April 29, 2005

Vol. LXXXIV No. 34 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

20 Nisan, 5765 April 29, 2005

Foundation Announces Three Million Dollar Gift from Sokolof Estate for Scholarships, Cultural Arts, and Annual Campaign

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Steve Bloch, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, announced a bequest of $3 million from the late Phil Sokolof. Bloch said, “This is a major gift that will not only support the current programs of the Federation but will help offset the high cost of education for some worthy students as well as provide funding for a renewed interest in cultural arts on our campus. I am especially excited about the possibilities these funds provide to the youth of the Jewish community.”

Sokolof, who in 1998 contributed the largest single donation made to the Jewish Community Center

NCCJ to Honor Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum at Humanitarian Dinner

by Barbara M. Angelillo Director of NCCJ The National Conference of Community and Justice has announced that Bob Kerrey, President of the New School University, N.Y.(and former Senator and Governor of Nebraska) will be the guest speaker for the annual NCCJ Humanitarian Awards dinner on Thursday, June 2, at the Holiday Inn Central. Kerrey’s presence and words are expected to add meaning and excitement to an event that traditionally recognizes the importance of embracing diversity and the value of living in a global community.

Rick and C o n n i e Spellman are co-chairmen Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum of the event where Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum and Anne and John Nelson will be recognized with Humanitarian Awards.

The Omaha Community Foundation (OCF) and Cecil L. Hicks, Jr. will each be honored with the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award.

In addition, Harlan and Nancy Noddle, long-time supporters and friends of NCCJ, will host a Humanitarian dinner patron party to allow NCCJ to thank its major donors, and give guests the opportunity to meet and speak with Bob Kerrey.

Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum are well known in the Omaha community as “change agents,” leading many significant campaigns and projects to positively impact every facet of the Jewish life in our community.

Kirshenbaum began his career as a real estate appraiser, joining the Noddle Development Company as a partner in 1972. Over the years, Joe has served as President of many of the Omaha Jewish community’s major organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for United Jewish Communities, is a member of the Methodist Hospital Foundation and the University of Nebraska-Omaha Real Estate Advisory Board. Maxine began her impressive volunteer career after graduating from college. An inspiring leader, she has held positions with nearly every agency in the Jewish Federation of Omaha and served on the Jewish Community Center Board of Directors.

Continued on page 4

Inside Opinion Page see page 16

(JCC) to build the Phil Sokolof Health and Fitness Center, insured his practice of philanthropy would continue after his death by creating two new funds: the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund.

Scholarships will be awarded from these funds beginning in the 2006-07 school year. “Phil admired intelligence and the pursuit of excellence,” said Janet Henthorn who worked for Sokolof for more than seven years at the National Heart Savers Association and is now an endowment associate with the Federation Foundation. All of the scholarships are based on merit, not on financial need.

Continued on page 8

Sandy Epstein, Tina Meyers and Kim Noddle to Receive Prestigious Awards from NCJW

Local Group Going on March of the Living: Page 2

Beth Israel Presents Exclusive Showing of Paper Clips for All Jewish Teens

by BETH FRIEDMAN, SHELLY PICHIK and KARIN LEVINE for the National Council of Jewish Women--Omaha Section Three outstanding volunteers will receive major awards at a Spring Gala, hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section. The gala is slated for Saturday, June 18, at the South Omaha Livestock Exchange Building. Sandy Epstein will be honored with the Hannah G. Solomon Award; Tina Meyers will receive the Emerging Leader Award, and the Distinguished Service Award will go to immediate pastPresident Kim Noddle.

Awarded through NCJW, Inc, and recognized nationally, the Hannah G. Solomon Award is presented to a volunteer who has helped change and expand the role of others in vital areas of community life and whose leadership promotes the NCJW mission--improving the quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The recipient also motivates others to advocate for change, resulting in progress and enlightenment in the community.

Epstein’s life’s work has been much like that of Sandy Epstein the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, Hannah Greenbaum Solomon. As a pioneer ahead of her time, she is a true role model and motivator. When Epstein returned to Omaha in 1976, she was contacted by Lois Friedman to see if she would be a Vice-president for NCJW-Omaha Section.

Since then, Epstein has held many leadership roles within NCJW including VP of Community Service, Member Services Secretary, Director, Donor Chairman, and Chairman of the Fundraising Task Force. In addition, she has served on the Nominating, Planning and Evaluation, Yearbook and Cookbook Committees and was a day chairman for eight years for “It’s a Wrap.”

Continued on page 4

This Week: Mother’s Day Gift Guide Where Are They Now? Features Stu Frohm: Page 3

Phil Sokolof

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue When you hear the word “documentary” perhaps you think of films that have been released in movie theatres, like Fahrenheit 9-11 or Super Size Me. But there is another award-winning documentary currently in limited release that has not yet reached the Omaha market--and this is a film of particular interest to the Jewish community.

The documentary Paper Clips will be shown at Beth Israel Synagogue during a teen Yom Hashoah program on Wednesday, May 4, 5:15 p.m., prior to the communitywide Yom Hashoah service at 7 p.m.

Credit: Printed with permission by One Clip At A Time HMA What do you do if you want to gain access to this documentary that normally only shows in places like New York or Chicago? Well, if you are a rabbi who wants to bring the movie to the community and you happened to grow up with a friend now in management at Miramax Films, you simply place a phone call.

So Beth Israel Synagogue can now announce that a free, private screening of the award-winning documentary Paper Clips will be shown during a special teen program prior to the Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration at Beth Israel on Wednesday, May 4.

All Jewish teens in Omaha are invited to attend this special screening of Paper Clips, beginning at 5:15 p.m. with a spaghetti dinner.

Paper Clips tells the true story about some students in a rural Tennessee town who, in order to learn more about tolerance, studied the Holocaust and ultimately created a permanent tribute to the millions who died.

Continued on page 13

Next Week: Omaha Election Guide New Book Explores Holocaust Denial Case: Page 17

Survivors of Genocide Bridge Worlds: Page 20

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

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Omaha-Lincoln Group Travels to Auschwitz and Birkenau for 60th Anniversary of Camps’ Liberation

by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Director, Institute for Holocaust Education A delegation of Omahans and members of the Lincoln community will make the journey from Omaha to Poland to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The local group will join Anti-Defamation League representatives from Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco for the 2005 March of the Living (MOTL).

Held each year, the March of the Living is an international educational program that will bring more than 18,000 individuals to Poland May 3-8 to honor the memory of the millions who perished and visit remnants of the Holocaust including the concentration camps.

The group will commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, on May 5 by participating on a three-kilometer march that retraces the final steps of countless Jews and other victims from the concentration camp at Auschwitz to the gas chambers and crematoria at Birkenau.

“Since this year is the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, this March of the Living is especially meaningful,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director, who was saved from the Holocaust by his Polish nanny who had him baptized and raised as a Catholic until his parents reclaimed him at the end of the war. “This trip will teach young people the importance of remembering the Holocaust at a time when the original witnesses are dying and individuals still continue to deny the tragedy happened.”

One March of the Living participant is Omahan and Holocaust survivor Bea Karp. Karp was a child when she and her family in West Germany were sent to work camps in France in the early 1930’s. After several months at Gurs camp, Karp and her sister were rescued by an underground operation called the O.S.E. (the Osay). Separated from her sister, Bea was moved 14 times before they were reunited at a convent in Milleau, France. Following the war and presuming their parents had perished, Karp and her sister were placed with relatives in London until they eventually moved to Queens, NY. Karp married and moved to O’Neil, NE, in 1951 where she raised four daughters. It was while living in O’Neil that Karp finally received official confirmation

that her parents died in Auschwitz.

Karp will be joined on the journey by two of her daughters, Nancy Kutler, Marguerite Soshnik of St. Louis, as well as her grandson, Danny Krantz of Chicago. This will be Karp’s first encounter at the site where her parents were murdered.

Paul Smith, a Language Arts instructor at Lincoln Southeast High School, will also make the trip. Smith has included a unit on the Holocaust in his curriculum since he began teaching in 1983. He developed a course titled, “Literature of the Holocaust and Lessons in Understanding” which he has taught since 2001.

Both Lincoln Northstar and Lincoln Southwest high schools will offer the course along with an optional field trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum beginning next fall. More than 400 students have traveled to D.C. with Smith since the course’s inception.

Smith said of the March of the Living event, “I know this trip will be an amazing experience. The time I spend in Poland will help in my continued quest to create more awareness of Holocaust education and its many lessons for students in the Lincoln Public Schools.”

While in Poland, the Nebraska ADL delegation will also meet with U. S. Ambassador Victor Ashe and Polish Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld.

Many of the Holocaust survivors making the journey have never visited the scene of the atrocities they survived.

ADL Regional Director Bob Wolfson explained that “This is a powerful and, for many, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bridge the generations of our community from Holocaust survivors to their children’s children.

The impact this experience will have on our community’s participants is immeasurable.”

Others joining the group include Wolfson; Carol Katzman, Editor of the Jewish Press; sisters, Patty Nogg of Omaha and Judy Brantz of Boulder, CO; Howard and Gloria Kaslow; Marti Rosen-Atherton; and Marcel and Ilse Kahn, and this writer. The Kahns were brought to the United States in the late 1930s from Germany by Grand Island resident David Kaufman who signed affidavits sponsoring and saving 87 refugees from the Holocaust.

Looking for a “Jewish Mother?” Temple Mentors Can Help

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Those who have chosen Judaism or are in the process of converting are invited to attend “Mentors for Jewsby-Choice: Finding a Jewish Mother When You Really Need One” at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 8, at Temple Israel. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Outreach Fellow John Dacey will facilitate this community conversation on exploring how to become integrated into the Temple family and feel a part of the Jewish people.

“We are looking for families in our congregation who were in Outreach to be able to become mentors to an individual or a family interested in finding a path to become involved in the Jewish community and in Temple Israel’s family in particular,” explained Rabbi Azriel. New Jews-by-choice and those who are still in conversion need “somebody to sit next to at worship services or someone to invite them home to Shabbat dinner.

“We hope to create friendly relationships between potential mentors and those who need them,” he added.

John Dacey said the “Mentors for Jews-by Choice” conversation is an outgrowth of Temple’s Outreach and Synagogue Community Council that has been meeting since last fall. He noted that the May 8th event is part of an effort to successfully meet the needs of the diverse groups, such as Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, that make up the Outreach Council.

Most of the outreach efforts have been “informal,” according to Dacey, who completed the Hebrew Union College program for Outreach Fellows for Interfaith Families last summer. The Outreach Council now plans to be more formal about integrating the various groups into the community, he said.

Questions can be directed to Temple Program Director Rosie Zweiback at 556.6536. RSVP to attend on May 8 to the Temple office at the same phone number. “Mentors for Jews-by-Choice” is open to the community.

