April 11, 2003: Passover Edition

Vol. LXXXII

No. 32

Omaha, NE

9 Nisan, 5763

April 11, 2003

CELEBRATING 82 YEARS OF SERVICE TO NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA: 3 SECTIONS

Tikkun Olam Repairing the he Wor World

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World This issue is probably one of the most difficult we’ve ever published-not because of the subject matter, but because so many wonderful volunteers in this community are reluctant to speak about their contributions.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” said one longtime volunteer we hoped to interview.

“There are so many others; interview them,” said another. “No, I want to keep my volunteer activities private,” said several. Don’t be surprised if some people you expected to see featured in this issue aren’t there.

So we kept trying. We made more phone calls. We begged. We pleaded.

And some--some--said “Okay, I’ll do this if it encourages others to give of their time and effort.”

The stories you’ll read in this Passover issue are the tip of the iceberg. Even those we featured seemed to spend more time talking about their causes or others who are involved or what originally motivated them than they did about their actions.

Of that, we were not surprised. After all, these are the behind-the-scenes, steady volunteers who--week after week, year after year--are the ones organizations depend upon. These are the men, women and teens who automatically say “Of course!” when asked and then go about doing their volunteering with a smile.

In the end, we were very pleased with the results. We hope you’ll enjoy these heartwarming stories--and, like the volunteer who agreed to interviewed--we hope these stories will serve as an inspiration to all of us--to get out there and make a difference.

Like any big issue, this Passover edition took extra time and effort.

Despite the downturn in the economy for the past two years, our crack salesmen: Allan Handleman, Advertising Manager, and Ray Pred, Account Executive, exceeded their totals from last year. Creative Director Richard

Busse took Allan’s and Rays scraps of paper and bits of information from their clients and turned them into refreshing, eye-catching ads. And, because of his talents, we no longer have to spend time pasting up ads, copy and photos with hot wax--everything is transmitted electronically to our printer, the Times Publishing Company in Papillion, and goes right “to film” for a crisper, cleaner look.

This will be last time Jen Gates will work on one of our Passover issues.

She’s graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha next month and will be attending graduate school on either the East or West Coast (she hasn’t revealed her final choice yet!).

Jen will pursue two masters degrees: one in Jewish Education and the other in Jewish Communal Service. We’re very excited for her new adventure, but will sorely miss her--not just for her dependability and her creativity, but for her smiling face and quick offers to help. The Jewish Press is very proud that we’ve played a small role in helping Jen put herself through college and that she’s pursuing goals that will--like the theme of this issue--better the Jewish community in which she eventually lives.

Thanks to Tim Ketelsen, our bookkeeper, all our clients will get an accurate accounting of their bills when he sends out invoices and tearsheets at the end of this month.

And thanks to our own volunteer, Jean Duitch, who reads over these pages with a sharp eye to catch the misspelled names (“I’ve known her for years--it’s spelled with only one ‘R’”) and incorrect phrasing (“Where is that Central High Stylebook?”)

From the entire staff and committee of the Jewish Press, we wish our readers and advertisers a happy and healthy--and most of all, peaceful Passover!

Carol Katzman, Editor Fred Tichauer, Chairman

Photos above: Kevin Burian a Yeshiva University student from Chicago donated blood last month at the Magen David Adom center in Jerusalem. Bottom photo: One of a group of IDF soldiers entertained children in the Schneider Children’s Hospital in Jerusalem. The soldiers, dressed in Purim costumes, went from ward to ward singing to the children and giving them presents for Purim.

Photos on this page courtesy of ISRANET.

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JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member).

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

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April 11, 2003

A Life of Giving

by DIANE AXLER BAUM Before Eileen Remer babies and senior cititook early retirement zens,” she said. five years ago, she Indeed, Remer raised a family and dreamt from a young held executive secretarage of becoming a wife ial positions for 39 and mother. It was a years. Then, at age 62, goal that shaped her she decided she “was life. A native of the going to get busy,” Bronx, she was only 15 which to Remer meant when she met Miles, an the opportunity to do 18 year-old Kansas community service to City native studying at her heart’s content.

New York University Looking back in a and the Seminary. “It recent interview, was just about love at Remer said she isn’t first sight...It was bashsure how she became ert (fated), she recalled. involved in all of her They became engaged a volunteer activities. Esther Wax, left, (who is often the piano accompa- year later, and they She recognizes her nist for any type of singing) is the “piano player of married two years “nurturing personality” choice” for Miles and Eileen Remer. after that. Then, she as a factor. She also recognizes her father as a role worked while he continued at N.Y.U. to complete model and Judaism as a driving force. his accounting degree.

“My father was a very giving and loving perThe couple moved to Omaha 47 years ago. Miles son...the gentlest, sweetest man,” she said. He launched his career as an accountant, and Eileen, raised his children as his own father had raised over a relatively short period, gave birth to Laurie, him, with a belief that a Jewish person must per- Lynn, Sharon and Fran. Now, they look forward to form mitzvot.” celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this To this day, Remer looks at “giving of yourself to coming July with their four daughters, four sons-inothers” as “a very important part of Judaism.” law, and six grandchildren.

Many of Remer’s involvements benefit branches Over the decades, the Remers have been members of Jewish Senior Services. She and her husband, of Beth El Synagogue, attending services regularly Miles, are currently co-chairs of the League offering and, until recently, singing in the choir. They hated Volunteers to the Elderly, L.O.V.E., an auxiliary of to give up the choir, she said, but no longer are they the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home that helps with physically able to stand for the long stretches fundraising, volunteer efforts, and programming. demanded of performing. Remer continues to volunFor the members of Y.E.S.--most of them octoge- teer in the synagogue office, helping with mailings narian--Remer provides a range of assistance. On and “filling in whenever they need me.”

Mondays, her smiling face brightens the JCC audiA notice in Beth El’s monthly bulletin, The Kol, torium as she calls Bingo in the morning and helps led Remer to an organization that became one of her serve and clear up at Y.E.S. luncheons. In addition, passions. The notice was placed by Anna Wiesman, she and her husband, Miles, periodically entertain who was seeking someone to take her place as presat Y.E.S. functions. Recently, for example, they ident of he Omaha Volunteer Braille Service. Today, joined voices to present a medley of popular songs Remer continues to serve as president and also does composed by Richard Rodgers. braille preparation by scanning information into a When she is needed, Remer assists Maggie Conti, special braille program. Wiesman still volunteers Jewish Senior Services director, with field trips and as a certified braille transcriber. in many other ways. She also helps Lois Wine, Remer tries to avoid recognition, acknowledgedirector of Volunteer Services at Blumkin Home. ment or praise. Doing what she does “makes her Although Remer is asked, often, “How can you feel good” and offers her a sense of “self fulfillment,” work with old people?” it’s not a struggle for her. she said. “It’s important to give,” she emphasized, “I’ve always loved being with people, especially “and it gives back in so many ways.”

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

A Heart In The Right Place

by JOAN K. MARCUS I remember well the day my cousin, Craig Saylan, was born--51 years ago!

His parents, Rosalie and Milton Saylan, lived in Dennison, IA, where Milton had a grocery store. So, news of the birth of their third child drifted back slowly to Omaha.

Rumors were that something was “different” with this darling little boy.

And, to add to the problems, his heart was on the “wrong” side! Little did we realize that this child would grow up to be a constant source of joy to everyone he touched. What turned out to be a developmental disability has never hindered Craig in his quest to be a help to the world.

And, as far as his heart being in the “wrong” place, there isn’t a person in the world that has his great big heart in the “right” place more than Craig.

In fact, his sister, Dottie Shapiro says, “I consider Craig to be the most successful member of our family!”

Craig attended special education classes at Valleyview School and Arbor Heights Junior High. After completing that portion of his education, he moved to Martin Luther Training School in Beatrice, Nebraska. There, he remembers living in a dormitory and learning how to clean and buff floors. He went to work in the kitchen at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln washing dishes.

After working with his father at the family business, he went back to Westside High School and graduated in 1971. Craig added, “I like to work and you have to in order to pay the bills and take care of your life!”

While still in high school, Craig met Ellen Gottlieb, daughter of Hilde and the late Walter Gottlieb. “We didn’t date very much because we were shy,”

Craig admitted. “After a while, our friends pushed us back together!”

After a 15-year courtship, Craig and Ellen were married in 1994 at Temple Israel. They planned their own wedding and many of their friends were attendants.

“I had a hard time convincing Ellen to get married,” Craig explained, “but I was lonely and had been by myself for a long time. I had a cat--but my life was still very lonely.

“Nobody ever told me that I had a disability,” Craig insisted. “I don’t think that I have a disability because I have no problems with people. I love to be with people--especially with all of my friends!”

Saylan remembers that his father taught him how to drive so he could be independent. “My mom taught me how to cook and clean,” he laughed, “because she kept telling me someday I’d be out on my own. (My parents) taught me about life, how to take care of my money and be grown up. They were always patient with me.”

In 1974, Craig went to work in housekeeping at the University Hospital. “I have many friends there because doctors, nurses, and all kinds of people know me. I’m not prejudiced in any way,” he said with a smile, “so I’m friends with everybody.

“Although you may not always feel well, you can’t take your problems to work,” Craig added. “You have to put on a good smile if you’re going to work around people.”

Many times, when he was cleaning patients’ rooms, he would visit with them and reassure them that they would get well. He would form friendships and attachments to patients.

According to Dottie, Craig was once

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Craig Saylan named Employee of the Year. She added, “This is an honor that is given to doctors, nurses and to employees who perform beyond the call of duty.”

When Craig was told he would have to cut back on the hours he works at the hospital because of the strain on his feet and ankles, he decided he couldn’t just sit at home. So, he decided to volunteer at the Nebraska Humane Society. He had adopted his cat there and thought the animals needed another friend.

According to Sarah Schondelmeyer, a new member of the Jewish community who works there, “Craig is one of those people who is a true godsend.

He comes in and won’t refuse to do anything. He washes the laundry and the dishes and does anything we ask.”

Craig particularly enjoys working in the “Doggie Day Care,” a day care service where dogs attend “school.” He walks, pets, feeds and talks to the dogs while their families are at work.

Ellen and Craig are often seen “volunteering” at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, too. While visiting friends, they became acquainted with more residents. They now go regularly to visit with “new” friends who always look forward to seeing them.

Temple Israel members see Craig ushering for special events. Once he learns a name, he never forgets and is always there with a cheery word.

He has also been a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross.

Craig is always a devoted friend to his group of acquaintances. According to his sister, “If anyone needs help with transportation, money, advice or just moral support, Craig and Ellen are always there for them. They know the true meaning of friendship.”

The Omaha Jewish community can say “thank you” to a man who has been a good son, grandson, husband and friend. He was born in the days when people with disabilities were once “warehoused,” but he has shown all of us that people like Craig can be taxpayers, valuable members of society, and contributors--just proving that Craig’s heart is definitely in the right place!

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April 11, 2003

The Last Visa from Berlin

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It’s a good thing that Louis Benjamin Heisler was granted a visa in 1937 to enter the United States.

It’s a good thing--not just because we all know what might have happened to Ben if he had stayed--but because today, he’s the lead Torah reader for Beth Israel Synagogue.

For more than 20 years now, in rain and sometimes snow, Ben Heisler walks up the long hill on Hamilton Street to “lain” Torah nearly every Shabbos. It was a “job held by Mr. Bittner,” Ben recalled, “but when Mr. Bittner got sick, he called me to help.

I wasn’t too prepared, but Keith Peltz and I shared (the responsibility) every Shabbos.”

After Peltz died in June, 2000, Ben carried the responsibility on his shoulders. In addition to reading Torah on Shabbos, he also lains on Monday and Thursday mornings, on Rosh Chodesh and the Yom Tovim.

“Laining” Torah is a skill that one doesn’t learn overnight. Sure, many Bar Mitzvah boys (and even some Bat Mitzvah girls) read their Torah portion on that special day--and they’ve had months of practice. But the Torah is hand-written by a skilled sofer (Hebrew scribe) and

then Czechoslovakia, Ben first came to Berlin in 1929 as a traveling salesman. He worked on commissions for a textile firm. But he was arrested in Hamburg while visiting a friend of his brother Nate’s (Nate escaped from Berlin to England in 1938 and later came to New York in 1947. He died in 1982).

“After the police checked out my friends and called the Czech consulate, they released me,” Heisler explained. “I then received a work permit, which enabled me to stay in Berlin.”

By then, signs started appearing in Berlin hotels which read, “Jews and dogs forbidden.” The Nuremberg laws had been passed, keeping Jews out of universities, out of medical schools and hospitals and from owning land.

“One day in shul in Berlin, I overheard a couple of guys talking about a woman to contact at the consulate who, for 100 German marks (about $500 in those days--a hefty s u m )

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Top: Ben Heisler’s identity card from Germany. Left: Heisler poses in front of the German Reichstag in Berlin with his brother Nate, second from left, and two friends. Right: the Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky, center, came to Munkaceveo, Czechoslovakia, to recruit young Jews to live and work in the land of Palestine--today, the modern State of Israel. contains no vowels, no punctuation, no indication of where sentences or chapters begin and end.

To read Torah, Heisler first reads over the portion in a Chumash--the Hebrew-English version of the Five Books of Moses. There, he makes a note of the pronunciation of each word, the vowels, the phrasing and the end of each verse. Since he’s familiar with each Torah portion (having read them multiple times over 20+ years), it doesn’t take nearly as long as a first-time Torah reader.

Of course, Heisler came from an observant Jewish family and spent some time learning in a yeshiva, so he also had the background in reading Hebrew fluently--and knowing what he was reading.

Born in Munkaceveo in what was

could get visas to leave the country,” Heisler recalled. “I met with her, but didn’t believe she would have any ability to do this. So I took the matter into my own hands and went to the American Consulate myself.”

When asked by an official at the consulate, “Why do you want to go to America?” Ben told him he had traveled all over Europe and he now he wanted to see the United States.

“He bought it,” Heisler said with a big grin. “I was issued a one-week tourist visa.”

He immediately booked passage for a ship leaving from LeHavre, France, and wrote to ask an uncle in New York City if he could stay. Since he needed a sponsor to stay longer, his uncle agreed.

(Continued on next page)

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

The Last Visa (Continued from previous page) In the meantime, he couldn’t stay in the U.S.! So Ben, who couldn’t speak a word of English then, took a bus from New York to Miami and then sailed overnight to Cuba, where he spent three or four weeks in Havana and “lots of time in the library,” he added.

On July 1, 1938, Ben Heisler received immigration visa #1103 from Cuba. By then, he only had 50 German marks left. But the New York Jewish Federation helped him out.

“They gave me $10 a week,” Heisler recalled.

“Room and board cost $7 a week, so I only had $3 left. But in those days it was enough to live on.”

HIAS--the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society--sent Ben to the Midwest. His first job was for $14 a week, working in the toy department at the downtown Brandeis department store.

Heisler arrived in Omaha with a beautiful piece of luggage, handcrafted in Europe and needed a locksmith to open it because he had lost the key; he called on Nathan Kuznit, owner of Pioneer Locksmith. Two year later, Heisler wound up meeting Kuznit’s “beautiful daughter,” Eve. They started dating, but Heisler received a “kind invitation” from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“I wasn’t even an American citizen yet!” Heisler exclaimed, but he was told to report to Tennessee for basic training in early 1942. His romance with Eve Kuznit was put on hold, while Heisler was then sent to the state of Washington and then Hawaii in preparation for being shipped to the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Ben awoke one morning in New Guinea and took his helmet to get some water back from a nearby creek for shaving. “As soon as I left,” Ben recalled, “a tree fell and split my cot in half.”

Heisler’s company was sent as part of the occupation forces in Japan--the first infantry battalion to enter that country.

He had only one furlough in his almost four years mostly in the Philippines and New Guinea. But because of his yeshiva background, Heisler was able 1000 N. 90th St., Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114

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to conduct the Passover seders in Hawaii for the enlisted Jewish soldiers there.

Throughout the war, Ben and Eve corresponded almost daily.

Heisler was awarded the American Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Right: Eve Heisler, seated at left, and Ben, standing behind her, celebrated the wedding of their granddaughter, Sima Stein to David Neiger, in Chicago last summer. Below: the Pioneer Locksmith truck brought Ben and Eve together.

Ribbon with a Bronze Star (for service in the Battle of Bagio).

When he was mustered out Nov. 20, 1945, he returned to Omaha to work at the Morris Paint Company and married Eve Kuznit on Dec. 9, 1945.

The couple had three children: Dr. Sidney Heisler, who lives in West Bloomfield, MI, with his wife, Dr. Sarah Heisler and their four children, Yoni, Tami, Dafna and Shira; Susan and her husband, Howard Stein, an attorney, who live in Chicago, and their son, David (daughter Sima was married last year to David Neiger; they live in the Bronx, NY); and the Heisler’s youngest, Dr. Norman Heisler, who lives with his wife, Allison, and their children, Alex, Zachary and Ilana in Overland Park, KS.

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In 1955, Heisler went to work for the Nebraska Furniture Mart, where he was employed for 37 years, until his retirement. After a fire in 1961, Eve called Louis Blumkin and offered to “help out.”

“Louis told me to come in ‘tomorrow’ and I stayed for 29 years!” Eve laughed.

Last summer, the Heislers celebrated the first wedding of their first grandchild in Chicago.

They’ve had lots of simchas--but looking back on “all the adventures” Ben Heisler has had, this one was special.

Unfortunately, Ben’s parents stayed in Munkaceveo, but his mother escaped the horrors of World War II--she died in 1938. His father, however, was killed in 1945, near the end of the war.

Ben’s brother Nate helped their two younger twin brothers escape to England.

Today, Ben is the only surviving son. But three children and nine grandchildren later, Ben Heisler has no regrets. Besides, he’s got to learn another Torah portion--it’s almost Pesach!

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A Gentleman and a Scholar

by JOAN K. MARCUS The only way to describe Dr. Martin P. Wolf is: He said, “I thought that old lady was going to pass “mensch!” He’s a man who is decent and honorable. out when I told her I really was a teacher. About a Being a “mensch” has nothing to do with success-- month later, we had an area teacher’s meeting. I although Marty is successful. It has to do with char- purposely sat at a table so that every time she acter, dignity and a sense of what is right, responsi- looked up from her table, she had to look at me in ble and decorous. disbelief!”

However, Marty says that he was very different as Wolf insists that he and his brother were classic a young man. He was born in the Bronx, NY, in examples of complete “turnarounds” when it came 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression. And, he to education. He loved being a teacher and nobody describes himself as a teenager as “a miserable could have predicted that the two brothers would human being. I didn’t like myself and the teachers ever earn college degrees much less Ph.Ds. weren’t crazy about me After teaching for five either!” years, Marty decided to Wolf added,”My late visit Stanbrooke Dude brother, Richard, and I Ranch, a place where weren’t interested in colJewish singles went to lege when we graduated meet. He says it was from high school. I went understood, if you went for a couple of months and there, you were “looking.” then quit. If I hadn’t quit, While at the resort, he they probably would have met a young librarian, kicked me out! The irony Edie Friedman. of the whole thing is that According to Marty, it we both later earned docwas “just about love at torates and worked in first sight” and they decideducation. He was a coled they would get married lege professor and I was and move to a university the dean of a college.” setting where she could be Wolf continued that when he was 16-years-old, he a librarian and Marty could get a Ph.D. in was doing so poorly in school that his aunt (who Education. “We were on our way to Arizona and worked at the City College of New York) made stopped in Lansing, Michigan, on our honeymoon, arrangements for him to be tested in the psycholo- and visited the campus of Michigan State gy department.

University. We met an hour later and Edie had “After they gave me all of these tests,” he recalled, signed a contract to be a librarian. I had already “they called me in and said that I was high in cleri- been admitted to the graduate school so we decided cal and interpersonal skills. to stay.”

“In other words, I would like being a teacher! Well, They remained in East Lansing for three years I told them that it was the most ridiculous thing I and moved to a community college in Saginaw, had ever heard,” he laughed. “I hated school! I did- where they stayed for another seven years. By that n’t like my teachers and I couldn’t wait to get out of time, Iowa Western Community College was being high school!” built in Council Bluffs.

After quitting college, Wolf went into the army for lack of something better to do.

He laughed, “I was stationed in Alaska and there was very little to do up there-while we were waiting for the Russians to attack us. Some of the soldiers were studying to get their GED certificates and I volunteered to help them with English and math.”

He realized that he enjoyed teaching and helping the soldiers. So, after serving in the army, he went back to Ohio State and “breezed” through his undergraduate work while holding two jobs.

He majored in English and Education and went on to his first teaching job in Yonkers, NY. Marty remembered, “One day after school, I stopped at my old high school.

Marty and Edythe Wolf will celebrate their 40th anniverI was walking around the halls, where sary this June.

I had once been so unhappy, when I passed my mathematics teacher’s room. I had “They needed an academic dean and I had been flunked intermediate algebra once and advanced trained for that during my doctoral program,” he algebra twice! I was bright but I didn’t do my home- recalled. “I planned to be in Omaha for about three work and I didn’t like school. years and that was 1972. Just about that time, the “All this teacher could remember about me was Jewish Community Center wanted to reorganize that I was a waste of a human being! She hadn’t and develop their library and they offered Edie a seen me in seven years and she looked up from her job!” desk and she asked, ‘Wolf, what are you doing these Marty says, “If somebody had told me that I would days?’” spend more than half of my life in Omaha as ViceMarty answered, “I’m a high school English and president for Academic Affairs and Dean of the colMath teacher.” lege at Iowa Western, I would never have believed The teacher responded, “Very funny! What are you them! really doing?”

(Continued on next page)

Wolf insists that he and his brother were classic examples of complete “turnarounds” when it came to education.

He loved being a teacher and nobody could have predicted that the two brothers would ever earn college degrees...

Wishing You A Happy Passover!

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A Gentleman (Continued from previous page) “But, we liked Omaha and we’ve been involved in women and I unfairly got most of the credit,” he the community since the beginning,” Marty remem- laughed. bered, “We came here on Erev Yom Kippur in 1972.

Wolf helped Steve Riekes write bylaws which creWe never thought that we’d be here this long but we ated the arts council that brought representatives have no regrets.” from all the Jewish Edie’s and Marty’s organizations, the syntwo children, Jennifer agogues, the JCC and (Lear) and Benjamin, the Federation together both grew up in into an organization Omaha. Jenny is an that produced some attorney and lives in memorable events: like Virginia with her husYom Ha’Atzmaut band and two children.

(Israeli Independence Ben is in Houston with Day), Yom HaShoah his wife and son, and is (Commemoration of the in sales with a major Holocaust), Kallah pet food company.

Weekend (where the In later years, when three major synagogues Marty had to tell parshared one speaker ents of his students over Shabbat and that their children Sunday), College of weren’t doing well and Jewish Learning, and would have to leave Four generations of “Wolves”: Dr. Richard Wolf, other special events. school, he would take left, (Marty’s brother, who died a few years ago), Another “Marty idea” out his own transcript Dr. Marty Wolf and son, Ben Wolf; Irene Wolf Stein, was to bring the and show it to them. He (Marty’s mother) seated, holds her grandson, Yiddish Theatre to says “sometimes people Henry Wolf.

Omaha. aren’t ready for college and it isn’t the end of the Marty signed a contract for $3000 (which wasn’t world if a kid leaves college and then comes back in the budget) and filled the whole theatre at the when he is more mature.” In 1995, after 23 years, JCC. “Everybody loved the show and fortunately we he retired from Iowa Western. The average tenure broke even,” he said. for a community college dean is usually about five He helped put together the United Talmud Torah of years.

Omaha--writing its bylaws and organizing its strucA call from Beth El Synagogue when he first came ture. Marty has served as a consultant to the Friedel to Omaha was his first opportunity at volunteer Academy and currently serves on its board. He helped work here. Beth El needed help with their Talmud coordinate transportation at the JCC Maccabi Torah. Marty became the school board chairman Games. He has also served on the Jewish Education and led the reorganizaand Library Service tion and development Boards and its predecesof the school for many sor, the Bureau of years. While he was Jewish Education which doing that, Edie had he chaired for several just begun as years.

Federation librarian He served several and had an inventory of terms on the 15,000 books that had Federation Board and never been catalogued. during this period he “I volunteered to do had to ask them for an the Holocaust collection and it took me 10 or 15 additional $20,000 to subsidize a teen trip to Israel years,” he recalled. “I enjoyed it because I knew peo- (30 signed up for a trip that was budgeted for 10). It ple would use the collection many years into the took two minutes for the Board to approve it. future and I took great pleasure in helping to devel“I left that meeting feeling really wonderful that op that area of the library.” In later years, he wrote the Federation was so supportive of this program a successful grant to the Livingston Foundation in for our youth!” he admitted. order to fund the computerization of the library.

Most recently, he has helped Rabbi Mendel “Steve Riekes asked me to chair the Cultural Arts Katzman of Chabad House write grants and has Council at the JCC. I hired Sheila Polikov and Jan procured some valuable funding support for Chabad Perelman (now Goldstein) for five dollars an hour programs. and they put together all kinds of wonderful educaMarty’s greatest joy as a volunteer was a “job” at tional programs. They were two very sharp young the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. “I went over and asked if they could use a volunteer to read and play with the children. They were thrilled to have me because no man had ever volunteered!”

He began helping with the three-year old children and decided that three-year olds are the most fascinating people in the world.

“At that age, all that they want to do is learn!” he insisted. “You can teach them anything and they are totally innocent and enthusiastic. They called me ‘Marty’ and, by far, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Wolf thinks his life has been greatly enhanced by the volunteer work he has done here in Omaha.

“The satisfactions you get from doing volunteer work far outweigh anything that you personally give. It’s a marvelous feeling to be part of something bigger than yourself and to be able to help somebody else,” Wolf concluded.

“It certainly has enriched my life beyond all measure!”

Marty and his young friends at the CDC.

“It’s a marvelous feeling to be part of something bigger than yourself and to be able to help somebody else.”

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April 11, 2003

No Coincidences

ch

Corp., has been a dedicated volunteer at the Home, leading Shabbat services once or twice a month, as well as conducting Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services and the first Passover Seder.

The joy Greenberg takes in helping at the Home is palpable; his caring is genuine, his enthusiasm is infectious.

“I really look forward to leading services--I’ve bonded with the residents,” he said. Leading the residents in songs, hearing their voices during responsive readings, and receiving enthusiastic responses to his services, “really gets to me,” he said.

Alongside Beth El Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Myer Kripke, who reads Torah and Haftorah, Greenberg leads the service and presents the D’var Torah, hoping the translation and its message will be as meaningful as possible to the residents.

“My goal is to make them feel good, to have a good spiritual hour. If you don’t understand what the prayers are saying, you miss the point,” he said.

