April 10, 2009

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 32 Omaha, NE

TriFaith speakers call for Shalit’s release

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Two of three featured speakers at last month’s TriFaith dinner called for the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, the Israel soldier captured by Hamas in 2006.

Held for more than 1000 days, Shalit’s wherabouts are unknown and he has been denied visits by any relief organization, including the Red Cross.

Rabbi Peter Knoebel, center, and Mark Pelavin, right, of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, speak to Rev. John Shaefer.

Photo by Gary Javitch Rabbi Peter Knoebel, past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, both responded “Yes” when asked by this newspaper “in the spirit of unity,” would they call on Hamas to release Gilad Shalit.

As of press time, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president One-on-one with of the Islamic Society of the chairman of the North America, had not TriFaith Inititiave responded.

Rabbi Knoebel added appears on page 7 that he did not “want to turn this into a question of support for Israel,” noting that the TriFaith dinner was “not a conversation about Israel,” but rather “how our faith traditions teach us about peace and cooperation.”

He added in a phone interview with this writer last month, “I’ll address it if it comes up.”

Continued on page 2

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

16 Nisan, 5769

April 10, 2009

JCC Maccabi Games make a return visit to Omaha in 2010

by LISA SHKOLNICK JCC Maccabi Games Director If you’re lucky the opportunity to do something extraordinary happens once in a lifetime. And in exceptional cases, you get an opportunity to do that “extraordinary something” twice. On Aug. 1–6, 2010, the Omaha community is again hosting the JCC Maccabi Games.

CoKimberly Chairmen Robinson, Cindy Goldberg, and Stacey Rockman are leading this effort, and began the planning process nearly one year ago.

Nearly 1000 young Jewish athletes and hundreds of visiting parents and families will descend on Omaha for the 2010 Games, an Jody Malashock, co-chairman of the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games, challenges JCC Executive Olympic-style competition Director Jeffrey Aizenberg to match her team’s achievements for the 2010 Games. for Jewish athletes ages 1316. Participants will come from more than 25 cities nationwide, as well as from Israel, and maybe even from Budapest.

Events for the week include opening and closing ceremonies, full days of athletic competition, evening Programs, Host Family Night, and Community Service Programs. As a host city, the Omaha delegation is unlimited in size. With over 280 eligible participants, the delegation is expected to increase from 20 athletes in 2009 to more than120 athletes in 2010.

In addition, 12-year-old athletes will be allowed to compete in individual events in 2010. Omaha’s sport selections include baseball, basketball, bowling, dance, golf, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball. Other JCC Maccabi Games host communities in Co-Chairmen of the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games are Cindy 2010 are Denver, Richmond, and Baltimore.

Goldberg, left, Stacey Rockman and Kimberly Robinson.

Continued on page 9

Israeli army discounts soldiers’ stories of Gaza misconduct

by MARCY OSTER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Myth or fact?

The Israel Defense Forces says that two accounts by Israeli soldiers alleging misconduct by their comrades in Gaza were based on hearsay rather than fact.

After an initial inquiry, the criminal investigation department of Israel’s Military Police closed the probe Monday after it could not substantiate any of the accounts. But the allegations, first aired last month at a conference at an Israeli military college and then published two weeks ago in the college’s bulletin, already had sparked a firestorm of controversy in Israel and criticism of the Jewish state overseas.

A flurry of editorials and op-eds around the world condemned the IDF’s alleged misdeeds.

According to the soldiers, Israeli troops used heavy firepower in built-up civilian areas, shot and killed women and children on at least two occasions because of loose rules of engagement and, in many

Inside

The IDF leaves the Gaza Strip on Jan. 21 after the completion of operation Cast Lead.

Credit: ISRANET

This Week: All hands for Gilad: Page 8

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12

Beth El joins Hekhsher Tzedek movement: Page 4

cases, showed little respect for Palestinian people and property.

The day after the allegations were made public by the Oranim Academic College’s bulletin and reported by Israeli media outlets, the IDF’s advocate general, Brig.

Gen. Avichai Mendelblit, instructed the army to look into the claims.

“It is unfortunate that none of the speakers at the conference was careful to be accurate in the depiction of his claims, and even more so that they chose to present various incidents of a severe nature, despite not personally witnessing and knowing much about them,” Mendelblit said March 30. “It seems that it will be difficult to evaluate the damage done to the image and morals of the IDF and its soldiers who had participated in Operation Cast Lead.”

The central allegation -- that soldiers shot at a Palestinian mother and two of her children after they entered a closed military zone after being evicted from Continued on page 2

Coming Next Month: Mother’s Day Gift Guide, May 1 America Decides 2009: Jim Vokal in the mayor’s race: Page 10

BBYO Srping Regional gains community support: Page 16

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

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Israeli army discounts soldiers’ stories

Bibi speaks of ‘comprehensive peace’ at swearing-in rite

Continued from page 1 their home and sent in that direction, was proven to be false. The soldier who made the claim did not witness the incident, the IDF said.

“After checking the claim, it was found that during this incident a force had opened fire in a different direction, towards two suspicious men who were unrelated to the civilians in question,” the IDF spokesman’s office said.

In the days since the accounts were published, several army officers offered their own refutations, saying they instructed their soldiers to avoid harming civilians and to observe the IDF’s rules of engagement.

Other soldiers recorded their testimonies of how they and their colleagues took steps to help and protect Palestinian civilians. Their statements can be found online at www.soldiersspeakout.com. (The report from Israel’s military police can be found at www.imra.org.il, “Military Police investigation on Rabin Center statements: Based on hearsay.”)

B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, called for Israel’s attorney general to allow “an independent, non-partisan investigative body to be established in order to look into all Israeli Army activity during Operation Cast Lead.”

“The speedy closing of the investigation immediately raises suspicions that the very opening of this investigation was merely the army's attempt to wipe its hands of all blame for illegal activity during Operation Cast Lead,” a statement on the B’Tselem Web site said.

The allegations at Oranim are hardly the only ones the IDF is facing over its actions during the recent 22-day war with Hamas in Gaza.

Last week, Human Rights Watch issued a 71-page report alleging that the IDF used dangerous and highly flammable white phosphorus artillery shells in a “deliberate or reckless way.” In February, Amnesty International accused both sides in the Gaza conflict of “war crimes.”

And several U.N. committees and officials have accused Israel of war crimes as well as other human rights atrocities.

In Israel, along with B’Tselem, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel slammed the IDF for its conduct during the war, as did Palestinian groups.

The IDF said its soldiers followed its strict code of ethical behavior and humane rules of engagement, but the nature of the Gaza battlefield caused confusion and some mistakes by soldiers.

Late last week, the IDF released its own figures of those killed in the Gaza fighting. The IDF said 25 percent, or 295, of 1,166 Palestinians killed were civilians.

by JTA STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Benjamin Netanyahu in his inaugural address said that Israel is committed to reaching a comprehensive peace with the Arab world.

Hours later the largest Cabinet in Israeli history -- 30 ministers and at least another six deputy ministers -- was sworn in March 31 in the Knesset chamber. Lawmakers approved the government along party and coalition lines by a vote of 69 to 45 with five abstentions. The ministers took the oath of office at the end of the nearly sixhour session one at a time as the clock approached midnight.

In his inaugural, the n e w prime minister said that “We will not let anyone question our right to exist. Israel cannot afford to treat statements against it lightheartedly.”

Netanyahu’s address, in which he said he would do whatever it takes to bring captive soldier Gilad Shalit home, was interrupted at several points by angry lawmakers. Shalit’s parents, as well as the parents of Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman, who was kidnapped and killed in 1996, attended the swearing-in.

In his final address, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset, “I haven’t a shred of bitterness or of anger. I’m stepping down with pride, with my head held high and with a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege I have had to lead the State of Israel.”

Olmert defended his tenure, saying that both the Second Lebanon War in 2006 and the recent Gaza operation were necessary, and that the Lebanon War’s outcome was positive; that his government’s peace efforts were recognized by the international community; and that his fiscal policy bolstered the economy. He also asserted that his Kadima Party, led by Tzipi Livni, would be a responsible opposition.

In a bit of last-minute drama, Silvan Shalom, Netanyahu’s chief party rival, agreed in negotiations immediately before the swearing-in to enter the government as vice premier and regional development minister.

Shalom wanted the Foreign Ministry portfolio or another high-profile position, and had threatened to stay out of the government if he did not receive one. Moshe Ya’alon also holds the position of vice premier.

Speakers call for Shalit’s release Continued from page 1 When asked about her statement during Israel’s incursion into Gaza, in which Bishop Jefferts Schori “challenged the Israeli government to call a halt to this wholly disproportionate escalation of violence...”, she responded via e-mail, “The violence committed on both sides is unacceptable. The ultimate tragedy is the unresolved situation for Israelis and Palestinians.”

She added that she looks “for the shalom and salaam the Abrahamic faiths uphold as the goal of God’s creation -- in this case, a proximate example of which would look like a just and lasting peace, with secure and viable states for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Rabbi Knoebel also said he was “opposed to academic boycotts of all varieties” and that he viewed university campuses as “opportunities to express our views.” (He was informed that a member of the TriFaith Initiative had signed the PACBI -- Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.)

In fact, he says he was an outspoken opponent to the boycott against Israeli academics proposed by the United Kingdom’s National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE).

Though that proposal -- which demanded that Israeli professors would not be allowed to enter the UK unless they signed a statement acknowledging that Israel was an “apartheid state,” was originally approved, it was voted down a month later. Boycott proponents in the UK have tried to have it reinstate it without success. That same boycott is now being pushed by the PACBI in North America, with the addition of banning all Israeli academics and divesting in U.S. companies that do business in Israel.

And it is in the United States, that Rabbi Knoebel says efforts are being directed.

“I don’t know any way to move forward except to talk with people with whom we don’t agree,” he said, noting that his own congregation, Beth Emet in Evanston, IL, has been engaged in an interfaith conversation with Wheaton College, a four-year liberal arts college with an Evangelical Christian point of view.

And two days after the TriFaith dinner, Beth Emet participated in “A Peculiar People: Exploring Our Distinctive Faith Traditions,” an interfaith event at a local church. This same group, which also includes Baptists and Catholics, will get together at the end of the month for “Unity Day,” a sort of Mitzvah Day among interfaith groups.

As to the purpose of all these interfaith activities, Rabbi Knoebel said it is “to create new types of relationships.” Specifics might include working on issues like “the environment, poverty, and social justice on which we agree,” he added, “providing support on universal health care,” for example.

However, when asked whether he knew about the origins of the ISNA, Rabbi Knoebel said, “I don’t know all of the details of all organizations.” He said that in his opinion, “ISNA is the umbrella organization of Muslim groups ... the largest mainstream Islamic organization in the U.S. If we’re going to be engaged in dialogue ... we need to be in dialogue with all of the players.”

He did add that while “an individual Christian or Muslim (may) take a position in opposition to our values,” there wasn’t much anyone could do about it. The Union for Reform Judaism has been working with the ISNA on a “national, regional and local level,” according to Rabbi Knoebel, and that Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the President of URJ, spoke to ISNA’s national convention in August of 2007. Four months later, Mattson was a featured speaker at the URJ Biennial in San Diego, CA.

April 10, 2009

Chag Samayach Pesach

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

by BOB LEPP, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

This is a great time of the year. The weather is slowly getting nicer. The market is making a bit of a comeback. There is a feeling of renewal and excitement. We are lucky. Omaha has a real spirit of accomplishment and it feeds itself and continues to grow with a sense of strength and success.

I know that everyone with the Federation and in the community will continue to work together to find solutions to the tough issues we face. We have to know that we do not live in a bubble. What we decide today becomes tomorrow’s history and we know from history that things are always changing. So, we must continue to do what we do best, make the right decisions and recognize that we are always working together towards a better tomorrow.

The Federation and the agencies will strive to share resources and make sound spending decisions. But we will also continue our efforts to strengthen the many wonderful programs offered through the agencies.

Please, go to our Federation’s Community Calendar to find a program or event to attend -- at www.jewishomaha.org.

Let me mention just a couple of recent events that were very successful. The recent visit by the Israeli teens with our Artza participants and other Jewish Omaha teens made for a wonderful weekend; it was led by our community schlicha, Tamar Halevy. The experience for the teens was exciting and educational and constitutes an important part of our mission of connecting Jews to other Jews and to Israel.