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April 29, 2005

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

by JOAN K. MARCUS Several readers asked us to locate former Omahan Stuart Frohm who left Omaha many years ago. Born here to Lucille and Milton Frohm, he and his younger brother, Scott, grew up in the Benson area.

Lucille worked for the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.

Milton was an attorney who was very active in B’nai Brith. Stuart remembers his mother reading to him when he was very young.

“That was the foundation of my love for reading and writing,” he recalled. “As a child, I frequently visited the Benson branch of the Omaha Public Library.”

Frohm, now 57, attended Henry W. Yates and Fontenelle Grade Schools. He later went to Monroe Junior High, where he first became interested in a possible journalism career. He was co-editor of features for the Benson High News and was also active in several other high school clubs.

“I am an appreciative 1965 graduate of Benson High, where I was privileged to study journalism under the late Gunnar Horn,” Frohm explained. “My journalism training from Mr. Horn earned me entrance to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln All State journalism summer program for high school students.”

From there, he earned the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund’s editing internship and UNL’s news editorial journalism and political science programs. “UNL’s journalism program has long been one of the most respected nationally,” he added. “I am very grateful to the taxpayers of Nebraska for the excellent preparation that I received there. I had dedicated professors who, themselves had extensive newspaper experience. Jack C. Bolts, my professor of editing, and I have stayed in contact over these many years.”

In 1968, Frohm was one of the first Newspaper Fund editing interns. That summer program sent him to an editing course at Temple University in Philadelphia and to the copy desk of a Long Island, New York, morning newspaper, The Suffolk Sun. Stu returned to UNL for his senior year. He was active in Hillel, the campus Jewish organization, and the

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Eagled-eyed Editor Wins Prestigious Award Society of Professional Journalists. Also during his senior year, he was was honored with membership in Phi Beta Kappa and journalism and political science honoraries. In 1969, he was named to be the outstanding male graduate in the news editorial journalism program.

The University of Iowa was Stu’s choice for postgraduate work. He studied urban and regional planning so that he could be a better prepared newspaperman. It was there he met and married his wife, Joan. They have a son, Michael, who’s now 32. Joan is an employee computer training coordinator at Delta College in Midland, MI, where the couple has lived for almost 26 years.

Stu then returned to Omaha to work for The Sun Newspapers of Omaha, where he had previously been an intern. Frohm was hired by the editor, Paul N. Williams and worked there for a year and a half.

After leaving The Sun, the Frohms moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, where he was a newspaper reporter, photographer and editor for eight years, and in 1979, they moved to Midland, Michigan where he has worked for the Midland Daily News.

He began as wire editor and now now selects and edits state, national and world news stories and photographs.

Some of his other tasks include designing pages, discussing possible editorial topics with other editors and writing editorials. He also writes some of the editorials and interviews candidates for public office.

Frohm helps with the newspaper’s local news coverage which has won in competition with other Hearst newspapers. The News won the award for best Hearst community newspaper for four of the last five years.

Most recently, Stuart was a winner of The 2005 Hearst Eagle Award. For more than 100 years, the Eagle Award has stood as the symbol for the Hearst Corporation. It is a reminder of the spirit of excellence to which all journalists aspire. Officials of the award noted, “We are proud to present this year’s award to dedicated individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the success and prosperity of the Hearst Newspapers.”

Stu was cited for his willingness to help the newspaper in various roles. He has helped to represent the paper at many local events and coordinates employees to participate in the Lunch Box Learners reading program in an elementary school. He is also a longtime member of the News Plant Committee, which plans activities for employees.

Frequently, he writes or contributes to news stories about state legislative proposals. He also reports on United States House and Senate topics and has covered presidential campaigns in Iowa and Michigan.

In addition to being an adjunct professor of editing Stuart Frohm at Central Michigan University’s journalism department, Stu volunteers at a local bicycle safety education. (This includes wearing a costume of a helmet-wearing frog!)

For three years, he has been on the Daily News team for Relay of Life, a community event that raises money for the battle against cancer. He has also organized the collection of food donations at the newspaper and their local temple.

Joan and Stu are longtime members of The Arc, formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Among their interests is the use of computer software which displays and prints symbols and photographs, designed for people who can’t read words so they can communicate.

Stu is particularly interested in photography--especially family, nature, travel, aviation and automotive. He has written and photographed most of a Michigan travel series for the newspaper and done some free-lance travel writing.

It almost takes your breath away to read about Stuart Frohm’s many accomplishments since he left Omaha!

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

NCJW Awards Continued from page 1 In 1996, when it was time to commemorate 100 years of advocacy and community service in Omaha, NCJW once again turned to Epstein’s expertise and leadership, asking her to chair the centennial celebration, Sentimental Journey. (Thanks to Sandy, this writer was given the biggest opportunity of my life, when asked to be a “gal Friday” for Joanie Jacobson in a variety show celebration for NCJW’s 100th birthday. Nine years later, Joanie and I are on show number six, and I have been doing training sessions nationally for NCJW, a thought that before only terrified me. That’s just one example of Sandy’s ability to acknowledge people’s strengths and provide them with opportunities to further their own life’s journey-B.F.) Immediately following Sentimental Journey in 1996, Sandy found her true passion in NCJW. “Dictionary Day hit all my hot spots,” Epstein explained, “my love of children, books, learning, NCJW, and not knowing how to say ‘no’ to Joanie Lehr.” Dictionary Day, funded by grants and corporate sponsorships, provides hard-bound children’s dictionaries to 1500 fourth grade students in low income/high risk academies in the Omaha Public School District. Many of these students have never had a book of their own.

In 1997, Sandy received the Distinguished Service Award for her dedication and long history of service to NCJW. Her accomplishments have by no means been limited to NCJW. She has been President of the Omaha Children’s Museum Guild and continues with OCM as the Past President’s Chairman since 1995.

She was a member of the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee from 1995-98.

She has been involved in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign for the past 29, years including serving as Women’s Campaign Co-Chairman. Her recent credits also include CARES: Children’s Ambulatory Recovery Express Services for Children’s Hospital, Temple Israel Sisterhood Oneg Shabbat Committee, Central High School Foundation’s Board of Counselors, member of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home/Jewish Senior Services board of directors and member of its 2005 Nominating Committee.

Her passion and energy for improving the lives of children and her spirit of Tikkun Olam naturally took her to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the marvelous work the organization does granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical illnesses.

Epstein is a founding member of the Make-A-Wish Friends Council and has served as Friends Past-president Council Chairman, volunteer wish granter and Coordinator of Volunteers, a part-time staff job since 2001.

W

H E R E

Tina Meyers

Kim Noddle

She is the founder of their first fundraiser, the “Blue Jean Ball” now in its seventh year and was Honorary Chair of that event in 2003. Immediately after retiring as a staffer in 2004, she was appointed to the Board of Governors and remained on the Wish Granting Committee, insuring that her expertise and compassion would continue to benefit the organization.

In August, Sandy and her husband, Paul will celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary. They have a daughter, Kari, 24, and a son, Cory, 22.

The Emerging Leader Award is a national award presented to an NCJW member who has shown potential for assuming future section leadership, who understands and supports the NCJW purpose and programs, and has served as a board member or on a committee for less than five years. This year’s Emerging Leader Award recipient is Tina Meyers who “is professional, dedicated, caring, and always on top of things.”

Meyers served as an NCJW board member for the past two years, co-chaired the 2004 Donor Campaign, and was a member of last year’s nominating committee. She co-chaired NCJW’s consignment sale and Totes for Tots project, and was an Omaha delegate to the NCJW National Convention earlier this year in New York City. Meyers is a Co-Vice-president of Fundraising, a position she will take again next year.

Her previous volunteer work includes a term on the Friends of Planned Parenthood Board.

“I love being part of NCJW,” Meyers said. “It's the perfect opportunity for me to help promote causes that are really important to me--like improving the lives of women, children and families. Through NCJW, I’ve made great friends, and get to work with smart, dedicated, caring women for the betterment of our community and beyond.

“And, of course, I’ve been fortunate to receive wise and much-appreciated advice from my mentor and mother-in-law, Sue Meyers,” she added. “Her hard

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work and dedication to NCJW is a great example for everyone to follow!”

Currently the Catalog Planning Manager at Oriental Trading Company, for whom she has traveled on buying trips to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Bali, and Europe, Tina lives with her husband, Joe Meyers, “and two very spoiled cats.”

Kim Noddle lives the characteristics of the NCJW Omaha Section Distinguished Service Award. From developing and directing the project “Kits for Kids”, which brought art supplies and art experiences to preschool children in needy areas in Omaha, to being our President, Kim has years of outstanding service and impact on NCJW. When asking friends about the many jobs that Noddle has done so well for NCJW, there weren’t many that we could think of that she hasn’t done. She has been Community Service Vice-president, and created and run the garage sale while she was Fundraising Vice-president. And she chaired our Yearbook and Gift Wrap programs.

Noddle has taken numerous opportunities to learn and grow through NCJW's programs and visions--and has helped all of us grow. She had demonstrated the loyalty, commitment, dedication and the vision of NCJW. Along with her husband, Jay; her children, Rebecca, Sam and Aaron, she continues to be a leader in making NJCW of such importance in our community; defining Distinguished Service.

Members of the entire community will have the opportunity to congratulate Sandy, Tina and Kim at the Omaha Section “Spring Gala,” a fun-filled evening of dinner, dancing and drinks on June 18 at the Livestock Exchange. Details will follow in the Jewish Press and in the NCJW Bulletin and website.

NCCJ Dinner Continued from page 1 The Kirshenbaums have received numerous honors in recognition of their service to the community. Joe was named as Humanitarian of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha in 1999. Maxine received the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland National Award in 2004 at the anual Lion of Judah event.

For information, and to purchase tickets to the 2005 NCCJ Humanitarian Dinner and Patron Party, please contact the NCCJ Midlands Regional Office at 402.391.4460.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

They Made a Difference

Ruth and Phil Sokolof 1925-1982 and 1921-2004

• The Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund (1984) • The largest single donation to the Jewish Community Center • to build the Phil Sokolof Health and Fitness Center (1998) • The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund (2004) • The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund (2004) Despite 30 years of serious illness and 15 major surgeries, Ruth Sokolof “moved toward her goals which, to a major degree, involved helping other people…as modest as guiding someone through a bad day, as earthshaking as turning a four-year-old helpless blind child into a viable person. My wife knew that helping is what life is all about.”

Phil Sokolof Motivated by a heart attack that he suffered in 1965 and inspired by Ruth’s work with handicapped children, Phil Sokolof put his money where his heart was when he started National Heart Savers Association in 1985. “I have enough money to carry on my campaigns as long as I am able. I’ll never retire. I’ll be working until they carry me out feet first.”

Phil Sokolof took two successful journeys in life -- one in business and the other in helping people. He believed he had been blessed. His efforts improved the lives of tens of thousands, probably millions of Americans, “and for this,” he said, “I am humbly grateful.”

