April 5, 2013

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

Kotok receives prestigious professional award

April 5, 2013 25 Nisan 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 29

This Week

Celebrate Israel with Yom Ha’atzmaut concert Page 5

Blumkin Home Dog Show coming Page 6

by OZZIE NOGG At its recent annual conference in Los Angeles, the Association of Jewish Aging Services handed the 2013 Professional of the Year Award to the best possible candidate -- Shane Kotok, Director of Admissions and Community Outreach at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The honor recognizes ‘an outstanding AJAS professional who reflects the highest standards of professional knowledge and expertise, has shown exceptional leadership and is highly respected by the staff, residents and families served.’ That’s our Shane, all right.

But there’s far more to Ms. Kotok than the words on the award, and her colleagues who nominated Shane for the honor speak of her in much more personal ways. Mike Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, said, “I think all previous winners of the AJAS Professional of the Year Award have done wonderful things.

They’ve created programs or policies or events, and have made a difference because of one achievement that set

them apart. Shane is different. She does everything.

She’s the heart and soul of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and -- in addition to her official title -- she acts as an administrator, social worker, geriatric counselor, companion, confidant and, most importantly, family member. Shane is widely viewed as the ‘person at the Home’ to contact if a senior member of the Omaha Jewish community needs help. She responds at all hours -- day, night, weekends -but never complains. Shane gets it done. That’s it – plain and simple. If I were choosing staff for a new nursing

Shane Kotok home and wanted to make sure it was successful, Shane would be my first call. She has a Jewish heart and a Jew-

ish soul. She does her job with passion and compassion, and though our industry is complicated and constantly shifting, she remains focused on our mission – to make sure our seniors remain independent, safe, socially active and connected to the programs and services they need. This, above all else, is what Shane is about.”

When speaking of Shane, Joanie Bernstein, a Past President of Jewish Social Services and recipient of the AJAS 2007 Trustee of the Year Award, said, “She leads with her heart and approaches each day with compassion and a listening ear that defines her as a person. Shane always says, ‘I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back.’ So that’s what she gives residents and their families. When we were renovating the RBJH, Shane designed her office to feel like a home -- two comfy chairs, a small table with flowers, and furniture reminiscent of one’s own Continued on page 2

Jump into the 2013 JCC Super Beth El’s Youth Scholarship Summer Camp Experience Concert a Triple Treat:

by COREY KIRSHENBAUM Director of Youth, Camp and Family Programs at the JCC Summer is just around the corner and the JCC has a wide variety of

gram to keep your young ones busy this summer.

We have several new programs we want to highlight. First, the JCC will be offering an Adaptive Day Camp

Rabbi Friedman to speak at Temple Israel Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Mother’s Day See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11 Waiting for the pool at the 2011 JCC Summer Camp. super Summer Camp programs designed to inspire your children to learn, explore, create and succeed.

Whether you are looking for one week or 9 weeks, whether you have a 2 year old or an 8th grader, the JCC Summer Camp has a top quality pro-

for children with special needs. This program is designed for children who are on the high end of the Autism Spectrum and need an extra hand during the day. The Adaptive Day Camp will allow these children to participate in the general camp with their appropriate age group while under the supervision of the camp’s Special Needs Director. Since this program is new, we have only 4 spots available. So, call or email if you have any questions, otherwise, register your kids today for this special camping opportunity.

This year, JCC Summer Camp is expanding to include 7th graders!

That’s right. Over the past year, we Continued on page 2

A Comedian, a Choir and a Cantor!

by JILL BELMONT ues in North America. He has been Beth El Publicity Coordinator featured on NPR’s The World, and The entire community is invited has served as the warm-up act for to Beth El on Sunday, April 28 for The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and an entertaining Lewis Black. night of music C h a s n o f f ’s and laughs durcomedy is based ing A Comeon real Jewish dian, a Choir experiences, and a Cantor! such as his stint the synagogue’s on his dayannual Youth school basketScholarship ball team and Concert. The 7 his tour-of-duty p.m. event will in a combat unit star celebrated of the IDF. Aucomedian Joel diences across Chasnoff, Beth the spectrum of El’s cantor, HazJewish knowlzan Michael edge and obserKrausman, and vance find his a talented Beth humor intelliEl choir, whose gent, insightful Joel Chasnoff members inand – most imclude Lisa Lieb, Howard Marcus, portantly – hilarious. When he’s not Lisa Senal, Dacia Jabenis, Aliyah on tour, Chasnoff teaches stand-up Jabenis, Arnold (Tuffy) Epstein, comedy and humor writing at the Lou Wolfson, Marty Shukert, 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.

Diane Baum, and accompanist In addition to performing, the Anna Mosenkis. Lori Kooper- Chicago native is also the author of Schwarz and Wayne Schwarz are The 188th Crybaby Brigade, a serioserving as the event’s chairmen. comic memoir about his year as a Chasnoff, 39, is a stand-up come- combat soldier in the Israeli Army. dian and writer who has performed A portion of the proceeds from his unique brand of smart, uplifting Chasnoff ’s performances and this Jewish humor around the world, book are donated to his foundation, including TV spots in the U.S. and Project Elijah, which distributes Israel, and at more than 1,000 ven- Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | April 5, 2013

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2013 JCC Super Summer Camp Experience

Continued from page 1 and UNO work with us in these special camps. Don’t miss have received so many requests from incoming 7th graders the chance to up your game. All-Star Sports Camps run from (and their parents) that we are opening registration to 7th 9a.m.-noon. If one sport is not enough, then maybe the Kids graders so they, too, can enjoy a summer of fun at the JCC. Triathlon Camp (July 29-Aug. 1) is more your speed. The And yes, my associate, Chris Persigehl, will be there to enter- Kids Triathlon Camp will prepare your young athlete with tain them. proper techniques for swimming, biking and running so that Also, this year we will be offering two Travel Camps for they can compete in the officially sanctioned USA Triathlon incoming 6th-8th graders. The “Show Me State� Tour event on Sunday, Aug. 4 at the J. (June 2-7) will be heading to Kansas City and then onto the The JCC Cultural Arts Camps feature a new Musical Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis. We will be going to the Theater Camp (July 8-12) for your budding performers.

Schlitterbahn Water Park, Kids will learn the skills to be Worlds of Fun, a KC Royals a successful performer from baseball game, miniature golf musical theater professionals & go carts. In St. Louis, we including Director Fran will go to the St. Louis Zoo, Sillau, Choreographer the St. Louis Science Center, Courtney Stein and Music the Arch, a Cardinals baseball Director Bernadette Smith. game and more! The second Spend these days having fun Travel Camp is “Northern using your imagination and Bound� (July 1-4) and is letting your inner star shine. heading to Minneapolis Musical Theater Camp is for where we will experience the ages 8-18 and runs from 9 massive Mall of America a.m.-4 p.m. amusement park and one of This list is just the tip of the the largest indoor water iceberg of this year’s JCC 2011 JCC Basketball Camp parks. We will go to a Summer Camp offerings. So Minnesota Twins baseball game, a concert, and bike around whatever interests your children, the JCC Summer Camps lakes in the area. Both trips will be a blast! have a lot to offer. All of our programming takes place withFor the 3-5 year olds, we have Art Pre-Camps including in a creative and caring environment based on Jewish cul“Hoop It Up� (May 20-24) where each day will be packed ture and values. Regular camp season runs from June 2with movement and ar. Kids will use hula hoops, yoga and Aug. 9 and days begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Specialty water colors. “Smorgasbord of Artists� (May 28-31) will offer Camp times vary and part time camping is also available. young campers the change to create pots, vases, shadowbox- Please consult the camp brochure for details. es and comic book art inspired by world renowned artists JCC Summer Camps have been recognized for the past like Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Lichtenstein and Dali. In addi- two years as “Best of Omaha� by Omaha Magazine and the tion, there is an “Animal Extravaganza� (June 3-7) where kindergarten through 7th grade program is ACA accredited.

Wildlife Encounter will visit us with a variety of animals that We return many of our excellent staff from last year and the kids can observe and pet. Campers will also create art; intend to make 2013 one of the best summer camp experimake binoculars and their own animal print t-shirt. All Art ences ever. To download the JCC Summer Camp brochure, Pre-Camps for 3-5 year olds are in the Pennie Z. Davis Child go to www.jccomaha.org or call me at 402.334.6409 and we Development Center and run from 9a.m. – noon. can put one in the mail for you. If you are ready to register, For those children who want a little more sport in their please contact Laura Wine at 402.334.6419 and she will hapcamp, try our College All-Star Sports Camps for basketball pily sign you up! So, jump into summer fun at the JCC and (June 10-14), volleyball (June 17-21) and soccer (July 8-12). don’t forget to bring a swim suit and a dairy sack lunch each We are excited to have local NCAA athletes from Creighton day starting June 2.

