest of their lives. I believe that by accepting others unique qualities, we will lessen the scars and the pain inflicted by hatred. Just as the citizens of Denmark had to decide that everyone is equal, so do the children and teenagers of today. I think that the scars that were imposed on the Jews during the Holocaust are just as deep as those left on children who have been segregated, isolated, and teased. I hope that I have helped people through my moral courage. Although I have lost several friendships, softening the scars inflicted on one person is justified. Cervantes once said, “One man scorned and covered with scars still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars; and the world will be better for this.” Many of us understand the pain of emotional scars. I hope that we stand up and use our moral courage, and help minimize all of the scars impacted on the Jews and today’s youth. As one Jewish girl states, “Everyone is left with scars.” Through my moral courage I hope that I have helped minimize the pain of many scars.

Alicia is a senior at Marian High School.

Tragedy... Terror... Triumph? Can these three words be used in the same breath? If you were related to the heroes of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, then you could. Flight 93 took off from Newark, New Jersey, and was destined for San Francisco, California. But fate would have a different plan for the plane. Instead of flying to California, the plane was highjacked by four men who seemed to be from the Middle East. Among the passengers on the plane were four men who stood out in all the stories, in all the papers, in the entire world. Those men became the meaning of moral courage on that fateful September day. They all seemed to have the same tall, strong, and athletic build, and they were all in their early 30s. They were also all good leaders in the business world. They wanted to save lives even though they knew they were eventually going to die. Tom Burnett, a 31 year-old husband of Dena Burnett, was a businessman and former high school quarterback. He called his wife numerous times telling her how much he loved her. On the last call he said, “I know we are going to die. There are four of us that are going to do something about it.” Mark Bingham was a 31 year-old salesman, son of Alice Hoglan, and husband of Sherry Bingham. He called his mother and told her he loved her, and that he loved Sherry, but he was going to help three other men overtake the highjackers. Jeremy Glick was a 31 year-old sales manager, and former judo champion. Brad Beamer, a 32 year-old account manager from Oracle, dialed "0" on his phone. He reached Lisa Jefferson, the operator’s supervisor at a nearby town. He said to her, “I’m going to have to go out on faith here.” He then asked her to recite the Lord’s Prayer and 23rd Psalm with him. In my life, there have been times where I, or people I know have made choices that have shown moral courage. For example, if you

stand up for yourself, that is showing courage. When I was 13, I was walking down the street with my friend Paul. We were just having a good time, when all of the sudden, he said, “Hey- you wanna try a cigarette?” Paul was my best friend for three years at that time. It was really tough to say no to him, but I did it. Ever since then, it has become easier and easier to say no to any type of illegal drugs or alcohol. Standing in the face of danger is not something many people around me have had to do. My grandfather is the closest person to me that has been in the face of danger. He was in the army when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, sending the U.S. into the war. He told me that when he was in WWII, he faced all kinds of danger. There was one particular time that stood out in his memory: “I was in the foxhole with Rocks, (my grandfather’s favorite war crony) and the Germans were surrounding us. Rocks was trying to escape, but in doing so he stepped right into the fire of a German soldier. He was hit in the right leg just above his knee. I had to put him over my shoulder, and carry him out of the danger. I nearly got my butt shot off.” Even though he was scared, he put his own life into jeopardy, and did the right thing. Moral courage doesn’t always mean putting yourself into danger, but a lot of the time it does. The men on Flight 93 showed courage. They knew they were going to die, but they weren’t going to go out like cowards; they went out like heroes. I might not be a hero, and may never be one. All I know is that when it comes to making some decisions, I try to look at my morals and values. My grandpa isn’t some big war hero, he helped save his friend. I love to listen to him when he’s talking about wars and old times. No, he may not be a hero, but to me, he is. All in all, I truly believe that moral courage is simply standing up for what you believe in.

Dallas is a senior at Blair High School.