With profound appreciation to the Sokolofs for the gifts they bestowed on our community during their lives and for years to come The Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Federation Foundation Zoë Riekes, Federation President Jan Goldstein, Federation Executive Director

Steve Bloch, Foundation President Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers

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READ IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Mother’s Day is everyday. Meal makeovers improve the way your family eats, one meal at a time, and these authors/dieticians (one was the dietician for the U. S. Senate) have mapped out their strategy for improving the way your family eats.

Part 1: The Meal Makeover is packed with chatty, personal anecdotes and “amusing stories” (including instead of needing sunglasses to deflect the glare of neon orange cheese-try their recipe or a box of mac and cheese from Trader Joe’s), picking the Best of Convenience and Fast Food (and how to choose the best of the bunch) and what to have in your pantry (and even three “throw it together” recipes that all you need to know is how to start a pot of boiling water).

Grab-&-Go Snacks, Feng Shui Your Kitchen, School Lunch Challenge, Divide and Conquer, chores that is, are some of the topics. Don’t choose things with “yucky stuff”, catch up on decades of reorganizing your panty, “oodles of options”, “don’t sweat”, “not a huge leap”, and UFO (unidentified funky object) are part of their friendly banter.

Part 2 has 10 chapters and a repertoire of 120 makeover recipes from A-plus Alphabet Soup, Peanut Butter (no jelly) Noodles, Broc ’n Roll Wraps to Mama’s Amazing Ziti with numerical “directions as clear and concise as humanly possible”, mom’s kitchen notes, nutritional information and icons showing time needed.

Don’t let meals “bog you down”.

Don’t throw in the towel. Think “out of the box” and try this updated recipe that they’ve “kicked it up a flavor notch”.

SWEET & NUTTY COUSCOUS Makes 4 to 5 servings 1 cup apple juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 3/4 cup whole wheat couscous 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped.

Combine the apple juice, 1/2 cup water, salt, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the peas, couscous, and raisins.

Cover and let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Fluff the couscous with a fork, stir in the pecans, and serve. Preparation time: 15 minutes

Share Your Favorite Books at “Women & Books” Program

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator What book have you read recently that peaked your interest? Which book has led you to ask questions you never asked before, or impressed you with its writing style, humor or story? If you would like to share these titles with friends and fellow readers, or just hear about what others are reading, please come to “Women & Books” on Friday, May 13, 10a.m.-noon at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Gloria Kaslow, who will facilitate this program, emphasizes that the goal is to enjoy good conversation and learn about authors and books that influence other Jewish women. Kaslow has been a leading educator in the Jewish community and will offer her keen literary insights. She will also speak about her participation in the March of the Living trip to Poland May 3-8 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps.

The program is free and everyone is welcome to give their thoughts and feelings about favorite books or just come to listen. For more information please call the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at 334.6462.

Kids Create Mural for Kirsten’s Art Project

About 30 young artists, including Ariel Brodkey, above, put their talents into creating Passover murals in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium for Kirsten’s Art Project, on April 17. The art project was organized in honor of Kirsten Budwig, a nurse at the Home who died suddenly two years ago.

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Temple Israel to Celebrate Jewish American Music with Michael Isaacson

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “I hear you write music,” said Larry Kushner to his roommate Michael Isaacson at Kutz, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations’ national leadership camp in Warwick, New York.

It was the summer of 1967 and Isaacson insisted, “I’m the lifeguard, just the lifeguard,” according to Debra Darvick, author of This Jewish Life: Stories of Connection, Discovery, and Joy which includes a chapter on Michael Isaacson. He had just recently graduated from Hunter College with a degree in music education, but he had no interest in doing anything connected to music. He needed a break that summer. “All I wanted to do that summer was swim, get a tan, do some girl watching, and keep the rough housing NFTY-ites and the rabbis’ kids from drowning themselves or each other in the pool.”

But that was not to be. Larry (or as he’s known today: Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, writer and authority on American Jewish mysticism) convinced Isaacson to steal a few minutes during breaks each day to play the old upright piano in a small shed squeezed in among volleyballs nets and spare basketball rims.

“Though I didn’t know it then, the songs that were to come out of that summer changed the course of my personal Jewish odyssey and my approach to music as well,” Dr. Isaacson acknowledged. “After working out the melodies in that storage shack, I would teach the day’s song” to the camp song leader. “He would teach it to the campers after lunch and by nightfall it was an instant classic. I have never seen ideas move so fast in my entire life.

Melodies still sung in congregations and youth camps to this day--all came out of that incredible summer.”

Temple Israel will host Michael Isaacson who will conduct his Shabbat service, “Nishmat Chayim, The Breath of Life,” at the worship service on Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. “Nishmat Chayim” and the accompanying sermonin-song will be presented by Cantor Wendy Shermet, Tamara Field, Jonathan Rathsam, Temple’s adult choir Kol Rina, a woodwind quintet, and Temple’s fifth and sixth grade students.

During a year in which Temple Israel has honored the past 350 years of Jewish life in America and envisioned its future, Dr. Isaacson will lead the congregation in celebrating Jewish American music. His visit to Omaha is made possible by funding from the Special Donor-Advised Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. As always, the worship service on May 13 is open to the community. “‘Nishmat Chayim’ is the only Sabbath service accompanied by woodwind quintet and keyboard,” Dr. Isaacson pointed out. “It is an effort to expand the instrumental pallet in synagogue worship. ‘Nishmat Chayim’ is a musical setting of the Sabbath Eve liturgy for medium voiced cantor, soprano solo (or female cantor), and equal voice choir accompanied by a woodwind quintet. In its use of chamber musical forces, the service follows the composer’s second service, ‘Hegyon Libi,’” explained Dr. Isaacson.

On Shabbat morning, May 14, 9:30 a.m., at Temple’s study group, Bagels and Sacred Books, Dr. Isaacson will discuss “A New Way of Understanding Synagogue Music.” Worship services follow at 10:30 a.m.

“There was one evening late in August (at Kutz) when I realized the scope of the need I was filling,” continued Dr. Isaacson who is now visiting professor of music at Hebrew Union College. “The entire dining room was alive with campers stamping and clapping, standing on chairs and on tables singing at the top of their lungs a song that I had written only days before. The electricity was palpable.

“When people embrace ideas to that degree, what you appreciate is the deep need they have for them. Their generation was calling for an authentic and new joyful Judaism.”

Dr. Isaacson added that he has respected Temple Israel Cantor Wendy Shermet’s activism in Jewish music for quite awhile. The two usually see each other at cantors conventions.

Cantor Shermet considers Dr. Isaacson to be “in the forefront of contemporary Jewish composers for the synagogue. He is a classical trained musician steeped in Judaic knowledge, and he continues our long tradition of fine musicians writing for synagogue services.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

LINCOLN CENTER Lincoln Man Heads UN Meeting

by Jewish Press News Service Gary Hill coordinated the participation for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Bangkok, Thailand this past week.

The Congresses bring together high-level representatives of governments, inter-govemmental and NGOs, criminal justice professionals and scholars of international repute to discuss common problems, share experiences and seek viable solutions to problems related to crime prevention and criminal justice.

Hill is responsible for the organization of the professional meetings, of which there will be 40. The topics range from trafficking in women and children, money laundering, terrorism, cybercrime and multi-national organized crime to crimes that grow out of natural disasters such as the recent tsunami and man-made disasters such as civil wars in Africa and other military operations. Because of tight budgets, Hill has raised more than $50,000 from governments and private organizations to help cover the increased costs of interpretation and meeting support. He also has recruited graduate students from several nations to serve as rapporteurs for the various sessions. Since 1985, Hill has worked with previous UN Crime Congress in Italy, Cuba, Egypt and Austria.

Omaha Cantor Entertains Lincolnites The Lincoln Jewish Federation kicked off Campaign 2005 April 17 at Tiffereth Israel. The capacity crowd thrilled to the music of Cantor Gastón Bogomolni of Beth El Synagogue in Omaha. The cantor sang music from around the world in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino. A group of religious school children, directed by Rifka Keilson, accompanied the cantor on one selection. A dessert reception chaired by Betty Mellen, followed the performance, at which donor pledge cards were distributed.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

Ruth Sokolof Was the Heart Three Million Dollar Gift Announced from Sokolof Estate of Her Husband Phil’s Inspiration Continued from page 1 There are five basic components of the two million dollar Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund. The first is a $10,000 annual scholarship to each of two Jewish graduating high school students from the Omaha metropolitan area in recognition of their overall good character, scholastic performance and achievements, and community service.

The second reflects Sokolof’s dedication to adding vigorous years to the lives of others. Two $10,000 annual scholarships will be awarded to two Jewish students from the Omaha metropolitan area for college or graduate studies in the pursuit of careers in the field of healthcare.

The third component is not a scholarship but a $10,000 annual award to a Jewish teacher, preferably kindergarten through 12th grade, in the Omaha metropolitan area, in recognition of that person’s outstanding contributions as a teacher and mentor to the education and overall achievements of his or her students.

The fourth provision designates the aggregate of $10,000 annually to at least eight but no more than 20 Jewish high school students from the Omaha metropolitan area to attend Jewish summer camps, to go on group trips to Israel, to conventions, and to leadership development programs of Jewish youth organizations. The purpose of these awards is to strengthen Jewish identity; special consideration will be given to youth whose previous participation in Jewish activities has been marginal.

The final segment of the Phil and Ruth

Sokolof Honor Roll Fund provides $50,000 annually for 15 years to the UJC/Federation Annual Campaign.

“Phil was a generous contributor to the Federation each year and recognized the need to continue his giving after his death,” said Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Federation.

The $1 million Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund recognizes Sokolof’s daughter Karen Javitch’s talent and appreciation for musical and theatrical arts and seeks to encourage and to develop that appreciation within the Jewish community.

From this fund, up to two annual scholarships not exceeding $10,000, are available to Jewish students from the Omaha metropolitan area who are majoring in or pursuing an advanced degree in music performance or composition or in music education at a university or music conservatory.

Money will also be granted from this fund to provide music programs of all kinds at the JCC and to provide scholarships for persons wishing to enroll in music and dance classes and programs offered by the JCC. According to Suzanne Richards Singer, chair of the Sokolof Scholarship Funds Committee, specific details of the application process are being formulated and more information will be provided at a later date.

Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation, emphasized that “Phil Sokolof left a legacy that will provide opportunities for the Jewish community for many years to come.”

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator Phil Sokolof may have been destined for the American spotlight but just not quite the way he originally intended.

Born in 1921 in Omaha and raised here with his younger sister, Soralee (Cohn), Phil would help his father, Louis Sokolof, work his fruit stand after school. Phil graduated from South High School but never considered his high school education challenging, said his daughter, Karen Sokolof Javitch.

Phil was “raised to be an entertainer,” noted Karen. He was preoccupied with tap dancing and singing, entertaining many Omaha audiences as he grew up.

Instead of going to college, he went to Chicago when he was 17 to try to break into the entertainment world.