I’d also like to mention our Young Jewish Omaha group. YJO is building on last years success of bringing Young Jewish Omahans together in fun and entertaining ways. So far, YJO has helped sponsor a pre-mayoral debate roundtable in association with the Omaha Continued on page 15

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Native son returns to celebrate Temple initiative

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Growing up in Omaha, Ron Wolfson who was “very active in USY” at Beth El, recalled the professor of education. Wolfson’s family and his involvement in the youth group led him to his “interest in Jewish life. I was on a fast track to become a rabbi,” he said.

But while a student at Washington University in St. Louis, he changed his mind.

“I got involved in an innovative program ... and ended up getting a Ph.D. in education” in 1974. He began to Dr. Ronald Wolfson believe he could best make his contribution to Judaism in the educational field.

“But I needed to study Judaica more. So I got a fellowship to study at the University of Judaism, and they hired me as a professor. Much to my surprise, I’ve been there ever since.”

Dr. Wolfson will be in Omaha at Temple Israel the weekend of April 24-26 as a scholar-in-residence.

Following up on the Social Justice initiative he launched with the congregation on Rosh Hashanah, Wolfson will celebrate the generosity and support of Temple congregants participating in this year’s social justice agenda.

“This is the most remarkable program of tikun olam in a synagogue I have ever seen, because you are being called to do more than just participate, more than just attend programs, more than just write a check... When you volunteer to work on health care issues... or serve Christmas dinner at the homeless center ... when you attend a forum, an interfaith service or the Black/Jewish seder, you are dong God’s work. Because when you donate -- when you brought 5,000 pounds of nutritious food on Yom Kippur -- you are doing God’s work,” Wolfson emphasized in his Rosh Hashanah sermon.

Based on his book, God’s To-Do List, 103 Ways to be an Angel and Do God’s Work on Earth, the projects range from donations to the Omaha Food Bank, cooking and serving meals at The Stephen Center, hosting Tri-Faith dinners, attending a Human Rights Shabbat, participat-

ing in a book club, and signing up to become an organ donor to name a few.

Wolfson wrote his book after meeting Rick Warren, founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church, a California evangelical megachurch, “when he was creating a new kind of congregation for people who don’t like to go to church,” Wolfson explained. “So I went to learn from him. Even though we disagree religiously and politically, we’ve become friends.”

Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, asks, “What on earth am I here for?” Wolfson’s book is the Jewish answer to that question. Every Temple household received a copy of Wolfson’s book, “a gift from our wonderful friends, Janice and Bob Batt and the Slosburg family,” the author acknowledged.

Author of eight books, Wolfson’s series on the art of Jewish living has sold more than 100,000 copies.

As the director of the Education Department at the University of Judaism in the late 1970s and early ’80s, Wolfson pioneered programs in Jewish education, creating the Educational Resource Center. Wolfson and Dr. Robert Wexler, current president of American Jewish University, founded the first Summer Institute for Jewish Educators. Then, in 1989, Wolfson helped create the Whizin Center for the Jewish Future, a think tank dedicated to envisioning the future of Jewish life.

“For 16 years, we ran a successful program to teach Jewish educators how to do family education.” The Whizin Center evolved into Synagogue 2000 (now 3000) to advance the synagogue in 21st-century America. For about three years, beginning in 2002, Wolfson was dean of what was renamed the Fingerhut School of Education at American Jewish University which merged UJ and the Whizin Center. The latter was transformed into an adult education department, one of the largest in the country, he pointed out.

In the summer, 1000 to 2000 educators from all over the world came for training. “We continue to do that work in the Consortium for Jewish Life,” added Wolfson.

One of the major supporters is Rabbi Myer Kripke who also supports a national project to put Jewish books into the hands of families with children up to the age of five.

Corey Kirshenbaum, director of the JCC’s Child Development Center, coordinates the program here.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

Beth El signs resolution, joins national Hekhsher Tzedek movement

B’nai B’rith to honor top scholar athletes

The resolution cites a commitment to social justice,

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator the importance of business ethics, a concern with enviIn a show of solidarity with many Conservative syna- ronmental protection, and the importance of kashrut “as gogues calling for enhanced ethical practices for kosher a core value of (the) congregation and the Conservative meat processors, Beth El has endorsed the Hekhsher Movement”; it also quotes passages from the Torah, Tzedek Movement, a quickly-growing social justice ini- which spell out, in detail, the rights of workers.

“I think that the entire board is very proud that Beth tiative.

The movement (Hekhsher Tzedek means ‘Kosher El took this step. We just feel so proud of our congregaRighteousness’) was established in 2006, as a response to tion for being concerned about how people are treated.” the scandal surrounding Agriprocessors, the country’s She compared the Magen Tzedek seal to foods marked largest kosher meatpacking plant, located in Postville, ‘fair trade,’ saying that that seal “means that the people Iowa. The plant was raided by federal agents and who are employed -- from the growing of the product to exposed for its unsafe work conditions, mistreatment of the picking of the product to the shipping -- were treatemployees and other ethical violations. ed fairly. Young people in particular, are Shortly after the raid, discussion very much aware of this and are trying ensued within the Jewish community to buy products that have a strong ethregarding ethical guidelines needed to ical component.” alleviate such violations in the future.

It is Fellman’s hope that other synaRabbi Morris Allen, a Lincoln native gogues will sign the resolution and join who leads a Conservative congregation the HT movement. “I believe that other in Mendota Heights, MN, spearheaded congregations will be highly in favor of the initiative; it is currently sponsored this, because it’s ethical,” she said. by the Rabbinical Assembly and the “There’s almost no way anyone could United Synagogue of Conservative be against it. It’s hard to think how Judaism, and is overseen by the somebody could be against it.”

Hekhsher Tzedek Commission. While The anticipated result of such widethe commission is not charged with spread support will be the ability of overseeing the rituals of kashrut, it will Hekhsher Tzedek commission members monitor the ethical practices used dur- Bev Fellman is leading the Heksher “to be able to go to kosher food comTzedek initiative at Beth El. ing the food preparation process. panies and say, ‘Look, I have all these On his website, Rabbi Allen explains that, “We need to synagogue congregations who are all very interested in be in a world where we can say that keeping kosher is the this, and they’re going to be looking for the Magen way in which I demonstrate not only a concern for my Tzedek seal.’” Fellman said. “It is hoped that companies relationship to God and Torah, but the Jewish concern that produce food will act correctly by submitting themfor our relationship to the world in which we live. That’s selves to the questions and visitations.” what I really want to get across to people.”

But, she added, “It’s not going to be a ‘gotcha’ kind As a result of the HT movement, consumers will see of thing.” (in addition to the traditional kashrut symbols) another Steve Pitlor, president of Beth El’s board of trustees, seal on kosher foods -- the Magen Tzedek -- which will also voiced his support, saying that, “Beth El members be awarded to kosher food companies based on criteria can take pride that we are joining other Conservative such as the safety, proper wages and training of employ- congregations in the United States which have endorsed ees; humane treatment to animals; corporate accounta- the new Hekhsher Tzedek movement. Our synagogue is bility and companies’ impact on the environment. The taking the lead in the Omaha area to endorse and comcommission reportedly plans to begin using the new seal mit itself to this important initiative. We are committed in the next few months. to working with the development of this program as it Local HT proponent Bev Fellman, a member of Beth evolves on a national level and begins to appear on prodEl Synagogue’s board of trustees, was instrumental in ucts distributed locally.” bringing the initiative to the board’s attention.

Pitlor noted that Beth El is in the process of establishFellman encouraged the board to sign the resolution ing a committee to stay current and familiar with the supporting HT because, “It was just hands-down the right activities of the national movement; all members of the thing to do. It’s so in line with Jewish thinking --how you Jewish community are welcome to join and are encourtreat people, especially the people who work for you.” aged to contact him at spitlor@pitlor.com.

by HOWARD BORDEN The names of the metro area’s top male and female high school scholar/athletes are no surprise to Omahans who follow area sports. Tyler Niederklein of Millard West and Gina Mancuso of Papillion-LaVista High School were selected for that honor by local media representatives, athletic directors, and coaches from metro area high schools.

Henry Monsky Lodge, local affiliate of B’nai B’rith International, will honor them at its 55th Annual Sports Banquet, according to Howard Shandell, chairman. Grant Wistrom, legendary Cornhusker Black-shirt and NFL defensive star for the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks, will serve as the featured speaker for the May 6, event.

Niederklein will receive the Bert Render Award as the Metro area’s top male scholar/athlete. Mancuso will accept the Earl Siegel plaque, the counter part award.

The scholar/athletes will split a $3,000 scholarship provided by radio sponsor NRG Media. The schools of the award recipients will share a $1000 donation for its scholarship fund.

Tickets for the banquet can be obtained by calling 334.6443. Patron tickets are $110 each with a table of 10 going for $1,100. A VIP ticket, which includes a private reception with Wistrom is $160 (table of 10, $1,600). Other sponsorships are also available.

Niederklein lettered in three sports, garnering accolades for his superior play in football and baseball. In the fall, he will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a baseball scholarship. Mancuso earned great acclaim for her accomplishments in volleyball and basketball. Gina plans to attend UNL as well.

A welcome treat: Sunday night dinner at Beth Israel

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue You won’t want to miss the next monthly Sunday Night Dinner at Beth Israel on April 19, 6 p.m., when the menu will feature home-made kosher pizza.

“We held a Pizza Night last fall, and it was very wellreceived,” said executive director Beth Cohen. “So, we decided it was time to hold one again.”

Sunday Night Dinners are chaired by Joey Shyken. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages four to 12 and free for children under age three. Or, opt to be a sponsor.

Levels range from $36-$90 and include meals.

Sponsorships help offset the cost of these and other events at Beth Israel and are recognized at the dinner and in the bulletin the month following. To RSVP, call 556.6288.

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Temple Caring Committee delivers meals, cards, kindness every week

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Every week, somewhere in Omaha, Temple Israel Caring Committee volunteers are preparing or delivering a meal to someone just home from a hospital stay or calling to check on them; making or sending a get well, birthday, or condolence card; visiting Blumkin Home residents; knitting healing shawls, or performing another act of gemilut chasadim (loving kindness).

Lois Epstein wraps herself in the shawl, knitted by Temple Israel Caring Committee member Annette Van de Kamp Wright. The shawls are one of the Caring Committee's acts of compassion.

Temple’s Caring Committee was initiated some 20 years ago under the leadership of Harriett Sperling and has engaged dozens of volunteers over the years.

Last summer, four women: Rosie Zweiback, Temple’s program director at the time, Lisa Epstein, immediate past chairman of the Caring Committee, and Bonnie Pfrenger, the current Caring Committee chairman and Judy Josephson, a Caring Sub-Committee chairman met to streamline the committee’s various efforts. “We welcomed new ideas,” noted Pfrengher. “My goal is to have it work well the first year and add to it the next year.”

Among the tasks accomplished were organizing a list of approximately 50 volunteers and enlisting sub-committee chairmen for whom job descriptions were written. By dividing the committee into sub-groups, the tasks seemed less overwhelming, according to Pfrenger.

“Volunteers were given one or two month tasks that are “very doable.”

Sub-committees are divided by tasks such as preparing meals for congregants returning home after hospital stays or for families struggling with difficult situations, delivering meals to them, calling them, making soup, baking challah, making get well, new baby, condolence, and birthday cards for 75-year-olds, making weekly visits to the Blumkin Home, assembling treat bags to deliver to residents, driving senior members to services, attending funerals or shiva, ordering, preparing, and delivering shiva meals, and calling bereaved families. Sub-committee chairmen are Amy Rabinovitz, Silvia Roffman, Sherrie Saag, Wendy Manvitz, Judy Josephson, and Jenny Meyerson.

Rabinovitz, who’s in charge of the soup group, explained that the cooks are on call by month. “We had an extremely good response and currently have a freezer of soup at Temple.” Rabinovitz, who’s had some extra time since leaving her job a year ago, said, “I am finding my volunteer work so much more fulfilling than I ever did working for a paycheck.”

Susie Silverman volunteered to cook dinners and deliver them to people recently released from the hospital.

“Little did I realize that ... I would be a

Class of

2009

April 10, 2009

recipient of this wonderful committee!” she said. After spending two weeks in the hospital, she was “delighted ... to receive dinner including main dish, extras, soup, challah, and dessert.” She and her husband were “thankful from the bottom of our hearts,” and Susie hopes it won’t be long before she can reciprocate.

Saag organized card making parties as “a fun and creative way to create a supply of cards ready to send at any time. Nine of us worked for two hours. From that party, we had our first ‘inventory’ of about 80 cards.” The volunteers decorate the cards with scrapbooking materials, ink stamps, ribbons, decorative papers, things either donated or found on sale. After the supply was depleted, a second party was organized, and they made well over 100 cards, noted Saag, who describes herself as “a fairly dedicated scrapbooker.