Getting the point across and making Judaism meaningful leads Greenberg to be creative when he sets the tone of a service. Singing, which “gets everyone in the mood,” he said, always opens each of his services.

During the Passover Seder, when it comes time for the exodus, play-acting takes center stage. In a hushed voice, Greenberg proclaims to the attendees, “Have you heard? Have you heard that tonight we’re all leaving?

Tomorrow we’re all going to be free!”

Trying to re-create the emotions of that past generation, he said, is

You A Heal f th o y

y app dH an

Wis hin gE a

by JILL BELMONT Andy Greenberg believes in the significance of signs--the subtle signs that appear in everyday life, the messages that impact us in both substantial and small ways, if we only pay attention to them. Call them fate, destiny or coincidence: Greenberg affixes great value to the “signs” that have touched his life.

It was a sign 40 years ago, when, standing on the bimah on the day of his Bar Mitzvah, a sudden strength and spirit enveloped him, allowing him to overcome a difficult stuttering problem and flawlessly lead services.

It was a sign when, during his teenage years in New York City, Greenberg’s parents allowed him to transfer from his longtime yeshiva to a public high school. On the first day of class at Forest Hills High School, he sat in front of Carole Weinstock--who shortly thereafter became his girlfriend, and has been his wife for the last 33 years. The transfer, and the fact that the day he met Carole was also his 15th birthday--were signs.

Years later, at dinner with friends one night, Greenberg mentioned that he had always wanted to lead religious services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Within a week--and out of the blue --he received a mailing from L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly), requesting volunteers in a variety of areas-including leading Shabbat services at the Home. That note, he said, was his sign to get involved.

That was almost six years ago. Since then, Greenberg, who works as Director of Marketing for Nashua

Passover

Andy and Carole Greenberg imperative to embracing the significance of the event.

Leading Shabbat services has also lead Greenberg back to studying Torah, which he calls “the best selfhelp book in the world.” Saying that “every Jewish law has a benefit for your personal being,” he likens the Ten Commandments to a driver’s manual: “You have to follow the rules, even if you don’t know who wrote them. If you follow them, you have fewer accidents and fewer problems.”

Greenberg believes that people have two choices in life: to either sit passively in front of the television, watching others live their lives; or to wholeheartedly participate in life--constantly searching out new experiences and expanding their world.

Striving to continually learn and actively engaging in everything that life has to offer seems to propel Greenberg forward. In addition to studying Torah and taking advantage of programs and classes whenever

they’re offered in the Jewish community, he and Carole have traveled throughout the world, visiting Jewish communities at every stop. He enjoys his son and daughter-in-law, who live in Kansas City. He embraces life.

“We only have 24 hours a day: eight we sleep, eight we work; so we’ve got eight hours to spend with the family, to go out and learn something, to adapt it and make ourselves better,” he said.

Greenberg continues to “make himself better” and has enthusiastically given back to the community since he moved to Omaha 13 years ago. From his first volunteer gig leading junior congregation services at Beth El Synagogue to his roles as substitute teacher in the synagogue’s religious school and service leader at the Blumkin Home, Greenberg’s enthusiasm toward teaching has helped to make Judaism joyous to the some of the youngest and eldest members of the Jewish community.

“We’re so blessed to have Andy with us--he’s absolutely fabulous and the residents are so delighted when he’s here,” said Lois Wine, Director of Volunteer Services at the Blumkin Home.

“Leading services is a love of his--as if it were his calling--and we look forward to a long and healthy partnership with this very special man,” she said.

Talk about signs...they’re all there for you, Andy Greenberg: appreciation, affection, delight--all sending a clear, hopeful message that you will continue to give your time and your heart to the Jewish community, for many years to come.

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

A Young Jew Discovers His Roots

by JOAN K. MARCUS At age 26, Joe Shyken is very wise.

As is true with many young Jews, Shyken began to lose interest in Judaism after his Bar Mitzvah. But, when his father became ill, Joe says he began going back to services.

“In June of 2000, our family took a trip to Israel and, for some reason,” he recalled, “I asked my father to buy me a yarmulka (head covering). I don’t know why I wanted it, but I wore it everywhere in Israel.

“Right after that, my father got sick.”

Keva Shyken became ill in July of the same year. His son, Joey, remembers easing himself into attending minyan (a quorum of 10 needed to conduct services) regularly.

“At first, I went every other week, then, once a week. And, after my father died, I went Joe every day. I now go every Shabbat and a couple of times during the week,” he said with quiet pride. “I think I always had these beliefs, but they were sleeping!

“As I completed the mourning period for my father, and, as I became more observant, I didn’t use the phone on Shabbat, and then the next month, I didn’t turn on the lights,” he said. “It was a gradual thing.”

Shyken says he has become shomer Shabbat (Sabbath observant) and it’s not so easy to be single and Orthodox in Omaha. But, he feels good about what he is doing even though he says that he is probably one of the most observant Jews--under 30--in Omaha.

Joe Shyken grew up in a traditional Jewish home. His father, the late Keva Shyken, worked for the Navy Recruiting District and his mother, Yafa--an Israeli sabra (native), is a stay-at-home mom. Joey has wonderful memories of Shabbat dinners at home with his bubbe and zayde, the late Sam and Bessie Shyken.

“My aunt and uncle, Paysie and Susie Shyken and their kids and my two sisters, Rachel and Bertha and our family went for dinner every Shabbat,” Joe recalled. “We would recite kiddush and the motzi, eat and then we’d bentsch (the grace after the meal). It was mainly the family and, as my grandparents got older, we’d alternate going to my aunt and uncles.”

He graduated from Westside High School in 1995. Although he knew a lot of people, he had only a few friends and most of them were not Jewish.

Shyken’s life took a drastic turn when he decided he wanted to be an auto mechanic and entered Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. “I think I am the only Jewish person who ever lived in Milford!”

He entered the Automotive Service Education Program because at age 16, he had began tinkering with a truck he owned. His father had always been handy with tools and his uncle, Paul Shyken, collects antique cars. Joe believes he inherited his ability to be a “hands on kind of guy” from his father and uncle.

“My father was good at remodeling interiors of homes and I can never remember him taking his car to a shop to have it repaired!” he laughed.

Joe remembers getting tremendous

support from his family when he decided to be an automobile mechanic. His family never disagreed with his choices.

Because he is committed to Omaha and his family, Joe has been part of the movement to start a Jewish singles group. Along with Lisa Coren, J.D. Slosburg and Paul Roffman, a group of nearly 60 young members has been formed. The group meets for mainly social events and he added, “My whole goal for the group was for Jewish kids to ‘hang out!’”

Ages of the members range from 21-35 with a good mix of women and men.

Although some couples have “paired off,” Joey hasn’t met “the right girl” yet.

Shyken Members of the group have asked him to share some of the knowledge of Judaism that he has learned.

“They respect me for being more observant,” he noted, “and we have a good relationship.”

By organizing the group, he hopes that young people will stay in Omaha.

His ultimate goal is to remain here and be near his family.

“People tell me that I might have to leave Omaha in order to find an nice Orthodox Jewish girl,” he explained.

“I hope I can prove them wrong. I think that I can.”

Joe regards mitzvot (commandments) as being acts of profound obligation. He regards the organization of the singles group as being his greatest accomplishment. However, he has used his talents in other ways.

“I was approached by Allan Gonsher who asked me to build a succah for the Omaha Center for Torah Learning,” he said. “Well, I’d never built anything like that before but I decided to give it a try! I kept discussing it with Rabbi Aryeh Blum and it wound up being 20 feet wide by 24 feet long--filling up his whole patio!”

After building the walls, he put on the roof and trimmed a tree at his house in order to get enough shchach (pine tree limbs used as a natural covering) for the top. He and a few friends decorated the succah and finished just hours before Succot!

“I was really very proud of it because it turned out so well,” he admitted.

Joe has further developed his “building” skills by helping to finish the Beis Midrash at the Omaha Center for Torah Learning. He’s also helped Rabbi Mendel Katzman take down his succah at Chabad of Nebraska, and serves as a member of the Jewish Press Committee and continues to help make the daily and Shabbat minyan at Beth Israel.

As a young Jew, Joe thinks Omaha has lots of potential.

“If you can get young people to meet one another here, they are more likely to stay in Omaha,” he concluded.

“We have 57 members in the singles group and I know there are a lot more out there. We really haven’t taken the time to look for all these people--but we are the future of the Omaha Jewish community!”

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April 11, 2003

It’s Just a Passion

by JOANIE JACOBSON “‘People don’t give a damn about each other any“What I do is not because of me,” she explained. more!...What’s in it for me--I have my own prob- “It’s because people need people. I really do believe lems!...Why get involved? I won’t make a difference that one person can make a difference.” anyway.’

That’s probably not the first (or last) time you’ve “Bull!” heard that phrase, the one about “making a differThese are opening remarks from the featured ence.” But it’s not just a phrase to Deenie Meyerson. speaker at the CHAD (Combined Health Agencies It’s a heartfelt philosophy of life...an almost sacred Drive of Nebraska) Annual Meeting earlier this credo by which she lives and continues to demonyear. She continues: strate at a time in her life when she simply doesn’t “Every one of you is here for no other purpose than have to do the work. to make this world a better place. You care about “One person can’t do it all,” she insisted. “Nobody tomorrow and about those who need you today. can. When you volunteer, you’re part of a team, a That’s what volunteering is about--giving of your- team that’s focused on getting a job done, and hopeself without expecting anything in return. We’re all fully, that job will help another human being. If I’m part of a team--a team that makes up the heart and on a team that helps someone and that someone soul of this community.” turns around and helps someone else, then I’ve Let it be said, the “A-Team: for madam speaker is made a difference.” her family: husband, Larry; children, Lance and (There’s that phrase again.)

Shelli Meyerson, Heidi and Scott Schneiderman, The Jewish community has benefitted from Scott and Jenny Meyerson, Troy and Jamie Deenie’s involvement, both locally and nationally.

Meyerson; and grandchildren: Brooke, Tyler and Currently, she’s one of five board members of the Spencer Schneiderman; Carli and Drew Meyerson, Hidden Heroes of the Holocaust Foundation (which, and Jacob Meyerson.

Indeed, Deenie Meyerson’s greatest love and first priority is family.

But her passion is volunteering.

“My journey as a volunteer started in 1977,” Deenie said in a recent interview. “I made a promise to a dying friend who asked if I would chair the fifth annual ‘Woman of the Year Gala’ for the Arthritis Foundation’s Nebraska Chapter. I did and decided to stick around for awhile in her absence.”

That “awhile” has Above: The Meyerson family: Todd and Jamie, Larry and Deenie, turned into 25 years (and Deenie’s mother Sonia Forbes, Jennifer and Scott, and Heidi and Scott counting) on the Schneiderman (not pictured: Lance and Shelli, who live in Tampa, FL.) Foundation’s board of Below: Deenie with former First Lady Betty Ford who was honored by Directors, along with the Arthritis Foundation. chairmanships for events and fundraising drives too by the way, has no paid staff). numerous to mention.

With financial support from In her speech, Deenie the Swiss government and neglected to mention that from an anonymous donor her volunteer career actuwith connections to Omaha, ally began when she the board has developed curcoached a boys’ baseball ricula for sixth grade, eighth team at Pipal Park. She grade and high school stuwent on to become a Cub dents that deliver a powerful scout, Brownie and message.

Webelo leader. It was with “It teaches children that, in the Brownies that she the face of all the evil, there first went camping... were people who risked their “I don’t remember the lives and the lives of their bad part,” she laughed, “I families to save Jews,” Deenie only remember my daughter was happy!” explained. “It’s positive because it emphasizes the The focus of Deenie’s work has been issues relat- goodness in so many who listed to their conscience, ed to health, children and education. Her resume is not a dictator. impressive and broad-based: Children’s Hospital, “That’s the objective--the message we want to conChildren’s Physicians, Omaha Council on Youth vey--’You don’t have to follow the leader. You can Leadership., Richard Young Hospital, Lutheran think for yourself and made a difference.’” (Sound Health Services Foundation, the Ike Friedman familiar?) community Health Place--and the list goes on.

(Continued on next page)

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It’s Just a Passion (Continued from previous page) The HHHF program has been requested by more enough time to do all I want in the community. But than 25 school districts across the country.

I take on as much as I can. If I didn’t volunteer, I’d According to Deenie, Ken Bird, Superintendent of feel like I wasn’t doing my part. Besides,” she District 66, called it the most comprehensive prolaughed, “what else would I do?” gram to ever supplement the schools’ curriculum.

Many people are uncomfortable asking other peoThe Jewish Federation and Jewish Community ple to contribute charitable dollars. Not Deenie Center of Omaha, Hadassah, Israel Bonds, Beth El Meyerson.

Synagogue, National Council of Jewish Women-“‘No-profits’ need our money to exist and most again, the list goes on... don’t get government funding,” she explained.

“Why do I stay involved?” she repeats. “So there “Fundraising is no one’s favorite thing to do, but if will be no more schleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis you believe in an organization and its goals, it’s or gout. No more diseases that rob children of their just a means to an end.” childhood. Helping someone else, making the world Since this article began with Deenie’s opening a better place, raising money, finding a cure...it’s remarks at the CHAD annual meeting, it is only just a passion!” fitting to borrow from that same speech in closing: Lynne Boyer and Ellen Wright have worked “I’m proud to be a volunteer. My life has been alongside Deenie in the volunteer sector for more Members of the Hidden Heroes of the Holocaust enriched by my work in the community and I’ve Foundation: Ellen Wright, left, Ben Nachman, and been fortunate to form many strong bonds and than 25 years.

“Her commitment to whatever she’s doing is Deenie Meyerson met with the Belgian Counsel close friendships along the way. It’s a privilege to always 100%,” Boyer noted. “She throws herself General, center, and Christina Micek, who wrote be able to help others. If you haven’t done it, you’ll into a [project, keeps her nose to the grindstone the new curriculum for the HHHF. never know how special it can make you feel. There and gets the job done. is tremendous happiness in making others happy. agree...she’s living proof!”

“A lot of people come up with great ideas, but then Over the last 25+ years, so much has changed. In And while others credit Deenie, Deenie credits expect someone else to carry them out,” she added. Larry. today’s economic climate, it’s much harder to raise “Deenie has great ideas but never hesitates to offer “Behind every successful volunteer is a husband money...harder to assemble a team of volunteers. the leadership it takes to make them happen. She is who understands,” she proclaimed.

Many men work longer hours or more than one job. a very professional volunteer.”

“I couldn’t do anything without Larry’s support. Many women have joined the work force and with Wright recalls it’s “no-job-too-big-or-small” for He’s my biggest cheerleader. He makes it possible time constraints, don’t have the energy or inclinaDeenie. for me to give my time, energy and resources back tion to help.

“I’ve seen her on the corner with her kids collect- to the community. If I want to take on a project, he “If the next generation does not embrace the idea ing money, chairing a reception for Betty Ford, says, ‘Go for it!’ If I’ve worked all day on a project, of helping the community in which it lives, what rolling up her sleeves and cutting flowers for cen- he asks, ‘Where would you like to go for dinner?’ He will happen to that community? Without volunterpieces, doing the publicity for Joslyn’s Family never questions. He’s always there.” teers, the community loses its heart and soul.

Day--for Deenie, every volunteer job is important.

“Volunteers have been part of our American herThe Omaha Symphony, Literary Council, Bemis “She has an incredible sense of humor and a tal- Center for the Performing Arts, Henry Doorly Zoo, itage since Paul Revere took his famous midnight ent for keeping things in perspective. I’ve always Omaha Library Foundation and Westside ride more than 200 years ago. A strong tradition of admired the way she can persevere and remain flex- Community Schools--the list of organizations and volunteer service is one of the greatest strengths we ible--all for the greater good of the organization-- leadership roles still continue to grow. have as a nation. and without compromising her beliefs.”

“In each of our lives, ideally, there should be a pas“A busy person always has time for anything she (And just in case you didn’t get the message... wants to do,” Deenie maintains. “Things get done sion, a purpose and a commitment. To love what you “‘One person can make a difference’--that’s what when you ask the busiest person you know. do and feel that it matters--how could anything be Deenie always says,” Wright added. “I can’t dis“My family comes first, so it seems there’s never more fun?”

Wishing You and Your Family a Happy & Joyous Passover!

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Best Wishes for a Joyous Passover

April 11, 2003

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Stephanie and Dennis Dohner came to Lincoln to Temple volunteer, the Dohners are the kind of vollive eight years ago. They met in St. Louis where unteers this Passover issue honors--the kind you Dennis had worked as a virologist but he was origi- don’t have to ask twice to help and the ones who nally from Omaha. His grandfather homesteaded aren’t looking for special honors or recognition. near Lincoln and later built houses there.

People of many faiths find peace in the sanctuary Dennis wanted to live closer to his family and the of B’nai Jeshurun. This reinforces their sense that couple was attracted to Lincoln is a good place Lincoln and the state of to be Jewish. They are Nebraska. also impressed with “Any place with such Rabbi Stanley a beautiful capitol Rosenbaum and the building that celebrates congregation of land, history and virtue Tifereth Israel, would be a good place to Lincoln’s conservative live,” according to both congregation.

Stephanie and Dennis.

“We at the South They have not been Street Temple are also disappointed and they very fortunate to have have especially enjoyed Rabbi Joshua Taub being members of come from Kansas City Lincoln’s Congregation once a month to hold B’nai Jeshurun. When services, teach the they first moved to B’nai Mitzvah and Lincoln, they had advise and consult with intended to take a the congregation,” “break” from formal Stephanie added. religion. However, one They say, “Change is Stephanie and Dennis Dohner are “major volunFriday night, they visithelping us to reach out. teers” in Lincoln. ed the South Street We are looking forward Temple and got “hooked.” to more interaction with congregations in Omaha Stephanie was raised as a Presbyterian. She and with our national organization, Union of always enjoyed her church, however, and by the American Hebrew Congregations.” time that she reached her teen years, she began to The members of The South Street Temple have look further. She has been a Reform Jew for more appointed Stephanie to be their “administrative than 30 years. She became Jewish because “it made coordinator.” sense” to her and Christianity didn’t. She was eduShe has served during the period from the end of cated a Rutgers University and holds a Masters of Rabbi Michael Weisser’s 14-year tenure and this Library Science. interim period with She was born in 1943 Rabbi Joshua Taub in Dumont, New Jersey, from Kansas City. Her and grew up a few two main responsibilimiles north of there, in ties are to act as office Blauvelt, New York. manager and see that She attended Nyack the everyday business High School near the of the Temple is done, Tappan Zee Bridge, which crosses the Hudson to help with arrangements for festivals and life River. cycle events and to maintain contacts within the Her father’s family is from New York state but her Lincoln religious and social service communities. mother grew up in North Dakota. She claims roots She also teaches elementary prayerbook Hebrew both in the prairies and in the Hudson Valley. She to adults and children and writes book reviews for has worked as a librarian and has lived in the Temple’s bulletin. She represents the Temple on Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Missouri. the Lincoln Interfaith Council and serves as secreThe Dohners have not been disappointed since tary for that group. they became members of the Temple. They recently The Dohners continue to be amazed at the closelearned a little known fact that enahnce their ness of the Lincoln Jewish community. appreciation of the Temple--its magnificent walnut Stephanie insisted, “Since Dennis and I have no ark was carved by Keats Lorenz, the man who also biological children of our own, we enjoy being part carved the mahogany doors for the East Chamber in of the extended family at the South Street Temple. the Nebraska State Capitol.

We feel like we are watching our children grow up!”

The Dohners are both active members of the synIn the future, they wish to maintain their strong agogue, from volunteering to chair events to the sense of community and they hope to continue on small behind-the-scene tasks like making phone what Rabbi Michael Weisser taught them--to welcalls, baking for onegs and stuffing envelopes. come the stranger, study Torah, worship, do the According to Sarah Kelen, another South Street right thing and heal the world.

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April 11, 2003

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Acts of Lovingkindness

by STEVE PITLOR, President, Jewish Federation of Omaha The Jewish Federation of Omaha has changed quite a bit over the last 100 years, but we’ve been operating on the same principal all along…tikkun olam.

We would have been out of business in a hurry if those before us didn’t passionately believe that together, we could “change the world.” Today, we’re still guided by our collective belief that the work of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is making our world a better place.

I have encountered many acts of loving kindness and mitzvot on a daily basis throughout the Federation and it’s Centers of Excellence. It’s these selfless acts, performed by hundreds of community members, Jewish professionals and staff that make the concept of tikkun olam tangible.

Recently, I was visiting the Kripke Federation Library and learned about a patron, who wishes to remain anonymous, who has bought dozens of Jewish movies on DVD to add to the Library’s growing collection. This Library patron has no motivation other than to make a wide variety of Jewish films available to anyone in our community who wants to see them.

I’ve also heard about Jacque Dolgoff, who lives at the Livingston Manor, and used to bring a shopping cart to the Jewish Press office on Thursday afternoons and to deliver the paper “hot off the presses” to Livingston residents. Sadly, Jacque has had to retire from his volunteer job recently, but Joe Boin is the new Livingston “paper boy”

and we welcome him to the job!

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home also has a Press delivery person…Nate Beber, who took over for Clara Katz just this year.

Speaking of the Home, if you stop by for movie day on Wednesday afternoons, you’ll find Elliot Banner running the show. Elliot does everything from selecting a video from the Library to making the popcorn for the residents! It’s a wonderful tradition, and Elliot’s only reward is the joy he brings to the residents.

Perhaps one of our most energetic volunteers is Julie Phillips. Julie is the volunteer art instructor at Friedel Jewish Academy and her projects and lessons are truly innovative. On display in the school are many of the works of art created by the students under Julie’s guidance, including Jacob’s Ladder and a Chihuly-inspired piece suspended from the ceiling!

Julie receives no salary, yet what she gives to the students is immeasurable.

Over at the Child Development Center, it’s the children themselves who perform the wonderful mitzvah of bringing joy to the elderly. They regularly visit the residents of the Blumkin Home and sit mesmerized as some of the residents hold story time for them.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s the children or the residents who get the most out of this arrangement.

Volunteer room parents also make the days more interesting for the children and the staff when they come in to enhance Jewish holiday learning.

Recently, some parents were in the kitchen baking hamentashen for Purim and I’m told that the wonderful aroma nearly drove the children and staff crazy!

This time of year is extremely busy at Jewish Family Service.

While its tzedakah projects take place all year long, the Jewish holidays are especially hectic. This Passover, 25 volunteers will prepare and deliver 56 holiday food baskets to needy Jewish families. This is often an eye-opening experience for the volunteers who bring the families their Passover meals, but these volunteers keep coming back every year to help out.

By the way, the number of families served by JFS has been increasing in recent months.

Over at the ADL, Israel advocacy continues to be on the front burner.

With war looming and anti-Semitism rearing its ugly head, the agency is busier than ever. Concerned community members take it upon themselves to become more educated on the issues and consider themselves ambassadors for the Jewish community.

One of the most popular ways to learn about the political situation in Israel and the Middle East is to attend the open forum featuring ADL/CRC

Director Bob Wolfson and Guy Matalon, Executive Director of JELS. The forum, affectionately known as the “Bob and Guy Show” covers a wide variety of current topics in a lively discussion format.

Catch the next “Bob and Guy Show” in the Kripke Library on Tuesday, April 15.

Call Bob Wolfson if you want some more information on ways to become involved in this vital work.

During Campaign time at the Federation and Foundation, we rely on hundreds of volunteers to solicit funds from the community. If ever there was a selfless act, asking for money is at the top of the list! But year after year, these volunteers perform a mitzvah of the highest order. They take their job seriously, often engaging in enlightening “Jewish conversations” with the community members they contact.

Again, there is no great reward for the work that they perform; in fact, it is often difficult and thankless. But without them, there would be no Omaha Jewish community!

Every day, countless acts of kindness, performed by a diverse group of people, occur in this community. All of these people give freely of themselves and their time for one reason…they want to make the world a better place.

I’d just like to say, “thank you” for starting in our corner of it. I wish you and your family a joyous of Passover!

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization

is proud of all the things you do within your synagogues and youth groups.

• Jewish Heritage • March of the Living • Summer Programs • Chapter & Council Elections • Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) • Council Rush Season • Community Service Projects • BBYO Nights • Chapter Meetings • Sweetheart Dance • Beau Dance • Advisor Appreciation Dinner • BBYO Basketball/Volleyball • Winter, Spring & New Members’ Conventions

HAPPY PASSOVER! For more information, contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404 or rblum@jewishomaha.org

NCSY offers a variety of activities for Juniors (grades 5-7) and Seniors (grades 8-12): • Local and Regional Shabbatonism • Monthly “Latte & Learning” programs • Holiday programs, such as the Annual • Sukkah Hop, Shavuot Learn-a-thon, • and Hamantashen baking • Social events like going to see the • Harlem Globetrotters, getting lost in a • corn maze, and seeing “Stars on Ice” With these great opportunities, it’s no wonder the 99% of NCSY graduates* Marry Jewish Stay Jewish Live Jewish

April 11, 2003

Yasher Koach (Go in Strength)

For more information or to be added to the NCSY mailing list, contact the synagogue office at 556-6288 or <BethIsrael@novia.net> Teens from all synagogues are invited to attend NCSY events.

Synagogue affiliation is not required.

T

Y

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Omaha Temple Youth Group Temple Israel • 7023 Cass Street • Omaha, NE 68132

Join Us For Our “All Star” Year!!!

To all the volunteers featured in this issue and the hundreds of others in the community. BILU USY

• NFTY Missouri Valley Conclaves in Boulder, Denver, Kansas City and St. Louis • NFTY National Convention in Washington D.C. • Monthly Dinners and Programs • Leadership Opportunities • Annual Spaghetti Dinner/Auction • A great way to meet other Jewish Teens locally and around the NFTY-MV region • LOTS OF FUN!

Please call Stephanie Grossman, Youth Director at 556-6536 or Allie Willensky, OTYG President at 312-0055 for further information

North American Federation of Temple Youth Sponsored by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

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O

wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful Passover.

• Travel to Regional & National Conventions!

• Join Summer Programs in Israel and Europe!

• Be part of USY on Wheels!

• Get involved in Tikkun Olam Social Action Programs!

• Enroll in USY High in Israel!