Shane Kotok receives award Continued from page 1 living room. When people come to the RBJH, Shane welcomes them as she would at her house.� Bernstein went on to say, “Shane’s quiet leadership makes her the perfect employee. She has represented our staff at AJAS meetings for years.

She absorbs and filters the best of what she learns there, and her ability to bring the information back and ‘teach’ the rest of us is one of her many gifts. Shane Kotok should be the role model for every social worker in the country.�

Residents of the Blumkin Home also give Shane Kotok high marks. Long-time resident Rabbi Myer S. Kripke said, “Shane has a great sense of Jewish warmth. She makes families feel comfortable at once. People are always apprehensive when they come to a nursing home, but Shane puts them at ease immediately.� Using Biblical text as a reference, Rabbi Kripke continued, “With Shane, I think of Abraham in the wilderness. When three strangers came by his tent, he invited them in, washed their feet and fed them. They turned out to be angels. I think Shane is an angel, too.� Before he passed away last month, 97-year old RBJH resident, Sam Epstein, shared this. “Shane is unusually qualified. All my interactions with her over the years have been very helpful. If you have reason to need her services, a sudden event or crisis with a family member, Shane is there for the community. When my wife Rosaline became ill, Shane was able to ease my fears and put things in perspective while guiding my family through the situation. Shane is a person of excellent ability, compassion and knowledge. She has a dedication to her work and is an excellent choice for the 2013 AJAS Professional Award.�

In April 2012, the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service honored ten former students with the Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service. Shane Kotok was among the group. Acting Dean John Bartle summed it up best when he wrote, “The individuals we recognize today have distinguished themselves through their professional service and community stewardship. In their daily deeds and life-long accomplishments, each of these individuals define the very best of public service: integrity, volunteerism, and leadership. They are a credit to their fields of study, profession, and communities. Our world is a better place because of these individuals.� That’s our Shane, all right.

Exceptional people skills. Empathy. A caring, consummate professional. Those are a few of the adjectives people use

when describing Shane Kotok. For her colleague Social Worker Shelly Fox, Shane is “the perfect balance of expertise and compassion. She leads the way with experience, commitment and amazing insight. Technically, Shane hired me, but what she doesn’t know is that I actually chose her. I could not have asked for a more amazing role model. Those of us who have been lucky enough to work beside Shane, and the countless community members who have received her care and attention over the years, are truly blessed.�

In her acceptance speech (which she likened to remarks given by Academy Award winners) Shane thanked her ‘director’ (Mike Silverman), her ‘supporting cast’ (the entire RBJH staff) and her family -- husband David, their daughter, sons and daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. “They remind me to live passionately and savor the moment.� Kotok concluded by saying: “It’s the individuals and families whom I’ve grown to know that define this as sacred work. It is bittersweet to love and ultimately to lose so many of the folks who become a part of our lives. They inspire with their life stories, their courage and their connection from generation to generation in our community.

I’m part of a wonderful team, so this honor really belongs to the Omaha Jewish community and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Our mission is to fulfill the mitzvah of mipnei seivah takem -- you shall rise and show respect to the aged -- and it is this mission that I’ve been fortunate to help carry out. I accept this award for my parents, Rosalyn and Jerome Zeffren of blessed memory, who taught me that living Jewishly is to give respect and dignity to all people.�

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Assistant Administrator Mike Schop has known Shane for only a short time, but he immediately recognized her unique position on Campus. “I met Shane during the interview process as I transitioned from a career in technology to a career caring for the elderly. Shane was the only member of the RBJH management team with whom I met. When I asked why, I was told that Shane is ‘the heart’ of the Home. I now know how true that statement is.

Being new to this industry, there’s much for me to absorb. I will learn from Shane, I will lean on Shane, and I will long remember the lessons she teaches me every day.�

That’s our Shane, all right. The recipient of the AJAS 2013 Professional of the Year Award. Mazel tov, and we love you to pieces.

April 5, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Teen secures BBYO leadership training for the Future

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha This summer, Sophomore Jessica Shandell will join her peers from across North America for a BBYO leadership conference in the Wisconsin woods.

Chapter leadership training conference (CLTC) is a national program where teens acquire the necessary skills to build and support their local chapters. CLTC gives BBYO teens the tools necessary to become leaders in their chapters, their councils and their regions all while being immersed in Jewish values and ritual lessons.

Shandell is a member of the Omaha council and the MZ Yoshanah chapter. “I want to attend CLTC because I have high hopes in becoming a successful chapter President and Omaha council President as a senior. This is the place to learn everything I need to reach my goals.”

Shandell will participate in song sessions, leadership classes, evening programs and chapter planning activities at the Beber

“I remember returning to Omaha with camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. “I want to return to my chapter in Omaha and share amazing program ideas. I made new friends the fresh ideas I have. I plan to learn about that shared resources and ideas that were run successfully elsewhere.” successful fundraising as Leora added, “By attendwell,” she added. ing CLTC, Jessica can “Jessica will be part of a strengthen her Jewish idenfantastic experience! Not tity while learning leaderonly will her chapter benefit ship skills and in turn, help from her attendance at others develop Jewish pride, CLTC, but the Mid connections and commitAmerica Region will have a ment. The camp experience confident and capable creates compassionate and leader,” said Leora Azriel, respectful relationships BBYO/Teen Director. with Jewish peers from Megan Bucher, a 2012 around the United States. graduate of Millard North When she returns to High School and a freshOmaha, she will apply what man at the University of she’s learned to promote the Nebraska-Lincoln, attended Jessica Shandell inclusion of all Jewish teens CLTC in 2009. As an active member of the MZ Yoshanah chapter, she into the pluralistic Jewish community that is attended CLTC because her sister had before BBYO.” BBYO experiences and connections do her. “My sister went and had a great time. I knew this is what I needed to get my foot in not end when a teen graduates high school.

Bucher excitedly pointed out, “When I the door as a leader in BBYO.”

began college this fall, a CLTC friend created a CLTC Facebook page so we could all reconnect now that we are college students all over the country.”

There are leaders in the Jewish communal world who believe teen leadership programs serve as a training ground to nurture Jewish teens to be the next generation of community leaders. Samantha Pohl, MPA/MA, is a Wexner Graduate Fellow/Davidson Scholar and a Program Executive for UJAFederation of New York. Her master’s thesis examined the effects of youth group leadership on young adult alumni. Pohl stated, “Teens learned the art of public speaking, how to run group discussions and create and manage agendas. They also learned how to establish buy-in from peers and acquired skills to work with diverse groups of people.”

CLTC is the ultimate introductory experience for teens who want to be more involved in BBYO. Want to be a part of something amazing this summer? Contact Leora Azriel, BBYO/Teen Director at lazriel@ jccomaha.org.

Beth El’s Youth Scholarship Concert promises a Triple Treat Continued from page 1 money to organizations promoting humanitarian causes. Most recently, Project Elijah sent one hundred low-income New York City schoolchildren to a circus performance.

The 188th Crybaby Brigade will be available for purchase during the reception following the April 28 performance; it is also available in Beth El’s Judaica Shop. Thanks to the generosity of the author, a portion of the profits from books sold at Beth El will be donated to the congregation’s Youth Scholarship Fund.

“I am so excited to be bringing Joel Chasnoff to our community,” said Hazzan Krausman. “We first met a few years ago when Joel was the scholar-in-residence at Camp Ramah Family Camp, and not only

did we all find him hysterically funny, but his insight and deep understanding of Jewish humor were truly inspirational.”

In addition to the comedy performance, the hazzan said that he and his choir “are working hard to present a very brief but beautiful selection of Jewish music that will set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

The scholarship fund benefiting from this event is a vital resource for Beth El’s youths and their connection to Jewish life.

Proceeds from A Comedian, a Choir and a Cantor! will provide financial support for Jewish summer experiences for kids, including summer camps and Israel trips.

Saying they believe it is important for every Beth El youngster to be able to attend Jewish

summer camp, Lori and Wayne Schwarz are chairing this fundraiser because “we did not want finances to stop anyone from enjoying the benefits,” Wayne said. “This upcoming event is going to be a lot of fun, and Joel Chasnoff is a great comedian. You get a great night out and help a great cause.”

Hazzan Krausman added, “I firmly believe that Jewish summer camping is vital to shaping and solidifying the Jewish identity of our youth, At a Jewish summer camp, Judaism is a living, breathing, vital experience that leaves a lifelong positive impression.”