Anyone is welcome to attend the parties.

They don’t even have to be artistically inclined -- just have a willingness to help and wield a scissors and glue!”

Religious Middle School students got involved too. With Saag’s assistance, they made cards for Shabbat, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah delivered to Temple members who live at the Blumkin Home.

“I have truly enjoyed this project,” she added. “It serves as a creative outlet. I’ve met and volunteered with people I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, and most important, the committee feels good about performing a mitzvah.”

Every Friday, Wendy Manvitz, Judy Josephson, Lisa Epstein, and Pfrenger mosey through the Blumkin Home, a cart filled with mostly home baked treats in tow. The women deliver treats along with conversation to Blumkin Home residents.

Manvitz said that Epstein talked about the fulfilling experience of visiting the Home. “That’s how I got involved,” Manvitz confided. “I really enjoy talking with the residents. They look forward to it, and I know I do. I enjoy forming relationships with them.”

Others who have joined the brigade include Wendy Vann, Andi Willensky, Suzie Somberg, Susie Silverman, and Debbi Josephson. Alternating months with the other synagogues and organizations, one of Temple’s rabbis or the cantor lead a short service, sing, and chat with the residents during “Shabbat Comes to You” at the Home.

Several volunteers have been knitting shawls for congregants who have longterm illnesses. Dodi Redler received one of them. “I was overwhelmed!” she said.

“I was teary when I received it. It’s warm and cozy, and gorgeous -- a beautiful gesture.”

Pfrenger credited Josephson and Saag for their dedication. “They do a lot! And Toby Fellman does things that no one else volunteers to do -- like making calls every week.” She attributes the committee’s improved organization to Zweiback who “was a tremendous help getting started. I hope we can even do more in the future.” For example, Pfrenger would like to see the volunteers reach out to elderly Temple members who are homebound or reside in assisted living facilities.

In addition to organizing the various arms of the committee, Pfrenger’s been visiting residents at the Home for almost four years. “That’s my calling,” she said.

Mother of four including twins Sarah and Jessica, 10, Nina, eight, and Jonas, one, Pfrenger accepted the position of chairman “before the fourth child!”

But that hasn’t stopped her. Jonas has been going along with his mom to the Blumkin Home since he was three months old. For him, it’s just part of another typical week.

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April 10, 2009

Charles Arnold, also known as “Uncle Chuck”, has a grandson in Omaha who is having his Bar Mitzvah in August 2009. Uncle Chuck currently lives in Washington and we are seeking donations to pay for his transportation costs to Omaha, where he intends to remain. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Steven J. Lustgarten at 402/346-1920 or 402/333-6811.

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Local Tri Faith partners make a statement of peace and hope

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator It happened in Omaha. Nearly 1,100 people, a mix of Jews, Episcopalians, and Muslims, prayed together, ate together, and perhaps most importantly, talked to one another.

Last month, the Tri Faith Initiative, which represents Temple Israel, the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture, began with a Shabbat service led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet. Many in the audience, Jews and non-Jews, prayed with the Temple clergy reading from a booklet that also included an Episcopal evening service and Muslim prayers, which followed the Shabbat service.

About 140 high school students, all in matching white shirts, from the three faith groups ushered adults to the

line between speaking truth to power and self-righteous certainty, Knobel used the example of racism. The responsibility for the problem of racism is still endemic in the United States despite having elected an AfricanAmerican to the presidency. The rabbi urged being open to solutions from the right, the left or the middle of the political spectrum.

Both Mattson and Jefferts Schori emphasized that power rests in the community, not necessarily in leaders.

Pelavin asked the speakers to sketch their vision of a Middle East at peace and obstacles to that idea. Mattson said she is not an expert on the Middle East conflict, but “it’s important to all of us.” She described how Jews and Muslims have gotten along in many instances. “Ignorance is an obstacle,” she pointed out. “We can work on this shared sacred space.” She believes peace is possible.

Knobel believes in a two-state solution, a viable and

Mort and Janet Glass chat with Michael Miller at the TriFaith dinner; Following services, Rosie Zweiback, left, and prayer service, checked them in, handed out the prayer booklets, and chatted. After the prayers, everyone convened in the Qwest’s main ballroom for “Dinner in Abraham’s Tent.”

Jane Rips, a Temple member who served as the dinner chairman, welcomed the crowd. Two teenagers, including Susan Freeman and Ben Noodell of Temple, from each faith group recited the blessings before the meal.

After dinner, Mark Pelavin, associate director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, posed questions to three leaders, representing each of the religious groups, in a “Conversation on Peace.” Rabbi Peter Knobel, past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, represented the Jewish faith. He was joined by the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, and Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America.

Pelavin began by asking each what peace meant to them. Jefferts Schori described peace as “a vision of shalom,” followed by Knobel who explained peace as living in a world where each of us can live out our potential. Mattson said, “Islam comes from the word that means peace,” adding that peace is “the way we deal with challenges,” not the absence of them. “There cannot be justice without peace,” she noted.

To Pelavin’s question about what lessons were important from Abraham’s life, Mattson pointed out that “Abraham was a builder” relating that to the Tri Faith Initiative’s goal to build bridges of understanding as well as a shared campus on which to build a synagogue, a church, and a mosque.

When Pelavin asked, “Where in the world today do you see the need for courageous acts of compassion?”

Jefferts Schori answered, “everywhere. We see ‘the other’ as a threat,” and she used the example of immigrants to this country.

In answering Pelavin’s question about how to walk the

Katherine Finnegan moved into the ballroom for dinner at the Qwest.

Photo credits: Gary Javitch safe Palestine and a viable and safe Israel. He said fear and a “terrible lack of brave and moral leadership” have been obstacles in the way.

“I think initiatives like this one here in Omaha can change reality in the broader society,” added Jefferts Schori. She described the services before dinner as “an immensely enriching experience.”

Regarding the goals of the Tri Faith Initiative, Mattson said, “I hope, God willing, it will be a successful project.”

“We really have to look at the other,” Knobel continued. “It has become easy for us to live in insular communities.” We have “to get out there” and experience the other, he urged.

Jefferts Schori added that differences of opinion disappear when focusing on the needs of someone who has less.

“I’m optimistic,” said Mattson who said she has seen the spirit of understanding, hospitality, and openness promoted by the Tri Faith Initiative in other places too. But “new models are needed.” She hopes this will lead to better relationships. “There are many anti-religious trends that mock religious identity and values. Don’t be afraid,” she implored. “I believe this is one of the best ways to protect principles and values and religious identity.”

Jefferts Schori compared the evening to going through another Sea of Reeds. “We’re being delivered from exclusion and isolation.”

Knobel mentioned Abraham Joshua Heschel’s notion that his feet were praying when he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. and associated the Tri Faith Initiative with that image. “This is an historic moment,” Knobel said.

Bob Freeman, a member of Temple and chairman of the Tri Faith Initiative, said the evening was “another step on a path.” Today, he added, he’s more comfortable in his identity as a Jew as a result of meeting and talking with people of other faiths. The dream of the tri-faith campus is “very much alive.”

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ORGANIZATIONS VISIONS Luncheon meeting is Friday, April 24, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn. Join Rivkah Sass, director of the Omaha Public Libraries who was voted “2006 Librarian of the Year” by the Library Journal. Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154 by April 17. For questions, call him at 697.8709. Make check payable to Visions.

As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we are asking our members for a monetary gift to purchase Passover items for families in need. Donations can be brought to the luncheon or sent in care of: Florence Hauss, 3116 No. 97 St., #141, Omaha, NE 68134.

Please make check payable to JFS. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.

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Theater on Sunday, May 24, 2 p.m. The cost of $86 includes admission and transportation. Dinner is on your own at Cascio’s. Depart from the JCC at 1 p.m. to return by approximately 7 p.m. Send reservations to Rose Pitlor, 827 Dillon Dr., Omaha, NE 68132. For information. call her at 558.5144. For transportation to the JCC, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make check payable to Visions.

JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES The Passover luncheon on April 16 has been cancelled.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS There will be no Breadbreakers on Wednesday, April 15, due to Passover. Join us on Wednesday, April 22, noon, at Regency Lodge for a “doubleheader” of speakers.

April 10, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

One-on-one with the chairman of the TriFaith Initiative

‘social action’ synagogue, what are you saying to the partWe’re hoping for a picnic this summer, and maybe

by CAROL KATZMAN ners in the City of Omaha with whom you’ve been working? planning a TriFaith trip to Israel. We also announced at Editor of the Jewish Press BF: I know that weighs on Aryeh. And it concerns me. the dinner that we planned to offer mini-courses on Last week, Bob Freeman offered the Jewish Press the opportunity to ask about the origins and goals of the I’m one of the few who live east of the synagogue and Islam, Judaism and Episcopaliansim -- a taste of ... and TriFaith Initiative, as well as a few other questions about was one of the last holdouts. The Episcopal Diocese is then, of course, finding the site for this campus and Temple’s partners. Here in his own words, then, is the very active in social justice -- so by working with them, moving in three to eight years. it has the potential for opportunities, if we choose to JP: Can you talk to Muslims without talking about Chairman of this group ...

Israel?

Jewish Press: Explain how the TriFaith Initiative got move the (Temple) building west.

No firm commitments have been made, but we did get BF: We have; we can. You don’t have to include Israel started -- and why? a grant to hire Finegold (and Associates) to inform us in every single conversation. As an example, I went to a Bob Freeman: It startwhat it would look like, how much land we would need. concert with some friends and we didn’t talk about ed as an initiative that Add up the acreage needs, what’s the interaction? Do Israel/Palestine that night. But sooner or later if you’re Temple commenced as a the (buildings) need to look alike, have the same mate- going to have this kind of relationship, you have to talk plan to look for a new about Israel. Right now Israel is one of those things in rials, or does everyone do their own thing? location in West Omaha.

JP: So Finegold is acting as a facilitator for the TriFaith the world that informs a lot of conversation and emotion.

We have the Omaha JP: The Muslims here are Sunni? Does Iran ever come up. group in the concept stage.

Community Playhouse BF: I’ve talked to a couple of them personally, but it BF: Well, we know Finegold is salivating to do someand the First United thing no one else has done. The goal started out on the hasn’t come up much.

Methodist Church and in JP: Ingrid Mattson has said the Muslim community here ground. The TriFaith initiative was formed at this stage; effect, have created a everyone picked their own representatives. It’s up to doesn’t have a lot of American clerics. They’re bringing campus. On a practical each to designate who they want on (TriFaith). We them in from other parts of the world; they may be less level, we enjoy free parkdon’t get to veto each other’s choices. sophisticated and may not be good partners. What do you ing on peak use days withWe’ve had some conversations on a practical level, but know about the ISNA? The Muslim Brotherhood? Sami out spilling over into the (our partners are) not a library or the Chamber of AlArian? The Holy Land Foundation? neighborhood. If we’re Commerce. We’re Jews, Christians and Muslims and BF: I don’t -- but the Reform Religious Action Center going to move, maybe we there are issues of religion and practice and belief we has published an FAQ sheet. It says: could recreate some ele“The ISNA is not a defendant in the Holy Land ments of the campus-like Chairman Bob Freeman opened have to talk through.

JP: It’s important to talk to others.

Foundation lawsuit ... they are merely listed as an ‘uninenvironment and pick the TriFaith dinner last month.

Credit: Justin Limoges BF: So far, that’s all we’ve been doing. Getting a good dicted co-conspirator.’ It is probably true that under the some of our neighbors.

The original (West Omaha) site offered to us was 31 feel for the long term efficacy of this neighborhood deal ISNA’s previous leadership, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, we acres, more than Temple needed. We asked all kinds of is a stated part of Temple Israel’s process for evaluating would not have been in a place to enter into a working people, not just churches: the City of Omaha, for whether or not a move to a new location should be done arrangement with the ISNA. (His) leadership ... was exceedingly problematic for the Union of Reform instance. The Chamber of Commerce had just commit- with a campus piece.

JP: What’s ahead for TriFaith?

Judaism as he promoted views, specifically on Israel, that ted to another site, or they would have been a perfect BF: We’re getting to know the people with whom we were diametrically opposed to ours. It is a vision that Dr. partner. Then we started talking to some faith-based groups, including the Episcopal Diocese who told us, are negotiating these things. Planning this gigantic din- Mattson’s new leadership has embraced which has led us ner involved hundreds of hours and people got along. to work with them.� ‘Wow, we, too, are looking out West.’ JP: So you had your first partner.