For information, call Beth El Synagogue

492-8550

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

A Dynamic Duo

by JOAN K. MARCUS

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Judge Larry Gendler and Dr. shochet, involved in the ritual slaughTamara Field seem like exact oppo- tering of kosher meat, and was very sites. But, they have several things in religious. Many “life cycle” events common and one of them is caring included Larry’s grandparents. about people. They both understand “My zeyde was a brilliant man and those who are sick and underprivi- one of my best friends,” Gendler leged. insisted. “On Pesach, we had 40 or 50 Tami was born in Lincoln in 1960. people at our house and there were Her mother was a musician, classical always big family gatherings for pianist and organist. Her father Jewish holidays.” worked in construction and concrete Although his parents attended Beth forming. She and her two brothers all El Synagogue, occasionally, on the played piano and at least one instru- High Holy days, he would walk to ment. She was raised as a Seventh Beth Israel with his zeyde and hear Day Adventist and says she had a “special” stories from the elderly genstrong, strict, structured religious tleman. Larry says his grandfather background.

After graduation from a parochial high school, she attended Union College in Lincoln, a Seventh Day Adventist college. She began college as a nursing student but had begun to sing and she found music to be very gratifying. So, during her second year of college, she declared a second major of vocal music.

“I was in college six years until I graduated with a bachelors in nursing,” she laughed, “and a Bachelor of Arts in music performance.”

But unlike today, when Tami graduated in 1983, there were no The Gendler family: Larry Gendler and Tami openings for nurses.

Field and their sons, Max and Nate.

“At the time, there were no jobs,” she recalled. “People had a way of making all of his grandwho had left nursing had come back children feel really important. and it was impossible to find a job. I Larry went to Sunset Hills Grade did some private duty but decided to School, Arbor Heights Junior and go back and get a Master’s Degree in graduated from Westside High School.

Music from the University of He has happy memories of growing up Nebraska at Lincoln.” with many friends, loving parents and While still working on her Master’s, grandparents. she took a job in the critical care unit After high school, Larry decided to at Midlands Hospital in Omaha. This attend the University of Missouri unit treats people who have acute because, as an only child, he had coronary problems and need intensive never been away from home. care. She nursed people who were “There were a lot of Jewish kids very ill with heart attacks and those there and they had a course in Public who needed heart surgery.

Administration that interested me,” “This unit was my favorite place to Gendler recalled. “I wasn’t sure what be because I could balance the techno- I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted logical with caring and people man- to do something in government and agement,” she admitted. “It all came was interested in public health.” together!”

In 1975, Gendler received a In 1986, she got her Master’s in Bachelor’s in Public Administration Vocal Music and moved to Omaha. and returned to Omaha to attend She worked as a nurse and kept Creighton Law School. He received singing. Since she was involved as a his law degree in 1978. witness in some juvenile medical “There were so many choices when it cases, she frequently ended up at the came to the law so I got a clerking job Sarpy County County Courthouse for in the county attorney’s office in Sarpy trials.

County because it fascinated me. It “I kept seeing this handsome attor- struck a chord and I pursued it!” ney, Larry Gendler, then a prosecutor He became a prosecutor in Juvenile in Juvenile Court, off and on for about Court, where he worked for 14 years, six months. I had never really thought bringing cases against parents who about marriage and children because abused or neglected their children, I guess I really never thought it would kids who were delinquent, uncontrolhappen. I was too busy with my career lable or mentally ill, and children who and school!” she laughed. were truant from school.

Although Tami thought that Larry, “What I found was that there was a then a young widower, was “a nice way that the law could help you proguy,” she didn’t date him at first. Tami vide new opportunities in order to crehad no thoughts of “pairing off” with ate happy endings,” he admitted. “As anyone until they began to date a lit- a prosecutor, you have all this authortle bit in late 1988. ity and you have to be careful where Larry Gendler was born in Omaha and when not to use it. I was conin 1953. His parents, Bev Gendler and stantly learning and going to work Hy Gendler, still live here. His zeyde, was like going to school.” the late Arthur Gendler, was a (Continued on next page)

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Dynamic Duo (Continued from previous page) Gendler was widowed in 1988 and he met Tami late in that same year.

“She was obviously beautiful, brilliant and talented,” he said with a smile. “However, it wasn’t until much later that we thought about marriage!”

Because of his work, Gendler was chosen to be a Sarpy County Separate Juvenile Court Judge in 1992.

“There are a lot of wonderful attorneys who never become judges and I was just lucky!” he said modestly.

He now hears the kind of cases he used to prosecute. Many of the children are abused and neglected, delinquent, have run away or are mentally ill and need help. He’s also involved in guardianships, adoptions and divorces.

In 1991, Tami left Larry in Omaha and moved to the University of Colorado at Boulder where she received her Ph.D. in Pedagogy Vocal Performance, the art of teaching voice. She defines the procedure as the technique of singing--from the physiological components down sons of to the acoustics. She teaches students to change things that affect their voices by using their anatomy. Her goal was to eventually

use her education to help injured vocalists return to singing.

After a six-year courtship, Tami and Larry were finally married in 1994.

She presently manages the Critical Care and Emergency Departments at Midlands Hospital.

“Sometimes, I work into the night

Max and Seth Gendler Larry Gendler and Tami Field and then get called back a few hours later. No matter how sick the patients are I know I can take care of them,”

she added. “It doesn’t matter to me because I love what I do. I’m lucky because I love music and nursing and have been able to do them both!”

At the time of her marriage, Tami was interested in Judaism, but had made no decision about religion.

However, when she became pregnant with their first child, Max, she decided she needed to know more about Judaism. She converted during that pregnancy. A second son, Nathan, was born in 1998. “Now,” she added, “I can’t imagine my life without these two little boys. They’re incredible!”

Tami sings in the professional octet at Temple and occasionally substitutes for Cantor Wendy Shermet.

“It’s wonderful because Wendy told me what I needed to know so that I could fill in for her,” Tami noted. “And, it’s an opportunity for me to learn more about Judaism and the service.”

Larry has set up a scholarship foundation for children who attend Lothrop Grade School. The foundation, in memory of his first wife, Marilyn White Gendler, helps minority students attend college. “I wish we had more money but we do have enough to help them with books,” he said, adding that donations are always welcome.

He often speaks to fifth and sixth grade children about leadership skills and things to be concerned about as they grow up, admitting that he goes to high schools, but prefers “talking to the younger children.”

Because of his position, he serves on the Omaha Community Partnership,

a group of business and government representatives who discuss issues primarily related to adolescent mental health and drug use. He is Vice-chairman of the Nebraska Coalition, the advisory group to the State Crime Commission. Their task is to review all of the grants that are provided by the state of Nebraska each year.

He also does “hands on” renovation of homes for people who are elderly and experience handicapping conditions.

Gendler explained, “There are things that I do and things that other people do. If we tell everything about them, they are no longer mitzvot.

“I’m not sure you truly can be Jewish unless you recognize that others are in need,” Gendler insisted. “Social Justice at Temple Israel has gone on for generations and I only head a committee that tries to pick worthwhile projects and recruit volunteers.

Generations (before us) at Temple have done wonderful things for the community.”

In addition to wishing for happiness and health for Max and Nate, Tami and Larry hope that as the two youngsters grow up, they will be active within Temple and the greater Omaha community. They pray their two sons will come to appreciate the wonderful traditions of Judaism they learn about at Temple.

Their only plan for the boys is that they both appreciate choices open to them--choices the Gendlers insist other children will never have.

Best Wishes for a Jouous

Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Student Creativity, Self-esteem Stimulated Through Art Program

by DIANE AXLER BAUM

First National Plaza 11404 West Dodge Road, Suite 700 Omaha, NE 68154-2576 402/496-9100 www.fzacpa.com

EXECUTIVE

privilege

As director of Friedel Jewish curriculum and Judaic Academy’s art program, Julie curriculum, to further Phillips offers countless volunenhance “the in-depth teer hours to a job that would learning that takes place have made her late grandhere.” One recent exammother proud. ple, the Jacob’s Ladder “Grandma Mabel called me sculpture, is on permaan artist from the day I was nent display in the born, and she and my mom Academy’s commons area. made art a part of my life,” In addition, she keeps Phillips said in a recent interabreast of current events view. “I always liked making to develop art units that things, and my mom supportare meaningful and timeed my creativity. When I was ly. After the 911 tragedy, eight, my grandmother for example, she helped noticed I was into doodling students express their roses, and she encouraged me fears and concerns to paint a mural of roses on through their artwork. one of the walls in her bedShe takes her students room.” on field trips to museums Phillips feels fortunate that and galleries, and she Julie Phillips works as a volunteer with her “need to create” was motivates them in a varistudents at Friedel Jewish Academy. directed with loving care into ety of ways. Once, to “an I can do it attitude.” That’s one reason she’s develop the appropriate atmosphere for teaching committed to the art program at Friedel. about Frederic Remington’s life and work, she “I’m a facilitator,” she explained. “It gives me dressed up as the artist and placed her students pleasure to encourage others to create, and to find around a pretend campfire. It was the best way, she confidence in their creativity.” recalled, to “capture the romance of the Wild West.”

Eleven years ago, Phillips was instrumental in Phillips said of her volunteer work at Friedel, “I developing the Art Smart program at Loveland love teaching in an environment that so well nurElementary, where sons David and Jacob, now tures the unique creativity of each child, while also teenagers, went to grade school. The program emphasizing the development of moral character.” became tremendously successful, and many other She is also glad her family derives pleasure from volunteers continue working hard to keep it going, her work. “The girls are proud when they see other she said. students respond so positively to me,” she said, At Friedel, where daughters Lilly and Eva are stu- “and Eric enjoys the sense of community my volundents now, Phillips is responsible for a more inten- teer activities give to him and to all our children." sive, weekly Art Smart program. It’s one of the reaFor her entire family, Phillips has become a role sons the Academy has become pivotal to her life. model for what Grandma Mabel taught her years “If I’m not at Friedel prepping or cleaning up the ago: “What you create and what you give are Art Room, I’m planning curriculum, or buying and what you are.” delivering supplies,” she said.

Otherwise she’s setting up displays of student art in the JCC Gallery, attending Friedel Board meetings, or working on behalf of the Recruitment and Public Relations Task Force with co-chair, Aveva Shukert. In addition, Phillips has managed to find time to carry out the popular Tzedakah (Charity) Box Art Projects in the House Parties series sponsored the last two years by the Women’s Campaign of the Jewish Federation.

Phillips describes Friedel’s art program as “for the most part artist-based.” Often she designs units around particular artists and their work, focusing, when possible, on celebrated artists who are Jewish. She also makes a point of seeking Jewish artists working in Omaha as visitors and guest instructors in her classroom.

“I believe these interactions are important in building positive Jewish identity,” she noted.

Phillips integrates her art units with The Phillips family, front row: Lilly and Eva; back row: other subjects in the Academy’s general David, Julie, Jacob and Eric.

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Volunteers Needed

Terror Victim Donates Organs

by JEWISH PRESS News Service To join the ranks of the volunteers highlighted in this issue of the Jewish Press, call any of the following: • Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee, 3331303; • Beth El Synagogue, 492-8550; • Beth Israel Synagogue, 556-6288; • Beyt Shalom, 758-9233; • B’nai B’rith, 334-6443; • B’nai Jeshurun, 435-8004; • Chabad of Nebraska, 330-1800; • Child Development Center of the JCC, 334-6415; • Friedel Jewish Academy, 3340517; • Hadassah, 391-5603; • Jewish Community Center, 334-

Jasmin Abu Ramela, 7, from the West Bank village of Kfar Akba, was the recipient of one of the kidneys of Yoni Jesner.

Several organs from the body of Jesner, 19, who died from injuries following last fall’s bus terror attack last week in Tel Aviv, were transplanted to several people. It was Jesner’s desire to donate his organs in the event of his death. Arab and Jewish doctors worked side by side treating patients of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination. Jesner was a yeshiva student in Israel.

Page 21

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

6466; • JELS, 334-6560; • Jewish Family Service, 330-2024; • Jewish Federation of Omaha, 3341330; • Jewish Press, 334-6448; • Kripke Jewish Federation Library, 334-6464; • National Council of Jewish Women, 334-6565; • Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, 334-6441; • Omaha Center for Torah Learning, 320-8055; • Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 3302725; • Temple Israel, 556-6536; • Tifereth Israel, 423-8569.

Photo by ISRANET.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Silent Steps, Lasting Impact

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor When Linda Novak was a little girl growing up in Alliance, NE, she often attended Sunday family dinners at the home of her grandparents.

Sometimes, a neighbor, whose son had hydrocephaly (more commonly known as ‘water on the brain’) would take him for a walk and stop by.

“I can picture him in a wheelchair,” Linda recalled, “with his head propped up. I never thought of him as being different, though.”

Her whole family was active in the community--Linda’s dad was President of the school board and member of the city/county board; her mother volunteered as well. And when her grandfather died, the obituary stated, “His steps in the community have been silent, but his impact has been lasting.”

Those childhood impressions had a lasting affect on Linda, too. After attending Colorado Women’s College, she wound up in Lincoln, working at the Lancaster County office on Mental Retardation--what Linda described as her “first real experience working with the disabled.”

She went back to school for a master’s in elementary and special education and was hired to teach at JP Lord School in Omaha.

“I was there the same time as Ruth Sokolof,” Linda noted, adding that, like her grandfather, Sokolof was “another one of those people who made such a strong impact on others.”

Sokolof was not only instrumental in founding a program within JP Lord

for the visually impaired, she taught at the school, was on the board of directors of the Nebraska Foundation for the Visually Handicapped, and started a pre-school at Beth El Synagogue!

At JP Lord, the training program, according to Linda, “was OJT--On the Job Training!”

Three weeks after she was awarded her master’s, she was “in a classroom with 17 multiply-handicapped kids,” Linda recalled. “They couldn’t talk or walk, but were normal intellectually. I had five sets of lesson plans for five days in the week--individualized for each student--which added up to 170 plans just for one week!”

Her professional work with the mentally and physically challenged led to a volunteer position within the National Council of Jewish WomenOmaha Section.

Jan Schneiderman, who was then Section President (and would go on to become Omaha’s first NCJW National President in 1999) called on her and Cookie Hoberman to put together an exhibit for the fledgling Omaha Children’s Museum. Entitled “Your Way, My Way,” the exhibit demonstrated different ways of learning and allowed participants to experience using crutches, a wheelchair or navigating a room wearing a blindfold. It won the first ever Community Service award from the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Linda continued her volunteer work throughout her children’s early years.

Linda Novak, right, worked with Dr. Patricia Newman, left, and Robin Spindler on The Yellow Dress project, a one-woman play about domestic violence. That project, originally sponsored by the National council of Jewish Women, Jewish Family Service and the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, is now under the auspices of the Great Plains Girl Scout Council.

(Daughter Shana is now a freelance fashion photographer in New York City and son Andrew will graduate this May from the University of Colorado with a degree in classical history.)

She joined Junior League, volunteered with ECHO (Enriching the Crippled and Handicapped of Omaha),served on the state board of the Cerebral Palsy Association. Even in her volunteer work, Linda stayed attached to improving the lives of mentally and physically handicapped kids.

She took another major position with NCJW, co-chairing the first edi-

tion of R.A.F.T. (Resources Available for Teens Guide) with Kate Kirshenbaum. In the days before personal computers were commonly available, this first edition had to be typed and then sent to a printer to be typeset--but its success was overwhelming.

“We printed about 40,000 copies of the book,” Linda said of her job. “After verifying all the information--names, addresses, phone numbers, and missions of organizations that serve teens in a variety of ways, from eating disorders and summer employment to arts classes and suicide prevention-(Continued on next page)

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Silent Steps

Page 23

Have A Happy and Healthy Passover

(Continued from previous page) -we had to distribute all these boxes to dozens of high schools and middle schools in Douglas County!”

The boxes, which were piled high in Kate’s garage, eventually got into the hands of school counselors, who distributed them to students. “The counselors said the information was a ‘God send,’” Linda recalled. “In those days, counselors had to check in dozens of places to get information like this.

NCJW put it all into one handy book.”

Today, NCJW is in the midst of publishing their fourth edition, according to chairwomen Vicki Perlmeter and Debbi Josephson. Not only will there be the “regular version”--now 52pages long, but NCJW will also publish a Spanish language version for new immigrants and hopes to eventually put R.A.F.T. on a website.

All we need is the money, Josephson has said, adding that Linda’s and Kate’s original work on the project made it so simple to follow in their footsteps.

After completing a term as President of NCJW-Omaha Section and serving on the boards of Girls’ Inc., Jewish Family Service and the Anti-Defamation League, Linda began performing learning disabilities evaluations and teaching special education classes at the College of St. Mary and served as Director of Kopecky Montessori Elementary Day School.

In 1992, she spotted an ad in the Jewish Press: “Wanted,” it stated, “Adviser for Yachad.”

Yachad, which means “together” in Hebrew was a youth group for mentally and physically challenged young Jewish adults started in New York under the auspices of the Orthodox Union. Rabbi Mark Urkowitz, who was the rabbi of Beth Israel Synagogue then, knew about Yachad from his father-in-law, Rabbi Joseph Radinsky in Houston.

Working with Joan and Milt Marcus, Rabbi Urkowitz put together a Yachad group in Omaha, and turned it over to Allan Gonsher when he left.

“Yachad started with eight members and me!” Linda said with a smile.

“Allan was running it as a volunteer, but he needed part-time staff. As a single parent, I needed the income, and as an advocate for special needs, I knew these ‘kids’ needed Yachad.”

Joe Kirshenbaum helped raise $100,000 to start an endowment, enabling JFS to hire staff, like Michele Pfeiffer (not the movie star!) as its new Yachad adviser. Honored in December for her 10 years as a dedicated adviser, Yachad has come under the auspices of Jewish Family Service.

But with declining interest rates, JFS needs more donations to the fund

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

in order to maintain or even increase the level of service needed by “this special group of people in our Jewish community,” noted Steve Stiel, JFS Executive Director. Linda continues to volunteer with JFS on its Special Needs Committee and volunteers with Yachad.

“Omaha Yachad IS Linda Novak,” said Allan Gonsher. “Her sweet concern for every one of these young people is what made Yachad work. She gives hugs and kisses--and she’s even there when a member needs surgery.

“She made it happen and it’s made such a difference in the lives of these kids.”

Linda feels tremendous satisfaction in seeing the attention paid to mentally and physically challenged Jews in our community. She notes the growth of the group to 18 young people and the wider scope of activities now available because of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She’s worked “off and on” for the Ralston School District for the past 10 years as a resource teacher, but now Linda feels like she’s back where she belongs--as a resource teacher in Morton Middle School in the Omaha Public School District. She carries a load of six 40-minute classes, teaching all the subjects needed by special ed students.

If you ask Linda what she’d like most, her answer would be: more funding. Her classroom needs books and materials and she’d love to have more computers. “They’re great for our visual learners!” she added. “We have so many kids who have so many other problems at home--neglect, abuse, bounced from one foster care home to another,” she explained. “It’s very frustrating, but I’ve learned I can’t fix the entire world.”

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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by JOAN K. MARCUS The Glazer family can be found almost every Shabbat sitting in one of the front rows at Temple Israel. Grant, 8, Danny 6, and Jane, age 3, attend services regularly with their parents.

Raising chidlren is always a challenge, but Jennifer and John Glazerhave an additional challenge--Danny was born deaf.

He enjoys the services with the help of signing by a professional, his parents or his brother and sister.

When he was 22-months-old, he received a cochlear implant--electrodes that are actually implanted into the inner ear and a magnet that is also implanted.

He wears another magnet with a microphone that contains a speech processor. Sound is converted to an electrical signal that goes to his brain.

According to Jennifer, “Danny doesn’t hear like we hear. His brain is getting electrical signals, but he is learning to interpret the sound. It doesn’t amplify sound like a hearing aid.”

Jennifer Heck Glazer was born in Omaha to a family active in the Presbyterian Church. Her mother took her older sister, younger brother and Jennifer to church every Sunday. The family participated in many of the church’s activities and Jennifer was active in the youth group when she entered Central High School.

She graduated from Creighton University in 1989 with a degree in Occupational Therapy and has performed rehabilitation services for people who had work-related and sports injuries and specialized in helping people who had injuries of their hands, shoulders or back.

While playing volleyball at her apartment complex, she met John Glazer, also a young professional. “We were friends for a year before we started dating,” she recalled. “Then, a year after we began to date, we were engaged!”

She remembers that before they were married, they began to explore their different religious backgrounds. They took a class in Judaism at Temple Israel and decided that although Jennifer says she had no intentions of converting to Judaism, they would raise their children to be Jewish.

Jennifer and John were married in 1992 at the Highland Country Club by a judge and both agreed theirs would be an interfaith marriage. They would

raise their children as Jews, but celebrate the holidays of both religions. Jennifer added, “I wanted to pass on to them what I had grown up with!”

As the years went on and Grant, 8, Danny 6 and Jane, 3, were born, things began to change in the Glazer home. “We did do the Christian holidays in our home,” she admitted, “but religious guidance was Jewish.”

Although there were some principles of Christianity she didn’t agree with, she did agree with those of Judaism. After raising Jewish children for eight years, Jennifer decided that she, too, wanted to be a member of the Jewish community.

Jennifer readily admits that after eight years of marriage, she converted to Judaism for herself. “I did not convert for my children, my husband or my mother-in-law!” she insisted. “I did it because that’s who I am and this is who I realized I’ve always been. After taking the children to the Jewish preschool and learning the blessings, traditions and really studying, I decided I’ve always been Jewish.

“Now,” she added, “I can give up the parts I didn’t grasp when I was going to church. It’s such a relief!”

Since her conversion, she says that she can’t wait to “soak it all up.”

She attends classes and anticipates having a Bat Mitzvah when the time is right. She realized she was already living Jewishly, and learning in Temple’s Outreach Program has become very important to her. She has served on the Outreach Committee for three years and participated in Women of Reform Judaism while attending services regularly with the whole family.

“Outreach is a safe place for those involved in interfaith relationships to learn about Judaism,” Glazer explained. “There is no pressure to convert and it’s where you can do ‘the interfaith thing!’

Some people have no intention of converting, but it’s a place where you can talk about the things that occur in an interfaith marriage.”

Jennifer lauds the program because “I don’t think that we as Jews do a good enough job of educating people and telling them what we’re about. NonJewish people came to ‘A Taste of Judaism’ and went away with different ideas.”

(Continued on next page)

“I don’t think that we as Jews do a good enough job of educating people and telling them what we’re about...”

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Page 25

The Challenges--and Joys (Continued from previous page) When it came to coping with Danny’s hearing loss, the family began communications with Danny by using sign language. Jennifer says Grant has been “awesome” with his younger brother. “It’s hard to have a little brother who gets all this attention and focus. Grant learned sign language so when there’s a communication breakdown with other children, Grant pitches in to help his brother.”

Danny is learning to talk and, when other children can’t understand him, Grant steps right in to help. According to Jennifer, “Grant is the real hero when it comes to helping his brother.”

She says there is also no problem between Jane and Danny. Even at her young age, Jane is trying to use sign language. “She tries very hard to speak clearly and it’s amazing how they communicate,” Jennifer added.

Staff members at Boys Town National Research Hospital (BTNRH) have worked with Danny Glazer and his family since he was an infant.

Danny has always been “a sponge”--a curious child who learns quickly through a variety of methods. His parents are also flexible learners; they have implemented a variety of techniques in the home to build great communication with their son.

Although Danny was initially dependent on sign language for learning and communicating, he has developed spoken language with help from his cochlear implant and oral schooling. Danny refuses to let hearing loss stand in his way of learning anything.

According to Mary Pat Moeller, Director of the Center for Childhood Deafness at the Boys Town National Research Hospital, because Danny has progressed so well in learning English, his parents are now working with him to learn Hebrew as part of his religious instruction.

After researching their options, the Glazers decided to learn a special visual communication system to make it easier for Danny to learn a second language. They use this cueing system, called “Cued Speech”, to make the sounds in Hebrew clear to Danny so that he can learn with them.

When children do not hear well, they often supplement what they are hearing with lip reading. Lip reading is imprecise because many words look exactly the same on the lips (for example, in English, “mom”, “Bob”, and The Glazer family: Jennifer and Jim, children--Grant, Jane and Danny. “pop” look identical on the system to support Danny in learning also include Omaha Hearing School, lips). this language.

Boystown and Swanson School.

Cued Speech is a sound-based visuThe Glazer Family has set up an “I have have the chance to raise al communication system which uses endowment through the Foundation these wonderful children,” Jennifer eight handshapes in four different of the Jewish Federation to help chil- insisted. “I definitely wouldn’t trade locations (“cues”) around the mouth to dren who are deaf. Money from his my experiences. Having Danny has make all the sounds of spoken lan- fund is available to fund interpreters, given our family the opportunity to guage look different. Danny’s parents send children to camp, and purchase rise to the occasion. I can’t even think are working with a staff member at equipment. Some of the organizations about what we would be without that BTNRH to learn the Hebrew cueing that have benefitted from the fund challenge!”

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Susan Rothholz is no Johnny-come-lately to the “The acronym stands for Court Appointed Special volunteer world. A winner of Planned Parenthood’s Advocate--a trained volunteer who serves as an Curtis Todd Volunteer Award in 1999 and the advocate for abused or neglected children during National Council of Jewish Women Distinguished the time they’re under the jurisdiction of the Service Award in 2002, Susan began her Omaha Juvenile Court. CASA was exactly what I was lookvolunteer career when she moved here in 1967. ing for. It was my chance to make a real difference “Social action causes and women’s issues appealed in a young person’s life.” to me, so Planned Parenthood seemed the logical The CASA program was created in 1976 by place to start. I began by doing patient in-take at Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, WA. the old clinic on 40th and Dewey,” she recalled. “I Concerned over making decisions about abused and was also raising a family and working full-time neglected children’s lives without sufficient inforback then, and my days could get pretty hectic. mation, Judge Soukup conceived the idea of using Still, Planned Parenthood was very important to trained community volunteers to speak for the best me--something I always tried to find time for.”

Her volunteer contributions to Planned Parenthood eventually put Susan on the organization’s Board from 197884 and again from 1996 to 2002.

In the 1980s, Susan added NCJW meetings to her calendar. “It was Carol Bloch who really introduced me to Council (National Council of Jewish Women). The group’s focus on advocacy and individual rights was right up my alley. I found myself involved in Public Affairs work and Lobby An advocate for children and youth for many organizations, Susan Days, meeting with local Rothholz, left, served as a delegate to National Council of Jewish and state legislators about Women’s Washington Institute, along with Ann Moshman, Karin women’s and children’s Levine, and Sally Zipursky. Beth Friedman, front center, Omaha Section President at the time, introduced Sammie Moshenberg, issues.”

Susan also chaired Director of NCJW’s Washington office, to the delegation.