“Touring the country as an entertainer took the place of my college education,” wrote Sokolof in his book Add Years to Your Life. “I was lucky enough to perform in some first-class stage shows and played many upscale rooms. I also sang for almost a year with the big-name Charlie Barnet Band. I had great fun but realized there was only one Frank Sinatra and many wannabes.”

So at the age of 20, “common sense prevailed,” and Sokolof returned home to start a career.

Four years younger than Phil, Ruth Rosinsky Sokolof was also born and raised in Omaha with her three younger brothers, Richard (Sonny), Jerry, and Sol. Ruth graduated from Central High School and was “very close to her family especially her father, Sam Rosinsky,” her

daughter said. In a 1977 Jewish Press article, Ruth said, “My father imbued in me and my three brothers a love of education.” In 1947, she graduated from Indiana University at a time when most of her women friends did not complete college. Her degrees were in psychology and sociology.

Phil Sokolof was friendly with Ruth’s cousins, Norman and Edward Sellz.

When Phil moved back to Omaha from Chicago, Ruth would tag along with her cousins to watch Phil entertain at the Peony Park Ballroom.

“She had a crush on Dad especially when he was up there charming the audiences,” Karen said. Phil and Ruth started dating when she was in college and were married on June 1, 1947, at the Blackstone Hotel. Son Steve was born when Ruth was 23 and two years later, Karen completed the family.

When her children started school, Ruth became a nursery school teacher at Beth El Synagogue. Bernice Wolfson was interested in starting a pre-school at Beth El for blind children, and she approached Ruth about the idea. “I knew nothing about blind children, but I was willing to learn,” Ruth told Bernice. The two women were instrumental in starting a preschool for visually impaired children which was moved to J. P. Lord School.

Eventually, Ruth earned a master’s degree in special education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Minnesota.

Ruth worked at J. P. Lord School for many years. Phil later said that Omaha Continued on page 9

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Heart of Her Husband’s Inspiration Continued from page 8 was so positive. She never complained. When she died, I school officials declared that Ruth “had no peers in her felt so badly for my children, because they lost the best work with young, handicapped students.” Karen would grandmother they could ever have,” said Karen. go with her mother occasionally to watch her teach and In Ruth’s memory, Phil established the Ruth Sokolof was so inspired that Karen later became a teacher of the Special Education Scholarship Fund with the Jewish visually impaired.

Federation Foundation to Ruth and Bernice also provide scholarship aid to established an annual graduate students pursuChristmas party for blind ing advanced degrees in children. Originally a special education. In his bowling party, it evolved will, Phil set up two addiinto a shopping spree for tional endowment funds. visually impaired chil(See story on page one.) dren. Phil carried on with Phil started National the party which is now Heart Savers Association continued by Karen. in 1985 in his manufacturEvery child is given $100 ing company offices, and by the Sokolofs to buy gradually, Heart Savers themselves and family consumed more and more members presents. Teen of his time. He credited volunteers take the chilRuth’s inspirational work dren shopping. for motivating him. After “Last year at the party, 38 years, he sold Phillips some of the kids kept askManufacturing and devoting where the nice man ed his full time to saving was who gave them the lives with Heart Savers. money. They missed Dad “Clearly my heart attack being at the party,” Karen and the death of my best commented. friend and brother-in-law, Phil’s career soared Sol Rosinsky, were the after World War II when events that focused my he became interested in attention on the part chobuilding small homes. He lesterol plays in cardiovasrealized that wallboard cular disease,” he wrote. was the coming thing and “However, my primary began manufacturing motivation to help other steel corner bead used people came from my wherever two pieces of wife’s achievement-filled wallboard abut. He made life. Her indomitable spirthe product, went on the it is the inspiration for road to sell it to dealers in everything I’ve done.” major cities, returned to Phil became a one-man Omaha, shipped the corcrusade to lower the ner bead, typed and nation’s cholesterol. He mailed invoices, and startdidn’t solicit contribued all over again. In his tions but rather spent an words, he was “a oneestimated $15 million of man gang” and was makhis own money on newsing a profit by his second paper, magazine, and telmonth in business. evision ads accusing food Within eight years, Top photo: Phil and Ruth Sokolof in 1971. Middle photo from left: processors of “poisoning Sokolof had expanded his Phil’s son Steve Sokolof holding Phil Sokolof Jr., and Phil Sokolof. America.” manufacturing building six Bottom photo from left: Jenny, Mark and Rachel Javitch, Phil Janet Henthorn who times and was making Sokolof and his daughter Karen Javitch. was the financial officer at more than 20 metal products, all associated with the build- Heart Savers from early 1997 until the office closed in ing industry. His business, which eventually employed 150 mid-2004, said, “Phil felt he had a real mission in life to people, was called Phillips Manufacturing Company, and is make people aware of the dangers of high cholesterol still in existence today. and an unhealthy lifestyle. He tried to reach as many Ruth’s life was very family oriented, according to people as possible which is why he ran full-page ads in Karen. “Mom was always taking me to piano and danc- large newspapers (including The Wall Street Journal, ing lessons. She was very involved with Steve and me.” USA Today, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles However, Ruth’s life irreversibly changed in 1951 when Times). He was willing to spend a great deal of money she discovered she had cancer of the parotid gland. She to accomplish his mission, but he also drew on his own was only 26. “It was so serious she could have died dur- energy and strength of personality. He liked the David ing that first surgery,” remarked Karen, “but she was so and Goliath comparison in his fights with mammoth courageous. I remember Dad telling me she was consol- companies such as McDonald’s and Nabisco, because he ing him and her brother Rich the night before that first was not afraid to confront them.” surgery at Mayo Clinic.”

According to The Journal of the American Medical Not only did Ruth survive that surgery, but over the Association, Sokolof did more to inform Americans next 30 years, she went through 14 more surgeries, all about cholesterol than academic medical centers, the at Mayo's. “The doctors at Mayo just marveled at her federal government, and major health organizations. strength. They didn’t know anyone who could endure Time magazine described his accomplishments as “the so much and come out smiling,” Karen explained. “Her greatest victory yet to protect the hearts of millions of will to live was so strong. She would do anything to live, Americans.” to ‘buy herself time,’ as she called it.”

Phil brought together Senators Bob Dole and Ted “Few of us escape tragedy in our lives,” wrote Phil in Kennedy to get their cholesterol checked, was portrayed his book. In addition to Ruth’s illness, Phil suffered a as the “Cholesterol Crusader” on the Lifestyles of the major coronary in 1965. He was 43. “In a few seconds Rich and Famous, and made the news on the I went from happy unconcern about longevity to an MacNeil/Lehr Report, the Today Show, Good Morning acute awareness that I might not survive the night.” His America, NBC Nightly News, and the Phil Donahue cholesterol was 300 and his HDL was 30. After his heart Show among others. attack, he read everything he could find on cholesterol.

Diane Sawyer, on ABC’s Person of the Week, reportThat knowledge would later motivate him to spread the ed that Phil was “not only taking care of his own health word about cholesterol. but is trying to take care of yours too” as he took on the Karen married Gary Javitch in 1975, and they had breakfast cereal industry, McDonald’s, two-percent three children: Jennifer, Mark, and Rachel. “My Mom milk, and school lunches. When Congress passed the was the best grandma ever. Jen became her whole life,” National Nutrition, Labeling and Education Act, which said Karen. regulates and standardizes the use of nutrition labels on But when Jen was four and her brother, Mark, was food, it was a victory for Sokolof who was the honorary only one and a half, Ruth lost her long battle with can- co-sponsor of the bill. “He considered this the high cer at age 56. “She was so appreciative of those 30 years point of his crusade,” Karen observed. after first being diagnosed,” according to Karen. “She Continued on page 19

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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.

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SUNDAY, MAY 8 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, Bible Study Class, and Living Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El

TUESDAY, MAY 3 “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon ADL Manhigim Institute, 4:30 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

TLC Growth Through Torah, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 HAZAK Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Business Ethics Lunch & Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum Friedel Jewish Academy Annual Ex/Board/PTO Meeting , 6 p.m.

Yom Ha’Shoah Teen Dinner, 5:15 p.m. at Beth Israel Yom Ha’Shoah Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Science Fair, 7:30 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy THURSDAY, MAY 5 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s class, noon at Beth El “People of the Bible”, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

JFS “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent”, 6 p.m.

Visions, 6 p.m. at Omaha Playhouse & Dinner FRIDAY, MAY 6 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel JELS Talmud Class with Guy Matalon, noon

TUESDAY, MAY 10 “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

TLC Growth Through Torah, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon 51st Annual B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, 6 p.m.

Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

SUNDAY, MAY 15 Annual Meeting & Board Elections, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Fourth Grade Mock Wedding, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, Bible Study Class, and Living Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration, noon Yachad Booth, 2 p.m. at Yom Ha’Atzmaut at the JCC MONDAY, MAY 16 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s class, noon at Beth El “People of the Bible”, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 17 “The Guy and Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Spring Dance Recital, 7 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel TLC Growth Through Torah, 7:30 p.m. at private residence

FRIDAY, MAY 13 Women and Books Program, 10 a.m.

Temple Israel Musician-in-Residence with Dr. Michael Isaacson, 7:30 p.m.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

Donors, Speakers, Christian Clergy, and Teachers Fill Busy Week at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Pictured above left: At Shabbat evening worship services, Seth Norton, left, and Jake Meyerson were among 30 to 40 children who brought their public school teachers to Temple.

Buffie Somers (behind the boys) is a kindergarten teacher at Oakdale Elementary School. Rabbi Azriel invited all the teachers to the bimah during the service and dedicated the Torah reading in their honor that evening. Pictured above right: On April 14, Steve Levinger was among approximately 30 people who donated blood at Temple Israel’s annual blood drive. “It feels great,” Levinger said. “It’s for a worthy need, and I know the Red Cross is always in need.” Pictured top far right: Dr. Gilya Gerda Schmidt, professor of religious studies at the University of Tennessee and head of the department since 2002, headlined the next day’s Annual Sidney H. and Jane Brooks Institute on Judaism for Christian Clergy. Following the morning lecture on “Martin Buber’s Struggle with ‘I and Thou,’” Schmidt had lunch with the guest clergy as well as

with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, left, and Rabbi Craig Marantz.

Pictured middle far right: Mike Flurry, reverend of Wilber, Nebraska, United Methodist Church, and Reverend Tess Hufford, Dorchester and Friend, Nebraska, United Methodist Church, were among the attendees. “It’s very interesting,” said Reverend Flurry regarding the Institute. “We enjoy coming up here for it. There are always good topics--and good food!” Pictured bottom far right: Sharon Boorstin (center), author of Let Us Eat Cake: Adventures in Food and Friendship, was the guest speaker at Women of Reform Judaism’s Donor Tea on April 12. Nearly 40 women shared “Memories to Nosh On” with Boorstin at the Tea, which was chaired by Silvia Roffman, left, and her daughter Susie Norton. Father Ken Vavrina, St. Richard’s Church in Omaha and a friend of Rabbi Azriel, said he attends the Institute every year. “The topic is very interesting, and the speaker is very, very good and very knowledgeable. Basically, I enjoy coming here.” During the afternoon lecture, Dr. Schmidt discussed “Crossing the Narrow Bridge of Life with Martin Buber.”