BF: Actually, we found the Muslim community right before we found the Episcopalians. A representative of a another community organization said, ‘I think the ¨

Muslims in Omaha might be looking to move to West EB LOJ>K >KA BOKF@B >OOFP BKQBO CLO RA>F@ QRAFBP Ž QEB BM>O QJBKQ LC LABOK >KDR>DBP >KA FQBO>QROBP Omaha, too.’ We said we’re going to build in West 0ROGRAM ORGANIZERS $R *EAN !XELRAD #AHAN AND $R !MALIA 2AN Omaha; the congregation is generally behind it. What do you think? We expected that was the end of the conversation. We were shocked, pleasantly surprised, when they said there’s interest. At that point, (early 2006), it was just a meeting between Muslims and Jews.

JP: So you had already remodeled (in 1995), had been talking about moving, and the congregation knew there would be a new building in its future. But it morphed into having two other players on a campus?

BF: How we ended up talking to the Muslims was BPPFLKP VJMLPFRJ BBKFKD Divine intervention, some say. If nothing else, this parking >KA LSFB @OQL QEB R?IF@ thing will work. And someone pulled out a calendar and MBK >OB OBB >KA said there’s no overlap in holidays for the next 37 years!

JP: It’s almost like parking drove this.

LKA>V— MOFI €ˆ— €ˆˆ‡ BF: That was one of the initial perspectives. When you Â‡Â“ÂˆÂˆÂŚ ˆ“ˆˆ MB@F>I OBPBKQ>QFLK ask about what we like about our location now, one of LODBP >KA QEB >??>I>E“ BBHFKD @@BPP the answers was ‘our neighbors.’ We didn’t get to pick SaĂşl Sosnowski, 5NIVERSITY OF -ARYLAND RKA>V— MOFI ‡— €ˆˆ‡ them (in 1954), but it has created a good feeling.

Mirta Kupferminc, 6ISUAL !RTIST

!RGENTINA 2EGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS JP: And now you’re going to have into this whole carbon “ˆˆ ÂŚ €“‚ƒ BPPFLK footprint thing about this large parking lot that’s unused ˆ“ ÂƒÂŚ “‚ƒ BPPFLK

BTFPE >QFK JBOF@>K UMBOFBK@BP“ >PQ >KA OBPBKQ much of the time.

BTFPE UMBOFBK@BP FK ODBKQFK> >KA O>WFI Raanan Rein, 4EL !VIV 5NIVERSITY h%THNICITY AND $IASPORA IN 88 BF: That’s urban planning; it’s part of my law practice Adriana Brodsky, 3T -ARY S #OLLEGE OF #ENTURY ,ATIN !MERICA 4HE *EWISH #ASE v in real estate. It’s part of what I do and isn’t that foreign.

-ARYLAND h%DUCATING !RGENTINE *EWS Sergio Waisman, 'EORGE 7ASHINGTON 5NIVERSITY h4HE *EWISH ,ATIN I’m big on collaborative efforts, so the notion of finding 3EPHARDIM AND THEIR 3CHOOLS v !MERICAN 7RITER AND 4RADITION 4HE #ASE OF 3ERGIO #HEJFEC v our own neighbors is similar to putting together a shopAlejandro Dujovne, 5.# 'RUPO DE %STUDIOS Edna Aizenberg, -ARMOUNT -ANHATTAN #OLLEGE h3HOULD 7E "URY ping center. *UDIOS h%L PUEBLO DE LOS LIBROS %L LIBRO COMO THE *EWISH 'AUCHO ! .EW 'ERCHUNOFF FOR THE 4WENTY &IRST #ENTURY v JP: But wouldn’t you have a problem if you had shared OBJETO DE INDAGACI˜N HIST˜RICA DE LA VIDA CULTURAL JUD¤A EN !RGENTINA v space. Muslims would need a halal kitchen.

Carolina Rocha, 3OUTHERN )LLINOIS 5NIVERSITY BF: It didn’t take us long to figure that out. Â Â“ÂˆÂˆÂŚ ƒ“ ˆ BPPFLK h#INEMATIC *EWISH 3ELF 2EPRESENTATIONS IN JP: Because that would make Temple’s kitchen have high FQBO>OV BMOBPBKQ>QFLKP er standards than it does now and create different issues.

Joanna Mitchel, $ENISON 5NIVERSITY h(ACER LA !MÂŁRICA 4HE #REATIVE #ONTEMPORARY !RGENTINE AND "RAZILIAN &ILMS v )MAGINATION OF A 3YRIAN *EWISH -EXICAN )DENTITY IN 3AED S 4RIPLE BF: (It) might be a good thing for them! But the sep Â€Â“ÂˆÂˆÂŚ “ ˆ BPPFLK CR˜NICA DE UN NOMBRE v aration of facilities was an early item we identified.

EB LQFLK LC QEBOKBPP >KA QEB RBPQFLK LC Ariana Vigil, 5NIVERSITY OF .EBRASKAn,INCOLN h*EWISH #HARACTERS

Temple will be completely stand-alone and be able to KQBDO>QFLK 3UBALTERNITY AND THE REWRITING OF THE &OUNDATIONAL .ARRATIVE IN serve its congregants from its building which we will Nelson Vieira, "ROWN 5NIVERSITY h7ITHOUT &RANCISCO 'OLDMAN S 4HE DIVINE (USBAND v own and control separately from the faith partners. )DENTITY 4HE *EWISH %THICAL 4RANSCENDENCE Debora Cordeiro Rosa, 5NIVERSITY OF #ENTRAL &LORIDA h$IĂ•SPORA

The concept of an interfaith center as a fourth or fifth OF "EING FOR THE /THER IN 7RITINGS BY "RAZIL S %XILIO E IDENTIDAD EN ALGUNAS OBRAS JUD¤O ARGENTINAS v building -- could be something as simple as a picnic table #LARICE ,ISPECTOR v with an awning to a little bit bigger building where peoLourdes Barranco, 5NIVERSITY OF .EBRASKAn „“ˆˆ ¨ †“ˆˆ LSFB @OBBKFKD“ †

ple can mix with each other. There is preliminary agree,INCOLN h0OSIBLES JUGADAS EN EL JUEGO DE LA ment on putting our libraries together in the interfaith INTEGRACI˜N JUDEOARGENTINA v center so all of the great works from each of our Dayana Soto y Caballero de Galicia, 5NIVERSITY OF .EBRASKAn,INCOLN Abrahamic faiths are there. And all would have access. h/TREDAD EN %L Ă•RBOL DE LA 'ITANA v JP: These are all on the table? Have they been approved?

BF: All of these are very preliminary. We haven’t started raising the money yet. We’re still looking (for sites). Ăœ Ăœ And now the Temple is older; the needs are still there.

JP: If you move out west, the only Jewish institutions left EB KFSBOPFQV LC B?O>PH>¨ FK@LIK FP >K BNR>I LMMLOQRKFQV BAR@>QLO >KA BJMILVBO TFQE > @LJMOBEBKPFSB MI>K CLO AFSBOPFQVÂ’ Ă›Â€ÂˆÂˆÂ‡Â— EB L>OA LC BDBKQP LC QEB KFSBOPFQV LC B?O>PH>Â’ II OFDEQP OBPBOSBAÂ’ ˆ   ƒ east of 120th are cemeteries? With Temple known as the the

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2ETURNING TO "ABEL *EWISH ,ATIN !MERICAN %XPERIENCES AND 2EPRESENTATIONS

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

The Four Sons: 2009

All hands for Gilad

Part 3: The Simple Son

by TAMAR HALEVY JCC Community Shlicha Last month, the Young Shlichim Unit directors of the Jewish Agency for Israel, presented Gilad Shalit family with a huge Israeli flag saying: “The Jewish world gives a hand to Gilad.”

Shalit is a 22-year-old Israeli soldier who was abducted by Hamas on the border with Gaza in June 2006.

The Israeli government is still attempting to have Hamas release Gilad, especially after the recent conflict in Gaza and elections.

The idea of making the flag came up during a Young Shlichim Convention in Baltimore earlier this year. “We were looking for a global project that will allow us, Shlichim, to work together as a team and will also connect our communities to Israel and its burning issues,” said Maor Perry, Community Shaliach of Pensacola FL. In the last four months, Jewish Agency emissaries (shlichim) all over the world, gathered handprints of Jewish children from 200 schools and kindergartens around the world. The handprints were painted on a large banner calling to free captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

by OZZIE NOGG The Four Sons are familiar characters in the Passover narrative. According to our sages, the questions they ask reflect their different personalities -- knowledgeable, self-absorbed, unsophisticated, unaware -- traits all of us share to some degree. In this, and upcoming editions of Haggadah reminds us to the Jewish Press, we will accept people as they are, reframe the questions According to a Midrash, God created just one and offers different asked by the Four Sons to answers for those with reflect current issues in man, Adam, and one woman, Eve, to remind us different abilities and difour community -- specifi- that we are all descended from the same ferent needs. As the cally those relating to tell us, Jewish Family Service -- ancestors and part of the same human family; so Proverbs “Teaching should take as well as our responses to that no person can say to another, “I am better in a manner approthe questions. And just as than you, for my ancestors are better than yours.” place priate to the understandwith the Haggadah, in The Yachad program reflects this philosophy. ing of the child.” This the telling we will learn. approach can be applied In the first week of this series, we discussed the Wise Son and his question: “Why to our interaction with adults, as well.

Yachad -- a program sponsored by Jewish Family does our community have a Jewish Family Service? What is its purpose, mission and goal?” The answer: to Service -- is designed for those in our community with strengthen and preserve life in the Jewish community developmental disabilities. The Hebrew word, yachad, and the community at large through financial assistance, means togetherness. The social, cultural and religious activities offered at Yachad gatherings give participants a counseling and other vital human services.

The following week we spoke of the Wicked Son, the chance to build friendships, maintain or improve their overindulged and self-absorbed child who felt no connec- independence and social skills, and become better tion to the suffering of our enslaved Hebrew ancestors, equipped to reach their full potential. Yachad programs and -- in our contemporary scenario -- has little concern provide a variety of learning opportunities that help members become active participants in our Jewish and for those in our community less fortunate than he. larger community.

In order to thrive, each of us -- child or adult -- needs support, understanding and encouragement. When Yachad members display the paintings they created and see people in the community show interest in their work, and in them, the smiles on their faces reflect their growing sense of selfworth. When a Yachad member feels free enough to dance in front of the TV, during half-time of the Superbowl, to the applause of his Yachad extended family members, the joy is felt by everyone.

Jewish tradition teaches that God deliberately created an imperfect, unfinished world.

Then God created humans to be his partners in its completion and repair. What is asked of us in our pursuit of Tikkun Olam? To remember the teachings of kevod haberiot Today we look to the Simple Son. His question, - respect and honor for all human beings.

This Passover, as we gather at our Seder tables, let us “What is this service?” comes from a place of innocence and childlike wonder. Where does the Simple Son fit look at those who sit with us and recognize that though into the Haggadah, and what is his place in Jewish each of us is unique, we are all created in the image of God. Each of us has value and dignity. At our Seders, Family Service?

Ancient rabbis -- as well as modern day educators -- and on other occasions as well, let us remember that consider the Haggadah a learning tool. They suggest everyone learns in his own way, in her own time. And that the narrative describes four types of children to that each question, even the most simple, deserves an make sure we remember that each of us is unique and answer. For more information on how you can support brings something different to the seder table. The JFS programs, including Yachad, call 330.2024.

The Four Sons

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On the left in the picture, Noam Shalit, Gilad’s father, holds the banner. Credit: Sasson Tiram/Jewish Agency for Israel One of the schools that participated in the project was Friedel Jewish Academy. Students learned about the captured soldier and said they were very proud to have the opportunity to help by contributing their handprints.

A short video-clip listing all Jewish communities participating in the project and showing the making process of the flag can be viewed on YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bgW6o1-0o0.

The banner was presented to the Shalit family by the directors of the Young Shlichim Unit last month at the Rally Tent set up near the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem.

“When we got to the Rally Tent in Jerusalem to present the Shalit family with the flag, the atmosphere was tense and full of pain. But, when we presented the flag to Noam Shalit and explained him how many people all around the world were involved in the project, we could see that he was very thankful and moved by it,” said Osnat Exman, director in the young Shlichim Unit.