Tickets are available now, and may be purchased online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or by sending a check – made payable to Beth El – to the synagogue, c/o “Beth El Cantor’s

Concert.” Tickets will also be available at the door. All donations (less $5 per person), are tax deductible. Ticket categories include: Camp Director, $5,000; Assistant Camp Director, $2,500; Unit Head, $1,000; Waterfront Director, $500; Song Leader, $350; Counselor, $100; Counselor-inTraining, $50; First-Time Camper, $18.

Schwarz noted that supporters at the ‘Counselor’ level and above who send in their donations by Friday, April 19, will have their names listed in the event program book. In addition, supporters at the ‘Song Leader’ level and above will be invited to a cocktail party preceding the show.

For more information about the evening, contact Lori, at lkoops@cox.net, or Wayne, at jetsmets@yahoo.com.

Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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4 | The Jewish Press | April 5, 2013

UNO’s Middle East Project Fund to host a workshop on “Minorities, the Media, and Democratization”

by STEPHANIE MUELLER for the Middle East Project Fund and the Schwalb Center at UNO On April 13 and 14, the Middle East Project Fund (MEPF) at UNO - in conjunction with International Studies and Programs and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies - will present its second workshop on contemporary developments commonly known as the “Arab Spring.” Other UNO units co-sponsoring the workshop include the College of Arts and Sciences, the History Department and its Charles Martin Fund, the Political Science Department, the Religious Studies Program, and the Islamic Studies Program.

This year’s workshop will be titled “Minorities, Media, and Democratization.” Local scholars from UNO, UNL, and Creighton will be joined by colleagues from around the United States. The keynote address on Sunday night will be given by the premier US expert on the events unfolding in Syria, Dr. Joshua Landis from the University of Oklahoma.

As noted by Dr. Curtis Hutt, Special Projects Coordinator for the Middle East Project Fund and the Schwalb Center at UNO, the 2013 workshop builds upon the success of the April 2012 inaugural workshop, with an expanded program that includes scholars from some of the best universities in the United States. “Last year we brought together primarily local experts from Nebraska and neighboring States to discuss what is going on in North Africa and the Middle East. Thanks to the timeliness and high quality of the presentations made, a certain excitement was generated. We decided to go all out this year. Not only do we want to strengthen the academic connections made, but we also seek to put the University of

Nebraska at Omaha on the map for Middle Eastern studies.”

This April, participants from the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, the University of Colorado, the University of Oklahoma, Denver University, Wichita State University, and Illinois State University will join scholars based in Nebraska to discuss recent events occurring from Morocco to Pakistan. The workshop will start on Saturday, April 13 at 5 p.m., with a Welcome Reception hosted by Dean David Booker of the College of Arts and Science. This will be followed by a Plenary Session at 7 p.m. that is free and open to the public.

The session will include three brief presentations: • Dr. John Calvert of Creighton University will discuss the “Salafi challenge” in Egypt and Tunisia • Dr. James Le Sueur of UNL will speak about recent events in Mali.

• Our own Tom Gouttiere, Dean of International Studies and Programs at UNO, will conclude with an address about the future of US relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On Sunday the 14th, four workshop panels will be convened, with experts on minority communities in the Middle East taking the spotlight. Scholars will present their work on Jewish, Christian and Shi’a communities from Morocco to Syria. There will be special sessions on minorities in Israel/Palestine as well as Turkey. In addition, there will be a panel titled “Media and Democracy - From Violence to Elections.” These panels are generously sponsored by the Schwalb Center and the departments of History, Religious Studies, and Political Science at UNO. The workshop will

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group to “Get the Scoop on the Jewish Press”

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group invites all women in the Jewish community to welcome the month of Iyar on Thursday, April 11, to “Get the Scoop on The Jewish Press.” The evening will begin at 7 p.m., with a tour of the Jewish Press office (located in the Jewish Community Center), led by Editor Annette van de Kamp-Wright.

Following the tour, the formal meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Blumkin Home auditorium, where van de Kamp-Wright will offer a Annette van de Kamp-Wright presentation about the workings of the newspaper, its editorial policies, its relationship to the Jewish Federation, and the role it plays in the community.

“Annette van de Kamp-Wright is not only a dynamic editor of the Jewish Press, but an incredibly spirited, forwardthinking and fervent Jew, as well,” said Joanie Jacobson, who is serving as host of the evening program. “As editor, she challenges us to observe, to think, to act. As dedicated Jew, she’s a unifier with a mission -- an advocate for solidarity and commitment with her own brand of wit and wisdom.

She’s funny. And she’s serious.”

Jacobson shared some questions van de Kamp-Wright will address: “How does Ms. Editor decide what goes into the Press and what doesn’t? What are her goals? What does she see as the role of the Press? What about its future -- and of Jewish newspapers in general?

“Why should we care about the Press?” she asked.

“Because this newspaper is the one and only ‘tie that binds.’

So, I say, come and meet its fearless leader.”

RSVP by contacting Jacobson at 402.554.0500, or ohjoan413@aol.com; or contact the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bill and Evonne Williams, the “Honor Flights” leaders, have created the “Fallen Heroes” exhibit, which they will discuss on Wednesday, April 10, noon, at the Blumkin Home.

An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions. Come join us for fun and laughter. We meet in the boardroom of the Blumkin Home, every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.

For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Thursday, April 18

conclude on Sunday evening, as Dr. Joshua Landis of the University of Oklahoma will deliver the keynote address titled “Syria: What’s Next?”

Director of the Middle East Project Fund and the Schwalb Center, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, emphasizes the special nature of this second workshop. “We have increased the number of active participants from 12 to 20 and expanded the range of the discussions. But most importantly we have arranged to bring top-notch world-renowned experts on North Africa and the Middle East to Omaha. Bringing in Joshua Landis to speak about Syria is a real coup. Everyone who closely follows what is happening in Syria knows Dr. Landis and his website. It is an up to the moment clearinghouse for information about what’s happening in Syria as it unfolds.”

Dr. Gershovich emphasizes that this workshop could not have happened without the sponsorship of various UNO departments and programs. He notes especially the principle donor and honorary president of the Middle East Project Fund, Mr. Charles Mikhail, an attorney-at-law from Biloxi Mississippi and a Palestinian Christian, originally from Ramallah in the West Bank. “Charles’ generosity has made it possible for us to do this. UNO and the city of Omaha should be very thankful for his continued generosity which enables us to organize high-quality academic events like this.”

The schedule and location of events related to the workshop can be found online at http://www.unomaha.edu/ history/arabspring2.php. For further information, call The Middle east Project Fund at 402.554.3175 or e-mail mgersh ovich@unomaha.edu, or chutt@unomaha.edu.

In the news Creighton University adjunct French instructor Jan Schneider Lund was awarded Officer of the Order of the French Academic Palms by the French Ministry of Education through the French Embassy in New York on March 1.

“Officer” is the second highest rank in the order. In 1998, Lund was presented with the rank of Chevalier in this order and was the first high school teacher in Nebraska to be honored with it. The honor she received is a promotion to the next highest rank. No other professor in Nebraska has attained the rank of Officer.

The order of the Palmes Académiques is given to individuals to recognize their distinguished contribution to academia, education and the expansion of French culture throughout the world.

Lund has been a member of the Creighton faculty for 10 years and has been a champion of French language and culture throughout her career, which began at Brownell-Talbot School in 1974, and continued later at Ralston High School for 21 years. During that time she led her students on trips to Québec and France. She has won other awards for her teaching and scholarship on the topic of foreign language education, including Nebraska Foreign Language Educator of the Year (1985); Nebraska French Teacher of the Year (1996); and was finalist twice for Nebraska Teacher of the Year (1995, 2000). She wasinducted into her high school alumni Hall of Fame at Abraham Lincoln in Council Bluffs in 2006. She is active in the Nebraska chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French.

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April 5, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

Celebrate Israel with Yom Ha’atzmaut concert

by MARK KIRCHHOFF “Performances through Partnership2Gether have been Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life extremely popular throughout the past few years,” comWhen it is time for celebration, it is time for song and Yom mented Patty Nogg, co-chairman of Omaha’s Partnership HaAtzmaut, the celebration of Israel’s Independence Day, is 2Gether Committee. “Partnership has provided a variety of most definitely one of those times. On April 16 when top quality artists through dance, drama and instrumental Omaha celebrates Yom and vocal performances. We HaAtzmaut, a wonderful are thrilled to offer another musical performance will be a quality musical event for the part of the celebration when community to enjoy.” the voices of Moshe and Shuli Bonnie Bloch, President of Dayan perform live in conthe Center for Jewish Life, cert on the stage of the JCC echoed Nogg’s comments.

Theater. Presented through “While attending the Omaha’s Partnership2Gether Partnership Steering program, the concert will Committee meeting in Israel begin at 7:15 p.m. The conlast month, I had the opporcert is free of charge and is tunity to meet Shuli and suitable for ages 10 and older.