NCJS’s annual Holiday Gift-wrap program for three interests of these children in court. years. “All the organizational work--the planning-The idea changed America’s judicial procedure the lists and charts and making order--it was the and the lives of thousands of children. The Seattle perfect job for the obsessive-compulsive in me,” she program was so successful that soon judges across laughed. the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In But a few years ago, Susan realized that her per- 1990, the U.S. Congress encouraged the expansion sonal needs as a volunteer had changed. “I know of CASA with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse it’s important to serve on Boards and make policy Act, and today there are 52,000 volunteers in more decisions and raise money for good causes and write than 950 CASA programs. our senators,” Rothholz insisted. “Even recruiting Before Susan could qualify as a CASA, she had to women for gift-wrapping shifts is positive work. meet some specific requirements. “I needed referAnd for years, that kind of volunteer involvement ences from friends and groups with whom I’d satisfied me. But one day I realized that raising worked. CASA did a background check on me. money to help people was much different than help- There were intensive, detailed training sessions, of ing people hands-on--one-on-one. I wanted to con- course, where we learned about the court process, tribute in a more concrete way--to be a volunteer advocacy and interviewing techniques, plus how to who could actually influence and impact someone’s recognize signs of abuse and neglect,” she life. And that’s when I read about CASA.” explained.

Susan’s passion for CASA is obvious and sincere.

(Continued on next page)

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A “Special” Advocate (Continued from previous page) “A CASA volunteer must also be willing to serve for at least one year, though some cases take longer. When you take on a case, you take on a child’s future. The amount of time you give to a case varies depending on the stage of the proceedings, but for me it averaged about 10 to 15 hours a month.”

When the training was completed, a judge swore Susan in as a friend of the court, and the CASA office assigned her a case.

“The first thing I did was conduct an independent assessment of the child’s situation. That meant doing research on the background of the case, reviewing documents and interviewing everyone involved--the child, the par-

busy, and judges in juvenile courts sometimes have only a few minutes to make a decision. Should the child stay with the parents or is foster care or adoption a better solution?

“That’s why CASA volunteers are so essential. They provide valuable information and insight about individual children. All the information helps the judge make an informed decision.”

Susan remembers her first day in court as being “a little scary, but fun. I learned a lot about the legal system through CASA. I also learned how to keep my mouth shut--at least in court!

Even when you get frustrated and furious, you can’t spout off and behave the way characters do on ‘The Practice’ or ‘Law and Order.’ You learn how to work within the system, and even when the system seems like a runaway train, you can’t stop it. And once you get on, you’ve got to stay on.”

Staying on is what Susan intends to do.

“I’m not sure when I’ll take on another case, but when it comes, I’ll be ready,” she admitted.

“As a CASA volunteer, I may be the only constant the child knows as she moves through the endless paperwork Susan Rothholz, right, helped coordinate the and red tape of the distribution of books to Omaha Public School juvenile justice system. fourth graders for NCJW’s Dictionary Day, with From the kid’s point of Joan Lehr, left, and Nancy Rips. view, the CASA is the ents and other family members, the one person who’s going to remain caseworkers and teachers, the Foster steady through the whole process.

Care Review Board and the Sometimes the parents are in jail--the Department of Health and Human caseworkers change.

Services,” said Rothholz.

“But I’ll stick around and do my best “I also went to court hearings to to make sure the kids wind up in a answer questions or testify as to what safe, permanent, nurturing home.”

I thought was best for the child’s Susan Rothholz was looking for a future. volunteer job that would get her close “Some of these kids are really to people, and it’s clear that she found young--four, five- years-old. They cer- it. tainly can’t stand up for themselves in “I’d be happy to talk to anyone who’s a courtroom. Without a CASA repre- interested in becoming a CASA volunsenting them, they might just fall teer,” she offered. “It will make a difthrough the cracks,” Rothholz added. ference in a child’s life and, quite pos“The child welfare system is so over sibly, your own.” burdened and the judicial system is so

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Ken Munzesheimer and Alice Weiss were born in opposite parts of the United States and it took quite a few years before they met in Omaha and fell in love. Surprisingly, they always had much in common before they ever met.

Ken was born in Houston, Texas, in 1948 to a father who was Jewish. His mother converted to Judaism in 1939. Although he was raised as a Jew, Ken says, “It was one of those things where my mother just couldn’t give up Christmas!” The family sometimes attended Temple Emmanuel in Dallas--a very large Reform congregation.

He remembers celebrating some Jewish holidays and he was confirmed, but he didn’t have a Bar Mitzvah.

When the family moved in 1962, he began attending religious school at a smaller synagogue in Odessa, TX. He recalled having a good experience during his senior year in high school when he actually taught Jewish history at the synagogue!

After graduating from high school, Ken went on to attend North Texas State University at Denton where he majored in secondary education. These were The Weiss-Munzesheimer years of anti-VietNam War demonstrations, and Ken participated in some on college campuses.

After college graduation, Ken taught Texas history in a very poor area of Dallas. He had begun to question the needs of underprivileged children while he was teaching in Dallas. He saw inadequate housing for low-income families surrounding the school and he became more socially aware of children who were needy.

In 1973, he moved to Galveston where he began to work with minorities and became very sensitive to the needs of the underprivileged.

“I worked for a federal agency that advocated for children. I gave presentations and ran a news center. It was at this time that I became aware of how other people lived,” he explained.

“Combined with my teaching experience in Dallas and what I saw in Galveston, I decided I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who were less fortunate.”

He was upset because the government wasn’t spending allotted money to take care of poor children. “I called them on it, and I had to go higher (in the administration) until I got things changed!”

In 1976, he began to work with people with developmental disabilities in Dallas. “This was a continuation of my advocacy for underprivileged children and children with disabilities.”

Another change in 1977 brought him to Omaha,

when he decided to take the invitation of some of his college friends and move to Omaha. He took a job with Eastern Nebraska Human Services (ENSHA) and eventually became a children’s case worker for ENCOR. Ken worked at ENCOR until 1988 when he received a Masters of Social Work at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and became a Licensed Certified Social Worker. He then began working at Family Intervention Treatment Services as an inhome therapist. In 1990, he went to work at Mercy Care Center as an outpatient therapist. Three years

family: Sam, left, Ken, Alice, Anna and Sara. later, he became a counselor with employees and families at the Methodist Hospital System.

“I do short term counseling and referrals,” Ken explained. “I also do supervisory cases where people have positive drug tests. Some come on their own and others come on the suggestions of their supervisors. Many times problems can be resolved with this kind of therapy.

“Sometimes people just need somebody to help them talk,” he added.

On International Human Rights Day, in 1982, a day sponsored by Amnesty International, Ken was in downtown Omaha.

“I’ll never forget because it was colder than all getout and they wanted people to stand by this huge candle that they had constructed,” Ken laughed. “It was supposed to be ‘a light unto the world!’”

They were supposed to stand by the candle for 30 minutes and talk about human rights and collect donations. Since I had to work earlier in the day, I got the honor of being the last one to take my turn.

It was dark by that time and freezing. We all went down to the Old Market and there was a party at the Antiquarium Book Store.

“Alice was there,” he said with a smile, “and we began to talk. We met again at the bookstore a couple of weeks later and then I called her to go out on New Years Eve.” (Continued on next page)

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Helping Others (Continued from previous page) Alice was born in Oxnard, California, in 1951. Her father was a naval architect from New York and her mother was from New Jersey.

Because her father belonged to a Socialist club at City College of New York he was “blacklisted” during the ’50s and was asked to leave the Navy. The family moved to Michigan, where he began working as a mechanical engineer.

On a business trip to California, he was killed in a plane crash.

Alice and her family moved back east to Newark, New Jersey, and then to South Orange, where she went to high school.

“My grandparents were more socialist than religious,” Alice recalled. “My grandfather belonged to the Workmen’s Circle. We belonged to a huge Reform synagogue and celebrated the major Jewish holidays. I remember going to Hebrew High School and loved it because it was so stimulating. Like Ken, I didn’t have a Bat Mitzvah, but I was confirmed.”

Alice attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., during the political upheaval of the antiwar movement. “Since my family, particularly my mother, had been politically involved, these were very exciting times for me.

“Mom had been a Democratic committee woman and was a delegate for Eugene McCarthy,” Alice remembered. “We had gone together to antiwar demonstrations in Washington, D.C., in the sixties.” She grew up knowing that it was okay to demonstrate and advocate.

In 1974, Alice graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder

at Jewish Family Service.

In 1998, she started a private practice and then began working as a medical social worker in an outpatient dialysis clinic. She links patients with resources in the community and counsels them on their adjustment to dialysis.

“I’m learning a lot about how patients cope with a devastating illness,” she admitted.

“I appreciate how well some of them adjust. It inspires me to see how they deal with a major loss.”

Ken says that meeting Alice was the greatest thing that could have happened to him. He calls her “my lover, companion, confidant and mother of three wonderful children.” They were married in 1985 at Temple Israel.

They have two daughters: Sara, 15 and Anna, 12. “Sara loves theater; she’s in school plays and wants to try out for more. She loves to read and go shopping. Anna also likes theater, and has a talent for writing. Both girls are great kids and do well in school.”

Their son, Sam, 8, is a happy kid, loves to play basketball and is doing well in his special education classes and, according to Ken and Alice has “the memory of an elephant.”

Alice and Ken have learned to advocate for Sam who has some experienced some developmental delays.

“My experience from the past and knowing people has really helped us to be strong advocates for Sam,” Ken said. “You can’t realize how people feel until it happens to you.”

Alice described the membership of Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation as “a community...we’re so small that we all have to participate and get involved. We have an obligation to the community and that’s the value that we want to instill in our children.

“Our children help lead Shabbat services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home once a month and we consider Beyt Shalom as a big part of our lives.”

Alice is the volunteer director of the religious school and all the teachers are volunteers Sam Munzesheimer, center, and other students as well. Many of the have at Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist congregants learned to lead services Congregation, celebrate Sukkot together. and read from the with a degree in psychology. Since the Torah. Although their services are economy was in a slump, she decided quite ritualistic, they pride themto join Volunteers-In-Service-To- selves on being receptive to all America--VISTA--a volunteer service groups--regardless of age or sexual organization that placed young adults orientation. in positions where they can help peoKen added, “In such a small group, ple. everyone has to pull their weight. We Her placement was a skid row alco- think of ourselves as a community holic treatment center in Omaha. She and we look out for each other. volunteered for one year and stayed Starting with family, we need to all on to become a paid employee. After pull together, do our part and look traveling in Europe and Israel for a after each other!” year, she returned to Omaha, where The lessons Ken Munzesheimer and she headed a Parent-to-Parent Alice Weiss learned in childhood and Program in Sarpy County. as young adults--being advocates, A job in behavioral pediatrics understanding others, listening, and induced Alice to return to school--this working in a cooperative environtime to the University of Nebraska- ment--have had an impact on their Omaha--for an MSW. In 1982, she lives as parents, professionals, and as began a 15-year career as a therapist volunteers.

...We have an

obligation to

the community

Dining

Out

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 29

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Despite Bad Rap from the Media, Teens Find Time to Help

by OZZIE NOGG If you think teens spend all their spare time roaming shopping malls or hanging out in video game arcades, think again. Following Rabbi Hillel’s dictum--“Do not separate yourself from the community”--more and more Omaha Jewish teens are volunteering their time at local agencies and telling their peers about their positive experiences.

Beth El’s eighth grade students are a case in point.

As part of their class unit on Jewish Values, the BESTT teens must put in 20 hours of volunteer work each semester. Where they decide to donate their time is up to them, and helping out at local parks, at the synagogue, the Jewish Community Center’s Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, the Kripke Federation Library and Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are popular choices.

Both Devon Gilinsky, son of Rick and Jeannie Gilinsky, and Nimrod Ginsburg, son of Jacob Ginsburg and Orly Gilat, volunteer their time with the Omaha Department of Parks and Recreation.

“When we pick up trash in Zorinsky Park, we’re making the environment cleaner,” Devon said. Nimrod agreed.

“This volunteer job helps me appreciate how we need to take care of our surroundings so people can find more joy in nature.”

Eighth graders who volunteer at

Beth El Synagogue’s Sunday School include Seth Rich, son of Joel and Mary Rich; Carolyn BarenbaumMeyers, daughter of Sally Barenbaum and Bruce Meyers; Erin Abramson, daughter of Mike and Sheri Abramson; and Danny Raznick, son of Jeanne and Jerry Rasnick.

“I’m sort of a jack of all trades,” Seth Rich said. “During Sunday School I do whatever needs to be done, from being a “gofer” to actually helping tutor the second grade class. My volunteer work at BESTT helps the student-teacher ratio, since teachers are so busy.”

Carolyn Berenbaum-Meyers, who, along with Seth, created a Jewish Trivial Pursuits game “to make learning more fun for the little kids,” volunteers in the BESTT office on Sunday mornings.

Both Erin Abramson and Danny Raznick feel good about the volunteer time they give in the BESTT classrooms.

“I guess we’re sort of like role models,” Erin said. “We’re helping to teach the younger kids about the Jewish religion--about Shabbat and God.” Danny admitted that he, along with the BESTT teachers and students, also benefits from his volunteer work.

“It’s easier for the teachers when I’m there,” he said, “and it’s fun--which is a benefit for me.”

Julie Gross, daughter of David and Pam Gross, and Kevin Kirshenbaum, son of Scott and Barbara

Beth El BESTT eighth graders involved in volunteer work include: David Sukiennik, left, Martin Kaplan, Seth Kudym and Ariel Levin.

Kirshenbaum, also participate in Beth El’s Jewish Values program.

The CDC is another popular venue for Omaha’s teen volunteers. Rebecca Salkin, daughter of Cindy and Rich Salkin, goes to the CDC after school to help teachers with activities and to run errands in the facility. “When I play with the kids, it’s good for everybody. The kids, because we have fun together, and the teachers, because they have so much to do. Itπs good for me, too, because the time I spend at the CDC helps me learn more about

how to handle situations that come up in my baby-sitting jobs.”

Lauren Josephson, daughter of Judy and Keith Josephson; Marty Kaplan, son of Howard and Julie Kaplan; and David Sukiennik, son of Hyman and Marlene Sukiennik, volunteer at the CDC, too.

“We help the teachers out so things are less stressful,” David said. “Does playing with two-year olds benefit the world or make it a better place? I don’t know, but I do love it!”

(Continued on next page)

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Page 31

Teens Find Time to Help (Continued from previous page) When you visit the Kripke Federation Library during after-school hours, look for Ariel Levin, son of Rabbi Mordechai and Susi Levin. Ariel checks in books and re-stacks the shelves.

“The library is a nice place to be,” Ariel said, in explaining his choice of volunteer work. “Besides, I always find books that I would like to read.”

Lynn and Errol Saltzman’s son, Brent, considers the Library his second home. A member of Beth Israel Synagogue and a product of the Friedel Academy, the Beveridge Magnet School eighth grader goes to the Library whenever he can get a ride. His library work includes checking books in and out and making boxes for books on tape.

“Even on days when there’s no school, I go to the library,” Brent explained. “The library is a fun working environment. It’s never boring and it gives me something really interesting to do. It’s good to work with someone like Dorothy (Kaplan) with Brent Saltzman spends her long experience; hours after school helpHarris Finkelstein and ing out in the Kripke Gary Katz--the library Federation Library professionals--are like my mentors--we’re friends. They like to see me there, in the library.”

Residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home like to see the teen volunteers, too, and Beth El member Robert Mosenkis is a frequent visitor, having racked up hundreds of hours of volunteer time.

Robert, a 16-year-old Burke High School junior, came to Omaha from Russia in 1991, along with his parents, Anna and Igor, and his older sister, Florina.

“I started going to the Blumkin Home with my mother when I was about five,” Robert said.

“Mother played the piano for the residents, and my sister Florina went, too. By now, the Blumkin folks are like surrogate grandparents to me.”

Robert drops into the Home whenever he’s at the JCC and delivers pop and cookies to the residents at least once a week--his version of Room Service.

“The Blumkin Home has a special place in my heart,” Robert says. “Sometimes it’s tough to visit-like when a resident is sick or something--but I don’t let that stop me from getting close to them.

Lots of residents have no family in town, and even if they have family they don’t always come to visit.

“Besides, I learn from the residents-from their stories and tales and from their life experiences. Sometimes they repeat the same story but that’s okay. The fact that I speak Russian helps a lot-I’m sort of a translator between the residents and the nurses. Sometimes I’m the only one Robert Mosenkis was with whom some of awarded the Teen the residents can Volunteer of the Year by have a real converLois Wine of Jewish Senior sation,” he added.

Services.

Robert’s efforts have earned him the Blumkin Home Volun-Teen of the Year Award, plus recognition by United Way of the Midlands.

Two other Beth El eighth graders--Allison Lehman, daughter of Denise and Howard Lehman, and Seth Kudym, son of Gary and Robbi Kudym-also volunteer at the Blumkin Home.

“The elderly are happy when they have someone to talk to,” Allison says. “I think we do make the world a better place when we help senior citizens have good lives.”

Both Allison and Seth also work in the Blumkin office, stuffing envelopes and doing other administrative tasks. “My help is appreciated,” Seth says.

“It makes me feel good, helping people out, even at my age. The Home always needs volunteers. I want to encourage other kids my age to volunteer, too.”

Temple Israel’s AJ Walts, and his sister, Holly, are regulars at the Home, too. They come nearly every Sunday with their parents, Mike and Beth, to play bingo, help transport residents to and from their rooms, lead sing-a-long sessions, play cards and just be available to any resident who wants company.

Rabbi Hillel would be proud.

Through Jewish Values Programs and Mitzvah Projects offered by our religious institutions and Youth Groups, a growing number of Omaha teens feel connected to our community and contribute to it. Clearly, our young people understand that Jews, traditionally, take care of one another.

They also realize that one day, the responsibility of leading the Omaha Jewish community will belong to them.

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April 11, 2003

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Volunteering is a Way of Life

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Simply stated, Sheila Tomps feels she was “kind of put here on earth to volunteer.” Her weekly schedule is arranged around helping residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH) and Remington Heights Retirement Center, Temple Israel, Western Hills Elementary School, and just helping elderly friends. “I get around,” she smiled.

Tomps grew up at Beth Israel Synagogue attending Talmud Torah, becoming a Bat Mitzvah there, and belonging to the youth group. She remained active there as an adult on the Synagogue Board and in Sisterhood. And although she joined Temple Israel last August, Tomps still Sheila Tomps helps with Sisterhood lunches and at the gift shop at Beth Israel.

If she’s not at the Blumkin Home, “I didn’t want to leave them high and Tomps can be found several times a dry,” she said. In fact, she often month visiting with residents of attends worship services at both Beth Remington Heights.

Israel and Temple on the same Or she can also be found two or three Shabbat. She might accompany her times a week at Western Hills School. mother, Reva Ruderman, to Beth She’s been devoting her time there Israel for morning services and attend since her oldest son was in kinderevening services at Temple. garten. He’s 37 years old now. She After Tomps joined Temple Israel, served as president of the parent she became immediately involved teacher association twice but has thanks to Dorothy Spizman, Temple’s always worked one-on-one with the executive director. “She bakes for kindergartners.

Onegs, sets “I still do tables, helps that,” she said with mailings,” and added jokenumerated ingly, “but I’ve Spizman. “The grown up and minute she now work with joined, she the second and began volunfifth graders, t e e r i n g , ” too.”

Spizman said.

“She’s fabu“She just steps lous!” insisted in wherever Margaret she sees a need.

Somers, the She really doeskindergarten n’t have to be teacher at asked.”

Western Hills.

Tomps noted Somers gives that when she’s at Temple, “I always Tomps a calendar of the year’s events go away with a good feeling--a feeling in August so she can help with everyof comfort and belonging that I felt as thing from kindergarten round-up to soon as I came here. I still have warm field trips and help bake cookies with feelings for Beth Israel,” she quickly the children. “We couldn’t do it withadded. The change was “a personal out her,” said Somers. Sheila’s a treaschoice. I enjoy the things Temple ure. She loves the children and she’s stands for. They do things for the very dedicated.” greater community. The giving part Tomps also volunteered at Rose Hill appealed to me.”

School working with mentally handiAs a member of Temple’s Caring capped children whom she accompaCommittee, Tomps volunteers at the nied to the Special Olympics.

Blumkin Home. But she’s been doing “I’m glad I had the luxury to be a that for the past four years. She stay-at-home Mom,” Tomps remarked. accompanies residents to doctor, den- Volunteering “has made my life meantist, and other medical appointments, ingful and fulfilling. I do these things attends special events and goes on because I enjoy it.” Although she felt outings to places like the zoo or out to uncomfortable talking about herself, lunch, and helps residents on and off Tomps admitted that helping others their van among other tasks. “makes me feel good. I like people and “I try to go there once a week for I’m able to relate to them.” three to four hours at a time.” She just Starting when she helped out in her does “whatever they call me to do. I son’s kindergarten class, sometimes get more than I give,” she emphasized. it’s just the time it takes to accompany According to Lois Wine, director of an elderly friend to the grocery store volunteer services at RBJH, “Sheila or the doctor. But 30 years later, she shines when visiting lonely residents. feels as though “I’ve accomplished as She spends many hours performing much as someone climbing the ladder this service. The smiles on the faces of in the business world.” those she visits are among her greatRay Tomps, Sheila’s husband of 32 est rewards. years, has been “very supportive. I “Sheila does not expect, nor does she really appreciate that. I couldn’t do it seek recognition for the hundreds of without his support,” she indicated. In hours she gives to the Rose Blumkin fact, he was a volunteer himself when Home. At her request, there is no writ- the family, including oldest son, David ten record (in the volunteer sign-in Hornstein, and Michael and Steven book) of the time she spends there.”

(Continued on next page)

“Sheila shines when visiting lonely residents. She spends many hours performing this service. The smiles on the faces of those she visits are among her greatest rewards.”

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 33

Volunteering is a Way of Life (Continued from previous page) Tomps were involved in Boys Scouts.

All three boys became Eagle Scouts while their mother worked her way up from den mother to the (former) Golden Eagle District Committee. The family was honored as the 1992 Scout Family of the Year in the Voyager District. Sheila was also the recipient of the District Award of Merit and the Shofar Award.

“It paid off in the way my children turned out,”

Tomps acknowledged.

Taking his mother’s lead, David is volunteering, through his employer, with Make-a-Wish Foundation. Michael was involved in Scout leadership while his Dad was a Scoutmaster, and Steven participated in Boy Scout training and leadership.

Sheila was also named Trailblazer of the Year by Lewis and Clark Junior High School for exemplifying a giving attitude and being willing to give her

time. The Blumkin Home and Jewish Senior Services recognized her as their Federation Volunteer of the Year in 2001 and nominated her that year for United Way Volunteer of the Year. She was one of the winners in the health category.

But for Sheila Tomps, although they’re appreciated, it’s not the accolades that keep her going.

“The reward that comes from helping others,” she notes, “is the greatest honor.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Upholding Jewish Law

by JOAN K. MARCUS It was a cold and snowy day when Omaha attorney Jim Polack and I had decided to meet for his interview. I had almost given up hope for him coming when he suddenly appeared.

He said, “I apologize for being late but the interstate was slippery and it took me a long time to take people home from the minyan!”

“H’mmm,” I thought to myself, “This guy must be a very observant Jew if he goes to the minyan every morning.”

And then, during our visit, I discovered that Jim Polack is indeed an enigma.

Polack was born in Omaha in 1958.

His parents, Joe and Lenore Polack, raised Jim as a Jew, but he readily admits that, after his Bar Mitzvah and confirmation at Temple Israel, he didn’t go back to services.

He went to Burke High School and says he didn’t have many Jewish friends. After a year at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, he decided he wasn’t college material.

“I wasn’t exactly motivated by college but I had a good time at the Sigma Alpha Mu house!” he laughed.

“Joining the Marines just seemed like the right thing for me to do instead of going to college.”

As a Marine, Jim worked on mainframe computers, guarded the American Embassy in Port O’Prince, Haiti, and guarded former President Jimmy Carter.

But his life changed when he went to guard the American Consulate in Beirut, Lebanon.

“One of my most sobering experiences was when I took one of the kids home from the Beirut Airport explosion in 1983,” he admitted. “When you see body parts in formaldehyde and sawdust from more than 200 people, it really changes your outlook on life.

“You can be in the military. You’re trained to kill people and you know your life is in danger guarding these embassies but it doesn’t have the same effect as seeing a couple hundred of your comrades killed.”

He remained in the Marines for six years. In 1978, while in Anaheim, CA, he met Susan Berkowitz at Beth Emet Synagogue.

According to Jim, “It was love at first sight; I definitely heard bells ringing when I met her! We weren’t married until 1983 when I got out of the Marine Corps. The saying ‘If the Marines wanted you to have a wife, they’d issue you one’ is true. So, we didn’t get married until I got out.”

Susan is currently a Physician’s Assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Family Practice.

After Polack finished his stint with the Marines, he went to work in aerospace for McDonald-Douglas Co. for nine years. He did technical support in Southern California and finished his undergraduate degree at the University of San Francisco in 1990.

His obtained a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems because he decided he “just liked going to school” after all. “Whenever, I had any prob-

Happy Passover

lems in my life, I would call my father. He would say, ‘If you don’t get a good education, you’ll have problems for the rest of your life.’”

Because he loved and respected his father, he heeded his advice. And because he respected his father’s ability as an attorney, Jim decided to go on to law school at USF. “I picked law school because it was convenient and I just wanted to go to continue. I enjoyed it but honestly couldn’t ever picture myself practicing law!” he admitted.

In 1995, after a move back to Omaha, Polack graduated, cum laude, from Creighton Law School, an honor he didn’t even know he had earned until some friends called to say they saw his name on that list. Jim had been working part-time in his father’s law practice as a clerk. He left in 1998 to begin his own practice.

He describes his volunteer work as “unofficial.” His friendship with Rabbi Mendel Katzman continues to provide him with work that is always gratifying.

“If somebody needs to be picked up at the airport or a computer breaks, Rabbi Katzman calls me and I help,” he explained. “If there needs to be some quick law work I try to help. I do

Jim Polack the best I can to help to try uphold Jewish law.”

Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Polack attends the minyan at Chabad House. He says, “When I lived in Israel, I got a completely different perspective on being Jewish. A Shabbat never went by that I didn’t have an invitation to someone’s home.”

He made friends with several students from Aish Hatorah, a yeshiva well known as being a comfortable place for people who are returning to Judaism.

(Continued on next page)

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Page 35

Jewish Law (Continued from previous page) “It’s a little more basic and a little less complex,” he added. “The men I met (in Jerusalem) were attending classes there and they took me a couple of times a week. I didn’t pick up much technical knowledge, but I found out that there was a much deeper meaning of Judaism.

“Judaism becomes much more meaningful and rewarding when you live in a community of people who are observant. It doesn’t matter if it’s in Israel or in Omaha,” says Polack. He likes being involved with Chabad he says because “they don’t send the ‘Kosher Police’ to your house or criticize you for the things you do or don’t do. It’s a nice atmosphere and there’s no pressure!”