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April 10, 2009

JCC Maccabi Games return to Omaha Continued from page 1 teers, committee members, and host families will be The 2010 Omaha Games are only 480 days away and involved in Maccabi 2010. “This is truly a community now is the time to get the Jewish community involved. effort,” said Esther Katz, Assistant Games Director. “It’s The official Kickoff Event last month brought together an exciting thing to bring together so many people from more than 35 Chairmen and 20 JCC staff for the first the entire community to work toward a common goal.” time. Then only 498 days to go until opening cereOne of the most exciting challenges for Maccabi 2010 monies, committee chairmen, staff, and several Maccabi will be to secure homes for the 1,000 visiting athletes. athletes and future athletes “kicked down” the days with While several hundred coaches, delegation heads, and Mick Doyle’s kickboxing VIPs will be staying at hotels instructor, Larry Zier. for the week of Maccabi, all “The Games are all about 1,000+ visiting athletes will the kids and athletics,” said find residence in over 350 Kimberly Robinson, “so it Jewish homes in the Omaha was great fun to do a literal area. ‘kick off’ to count down the Most of the previous host days to opening cerefamilies are expected to offer monies.” their homes again, but the JCC Maccabi Games hosting committee hopes to Committee Chairmen reach out to many new faminclude Omaha Delegation: ilies. It is well known both Katherine Finnegan and locally and through the Mark Javitch; Housing: national JCC Maccabi Rosie Zweiback and Sally Games movement that the Zipursky; Food: Diane Rosie Zweiback, who is co-chairing the Housing host family experience is one Malashock; Hospitality: Jody Subcommittee, prepares for the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games of the most rewarding expeMalashock and Marcia with her daughter, Grace Hack. riences of the Games.

Pitlor; Host Family Night: Lisa Epstein; Registration: Although hosting the Games will be a familiar experiJordana Glazer and Mendy Halsted; Security and ence for the Omaha community, hosting these 2010 Communications: Lt. Shayna Ray; Transportation and Games will be unique in many ways. Omaha has expandOperations: Steve Nogg; Medical: Eric Phillips, Sam ed and changed so much over the past seven years since Cemaj, and Ruth Margalit; VIP: Louri Sullivan and the Games in 2002, and many new opportunities exist Dana Kaufman; Closing Ceremonies: Patty and Steve, for athletic and programming venue selections.

Brian and Jaime, and Jeff and Kelly Nogg; Evening Additionally, with a new generation of JCC Maccabi Programs: Amee and Ted Zetzman, Andrea and Mike Games Chairmen, committee members, and staff, it is Siegel, Stacie Brodkey and Susan Lehr. natural for new ideas and opportunities to arise.

Additional chairmen are Judaic and Israel: Kim Games Chairmen in 2002 Marcia Pitlor and Jody Goldberg and Daphna Pollak; Day of Caring and Malashock led the community in a memorable experiTzedekah Project: Sharon Kirshenbaum and Susan ence. In 2010, hundreds of local athletes will have the Langnas; Baseball: John Glazer; Basketball: Todd and opportunity to engage in a positive Jewish experience Linda Zimmerman; Bowling: Tippi Denenberg, Carol like no other, and the games will involve hundreds and and Ira Nathan; Dance: Jennifer Glazer; Soccer: Jennifer hundreds of volunteers in the process. and Paul Miller; Swimming: Janet and David Kohll; For more information on how to support the 2010 Table Tennis: Andy Greenberg; Tennis: Sandy and John JCC Maccabi Games as a sponsor, host family, or for volLehr, and Joanie Lehr; and Volleyball: Jeff Kirshenbaum. unteer opportunities, please contact me at 334.6425, or Golf chairmen will be announced soon.

Esther Katz, JCC Maccabi Games Assistant Director at Over the next year, several hundred additional volun- 334.6406.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life.

world were Joan Udes and her late husband, Morrie.

When the Udeses built a new home, it included a beautiful ballroom, which their fellow club members often enjoyed with them.

Bernie Altsuler and his late wife, Shirley, were members of the group who made dancing an important part of their social lives. To prepare for their Blumkin Home performance, Bernie and Joan rehearsed on two successive Sundays -- about an hour each time, according to Bernie, who hadn’t danced like that for 20 years. The pair didn’t miss a beat or a step, and brought warm smiles from the whole audience. The judges would have given them each a 10!

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by OZZIE NOGG The residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home were treated to their own version of Dancing with the Stars at the Tuesday sing-along, prior to Passover. Bernie Altsuler and Joan Udes, pictured right, proved to be a total delight as they moved beautifully around the “dance floor” in the new West Wing. In the early 60s, a group of Jewish couples with a love of dancing formed the Holiday Dance Club.

Eventually they attracted so many members that they held their dances in Omaha’s large hotels.

Later, many of the couples also became members of the Latinaires Club. Leading lights of this local dance

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

This mayoral candidate wants a promotion AMERICA DECIDES 2009

by JOAN K. MARCUS At age 38, Jim Vokal is the youngest of the Omaha mayoral candidates. And, at 6’4”, he is certainly the tallest. The Creighton University graduate is a Republican and has been a member of the Omaha City Council since 2001. He is a commercial real estate broker and lives in the Dundee area with his wife, Liz, and their two small children. He claims to have more at stake because he will be living here for many years.

Vokal was raised in Millard and brags of his grandparents’ South Omaha meatpacking experience, and he vows that he will never live west of 72nd Street. His campaign slogan is, “not just another pretty face,” and if elected, he would not be Omaha’s youngest mayor. He jabs at his opponent by saying, “I will be paying Social Security rather than collecting it” In his district, he has battled against prostitution, potholes and problem bars. He says he gets along well with outgoing Mayor Mike Fahey but that hasn’t always been the case. However, the lanky candidate is definitely not favored by the Omaha Police Union. Before the primary, the Omaha World-Herald endorsed him as a candidate.

Jerry Dann, left, converses with Mayoral candidate Jim Vokal during a recent Breadbreakers.

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In an address to the B’nai Brith Breadbreakers last month, he explained why he wants to be Omaha’s next mayor. “On Dec. 1, I decided to roll up my sleeves and ask you for a promotion. I would like to be the CEO of the city. I will continue to refer to the mayoral position as CEO because I think that we need to get back to the practice of running Omaha like a business,” he said.

“My priorities for the next four years include, first and foremost, stopping violent crime in our city. It isn’t popular to say this, but we have a family problem in our community. In high school, kids are having kids who are growing up without fathers. These kids feel a sense of family by entering into a gang. They have no one at home after school so they drop out of high school, and then they have no education to fill the jobs that are out there.”

Vokal observes that the gang members share one thing in common -- they don’t have fathers. “We can help to solve this problem by putting more police officers on the street. We have officers that are retiring at age 45 and the rate of retirement is greater that the recruits that are being brought in,” he said.

“We have 840 officers in the budget, and before this last recruit class, we only had 720 on the payroll. In my opinion, we need about 900 officers to do true community policing. Right now, we’re reactive and we need to be proactive. We are barely keeping up with priority one calls under the seven or eight minutes. We don’t have the officers to expand the gang unit, do a street intervention program, and make sure that we’re interacting with the community to find out where the influx of drugs and guns is coming from.”

Vokal says he knows how to make necessary cuts in other departments to put extra officers on the streets.

He also suggests a community-based plan which he has developed to partner and talk about education.

“I’m not talking about core curriculum of schools,” Vokal added. “I’m talking about how we can partner with school, churches and social organizations and develop a truancy program after school which will pro-

vide the incentives for scholarships and to stay in school.”

His second priority is to protect the taxpayers. He cites bills for the baseball stadium, the Quest Center debt which has been interest only and a $1.5 million sewer separation project that is unfunded by the federal government. “You need a mayor who can balance the budget with property tax rate increases. More importantly, I came out with budget cuts in this spending cycle in order to show you that I know where the bodies are buried at City Hall,” Vokal told the Breadbreakers group.

“I know where we can cut additional spending within city government. The Quest Center payments are scheduled to come due in 2011 and the sewer separation will be paid through user fees. The baseball debt and general obligations of the city make a high level of debt for Omaha. I will make sure that we use the fiscal constraints that are necessary to make sure that the citizens, as property owners, don’t have these bills on their backs.”

The young candidate vows to eliminate the “spiking” of police pensions, too. This is the ability to exceed base salary in order to receive higher pensions. Normally, overtime hours are used by police so that they can receive their pensions at a younger age and a higher amount. His theory is to eliminate overtime because there will be additional officers on the street.

“Moreover, I will tell the police that we are getting back to running our city like a business and that pen-

Jerry Slusky, left, a local attorney who specializes in real estate law, had questions for Vokal. sions will be received on base pay,” he said.

Vokal’s third priority is to make sure that we are continuing to invest in our neighborhoods -- like basic services he says that include snow removal, clean parks and safe streets. “I don’t think that we’ve done such a great job in the last eight years,” he noted.

“I want to make sure that neighborhoods have the grant program that Mayor Fahey started and expand it to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. I have a record of partnering with neighborhoods. I have hired additional housing inspectors, graffiti vans and have put in place laws for prostitution and gun control.”

His fourth and final priority is that Omaha is not rife with problems, but ripe with opportunities.

“You are going to need a mayor who will share a vision to move our city forward despite any challenges. I understand our problems, but more importantly, I have the vision to move us forward. A few weeks ago, I came out with my 10-point plan to improve the downtown and riverfront areas of Omaha. My plan will encourage development, enlarge an entertainment district in order to make sure that we’re going to attract and keep young professional people,” Vokal insisted.

“If you talk to the director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau, he would say that we’re losing conventions because we don’t have an entertainment center around the Quest Center. I want to expand the walk along the riverfront. And most importantly, we are in a serious situation with sales and property taxes decreasing. The way we expand our tax base is by bringing additional regional and national businesses to our city.”

In closing, Vokal noted that, “We need to expand our population so that we get more federal funds. This is what I’ll do as your next mayor! I got into this race because I have a strong passion for Omaha. I feel very confident that I’m ready to lead our city with the right vision and plan. I recognize that I’m not always the smartest guy in the room but I plan to surround myself with the best and brightest department directors. I recognize that, in order to lead, you have to listen first.”

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April 10, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

IN THE NEWS Joanna Kay has been named as a member of DMORT region 7, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT). She also works with the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Offices as a CSI 1/Forensic Anthropologist.

DMORT is a program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that responds ONLY when requested. DMORT may be requested by any municipality in need by going through the departmental procedures for requesting federal assistance. Please contact your local Emergency Management Agency for further information on requesting federal assistance.

She is the daughter of Les and Helen Kay and granddaughter of Lily Kay.

doctor he is today. “Everyday, I come to work, trying to do the best I can,� says Dr. Moshman. “Many times that means working 80 hour weeks. It is a huge challenge today to stay current with the latest medical research and treatments, so everyday I spend time reading new materials no matter how tired I am. I wouldn’t feel I was doing the best for my patients if I didn’t do so.�

Dr. Moshman earned his medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and served his residency at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. He has served patients at the Med Center for 14 years. Since 2004, he has also served three deployments in Iraq, as a physician in a combat support hospital.

Cleo Rogers was selected from her teachers at Kiewit Jr High to accept the Rotary Club Honor Roll Award on April 29 at the Qwest Center. It is an 82-year-old tradition sponsored by the Downtown Rotary Club.

This summer, over 100 children from around the country, including many from Omaha, NE, will experience overnight Jewish summer camp for the first time and establish a lifelong bond with their cultural and religious heritage, thanks to Camp Sabra, the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), and a record-breaking $15 million dollar gift from an anonymous donor to FJC. The gift, from a successful businessman who continues to have fond memories of his Jewish summer camp experiences as a youth, is being used to expand FJC’s Campership Incentive Program (CIP) beyond the already 25 participating communities to new places, including Camp Sabra.

The initiative seeks to significantly increase enrollment at Jewish camps across North America after successfully launching in Chicago in 2006, in six additional communities in 2007, and in 20 communities in 2008. CIP provides financial incentives to families who send their children to overnight Jewish summer camps for the first time. The 20 communities who participated in the 2008 program generated over 4.5 million dollars in incentives, sending over 4,000 campers to 120 different overnight summer camps.

Through the Camp Sabra incentive program, families who had never before sent their children to an overnight Jewish camp will receive a $1000 cash incentive to enroll their children in a camp session lasting at least three weeks. As stipulated by the donor’s gift, local Jewish organizations participating in the program -- such as Jewish federations, religious movements, and foundations -- are required to provide financial support for the program. FJC will provide matching grants, one-to-one in the first year and receding thereafter, aimed at launching incentive programs that will then be supported by the community long-term. FJC will work with participating organizations on all aspects of the effort, including recruitment, marketing, and fundraising.