Moshe. They are excited to be A wine, cheese and dessert coming to the U.S. to perform reception will follow the 50and their warmth and enthuminute concert. siasm will make this an event Moshe and Shuli Dayan Moshe and Shuli Dayan not to be missed.” have been performing for The concert is the final event Yom HaAtzmaut Festival years in Israel and abroad, of the the Yom Ha’Atzmaut April 16, 2013 singing Israeli songs from 5 p.m. – Walk the Land for Israel Festival. The festival events both the past and present. In 5:15-7 p.m. – Children’s Carnival begin at 5 p.m. with a commurecent years, the singing duo 6:15-7 p.m. – B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz nity “Walk the Land for Israel” has been very popular on the 7:15 p.m. – Partnership2Gether Concert, with reception event at the JCC soccer fields.

Israeli music scene. Moshe, An outdoor children’s carnival following performance 38, was born in Akko and has will take place in the JCC been singing and acting on Pavilion from 5:15-7 p.m. The stage since the age of 10.

12th Annual B’nai B’rith Trivia Moshe has participated in fesQuiz will be held in the JCC tivals and singing troupes, Social Hall from 6:15-7:15 and studied acting at the p.m. Check out more inforAkko Theater. He has mation on these events at appeared in numerous televiwww.jccomaha.org.

Yom sion programs and has freHaAtzmaut events are made quently been interviewed for possible through the generosinewspaper, radio and electronic media presentations. He ty of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Herbert Goldsten has also performed outside of Israel on many occasions.

Trust, the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Supporting Shuli, 38, was born in Tel Aviv, where she lived until she Foundation, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman met Moshe. She has been singing and acting since the age of Supporting Foundation and the Special Donor-Advised Fund 15. In her youth, Shuli participated in the Tel Aviv of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Municipal Youth Entertainment Troupe conducted by Yair Moshe and Shuli are coming to the United States through Klinger. She also studied acting. Since their marriage, the cooperative efforts of the Partnership2Gether program, Moshe and Shuli have been performing together on stages which is a program of the Center for Jewish Life promoting throughout Israel. people-to-people relationships between Israel and commuMoshe and Shuli will draw from the history of favorite nities throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the Israeli songs and perform them with the energy and profes- U.S. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher sionalism that has won them acclaim wherever they have region in northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, gone. Drawing from their program, “Singing in Twos” educational and economic programs. For more information which they perform in Israel, the couple will present a spe- on Partnership, please call the Center for Jewish Life at cial program for the United States. “Singing in Twos” fea- 402.334.6445. tures new arrangements of the best Israeli music through the generations. A sneak peek at the playlist for the United To order a gift subscription to the Press...

States shows that they will be delighting their audiences with Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, to Jerusalem of Gold, Od Lo Ahavti Dy, Noladty Lashalom, Yom 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information Yom Chag, and many other favorites. Moshe and Shuli talk on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, about the songs during the show. Join the rest of the audicall 402.334.6448. ence by singing along with this engaging couple.

Applications Wanted for Temple Israel Director of Youth Engagement The Director of Youth Engagement must have a passion for Jewish life and the skills necessary to build lasting relationships with our youth.

Applicants must have excellent organizational and communication skills. Approximately 30 hours/week. Send resume to Rabbi Josh Brown jbrown@templeisraelomaha.com

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South Street Temple Second Seder

by SARAH KELEN sages from the hagadah to singing some of Over eighty children and adults crowded the traditional holiday songs. into Lincoln’s South Street Temple’s social The seder was family-friendly and featured hall on the second night of Passover to share a seder led

by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

Although the Reform tradition is to celebrate only one Passover seder, the South Street Temple hosts an annual congregational seder on the second night of Passover. This event gives the Temple’s “extended family” an opportunity to celebrate together.

The Temple’s Special Events Committee Chair Maria Cadwallader took the lead in Delicious smells of Passover at South St. Temple’s Seder Photo: Don Glaser organizing the seder with help from many congregants. Cadwallader some non-traditional takes on the traditionexpressed special thanks to the teens who al seder elements. For instance, participants helped with set up: Liam and Connor were invited to begin the seder by reflecting Mullin, and Rachel, Madison, and Tanner on what freedom means by working at their Crable. “They were great!” Cadwallader tables to construct acrostics using the letters said, noting that they worked together for F-R-E-E-D-O-M. Later in the seder, when several hours doing everything from mov- the time came to break the middle matzo for ing tables to setting up the seder plate. the afikomen, Rabbi Lewis invited his son The kitchen crew included longtime seder Eden to help out with a crowd-pleasing cooks Alicia Chapelle, Elaine Monnier, karate chop. In a hotly contested race after Jennifer Williss, Eleanor Kirkland, and the meal, five-year-old Lydia Dalton found Maria Cadwallader, who together have over the afikomen, beating out several older chilfifty years of Temple kitchen expertise. dren with her strategic decision to start foldNewer congregational chefs Celia ing up the sanctuary seats.

Rosenblum, Alison O’Toole, Vicki Edwards, Throughout the evening, the social hall Leslie Delserone, and Peter Mullin helped was filled with the sounds of singing and the keep things moving along smoothly all delicious smells of Passover. “Passover is my evening. In all, at least a dozen Temple fam- favorite holiday,” said Rabbi Lewis. “Any time ilies helped out with organization, set up, we bring this many people together, there is cooking, and clean up. Congregants also just a special feeling in the Temple.” participated enthusiastically throughout the Reflecting further, he added: “Nights like this seder, from helping to act out the story of are why I became a rabbi,” and “celebrations Moses and the burning bush to reading pas- like this are what make being Jewish so great.”

Blumkin Home Dog Show set for April 25

by OZZIE NOGG stage area, we want to see them.”

To make sure your pooch is part of the Move over, Westminster Kennel Club.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home hosts an program, email Adrienne -- ashiverdecker All-Star Dog Show on Thursday, April 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the RBJH auditorium. Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing, will emcee the program. “There are no judges or prizes,” said Adrienne Shiverdecker, Blumkin Home Activities Director. “The afternoon is a no-pressure chance to show off your dog and make our residents happy.”

Pure-bred or mutt, all canines are welcome. “We invite members of the community to call before April 18 to sign up for the show. We also Adrienne Shiverdecker’s top dog -- Tamale -- is part of need a bio of your dog for the Blumkin Home Dog Show scheduled for April 25.

Shelley to read. If your dog can do a trick, @rbjh.com -- or call her at 402.334.6520, get dressed up, or just walk through the ext. 2 by April 18.

Beth El 3rd and 4th graders to be recognized during consecration ceremony

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The ceremony of consecration is an important marker in a Jewish child’s life, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the responsibilities and privileges of Jewish study. This long-time tradition will be celebrated at Beth El on Sunday, April 14, 11:45 a.m., as the congregation’s third and fourth graders will be recognized during a special program to be held in the chapel.

This year’s consecrants include Anna Dubov, David Kay, Emily Kirk, Melanie Schwarz, Chaeli Spivack, Michael Denenberg, Isaac Dennison, Ari Finkelstein, Ethan Finkelstein, Ben Kutler, Dina Saltzman, Lindsey Kader, Julia Weill,

Phoenix Mavropoulos, and Sophia Mavropoulos.

“Our third and fourth graders are such an accomplished class and they are ready to complete their year of study,” said Eadie Tsabari, Beth El’s Director of Congregational Learning. “Consecration means ‘a time to associate with the sacred.’ These students have studied and become proficient at certain sacred texts and learning. We want to honor them and share their own personal writings, thoughts and drawings.”

All families and friends are invited to attend, and are asked to RSVP by April 10 to Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning, at 402.498.0904, or etsabari@ bethel-omaha.org.

April 5, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Wedding Anniversary WRJ 100th Birthday Wine Tasting Gala

Pete and Rhoda Milder were married April 15, 1943 and are celebrating 70 years together.

Births Sara and Lance Polikov of Roswell, GA announce the March 11 birth of their daughter, Jordyn Larissa.

She is named for her late aunt Jodi Polikov and greatgrandmother, the late Laura Friedkin.

She has a sister, Hayden and a brother, Sawyer.

Grandparents are Carol and Alan Friedkin of Youngstown, OH, and Sheila and Marv Polikov.

Great-grandparents are the late Helen and Albert Wagner, the late Laura and Saul Friedkin, the late Ethel and Seymour Goldston, and the late Bernice and Abe Polikov.

Jessica and Jamie Feinstein announce the March 6 birth of their daughter, Greta Anne.

She has two brothers, Meyer and Ezra.

Grandparents are Angie and Stan Krieger and Leslie Feinstein of Jensen Beach, FL and the late Eric Feinstein.