Jim’s other mitzvot include doing work for people who can’t afford to pay law fees. And recipients don’t necessarily need to be Jewish. He defends people with disabilities and others with special needs.

“Sometimes I have to charge but I do give a reduced rate.”

Susan and Jim have two sons: Max, 5, who attends the Friedel Jewish Academy, and Josh, 3.

Max enjoys Friedel because it is such a rewarding experience.

Jim said, “He likes everything about it! He comes home and speaks Hebrew and is doing well in all of his work. It’s a very impressive place and we couldn’t be happier with what’s going on there! Elinor Matalon was instrumental in convincing us to send Max there and we’re so glad we did!”

Josh attends the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the JCC. He can’t wait to attend Friedel with his brother.

“With the two boys at the JCC, Susan’s mother at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Chabad House, the new Beth Israel Synagogue building, and our house three blocks away,” Jim added, “it’s like a little shetl.”

Friedel Jewish Academy kindergartners, Max Weiner, left, and Max Polack, point to their contributions to the school’s learning unit on Patriotism. “I like living in America,” Max said, “because we have the Israeli flag and the American flag.”

He thinks the Omaha Jewish community is alive and well.

“Now we have Rabbi Debbie Stiel at the CDC, there are so many places that my children can go to play and learn,” Jim concluded. “The world is crazier now than when I grew up and all the things that I mentioned give the kids something to hold on to--a set of values and a foundation of what’s important.”

The motto for the Marines--Semper fi--it seems, also applies to men like Jim inthe Jewish community. Always faithful.

Guidelines for Submissions to the Jewish Press Births Births shall be listed in the Jewish Press with: the name of the child, date born (or arrived, in the case of adoption), names of parents and the city in which the family resides. Other siblings and their ages may be listed as brothers and sisters of the new baby.

Names of all grandparents or step-grandparents, as well as living great-grandparents may be included as well as the cities in which they live. Late grandparents as well as a late spouse may also be included, but not late great-grandparents if space is not available.

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In cases where the parents have lost a child prior to the birth or arrival of the new baby, parents may add that information in a form of their choosing.

In the News This column features the names of members of the Jewish community (or former Jewish Omahans) who have made changes in their lives (graduations, job changes or promotions), received awards or made some

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Bar and Bat Mitzvah Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents (including late parent[s] and/or late grandparent[s]), names of siblings, date of event and synagogue location.

In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child’s Mitzvah Project and a one-sentence description, if provided by the family. Clearly identified photos are welcome if they are in focus and easily reproduced.

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April 11, 2003

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Speaking Against Injustice Without Judging

by MAUREEN BORDEN “How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?”

Remember that line from The Sound of Music, when the nuns sing about one of their own, the irrepressible Maria? Well the same may be sung for one of our own, Marcy Cotton.

Marcy doesn’t enter a room. She darts like a beam of light intersecting every corner and everyone she meets with her wit, her kindness, her fierce enthusiasm.

“She’s always been East Coast in energy. No down time. The children talk about her for weeks,” says her friend, Diane Cox, head librarian at Field Club Elementary School.

“Every year, Marcy visits the second graders to tell them the story of Hanukkah. She brings her own light symbols, the menorahs Marcy Cotton is currently Executive she’s collected, and she brings Director of the Omaha Public Library dreidels enough for every child. Foundation and hopes the community She’s known as the ‘Hanukkah will enthusiastically support a major Lady,’” Cox relates. “As a non- fundraiser scheduled for May 6 & 7.

Jew, I’ve learned so much about The Book Guys (you can hear them at Judaism from Marcy. She’s such a 10 a.m. during the week on KIOS) will broadcast live from the W. Dale Clark goodwill ambassador.”

Marcy’s sense of family and com- Main Library and word lovers may munity was first rooted in have the chance to put their treasures Richmond, Virginia, where her in the spotlight. parents fixed the notion of tikkun “She really cares about us teens at olam-- to make the world a better The Rose, and she always makes sure place, sometimes through beauty and we have FOOD (and pop). She’s just the imagination. They introduced her an all-round good person.”

Marcy unabashedly digs these kids. to children’s theater and it became a place of wonder and realization. A Every time she takes the elevator to place where she says, “You were left the fourth floor--to the teen space with things to think about and talk known as the Hitchcock Theater--she views the ride as an allegory a going about.”

This love took further hold when up, an “aliyah”--these kids make. “All Marcy’s husband Ira accepted a busi- of a sudden they see the world as a ness opportunity in Omaha and the much bigger place fraught with peril. family relocated from the D.C. area in They see the good, the bad and the 1995. That’s when she discovered The ugly and they’re able to lasso it and Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center work with it creatively, improvisationand a second home for her daughters, ally and that’s what I love.”

Here midst the bare, black walls of Anna and Amy. Anna was a member of their Young Playwrights Group and the proscenium, imagination is a high even did a production for her Westside kite. Marcy believes the improvisaHigh School senior project with the tional pieces of the teen theater are its staff of The Rose as her mentors. Amy strongest linchpins. Three particular found acting and writing exciting at plays have captivated her. The Broken the theater and spent her Westside Mirror focuses on the challenges teenage girls face, such as self-image senior year as an intern.

Because the girls didn’t drive, Marcy or what Marcy’s daughter Anna calls found herself camping out during “lookism.”

How so often we’re judged by an rehearsals and eventually sitting in on them. There’s an adage which goes, external mirror and bemoan a less“Virtually all Jewish wisdom is relat- than-perfect reflection. The Pride ed to food.” This was not lost on Marcy Players is a work that explores who figured if she and her girls got issues of sexual orientation and selfhungry during rehearsals, probably esteem, while Young, Gifted & Black deals with race, bigotry and selfthe rest of the cast did, too.

“After all,” she muses, “everyone acceptance.

For the past four years, these plays likes a good kiddush!”

So she started bringing snacks. have been produced with different Good snacks. Marcy recalls when she casts. While the basic themes remain had a slew of coupons from a local constant, the actors--who write specialty shop and asked the manag- everything themselves--determine er if she could use them all at the the specific focus. Because each cast same time. Her request was granted has its own vision, each production is and she brought sacks of ‘real’ bagels new and stimulating and at times and cream cheeses to the rehearsal controversial and disturbing.

A few seasons ago, Marcy recalls The that day.

“I was a few minutes early,” Marcy Rose Guild was concerned about negremembers, “and this one girl comes ative rhetoric from the press and some up to me and says, ‘Mrs. Cotton, you of the parents. A few of the members are the food goddess,’ and it was so asked her opinion. Without pause, she fearlessly defended the actors. “I comfunny.”

Emily Greenberg, another young mented that I thought it was incredi(Continued on next page) actress confirms Marcy’s generosity.

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 37

Speaking Against Injustice (Continued from previous page) ible that they had the ability to raise these issues...to share what’s on their minds and that it’s better to express it in such a creative way.”

Marcy is emphatic about teens having a forum to explore and reveal their true selves--a place to speak against injustice without judging. While volunteering at The Rose, Marcy learned about a teen program sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). Anytown, is a one-week summer camp experience for high schoolers who want to learn how to fight racism, bias and bigotry.

“A total of 60 kids, another tikkun olam directed group...I knew that my high school-age daughter Amy would jump at a week’s program with this kind of mission. And she did.” Not only did NCCJ’s Anytown get Amy; they also got Marcy. She ended up driving a stranded counselor from the airport to the campsite, as well as handling other errands as needed.

“After the Young, Gifted & Black and Pride Players’ projects at The Rose that raised issues of bigotry and harassment, here was an opportunity to learn how to develop and take appropriate skills back to your own environment and put programs

into place that would make a difference for the better. How could I not throw myself wholeheartedly into that?” Marcy remarks.

Learning to fight prejudice from the political to the personal, from the world to the corner, Amy became a part of Anytown and so did Marcy.

At The Rose, the teen theater is also a kind of Anytown: a microcosm where the actors deliver messages and provocations, hoping for dialogue from their parents and the audience. When Marcy attends, it’s not only with her ears but her heart.

Brian Guchring, associate education director, reveals, “Marcy’s an amazing ally. She sees all the performances and claps loud and asks questions when the audience is invited to participate. She helps the kids celebrate their achievements.”

As a new member of the Guild, Marcy has more clout to support her teens. She feels lucky to have the backing of corporate affiliates like Hy-Vee who provide first-rate refreshments. As her involvement with the teen theater began, Marcy “pounded pavement” looking for sponsors for t-shirts for the cast.

Spirit World was first to benefit Young, Gifted &

Black and the Terry Watanabe Charitable Trust began a wonderful association with Pride Players.

Marcy notes, “I was fortunate to find these socially conscious business owners. Currently various local firms underwrite ‘teen theater tees.’ Somehow these shirts with the production artwork, as well as the names of cast and crew on them, really galvanize the kids into a troupe. It’s the icing on the cake.

It makes them feel good, and that makes me feel great!”

As part of her duties, Marcy pledges to continue serving refreshments at every Teen’s ’n Theater opening night. And you can be certain her own generosity will remain unflagging. She’s not, however, as much concerned with dollars as with doilies--to set a pretty table showing these kids how special they are. She wants them to know they have options, opportunities here in Omaha and to realize a basic life lesson: “That you can march to your own drummer and garner respect for it. That you have to be willing to keep marching.”

A notion, a nosh, a two-armed hug from Marcy and it’s easy to see why they--and we ‘cotton’ to her.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Still Volunteering at 86

by JOAN K. MARCUS Ernie Wintroub’s father, Joseph, owned a combination pawnshop and clothing store on 13th and Douglas and Ernie remembers that his was the only Jewish family in the immediate neighborhood. Unlike years ago, Wintroub says today the Omaha Jewish community is more spread out.

“When I was a boy, our community was concentrated between 19th and 30th Streets and Cuming to Lake Streets,” the active 86-year-old said.

“In that area, there were synagogues, the mikvah, the Star Department Store, Jewish businesses, butcher shops, grocery stores and bakeries--all Jewish.”

Ernie’s mother, Fanny, worked beside Joseph in the store. Many times, the family ate their evening meal at a table in the back of the store.

In about 1925, after a fire consumed his store, Joseph decided to take over the coal yard been owned by Ernie’s grandfather, Louis (Labe) Wintroub.

Labe had a “cash flow” problem and the business didn’t provide a living for the family. Eventually, oil became available for heating and the store was no longer profitable.

“I can still member playing in the store,” he recalled, “and I know that my father used his own funds to pay off debts after my grandfather died.”

Friends tell Ernie that he was a spoiled child because his parents were so thrilled to have a boy 10 years after having a girl--his older sister, Ruth

Vivian.

“We had gangs, but they were different from the gangs of today,” he laughed. “We were mostly groups of kids who played together!” He recalls a happy childhood playing football and baseball in Kountze Park on 19th St. In the winter, kids skated in the lagoon and afterwards huddled in a little shack to keep warm.

Ernie has memories of trips to Lincoln that took most of the day.

Before the trip began, provisions were made for tire punctures. “The bridge over the Elkhorn River was only one lane. If a car was coming from the opposite direction, you had to back up in order to let it pass,” he explained.

Family picnics in Elmwood Park were another high point. Each summer, Ernie’s grandfather insisted that the family meet. Many other Jewish families joined them in the park and it was a special occasion for all of the youngsters.

Although his father wanted him to attend Talmud Torah at the synagogue on 18th and Burt, Ernie managed to get into fights with the other students.

“The first time, I fought with a boy who was wearing a silk shirt and I beat him,” he said. “The second time, it was a fight with a boy in a silk shirt and I thought it was the same kid.

Well, it wasn’t and he beat the daylights out of me.” After that, his father hired a private teacher in order to prepare for his Bar Mitzvah in 1930.

Janet and Ernie Wintroub He attended Central High, where he 1935, he earned undergraduate and fancied himself a football player. law degrees from the University of However, that ambition was quickly Nebraska at Lincoln. dismissed because he only weighed 98 After he completed his senior year pounds! A try at wrestling also failed and passed the bar, he knew it would because the mats were made of cloth only be a short period of time until he to which he had an allergic reaction. was called into the Army. Since he He quickly decided that efforts to be a wanted to attend Officers Training tennis player would have to succeed.

School, it would be necessary for him When still in the eighth grade, Ernie to gain some weight. His try to was participated in a school debate about unsuccessful but, by that time, the the merits of natural gas and decided war was in full swing and the weight then that he wanted to be an attorney. requirement was waived.

After graduation from Central in (Continued on next page)

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Still Volunteering (Continued from previous page) In March of 1946, Ernie attended a wedding where he met Janet Zien, a lovely young widow. He admits that he instantly fell in love with her and her three-year-old son, Bruce. In November of that same year, they became engaged and were married in January of 1947.

Ernie adopted Bruce immediately and subsequently they had Frank in 1947; Beth was born in 1950 and John, in 1954. Today, Bruce is Associate Dean of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of California.

Frank owns the Rose Company and lives in Fairfield, IA. Beth is a teacher and lives in Longmont, CO; John owns the Tobacco Leaf II and lives in Littleton, CO. Janet and Ernie also have six grandchildren.

Ernie came back after his Army service and wasn’t pleased with the prospect of practicing law. He worked for a jewelry company until he purchased Omaha Lace Laundry. He operated it until 1963, when he went back to law school for a refresher course and Janet began to run the business. He practiced law from 1963-89 when he retired.

When the L.O.V.E. Program was started at the Philip Sher Jewish Home for the Aged, Lee Jane Parsow prevailed upon Ernie to become a volunteer.

He read to the residents and volunteered to play cards with them. Work on the Cub Scout Troop Committee lead to his association with the MidAmerica Council of the Boy Scouts.

During the fifties, he volunteered with B’nai Brith and later became president of Henry Monsky Lodge. At the same time, he chaired the Beth El Synagogue School Board, and in 1963, was elected President of the Beth El Board of Directors. He also served two terms as the Chairman of the AntiDefamation League and was a member of the Federation Board as well.

His work as a volunteer has continued.

At the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, he leads a sing-a-long and tells Yiddish stories to the residents. Because of a foundation established by his family, he has made sure that residents will always have a pianist for these occasions. Wintroub is probably the only volunteer who has led sing-a-long sessions continuously since the days the Jewish elderly resided at the Dr. Philip Sher Home.

Ernie added, “The Omaha Jewish community is a well hidden secret. For our size, we have many more functions than larger communities. Our JCC is outstanding and you could be doing something educational, recreational or as a volunteer every day or night of the week!”

Sounds like Ernie Wintroub already is.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed the first two and last two days of Passover, Thursday and Friday, April 17-18, and Wednesday and Thursday, April 2324.

Deadlines for upcoming issues are as follows: Issue Deadline April 25 Monday, April 14 May 2 Monday, April 21 Questions? Call 334-6448.

Class High School of 2003 Seniors...!

We need your graduation photo and the following information for our annual Graduation Teen Age to be published on June 6, 2003: Name: ______________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _________________ ____________________________________ Current High School ________________ ____________________________________ Plans after graduation ______________ ____________________________________ Send by May 1 to: The Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 39

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Passover

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May the season of our freedom be blessed with peace at home, peace in our holy land, and peace throughout the world. May we merit true joy and fullfillment through the coming of our righteous Moshiach.

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April 11, 2003

A Dedicated Nurse

by JOAN K. MARCUS Even though Sara Wexler Wolfson has many responsibilities with her own family, she still finds time to do volunteer work. In her professional life, she’s a registered nurse at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and loves the people whom she serves. She looks at them all as the “grandmas and grandpas” she never knew.

Sara was raised in Brooklyn where she remembers her classmates in school as predominately Jewish.

“I took for granted that everybody was Jewish!“ she laughed. “They even closed the high schools on Jewish holidays.

However, my parents were first generation Americans and it was very important to our family that we ‘blend in.’”

Her father was an electrical engineer who worked on one of the first orbiting observatories launched in space. Her mother, also a nurse, was her mentor.

When she was 18, Sara went away to attend the University of Arizona and her life changed. She chose that school because she had allergies, but didn’t realize that would be where she was going to meet her future husband.

During her freshman year, she met Doug Wolfson at the Hillel House.

“He had a circle of friends and I sort of broke into it,” Sara recalled. “He was an avid bridge player and we used to get together and play bridge for hours! I tried to play but I could never get the hang of it.”

Sara says she and Doug didn’t really “hit it off” at first. However, about the second or third year of college, they began to date and, by the time

she graduated, they She remembers in 1987, were planning their she entered hostile situawedding. They were tions when she tried to married in October of educate people about 1979 in Bridgewater, AIDS. New Jersey, in a “Most people thought Conservative synathat if you had AIDS, you gogue. were automatically homoDoug and Sara had sexual and they didn’t three rabbis who offiwant to listen. Much of the ciated at their wededucational efforts I was ding. Rabbi Myer S. involved in fell on deaf Kripke traveled from ears!” she added.

Omaha to represent In September of 1989, the Wolfson family.

Sara went to work at the Also officiating was Rose Blumkin Jewish the rabbi from the Home.

University of In addition to working Arizona’s Hillel House there, she is certified in as well as Sara’s famBraille, and will eventualily rabbi. A fourth ly help blind people by rabbi from the synatranscribing for them. She gogue gave them his is also a member of the tallis (prayer shawl) Chevra Kadisha--the rituto hang over the chupal burial society--and has pah (wedding canopy). worked as a member of the Sara admits when Doug, Sara and Aaron Wolfson at Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah. The Disaster Assistance Team she came to Omaha to Wolfsons have two other children: Naomi and Avi. for the American Red live, she wasn’t “crazy Cross. about it!” She missed all the things was born in 1984. Her daughter, Most recently, Sara began Naomi, was born in 1986 and another Elderquest, a non-profit wish-grantishe experienced in New York.

“I was used to the kosher butcher son, Avi, was born in 1989. ng organization for elderly people.

Even though she was busy with her Money is raised through donations to down the street and all the other Jewish things,” Sara remembered. “It young family, Sara volunteered to do allow people to do things that they took four or five years before I got to AIDS Education for the American Red have always wanted to do.

Cross from 1987-89. where I was feeling comfortable.

“These are small wishes,” Sara “This was an early time in Nebraska explained. “For instance, someone In 1979, nurses were in great demand and she went to work at the for AIDS Education,” she explained. might have always wanted to take University of Nebraska Medical “Because there was so much misinfor- music lessons, but may not have been Center (UNMC). She continued to mation about AIDS, helping just able to afford it. Our organization will work there until her first child, Aaron, appealed to me.”

(Continued on page 56)

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April 11, 2003

The Challenge of Passing the Torch

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

OMAHA SURGICAL CENTER

by GARY JAVITCH It is the challenge of He was also an area every maturing organimanager and an assiszation.

Leadership tant buyer. transition. The older He had gained experileaders have put their ence for that retail time in, and, after store job back in many years of activity, Omaha. As a teen, “I they want to step down worked at Richmanand move on to other Gordman’s--the family endeavors. Passing the store--at grand opentorch is a challenge the ings and at Christmas.

Jewish Federation of I did this all through Omaha, in particular, high school, winter must face, as they rely break, and college. I heavily on volunteer held a sales associate help. position in the stores.

Ideally, the organiza“Quizno’s brought me tion finds as a replaceback to Omaha,” Jay ment, a younger person continued. The restaufilled with the same rant chain is an interidealism, vision, leadernational franchise, feaship qualities, and turing oven-toasted energy. subs, salad, and soups.

Jay and Allison Gordman with their infant son, Jay Gordman possessQuizno’s has more Spencer. es these characteristics “intense flavor profiles” and, at only 33, is beginning to play an ever increas- than Subway. The opportunities Quizno’s offered ing role as a member of the Federation’s Budget and seemed too good to refuse.

Allocation committee.

“I had a chance to own my own business,” Jay Federation Director Jan Goldstein recruited him admitted. This venture allowed him to do some and explained, “I liked Jay for the budget commit- business with his father, working as a franchise tee because he is able to ask good questions. I think area developer and overseeing the operation of the Jay is one who understands that the decisions he five stores they owned together. They have since helps to make on B&A will impact the future of the sold the operation. community in which he was raised--and in which he Besides the business background he brought to will raise his own family.” his Federation work, Jay has been grounded in Not so coincidentally his dad, Bob Gordman, who Jewish-related activities since his pre-college days. is both his business mentor and associate, superbly Like many Omaha Jewish teens, during his high led that same committee for the Federation for a school years he joined the B’nai B’rith Youth number of years.

Organization. It is the one organized activity where In his volunteer role, the Arizona State graduate Jewish high school kids from any synagogue can represents several generations of Gordmans who meet and participate together. have served the Omaha Jewish community. His “My BBYO experiences gave me opportunities to grandparents, parents, uncles, and cousins have work with, lead, and organize a group of people,” he played prominent roles as volunteers, too. insisted. Jay held many positions, most notably Ironically, Jay may not have returned to Omaha serving as AZA Chapter President, Regional Vicebut for an interesting business opportunity. He was president; and Convention Chairman. He also a resident of Phoenix after college where he had learned from his sister, Andie, who served as the graduated with a business degree. “I worked at International President of BBYO. Dillard’s in an executive training program,” he said.

(Continued on page 45)

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by GARY JAVITCH She grew up in a “cute, sleepy little town of 20,000 on Long Island,” 15 minutes from Manhattan. Her elementary school was next to a farm and her high school was small.

In contrast, his life began in Omaha and he attended Burke High, a larger metro area secondary school. She went to Indiana University as an undergraduate; he went to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Before they first met, she lived in Washington D.C., working for Common Cause, while he resided in Omaha, working in his family’s business.

All this changed when Jeff Gordman attended The Gordman family: Danielle, Jeff, and eighta party in St. Louis and month-old Harper Mattie. was introduced to Walter and Linda retail chain, his first position was not Stark, friends of his family. He did not at the top, but as an assistant store know at the time that he had just met manager.

He worked in management informathe parents of his future bride! tion systems (MIS), as well. Putting The couple spoke to Jeff about his educational and work experience Danielle, their attractive daughter, to good use, he incorporated scientific then living in the nation’s capital. methodology in merchandise planning Jeff, however, was not interested in a long-distance relationship. Danielle, and allocations. His most valuable on the other hand, after hearing from contribution, however, came when the her parents, thought the young man company experienced some business from Omaha was worth pursuing. So, difficulties.

Jeff played an important role in she called him and they agreed to planning and developing the reorganmeet in New York City, a city he visitization plans that revitalized the busied often on business. Nine months ness.

As part of the many changes, the later, they got engaged and after marorganization shortened the company rying, they set up housekeeping in name to “Gordman’s.”

Jeff was tapped Omaha. as its President and CEO. Under Their paths to Omaha were quite Jeff ’s direction, Gordman’s now operdifferent. Following graduation from ates 40 stores in nine states in the college, Jeff moved to to New York. He Midwest, and competes in major marworked for several years for Lehman Brothers investment firm in mergers kets, such as Kansas City, St. Louis, and acquisitions. When he decided to Denver, Tulsa, Des Moines, and of pursue a graduate degree, he enrolled course, Omaha.

“I’m very proud of the depth of our at the Massachusetts Institute of talented team and management staff Technology, in Cambridge. At M.I.T., that we put together,” he stated. “We he received a Master of Science degree have a unique corporate culture. We from the business school in manageare working together, executing a ment and technology (academically three-year business plan.

The goal is comparable to a MBA). to open 17 new stores over a threeSeveral catalysts encouraged Jeff to year period--about four to six stores a return to his native city. One was the year.”

Gordman’s corporate headquaropportunity to work in the family business. He followed an indirect ters remains at 120th and Center and they employ 2600 people. route to do just that.

Jeff, 38, added another reason it was He began working in a easy to move back to Omaha. His RichmanGordman store in Kansas roots are here. Moreover, he thinks City, then went to a Lincoln outlet, that “the community is great.” and in 1991, he came back to Omaha.

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Page 45

Omaha Beckoned (Continued from page 44) Backing up that belief, he has spent a great deal of his own time working to better the city. His involvement in the community has taken many forms. Among his many volunteer activities, he served several years on the boards of Sienna Francis House--a homeless shelter--and the Omaha Literacy Council. He also filled an important position on the Chamber of Commerce Board this past year, sitting on their Labor Availability Council.

While Danielle came to Omaha because of her love for Jeff, she quickly developed a deep affection for her new home and became very active in the community. She starting working for Jewish Family Service and, at the same time began pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling.

After graduating, she opened a parttime private counseling practice and worked with breast cancer survivors through the Eppley Cancer Center.

Danielle has grown to love the community and serves on the Board of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and helps raise funds for the Federation’s annual campaign. Last year, Jeff and Danielle co-chaired (with Harlan and Nancy Noddle) the dinner program when New York Times columnist Tom Friedman spoke to the Omaha Jewish community.

She does not confine her volunteer work to just the Jewish community.

She is active in the greater Omaha community, too.

She was a member of the advocates board for Nebraska AIDS Project, a

subsidiary board, and has worked on projects for the Boys & Girls Club, as well. She also co-chaired a committee to raise funds to help women with breast cancer.

On July 21, their world changed again with the birth of their first child, Harper Mattie. Their vision and hopes for their daughter are framed within a context of their Jewishness and their desire to be actively involved in the community. They want to expose her to lots of different people.

“I pray every night and morning for her to be healthy,” Danielle said. “I hope that our children will know joy and that one day soon our family will be able to visit an Israel at peace.”

They see many more opportunities to participate. Danielle, who will turn 30 at the end of September, wants to make a difference.

“Hopefully we can do some things that will bring real benefit to Omaha as Harper grows up.

“I am very happy here,” she commented. “Everyone has been so friendly and open. What is so unique about Omaha to me is that Omaha is intergenerational. You can be friends with your peers, their kids, and their grandparents. I have been at parties with four generations of a family present!”

As for long-term goals, they both want to be involved in the Jewish community and are looking to take on a special project as a couple.

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On his return to Omaha, he happily recalls another event that changed his life. That’s when his good friend Trenton Magid introduced him to Allison Skid, the woman who would later become his wife.

Allison, who has an associates degree in childcare, has worked for the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center on the campus of the Jewish Community Center for the last four years. The Millard North High School graduate was also active in BBYO and United Synagogue Youth (USY) as a teen. Recently, she joined the National Council of Jewish Women.

Unlike when he lived in Phoenix, Jay feels that “Omaha has a strong, tight-knit community, that reaches out to people. Yet, we can do better.”

It seems that at most activities, there is always somebody new that he is being introduced to. The synagogues have been very helpful. The couple has been involved at Beth El and Temple Israel.

In their third year of marriage, the couple became a family with the addition of (now eight-month-old), Spencer David (named for Allison’s late father, Stephen Skid, whose long history of volunteerism has made an definite impact on both Allison and Jay).