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Paper Clips

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Great Gift Specials Going On Now At Lakeside Dental

Continued from page 1 The project took form when a student asked, “What is six million?” In order to visualize such a staggering number, the students decided to collect one paper clip for each person exterminated by the Nazis. They met Holocaust survivors, received letters from thousands of people, and were given a WWII German railcar to hold their paper clip collection.

The railcar memorial now contains 11 million paperclips to represent the six million Jews and five million others who perished during the Holocaust.

Beth Israel is covering the costs of this exclusive free screening during the teen Yom Hashoah program on May 4. All Jewish teens in Omaha, whether or not they attend a synagogue religious school program, are welcome to attend the dinner and film at no charge.

The opportunity to bring the film to Omaha’s Jewish teens is a result of Rabbi Jonathan Gross having a “connection” to Miramax Films, the company which co-produced the documentary. “I called my friend, Matthew Hiltzik, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Communications and Govern-

ment Relations at Miramax,” stated Rabbi Gross. “Matt and I grew up together.

“Since Paper Clips hasn’t been released in Omaha yet, I asked Matt if something could be arranged for us to show the movie at Beth Israel,” Rabbi Gross added. “He got us in touch with the right people who were willing to get us the film. Everyone was very nice about arranging this special private screening, saying this type of opportunity is why they made the movie in the first place.”

“This extraordinary film isn’t currently being shown in Omaha and we’re thrilled to bring this to the teens in our community,” said Beth Cohen, Beth Israel’s Executive Director.

Beth Israel’s recent acquisition of a new state-of-the-art media player will enhance the viewing experience. Rabbi Gross explained, “We expect more than 60 teens and everyone will be able to enjoy the movie on a large screen, with surround-sound.”

For more information about the private screening of Paper Clips at the Yom Hashoah teen program, please call the office at 556.6288.

Yom Hashoah Program to Recall Courage of U.S. Army Liberators

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Jewish Educational and Library Services Last year the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., unveiled the National World War II Museum to honor the courageous liberators who freed their fellow human beings from the Nazis.

Norman Smith of Albion, NE, is one of the honored members of the U.S. Army who submitted an account of his memories to the Holocaust Museum. Smith will recall those same staggering memories to provide a powerful message at Omaha’s community-wide Yom Hashoah program, on Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue. The selection of Smith as keynote speaker pays tribute to the heroism of the liberators upon the 60th anniversary of the liberation.

The program also will feature a memorial candlelighting ceremony honoring survivors of the Holocaust, children of survivors, grandchildren of survivors, veterans of World War II, educators, and the Jewish community as a whole.

Presenting the program are the Yom Hashoah Commemoration Committee, chaired by Katherine Finnegan; Omaha’s three synagogues, which alternate as hosts of the annual event; and the Jewish

Federation’s Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS).

Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross, urging attendance at the observance, described the program as “an educational and meaningful experience for the entire community.”

Liberator Norman Smith was drafted into the Army in the closing phases of the war and was trained as a parachutist. On April 28, 1945, with other members of the renowned 101st Airborne Division, he entered the Nazi concentration camp at Landsburg, Germany, a small town close to Munich. In a recent interview he recalled the nine horrific hours he spent in the concentration camp. He said the liberators made the people of the town round up and bury the dead bodies.

Smith, now 80, is a retired teacher whose work focused on meeting the educational and vocational needs of students with disabilities. In 1985, he was recognized as “Special Educator of the Year” by the Nebraska State Association of Directors of Special Education.

The Yom Hashoah program is free and open to the community. Information is available from JELS, 334.6445, or at: www.jewishomaha.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

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BREADBREAKERS Tim Lonergan will be the guest speaker at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 4, noon, at the Park Inn Regency. Lonergan is a City Council Candidate from District 7 running against Chuck Sigerson. Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

Y.E.S. Join us on Monday for special musical entertainer Joe Taylor at the JCC auditorium at noon. Cost is $6 per person. Come play bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m.; exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the discussion group at 10:30 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for reservations to: the Ameristar Casino on May 26. The cost is $5 per person. Receive $5 in chips and $5 in a food voucher.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for more information.

VISIONS Reminders: Dirty Blonde is at the Omaha Community Theater/Howard Drew Theater on Thursday, May 5.

For those members going to the Olive Garden before the show, please meet at 5 p.m. at the restaurant. The Visions Board Meeting is Friday, May 6, 9:30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. Visions Membership Luncheon is Friday, May 20, 12:30 p.m.,

at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9.50 per person.

Talented entertainers from the Omaha Community Playhouse will perform highlights from the musical Annie. Send reservations with payment to: Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154, by May 13.

Make check payable to Visions. Join us for a trip to the Branson Show Extravaganza, Sept. 19-23. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day on Sunday, May 15, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center.

This year marks the 57th year of statehood for Israel.

Join us for a community-wide celebration with ethnic and traditional food, wine tasting, Israeli Traveling Gallery, shopping and a concert. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.652 by May 9. The cost is $5 round trip.

TORAH LEARNING CENTER All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call him at 981.0569 for more information. Classes, cancelled for Pesach, resume the week of May 2 and include: Mondays, 7:30 p.m.: “The Siddur: The best selling book of Kaballah” in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah” at a private residence.

Thursdays, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life & Other Business” based on The Way of G-d by Rabbi Chaim Luzatto, also in the Omaha Room of the JCC.

IN THE NEWS Yoni Drazen has been elected president of the Beta Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity at the University of Wisconsin. APO is a Service fraternity, using the concept of fraternalism as a means of providing service to others: on campus, locally, and nationally.

Yoni is the son of Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen, formerly of Omaha and now of St. Paul, MN. VSA Arts of Nebraska is recruiting local artists and those who love the arts to volunteer three to four hours a month to improve the lives of the elderly, disabled persons, medically fragile or at-risk youth. VSA will provide placement, training and ideas to assist in the visits to ensure enjoyment and comfort by the artist and participant. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact

Carolyn Anderson, 402.341.0250 or e-mail her at: coain@novia.net.

Thomas Wilkens has been named musical director of the Omaha Symphony. He is currently in his fifth season as resident conductor of the Detroit Symphony. Past positions include Florida Orchestra in Tampa Bay and associate conductor of the Richmond, VA, Symphony.

He has already conducted the Omaha Symphony twice this season.

Visit www.omahasymphony.org for tickets and information on our new 2005/06 season, which will include performances at both the Orpheum and the new Holland Performing Arts Center, set to open next fall.

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April 29, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Grandmas and Bubbes BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

I’ve lost count of how many columns I’ve written about Moms and Mother’s Day, but while I still could easily do thousands of additional words about my own dear mother, I’ve decided to do something different. Let’s talk about grandmothers this time.

Those of us who love being called grandma today are not much like the special bubbies we knew as kids. Oh yes, lots of us knit (as they did) and many still duplicate some of the wonderful ethnic goodies like bubbe made and still more go to jobs outside the home like bubbe went to her place behind the counter of the family store.

But while there might have been grandmothers who played golf or tennis when I was a kid, I didn’t know any of them.

Today’s grandmothers are cut from a very differnt pattern....the one designed by the authors of what some called “The women’s movement”. Mostly they’re my contemporaries, and we couldn’t be easily mistaken for any of the grannies of my childhood.

First of all, if hair is in a bun today, it isn’t a bun, it’s a chignon, and secondly the outfit isn’t a shapeless housedress, it’s more apt to be a workout stetch suit. In addition, if today’s grandma is leaving the house to go to work, it’s not on a streetcar or on foot. Bet on some kind of new model car, SUV or even a pickup truck! I speak with authority, since I’m a great-grandmother who drives a convertible! (Of couse I don’t put the top down on the day I get my hair done.)

Oh yes, we’re very, very different from our own grandmothers. I seem to recall crisp paper money of modest denomination as gifts for graduation or special honors, handed shyly from my bubbe’s wrinkled hand to my greedy one. Today, I know graduates who have been treated to trips to far away places by grandmom. I know those who have introduced their grandkids to theater, opera and classical music by simply ordering tickets and

Our Mothers’ Wisdom Guides Us

announcing, “I’m taking you to see LaBoheme on Saturday,” for example.

Aren’t we lucky? We are free as the birds, compared to my grandma’s generation. We hop in the car, go where we want, do what pleases us and enjoy the grandkids on our terms. We aren’t tied to the house with never ending chores needing to be done with antiquated tools. We get an itch to take a tennis playing grandson to big playoffs in New York or California, we buy tickets and go.

Just like Bubbe did, huh? Yeah. Right. Most of the group I knew took one big trip in their lives, and that was from “the old country”. Oh yes, the differences are almost too many to count between my bubbe and her role in the family lineup and my own. But lest you think we have not very much in common, let me correct that impression.

A Bubbe is a Grandma is a Nana is a Gamma is no matter what a child calls her...she’s a special person in a child’s life.

If she’s lucky and has been blessed with her family near by, she has the pleasure of watching the kids grow and change and turn into good citizens. If distance is a problem between those grandkids and gram, she has to take her pleasure in other ways.

Today’s grandma can go to the computer and pull up pictures sent daily, charting growth and the kvell factor.

She can pick up her cell phone and call the kid and listen to all the things kids tell grandma, and she can manage to visit as often as possible. Yesterday’s bubbe was just plain out of luck if the kids moved far away. She thought the long distance phone was an extravagance for very rich people and traveling across the country was almost more than she could even think about.

Yes, she was lucky if they lived a few blocks from each other, but that wasn’t alway the way it was. And even if it was a matter of a few blocks, as the kids grew older they were more likely to want to run off with friends. then “go over and see bubbe”.

One thing remains constant, no matter what generation or whose family we talk about: the special feeling that suddenly erupts in the heart of the lady who holds the first baby to make her a grandma. It’s indescribable, I promise you. No matter how many babies a woman has

Embrace the changes in your life as a new chapter in your story. Rosalyn Gendler Zeffren, mother of Shane Kotok Look always at what you leave behind.

Yevgenia Tsarevskaya, mother of Anna Mosenkis Be careful. Rose Richmond, mother of Max Richmond Eat and don’t talk. Nettie Kripke, mother of Rabbi Myer Kripke

and no matter how much love she feels for them, the baby her own child has brought into the world is special beyond words.

That’s really the simple truth. It doesn’t matter if the grandmother came from a shtetl in Poland or from Boston, Massachusetts, if she could barely read and write or if she holds a law degree from Harvard, if she only had the most modest little house to keep or if she has a penthouse on Park Avenue...whoever she is, she’ll melt with the feel of that tiny bundle in her arms.