NCJW lends a hand

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Women of Reform Judaism, Temple Israel’s women’s group, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a wine-andbeer tasting gala event on Saturday, April 20, open to the entire Omaha community.

Throughout the evening, guests will be able to sample different varieties of wine and craft beer provided by Brix, and enjoy catered appetizers and live music. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in a special mystery wine raffle.

“We have a fantastic group of volunteers working hard to truly make this a special evening,” said Event Chair Dana Gonzales. “I know this event will be wonderful.”

Proceeds will go toward purchasing supplies for the

kitchen of the new Temple Israel building at Sterling Ridge, including pots and pans, plates, wine glasses and silverware.

“Dana has put a lot into this event,” said WRJ President Mimi Silverman. “We knew right away that she was the right choice to head the committee.

And the money we raise will definitely be going to a good cause. We’ve all dined at Temple Israel, we know what the silverware, the glassware, the plates look like. As we enter our new building, it’s only fitting that we have new kitchenware to go with it.”

The WRJ 100th Birthday Wine Tasting Gala begins at 6 p.m. Tickets to the fundraiser are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, contact Event Chair Dana Gonzales or call the Temple Israel office at 402.556.6536.

A Century Fighting Hate: ADL kicks-off its centennial with Abraham Foxman and the 92nd Street Y

by LIZZY GILBERT Corporate & Community Development, ADL Plains States Region On Tuesday, April 9, ADL and the 92nd Street Y join for a special event: A Century of Fighting Hate: 100 Years in ADL’s Battle Against Anti-Semitism. The panel, moderated

by Thane Rosenbaum, will feature Abraham Foxman, ADL’s longtime director, Richard Cohen of the Washington Post, John Podhoretz of Commentary Magazine and Judith Miller, who worked at The New York Times and is now writing for a number of different media outlets.

This esteemed group will take a behind-the-scenes look at the battles that have defined ADL’s work over the past 100 years. They will discuss anti-Semitism today, Israel, and the strides that have been made in the fight to secure justice and fair treatment for all. The panelists will explore the question: “Why does anti-Semitism still exist?”

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the event will be broadcast live via satellite in the JCC Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Alan Potash, ADL Regional Director at 402.333.1303 or Omaha@adl.org.

Beth El Men’s Club offers “Jews ‘n’ Brews, Final Four Edition”

Latino Police Officers Association-Nebraska Chapter team shirts display the NCJW-Omaha logo in appreciation for the organization’s recent gift.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator To all men of Beth El who are fans of college hoops, come to Beth El on Monday, April 8, for a special guys’ night out – “Jews ‘n’ Brews, Final Four Edition.” Starting at 7 p.m., attendees will eat, drink, and be merry as they watch the best basketball teams in the country vie for the NCAA basketball championship.

“It’s been a long cold winter, but it’s time to thaw out with the return of Beth El Men’s Club’s ‘Jews ‘n’ Brews,’ back just in time for the NCAA finals,” said Men’s Club President David

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Finkelstein. “Don’t have a dog in that fight? No worries -come, hang out, and enjoy some tasty munchies, adult beverages (water, tea and lemonade will be available, as well), and great companionship. I’m looking forward to a great turnout to help inaugurate the third year of ‘Jews ‘n’ Brews.’”

Although there’s no charge, Men’s Club is requesting a suggested minimum donation of $5 to defray the evening’s costs. And, Finkelstein stressed, men of all ages are welcome, and membership in Men’s Club is not a prerequisite.

For more information about the evening, contact Ari Kohen, at akohen2@unl.edu.

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Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

FAQ - Part II

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press What’s the deal with the opinion pages?

The articles we publish on these pages (including our own editorials) are exactly that: opinions. Sometimes you may agree with them, other times you most definitely won’t. We aim for balance, and if we can make you think about the issues, we’ve done our job. We are very aware that we cannot print two opinion pages that the entire community agrees with, so that is not our objective. At the same time, we are not looking to outright insult anyone, which is why sometimes editorials we receive from outside sources are denied.

An editorial piece is supposed to calmly and intelligently offer an opinion, but at the end of the day, it’s still only the opinion of the writer. Sometimes, as the JP editor, I personally disagree with a certain article. However, my personal opinion is not relevant in this context, and I never use that as an excuse to not print something.

As for the Jewish Press opinion piece I write each week, I pick a topic that I think I can say something useful about.

Some weeks the topic falls into my lap, other weeks I have to read 30 different papers before I see something that inspires me. Sometimes I bang it out, other weeks I have to do a serious amount of research. I rarely write something off the top of my head; writing the editorial is a serious commitment.

The other pieces come from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the Jewish News Service, or other sources.

Does Mike Silverman tell the Press what to print?

No. As the (very busy) CEO, it is not his job to decide about content. Of course, he is available for advice should we need it, but it is the Jewish Press editor’s job to select all stories. When the paper lands in Mike’s mailbox each week, most of it is just as much a surprise to him as to the rest of the community. The exception can only be made for specif-

ic Federation news, or articles in which he is quoted. Other than that, it’s all news to him. Pun intended.

I went to Spain and visited this really cool synagogue.

How do I get my story in the Press?

We absolutely love it when community members offer us stories! It is such a fabulous way to interact with community members. For instance, Julianne Herzog’s first person account of her volunteer experience during the aftermath of super storm Sandy, or Steve Riekes’ travel stories to Eastern Europe add a whole new dimension to the Press. It makes us less of a one-way street, and that makes for a better paper.

If you think you have a great story, by all means, email the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or give us a call.

Don’t worry about your writing, because we will help you get all the grammar right. And if you can’t write at all, let us help you.

Because of time constraints it will take a little longer to publish, but that’s okay. Call us!

I saw this great article in the New York Times. Can you reprint it?

The short answer: no. It would constitute plagiarism, and we’re not fond of getting sued. Copyright laws for print media are something we take very seriously. Of course, we can ask permission to reprint, which would mean paying a hefty fee, and we don’t have that in our budget. We are sorry, you’re just going to have to read it in the paper it was originally published in! However, I do love it when people send me articles for my own education. I read many newspa-

pers, but it’s impossible to keep up with everything, so if you see something you think I should read, by all means, drop me a link. Maybe it will give me an idea for an editorial; you never know. Also, we can post links to our Jewish Press Facebook page. There are no copyright issues with that.

Which reminds me: if you’ve never visited us on Facebook, it’s time to do so! You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress. It’s where we link to stories on our website, post interesting photos that don’t make it into the print edition, recipes, and give-aways.

Is there something you’d really like to know about how our agency works? Email your question to avandekamp@ jewishomaha.org and we’ll try to answer it here.

Remember who you stand for

Focus on issues JACOB PRICE This article was the winning entry in NFTY’s 2013 Wendy Blickstein Memorial D’var Torah competition.

CINCINNATI (JTA) -- What do you do when you get up in the morning? You probably have a morning ritual that you could do with your eyes closed. Take a shower, brush your teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast and make your way off to school without a second thought.

Parshat Tetzaveh describes the specialized clothing that Aaron and his sons were to wear for their roles as priests.

When I read it, I thought it was very interesting that their clothes were described in such elaborate detail. Why was their appearance so important? And although there was detailed description of all the priestly garb, two specific items, the ephod and breastplate, were explained in much greater detail than the rest.

The ephod is said to have “... two lazuli stones engraved on them the names of the sons of Israel: six on one stone and six on the other stone ...” Those stones were to be placed on the shoulders of all the priests. But why the sons of Israel? Why not use two of God’s names, say, perhaps Adonai on one shoulder and Elohim on the other? That way, no matter which way he turned, he would see a name of God and know to whom he was offering sacrifice. Instead with these priestly garments, the priest sees the names of the children of Israel, the names of the people right in front of him, as he does his holy work.

The same names are also to be engraved on the breastplate that Aaron is to “carry over his heart, as a remembrance before the eternal at all times.” As I read that verse, the word “remembrance” lingered with me. What was the priest supposed to remember?

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf.

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Everywhere Aaron looks he sees the children of Israel: to the left or right, sitting on his shoulders, down, resting on his heart, and before him, in the people themselves. God wanted to make sure that the priest would always know why he was performing the rituals. God chose him to be the messenger to God, but the message comes from the rest of the Israelites. The priests are to serve their people, even while they are offering sacrifices to God. Aaron is supposed to remember that he is doing everything he does for the people of Israel. In addition, when the Israelites look upon Aaron as he stands before them, they see their names and know that he is doing all that he does for them. This remembrance is not only for the priest, but also for the people.

Aaron’s morning ritual must have meant a lot to him. As he dressed for work, he saw those names all over his garments. That clothing reminded him of his larger purpose.