FJC is committed to doubling the number of children

The UNO Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) hosted its 23rd annual awards luncheon on March 24, where the 2009 award recipients were recognized. Among them was Marti RosenAtherton, director of UNO Counseling ServicesUniversity Division, who received the Outstanding Achievement Award.

The CCSW serves as an advisory group to the chancellor and other university administrators on issues that relate to faculty, staff and students.

The Physician of Distinction, Primary Care Recognition Award has been presented to a primary care/family practice physician who exceeds the expectations of his or her practice or profession and who has made a difference in the life of a patient, staff member or colleague -Gordon Moshman, MD. Caring for patients isn’t simply a profession. It is a passion -- a responsibility to which he has shown an unstoppable commitment. Colleagues praise Dr. Moshman, saying he “is like an FBI agent of healthcare, he will not stop until he gets to the bottom of a patient’s problem.�

Another physician adds, “his skills as a primary care physician are unmatched by any other primary care physician that I have met.�

Honored by this recognition from his colleagues, Dr. Moshman credits the other physicians and medical staff at The Nebraska Medical Center for making him the

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benefiting from a summer at Jewish camp and to enriching the Jewish camping experience through professional and leadership development, training, resources, advocacy, and programming. FJC is the only national organization working with the field of nonprofit Jewish summer camps. The camps that FJC works with cater to all Jewish denominations and affiliations.

Terri Grossman, Director of Camp Sabra said “We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to Omaha families. We know that once children experience the magic that is Camp Sabra, they’ll want to return year after year. I started coming to Sabra in 1971 and now I have my dream job as Camp Director which allows me to come back every summer!�

Jerry Silverman, FJC CEO, cited the research: “Studies on the impact of summer camps are clear.

Children who experience the 24/7 Jewish environment at camp become adults who value their heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities.�

Indeed, research shows that Jewish camp alumni are 50% more likely to join a synagogue, 90% more likely to join a Jewish community center, and twice as likely to donate $100 or more to their local federation than Jewish adults who never went to a Jewish camp.

The FJC, a public foundation, is the only national organization dedicated to nonprofit Jewish resident camps, advancing program and leadership excellence in camps and access to vibrant Jewish experiences for campers. The Foundation helps raise awareness and support for Jewish summer camps, highlighting their successful track record for building powerful Jewish commitment in young Jews, ensuring future Jewish continuity. FJC works with more than 150 camps, 70,000 campers, and 12,000 counselors across North America to further its mission. (See www.jewishcamp.org.)

Camp Sabra, located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks, is a unique place to experience the joy of being Jewish.

Through creative, fun and enriching programs, campers gain a new understanding of their own rich Jewish heritage. From singing and dancing and religious services on the Sabbath, to special all-camp programs like Maccabia, the Jewish program at Camp Sabra has a special feeling, interwoven throughout our close camp community. Visit us at: www.campsabra.com.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $30, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448. ip s z Classes Start Monthly l a r sh S c h o ila b le z Financial Aid Available A v a

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

Making thoughtful, informed decisions Last month, the Federation’s Budget & Allocations Committee held the first of its hearings on its agencies’ 2009-10 annual budgets. Composed of the Federation’s Executive Committee and other community members from across the spectrum, the sole job of the committee is to sift through the various budgets and arrive at a decision to allocate funds from the Federation’s annual campaign and (any) investment income.

Their recommendation, as a committee of the Federation Board, is then voted upon at the final board meeting of the fiscal year.

Many first-time presenters fear this process.

But they shouldn’t.

The process is not only fair, it helps agency staff and leadership focus on their mission.

Last month’s hearings, at least for the Jewish Press, were frank and open. The committee members did not shy away from asking difficult questions -- about future advertising revenue, subscriptions, staffing, and of course, publishing in both website and print formats.

B&A members should be asking hard questions. In fact, the Press told B&A that at its own meetings, there are two rules: every issue is on the table for discussion, and no personal attacks or judgmental statements are allowed.

It creates a safe environment, where all parties feel free in raising questions about policies, issues and other topics -- and in the end, better, more creative decisions are reached.

As we’ve noted before in these pages, we feel that it’s vital that board members have access to all information about the organization on whose board they serve. That means all financial documents (budgets, monthly financial reports and investment reports about endowments, foundations and the like), bylaws and policies and procedures, and access to all minutes (not only board minutes, but all commit-

tees, including the organization’s executive committee -- which is, after all, only a committee of the full board). It’s the full board of directors which makes the final decisions of any organization -- and those board members can be held accountable.

That’s why it’s so important -- and actually reassuring -- to address a committee like B&A. Their questions were thoughtful, yet provocative. They did not shy away from tough subjects, yet they were respectful. Our answers were received without judgmental, emotional gestures.

The job of B&A is especially difficult this year, in the worst economic crisis we’ve ever encountered. And because the Press has presented a business model for the last several decades (increasing revenues and cost-saving measures year after year), it was not easy to tell the committee that the model has changed -- and we couldn’t be sure if it ever would revert back.

Despite that, and despite the lousy economy, we think it was one of the fairest, most honest receptions the Press has ever gotten.

And, we’d like to publicly commend the B&A members for their pursuit of the truth.

Though we don’t envy their job in having to come to a final decision on how much an agency will receive for the next fiscal year, we do know they’ll be judicious in their deliberations. It won’t be easy, but we know they have the community’s best interests at heart.

Now -- if we could only get our

Congress to do the same: treat those who appear before them with respect and dignity; ask fair questions without rolling their eyes; behave professionally; be honest in their own behavior before castigating those appearing before them; and finally, tell the truth.

Here’s a thought: maybe we should send the hardworking, non-judgmental, thoughtful B&A committee members to Washington, D.C., to show Congress -- and the American public -- how the process should really work!

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by DR. PAUL KENGOR

“Dear Iranians, your children have put the first indigenous satellite into orbit ...

[T]he Islamic Republic of Iran has officially achieved a presence in space.” (Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Feb. 3, 2009.)

If a tree falls in the forest, and the media ignores it, does it make a noise? If a crisis happens-specifically, one that hurts the new president that reporters adore - and the media ignores it, is it a crisis?

Recall that Joe Biden, back when he was Senator Barack Obama’s running mate, warned that a President Obama would be “tested” in his first six months.

Well, what if that test has occurred, and Obama failed, or at least looked pretty bad, and the media chose to ignore it? Perhaps precisely that has happened in Iran.

That thought was posed to me by Don Kroah, the excellent talk-show host out of WAVA-FM in Washington, D.C., upon reading a column I wrote on President Obama and Iran: “Hugs and Kisses from Iran.” To consider Kroah’s point, let me quickly revisit that piece: I noted that Obama, both on the campaign trail and as president, has repeatedly offered to “talk” with Iranian madman Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In response, Ahmadinejad has demanded apologies from Obama, has demanded “deep and fundamental change” from the new president and America, has denounced America’s

Iran’s theocracy has the missile, has the fissile material, and is thus very close to a nuclear bomb. That’s farther than Saddam Hussein ever got.

But the Iranians were not finished. Two weeks later, U.N. officials announced another shocker: Iran has produced enough fissile material to produce an atomic bomb. As the Financial Times reported, the revelation came as “the Obama administration is drawing up its policy on negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program.”

So, Iran’s theocracy has the missile, has the fissile material, and is thus very close to a nuclear bomb. That’s farther than Saddam Hussein ever got.

This Iranian leap is a crass, complete repudi-

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

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

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

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

Crisis? What crisis?

“Satanic views,” has maintained that Obama’s offer to talk means the American system and ideology “has become passive” and has “failed,” and much more.

For good measure, he tossed in a couple more Holocaust denials. In essence, Ahmadinejad took up Obama’s offer to “listen,” and then replied with a fusillade of verbal hand-grenades. He ridiculed the president’s overtures.

Then, after all that, Ahmadinejad made the shocking announcement on Feb. 3, the 30th anniversary of the Ayatollah’s Islamic revolution, that Iran had succeeded in putting into orbit its first indigenous satellite. The civilized world, including Obama’s State Department, quickly noted this was a stunning step toward an Iranian “military nuclear capacity”-specifically, the ultimate ability to deliver a nuclear warhead via an advanced long-range missile.

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

ation of Barack Obama’s very public thinking -- and his core policy prescription. His plan for Iran has blown up in the immediate days of his administration. The whole spectacle has been a painfully embarrassing example of naïveté from the leader of the free world.

Yet, this begs the question raised by Don Kroah: How does the American public even know of such naïveté, such a blow up, such an international loss, such a mushrooming crisis, if it isn’t highlighted on their TV screens? Is this the crisis, the “testing” of Obama that Joe Biden had predicted.

Now, it isn’t exactly the Bay of Pigs. But it’s arguably Sputnik -- the Iranian version. I wasn’t alive when the Soviets launched their first satellite into orbit, but it was a big enough deal that I learned about it 30 years later.

Newspapers draped their entire front pages with gigantic images of the Soviet satellite, followed by thousands of words of alarmist text.

It was a mammoth headliner. The Republican president, Dwight Eisenhower, was pressed repeatedly to address the situation by a panicstricken, frenetic media.

I would bet that nearly 100 percent of Americans knew about Sputnik.

How many Americans realize that the Iranian leadership -- the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism for 30 years -- has just done the same? I bet that less than 10 percent of the public is aware of what has happened in Iran -- which is arguably worse than Sputnik. Nikita Khrushchev, while no Mr. Rogers, was not a suicidal, genocidal lunatic who always left an empty seat for the Hidden Imam anytime he spoke.

The Iran story got coverage, sure, but not the incessant, hand-wringing, full-blown, wall-towall attention it deserves, or would normally Continued on page 13

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April 10, 2009

In dialog depite differences

ANOTHER P OINT OF VIEW

by RABBI ERIC LINDER

I respect that your column is your own opinion, and reflective only of your opinion.

However, the frequency of times that you have written negatively about the TriFaith project and/or interfaith dialogue with our Muslim neighbors seems to cross a line of appropriateness. It’s inappropriate because the Jewish Press represents the Jewish community, and for time and time again for you to write on this topic, a line of community responsibility has been crossed.

You feel a certain way, and as an individual, I do not begrudge you your opinions, regardless of whether I like them or agree with them. As a representative voice of our Jewish community, however, that voice needs to be tempered with the greater good of our community.

In the year 70 C.E, our Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. The rabbis, however, teach us that it was actually not the Romans that destroyed the Temple, but us, the Jews. They attribute our Temple’s destruction to Sinat Ha’Am -- ‘hatred between the people.’ It was due to the bickering and infighting of Jews - their inability to hear each other and work together.

And when I read and re-read your editorial, I see destruction at the hands of Sinat Ha’Am. In one of the paragraphs of your recent editorial, you write, “Obviously, we have no quarrel with people of different faiths talking with one another.” It’s incredibly easy to say something like this.

What we’re doing, and by we I mean our three tri-faith partners, is that we are choosing to have this dialogue, not despite our differences, but exactly because of them.

If I only choose to have conversations and relationships with those who agree with me, I would never learn, nor grow, nor change. And so, I don’t accept these words.

You obviously do have quarrel with people of different faiths talking with one another! Either we are for dialogue or we aren’t. Once we put forth qualifications, it is no longer dialogue.

“Meaningful dialogue” is not achieved by us having Muslim leadership say what we want them to say. This isn’t dialogue; it is a one-sided script that only reflects what we want! As a girlfriend once said to me, “Put the hand puppets away.” Meaningful dialogue is achieved by us allowing others to express their truth, regardless of how it makes us feel. And if their truth is that they hate Israel, its politics, or even its people, that is their truth. I might not like it and I certainly don’t agree with it, but I must be willing to hear it. That is meaningful dialogue.

Whereas I too have misgivings over some of Nasir Alsharif’s decisions, this in no way impacts my feelings about our TriFaith project. Nasir is one person; he is not the Muslim community.

If a Muslim leader chose not to deal with Jews because of the beliefs and sayings of one of our leaders, we would undoubtedly scream anti-Semitism. How do you allow yourself to live with this double standard? It is not good for the Jews, and it is not good for the world.

I speak for myself; I am not interested in the TriFaith Initiative in order to find commonalities between our three faiths, and then feel good about the fact that we all believe in one God, or that we want a better future for our children.

The goal is not what you wrote, “to find common ground and areas on which each faith group agrees.”

That’s not the goal; that is the starting point! The true work -- the meaningful work, comes about when we talk through our disputes and not around them.

The meaning of our work happens when we can look each other in the eye and talk about stereotypes and misunderstandings, pain and tragedy, and then break bread together. It happens when we can stop at the Palestinian rally on 72nd Street and say hello to our friends, even as we are on our way to our rally for Israel.