Okay, I said up front that I wanted to talk about grandmas today. That’s all I’ve got to say on the subject.

If you aren’t a grandma yet, I just want you to know the poet was right--the best is yet to come. If you’re already a grandma, well, isn’t it a joy to realize no matter how those kids aggravated you as they were growing up, they sure made up for it?

When they bring you a gift on Mother’s Day, be sure to say thank you for the best present of all.

Bert Lewis can be reached at: BertLewis39@aol.com.

Israel’s 57th Anniversary to be Feted During Beth El Rosh Hodesh Meeting

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A celebration of Israel’s 57th anniversary is on tap for the next Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m., at the synagogue. The get-together will be highlighted by a brief discussion about Theodor Herzl, a founder of modern Zionism and organizer of the World Zionist Organization, according to Gilda Pieck, who is hosting the event along with Marcy Noodell.

Attendees will also be treated to Israeli refreshments and desserts, she added.

During the meeting, attendees will be encouraged to share special memories about Israel, plus bring favorite mementos or a favorite book about Israel.

Reservations for the May 10 meeting may be made by contacting Pieck at 556.5592, or via e-mail at ggpieck@cox.net; or Noodell at 697-1262, or fanofthejayhawks@hotmail.com.

Be well and happy. Celia Lipp, mother of Marjorie Lincoln Be a nurse. Eve Zaremberg Roth, mother of Darlene Golbitz Gayses bensch un zie mensch.

Malka Biegunde Shechet, mother of Rabbi Maximo Shechet Be strong to face whatever comes your way.

Leah Himelbloom, mother of Dena Bloom

It’s easier to marry a rich man than a poor one.

Lee Ross, mother of Eileen Remer

When you need a helping hand, look at the end of your arm. Lillian Ban, mother of Judy Goldstein

Be nice to everyone. Rose Brodkey Fischer, mother of Sharlene Rips

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Phyllis Weinstein, mother of Anne Joseph Be a good girl and mind your teachers. Rose Gorelick, mother of Sophie Kimmel Never go to sleep while you’re still angry at your wife. Gertrude Forbes, mother of Irving Forbes Take care of yourself. Eat well and get enough rest. Doris Alloy, mother of Shelly Fox

(Nebraska Jewish Historical Society photos)

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

Motherhood, Apple Pie, and Freedom What do Passover, Mother’s Day and Yom Hashoah have in common? At first glance, it seems that only their proximity on the calendar gives them a relationship. We’re concluding Passover this Sunday; Mother’s Day is the following Sunday and, in between is Yom Hashoah--Holocaust Remembrance Day. Since Yom Hashoah is not a biblical holiday as Passover is, and has only been commemorated in the last 25 years or so, a decision had to be made as to where to place it on the Hebrew calendar. The same goes for Yom HaAtzma’ut--Israel Independence Day. Let’s start with Passover...by now everyone over B’nai Mitzvah age knows that Passover is the festival of freedom, celebrating our redemption from slavery. But the Passover story is more than that. As Rabbi Kripke notes in his “Sparks from the Word” column, Passover is when the Israelites became the Jewish people--a people with a common language, heritage, a set of laws and a purpose.

Peoplehood brings responsibility with it: the obvious ones like caring for those who cannot care for themselves, educating our children through religious schools and day schools, building communal gatherings places for prayer and thanksgiving, burying our dead and marrying off our singles.

It also means responsibilities that are not so obvious and here’s an example. When we collect for the needy before a Jewish holiday, it is to provide the staples needed to have a proper celebration of the holiday.

For Passover, that means candles, matza, food for the seder, and haggadot, at the minimum. Jewish Family Service and its staff and volunteers see to it that every Jew who needs these items gets them. Every year, the list at JFS grows, and more and more holiday food parcels are packaged and delivered. For that, our community should donate generously and be grateful that we have an institution that handles this task efficiently and sensitively.

But what do we, as individuals, do to perform this mitzvah of maot chittim? Do we think about giving a little more so that JFS can add wine to its food parcels? Or candy for the

children? Or special treats beyond the basics?

Maybe a tablecloth or a coupon so the family can purchase new clothes?

Doing a mitzvah is, well, a mitzvah, but making it even more special enhances it even more.

So Pesach is nearly over for 5765 and it’s been 3317 years since our liberation, but for the survivors of the Holocaust, it’s only been 60 years since they were freed. And with that logic, it becomes clear why the rabbinic authorities, along with Yad Vashem and the government of Israel, choose this time to commemorate the Holocaust.

In the Hagaddah, we are commanded to remember the Exodus as though we ourselves left Egypt. Those of us who did not experience the horrors of the Holocaust can’t even come close to recalling it in the way we retell the story of the Exodus--and that brings us to how we can enhance Yom Hashoah.

Besides attending next week’s service at Beth Israel or our state capitol, visiting Yad Vashem’s new memorial museum in Jerusalem or the U.S. Holocaust Museum in our nation’s capitol are worthy of trips with our children...and our grandchildren.

Disney World is fun, but teaching a child about what happened to six million men, women and children of the Jewish people is far more important.

And finally, a week from Sunday is Mother’s Day. No, it’s not a Jewish holiday, but certainly it does have some

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LETTER TO THE

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Jewish values, (though, really we should respect our mothers every day).

What does that mean? As the old joke goes, “A phone call wouldn’t hurt!”

Mothers are the glue that bind together the Jewish people. Of course fathers are important (we’ll get to them in our Father’s Day issue on June 10!), but it’s mostly a mother’s responsibility to see to it that her family has a Jewish home. From creating memories with savory Shabbat and holiday meals to packing duffel bags for Jewish summer camps, our mothers have always found creative ways to raise our Jewish children.

As we conclude the Passover holiday by thinking about how we will help others do the same next year, and recall the loss of our six million Jewish brethren by planning a trip to Israel, let us celebrate Mother’s Day by carrying on the tradition of our foremothers Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah with our own children, our grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren (should we be blessed with them). And, bubbele--don’t forget to call home!

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The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

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AMC OAK VIEW 24 140TH & OAK VIEW DR. 333-0262

To the Editor: I’ve been working on a video documentary about the life of writer and activist Tillie Lerner Olsen. Born and raised in Omaha, she attended Central High School, but left before her senior year. The CHS Alumni Association inducted Olsen into its Hall of Fame in October of 2000.

Olsen is now 92 and living in Oakland, CA, in fairly good physical health, but suffering from Alzheimer’s.

As I now move towards completion of this documentary, I’d like to ask for your help; I need certain visual materials to provide more substance to her stories.

I’m looking for photographs, papers, articles about the Labor Lyceum, the Workman’s Circle, during the years, 1925-35, when Tillie and her family lived in Omaha. The Labor Lyceum was the center of Tillie’s universe when she was a girl. She wrote musicals and plays, which I believe gave her the impetus, foundation and love of writing to later become one of our most important authors; her books are still in print and required reading for many university literature classes.

Also, if you have anything pertaining to Olsen’s early life in Omaha, such as

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstine.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.

school photos, I would love to see those as well.

I plan to be in Omaha soon and will come to your home or office to videotape any materials you find; (though I cannot offer any payment, I will give you credit in the documentary). Thanks in advance for your help.

Annie Hershey, Persimmon Tree Films 2600 10 St., Berkeley, CA 94710 510.691.7995 annhersh@aol.com To the Editor: The ninth annual conference of the International Association of Yiddish Clubs will take place in Minneapolis, MN, from June 2-5. Entitled “They Came to the Goldene Medine: the Immigrant Experience”, the conference features three evenings of “freiliche” musical performances, three scholarly keynote addresses, and 24 workshops. All sessions will be held at the Double Tree Hotel.

For more information, contact me at 612.377.5456 or via e-mail: blitzpost@iayc-minnesota.org.

Roz Baker

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Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

New Book Explores the Libel Case that Pitted Holocaust Scholarship Against Denial

BOOK REVIEW

by MICHAEL BERENBAUM The Jewish Journal of Greater History on Trial: My Day in Court With David Irving

by Deborah E. Lipstadt (Echo, 2005) $25.95.

For five excruciating years, from the moment that David Irving sued her for libel in England until the appeals process ran its course, Deborah Lipstadt had to remain silent. Others defended her scholarship and revealed the deceitfulness and deliberately misleading nature of Irving’s writings. But Lipstadt would not, did not take the stand in her own defense.

Lipstadt is a contemporary women not known for her reticence. Silence was hard on someone who prides herself on fighting her own fights but it was necessary.

Now, finally, she speaks freely.

It all started in 1993, when Lipstadt wrote Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault Against Memory and Truth, a book which described Holocaust denial in our age. A few paragraphs were devoted to Irving, the most informed, original and therefore most dangerous of Holocaust deniers.

Irving could not bring action against Lipstadt in the United States, because as a public figure, the burden was on him to prove that Lipstadt engaged in reckless disregard of truth a near impossible task since what she said was true. In England, the burden of proof is reversed. So when Penguin published the book in England, Irving sued both the author and publisher in London.

Lipstadt wrote that Irving was “a Hitler partisan wearing blinkers, who distorted evidence, manipulated documents and skewed and misrepresented data,” and that “Irving seems to conceive himself as carrying out Hitler’s legacy.”

She considered him a dangerous Holocaust denier. As the court determined in 2000, Lipstadt was not wrong, merely understated.

Perhaps Irving thought that Lipstadt would back down, issue a pro forma apology and settle for a symbolic sum. As the trial neared, he asked for a pittance 500 pounds to go to charity. Perhaps he thought the potential liability would force the parties to back down.

Lipstadt could not back down. To concede would be to accept defeat, inflict injury upon Holocaust survivors and desecrate the memory of the dead. She had to take a stand to preserve her standing, her dignity and her values.

The lawyers decided that the case would not be tried in the court of public opinion in the press, but in a courtroom. The trial was held before Judge Charles Gray without a jury.

The press fury Irving induced as he played to them for months allowed his side of the story to be ubiquitous, while Lipstadt was silent. In the end, it was up to the judge to deliver a decisive, clear judgment.

What did Lipstadt do during five years of public silence?

As a blind person may hear more clearly; a deaf person see more intently, one who is muted may listen more carefully.

Lipstadt proves to have the keen eye of a journalist, observing the setting, the demeanor and even the fashion style of everyone from the court clerk to the judge and her barrister. She writes with a novelist’s sense of plot, so that while the reader is led through the entire trial, from first accusation to final vindication, the major story is never lost in the details. She doesn’t tell everything but she does convey the drama, the anguish and the wealth of emotions that were her day-in, day-out experiences.

She writes without selfpity, but the reader is likely to pity her restraint. For those who did not follow the trial day by day, this book is fascinating reading that gives one a sense of what it was really like to sit there, to see the nature of the evidence, and see how strategic decisions were made.