And therefore, his morning ritual could not have been automatic or mundane. When he puts on the ephod and breastplate, he is forced to remember why he is getting up and that his work is important.

The Cohanim, or priests, are no longer the sole leaders of the Jewish people. In fact, we would come to be known as a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.

From this we learn that everyone has the opportunity to make a contribution to our community. There is no greater evidence of that than in NFTY. Just by being here this weekend, you have all shown your dedication to Am Yisrael, the people of Israel. Whether we are running a Purim carnival fundraiser in our local TYGs or running a tikkun olam program, we are the face of all NFTY and the Jewish people.

When adults look at us they see themselves. They see their past and a bright future. It is our job to lead through example, to reflect what we want others to see not only in ourselves but in the Jewish people.

That’s a lot of responsibility for a bunch of teens, but we always put our best foot forward and try to have before us an imaginary ephod and breastplate, reminding us that we always serve, and that we are the future of the Jewish people.

I remember last year, sitting in the back of the room at the URJ biennial listening to President Barack Obama. He turned to our seats and gave NFTY a shout-out. That was an amazing experience, but what he said afterward really stuck with me.

“Young people are gonna lead the way, and they are leading the way,” he said. (Obama, URJ Biennial, 2011) We ARE leading the way, just as Aaron and the priests led the people of Israel thousands of years ago. We are the Aarons of our generation, chosen by God but acting on our own.

It is time for us to put on our ephod and breastplate. I am not suggesting the physical garments described in Tetzaveh, but instead to shape our own metaphoric ephod and breastplate. We each need to create our own ritual that will remind each of us of the reasons that we are NFTYites and why we are Jews. This could be anything, from saying the Sh’ma when you awake or kissing your mezuzah when you walk out the door. It could be reciting a favorite verse of the Bible or wearing a yarmulke.

Whatever it is, add it to the ritual that you do every morning, so that you remember that you are leading the Jewish people and that your work is important. That way, wherever you look -- into the face of a friend, the needs of a stranger or even in the mirror -- in every direction you might look, you will see the reasons that you care and, perhaps, even glimpse the presence of God. Jacob Price, a junior in high school, is a member of the Isaac M. Wise Temple in Cincinnati and a member of the NFTY Ohio Valley Region. Translations were taken from “The Torah: A Modern Commentary,” Revised Edition, Union for Reform Judaism.

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April 5, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

My act of subversion on Vienna’s subway

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER I recently visited the city of Vienna for the first time.

Sarah’s family was rendezvousing in the Austrian capital to go to a few concerts at the gorgeous Musikverein, where the Pittsburgh Symphony had taken up residence for a week. My wife’s sister Jennifer is principal second violinist of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

While Sarah, her parents Al and Willie, Jenny, and the remaining sibling Charlotte were having quality family time shopping, I took the subway to the Schonbrun Palace with Charlotte’s husband Matt Katz. The fare was 2 Euro each way and we dutifully put our money into a machine and got a little ticket. At no point on our journey were we required to show our tickets. We simply walked down to the platform, boarded the train, and exited. After a pleasant but crowded visit at the Schonbrun, Matt and I headed back. Matt dutifully purchased a ticket but I suddenly felt like rebelling.

Why, when I visit my sister Marissa in Washington, DC and take the Metro to the National Mall am I required to insert my ticket both upon entering and upon exiting? Why when

I visit my Mom and Dad in Brooklyn and take a subway to visit my brother Everett in Manhattan must I put a Metro card into the turnstile in order to gain entry? The answer of course is that the American system does not feel like tempting its riders into breaking the law--sort of like not putting a stumbling block in the path of the blind. It seems that for many Americans, unsupervised access to public transportation would tempt many to ride for free.

With the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht approaching in a few months, I am here to report that the Austrian government can still depend upon its citizenship to dutifully obey the rule of law. The Viennese metro system is so confident that its riders will not be tempted to break the law that there are no barriers to entry or exit. Something about this really bugged me. The system is built upon obedience to law, but I did not feel like playing along with this game. If New York and Washington have to go ahead and use expensive measures to deter theft of ridership, then Vienna should have to do the same. Are Americans less moral than the Austrians?

My experience in the Viennese underground did not give me confidence in the goodwill of humanity -- the opposite.

It reminded me of a time when to obey the law was the wrong thing to do.

Yes, I would prefer it if the Viennese didn’t obey the law so easily. I would prefer it if there was some kind of internal mechanism through which they determined whether or not to obey a given law. And you know what? This internal

mechanism could even be of the lowest level, could even be simply at the level of self-interest. The deadliest murderers in the Holocaust often turned out to be people who were willing to put aside self interest in favor of obeying the law of the land. Before I do the right thing and pay my Viennese underground fare, I want to be confident that the Austrian people have learned to distinguish between laws that violate human rights and such routine laws as those that support public transportation. In itself, following the law is not a recipe for moral probity.

For the record, that night, while we were having Shabbat dinner in an old Viennese apartment (with Sarah thinking that the gestapo was going to break in at any moment), my father-in-law said that he was not at all impressed by my philosophizing. Al told me plain and simple that I stole and that stealing cannot be justified. He said that a decision to visit Vienna entailed a commitment to abide by its laws.

Did my small act of disobedience accomplish anything?

Perhaps it has convinced you to be a law breaker next time you ride the Viennese underground? As a bonus, you’ll save 2 Euro.

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

ditional in her religious practices than our previous rabbi, yet similar in her open-mindedness. She brought new traditions to our temple -- ones that were not weird or unwanted but rather improved our community and our Judaism. She began to lead our congregation using her strong vocals to spice up a service and making sports analogies in many of her sermons. She wore a kippah, white robes and tallit to keep humble, yet demanded the respect any man would receive on the bimah.

She proved herself worthy of our community’s love within the first two months of her arrival. Now she has become part of the foundation of our community. I cannot imagine our synagogue without her vital presence.

Growing up with a gentile mother, my synagogue has played a leading role in my Judaism. Thus, before our female rabbi came along, the main Jewish woman in my life was our temple song leader. She taught me Jewish songs, prayers, traditions and values. I looked up to her. She was the Jewish mother I wanted to become. She was the spirit that allowed me to enjoy my Judaism. She was the inspiration that made me a Jew. As I became a teenager, she became the temple’s youth group adviser. In 10th grade, I was elected the youth group’s religious and cultural vice president -- a job that entails creating services for youth events. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing. But luckily I had a loving adviser to teach me. She knew everything about a service: She helped me put it together, inspired me to be original and provided me with the tools necessary to succeed without her assistance.

Over the course of two years, I would find myself leading services for our youth and our community. Learning from both my adviser and my rabbi, I would be the one giving sermons on the bimah -- I would be the woman leading our temple’s worship.

Now I realize my congregation relies heavily on the lead-

ership of women. Our b’nai mitzvah coordinator is a woman, our temple educator is a woman, our rabbi, our youth adviser and our music coordinator all are women.

These women are the foundations of my community. They are the ones who have influenced not only my Judaism but the Judaism of the rest of our temple youth. They are the people providing our community with love, strength and spirituality. They are the ones instilling Jewish values in our youth, our congregation and our entire community.

The women leading my synagogue are the core of our temple. They are the ones who push us toward new directions, yet refuse to let us forget the lessons of our past. These women play a vital part in not only the continuation of my congregation but of Judaism as a whole. Without them, the Judaism I know and love would not be possible.

I am thankful for the women leaders in my community because now I am one of them. As the president of my youth group, it is my responsibility to instill in the group the values that these women have instilled in me. It is my responsibility to inspire, to teach, to love the way I was taught by the women of my community.

It’s funny to think that four years ago I was upset by the thought of a woman rabbi. But why did I doubt this woman’s ability to lead a community? Why did I doubt her abilities to teach Torah, to serve as a role model, to guide our community’s spirituality? Maybe it was because of ignorance or fear of change. Maybe it was because I doubted myself.

I now know that the women of my community are part of its strength. I take pride in these women -- in their leadership abilities, their spirituality and their open-mindedness.

And I hope that one day, I, too, will be able to inspire people as these women have inspired me.

Elizabeth Levi, a senior in high school, is a member of Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, S.C., and of the NFTY Southern Area Region.

Women and leadership

Focus on issues ELIZABETH LEVI The following is the winner of the Women of Reform Judaism Centennial Essay Competition.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (JTA) -- I cried when I found out our new rabbi was going to be a woman. I was in ninth grade and did not like the thought of change. She would change all of our congregation’s traditions. She would not have the same endearing voice as our previous male rabbi. She must be weird: What kind of woman would want to be a rabbi anyway?

Four years later, the woman I loathed in one moment would be the same woman I strive to be like every day. She would be the woman who helped shape my Judaism, my leadership abilities and myself as an individual. She would become one of my friends -- someone I texted every so often, someone who helped me through life’s difficulties, someone I cared for as if she were family.