The Brave Danes - Good Samaritans of Europe by Jill Glissmann C.S. Lewis once defined courage as being “not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. A chastity or honesty or mercy which yields to danger will be chaste or honest or merciful only on conditions.” Do not be only “merciful until it becomes risky.” Every human is capable of making this choice; to be courageous and just unto the end, or give up when a cause becomes too hard to fight for. Many Europeans were faced with this decision during the Holocaust, and most, sadly, chose the latter. Millions of Germans submitted to the propaganda that spread throughout Europe during the Holocaust. These “ordinary Germans” did not show courage - they participated in Hitler's Final Solution - believing Jews to be “less than human and deserving of extermination." Nazis - concentration camp guards, party officials, physicians involved with medical “experimentation” - all committed heinous crimes against their fellow man. Equally abominable were the people who were passivists during these happenings people who hoped that “the storm will blow over and everything will be normal again... The attitude of the German population was characterized by apathy, indifference, discomfort...” This indifference was really a resistance to comprehending the suffering of the victims of the Holocaust. It simply never seemed to matter if they suffered and died,

because (as the Nazis imagined) the Jews were “life unworthy of life.” “But, on the other hand,” Elie Wiesel said, “there were some who, in many places, did opt for humanity. Surrounded by terror, oppressed by absolute evil, they had the courage to care about their fellow human beings... It was easy to save human lives. One did not need to be heroic or crazy to feel pity for an abandoned child. It was enough to open a door, to throw a piece of bread, a shirt, a coin - it was enough to feel compassion.” The Danish did much more than open a door - they helped Jews in a slightly different way. In one collective action, they maneuvered 7,200 Jews from Denmark to Sweden. They accomplished this lifesaving feat over three nights, using small boats while Nazis guarded and searched the port of Copenhagen. Denmark - a relatively small, anonymous country - had the courage to oppose Hitler. Thus it became the “only country in occupied Europe that succeeded, through a common effort, in saving - virtually at the eleventh hour - almost all of its Jews.” Ninety-five percent of Danish Jews survived the war because the Danes made the moral decision not to excuse themselves from involvement. Perhaps religion led the Danes - “at least some of the Danes must have retained vestiges of the Lutheranism that knew that a time might come when Lutherans, like Luther him-

self, might have to say ‘Here we stand, we can do no other’(Brown 144).” Brown also stated that the shared resource between the Christian and Jewish religions is “that all people, without exception, are made in God’s image and therefore must be treated as infinitely precious; they must be afforded whatever protection can be provided by a fellow human being. No other conclusion is possible for those with a true commitment either to God or God’s creatures.” Martin Luther King Jr. also echoed this essential need for equality in his last speech: “The first question that the Levite asked was ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But then the good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question. ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him.’” Moral choices will always have to be made, and will greatly affect the world. The world must

remember, however, that as horrible as the Holocaust was, humans still risk repeating mistakes. Though it may seem a fading memory of long-past terrors, genocide, prejudice and persecution - they all still exist, and probably always will. But just because humanity is fated to sin, it does not mean it cannot confront the world’s evils. The Holocaust began with the Nazi theory that “Aryan” Germans were superior to all others. One can still see prejudice and hate in our cultures - “Serbs and Croats, the Palestinians and the Israelis, the Turks and the Kurds ... racism. Learning about the Holocaust, and how it came about, and understanding the horror to which it can lead, are the first steps in identifying those attitudes that may contain the seeds of future holocausts.” Jill is a senior at Omaha Central High School.

The contest was open to all 9-12 graders and promoted to Omaha area teachers. Over 300 essays were received, six winners were selected. One 1st place award ($1500), two 2nd prize awards ($750) and three 3rd place awards ($500) will be presented at a ceremony April 30. The Herbert Goldsten Fund provided the financial awards.

Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

Hadassah Cookbook Mixes Recipes, History and Helpful Tips

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA)--With all the kosher cookbooks crowding kitchen shelves, why buy another volume on Jewish cuisine? As Hadassah volunteers can attest from the spreads they provide at meetings, Jews do not live by challah and pita bread alone. It's no secret that the Children of Israel, whether they prepare dinner themselves or order it by phone, never get enough of dishes reminding them of a beloved grandmother who kept tradition alive with her tzimmes, kneidlach, hummus or baklava. The newly published The Hadassah Jewish Holiday Cookbook (Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc.) showcases 250 international recipes, paying homage to both Sephardi and Ashkenazi cuisine. The book is a coffee table-sized volume loaded with luscious photographs and recipes of everything from apple strudel to zucchini potato pancakes, all contributed by Hadassah volunteers. Some dishes are spectacularly creative, such as the Hannukkah Gelt Chocolate Fudge Cake, covered with bittersweet chocolate frosting and decorated galore with gelt wrapped in gold foil. Unlike most Jewish recipe collections, which dedicate one holiday per

chapter, the new Hadassah cookbook groups holidays by season, giving a fresh perspective to the cycle of Jewish celebrations. The book opens with a chapter on the Queen of Jewish holidays, “Shabbat,” and offers an enticing array of recipes for fish, soup, challah and cholent (the slow-simmering Sabbath stews prepared in advance so