If Judaism has taught me one thing, it is the necessity to step outside of my own self -- my own ego, my own comfort zone, and my own sense of what is right and wrong. There is no other way to do this except by joining together with those different from us. The Trifaith Initiative is an agreement between us that we will continue to challenge each other in order to hear each other -- nothing more, nothing less. I challenge you as well.

Rabbi Linder is the Associate Rabbi of Temple Israel.

Omar Bashir in Qatar

FOCUS ON IbySSUES SHOSHANA BRYEN

The IDF Spokesman’s Office reported last week: According to the data gathered by the Research Department of the Israel Defense Intelligence, there were 1166 names of Palestinians killed during Operation Cast Lead; 709 of them are identified as Hamas terror operatives, amongst them several from various other terror organizations. Furthermore, it has been found that 295 uninvolved Palestinians were killed during the operation, 89 of them under the age of 16, and 49 of them women. In addition, there are 162 names of men that have not yet been attributed to any organization.

Has any army been so careful to document casualties on the other side of a defensive operation? Has any army been so precise in an attack on a cowardly terrorist force that removed its uniforms, hid weapons in mosques and fired from among its own women and children? And yet large parts of the world seem convinced that Israel went on an unchecked rampage in Gaza and there is movement afoot to charge Israeli government and military officials with crimes at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

But what happens when there is a real unchecked rampage?

Omar Bashir of Sudan was indicted by the ICC for war crimes against the people of Darfur. It was little enough for the Court to do; the UN estimates that 300,000 people have been killed and 2.7 million driven from their homes since 2003 in attacks by militias supported by the Government of Sudan.

After the indictment, Bashir ousted several NGOs that feed and care for the refugees. Inter alia, the indictment forbids Bashir’s travel and requires member governments to arrest him upon entry to their countries. No country of the 22-member Arab League is a signatory to the ICC -- with which we take no particular issue -- so it is not surprising that he was not arrested upon entering Qatar.

But that was insufficient for the League -- which issued a formal declaration rejecting the indictment and welcomed

Bashir as a hero. On the other hand, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said at the summit that Israel should be held accountable for “war crimes” in Gaza.

JINSA’s objections to the ICC are old and grounded in our belief that the Court is inconsistent with American Constitutional protections and would produce political indictments of Israel and the United States at the first possible opportunity. They have not changed just because the Court had a moment of sanity in the indictment of Bashir.

More interesting is the fact that Muslim Arab governments are willing to crony up a brutal dictator and turn their backs on hundreds of thousands of their Muslim brothers penned up in refugee camps, festering there with only outsiders to feed them. And crony up further when the “international community” finds its voice to object.

Sort of like the Arab treatment of the Palestinians in refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt as well as Palestinians living under Palestinian rule in the territories. Would that the Arabs were half as careful with the lives of their brothers as Israel has been. And would that the “international community” find its voice to object to Arab treatment of Arab refugees, even if Arabs can’t do it themselves.

Bryen is the Senior Director for Security Policy at JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs in Washington, D.C. Read more at: www.jinsa.org.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the Editor: Discounting the efforts of the Omaha Jewish leaders dedicated to establishing meaningful relations amongst Muslims, Christians and fellow Jews only demonstrates your close-minded approach to such matters.

Since 1999, TriFaith has progressed dramatically to communicate with, relate to and educate the hopeful peace lovers in Omaha -- an honest dialogue serving as a model for others, truly deserving of national recognition. Simply bringing parties to the table to discuss adverse relations will always remain the most challenging aspect to building peace at any level. Hats off to Omaha TriFaith for accomplishing that.

Beyond the efforts of the organization’s leadership, a tremendous response from each of these visionary religions’ youth groups provides unparalleled hope.

What a shame that the Jewish Press marches forth with blinders, stuck on virtually intangible events occurring far overseas, unable to recognize the vitality and potential of this movement under its own stuffed nose.

Without dialogue, peace stands no chance. Here in Omaha, TriFaith has set the stage to encourage and promote such dialogue. Your vitriol does nothing but destroy it. Shame on you!

David Goldberg To the Editor: A bird can love a fish and a fish can love a bird, but, where can they build a nest together?

Praying together is not the answer.

We must first learn to speak up for each other.

Thank you for expressing so eloquently to our community that real dialogue demands real honesty.

Sam Fried

To the Editor: I attended the Tri-Faith Initiative “Dinner in Abraham’s Tent.” It is a program I support because its stated goal is to “come together to learn about and from each other; to understand what unites us and what could divide us; and most of all to seek peace and hope for our children and the many generations to come.”

The dinner and program went beautifully and was well organized. Those in attendance were presented with opportunities to meet people from Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths, hear prayers sung in Islam, Hebrew and English, and listen to national leaders of all three Abrahamic faiths.

The panel of national leaders spoke warmly and benignly about peace. It was almost as if there never had been an Arab-Israeli conflict.

Still, I had to hide some nagging thoughts on the Initiative raised by the March 27 Jewish Press editorial titled “Real dialogue demands real honesty” and a recent letter to the editor about a Palestinian participant, Dr. Naser Alsharif, who signed a “Boycott Israel” petition.

Dr. Alsharif, a “Patron” of the event, and a holder of a leadership position in the Islamic organizing group, has taken a loud, in-your-face posture during and after the recent Gaza War. At various times and on the radio in January, he outrageously claimed, among other things, that Israel stole all the land from the Palestinians in 1948 to form the Jewish state and has repeatedly “massacred” Palestinians.

On a number of occasions he has accused Israelis of carrying out a “Palestinian Holocaust.”

Tri-Faith participants have to be willing to condemn wrongful actions on both sides. Given his support for Hamas and his public comments about Israelis, the hate in his heart is obvious. Accordingly, for a really honest dialogue among people seeking peace and understanding, it is time for Dr. Alsharif to leave the leadership of the TriFaith Initiative.

Gary Javitch

Crisis? What crisis?

Continued from page 12 get. This was the satellite equivalent of Hurricane Katrina. It was certainly a bigger story than Sarah Palin’s wardrobe.

Speaking of Sarah Palin, does anyone doubt that the Iranian situation would be a 24-7 news story-the mother of all crises -- if Governor Palin was our current freshman president? Katie Couric would lead with the story every evening.

Yes, yes, I know: We constantly complain about the media; it’s easy to blame the press. But it is true that Americans are educated by the media, and especially by the TV media, and most specifically, even in this new technological age, by CBS, NBC, and ABC.

We have begun eight years -- not four, but eight -- in which the American president is going to be protected to an unprecedented degree by an extraordinarily sympathetic mainstream media. It will be astonishing to behold. It will also mean that a genuine crisis -- at least one that would hurt the press’s president -- will have an uncanny ability to barely make a noise in the forest.

Kengor is professor of political science and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. His books include The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism (HarperPerennial, 2007) and The Judge: William P. Clark, Ronald Reagan’s Top Hand (Ignatius Press, 2007).

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

Candlelighting Friday, April 10, 7:42 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14, 7:46 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15, no earlier than 8:48 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Tunes & Tales, 11:15 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored

by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 7:55 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Synagogue skills class, led by Cantor Beth Schlossberg, 11 a.m.

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

MONDAY & TUESDAY: Morning service, 6:45 a.m.; Minha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Minha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Morning service and Yizkor, 9:30 a.m.; Minha/ Ma’ariv, 7:55 p.m.; Passover ends at 8:25 p.m.

BESTT: Classes will resume following Pesach/Spring break on Monday, April 13.

SHABBAT MORNING LIVE: Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Shabbat program geared to youngsters from pre-K through second grade, led

by Esther Katz. This month’s theme: Passover.

PIZZA MAKING & GAME NIGHT: On Sunday, April 19, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., all third-seventh grade BESTT boys are invited to Cantor Schlossberg’s house for a fun-filled evening of pizza making and games. To RSVP, contact the cantor in the office, or at cantor@ bethel-omaha.org.

Tifereth Israel

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan

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call

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451

FRIDAY-Second Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Pesach Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by the Jordana Kurtzman in honor of Joshua’s birthday; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parsha Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 7:30 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:44 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class is on Pesach break.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit Chol Hamoed, 6:45 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY-Erev Yom Tom: Synagogue office closes at noon; Mishnah Club, and Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class resume on April 21; Mincha, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY-Seventh Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY-Last Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:50 p.m.; Chometz should not be used before 10:30 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Lori Merliss.

SATURDAY-Chol Hamoed: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; LJCS Board, 1:30 p.m at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY: LPS Yom Hashoah Speakers Series, 10 a.m.

“The Lost Boys of Sudan” at 9:30 a.m. at Lincoln North Star; No LJCS classes.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Services conducted by Rabbi

CHABAD HOUSE

Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY-Pesach Day 2: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Priestly Blessings, 11:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow davening.

SATURDAY-Chol HaMoed 1: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY-Chol HaMoed 2: Service, 8:30 a.m. Refreshments and schmoozing follow davening.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY-Chol HaMoed 3: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

B’NAI MITZVAH Rachel and Josh Sullivan, children of Louri and Charles Sullivan, will become B’nai Mitzvah on Saturday, April 18, at Temple Israel.

Rachel is an eighth-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School.

Her interests include dance, show choir and swimming.

For her mitzvah project, Rachel helped with art program during the summer at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Josh is a seventh-grade Outstanding Scholar Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School.

His interests include music and sports.

For his mitzvah project, Josh

TUESDAY-Chol HaMoed 4: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY-Pesach Day Seven: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Priestly Blessings, 11:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow davening; Light candles after 8:47 p.m.

Day THURSDAY-Pesach Eight: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Priestly Blessings, 11:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow davening; Moshiach Feast, 7 p.m.; Yom Tov ends, 8:47 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the community.

FRIDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led

by Rabbi Shechet.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

WEDNESDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

THURSDAY: Services, with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Tami Fields.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School.

SITTER SERVICE: Available

Wednesday evenings during Family School hours during adult education, Friday evenings except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a b’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated.

Young children, including infants, are welcome.

TUESDAY: Black/Jewish Seder, 6 p.m. Temple has hosted a Black/Jewish seder, linking the holiday of Pesach with the history and culture of the AfricanAmerican community. We will read from a Black/Jewish Haggadah, prepared by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

WEDNESDAY: Conclusion of Passover: Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; No Family, Religious or Middle/High School.

THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy,” 10 a.m. with Rabbi Linder.

TOT SHABBAT, Friday, April 17, 6 p.m. Informal childoriented Shabbat worship service.

Hosts are Jenn and Matt Kirshenbaum. Cost for dinner is $5 for adults and no charge for children. Contact the Temple office or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

There will be no serices held during Passover, resuming April 24.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday, 9-11 a.m.

Minyan scheduled upon request FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. No kiddish luncheon.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; LJCS Board, 1:30 p.m at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY-Seventh Day: Morning service, 9 a.m.; No LJCS classes.

THURSDAY-Eighth Day: Morning service with Yizkor, 9 a.m.

Matza production in high gear in Israel

volunteered during the summer at the Boys and Girls Clubs.

They have a sister, Samantha, and a brother, Tommy.

Grandparents are Darlynn and Tom Fellman, and the late Colleen and William Sullivan.

Great-grandparents are Leo Meyerson, and the late Helen Meyerson.

Pesach food production, such as matzot (unleavened bread) has been in full production. Despite a drop of some 4% in global wheat prices, the cost is not being passed on to the Israeli consumer. The cost of a kilo of machine-made matzot will be about $3.5 – the same as last year.

Twenty-nine million dollars worth of matzot will be sold in Israel before and during Pesach.

Credit:ISRANET

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Over 25 Years Experience

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

April 10, 2009

Freedon! Freedon! Freedom!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Hol HaMoed Pesah If you ask an average teenager or, for that matter, an average adult, “What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?”, the answer is likely to be “Hanukkah.” The reason, of course, is that it requires no limitations and everything is permitted.

Actually, the most important Jewish holiday is the Sabbath, which deals (unsuccessfully) with the question of why is there life on our planet in the first place.

But Passover (which many of us know better as Pesah) is certainly more important that almost anything else because it focuses on Freedom.

What we have tends to escape our attention. Because we are free, we don’t recognize how precious freedom is. And yet, if you look at our liturgy, you see how often the Exodus from Egypt is mentioned, and how thoroughly it is emphasized.

Compare that to the way we think of the Fourth of July; it is a time for games and fun and food. We tend to forget how costly it was for America to achieve its freedom from Britain, especially because Britain is probably now our most important ally.