In keeping up with the family tradition, they will continue their annual Rosh Hashanah event. Every High Holiday, the family gets together, Jay explained, and take up a collection among the family members. Their

parents match their collective contribution by a factor of 10, but the kids decide how to do distribute it.

Brandon and Lindsey--his sister Andie’s kids--participate as well.

Why be in Omaha? Jay likes city; it’s the right size; he likes people here.

Moreover, it’s a comfortable place to live.

Looking to the future and how he can work to improve the community, Jay reflected on how he wants more inclusiveness among community members to be important. He wants to be sure the Federation and synagogues work more closely together.

The Federation and synagogues need to continue to understand the needs and wants of the community. At the same time, they should work to include as many people as possible in deciding and implementing activities that match those needs and wants, he asserted.

His overall goal is to help bring Jewish families together in the community, especially new families coming to the city. “Hopefully, we will play a role with the synagogue to bring values and morals to awareness,” he added, noting they would love to start that program with family dinners with different couples. That’s a project Allison would like to explore.

What future roles they will play in connecting the new with the old in the Omaha Jewish community, only time will tell. From all observations, though, the two will keep the flame that was passed to them burning brightly.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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April 11, 2003

On Wings of Prayer

by MAUREEN BORDEN For the past eight years, Tiffany Franklin has prepared the bodies of our community’s departed for their final sleep. As a member of the Chevra Kadisha, the Holy Society, she performs a profound ritual that is centuries old with Talmudic precedent, as described in Deuteronomy when God performed the tahara (the ritual purification of the dead) for Moses.

Tiffany is a second-generation volunteer in the Society and one of the youngest. For many years her mother Beverly also performed tahara. Though they never worked together, she remembers hearing her mother on the phone so often saying, “It’s a blessing.” A blessing that death had ended the suffering of someone she knew.

Tiffany carries these words with her. As an emergency room nurse at University Hospital, she is witness to the dance between life and death, whether a slow pavan or fierce dervish.

Perhaps because of her training, Tiffany’s uncertain about eternity. “You don’t want life to end,” she remarks. “You want life to go on. Similar to here but better--like being born again. Sometimes though I think it would be best if there were nothing. It’s scary to think about eternity because what if you don’t like it. At least here there’s an end.”

Yet such ambivalence about the hereafter does not deter her from participating in the Chevra Kadisha.

And according to other members of the Society who’ve worked with Tiffany, she reflects equanimity, calmness, strength and gentleness at one and a lack of ego befitting the sensitive nature of this chesed shel emes, true act of loving kindness.

Nowhere is this kindness, this reverence for the body more evident than among the members of the Chevra. As Rabbi Maurice Lamm writes in his masterful book, The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning: “Man is created in the image of God, and thus possesses dignity and value....The body that housed the soul is sanctified by Judaism...and the sanctity adheres to the body even after the soul has left. The care and consideration and respect that are bestowed upon the living must be accorded the dead as they are attended, prepared and escorted to their final abode on earth. To assist in [this] preparation is one of the greatest mitzvot in our faith.”

Tiffany, however, is uncomfortable with the notion of the honor. She says she never thinks of the work as “my good deed. I do it because it needs to be done and I’m able to--and because of my mother.”

Before beginning this exacting ritual, Franklin and the other Chevra members call out the Hebrew name of the deceased and ask forgiveness (mechila) for any unwitting misstep or indiscretion that may occur.

To protect the modesty of the individual, women serve only the deceased female and men the deceased male. The body must be positioned and repositioned with a deft touch during the practical washing. Sometimes there is blood and if it flows at the moment of death, it cannot be removed.

“In fact,” says Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue, “in Israel, when there is a terrorist bombing, the Chevra Kadisha soaks up blood on the street in order for it to be buried.”

While such an act may seem surreal and disturbing to contemplate, it is nonetheless a testament to our tradition--a tradition which the Chevra continues in the prayers offered on behalf of those whose life has ended.

One of the most stunning and ironical from the “Song of Songs” is read during the washing. The lines have an almost giddy quality as when seeing a beloved suddenly come in view. Eyes are described like doves. Lips of roses and legs of marble. Curls as black as the raven; the body glossed in ivory.

At first the question may come to mind, “Why utterances so sensual. . . so rooted in the physical?”

Rabbi Kutner cites Biblical precedent: “The rabbis thought this would be a most fitting final prayer to be said while washing the body for the very last time. Although the verses speak in physical terms, they are also symbolic of spiritual things as well.”

Catherine Madsen, a contributing editor to Cross Currents, writes movingly of the spiritual nature of this prayer and its value to the Chevra. “If the lines had not been in the ritual, we would still have felt tenderness--one cannot handle the dead kindly without feeling tenderness--but we would have felt it inarticulately....Because the lines were there-because others had thought on that tenderness as profoundly as a profound tradition allows--we could be fully alive on behalf of the dead.”

Of the “Song of Songs”, Tiffany herself says it’s comforting even stirring to hear though she may not catch every word. Sometimes she wishes all the prayers were recited a bit louder especially as the body is sluiced with water and everyone so focused on the work at hand.

(Continued on next page)

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 47

On Wings of Prayer (Continued from previous page) As prayers are the audiYet there’s always conbles to G-d, the tachrichim sensus among the mem(burial shrouds) are bers to perform a ceremomeant to beseech His eye. ny most befitting the Customarily, as a Jew deceased. As they place stands before the the body in the casket Almighty for his ultimate calling out the Hebrew judgment, he is dressed in name one final time, they clothing similar to those again ask forgiveness for worn by the High Priest any insensitivity inflicted. during Yom Kippur.

Bits of earthenware Simple.

Immaculate. (shrbloch) are placed on White. Linen. There are the eyes and mouth to signo pockets conveying a nify the life force has been man’s wealth. All are broken. equal before G-d.

Interestingly, Tiffany’s There is a distinct order Hebrew name, Tyba to the dressing. The Faiga--means “little bird.” tachrichim are identical And surely it would seem for men and women and that each time she perconsist of a number of garforms the tahara, she ments secured at points helps a soul to fly. with linen strips. The last If you are interested in band is knotted very parlearning more, you may ticularly to form the letter contact your synagogue or s h i n . . . s y m b o l i c a l l y Tiffany Franklin hopes more young Jewish Beth Cohen, who adminisShadai (my Lord). Such men and women will consider volunteering ters the Jewish Funeral attention to detail is not for the Chevra Kadishe.

Home, at 556-6288. lost on Tiffany who menAccording to Cohen, there tions that occasionally there is discussion as to who are on average two taharas performed each week can tie the best shin. and volunteers are needed and welcomed. A trainOr there may be a deliberation about the place- ing video is available as well as a Procedures ment of the kittel...an outer garment that can be Manual. Because of the quiet nature inherent in the worn opened or closed. “Wherever there’s Jewish work, participants are not solicited through public law,” she says with a trace of a smile, “debate seems forums. inevitable.”

Submitting Announcements to the Jewish Press Engagements and Weddings Names of the man and woman, date and place of wedding and the name of the rabbi who officiated (in the case of the wedding announcement) shall be included. In addition, the names of each set of parents, step-parents, grandparents and step-grandparents and living great-grandparents and the cities in which all of the above reside shall be listed. Late parents or late grandparents may also be listed.

Names of the institutions to which the bride and groom attend or from which they have graduated shall be listed, along with where they are employed.

Honor attendants and the cities in which they reside, if space permits, shall also be listed.

Lengthy announcements will be edited.

Clearly identified, good quality color or black and white photos are welcome.

(If the ceremony took place in a church or was presided over by a member of the clergy from a faith other than Jewish, that information shall not be included, however the announcement can be printed with the other information noted above.)

A lengthy announcement may cause the information to be delayed to a later edition of the Press.

Commitment Ceremonies The Jewish Press Committee voted on June 16, 1999, to accept announcements of commitments ceremonies under the heading “Commitment Ceremonies.”

Information submitted to the Press should include the following: the full names of the two Jewish men or two Jewish women and their current city of residence, date of the ceremony place where it occurred and name of the rabbi who officiated.

Other information in the announcement may include the following: educational, military and/or employment information; names of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents (including those who are deceased, if requested); and attendants; site of reception; and site of vacation/trip following ceremony.

A good quality clearly-identified color or black and white photo may be submitted.

Call the Press office, 402-334-6448, to obtain forms or send single-spaced typed information to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 681542198 or fax to: 1-402-334-5422 or e-mail (in the body of your e-mail letter) to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Send photos as attached .jpeg or .tif files.

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Page 48

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

High Schooler Always Willing to Do “the Little Things”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN She’s only 17. But Janet Baack already has a single-spaced, two-page resumé in ten-point type full of volunteer projects she’s taken on.

Yes....she’s run track at Millard West Senior High School since she was a freshman and earned a varsity letter, and she’s served on the Student Council for two years. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society and received an academic letter this year and last.

But what stands out on her resumé are all the volunteer positions she’s held. Quietly, without fanfare, she’s been a volunteer at Cody Elementary School’s study center as a tutor. She’s chaired events that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for a camp for seriously ill children, recruited participants to join her on Omaha’s Walk as One sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life.

She’s filled out a 20-page application--twice--to submit her Student Council as a candidate for Outstanding Student Council of Nebraska. (They won both times.)

“She’s about as good as you can get!” acclaimed Mark Klein, a Millard West teacher and Student Council sponsor. “Janet’s not out for immediate attention. She couldn’t care less about the limelight,” he said. “She’s always willing to do the little things nobody else wants to do. She’s just a fantastic human being,” he emphasized.

Somehow, between Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) meetings, school, Student Council meetings, homework and all the rest, she finds time to volunteer at Bergan Mercy Medical Center once a week for five hours, participate in Millard West’s bowl-a-thon to raise money to find a cure for neurofibromatosis as well as make cookies and entertain homeless families at a holiday party at Lydia House, a project sponsored by Millard West’s DECA Club.

Lori Scolaro, a DECA advisor, described Janet “as extremely organized. She’s not afraid to take on any task that you ask her to do.”

Obviously someone who can’t say no, Janet is more likely to say, “Sure! Why not?” when someone asks her to volunteer.

A junior at Millard West, Janet was treasurer of

OTYG last year and is special projects coordinator this year. When she was a freshman, she cochaired OTYG’s annual spaghetti dinner with Ben Delman. “Somebody called and asked me to come to a planning meeting,” she said. “Somehow I ended up being co-chair. I just fell into the position.”

Under Janet’s direction, the spaghetti dinner now raises enough money to enable OTYG to shoulder its own and the junior youth group’s program expenses, according to Stephanie Grossman, Director of youth and informal education at Temple Israel.

Grossman went on to say that “Janet has rapidly progressed from a young lady who was best nurtured with praise from Janet others to a self-confident young woman now motivated from within. Her focus is to do what is right and what will most benefit others, not to do what merely looks good. She fulfills her position...with a positive attitude and seems to always be asking for more.” When she leaves, Grossman added, “her parting words are usually, ‘Call me if you need anything’ or ‘Is there anything else I can do?’”

Some of the funds raised by the spaghetti dinner and concurrent auction have helped support Camp Rainbow, a camp in Missouri for children who have cancer and blood disorders.

In 2001, Janet was selected to be a counselor at Camp Rainbow. She considers her nine days there one of her most meaningful volunteer jobs. She spent almost the entire time there with a 10-yearold girl who had been in remission for about one year from a form of adult leukemia. They ate together, played together, swam together, enjoyed

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“girl talk,” and slept in the same cabin.

To raise additional money for Camp Rainbow, Janet designed the pattern for a t-shirt. The shirts are being sold throughout the region at National Federation of Temple Youth events.

Proceeds from the t-shirt sales are being donated to the camp.

It was also Janet’s idea for OTYG members to volunteer at Camp CoHoLo, a camp in Gretna for children who have cancer and blood disorders. Along with OTYG President Allie Willensky, Janet visited Camp CoHoLo twice, met with the camp director, learned all about it, and introduced the “new cause” to the youth group.

Her proposal was accepted by the OTYG Board, Baack and this summer, OTYG teens will spend an intensive day at Camp CoHoLo which will also be the recipient of a portion of the funds raised at the spaghetti dinner.

Janet, the daughter of Dennis and Debbie Baack, also helped plan the American Cancer Society’s first Relay for Youth in March.

“She’s doing a wonderful job,” pointed out Jennifer Talarico, ACS community specialist. “I was very impressed with how quickly and professionally Janet has worked and her level of commitment.”

Janet attributes her volunteer spirit to her grandmother, Sylvia Schwartz, who died on Dec. 1, 2002.

“She was first diagnosed with cancer when I was four,” Janet remembers. “She was always there for me.” Her grandmother’s battle against cancer inspired Janet to help people with the disease.

Apparently, it will become a lifelong career. Janet hopes to become a pediatric oncologist someday.

Somehow, she just fell into it.

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Always Stretch the Rules

Happy Passover

by JOAN K. MARCUS Upon entering Dr. didn’t believe in organized Magda Peck’s home, you religion, he did believe feel as though you’re that there was a set of valmeeting a lady who has ues that made him and his everything planned just family essentially Jewish. so. Her home exudes love Her father believed his for her family, Jewishness daughters didn’t need to and precise organization. spend time in a synagogue However, there once was a in order to instill values. time in her life when she This could be done at just “went with the wind” home, he insisted. and let things happen!

Although he never articuWhen it comes to social lated such, one of the valjustice, Magda still doesues was this need to be n’t live a organized life. socially active and “repair According to her, “It’s sort the world.” of what happens from the “We observed, in a most moment I wake up.” interpretational fashion, Her home sits in a Passover and Hanukkah, neighborhood where she and the New Year,” Peck hasn’t always known all of recalled. “However, we her neighbors. She mainwere unaffiliated, secular tains that children who Jews. While there was a have problems live in sense of family and complaces where adults don’t munity-- dialect, language “intrude” in their privacy. and education were conMagda Peck In other words, she decidsidered high stress.” ed that she was going to give her family the luxury During one of her first visits with Rabbi Aryeh of knowing their neighbors and feeling safe.

Azriel, he told Magda there was “God, Torah and The note that she distributed to her 30 surround- people.” She answered, “I get God, I get people! But, ing neighbors read, “My name is Magda Peck and what’s the Torah part? Who needs it?” She had my husband, Jim, and I have two sons. We want never been open to “the third piece and the study them to feel safe in this neighborhood and we want part. There was a certain amount of distaste and I you to be able to say to them, ‘David, don’t do that!’” felt incredibly illegitimate as a Jew,” she admitted.

The letter included an invitation to those who felt “I remember trying to figure out how I could observe the same way about their children to attend a tea on Pesach, but no one ever gave me the rulebook!” a Sunday afternoon. More than 20 people showed She felt clearly Jewish at home but uncomfortable up to discuss what was happening on their block. in the outside world. Other Jewish children at Magda added that ensuing parties brought more school made fun of her when she put ham on her than 120 people who “came out of nowhere” because matza during Passover. She needed the “tools” to they were hungry for knowledge about their neigh- choose. However, she did know that social activism borhood’s families. was also what Jews were supposed to do.

Neighbors now compete to host parties, but There was always a political agenda in her home because there is now something “magical about the when her father counseled conscientious objectors integrity” created in their neighborhood. Magda during the Vietnam War. Her older sisters were says acts like these “bring our communities togeth- active in antiwar protests and there were always er...(to) heal.” political discussions. She also described going to the Magda Peck originally comes from California from march on Washington D.C. what she describes as “an Eastern “I remember being on the bottom of the steps of European/Ashkenazi Jewish family.” She was born the Washington Monument near Martin Luther in 1954 as “Madge Peck” and is the youngest of King,” she recalled. “There was an exposure to three girls. social justice that was absolutely required in my Her father rejected Orthodoxy and organized reli- family. I thought it was just their values and I didgion. As a youth, he was an active Zionist and felt n’t understand it to be profoundly Jewish. that organized religion had a “level of hypocrisy” he “We were Jewish and active but I didn’t put the couldn’t tolerate. Since he was a man of great two together!” integrity, his daughters followed him. Although he (Continued on page 50)

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Stretch the Rules (Continued from previous page) Throughout high school, Magda continued to be socially active. On weekends, she was part of a program where kids slept in church basements and helped to build houses. She volunteered for a head start program.

“I made choices to work in the areas of justice but I didn’t realize that it was all connected to Judaism,” she insisted.

Within 10 years--between the time she was a teenager to her mid-twenties, Magda suffered two great losses. Her middle sister was killed in an car accident. The family didn’t have a Jewish service and a rabbi didn’t come into their home.

“I never understood that a rabbi would come to console you,” she admitted, “because we were unaffiliated.”

Ten years later, her father committed suicide on Yom Kippur. “I call his suicide ‘Mortie’s Riddle’ because he knew he couldn’t atone,” Magda explained. “He knew exactly what he was doing and he made explicit choices. So, he did the absolute worst thing that a Jew could do. He took his own life, a life which was so sacred.”

After high school, Magda spent a year in Chile and changed her name from “Madge” to “Magda.”

“I knew at that time that I would be spending a lot of time in Latin American countries and it is difficult to pronounce ‘Madge’ there,” she said. “So, without telling my parents, I changed my name.

After her sister died, the rules in the house changed and this satisfied her need to find her identity. “I call what happened to me ‘a decade of loss’ because I don’t think that any child should have to go through what I went through. It shaped my life in an extraordinary way.”

Since Magda was so “boundary-less”, she opted to apply to colleges that “had no rules” after her year in Chile. She ended up at New College in Sarasota, FL. True to herself, she spent all her free time volunteering with students in bilingual education.

College was good for her, she admitted. “You take 500 of the smartest people in the country who all hate rules and you put them in a place where there are no rules. There’s nothing to rebel against!” she laughed.

After a year in college, a year in Mexico and a year in San Francisco, she worked for a while and then returned to Philadelphia where she took a position as a patient advocate for abortion rights.

“I moved in with a household of amazing women,” Magda added. “It was then that I decided that I would apply to Hahnemann University, for one of the nation’s first physician’s assistant programs.”

She needed clinical tools to add to her counseling skills so she would have more power to advocate.

She received her PA and bachelors degrees from Hahnemann in 1978 and volunteered in the National Health Service Corp, a part of Health and Human Services Department of the federal government. As a volunteer, she didn’t receive a salary.

However, money wasn’t important because she was only interested in “making a difference.”

“Working with the Corp was an amazing year,” she insisted. “The magic of touching people’s lives and helping them to heal was so powerful. It was a privilege to live and work in the community.

She transferred to Brownsville area of Texas for her second year and again worked with Spanish

speaking migrants. After her stint in the Corp, she trained to be a Physicians Associate and spent time in the Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units doing “hands on” medicine.

“I learned this was the place where you applied medicine to a whole community,” she admitted.

“Then I could be responsible for families and for neighborhoods. It would mean taking care of the whole system--I wanted a bigger challenge.

She applied to Harvard University and was rejected. After a call from the head of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at Harvard, she flew to Boston where, after an interview, she was finally admitted to the program. She received a Masters in 1983 and a Doctorate in 1986.

Although she doubted there was any man in the world who would tolerate her intensity, in 1981, she met Dr. Jim Anderson, who had already converted to Judaism. He was a professor of biostatistics at the Harvard School of Health and was teaching the class of students with last names from M to R. As “Peck” she fell into his class. Magda invited him to lunch. At first, he declined, but called her from his office a few minutes later to accept. They were married two years after their first date.

In Boston, Magda worked in health care for the elderly at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1989, the couple moved to Omaha, so Jim could take a position at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Magda applied for and received a grant to do a small survey of 75 cities to discover how they assure health care for every woman and child. She began the first network of directors of maternal and child health in American cities. The group came together in 1990.

In 1992, the National Organization for Urban Public Health became responsible for assuring the health and well being of every woman, child and family in American cities.

She is now a full professor of pediatrics and also directs the Masters of Public Health program at UNMC and the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She helps community groups work together, and she counsels and assists people obtain grants.

“If you come to Nebraska, and you are genuine, and you have vision and energy and you like taking risks, this is a great place to grow,” she said with a smile.

When her second son, David, was born, Magda wanted to have a “naming ceremony” as she had for Sam, her older son. When Rabbi Azriel refused to do the ceremony because she wasn’t a member, she decided she didn’t want any part of Temple Israel.

After being invited to visit with the rabbi, however, she finally decided to take him up on his offer. But she refused to come to the synagogue and suggested they meet in public places.

After many visits, she decided they would, indeed, join Temple. When Sam began to study for his Bar Mitzvah, Magda promised him that she would begin to study for hers. Five years later, she was part of the 2000 B’nai Mitzvah class.

Now, she feels no sense of “illegitimacy.”

“This, for me was remedial Judaism. Now, I dare to have the courage to be who I’ve always been!” she insisted.

“This was the moment when I finally realized that who I am is totally connected to what I do!”

“I made choices to work in the areas of justice, but I didn’t realize it was all connected to Judaism.”

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Page 51

Full Circle

by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor It was her parents While the two groups appear to be who served as Anna unconnected, they share a history Wiesman’s role models. that dates back to 1955. The Women’s The Des Moines family League national group suggested to had always been active local affiliates that sisterhood memin the community, volbers could perform a mitzvah--not unteering for a variety just for Jews who were visually of organizations. One of impaired--but also for the general those commitments public--by transcribing written mateincluded her mother’s rials into braille. certification as a braille Remembering when her mother was transcriber--a process trained as a transcriber, Wiesman which takes about eight became involved in 1984, when she months to learn. took over the leadership of the Beth In those days, stuEl Synagogue Braille Group; it later dents learned to tranbecame Omaha Volunteer Braille scribe on the “slate and Services. By 1985, Wiesman, too, was stylus” of a Perkins a Certified Braille Transcriber, takBraille Writer, a ing a national exam offered by the machine that would Library of Congress. punch “dots” in the six Lest you think Wiesman and her positions used to create fellow volunteers only transcribe sidAnna Wiesman the braille language. durim and Jewish texts, their work Today, most of the work is done on a computer. also includes educational textbooks (even a calculus So it’s no surprise that Wiesman is probably most book for Creighton University), stage plays, and well known for her work for Omaha Volunteer even menus!

Braille Services, an organization for which she has “Braille is a kind of shorthand,” Wiesman said in served for more than 18 years. an interview in the Omaha World-Herald. “There But she’s also been an active member of Beth El are lots of contractions and you have to learn the Sisterhood--now known as Women’s League--work- rules. Sometimes a contraction looks like a punctuing her way up the leadership ladder as Treasurer, ation mark. (And) you need to learn (different) forVice-president and President in 1976. She also held mats for poetry, tables, recipes, plays and general terms on the organization’s regional board as a Vice- literature.” president and President, often speaking to sisterIt takes more than just hours to transcribe a book, hoods throughout the Midwest. especially a long and complicated one like a textA creative innovator, Wiesman is credited with book. One project took nine months to complete and starting Sisterhood Shabbat at Beth El and becom- the 650-page textbook turned into a 1000 page ing an advocate for the formation of study groups-- braille manuscript when she was finished. two programs which have become institutionalized Certified transcribers can obtain more advanced over the years. degrees, too. After initially completing the first step According to this self-effacing woman in an article (preparing a braille manuscript proofread at the in the March 26, 1999, Passover issue of this news- Library of Congress and then graded), those who paper, “Women’s League gave me so much of my score high can be certified in Nemeth Code--created Jewish education...This was my way of giving back for science and math--or the Braille Music Code, to the organization which gave me so much.” created, obviously, for musical scores.

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Once certified, braille transcribers are provided an entire computer system, including the specialized heavy coated paper used for the final braille manuscript. Omaha Volunteer Braille Services, over which Wiesman presided until August of 1998, must raise a considerable amount of money each year in order to keep the braille books flowing.

Wiesman has helped secure funding through such local foundations as the Omaha Community Foundation, the Robert D. Wilson and US West Foundations and from the Theodore Baldwin Foundation in Kearney.

Last summer, Karen Sokolof Javitch, whose mother, Ruth Sokolof was a founding member of the Nebraska Foundation for the Visually Impaired, staged a musical benefit of Princess Diana, the Musical, to honor Wiesman for her work as a leader in this field. The performances raised nearly $12,000.

For the work for which Wiesman has so lovingly volunteered for more than 18 years, Eileen Remer has described her as “a tremendous asset.” Remer, who has worked with Wiesman in the Omaha Volunteer Braille Services, noted that there is “an active group of volunteers” which often spend hours at a time, sometimes up to six days a week, in order to respond to a request for a lengthy book.

“I can’t imagine not being able to read,” said Wiesman in the 1999 Jewish Press interview.

Because she can read, Wiesman makes it possible for the visually impaired to enjoy the same exciting adventures--whether it’s a novel, a poem, or a even the National Decathlon Tests--which she transcribed in 1988 for a blind student at Central High School.

That project has probably brought Wiesman the most satisfaction. The student later won a prestigious scholarship to Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. The full circle of events in Wiesman’s life--including her 47-year marriage to real estate developer Ben Wiesman, their four sons and six grandchildren--have brought more than just satisfaction to her. Her work has opened that circle and now those who are blind can “see” Anna’s world.

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Dining

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NEWTON, MA (JTA)--In our family, the Passover seder is a dress-up affair: suits and ties, new clothes for the kids. So imagine our surprise when one year we arrived for the seder at the door of our friends, David and Shira Milgrom-Elcott, in our dressy clothes, and they greeted us wearing the long, flowing robes of Bedouins!

“Welcome to our seder!” they exclaimed. “Please take off your shoes before you come in.”

We dutifully took off our shoes and entered their home. On the right we saw the formal dining room, the table set with fine china and crystal, seemingly ready for the seder guests. David and Shira, however, led us right past the dining room, down the hall and into their large family room.

We should have known what to expect from the desert garb worn by our hosts, but we were hardly prepared for the sight of that room. Large white bedsheets were draped from the beams of the vaulted ceiling, forming a tent-like structure encompassing the center of the room. All the furniture had been taken out, except for some beanbag chairs and overstuffed pillows scattered around the floor.

In the center of the “tent,” on a low coffee table, was the seder plate.

“Welcome to our home in the desert,” David and Shira explained. “The seder is a simulation of what really happened on that night of the Exodus from Egypt, so we’ve decided to conduct our seder in this tent. Please make yourselves comfortable. Take off your ties and jackets, and recline with your kids on the floor.”

You can imagine what followed! In a masterfully led, fun-filled experience, the families in attendance enjoyed a delightful, relaxed telling of the Passover story. Once we completed the storytelling section of the Haggadah, we moved into the dining room for the seder meal. After opening the door for Elijah, we returned to the tent to complete the seder. It was a seder we will always remember.

That, in a word, is what the seder is designed to help us do: Remember the story of Exodus, and, more importantly, our place in it. “All people, in every generation, should see themselves as having experienced the Exodus from Egypt” are the most important words of the Haggadah.