Four years later, that woman would change not only my life but my whole congregation in ways no one could anticipate.

My congregation prides itself on being “the oldest Reform Jewish synagogue in continuous use in the United States.” In other words, we like tradition, we love our sanctuary and we are all one big family. Our previous rabbi had served our congregation since 1992. He was the only rabbi I had ever known and thus the only one I really cared for.

When he retired, I was not too keen to see a big change. I expected our congregation to choose another man very similar to the rabbi I had grown up with -- one a little older, liberal in his religion and completely open-minded. The rabbi they chose did not quite meet my criteria.

Our new rabbi was a woman in her mid-30s. Her sermons had me hanging on every word she spoke. She was more tra-

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10 | The Jewish Press | April 5, 2013

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885.

FRIDAY, April 12: Services, 7 p.m. followed by a potluck dinner with guest, Mark Kirchhoff, Center for Jewish Life Administrative Assistant will speak on Refugee Resettlement.

The community is invited.

Cantor Beth Schlossberg will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat & Oh Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Beth El members, $5; non-members, $7.50. No charge for children six and younger. RSVP online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact programming@bethelomaha.org.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: The Controversial Laws of the Torah, with Andy Greenberg, 10 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m., with Hazzan Krausman.

MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Jews ‘n’ Brews, 7 p.m., sponsored by Men’s Club. All men of Beth El are welcome to attend; no charge. A donation of $5 is suggested to help defray costs.

WEDNESDAY: YAC Playgroup, 9:30 a.m. at Fontenelle Forest. Contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com for more information.

THURSDAY: Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Press office, to learn about the workings of the newspaper. RSVP to host Joanie Jacobson, at 402.554.0500, or ohjoan413@aol.com, or contact the office, or email progra mming@bethel-omaha.org.

Our Shabbat Tables, Friday, April 12, 7 p.m., at participating families’ homes.

USY Spring Kallah, Friday, April 12 – Sunday April 14.

Shabbat’s Cool, Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., for BESTT students.

Family Fun Day, Sunday, April 14, 1-3 p.m., at Sempeck’s Bowling & Entertainment, 20902 Cumberland Rd., in Elkhorn. (see full story on page 10.)

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Please contact the synagogue for office hours. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting begins, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of March Simchas; The Laws of Shabbat, 5 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Boys (ages 10 and up), 6 p.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7:20 p.m., followed

by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:37 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Bar Mitzvah Adam Silverman, son of Mimi and Michael Silverman, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, April 13, at Temple Israel.

Adam is a seventh-grade honor student at Kiewit Middle School.

His interests include basketball, ping pong and reading.

For his mitzvah project, Adam volunteered at Together. He helped make boxes and stock shelves for the facility which aids people before they become homeless.

He has a brother, Jeremy.

Grandparents are Liz and Shelly Feinman, and Elly and Harold Silverman.

Candlelighting Friday, April 5, 7:36 p.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.

TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC.

THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. and Advanced Hebrew, 7 p.m.

Jewish Movie Night showing of “Body and Soul” with Havdalah and dessert potluck, Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m.

Fifth Annual Hallah High Rummage Sale, Saturday, April 28 in the South Street Temple parking lot.

CHABAD CENTER

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch will follow.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.330.1800 to reserve.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. Contact Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu to receive updates.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

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

FRIDAY: Dinner and Early Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Classical Reform Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Deb Swearingen and Vicki Edwards.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Yom Hashoah Service, 11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel, with Hallah High participating.

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

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #13 led by Rabbi Lewis.

Jewish Trivia Contest

by STEVE RIEKES You can win money for yourself and for your favorite local Jewish charity or institution by participating in the 13th Annual Jewish Trivia Contest. This will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:15 p.m. in the Social Hall at the Jewish Community Center. It is part of the community’s Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) Celebration.

You can also enjoy a free pizza, thanks to B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge, sponsor of the contest.

You can participate by yourself, or with teams of up to six contestants who should be over the age of 13. Rabbis, cantors, or full-time religious educators cannot be a member of any team, although they are welcome to come.

The first place prize is $250, $125 to the team and $125 to a local Jewish charity or institution. This could be a synagogue, a school, an agency of the Federation or of the JCC, etc. All Jewish organizations should encourage the formation of teams.

The second place prize is $100, $50 to the team and $50 to the charity; third place prize is $50, $25 to the team and $25 to the charity.

There is also a special high school bonus prize to the best all-high school team. This would be $25 to the team and $25 to their Jewish charity. So at least one high school team will be a winner.

The quiz will consist of 25 trivia questions covering Jewish personalities, current events, tradition, culture, Israel and the Bible. Each team or individual will write down answers on the answer sheet provided. Those with the most correct answers will win. All rules of the contest are at the Lodge’s sole discretion.

Please join the fun on Tuesday, April 16, at 6:15 p.m. in the Social Hall. For more information, contact the B’nai B’rith office at 402.334.6443, or e-mail bnaibrith @jewishomaha.org, or Steve Riekes at 402.492.9800.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Congrega tional Dinner, 7 p.m. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, to make a reservation. Reservations are required.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Noah Hale, son of Debbie and Patrick Hale, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah; Simply Shabbat Retreat in Nebraska City, 10 a.m. thru Sunday, April 7, noon.

SUNDAY: No Religious School WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Family School and Grades 7-8 Yom HaShoah Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel; Family School and Grades 7-8 Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel.

THURSDAY: Dilemmas of Faith: God and Spirituality in the Modern World, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

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

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

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Yom Hashoah Service, 11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel, with Hallah High participating; Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, 3 p.m. at the Rotunda.

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

Fifth Annual Hallah High Rummage Sale, Saturday, April 28 in the South Street Temple parking lot.

Beth El plans afternoon of family fun at Sempeck’s

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Bowling, go-karts, laser tag and arcade games are just some of the activities to be enjoyed during Beth El’s Family Fun Day on Sunday, April 14 at Sempeck’s Bowling & Entertainment, 20902 Cumberland Rd., in Elkhorn. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., kids and adults alike will have a ball at this indoor entertainment center, and everyone in the Jewish community is invited to join the fun.

Cost for Beth El members is $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and younger; for non-members, $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. (The fee covers bowling and shoes.) Reservations are required by April 11, and may be made by sending a check – made payable to Beth El -- to the synagogue, attention “Family Fun Day.” Or, RSVP and pay online at www.bethelomaha.org. For more information, contact event chairs Caryn Scheer, carynscheer@yahoo.com, or Shira Abraham, shira.abraham@gmail.com.

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

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April 5, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Kashrut

In memoriam DAVID DVORKIN

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Shemini Our Sidrah gives us the basic food laws of the Pentateuch: which animals, birds, and fish are ritually acceptable and which are ritually forbidden for food.

It is at once apparent that the criteria are arbitrary. And various interpretations have tried to find the principles (assuming there are principles!) behind the prohibitions for food of this and that type of animal life.

One of the favorite interpretations has been that the animal life permitted for food is likely to be more healthful than animal life prohibited.

In fact, the extension of Kashrut laws to include insistence on eating meat only if it is fresh and on washing hands before eating did indeed result in practices that were hygienic. Non-Jews, who scorned Jews for religious eating habits, at times did indeed endanger their life by unhygienic practices.

Ironically, Kashrut helped to bring on massacres of Jews in the 14th century. Christian Europe was in panic when the Black Death struck. It responded with massacres, all but continent-wide, when it was noticed that the dread plague did not affect Jewish communities with as devastating a blow as it did on non-Jewish communities. In general, however, there is no evidence of the promotion of health through observance of Kashrut.

A famous Biblical commentator of the 15-16th centuries, who was a financial advisor to the crown in Portugal, Spain, and Italy, vigorously denied any health motivation for the dietary laws. If the Torah was promoting health, he argued, the Torah would be the least worthy and least reliable of medical books. For look about you, he insisted, and see that non-Jewish individuals are as healthy as Jews, and nonJewish nations are much more powerful that the Jewish people. (He knew this at first hand. He was among the Jews banished from Spain in 1492.)

We shall have to look for a different rationale for the dietary laws. Jewish tradition sees them simply as divine decrees, with no reason given for them. We are to obey them simply because God has so directed us.

That reason was sufficient for many centuries; the challenges of modernism, however, oblige most Jews to seek different answers.

Mordecai M. Kaplan, for example, saw them as “Jewish folkways.” That is sufficient for many in our generation. It is a view that permits some relaxation of some of the restrictions.

But for those who think in terms of law rather than folkways, there is much thinking to be done. The Bible itself suggests that the purpose of Kashrut is to render life holy. It is spiritual health that the dietary laws promote, not physical health.