In the end, all drama aside, the judge understands and renders the clearest of judgments by unmasking the pretense and politics of Irving’s pseudo-scholarship and the racism and anti-Semitism of his beliefs. And the plaintiff, Irving, plays his role to perfection, exceeding even our fondest wishes for him, by destroying himself in public.

In defeat, his sting is diminished.

As Lipstadt writes, she did not stand trial alone. Her book is a tribute to those who stood by her. She is the first to recognize their importance, their competence, generosity and dedication.

Her brilliant and dedicated legal team included Anthony Julius, a fine lawyer and literary scholar, who wrote a doctoral thesis on T.S. Eliott’s anti-Semitism, and was a proud Jew known as Princess Diana’s divorce lawyer. His partner, James Libson, and his law firm, Mishcon de Reya, were prepared to take the case pro bono. They recruited Richard Rampton, a distinguished London barrister, to try the case after they prepared it.

He, too, was prepared to work pro bono.

In the end, adequate funds were raised for the defense from Leslie and Abigail Wexner, Steven Spielberg, William Lowenberg and other Jewish philanthropists.

Rabbi Herbert Friedman, whose distinguished career began as a U.S. Army chaplain working with soldiers and survivors and working with Bricha, organized the fundraising effort discretely. (For the record, I was honored to assist him.)

The American Jewish Committee stepped in without seeking credit or publicity. Ken Stern, a lawyer and an authority on Holocaust denial, masterfully ran its efforts. Emory University, where Lipstadt is the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies, stood by her and gave her paid leave. Others taught her Holocaust course; friends visited, called, emailed and supported her through the long ordeal.

Scholars were recruited: Richard Evans of Cambridge, a superb historian and an expert on historiography, read each of Irving’s works and then checked and doublechecked the original documents Irving cited and his translations a tedious and increasingly loathsome task, as the depth of Irving’s deceit became clear.

Christopher Browning of the University of North

Carolina, a worthy successor of Raul Hilberg as the leading authority on German documents, worked on German documentation of the “Final Solution.’’ Robert Jan Van Pelt, a Canadian of Dutch origin, an architectural historian who wrote brilliantly of the gas chambers of Auschwitz and who reads German documentation, testified on gassing at Birkenau.

Peter Longerich, a German living in England, analyzed the work of the Einsatzgruppen in former Soviet territory in 1941-42. Hajo Funke examined Irving’s association with neo-Nazis, Holocaust deniers and racist groups; the speeches he made, and the manner in which he played to his crowd.

Evans examined Irving’s footnotes and documentation. Their findings were devastating to Irving.

The team’s scholarship became contributions to the historiography of the Holocaust.

Evans’ case became an extended discourse on how historians should read documents and reach their learned conclusions, an expression of historiography at its best that demonstrated the most egregious violations of the cannons of the profession. The books that emerged from this team have added significantly to our knowledge of the Holocaust in clarity and in depth.

No survivors were called as witnesses, no Israelis. The trial was designed to be a trial of documents an added benefit, since we are approaching the day when the last survivor will leave this earth and living memory will become the stuff of history. To those who feared that this natural development of time would put the memory of the Holocaust at risk, the trial proves otherwise.

Lipstadt is entitled to gloat, but does not. She understands the importance of her vindication and its limitations. The British press was nasty, seeing it as a battle of class an English gentleman against an American Jewish woman upstart Some barely concealed their antiSemitism, and sometimes they confusingly presented the trial as an issue of free speech.

In our world, where rumor and innuendo parade as fact and insight, there is a tendency to believe that in every squabble there is some truth to each side and a basic laziness to uncover the truth. At least in England, Lipstadt was spared cable’s Court TV spinning.

Anyone who opens this book will be gratified by Lipstadt’s vindication. But what was all important was the unmasking of Irving. He may have made the greatest contribution to that himself by bringing the suit in the first place, defending himself and then destroying himself.

Irving was the superstar of Holocaust deniers, and now he is known as the racist and anti-Semite who deliberately misread and mistranslated documents toward one end, the exoneration of Adolf Hitler. This case and this book prove that good scholarship can beat bad scholarship, and that even in our age of relativism and deconstructionism, there is a difference between good history and fraud.

This book is available in the Kripke Library.

Michael Berenbaum is director of the Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust and an adjunct professor of theology at the University of Judaism.

Anyone who opens this book will be gratified by Lipstadt’s vindication.

But what was all important was the unmasking of Irving.

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, April 29, 8:01 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, no earlier than 9:07 p.m.

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

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: A Passover Potluck will follow services, 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 323.8885.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

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

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored

by Beth El; Evening Service, 5:30 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Due to Passover, classes will not be held on May 1.

WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m.

PASSOVER SCHEDULE Saturday, April 30 (Shabbat and seventh day): Shaharit, 9:30 a.m.; Minha-Ma’ariv, 8:10 p.m.

Sunday, May 1 (eighth day): Shaharit (Yizkor is said), 9:30 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 8:15 p.m.; Passover ends no earlier than 8:42 p.m.

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

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

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

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

PERSONAL Thank you for your many cards, calls and concern during my recent illness.

Knowing that others care is what I needed to get through this difficult time. God bless you all. Visits from our rabbis at Beth El and Beth Israel were so appreciated, as well as the visit from Beth El’s cantor which helped me so much---more than words can express---to give me courage to get better and fight harder.

Thank you one and all for your blessings.

Louise Abrahamson

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Pesach Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, Seventh Day of Pesach: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:15 p.m.; Chametz should not be used before 10 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Call the synagogue office for Mincha/Ma’ariv service time.

WEDNESDAY: Yom HaShoah Teen Program, 5:15 p.m., featuring Paper Clips, followed by the Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration service, 7 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home SATURDAY: Blumkin Home Shabbat, 9 a.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 35 p.m. at the JCC.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

FRIDAY, Chol HaMoed: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/ Kabbalat Shabbat, 8 p.m.; All night Study for Sheve’e Shel Pesach begins at midnight.

SATURDAY, Shabbat Shevee Shel Pesach: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow davening.

SUNDAY, Achron Shel Pesach: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow davening; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Moshiach

feast, 7 p.m. to mark the conclusion of Pesach.

A celebration and dinner is scheduled for this Sunday, May 1, 7:30 pm. Dubbed as “Moshiach’s Seudah”, this feast commemorates a tradition established by the Baal Shem Tov with which to conclude Passover. Moshiach’s Seudah includes a Seder “of sorts” with four cups of wine and matza.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah: Passover: A New Freedom Within, 7 p.m.

Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month.

Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail: dstiel@everestkc.net to set up appointments.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Maria Cadwallader and Nate and Jacob Krug, with oneg provided by Sarah Kelen.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Maria Cadwallader.

SUNDAY, May 1: No Religious School Classes; Temple outdoor clean-up, 9 a.m.-Noon.

WEDNESDAY, May 4: Holocaust Commemoration--Yom Hashoah--is in the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, May 5: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat ShabbatPassover Services, 6:45 p.m. led by Nancy Rips.

SATURDAY: Shabbat-Passover Services, 9 a.m. led by Marti Nerenstone and Beyt Shalom.

SUNDAY: Passover and Yizkor

Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maxmo Shechet.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate.

SATURDAY, Conclusion of Passover: Moments of Remembrance, 9:45 a.m.; Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, May 1, 10:15 a.m.: Continuing Hebrew with Colleen Kennealy.

TUESDAY, May 3, noon: For Those Who Can’t Believe: Overcoming the Obstacles to Faith.

Rabbi Marantz will lead Jewish Journey Group using Rabbi Harold M. Shulweis’ book.

THURSDAY, May 5: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Canotr Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.

CARING COMMUNITY BAKE-FEST Sunday, May 1, noon-2 p.m. in the Temple Kitchen. We need your help fill our freezers with challah and rugelach. Not a skilled baker? Come anyway and share a good time. Contact the Temple office to signup.

OUTREACH/COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY Sunday, May 8, 10:15 a.m.: “Mentors for Jews-by-Choice: Finding a Jewish Mother When You Really Need One.” Those who have chosen Judaism or are in the process of converting are invited to attend this community conversation with Rabbi Azriel and Outreach Fellow John Dacey.

Contact the Temple office.

Sunday, May 15, 6 p.m.: “Jewish Food for the Queer Brood”.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews, their partners and families are invited to an informal dinner at the home of Hollis Glaser, 1709 No. 50 St. Children are welcome. Please RSVP to the Temple office. Contact Glaser at hollis_ glaser@unomaha.edu.

TOT SHABBAT Friday, May 6, 6 p.m.: Join us for our regular Tot Shabbat Service in the chapel and stay

afterward to celebrate Shabbat with a child-friendly dinner. RSVP to the Temple office or to tisrael@templeisraelomaha.com.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv.

SATURDAY, Pesach Day Seven: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m., followed by Ma’ariv.

SUNDAY, Pesach Day Eight: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:15 a.m.; Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Ma’ariv.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat/ Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, Seventh Day: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, Eighth Day: Shacharit and Yizkor, 9:15 a.m.; End of Pesach, 9:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m.

SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m.

YOM HA’ATZMAUT AT THE OMAHA JCC Sunday, May 15: The Jewish Federation of Lincoln will sponsor a bus trip to Omaha for the Israel Independence Day festivities at the JCC. To reserve your spot, contact Lori Merliss at 328.0414 or e-mail lorimerliss@msn.com.

NJHS NEEDS MEMORABILIA The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is gathering synagogue memorabilia from Lincoln and out-state. For more information, contact Renee Corcoran at 402.334.6442 or njhs@jewishomaha.org.

B’NAI MITZVAH Seth Michael Fox, son of Daniel Fox of Omaha and Judith Fox of Phoenix, AZ, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 7, at Beth El Synagogue.

Seth is a seventh-grade student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School.

He is a member of the Seventh grade chorus. His interests include soccer, basketball, and music.

For his mitzvah project, Seth is volunteering at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and is working with Jewish Family Service to collect perishable and non-perishable

items for families in need.

Seth has an older brother, Evan and a younger brother, Justin.

His grandparents are Frances Fox and the late Jack Fox, and Dr. and Mrs. Harry Wenner of Scottsdale, AZ. Nancy Catherine Ganz, daughter of Pam and Doug Ganz, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Friday, May 6, at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun at South Street Temple in Lincoln.

Nancy is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Pound Middle School. She has qualified for state recognition in Duke University Talent Identification Program.

She is an apprentice with the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, and has received scholarships to

dance with the New York City D a n c e Fusion. She was also selected to study dance with Ballet Met and is a soloist with her studio. She is member of art club at school, and also runs track for Pound Middle School.

For her mitzvah project, Nancy volunteers in the Memory Wing at the Landing.

Nancy has two brothers, Andrew and Steve.

Her grandparents are Nancy Sands and Eleanor Ganz of Lincoln, and the late Stanley Sands and Dale Ganz.