The seder is much more than a history lesson; it

is our yearly re-enactment of the liberation and continuity of the Jewish people. Although the seder is the single most observed Jewish celebration of the year in North American Jewish families, many of us base our conduct of the seder on a model we knew as children: Each person takes a turn reading a paragraph out of the Haggadah. In some families that is considered a “participatory” experience. It might be, but it's not always very engaging.

How to Enliven Your Seder • Give Homework. When the Weber family invites the Wolfson family for the seder, we are asked to prepare a presentation on some aspect of the ceremony. The presentation could be a drash, an explanation of what the Haggadah is trying to say. But over the years our presentations have also been given as a play, a song and a takeoff on a game show. Not everyone in your family may be able to do this, but there is no better way to encourage participation than by asking people to prepare something in advance.

• Buy Time. The seders of my youth never lasted more than 20 minutes. That’s how long it took to say kiddish, do karpas (the “greens” that represent spring, usually parsley), break the matzah, and fight over who was the youngest grandchild who could say the Four Questions.

For a few minutes everyone took turns reading a paragraph, then my Uncle Morton would ask the famous Fifth Question: “When do we eat?” End of ceremony.

One way to buy time to dwell on the story is to offer your guests something to nibble on between the vegetables of karpas and the meal. My wife, Susie, often prepares an edible centerpiece. She and the children slice jicama (a kind of vegetable) very thin and, with Jewish cookie cutters, stamp out Stars of David, Torah scrolls and kiddish cups. She places the shapes on the end of bamboo shish kabob skewers and inserts them into a head of red cabbage, placed in a wicker basket. She adds carefully arranged red and green peppers, carrots, celery and other vegetables. The result is a spectacular bouquet which we use as a centerpiece on the seder table. After karpas, we invite our guests to eat this centerpiece by dipping the vegetables into saucers of salad dressing placed around the table.

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April 11, 2003

Dining

Ten Tips to Enliven the Seder (Continued from previous page) • Tell the Story. The core of the seder is the telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The traditional text of the Haggadah contains four different tellings of the story, each one beginning with a question, a response, and praise for God. Think of ways to tell the story that supplement the Haggadah.

One year we were invited to a seder where the host family put on a skit.

Stan Reiner’s “Seder Scenes” (Alternatives in Religious Education) is a good resource for this activity. Another family we know of used puppets and storybooks.

The most unusual telling, however, had to be the family who presented a magical version of the Ten Plagues in costume. The father played Pharaoh, who, after complaining how thirsty he was, asked one of the children to fetch him some cool, clear water from the Nile. The child left the dinner room and returned with a pitcher of water and an empty glass. As “Pharaoh” poured the clear water into the glass, it turned red! The father was an amateur magician who incorporated a variety of magic tricks into the telling of the story. It was amazing and unforgettable!

• Ask Questions. The Haggadah invites questions. Encourage your guests to liberate themselves from the book and discuss what it is that the Haggadah is trying to tell us.

A favorite point at which to do this is after the recitation of the Ten Plagues. “What are 10 things that plague us today?” is a question anyone, no matter what their level of Judaic knowledge, can answer. When the Haggadah tells us that we should feel as if we were redeemed from Egypt, what does that mean? What are we doing about Jewish continuity--in our family, in our community?

• Have Fun. Having family fun is serious business, especially at the seder table. The seder was never meant to be dull. Quite the contrary, it is to be a relaxed, informal educational experience. Some families add favorite songs that children learn in religious school--“Go Down, Moses”, “One Day When Pharaoh Awoke in His Bed” and others. A favorite parody is Only Nine Chairs by Deborah Uchill Miller (Kar-Ben Copies), a hilarious account of a family seder.

• Be Inclusive. Inside most Jewish adults is a child who was upset at not finding the afikomen, or ceremonial piece of matzah. We have created a way to include everyone in the afikomen search.

We make a chart with the order of the seder (kadesh, urchatz, etc.) and select one letter from each word. We put these 14 letters on 3x5” cards and then hide them around the house. We tell the children that each of them must find at least one of the cards for us to find the real afikomen. When the kids find all the cards, they bring them to the table.

Then we ask the adults to figure out a jumbled twoword clue from the letters.

In one case, for instance, the letters spelled “at refrigerator.” Once the clue is deciphered, everyone runs to the location and finds the real afikomen.

Everyone who participates in the search gets a prize.

• Use Materials. One of the problems in keeping young children interested in the seder is that most Hagaddahs are not designed for them. When our

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children were in nursery school, Susie created a Pat the Bunny-type Haggadah using the coloring sheets sent home from class.

She added tactile materials to the sheets where appropriate: cotton balls on pictures of sheep, sandpaper on pictures of bricks of the pyramids, grape scratch-and-sniff stickers on pictures of the kiddush cups. Susie also gave each child a “goody bag” filled with Passover symbols, frog stickers, a bookmark, even moist towelettes for the inevitable spills of wine.

• Innovations. Each year, experienced seder leaders look for new ideas to incorporate into the ceremony.

Here are a few of my favorites. Instead of filling Elijah’s cup with wine at the beginning of the seder, wait until just before opening the door and pass Elijah’s cup to each participant to pour some of his/her wine into it. This is a demonstration of the need to act in order to bring in the Messianic Era. The Sephardim pick up the seder plate and place it over every person’s head during the recitation of “Ha Lachma Anya,” the invitation to participate in the seder.

• Choose a good Haggadah. There are 3,000 editions of the Haggadah cataloged in the library of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and every year more versions appear. Jews have always felt comfortable in putting together Haggadahs that reflect their particular slant on the experience of the seder.

So we have The Haggadah for the Liberated Lamb (a vegetarian Haggadah) and The San Diego Women’s Haggadah (a feminist Haggadah). We have traditional unedited texts and greatly abbreviated liberal texts. We have new “family” Haggadahs and that old standby, The Maxwell House Haggadah. Choose a Haggadah that fits your family’s needs.

• Prepare. The ultimate Haggadah may be one you put together yourself. With desktop publishing software and inexpensive printing widely available, it is not difficult to edit your own Haggadah text.

You can easily combine traditional texts with modern interpretations and readings, songs and information. This will take some time, but the reward will be a seder experience that is meaningful and memorable.

Former Omahan Ron Wolfson is the William and Freda Fingerhut Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the Whizin Center for the Jewish Future and Vice-president of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. He is the author of several books: Shabbat: The Family Guide to Preparing for and Celebrating the Sabbath and Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration.

His newest book--with Joel Lurie Grishaver-Passover: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration, has just been published by Jewish Lights and is available in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. This column is reprinted from JewishFamily.com, a service of Jewish Family & Life!

More importantly, Ron Wolfson is the son of Bernice and Alan Wolfson and the brother of Bob and Doug Wolfson!

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April 11, 2003

“You Don’t Ask...You Just Provide”

BERT’S EYE VIEW How about the person who knows a good friend is having a bad time, whether physically or emotionally, and just shows up with a cooked meal and a smile? These are the people I mean when I say they help “quietly and without fanfare.” People who don’t need recognition, and who don’t seek it.

If they could be gathered together in a group and organized, they surely could be called “Mitzvot Are Us.” I suspect they would be the last to want such notice. And how lucky is a community who can boast of such citizens in its midst!

I believe, without meaning to sound chauvinistic, that we, the Jewish people, can have some of the credit for doing more than a little bit of such caring work. I hate to call it work, because those who engage in such activity surely don’t think of it as work.

I know that various church groups and service organizations have always been helpful to those in need, but I also know that we’re steeped in the tradition of helping those we call our own. And I also know the most prized mitzvah is the anonymous one, or the one for which the provider can’t possibly be repaid.

For some reason, this recalls to mind an old Yiddish adage which translates to mean something like “you don’t ask a sick or troubled person if they need something. You just provide it.”

That’s a familiar phrase in my memory, because I heard my late mother say it so often. She didn’t just mouth the words--she practiced that philosophy. If all the meals she cooked and delivered to people (without asking if

they needed it) were placed on a table, well, I'm fairly certain it would reach from here to who knows where?

(If you knew my mother, you might find this little sidebar interesting.

On occasion when I’ve cooked or baked something to take to a friend who needs a lift, my thoughtful roommate says “You’re saying kaddish for your mother.”)

So often people don’t realize how much a relatively small gesture can mean to somebody who needs it. I have heard the recipient of a ride to the grocery store thank the driver enough to cause embarrassment.

The driver who says simply, “but I was coming here anyway. It was no big deal!” Often that person can’t believe such a response, but the old man who really wants to pick out his own two oranges and choose his favorite brand of decaf can’t say thank you enough.

Did you ever drive someplace, alone in the car, and suddenly notice how beautiful the trees and shrubs are looking? I know you have....no matter how pre-occupied we are, when spring approaches and nature is showing off, we notice. But how often do we think of somebody who is perhaps alone, and only sees such beauty through a window?

There are among us, good souls who notice, and who follow up with an invitation to “go for a ride.” Are you among them? Such things take so little effort and bring so much pleasure.

Most of us blame our busy lives and schedules when asked about such things, but busy is only part of it. I’m not sure why everybody doesn’t just

pitch in and do, without being asked.

We become so easily involved in all the little stuff that fills our days, we don’t look around us.

A certain kind of person takes the time to do that....to look around and be aware of something or somebody who could use a little kindness, a little attention. The world is better because those kinds of people exist.

We are taught that we aren’t obligated to heal all the woes of the world, but we’re expected to tend to that which comes to our notice.

I don’t think a person can take lessons in how to be a good and decent human being. I do think it helps to have a good role model. And I admire more than I can tell you, the parent who takes the hand of a small child and says “let's go help that lady put her groceries in the car,” or maybe “let’s surprise Uncle Irving and go take him for a ride.”

I’m long out of the child-raising business, but I know that providing examples for kids to see can help fill memory banks with good data.

To everyone out there who could be listed among the quiet “do-ers” in the world, I say thank you and bless you.

You live the golden rule.

You make me think of Mom. I can’t remember what it was she made or did or brought to a darling little old lady, but I clearly remember what the lady said to her, in Yiddish: “May your hands never hurt.”

To me, those few words take on some dignity in the original Yiddish, but no matter in what language you translate, they speak volumes.

repairing our world

by BERT LEWIS Many months ago, when I sat in the Editor’s office and listened to her talk about ideas for the Passover issue, I couldn’t help but think she was really rushing things. Of course she wasn’t, because here we are, approaching Passover 2003.

One of the topics we discussed concerned the generosity of certain people who quietly and without any fanfare, practiced a special kind of what I’ll call volunteerism, for lack of a better word. People who simply noticed when somebody seemed to need a hand, and then provided it.

The kind of people who perhaps come into the Blumkin Home on a very regular basis, and look around thoughtfully. Maybe they see somebody in a wheelchair trying to “drive it” down the hall, and having trouble.

It takes a minute before the power is quietly supplied, by somebody who says “need a push?”

Then there are the folks who have the time and inclination to think about somebody who lives alone and has trouble going from home to an appointment. The call to ask “how are you getting along? Do you need a ride anyplace?” is made by such people. They don’t belong to any organized group necessarily--they just notice when something is missing and try to supply it.

The good souls who know that even a phone call can be a wonderful gift also fill a need, and fill an empty few minutes for somebody sitting all alone. Television is a form of company, but the voice isn’t human and personal, like a phone call.

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PEOPLE OF THE BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ Today, we look at tzedakah and the World Wide Web. Tzedakah, of course, is a habit best developed when young. I was struck by the many sites on the Internet geared toward developing a sense of community and commitment among young people.

In Tzedakah and Community: Living Jewish Day to Day, you’ll find this advice from Rabbi Eliyahu Dressler: “Parents are obligated to help their children convert their self-centered orientation into an altruistic one--that is, to learn to love their fellow as themselves...The first step in this learning process is acquired naturally in the family, when parents accustom their children to do things for them and for each other.”--http://shlk.com/248.

Jewish Parenting Today has several suggestions for getting your kids thinking about tzedakah. How about “Cleaning out your kids’ closet for clothes to give away before the new school year starts? Let your children know about the mitzvah of Halbashat Arumim providing clothes for those who are in need of them. Make sure your kids are aware that this Jewish tradition stretches back many centuries.”-http://shlk.com/250.

I also recommend Virtual Jerusalem’s Tzedakah: Why Should we Give? As the site explains, “Did you know that the root of the Hebrew word ‘to give’ is ‘Natan’--‘Nun, Taf, Nun.’ Notice that you can read it backwards and forwards. What does that tell us?

That through giving, you get back.”-http://207.168.91.4/vjholidays/rosh/whygive.ht m.

How do you teach kids to give regularly? B’nai B’rith Interactive recommends coloring in a Jewish calendar with plenty of tzedakah reminders. For example, “Write ‘Pocket Change’ on every Friday on the calendar. On Erev Shabbat, put your remaining change in a pushke, (tzedakah box) just before lighting candles.”--http://shlk.com/251.

And here’s a simple way to get kids in the habit of giving tzedakah--at no cost to them! By registering at GiveDaily.org, the website will donate on your behalf a penny a day for a year to various charities.

The only catch (if you can call it a catch) is that you will receive regular e-mails telling you where the donation is going. You can choose whether your donation goes to such causes as Israel, Jewish education or medical research--www.givedaily.org/.

As adults know, sometimes you have to make tough decisions when choosing which charities to

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 55

Teaching Kids About Tzedakah support. Some schools are challenging their students to learn more about various organizations and to learn how to decide where their money will go.

When the kids at Greenburgh Hebrew Center Religious School in Dobbs Ferry, New York ran their own Tzedakah Fair, they invited representatives of Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces, Mazon, the Jewish National Fund and the Israel Guide Dog Center. The students were given play money and challenged to decide how they would distribute their money--http://uscj.org/metny/dobbsghc/rlschool/tf.html.

Meanwhile, students at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, California established their own “Tzedakah Council” and studied several worthwhile projects around the world. They decided to support “Jewish solidarity, the Cuban Jewish Relief Fund, and AIDS Research” and at a later point decide on the next tzedakah projects-www.uahc.org/congs/ca/ca006/notes9706/educ 01.html.

If you are a teacher or a youth group leader, then you may be interested in a program offered by the Jewish Fund for Justice website. The three-part Tzedakah Partnership Program consists of a course about the causes and consequences of poverty; a hands-on project that students carry out in partnership with local community-based organizations; and the giving of tzedakah-www.jfjustice.org/tzedakah_partnership.htm.

Finally, all children--and adults--should learn the famous commentary on tzedakah by Moses Maimonides, the great 12th century rabbi/philosopher. Maimonides maintains that all giving is NOT equal and that there are actually eight levels of giving from the lowest level--(1) giving reluctantly--to (4) giving before one is asked to the highest (8) helping another by enabling that person to become selfsufficient-through a gift or loan, or help in gaining a skill or finding employment-www.jopp.org/mc_kits/tikun_olam.htm.

So whether you’ve just helped someone find a new job or have donated a few pennies from your allowance, yashar koach to you!

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based website producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at: highway@rogers.com.

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Canadian Pacific Railway Calls on Rabbis for Help with Kosher Oil Spill

by MORDECAI SPECKTOR, The American Jewish World ST. PAUL, MN-- Rabbi Asher Zeilingold, of Adath Israel Synagogue in St. Paul, received a rather unusual request from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) last month.

Randy Hansen, CPR damage prevention and claim service specialist in Minneapolis, enlisted the rabbi to help recover kosher canola oil from a derailed tank car near Thief River Falls, in northwestern Minnesota about 290 miles from the Twin Cities.

Zeilingold is the chief administrator of United Mehadrin Kosher (known as UM Kosher), a kosher certification group that works with about 150 food companies. He assigned Rabbi Yosef Grossbaum of St. Paul, one of UM Kosher’s four rabbis, to travel to Thief River Falls. Grossbaum’s task was to assist in the transfer of more than 185,000 pounds of salad oil-grade canola oil.

Specifically, the Orthodox rabbi had to certify a food-grade pump and hoses as kosher before they were used to transfer Ontario-based CanAmera Foods’ canola oil from the derailed kosher tank car into another kosher tank car.

The process took several hours to accomplish, Rabbi Zeilingold explained this week. The derailment occurred Feb. 8, so the canola oil had turned to a gel-like consistency in the subzero weather. The tank car had an insulated tank, so steam was piped in between the inner and outer jackets to warm the oil before it was transferred to another tank car.

Rabbi Grossbaum supervised the warming operation, watching that the oil temperature did not rise above 115º. If it became hotter, the oil would tend to “draw out flavors” from the tank car and hose, defiling its kosher character, Grossbaum explained.

It had taken several weeks to bring in the replace-

ment kosher tank car. The canola oil, which was bound for Los Angeles, was returned to CanAmera’s kosher plant in Altona, Manitoba, for re-processing.

When the derailment occurred, CPR’s Randy Hansen contacted his colleague Ron Van Deusen, who was at the scene of the accident in Karlstad.

“I called it to my partner’s attention that day that this might be kosher oil, so we’ve got to watch it,” said Hansen, who occasionally must take unusual steps to recover derailed loads for the railroad’s customers.

Last month’s kosher emergency wasn’t a unique happening for Hansen. In 1998, he called in a rabbi from Fargo, N.D., to help transfer another load of kosher canola oil from a derailed tank car in Thief River Falls. According to Zeilingold, CPR officials told him that they found his name in a 1993 Pioneer Press story about the Koch Refinery in Rosemount, Minn. The refinery was producing carbonated gas for soft drinks.

“They were doing it for Pesach,” recalled Zeilingold, “and they had to make sure that it was not corn-based, because if [the gas] was corn-based it wouldn’t be kosher for Pesach. There was a front-page story in the St. Paul paper. Someone remembered it--they made reference to that when they called me.”

Rabbi Zeilingold has also traveled to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to inspect a plant owned by Louis Kemp, the food entrepreneur from Duluth. Louis Kemp Seafood Co. processes pollock--a kosher fish, according to Zeilingold--for use in its prepackaged surimi seafood that is made into mock crab and lobster meat. Crab and lobster, of course, are never kosher, but Zeilingold noted that he certifies the surimi as kosher--“whatever they do with that, they do with that, it’s their business,” he said.

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A Dedicated Nurse (Continued from page 42) then raise money so this elderly person could fulfill a dream to play music.”

Sara says that the residents of the RBJH are a loving group of people and lauds the facility as “the best place in the city.” The people who work with her are very dedicated and love older people.

“The people all look so soft and squishy on the outside and it’s so much fun to joke with them and wonder what they were The Wolfson’s son Avi is like when they were active with Yachad, a group by Jewish young!” she said. sponsored Family Service for young “Sometimes, it’s amazing Jewish adults with mental when they tell me what they used to do. It just and physical challenges.

feels good to be taking care of these people.”

Residents who are the most fun for Sara are people who have come from Brooklyn! “They like to talk about New York,” she added, “like the baseball team and food from that area. They’re the grandmas and grandpas that I don’t remember!”

In addition to all of her other activities, Sara continues to be an advocate for Avi and all other children who experience developmental disabilities.

“Avi is my inspiration and impetus for taking care of myself--exercising and eating right!”

Plans for her future include spending more time with Doug, who she considers “the most wonderful man I ever could have met,” and watching her children grow into fine adults.

She hopes to go back to school to get a master’s degree in nursing.

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Jews Have as Many Recipes for Haroset as They Do Opinions

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It’s not easy to reenact your ancestors escape from slavery, especially while sitting around the dining room table.

You can’t exactly part the Red Sea. Instead, Jews celebrating Passover rely on edible symbols to bring the ancient experience back to life during two special dinners-the seders.

All over the world, Jewish families place a similar set of foods on their tables. An egg symbolizes life and rebirth. Horseradish recalls the bitterness of slavery. And haroset, a combination of nuts and fruits, represents the mortar Jewish slaves mixed to build the Pharoah’s pyramids. Oddly, that symbol of oppression is also the sweetest addition to the table.

There are as many versions of the ground mixture as countries where Jews eventually settled.

“The variations are endless, bound only by where ever their imagination takes them and whatever is a local ingredient,” says Joan Schwartz Michel,, Editor of the new Hadassah Jewish Holiday Cookbook (Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, $29.95).

In Santa Fe, NM, for example, diced chili peppers might get thrown in. European Jews, such as my family, use a simple mix of walnuts, apples, and wine. That was the only kind I ate until my brother married a Moroccan woman. Her recipe sounded downright alien: sticky balls of dates, walnuts, and cloves rolled inside dried rose petals.

The Hadassah cookbook offers even more elaborate versions. (Editor’s note: it’s available in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.)

From Suriname comes a tart, dark, fruity stew of coconut, nuts, and dried fruits. Yemenite Jews make a mildly sweet, slightly crunchy and seedy combination of figs, dates, sesame seeds, and a hint of ginger.

HAROSET FROM SURINAME 2 2/3 cups (7-ounce package) of unsweetened coconut 2 cups chopped walnuts 1 1/2 cups raisins 1 1/2 cups dried apples 1 1/2 cups prunes 1 1/2 cups dried apricots 1 1/2 cups dried pears

cup sugar 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 cup cherry jam Sweet red wine Combine in a saucepan all the ingredients except the cherry jam and sweet red wine.

Add enough cold water to just cover fruit. Bring to a boil , then reduce heat and simmer about 11/2 hours, stirring occasionally, and adding more water if necessary.

Remove from heat; stir in cherry jam. Set aside to cool.

Add just enough sweet red wine to be absorbed by the fruit. Refrigerate until well chilled. Males about nine cups.

My favorite recipe is a Persian blend of fresh and dried fruit combined with four different nuts and ginger. The result is the chunkiest, nuttiest fruit salad you may ever eat. Each bite is a burst of different flavors.

PERSIAN HAROSET 1 unpeeled pear, cored and finely chopped 1 unpeeled apple, cored and finely chopped 1 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 cup finely chopped almonds 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts 1 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts 1 cup chopped pitted dates 1 cup chopped raisins 2 tsps. ground cinnamon 2 tsps. grated gingerroot 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar Sweet wine Combine pear, apple, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, dates and raisins in a large bowl and blend well, being careful not to chop the mixture into a paste. Add cinnamon, gingerroot, and cider vinegar, and enough wine to bind.

Place on a platter and shape into a pyramid. Cover and refrigerate. Makes 5 cups.

Haroset is traditionally eaten during the start of the Seder meal as a sandwich between two broken pieces of matzoh. It is also a great light counterweight to Passover’s carbohydrate-heavy dishes.

A week of eating little else besides the flat crispy matzoh that settles in your stomach like a shelf full of lead plates makes haroset a welcome relief.

Seth Stern is a staff writer for the Christian Science Monitor and lives in Boston, MA. 1/4

April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 57

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Founded in 1874, the 92nd Street Y in New York City is one of the oldest Jewish Community Centers in the country and has set the standard for outstanding cultural and educational programming. Through the latest in satellite technology, the Jewish Community Center of Omaha is now able to partner with the “Y” in order to bring the best of their programming to our community.

Karen Armstrong on the History of Islam Monday, April 14 7:15 p.m.

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24. U.S. Navy air base, acronym 25. Tree, much admired in the Tanakh 28. ____-Fi 31. PHAROAH’S ARCHERS’ TRIES 35. Does penance 37. ONE MIGHT BE COOKED AND SERVED 39. Pious woman, in Italian 40. PASSOVER EDIBLE PAIR (ONE IS LAID BY 37 ACROSS) 44. Road sign 45. PASSOVER CANDLE (Hebrew) 46. One item joined by another?

47. Weird 50. ___ of the iceberg 52. My girl, in Scottish dialect 53. REED OR RED 55. Use this to bring in 10 Across, before it’s chopped up 57. THIS PAIRS MAROR AND HAROSES 64. Romance flower genus 65. Palms whose fronds are used in wickerwork (abbrev.)

66. ___ Lalalute, Foreign Affairs Secretary, Papua New Guinea 67. “You could hear ____ drop” 68. So long, in St. Tropez 69. Merit, the verb 70. Repair 71. Land or Earth, in French 72. ___ Scott Decision

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Karen Armstrong is one of the most provocative, original and inclusive thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world. She is the author of the international best seller A History of God, as well as Islam: A Short History, Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet and Holy War: The Crusades and Their Impact on Today’s World, among others.

Jewish Community Center of Omaha Theater • 333 S. 132 Street JCC Members: $5 • Non-Members: $8 • Students: $5 To purchase tickets in advance or for information, please contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404.

Page 58

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

READ IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

Solution to Passover Pairings Crossword Puzzle

Celebrate a taste of New England, food, drink, and the changing of seasons from the Dandelion Festival, first asparagus bundles from local farms through apple pie contests, cider days and gathering maple syrup--all the regional flavors of “justpicked new-season crops.”

Here are the recipes from this region reflecting the ethnic of the people. A bit of history and lore are found in sidebars and the introductions to the baker’s dozen chapters, First Harvests, The Wanderers’ Return, Spring Holidays, Beside the Sea, Berry Season, Shakers & Gardeners, Heritage Days, Harvest Festivals, Wine, Beer & Cider in New England, Thanksgiving, Party Time, Cold Weather Fun, and Once a Year.

Enjoy international flavors with recipes indexed in the chapter page and in the alphabetical l i s t i n g .

Chowders, trifles, succotash, fiddleheads, chutney and more.

The recipes have headnotes and detailed numerical instructions. Many of the headnotes explain celebrations as in this recipe.

RUM MACAROONS During the eight days of Passover, Jewish families follow strict dietary rules, recalling the historic exodus from Egypt. They had to leave so quickly they had no time to leaven bread for their journey to the Promised Land. In memory of this, they not only eat no leavened food during Passover, but to avoid even inadvertent leavening, which can take place 18 minutes after flour and water mix, they use only specially prepared matzo meal.

Add to this the law that prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy foods in the same meal, and you

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by Claire Hopley (Berkshire House, $24.95) have severe limits on cake and pie possibilities.

Jewish cooks have therefore created a repertoire of alternative Passover desserts. Among them, macaroons made from almonds or coconut are a holiday staple.

This recipe uses almond paste as a shortcut. If you have a piping bag (or a plastic bag and a piping nozzle), use the bag to make pretty shapes. If not, the macaroons taste just as good dropped from a teaspoon.

7 ounces almond paste, broken into small pieces 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut 1 egg white 4 tablespoons dark rum Preheat the oven to 350º. Place baking parchment on two large baking sheets.

Combine the almond paste, coconut, and egg white in the container of a food processor or a mixing bowl and process or stir together. Add the rum and process or beat in until you have a thick paste able to hold its shape when dropped, but not too stiff. If necessary, add a few drops more rum to get the right consistency.