Due to staff vacation, there will be no new Parsha over the next few weeks. The above Parsha has been adapted from Rabbi Myer Kripke’s book, Insight and interpretation.

David Dvorkin passed away on March 25 at age 98.

Services were held March 28 in the Schrager Chapel at Temple Israel Cemetery Chapel, 42nd and Redick Street.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jeanne Glazer Dvorkin; daughter, Lois Epstein; four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Marty Warren of Chesterfield, MO; son-in-law Mel Epstein; grandchildren: Marc Warren and Barbara Benenson of New York, Mitchell Warren and Alice Kriz of Nyack, NY, Randi and Michael Poscover of Chesterfield, MO, Robyn and Will Wolper of Ballwin, MO, Rikki and Alon Mor of Greenwood Village, CO; great-grandchildren: Rachel Warren, Benjamin Warren, Luke Warren, Sarah Warren; Rebekah, Jacob and Zachary Poscover, Benjamin and Jonah Wolper, Yarden, Maya and Tali Mor; sister, Eve Lasensky of Los Angeles; nieces and nephews; and “third daughter he never had,” Phyllis Aronson.

Dave was also “Grampy Dave” to the many JCC preschoolers to whom he read every Thursday morning for the past seven years.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel Caring Committee or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

ROBERT PERELMAN Robert Perelman passed away at age 91. Services were held March 28 at Beth El Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Beth El Synagogue.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Sarah (Fox) Perelman; his brother, Harold Perelman and sister-inlaw Ruth.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Ackerman; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Aaron Hoffman of Glencoe, IL; son and partner, Steve Perelman and Ralph Kellogg; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Michael and Dr. Sharon Carroll Perelman of Carlsbad CA; grandchildren: Piper Hoffman and Aviv Roth, Babette Hoffman, Abigail Perelman, and Rachel Perelman; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Melvin and Joan Perelman; brother-in-law and sister-inlaw, Robert and Lois Ackerman; brother-in-law, Alvin Ackerman; and sister-in-law, Rose Perelman.

Bob was a North High graduate and attended Omaha University but left his senior year to volunteer for service in World-War II. He served in the 232nd Infantry Regiment, Rainbow Division, in Europe, earned a Bronze Star, and was in the forefront of his unit when they liberated Dachau concentration camp. Upon his return, he learned that he had graduated magna cum laude.

He went into the grocery business with his father and brother. He served as President of the Grocers Association as did his father previously, making them the first father/ son presidents of the Association.

Bob started one of the first discounted brokerage firms in the nation, First Omaha Securities. He came out of retirement to start Perelman-Carley & Associates with his wife Betty and two other partners.

Memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society or your favorite charity.

Damascus synagogue destroyed

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The 2,000-year-old Jobar Synagogue in the Syrian capital of Damascus was looted and burned to the ground.

The Syrian army loyal to President Bashar Assad and rebel forces are blaming each other for the destruction of the historic synagogue, according to reports on Sunday.

The synagogue is said to be built on the site where the prophet Elijah anointed his successor, Elisha, as a prophet. It had been damaged earlier this month by mortars reportedly

fired by Syrian government forces. The rebels said the Syrian government looted the synagogue before burning it to the ground, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

The government said the rebels burned the synagogue and that so-called Zionist agents stole its historic religious items in an operation that had been planned for several weeks, the Arabic Al-Manar Television reported, citing the Arabic Syria Truth website.

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Together, they will offer two weeks of workshops all held at the Participants will channel their inner Monet with beautiful waterOmaha school. Girls will experience two artistic mediums each color creations. Bruning will guide students in application, color week from 1-4:30 p.m., all for just $150. No experience is theory, and brushstroke technique. That week, students also required; materials and equipment will be provided. will be treated to instruction from Kerr, former cartoonist/illusFrom June 10-14, students will take Mixed Media Art with trator for the Omaha World-Herald. He will teach basic drawing Dori Settles and Encaustic Painting with Margaret Berry. For concepts and ideas such as shading and shape. Students will Mixed Media, they will use a variety of mediums including leave both workshops with several of their own designs from paper, paint, fabric, rubber-stamping, found objects, and more. both workshops.

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12 | The Jewish Press | April 5, 2013

Rabbi Friedman to speak at Temple Israel

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Israel, and America’s relationship to the Jewish state, are always in the news these days, as politicians stumble over one another to get to the head of the “Friend-ofIsrael” line. Lobbying groups like the right-wing AIPAC-the American Israel Public Affairs Committee-flood the airwaves and politicians’ coffers with its Pro-Israeli message. But AIPAC is not alone in its love for Israel, nor its political machinations.

Founded in 2008 and drawing sharp distinctions between it and its conservative counterpart, the Rabbi John Friedman progressive lobbyist group J Street emerged on the scene with the same Pro-Israel feeling, but with a decidedly different message, a message that will be brought to Omaha by Rabbi John Friedman, CoChair of the J Street Rabbinic Cabinet.

“I’m going to talk about Israel and why it is critically important that American Jews adopt [J Street’s] vision of what will strengthen Israel and secure her future,” Rabbi Friedman said. “It is not the idea that we should affirm and follow everything Israel does. We should be doing everything we can to pressure our government. Israel must end the settlement project, and must have peace with the Palestinians.”

J Street takes the position that supporting Israel and being critical of Israel are not mutually exclusive, and that not everything Israel does is necessarily in its own best longterm interest.

“We need to realize a two-state solution and with it a comprehensive regional peace,” Rabbi Friedman said. “It should be the utmost goal of everyone who loves Israel to achieve that. There is nothing more important than Israel’s long term security. ...if we want a national home for the Jewish

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Jewish record of the Trial, available in English for the first time.”

Originally from Kansas City, Rabbi Friedman is the senior rabbi at Judea Reform Congregation near Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. His congregation includes members from both Duke and the University of North Carolina, which makes college basketball season particularly interesting. Rabbi Friedman’s visit is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.

‘3 By 3’ due Sunday at JCC

by DIANE AXLER BAUM and LYNN LAWSON for Omaha Chamber Music Society The Omaha Chamber Music Society will present three top professionals in “3 BY 3” this Sunday, April 7 at 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater. Included in this memorable program are Haydn’s Trio in G Major, Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, and Ravel’s Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello. Featured performers are Susanna Perry Gilmore, violin; Paul Ledwon, cello; and Yulia Kalashnikova, piano. The concert, followed by a dessert reception, is free and open to the public thanks to support of the Sokolof-Javitch Music Fund.

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people, we can’t succumb to a future where the Jewish people are a minority in their own land.”

Rabbi Friedman is certain that J Street’s “message is the message of most American Jews and most Israelis,” and that for there to be a lasting peace, Arab countries are going to have to offer real financial assistance to the Palestinians.

“Most Israelis are not delighted with the extent of money that goes to the settlements,” Rabbi Friedman said. “I believe, speaking for myself, that in the future, money from Arab countries will play a role in a peace agreement. What that role is, I don’t know. Maybe it will be supporting Palestinians moving back to Israel proper, but it will make the lives of Palestinians more stable. It can help them feel whole.”

Rabbi Friedman believes that Israel’s consistent belligerence toward the Palestinian people and its continued insistence on building West Bank settlements is driving a wedge between Israel and American Jews.

“Jews, particularly non-orthodox Jews, are putting Israel less and less central to their faith,” Rabbi Friedman said. “It certainly is true in my congregation. People are much more indifferent. It’s uncomfortable to constantly read about an Israel that constantly embarrasses them.”

In order to truly secure a future for Israel, Rabbi Friedman believes that actions speak louder than words and that American Jews must speak up against those who would continue Israel down the path of intransigence.

“I am deeply committed to Israel’s well being and to say I love Israel is very nice, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Rabbi Friedman said. “Fifty years from now, that’s where we have to have our eye.”

Rabbi Friedman will discuss J Street and its message during Temple Israel’s Wednesday evening class on April 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Milder Center. The following day, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Rabbi Friedman will teach the Adult Study with the Clergy class about The Trial of the Talmud.

“In Paris in 1240, the Talmud was put on trial before a jury of royal magistrates and churchmen at the royal palace,” Rabbi Friedman said. “The book was prosecuted by a well known Jewish heretic and defended by four of the great rabbis of the age who were drafted by King Louis IX, sponsor of the trial. We will discuss the historical circumstances in which this trial came to pass and read a few passages of the

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FOLLOWED WITH WINE, CHEESE, AND DESSERT

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For information visit w w w. j c c o m a h a . o r g , or call Esther Katz at (402)334-6406. Many thanks to the JFO, Herbert Goldsten Trust, Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundation, Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, and the Special DonorAdvised Fund for helping us bring this event to the community.