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a hot meal can be eaten for Saturday lunch). Joan Nathan introduces “Simchas,” the book’s final chapter on celebrations, such as weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. With seven cookbooks to her credit, including Jewish Cooking in America (Alfred A. Knopf), Nathan’s words capture the Jewish spirit: “Nearly every

event in our family seems to revolve around food. After all, isn't that what a simcha is all about?” Most recipes that are not household names, such as kuftellis (Romanian meatballs), come with English explanations, others such as basbouza, matbucha, and kolaches would have benefitted from similar treatment. Chapters begin with personal essays contributed by renowned food writers. Among them are “High Holidays by the Nile,” by Claudia Roden, author of The Book of Jewish Food, An Odyssey from Samarkand to New York (Alfred A. Knopf), and “Hannukkah-Fry, Fry, Again,” by Steven Raichlen, author of Healthy Jewish Cooking (Viking). Edda Servi Machlin, who wrote The Classic Cuisine of the Italian Jews Volumes I and II (Giro Press), recalls Passovers from long ago in the ancient Tuscan ghetto of Pitigliano, a center of Jewish life going back 2,000 years. “Every dish, glass or piece of flatware was first dipped in a mud-like mixture of boiling water and ashes from the stove, then washed in soap and water, and finally rinsed in clear running water,” Machlin wrote, explaining that her Sephardi family used their table service year round. The custom of owning a second set of dishes for Passover belongs to Ashkenazi tradition. As a child, she watched the scrubbing of drawers and cabinets, which were later lined with fresh tissue paper. Most amazing of all--house painters arrived to whitewash walls in every room before coating them with pastel paint. Matzah was baked in a kosher community oven located in an underground cave. The finished product is pictured in the cookbook and looks like a delicate lace doily, quite a contrast to square pieces of matzah boxed in cardboard or rustic rounds of shmura matzah that Americans are accustomed to. Sadly the Holocaust changed Machlin’s life forever. “These memories of a lost and irreplaceable world

will always remain dear to me,” she wrote. Like her, many American Jews long for their homelands and others seek family recipes misplaced over time. For this reason, Hadassah’s comprehensive collection of recipes is a timely contribution to the history of kosher cuisine. The Hadassah Jewish Holiday Cookbook is sprinkled with sidebars, explaining the Jewish connection to recipe ingredients, along with nutritional information. Beside a recipe for halek, Iraqi charoset made from dates, you learn that dates were said to be fashioned from earth left from Adam’s creation. At 120 calories for five to six dates, this sweet fruit is potassium rich, but contains no sodium, fat or cholesterol. The book features dozens of practical tips. Who knew that three sheets of broken matzah equals two cups, or that during Passover, to convert any recipe calling for flour, you can mix two tablespoons of matzah cake meal with six tablespoons of potato starch and get the equivalent of a half cup of flour? Among this wealth of information are family stories from Hadassah volunteers, who add their voices to the American Jewish experience. “The year was 1938. Grandfather had a large grist mill in Durham, Pennsylvania, and his flour was always in demand,” wrote Lorretta Deysher, explaining how her grandfather traveled to New York for business. “The rabbis were Grandfather’s special customers and they ordered his special wheat.” Although Hadassah chapters and volunteers receive credit for recipes, these family accounts are so fascinating that the book would have benefitted from presenting more anecdotes. Like every great meal, The Hadassah Jewish Holiday Cookbook leaves you deliriously satisfied, but wanting more. VEGETARIAN CHOPPED LIVER 3 Tbsp. unsalted margarine 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 cup chopped onions 3 hard-cooked eggs 1/4 pound walnuts 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground white pepper Lettuce leaves and tomato wedges for garnish In a large skillet, melt margarine over low heat. Add mushrooms and onions and saute until onions are golden. Pass mushrooms, onions, hardcooked eggs and walnuts through a grinder or chop very fine in a chopping bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Chill thoroughly. Serve on lettuce leaves and garnish with tomato wedges. Serves 6 TIP: 1 pound of walnuts equals 3 1/2 cups chopped. From Ellyn Kessler, Lylah Hadassah, Pinellas County, FL. (Continued on page 19)