Put the mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag filled with a wide nozzle such as Ateco 105. (If you do not have a piping bag, make the macaroons by dropping the mixture from a well filled teaspoon. If the edges are untidy, just push them into shape with the back of a fork.)

Pipe the macaroons about 1 inch or so in diameter onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a warm golden brown. Makes about 21/2-3 dozen macaroons.

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 59

OUR MAN IN ISRAEL Come What May--Passover’s Still on Schedule

by CARL ALPERT Haifa--Fear of Iraqi missiles did not halt the preparations for Passover this year. True, early arrangements for a sealed room, supplies for the room, gas masks and emergency plans for who knows what was going to happen, did take their toll of time and effort, but the Pesach that has been observed since the early dawn of Jewish history was not going to be affected, and the piles of boxes of matza were stacked high in the stores well in advance of the holiday.

The usual boom in sales of food and other consumer products has served as a much needed stimulus to the faltering economy. It is estimated that more than three billion shekels were spent in local markets and stores in the period preceding the holiday, largely on food and such items as cleaning supplies, tablecloths and miscellaneous gifts, both for the afikoman and for hostesses. It is estimated that Israelis will drink some 12 million bottles of wine on seder night.

The national water supply is a problem every year since the ultra Orthodox fear that chometz (unleavened products) can easily find its way into the waters of the Sea of Galilee, which is the principal source of the nation’s drinking water. In previous years the water company, Mekorot, agreed that both Jerusalem and Bnai Brak would get their household water supply from local wells, rather than from the national source.

Folks who seek to assure that their homes are strictly kosher for Passover often have trouble with their pets who object to the unusual foods offered to them. Some papers have printed advice as to what available foods to offer to their cats and dogs. Cats are easily satisfied, and fish is popular with them, served in various ways. Dogs are more fussy. Most cats and dogs love matza that has been soaked in egg and fried. We have not yet seen any of the standard packaged pet foods with rabbinic hechsher as kosher for Passover. The local zoos, too, go on a kosher diet for their animals.

Inmates of the country’s prisons who have behaved themselves can look forward to a short holiday from jail as they will be permitted to spend the seder night with their families. For the others, seders will be held behind bars, as well as at all military camps.

Traditionally this is a holiday when Israelis take to the roads and visit national parks, nature (Continued on page 60)

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Page 60

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

A Bike Ride for Tzedakah

by LINDSEY TAXMAN SAVOIE Last October, I gathered our team and gave everyone a pep talk about our upcoming bike ride to raise funds for Hazon, the New York Jewish Environmental Bike Organization.

I also gave everyone a Pez dispense to tape to our handle bars or carry in our packs throughout the ride. Seeing Wolverine stare at me enticing me with sugary candy while riding up the hills inspired me to keep moving. At camp we spent Shabbat with about 60 of the 140+ riders and volunteers.

Ride leader, Roland explained how the day would unfold and gave us a safety talk. The hardest hill was a three mile uphill right before the first rest stop about 15 miles down the road. After that it would be gentle rolling hills for the rest of the day leading to the synagogue in White Plains.

Last minute maintenance included greasing the chains, filling the water bottles, checking and filling the air in the tires. When I mounted my bike, I realized that there was a serious problem--the chain was not catching the mechanism that makes the back tire rotate which meant that I could peddle all I wanted and I wasn’t going anywhere.

The bike repairman showed up and determined that some ratchet in the gear shifter was shot and I would need a new part which he did not bring with him. This guy basically just told me that I trained for two months, fundraised, promoted this amazing ride for nothing because my bike was irreparable before the 8 a.m. departure the following morning.

Aarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhh-

Passover’s Still on Schedule (Continued from page 59) reserves and other attractive sites in the Galilee and the Negev. Special security precautions have been put into effect, and guards will be swarming on all the roads. This also helps pick up the slack in unemployment. For months before the holiday hotels here have been advertising special rates for a kosher Passover week, seder and all, and it appears that many families that can afford it have chosen that easy way out, instead of koshering their homes.

Uncounted thousands of young Israelis, backpackers most of them, will be participating in seders organized by the Chabad movement in the lands of their adventuring. Based on the experience of previous years such seders will be held in India, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and similar exotic places.

The young people are being mobilized to help in the preparations, as Chabad provides all the supplies.

Our grand-daughter, Naomi, having completed her army service, is now in the Far East, and will report to us on her experiences seder night.

hhhh. Aahh, much better.

So, I went to sleep mad at everyone and hoping that my bike would be fixed in the morning so that I could start the ride with everyone and end with everyone on my bike.

At 6 a.m., the new repair man sprayed some lube into the gear shaft, and handed me my bike. Oh, did you miss that?

Read it again. He lubed it!

That is all that it needed.

It was overcast but not raining as over 140 riders said the tefilat haderech (traveler’s prayer) at the camp with our bikes. We wore yellow bibs Paul Mackie, left, former Omahan Lindsey Paige Savoie and her husindicating we were part of the band Brian Savoie, Joel Asrael, Rachel Lettre, and Naomi Friedman Hazon Jewish Environmental participated as Team Shomrei Adamah in a 100-mile bike ride last fall Bike Ride. A car led us off onto to raise money for a Jewish environmental group. the ‘rolling hills’ of upstate rest stops and a lunch stop at a synagogue. At each New York. After the blessing and the shehechyanu, stop there was lots of cheer, support and of course we were off--140 Jews on Bikes! food. It was a tough day especially during the foggy, The age ranged from 13-69 with rabbis, cantors, misty, rainy cold parts. Yet, when I followed a beaustudents, fathers/sons, fathers/daughters, mother/ tiful trail and saw the most magnificent colors in daughter teams--there was a three generation the trees and the reflection upon the lakes, I knew women’s team and lots of team ruach (spirit). We it was all worth the effort. had our Pez dispensers, others had butterflies on After arriving at the temple, we were shuttled to the their helmets and some even had cheers. local JCC to shower and clean up and then back to the The first day we went 70 miles. We had one three temple for an amazing catered and donated dinner.

We had a great closing program with Rabbi Michael Paley, a Jewish environmental activist. Many of us dozed and even slept through it, but he was in good spirits and joked with all of us to assure us after ridHealth is a popular subject at this time of year. ing 70 miles, he expected nothing less from us.

Hospitals and the health insurance funds have been In the morning we awakened again at an ungodly warning the public not to over-eat at the seder, and hour of 6 a.m. and started all over again. This time to avoid consuming matza to excess during the we only had 30 miles to go and it was cool, breezy, week. One piece of matza, we are reminded, con- and sunny. We arrived in Manhattan without any tains about 160 calories, twice the amount in a slice problems around 12:30 p.m. We had lunch at the of bread.

Boat Basin on the Upper West Side and en masse The average Israeli gains about two kilos (4.4 biked the six blocks together to the JCC on 76th and pounds) during Passover week because the diet is Amsterdam where we officially ended the ride heavy with eggs, matza, fats and fried foods.

As I reflect on my sore but not destroyed muscles, Hospitals each year report many emergency cases I can honestly say that I am proud of myself, of my resulting from various digestion problems. husband, Brian, of everyone who was a part of this Hadassah has reported that the birth rate rises ride. I thank the Jewish Environmental community sharply over Passover as pregnant women over for encouraging me to get on a bike and ride for a exert themselves in preparations for the holiday cause so worthy. and bring on early labor.

So far, the bike ride has raised over $100,000. Your And every year someone repeats the story of the gifts of friendship, love and compassion guided us famous blind woman, Helen Keller, who was hand- through the rainy hills of outstate New York on a ed a piece of matza. Her fingers ran over the perfo- Sunday in the fall and led us into the sunshine of rated lines again and again, and finally she Manhattan a day later. exclaimed: “Who wrote all this nonsense?”

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April 11, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 61

What’s with the Fours?

by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN, Am Echad Resources Despite the late hour and exhaus- Jewish observance still feel compelled tion (not to mention wine), many a to have at least some sort of Seder, to Jewish mind has wondered long and read a Haggadah, or even--if they hard during a Passover Seder about have strayed too far from their herall the Haggadah’s “fours.” Four ques- itage to comfortably confront the origtions, four sons, four expressions of inal--to compose their own. (I once redemption, four cups. There’s clearly a numerical theme here.

While some may superficially dismiss the Haggadah as a mere compendium of random verses and songs, it is in truth a subtle and wondrous educational tool, with profound Jewish ideas layered through its seemingly simple text.

The rabbis who formulated its core, already extant in pre-Talmudic times, wanted it to serve as a tool for plant- joked before an audience that a ing important concepts in the hearts “Vegetarian Haggadah” would likely and minds of its readers--especially its appear any year younger ones, toward whom the now, and Seder, our tradition teaches, is aimed. someone in And so the authors of the Haggadah a t t e n d a n c e employed an array of pedagogical later showed methods, including songs, riddles and me precisely puzzles, as means of conveying deeper such a book-understanding. And they left us clues, though it lacked too. the “Paschal When it comes to the ubiquitous Turnip” I had imag“fours,” we might begin by pondering ined.) the essential fact that Passover is And so the when the Jewish people’s identity is role we solemnly perpetuated; the Seder, the adults play ritual instrument through which each on Pesach night, Jewish generation inculcates our col- vis a vis the younger lective history and essence to the next. Jews with whom we Which is likely a large part of the rea- share the experience, is a very specifson so many Jewish parents who are ic one. We are teachers, to be sure, alienated from virtually every other but it is not information per se that we

are communicating, but something more: identity.

At the Seder we are seeking to instill in our children the realization that they are not mere individuals but rather part of a people, members of a

...it is not information per se that we are communicating, but something more: identity. nation unconstrained by geographical boundaries but linked by history and destiny all the same.

We seek to impress them with the fact that they are links in a shimmering, ethereal chain stretching back to the Jewish nation’s birth, to when it was divinely redeemed from mundane slavery in Egypt and entered a sublime servitude of a very different sort --to God--at Sinai.

So, on Passover, as we celebrate the

birth of the Jewish nation and plant the seed of Jewish identity in the minds of smaller Jews, we are in a sense ourselves “birthing”--giving life to the Jewish future. And, while it may be the father who traditionally leads the Seder, he is acting not as teacher but rather in something more akin to a maternal role, as a spiritual nurturer of the children present.

Jewish identity, indeed, is dependent on mothers. According to halacha, or Jewish religious tradition, while a Jew’s tribal genealogy follows the paternal line, whether a child is a member of the Jewish people or not depends entirely on the status of his or her mother.

It’s only speculation, but might the recurrent numerical theme in our exquisite Haggadah, employed each year to instill Jewish identity, be reminding us of that? After all, the book has its own number-decoder built right in, toward its end, where most good books’ keys and indexes are found.

It’s a little hazy once it’s reached, after four cups of wine, but it’s unmistakably there: “Echad Mi Yodea” or “Who Knows One?”--the song that provides Jewish associations with numbers.

“Who knows four?”

If you don’t, you can look it up.

Rabbi Avi Shafran serves as director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page A Cleaning of Yesteryear ....................................... 56 AAA Rents .............................................................. 48 Abraham Catering ................................................. 52 Abrahams, Kaslow & Cassman LLP .................... 23 Acura of Omaha ..................................................... 11 Advantage Mortgage ............................................. 46 Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC. ............. 14 Ak-Sar-Ben Beef .................................................... 18 Albertson’s ............................................................. 17 Alkar Billiards ....................................................... 38 All Makes Office Equipment Co. ........................... 51 Allens ..................................................................... 50 Allergy, Asthma, Immunology ............................... 58 American National Bank ...................................... 59 American Tile & Marble Company ....................... 49 Amit Women .......................................................... 40 Aon ......................................................................... 10 Artistic Visions ...................................................... 47 Associated Counseling Professionals .................... 57 Baker’s ..................................................................... 3 Bag ’N Save ............................................................ 32 Bagel Bin .................................................................. 9 Beijing Gate ........................................................... 29 Belgrade Family .................................................... 37 Bernina Sewing Centers ....................................... 38 Bergman Incentives/Bergman Jewelers ............... 58 Beth El Sisterhood ................................................. 40 Beth El Synagogue ................................................ 40 Beth Israel Sisterhood ........................................... 40 Beth Israel Synagogue .......................................... 40 Beyt Shalom Synagogue ........................................ 40 Bickford Cottage .................................................... 27 Bike Rack ............................................................... 26 BILU/USY .............................................................. 16 Bistro 121 ............................................................... 29 Blue Cross Blue Shield .......................................... 56 Blumenthal, Cady & Associates ............................ 30 B’nai B’rith Beber Camp ....................................... 46 B’nai B’rith Youth Organization ...................... 16, 40 B’nai Israel Synagogue .......................................... 40 B’nai Jeshurun Synagogue ................................... 47 Body Basics ............................................................ 33 Borsheim’s ............................................................. 43 Brighton Gardens Assisted Living ........................ 42 Broadmoor Development Company ...................... 22 Broadmoor Market ................................................ 21 Brodkey’s ................................................................ 12 Brownell Talbot ..................................................... 61 Builders Supply ..................................................... 46 Business Printing .................................................. 24 Canfield’s Sporting Goods ....................................... 4 Care Consultants ................................................... 51 CB Richard Ellis/Mega .......................................... 50 CBS/HOME-Toni Rosen ........................................ 24 Charlestons .............................................................. 8 Charlie’s on the Lake ............................................. 52 Christel’s ................................................................ 12 Cohen Family ......................................................... 47 Cohn, Marisa ......................................................... 46 Commercial Printing Co. ......................................... 4 Countryside Village ............................................... 21 Creighton University ............................................. 19 Crown Pointe Retirement Community ................. 51 Crowne Plaza ......................................................... 31 Custom Gems, Inc. ................................................ 46 Daily Grill .............................................................. 53 Dance Shoppe ........................................................ 21 David Morton Food Marketing ............................. 49 Davidsons .............................................................. 60 Elliot Equipment Company .................................. 28 Enterprise Bank .................................................... 20 Eye Essentials ....................................................... 35 Factory Eyeglass Outlet ........................................ 15 Fahey, Mayor Mike ................................................ 23 Family Enrichment, Inc. ....................................... 58 Fashion Cleaners ................................................... 27 First Westroads Bank ............................................ 61 Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha .. 18 Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp & Reinsch, L.L.C. ................................... 20 Fraser, Stryker, Meusey, Olson, Boyer & Bloch, P.C. ............................................ 51 French Cafe .............................................................. 9 Galaska & Son ....................................................... 31 Garbo’s Salons ......................................................... 6 Gary Michaels Clothiers ....................................... 43 Gedroez, Tony ........................................................ 50 Girl Scouts ............................................................. 24 Girls & Boys Town ................................................. 34 Golf USA ................................................................ 26 Gordmans .............................................................. 64 Grace/Mayer Insurance ......................................... 37 Great Western Bank ................................................ 7 Grubb & Ellis ......................................................... 54 Hadassah ............................................................... 40 Hampton Inn ........................................................... 6 Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith ........................ 40 Herman’s Nut House/Pear’s Coffee ...................... 20 Hockenbergs .......................................................... 44

Advertiser Page Hoich Irrigation ..................................................... 28 Honeyman Rent-All ............................................... 35 Horizon Dental Center .......................................... 56 Hy-Vee .................................................................... 41 I-Go Van & Storage ................................................ 20 Ideal Pure Water .................................................... 20 Imago ..................................................................... 39 Independent Roofing Company ............................. 50 Industrial Label Corporation ................................ 34 Industrial Packaging Corporation .......................... 2 Israel Bonds ........................................................... 45 Jacobson Fish Co., Inc. .......................................... 46 Jewish Community Center of Omaha ................... 11 Jewish Educational and Library Services ............ 46 Jewish Federation of Lincoln .................................. 5 Jewish Federation of Omaha ................................ 42 Jewish Press .............................................. 16, 39, 62 Jewish Senior Services .......................................... 10 Jewish War Veterans of America .......................... 40 John A. Gentleman Mortuaries ............................ 30 Julio’s ..................................................................... 53 Katelman Antiques ................................................ 57 Keyboard Kastle .................................................... 48 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare ............................. 14 Kosak Chiropractic & Acupuncture ...................... 12 KPMG LLP. ............................................................ 12 KPTM/KXVO ......................................................... 11 Krieger & Krieger .................................................. 37 Lafata’s .................................................................. 29 Lakeside Dentistry .................................................. 5 Lakeside Hills Apartments ................................... 58 Landon’s ................................................................. 28 League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (LOVE) ....................................... 40 Lerner Company .................................................... 25 L’il Prince & Princess ............................................ 21 Lion’s Automotive Upholstery ............................... 31 Live from the 92nd Street Y .................................. 57 Louie M’s Burger Lust ............................................. 9 Louis Liquor Bar and Grill .................................... 53 Lund Company ...................................................... 55 Lynn Roberts International .................................. 43 Malashock Jewelry ................................................ 37 Malbar Vision Centers .......................................... 30 Marathon Realty Corporation ............................... 56 Marriott Hotel ....................................................... 61 Mark Sanford Group ............................................. 43 Market Basket ....................................................... 21 Marks Clare & Richards ......................................... 7 McDermott & Miller .............................................. 36 McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp P.C., L.L.O. .......................... 60 McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, P.C. ................. 12 Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar .......................... 8 Mediterranean Foods, Inc. ...................................... 9 Metropolitan Community College .......................... 7 Mid City Bank ....................................................... 24 Mid Con Systems ..................................................... 4 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan ........................................ 5 Midlands Marketing .............................................. 49 Midwest Box Co. .................................................... 61 Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. ........................ 36 Midwest Woodworkers .......................................... 49 Moore’s Irrigation .................................................. 60 Mulhall’s ................................................................ 31 Mutual Protective/Medco Life ............................... 44 N. Pitlor & Son, Inc. .............................................. 25 National Conference of Synagogue Youth ............. 16 National Council of Jewish Women ...................... 40 Nebraska Furniture Mart ..................................... 15 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society ..................... 40 Nebraska Spine Center, L.L.P. .............................. 55 Nebraska Wine and Spirits, Inc. ........................... 60 Nick & Tony’s ......................................................... 29 No Frills Supermarkets ........................................... 6 Nobbie’s .................................................................. 31 Noddle Development Company ............................. 38

Advertiser Page Nogg Chemical & Paper Co. .................................. 39 Nu Trend Dry Cleaners ......................................... 32 Old Market Candy Shop ........................................ 60 Omaha Center for Torah Learning ....................... 40 Omaha Compound Company ................................ 32 Omaha Steaks ......................................................... 5 Omaha Surgical Center ......................................... 43 Omaha Symphony ................................................. 47 Omaha Temple Youth Group ................................. 16 Omaha Temporary Services .................................. 58 Omne Grille ........................................................... 52 One Drake Place .................................................... 44 Paley Landscaping ................................................ 50 Parcel Place ........................................................... 35 Park Inn Regency Lodge ....................................... 35 Parsow’s ................................................................. 18 Passport Restaurant ............................................. 29 Pasta Amore ........................................................... 33 Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center ......... 22 Peterson Brothers Realty Inc. ............................... 57 Pip Printing ............................................................. 2 Pollack & Hicks, P.C. ............................................. 28 Prudential Insurance-Joseph John ...................... 57 Pulverente Monument Co. .................................... 35 Randy’s Pharmacy ................................................. 44 Rec Room ................................................................ 24 Remington Heights Retirement Community ....... 23 Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. ..................... 47 Rockbrook Village .................................................. 33 Rossi ....................................................................... 33 Rotella’s Italian Bakery ......................................... 26 Ryco Packaging Corp. ............................................ 38 Salon Aura ............................................................. 26 Sarah’s ................................................................... 21 Savannah Pines ..................................................... 30 Second Story ............................................................ 7 Security National Bank ......................................... 35 Schrier Ford ........................................................... 28 Schrier Ford/Mobility Motoring ............................ 59 Schwalb Realty ...................................................... 56 Senor Matias .......................................................... 52 She-la ..................................................................... 21 Shir Tal Jewelry .................................................... 35 Siegler’s Catering Service ....................................... 8 Sir Speedy .............................................................. 26 Sol’s .......................................................................... 4 Sonny Gerber Auto Sales ....................................... 58 Sparks Computerized Car Care ............................ 55 Spirit World ........................................................... 53 St. Joseph Villa ...................................................... 54 State Farm Insurance-Gary Kudym ..................... 14 Stokes ..................................................................... 29 Sunsidge Village Retirement Community .............. 4 Superior Pools, Spas, Etc. ....................................... 7 Swartzbaugh, Farber & Associates ....................... 35 Temple Israel ......................................................... 40 TierOne Bank .......................................................... 4 Tifereth Israel Synagogue ..................................... 55 Tilly ........................................................................ 36 Times Publishing ................................................... 14 Topp’s ..................................................................... 32 Turnbull Construction ........................................... 50 University of Nebraska Lincoln-Harris Center ... 24 University of Nebraska Medical Center ............... 39 V. Mertz .................................................................... 8 Valentino’s .............................................................. 29 Venice Inn .............................................................. 53 Visions .................................................................... 40 Walnut Grove ......................................................... 30 Weisman Development ............................................ 7 Winery .................................................................... 53 Wells Blue Bunny .................................................. 13 Wells Fargo Bank .................................................. 37 Wolfson Used Cars ................................................. 48 Wyndham Street Ltd. ............................................ 14 Young Energetic Seniors/Oldtimers ..................... 40 Zio’s ........................................................................ 52

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April 11, 2003

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 63

Candlelighting Friday, April 11 ................................................ 7:42 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16 ................................... 7:47 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 ................... no earlier than 8:51 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism

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

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

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

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

FRIDAY: Early Worship Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book; Family Services, 5:30 p.m., Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate along with Grade 3 students.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The Amidah; Morning service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Annual New York Temple Deli Night.

Please call the Temple office to make your reservations for an evening of fun and great food. Seating starts at 5 p.m.; take out orders available.

Sponsored by Temple Israel’s Men’s Club.

SITTER SERVICE Available for Shabbat evening, 5:30 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as well as Sunday mornings, when there is Religious School. Make a reservation with the Temple office. No facilities for infants. Cost is $2 per family.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, April 15, Conversations with the Rabbi, noon-1 p.m. Join Rabbi Aryeh Azriel for an informal BYO brown bag lunch and discussion of current events and issues that affect the Jewish community in Omaha and around the world.

PASSOVER Thursday, April 17: Morning service, 10:30 a.m.

CONCLUSION OF PASSOVER Wednesday, April 23: Moments of Remembrance, 9:45 a.m.; Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY, Shabbos Hagadol: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; West Minyan at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 8:45 a.m. free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth Cohen and Harry Berman in honor of Zoe’s first birthday; Mincha, 7:35 p.m. followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma’ariv; Havdallah, 8:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY, April 14: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, April 15: Morning service, 7 a.m.; Forms for the selling of chometz must be received in the synagogue office by 4:30 p.m.; Evening service, 6:30 p.m. Search for chometz no earlier than 8:48 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, April 16: Fast of the First born begins at 5:30 a.m.; Shacharit, followed by Siyum B’chorim, 7 a.m. chometz may not be eaten after 10:46 a.m. and burned no later than 12:05 a.m.

(Chometz may be burned at the synagogue at 8:30 a.m.) Erev Tavshilin made prior to 7:47 p.m. candlelighting. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.; earliest time to start seder, 8:48 p.m.

THURSDAY, April 17: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. (The Shema must be recited by 10 a.m.); Mincha, 7:50 p.m.

Earliest time to start second seder, 8:51 p.m.

The synagogue office will be closed on April 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24th. The office will close at 2 p.m. on April 22.

Office hours are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shabbat Services are conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Cantor Emil Berkovits and Ritual Director Gastón Bogomolni.

FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Nimrod Ginsburg, son of Orly Gilat and Jacob Ginsburg, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. A kiddush in his honor will be hosted by his parents.

Rabbi Levin’s Torah Class, 7:20 p.m. informal discussion and snack, followed by services at 7:50 p.m.

A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought For Shabbat” e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to Exec@bethel-omaha.org.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

WEDNESDAY, April 16: Siyyum B’khorim, 6:30 a.m.; Shaharit, 6:55 a.m.; Minha-Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, April 17: Shaharit, 9:30 a.m.; Minha-Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.; Beth El’s Second Seder, 7 p.m., open to the entire community; call Kathy Schmitt, 492-8550 to make reservations.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 15: Last chance to get your Shmurah Matza before Pesach. Search for chometz not before 8:48 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, April 16 (Erev Pesach): Fast of the firstborn begins, 5:30 a.m.; Shacharit, followed

by Siyyum B’chorim, 7 a.m. Chometz not to be eaten after 10:46 a.m. The Chabad House will burn chometz at 11 a.m. Erev Tavshilin is made prior to candlelighting at 7:47 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.

THURSDAY, April 17: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Children’s program, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:50 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18: Shacharit, 10 a.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; No Religious School; Yair Dalal Concert at Tifereth Israel, 10:30 a.m., followed by a session for parents, 11:15 a.m.

MONDAY: Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Passover Haggadah with Rabbi Milder, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Community Second Seder, 6:30 p.m. Reservations must be made by Sunday--call the synagogue office.

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

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

423-8569

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY, Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m.

SUNDAY, Pirket Avot, 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, April 16: Shacharit, followed by Siyum B’chorim, 7:15 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, First Seder, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, April 17: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv, Second Seder, 6 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by the Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

WEDNESDAY, April 16: First seder, 6 p.m., led

by Andrew Greenberg.

THURSDAY, April 17: Services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet; second seder, 6 p.m., led by Rabbi Joe Roth.

FRIDAY, April 18: Services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi Shechet.

Both seders will be held in the JCC Auditorium; services are held in the RBJH Herbert Goldsten

3012 S. 119th St., P.O. Box 241130 Omaha, NE 68124-5130 592-4082 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/ FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Services for young children and their families, 7 p.m. led by Robin H. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

SUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 3:30 p.m. at the JCC. TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at the JCC. Adult volunteers needed to set up tables for Passover, 5 p.m. at the synagogue.

WEDNESDAY: First Seder, celebrate in your home.

THURSDAY: Community seder, 5:30 p.m.

Community guests and students welcome. Bring a Dairy Passover Dinner dish for the potluck Remember, no leavening! If you have questions or concerns on what to bring, contact Helene Lohman or Arnold Radloff.

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

Passover in Miniature BEYT SHALOM

TIFERETH ISRAEL

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Every year prior to Pesach, little people make an appearance in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center. Thanks to hardworking volunteer Edith Rogert, a slew of Cabbage Patch dolls and their friends are seated at a long seder table, filled with minature matza and other Passover treats. Stop by and see it!

618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 e-mail: doc jeb @aol.com FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., followed by a potluck Passover Oneg Shabbat. For more information, contact Sandra Kurland, 323-8885.

Page 64

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 11, 2003

Best Wishes for a happy Passover and a celebration of freedom with family and friends.