April 29, 2005

From Nature to History

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Passover It occurs to many of us that nature is neutral and neither loves man nor hates him. Were man to be subject to nature alone, he might very well be, even today, a savage in the jungle.

But history favors man. Indeed it is the arena of human life. It urges man to conquer nature and to make his achievements real and lasting. History is a record of the accomplishments of man writ large. It is, to be sure, a record of lamentable failures, but what is memorable is the record of his grand achievements.

The Passover festival urges man to cross the seas which are obstacles in his path and to conquer those who would enslave him, whether it is Pharaoh or the vast industrial world of our day.

The message of Pesah is freedom, physical and spiritual. The ringing message to Pharaoh was: “Let My people go that they may serve Me.” History records many peoples serving God with the yoke of other people on their shoulders. But the service of God to be glorious requires freedom for man, from man.

The Passover story has lifted the spirits of Jews and others, generation after generation. It is the story of man’s yearning to be free--and then learning how to use freedom for building, and not for destroying.

The original story of the first Passover was the story of the destroyer passing by the Jewish homes in the great destruction that came upon the Mizrim (the ancient dwellers in what is now Egypt).

Happy and kosher Passover!

Temple Rosh Chodesh Group to Discuss Women Wearing Tallit

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s Rosh Chodesh group will meet on Sunday, May 8, 7 p.m., at the home of Susan Rothholz, to discuss the use of tallit by women in the congregation. Rothholz lives at 1349 So. 101st St., #206.

“We’ll discuss the history, appropriate prayers, and the Reform perspective of women wearing tallit,” explained Becki Brenner who has been instrumental in starting the Rosh Chodesh group at Temple. This will be the group’s fourth meeting. “We thought the topic to be extremely important as we move toward more inclusiveness in the Shabbat service,” Brenner said.

All women of the community of all ages are welcome to attend and to share their various perspectives. “Please bring your prayer shawls and come join us!” Brenner added.

For more information, call Brenner at 334.6492 or send her an email at bbrenner@jewishomaha.org.

Gan Israel Day Camp Holds Open House

by CAROL HUTCHISON for Chabad of Nebraska What do a visit to the Family Fun Center, challah baking, laser tag, food art, and lively Jewish spirit have in common?

They are all part of the Gan Israel Experience and the fun children will enjoy this summer at Gan Israel Day Camp at Chabad House during the weeks of July 11-22.

The program also features hot lunches, nutritious snacks and drinks, and a lively bunch of dedicated and loving counselors. A new attraction this season is transportation to and from camp, which is being offered free of charge.

An open house is being hosted at the home of Danielle Gordman, 1430 So. 85 Ave., on Tuesday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. Please join us to learn more about how your child can benefit from this camping adventure. To RSVP call 330-1800, or e-mail Danielle at: dsgordman @cox.net.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Photos used in the Passover issue may be picked up in the Press office during regular business hours.

To participate in the senior graduation pages of the June 10 issue, high schools seniors should send their photo, name, parent(s)’ name(s)’, name of high school and college to the Jewish Press by May 13. Questions? Call 334.6448.

DEATHS BERNICE GORDON Bernice Gordon died April 14 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 77. Service were held in St. Louis.

She is survived by her husband, Maurice Gordon of St. Louis; a sister, Ann Weitzman of St. Louis; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Ruth Gordon of Leawood, KS, and Rick and Jodi Gordon of St. Louis; daughters and sons-in-law, Patti and Rabbi Donald Kunstadt of Mobile, AL, and Nancy and Joel Schlessinger; and 10 grandchildren, Samantha and Josh Gordon of Leawood, KA, Seth, Jennifer, and Katie Gordon of St. Louis, Ryan, Ethan, and Kelsey Kunstadt of Mobile, AL, and Claire and Daniel Schlessinger.

Memorials to American Cancer Society or ALS. LEO EISENSTATT Attorney Leo Eisenstatt died in San Diego, CA, on April 19 at the age of 86. Services were held at Temple Israel on April 26.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Aileen; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Steve Luttbeg of San Diego and Gail and Steve Machov of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, David and Miriam Luttbeg, Lisa Luttbeg, and Bradley and David Machov; a sister, Anne German of Seattle, WA; and sister-in-law, Joann Eisenstatt of New Orleans, LA. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt Scholarship Fund, c/o the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, or charity of choice.

JOHN KOLM John Kolm died April 22 at the age of 75. Services were held April 26 at Golden Hill Cemetery.

Born in Germany, he arrived in Omaha as a 10-yearold boy just as World War II was beginning. After retirement, he spent hours volunteering at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and with other organizations.

He is survived by brother, Fred and Rena Kolm, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a nephew, Todd Kolm of Plainsboro, NJ; nieces, Debra Stafford of Manassas, VA, and Robin Barnett, Tucson, AZ; five grand-nieces and grandnephews.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

DORIS WEISE SHERMAN Doris Weise Sherman died April 23 in Los Angeles, CA, from a massive stroke. Services were held in Los Angeles.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth Sherman; greatgrandchildren, Katie and Jake Sherman, all of Los Angeles; sister, Lillian Lerman; brothers, George Weise, and Phil Weise of Pasadena, CA.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Or visit the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website: www.jewishomaha.org, and click on Jewish Press or call 402.334.6448 for guidelines and the form.

Heart of Husband’s Inspiration Continued from page 9 Phil died on April 15, 2004, at the age of 82 and with his death, Heart Savers closed. In addition to his son Steve, daughter-in-law Chrissie, and their son Phil Sokolof, Jr., five years old, all of whom live in Miami, Florida; Phil is survived by Karen and her three children: Jennifer, 27, who is director of TEKO, a Jewish camp in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mark, 24, who recently returned from New York City to start a business in Omaha; and Rachel, 20, a junior at the University of Wisconsin.

Mark Javitch recalled how he liked to talk about business with his grandfather. In December, Mark started Action Ink-Jet & Toner Refill. “He passed along the entrepreneurial spirit that he had. He was very passionate about work and business,” Mark said. He hopes that spirit will carry on in him.

Phil did take the national stage but not in show business as he initially planned. Nonetheless, his life took him to the top of the charts in other ways that touched innumerable lives from his family to the entire nation.

“He who saves one life,” says the Talmud, “it is as if he saved the entire world.” We may never know how many millions of lives Phil Sokolof saved.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 29, 2005

Survivors of Genocide Bridge Worlds, Generations as They Appear Together

by JORDANA ROTHSTEIN was invaded by the Russians and the Nazis. Losice fell NEW YORK, (JTA) -- Jacqueline Murekatete, a tall, under Nazi control. Gewirtzman was forced to leave elegant 20-year-old student at New York University, school and enter the ghetto. hopes to study law one day.

Gewirtzman and his family spent most of the war in But when she spoke recently at the law school at hiding. His brother spent two years living in a haystack.

Touro College in New York, Murekatete, a survivor of Gewirtzman, his parents, his sister, his aunt, his uncle the 1994 Rwandan massacres, wasn’t focusing on her and two cousins spent the last two years of the war livcareer plans. ing in a hole that was four feet deep, nine feet long and And she wasn’t speaking alone. four feet wide.

She was joined by David Gewirtzman. The two come from opposite ends of the world, but speak against genocide together.

Gewirtzman, a 75-year-old Holocaust survivor, and Murekatete, who dressed for the March 16 event in a well-pressed black pantsuit, lecture across the country about their experiences, hoping that the information they provide will motivate others to protest atrocities.

Gewirtzman had been lecturing alone for 10 years, when, four years ago, he visited Murekatete’s high school in Queens, N.Y., after the class read Eli Wiesel’s “Night.�

While he spoke, Murekatete said, “I cried. I saw so many similarities between us -- one day we were children with dreams, the next day we saw our whole lives massacred.�

She wrote Gewirtzman a letter of appreciation, and he invited Murekatete and her uncle for dinner. He asked Holocaust survivor and Rwandan genocide survivor. David her to speak to groups with him. Murekatete agreed. “When I go to inner-city talks, kids there can’t relate Gewirtzman, left, and Jacqueline Murekatete.

Credit: Courtesy of David Gerwitzman to what happened to Jews 60 years ago,� Gewirtzman said. “When Jacqueline comes with me, they say, ‘Wait a After liberation by the Russians in 1944, they returned minute, this hatred didn’t stop 60 years ago.’ She opens to Losice, discovering that only 16 of its 8,000 citizens up doors that were closed before.� had survived. Gewirtzman trembled as he displayed a Despite the years separating them, Gewirtzman’s and photograph of the monument to his village’s dead, taken Murekatete’s stories are disturbingly similar. years after the war, on a return visit to Losice. “This is They each grew up in a rural area. Gewirtzman lived all that was left of us,� he said. in Losice, Poland, 75 miles east of Warsaw. As he spoke Gewirtzman was smuggled out of postwar Poland and at the Touro event, yellowed photographs of the life he lived in Italy for several years; his family joined him later. lost appeared on the projector screen beside him. Eventually a paternal uncle brought him and his family Pictures of his brick schoolhouse and his family on a to the United States. summer vacation, smiling and happy, illustrated the norMurekatete, a Tutsi born in the Gitarama province of mal life he led.

Rwanda in 1985, has only her memories to illuminate On Sept. 1, 1939, on the first day of school, Poland her past as she speaks. She emphasizes that before vio-

lence engulfed her country, she went to school, played with friends and dreamed of the future.

In 1994, as Murekatete’s spring break was drawing to a close, word came that Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana had been assassinated by Tutsis.

Murekatete insisted on returning to her grandmother’s house in a neighboring province, where she boarded to attend school.

It soon became obvious that school would not start.

Rumors of mass killings became reality. Murekatete and her grandmother left their home after learning that Hutus were burning Tutsis alive in their houses.

They couldn’t hide for long, she says. The Hutus were approaching their hiding spot.

Murekatete’s grandmother placed her in an orphanage run by an Italian priest. Murekatete survived there. She constantly thought about her family. “I always believed -- not my parents. They were OK. They had to be alive,� she said, her voice stumbling for the first time.

But they weren’t. Her grandmother, her parents and six siblings all died, a few of the 800,000 people who died in the violence.

After the killings ended, Murekatete was picked up by relatives. She was adopted by an uncle who lives in Queens.

The audience of at least 50 law students, professors and interested guests clearly were moved by the afternoon’s discussion. As the speeches ended, people lined up, tears in their eyes, to tell Gewirtzman and Murekatete what an impact their stories have had.

Gewirtzman recognizes the personal value of his speaking tour. “As far apart as we are -- she is black, I am white, she is Christian, I am Jewish, she is young, I am not so young -- we have become like brother and sister, like one person,� he says.

He believes that speaking about their experiences is the only way to stop violence. “Unless everyone becomes aware, and starts doing something, this type of atrocity will go on,� he said.

Murekatete agreed. “My life goal is to make sure what happened to me will never happen to another child,� she said. “Whether through writing, or speaking about my experiences, or any other way, I will accomplish my goal.’’

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