April 4, 2003

Hadassah Cookbook (Continued from page 18) SALONIKA CHICKEN WITH PRUNES 1/4 cup olive oil 3-pound chicken, cut in serving pieces Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 2 medium onions, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 8-ounce can tomato puree 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 small bunch parsley 1/4 tsp. cayenne 25 pitted prunes Greek olives (optional) 1/2 cup red wine 1 cup chicken stock, or as needed Preheat oven to 350º. Heat 3 Tbsp. oil in large heavy frying pan. Season chicken with salt and pepper and fry until browned. Transfer to a large pot. Saute onions and garlic in remaining 1 Tbsp. oil until transparent. Add tomato puree, cinnamon, parsley, cayenne, prunes and olives. Simmer until thick, then add red wine. Pour over chicken and add the stock. Bake about 1 hour, until chicken is very tender. Serves 4-6. TIP: This dish is better when cooked in advance and reheated before serving, giving the flavors a chance to marry. By Yvonne Waynik, Fairfield Hadassah, CT. LEMON SQUARES 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup cake meal 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 2 eggs 2 Tbsp. potato starch 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Preheat oven to 325º. Line 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving 1 inch extended over sides. Grease bottom and sides of foil. Combine butter, cake meal and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes and remove from oven. Beat eggs, remaining cup sugar, potato starch and lemon juice, and pour over crust. Return to oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool and cut into squares. Makes 16 squares TIP: Recipe may be doubled and baked in a 13 X 9 inch pan. By Ellen Raboy, Shira Hadassah, Port Chester, NY.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Dan Ladely will show Trembling Before God on Thursday, April 10, 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln. The documentary is free and open to the public. Trembling Before G-d is built around intimatelytold personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay or lesbian, the film portrays a group of people who face a profound dilemma--how to reconcile their passionate love of Judaism and the Divine with the drastic Biblical prohibitions that forbid homosexuality. The Omaha Children’s Museum offers families activities scheduled during spring break, such as: What State Is It? Tuesday, April 8-Sunday, April 13: This show explores the states of matter with many experiments to illustrate. The last experiment will introduce the mysterious fourth state of matter. Amazing Bubbles! Tuesday, April 15-Saturday, April 19: Do you know why bubbles are round? We will let you in on all the secrets of bubbles, show you different shapes and sizes, and make bubbles that defy gravity. Storytime with the Berenstein Bears is set for Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m. The Berenstein Bears (Mama & Papa) will make an appearance at the museum. Call 342-6164 for museum hours. The Omaha Symphony takes children on a musical adventure with animals from the Nebraska Humane Society and the Raptor Recovery Center of Nebraska. This musical zoo is part of the Symphony’s Family Concert season finale, “The Firebird and Other Tails” Sunday, April 6, 2 p.m., at the Rose. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. For more Family Concert ticket information call the box office at 342-3560 or visit www.omahasymphony.org. Auditions for Comic Potential, an Alan Ayckbourn play are Monday and Tuesday, April 7-8, 7-10 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Playhouse, 2500 So. 56 St. Adult men and women, age 20 and over are needed to fill 11 principal roles. An audition appointment is required; call 489-7429. Faith to Faith is a multi-faith educational radio program aimed at discussing topics like Gossip, Holiness, and, on April 27, Yom HaShoah, from the perspective of different religions. Listen on Sundays, 1-2 p.m. on 1290AM-KKAR radio.

‘Road Map’ is Alive (Continued from page 1) “It is a statement of the broad steps we believe Israel and the Palestinians must take to achieve President Bush’s vision of hope and the dream that we all have for peace.” However, both Powell and Rice stressed that while the administration welcomed Israel’s comments on the plan, it would not countenance major changes. Though Bush is very popular among supporters of Israel, some prominent Jewish organizational officials said they left the sessions concerned about where the administration was headed. And AIPAC is leaving nothing to chance: The group is lobbying Congress to pressure the White House to stick to the June 24 parameters. The administration has been sending mixed signals on the issue in recent weeks. Acknowledging that the road map was controversial in the Jewish community, Rice told AIPAC participants Monday that the White House “welcomed comments” from Israel and the Palestinians, but she said that “it is not a matter of renegotiating the road map,” according to Jewish officials at the session, which was closed to the media. The speakers also made clear that the administration would demand that Israel ease restrictions imposed on the Palestinian population as part of Israel’s anti-terror operations, and freeze all settlement construction in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel and some of its American allies have been concerned that the road map will deviate from the president's vision, and that the plan--which does not clearly demand an end to terror before negotiations began and Israeli makes concessions--will be adopted by a

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 23

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 4, 2003

The place does not honor the man; the man honors the place. Talmud, Ta’anith 21b

Yale Richards honored the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home — our residents, staff and volunteers — with his decades of quiet, passionate stewardship and leadership on behalf of our Jewish community’s seniors and frail elderly. We will remember him and carry forth his vision.

The Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Board of Directors, Administration and Staff