Many of us recall Passover with a memory of our younger years, when we learned the Four Questions, usually learned form Hebrew to Yiddish, that is to say, from one language to another, neither of which we knew or understood. But as adults, we recognize how precarious life is and how precious and sacred freedom is. Indeed, in the so-called Ten commandments, we picture God defining Himself as the Power that brought the House of Israel out of Egyptian slavery into Freedom!

There are some who do not appreciate Passover because the freedom it entails is devoted to limiting what we can eat -- despite the fact that usually our tables are laden with the best a family can afford.

Most of us are more impressed with the food than the ideas involved in the holiday. Instead of the usual Four Questions, the fifth -- “When do we eat?” --seems to be more important than the ritual of the Hagaddah.

You probably know the joke about the queen who was celebrating a festival where she granted the title of “Sir” (knighthood) to someone she wished to honor. He responded, not with the proper Latin phrase, but with the first foreign words that came to mind: “Mah nishtanah?” The queen then turned to her aide and asked, “Why is this knight different from all others?”

We all think mentally of the fall Holy Days as the most important on the Jewish calendar. Don’t be alarmed at the suggestion that Pesah, emphasizing human freedom, is the most important of all.

Good Yom Tov!

From the desk of the president Continued from page 3 Chamber of Commerce, they are hosting a wine event at the Corkscrew in Rockbrook on May 14, and they will be participating with Yom Ha’atzmaut day events.

We are also excited to have a full group of 20’s and 30’s going with our Young Adult Mission to Israel this June. There is no greater way to shape our own future than by investing in young leaders and connecting them to our community, to Federation, and of course, to Israel. Our group of 24 will visit Jerusalem, our Partnership Region - the Western Galilee, and many other sites. Ted and Jamie Friedland and Mike and Dana Kaufman are the mission chairs.

Pesach is the time of our freedom. From a life governed by others to one where we determine our own future. This year, like every other, I will look within myself and ask, “What can I do to make the world better?” No doubt that I will find things and no doubt, that if I am better, the world can be as well. Passover is where we break free. So ask yourself…what am I going to do with this freedom?

Have a joyous Pesach.

CORRECTION The caption under the photo in the March 27 issue of of Hana and her mother and brother is incorrect She was sent to Ravensbrück, but George is still alive; it was because of him that the information about Hana was discovered.

The Jewish Press regrets the error.

DEATHS ROSE ROSEN Rose Paperny Rosen died at the age of 88. Private family services were held on April 2.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; sons, Paul and Bill; and sister, Sylvia Friedlander.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Luttbeg and Bernice Wolfson; brother-in-law, Alan Wolfson; sisterin-law, Ann Kaiman; daughters-in-law, Joan Rosen and Margo Rosen; grandchildren, Daniel Rosen and family, John Rosen, David Rosen, and Adam Rosen.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society or Temple Israel.

CHARLES B. KAMP Charles B. Kamp died in Palm Beach, FL. Services were held there on April 6.

He was preceded in death by a son, Eric Kamp, and daughter, Joanne Sandler.

He is survived by his wife, Muriel Kamp of Palm Beach; daughter, Judy Kamp, Westchester, NY; son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Marcy Patton; grandchildren, Michelle Patton, Molly Sandler, both of Denver, Jenny Patton of Chicago, David Patton of Manly, Australia, and Steven Patton.

Memorials to the Nebraska Human Society and Jewish hospice.

Literature of the Holocaust featured in LPS series

by PAUL SMITH The Lincoln Public Schools has brought in a series of speakers in conjunction with its high school literature classes. Focusing on literature of the Holocaust, the remaining speakers include “The Lost Boys of Sudan” on Wednesday, April 15, 9:30 a.m., at Lincoln North Star Auditorium Ajak Kuai, Gabrial Ajang, Jok Akech, and Joseph Bakura have a unique story of a struggle to survive.

Families were torn apart as the government of Sudan created a “convert or die” scenario for those in Darfur as well as the South. The government of Sudan wanted conversion to Islam to be universal. These men each have a story of leaving the killing as young boys on foot only to be faced with hunger, thirst, wild animals, and the guns of those who wanted them to die. In each of these men we find a story of triumph and hope.

A child survivor of the Holocaust, Bea Karp will speak to students at Lincoln Northeast High School on Thursday, April 30, 1:30 p.m.

Karp was born in Lauterbach, West Germany in 1932, and is a child survivor of the Holocaust. Her family witnessed the horrific Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) of 1938, and were taken from their home to a work camp in Gurs, France. She and her sister were rescued from the camps by the French Jewish Underground, the Osay. She was moved 14 times until she and her sister were placed in a convent in Milleaux, France.

On Thursday, May 7, 1:30 p.m., in the Lincoln Southwest auditorium, Jen Marlowe, a Seattle-based activist, author, filmmaker and humanitarian, will speak to students about her role as an activist in the struggle to bring an end to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

She is the author of Darfur Diaries: Stories of Survival, and the director of a documentary film bearing the same name. Her current work includes continued efforts as an author and activist, and a concentration on South Sudan, where she has joined in efforts to bring education, clean water, and success to a damaged region.

Her newest documentary film, Rebuilding Hope, will be released later this year.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Page 15

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 10, 2009

BBYO’s Spring Regional Convention -- a time of reflection.

by ANNE MUSKIN BBYO Director In BBYO world, this is the time to bid goodbye to seniors, hello to new council leaders, and welcome positive spring energy to our respective cities. Omaha hosted 115 teens from St. Louis and Kansas City for one weekend last month, coordinated

by Colin Belmont, a junior at Millard North, and Shir Palmon, a junior at Ralston High School.

The weekend started with a dynamic speaker. Mel Clancy, director of the Goodrich program at University of Nebraska-Omaha, and respected volunteer with the Anti-Defamation League, used the convention theme -- “Get up

stand up” -- and incorporated games and stories about his life in Alabama in the Martin Luther King era.

After he set the tone, BBYOers moved into a mixer designed by Ryan Kirshenbaum and Brad Kutler, who made a purposeful program. “The Pick up Artist”, based on the hit TV show, had males and females dispensing advice with the two young men serving as guides.

Friday was a busy day: a moving tradition, State of the Council Addresses. As this was the seniors’ last convention, they were joined by many in the Omaha community as top BBYO teen leaders were honored and spoke to their peers for one last time.

Partnership school students send update

by BOB GOLDBERG Federation Communications and Young Leadership Director An Omaha donor provided calculators and dictionaries to students at the SEgula School in Israel to help with their studies. Segula is part of the Atidim program, which Omaha’s Operation Promise and Partnership with Israel dollars support. These young women recently immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia. They have great spirit and potential, but come from families with few resources or the ability to help them succeed in Israeli society. The girls sent many pictures and letters of thanks to the Federation, including these: “Thank you for helping us advance in our study and in life”; “It touches us that you care”, and “Thank you … I hope that you will merit to perform G-d’s commandments (mitzvot) and may G-d be with you in all your ways.”

Zach Spooner and Amanda Bucher, Omaha council presidents, helped to transform BBYO. Spooner led freshman training, co-chaired an AZA #1 dance with Charles Parsow, gave a mid-state of the council address at Winter Regional, and represented Omaha as a voting delegate at the International Convention.

Bucher helped to execute a useful freshman training program with Talia Tene, was instrumental in the programs featuring Lauren Schenfeld, BBG International N’siah, and represented Omaha as a voting delegate at IC, as well.

Afterwards, Corey Kirshenbaum took one group to play with and read stories to children from the CDC. A second group held a ‘p&j-a-thon’ with the help of Esther Katz, Mark Javitch and Emily Muskin; the teens made 200 sandwiches for Sienna Frances House. Group three took over the Blumkin Home; Lois Wine gave a moving presentation about the ways in which an aging body is affected.

Rabbi Jonathan Gross engaged the teens; and Friedel students joined BBYO and residents in welcoming Shabbat.

Each teen received a siddur made by our community shlicha Tamar Halevy; Brenna Robinson, Scott Goldberg, and Jesse Reno led a superb service.

Following morning services were Shabbat options. Israeli folk dancing was led by Ophir Palmon, and krav megah or Israeli self defense, was taught by Alex Salkin. Chloe Ginsburg, Anna Grossman and Jessie Morris explored Earth Day, while Colin Belmont led a discussion.

Halevy and Nir Gad, Kansas City shaliach, shared what it means to “stand up” in Israel through a song based on bumper stickers! KC BBYO Director Debi Tozer took participants on a journey to what they see for themselves as Jews in the future.

Charles Parsow, left, Macklin Emas, and advisor Andrew Shefren make sandwiches at the ‘pb&j-a-thon.’

Another highlight was a program led and devised by Zach Spooner. Teens were running and operating different businesses and concepts, to see who made the most money. Spooner then tied that into how the most important aspect is the Jewish outlets in our community, and how if we don’t choose to support them, they will not be there for the teens’ future.

Brenna Robinson and Scott Goldberg led an inspirational Havdallah. “Turn on your light if you value your Jewish identity” was one in a series that grew more intimate. Saturday night featured a dance followed by the convention highlight.

During “Lives”, teens talked to their leaders, well into the night. On Sunday, teens said goodbye to all their new and old friends, packed their memories and headed home ready to “Get up and stand up!” in their own communities.

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A U G U S T 1 ST– 6 T H

The Omaha Jewish Community together for one extraordinary event!

Join us in making the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games in Omaha an experience that will have a lasting impact on our entire Jewish Community. We need everyone’s support!

Chai Family - $18,000 & above

Sharon and Howard Kooper

Anonymous

Lehr Family

Epstein Family Harold and Etta Paul, Sandy, Kari, Brandon, Cory Gary, Lisa, Robert, Andrea, Ben and Alex

Erman/Miller/Rockman Family Jill and Mike Erman Lori and Michael Miller Stacey and Jonathan Rockman

Fellman/Sullivan Family Tom and Darlynn Fellman Louri, Charlie, Rachel, Josh, Samantha and Tommy Sullivan

Sheldon and Kim Gallner Family Sheri, Ali and Steve Idelman Jewish Federation of Omaha

The Redwoods Group Kesef (Silver) - $5,000–$9,999

Joanie and Marty Lehr Sandy and John Lehr Susan Lehr Cindy and Bruce Goldberg

Anonymous Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation

Phillips Family Dorothy Riekes; Carl and Zoë Riekes; Margo and Steve Riekes Kimberly and Andrew Robinson Brenna, Sydney and Brett

Frances and Sam Fried

Glazer Family Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare Jody and Neal Malashock Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation

Javitch Family

Proud and Anonymous

Judy and Keith Josephson

Morton A. Richards Foundation

Steve and Patty Nogg

Jan and Les Schneiderman

Zahav (Gold) - $10,000–$17,999

Susan and Jeffrey Aizenberg

Kirshenbaum Family

Baer Foundation Jack and Judy Baker

Beth and Harley Schrager Lisa Shkolnick

Judy Vann and grandchildren Maccabi Fan - $100–$999

Fundraising Goal $500,000

Arlene and Paul Cohen Cheryl and Ron Cooper Tippi and Steven Denenberg Laurie and Jason Epstein

$400,000

Jim and Jill Folsom Jan and Howard Goldstein Danielle and Jeff Gordman Ideal Pure Water Julie and Mark Martin

$309,000 Over half way to our goal!

$300,000

Andrea and Michael Siegel Strategic Air and Space Museum Tom and Shohreh Vann

To make a donation and join our team, please return this pledge card by May 4th, to the Jewish Community Center, Attention: Lisa Shkolnick or Jeffrey Aizenberg 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Or email or phone in your pledge to jaizenberg@jccomaha.org or 334-6417.

Ruth and Joe Erman

Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation

Arad (Bronze) - $1,000–$4,999

Maxine and Joe Sharon, Jeff, Alyssa and Lauren

Carol and Steven Bloch

*as of March 26, 2009

Count us in!

We’re excited to join others in supporting the Omaha JCC Maccabi Games in 2010 with a gift of: U Chai Family

$18,000 & above

U Zahav (Gold) $10,000–$17,999

$200,000 Please indicate how you would like your name listed in our JCC Maccabi Games Recognition Publicity.

Name:__________________________________________

$100,000

U Kesef (Silver) $5,000–$9,999 U Arad (Bronze)$1,000–$4,999

Address___________________________________________

U Maccabi Fan $100–$999

City_____________________ State_____ Zip_____________

Amount Pledged: $______________

Phone:_________________ Work Phone:________________

Payable over 2 calendar years, with final payment due by April 1st, 2010.

Email:_____________________________________________