Issuu

Vol. LXXXIII No. 35 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

NCJW to Honor Two, Install New Board by LINDA SALTZMAN Distinguished Service Award for her NCJW-Omaha Section work with NCJW. Levine, who moved Public Relations Co-Vice president to Omaha in 1996, said NCJW was a terThe National Council of Jewish rific way for her to get involved in the Women’s Omaha Section will install its Jewish community. new slate of officers this Sunday, May “I feel that the women of NCJW should 2, during its annual Installation and receive my thanks for allowing me to Awards Ceremony. Humorist Mary flourish with community and leadership Maxwell will emcee the event, sched- possibilities in which I could grow,” uled from 2-5 p.m. at the Ironwood Country Club. Kate Kirshenbaum follows Kim Noddle as President of the section. Deb Marburg will serve as Executive Vice-president, a new position created for the 2004-2005 slate of officers. Marburg has served as Parliamentarian, Vice-president of Membership and Co-Vice president of Fundraising. Two NCJW members Karin Levine Shelley Pichick will receive awards during installations. The Emerging Leader Levine said. The organization also Award recipient is Shelly Pichik. NCJW helped her pursue her passions for politgives the award to members who show ical action, education, books and potential for future leadership and have women and children’s concerns, she served as a board member or committee said. chairperson for less than five years. Levine will be Co-Vice president of Incoming Co-Vice president of community service for the 2004-2005 fundraising, Pichik, an Omaha native, year. She is the outgoing Co-Vice presserved as NCJW’s Financial Secretary and ident of Public Affairs and Education and a member of the nominating committee has served as a Director. during the past year. She also volunteers Anyone interested in attending the at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NCJW installations may contact Leslie Nebraska and is on the Jewish Eades at 330.8208. The cost is $15 per Federation of Omaha’s Budget and person and includes “High Tea” as well Allocation committee. as games such as bridge, Mah Jongg, Karin Levine will receive the bunco and canasta.

9 Iyyar, 5764 April 30, 2004

Press Wins Again at NPA Convention by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Once again, the Jewish Press has received top honors at the annual Nebraska Press Association Convention held recently. NPA announced first place awards for Creative Director Richard Busse for his original design of a four-color ad May 16, 2003, promoting the up-coming Father’s Day/ Graduation issue, the Healthy Living, and new Simchas (Celebrations) issues. The Sept. 26, 2003, New Year’s issue- We l c o m i n g Newcomers to our Community--also took first place honors. In addition a feature on the Hadassah Hospital medical complex in Ein Kerem near Jerusalem took second place honors for this writer. The story was written during a visit to Israel for the General Assembly of United Jewish Communities. The American Jewish Press Association has also alerted this newspaper that it has garnered more honors, including an award for freelance writer Leo Adam Biga. Last summer, Biga wrote a lengthy story about three sisters--Mania Friedman, Bluma Polonski and Rachel

Rosenberg--who survived the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps and made new lives in America. Biga’s award and others will be announced at the annual AJPA convention in Atlanta in early June. “The Press has won a record number of awards in the eight years since Carol has been editor,” said Joanie Jacobson, Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee. “We’re so proud of our staff and of their spirit of cooperation and the excitement with which they greet the new and creative ideas generated by our committee. “Introducing features such as new columns by Jill Belmont, Bernie Meyers, Ozzie Nogg, and Magda Peck, opportunities for advertisers in new special sections such as ‘Home & Garden’ and ‘Simchas’ or our new ‘jBay’ and our soon-to-be launched ‘Real Estate Section’ only enhance our reputation when we seek funds from foundations or donors for special projects like Teen Age,” Jacobson added. “Being recognized by our peers in the newspaper industry is just the ‘icing on the cake!’ “These awards are to the credit of a talContinued on page 9

Three from Jewish Community Honored by United Way by LOIS WINE Jewish Senior Services Volunteer Coordinator Ranging in age from 18 to 102, three women from Omaha’s Jewish community were among those honored by United Way at its annual volunteer recognition luncheon last week. High school senior Marissa Epstein and 102-year-old Rose Frankel received the award in the Elderly category; and Ilene Pachman was honored in the Ethnic category. Marissa Epstein has been a volunteer at Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for the past four years. She spends her time visiting with one of our residents, and you should see the face of that resident light up when Marissa walks through the door! She assists in selecting the proper note card, writing notes as the resident dictates her thoughts, and addressing the envelope. Almost every time that Marissa visits the Home, she brings an edible treat or something special for her elder friend. She’s a very compassionate and caring teen, and her sensitivity makes this resident friend feel at ease. Some other volunteer opportunities in

Inside

Marissa Epstein, left, Rose Frankel and Ilene Pachman were honored last week at the United Way Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. which Marissa is involved include: Volunteering for American Red Cross; being a “Brush Up Nebraska” paint-athon volunteer; being a “Golden Sower” reader for elementary students; volunteering for Omaha Boys and Girls Club. Marissa attended the National Youth

This Week: Mother’s Day Special Issue Yom HaShoah Coverage begins on page 2

Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., and has been a Youth Leadership delegate, and Youth Leadership Ambassador. She is currently an active member of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, and United Synagogue Youth. She is a senior at Burke High School, and plans to

attend the University of Texas in Austin. The daughter of Ron and Harriet Epstein has learned the importance of helping others. Her interest and patience in learning about the resident’s life and family indicates how much she enjoys the company. A concierge is a person who greets people, dresses very professionally, knows the answers to many questions and is always ready to assist when called upon. When you walk through the door of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, you will be greeted by the Blumkin Home’s 102-year-old concierge--Rose Frankel. She probably knows your name, and that of every member of your family. Formerly a co-owner of a local insurance agency, Frankel has been sitting at her desk right inside the front door since shortly after she moved to the Home five years ago. She only leaves her position when absolutely necessary and, of course, to eat her meals. Never away for very long, she buzzes people into the Home when the receptionist, must be away for short periods of time. Continued on page 7

Coming Next Week: America Decides 2004: Primary Election Coverage

Genetic Testing Forum Features Boys Town Staff page 8

Where Are They Now? Jim Milder page 11

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Coverage begins on page 16

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

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Winners Announced in “Tribute to the Rescuers” 2004 Essay Contest by BETH SELDIN DOTAN The contestants involved themselves in the subject Director, Institute for Holocaust Education matter and applied the lessons of the Holocaust and Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), is a other difficult historical events to today and their own day to remember and mourn the victims of the lives. On behalf of co-sponsors, Dana College in Blair, Holocaust. This ceremony is not complete without also the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, IA, and the recognizing those rescuers who regardless of the dan- ADL, the following teens are winners in the Tribute to ger, chose to stand up for their fellow citizens. the Rescuers essay contest. Since 1966, the Tribute to the Danes and Other Ninth-10th Grade Category: First Place: The Bully: Rescuers Organization has been educating the public From Sandbox to Global Stage, Brandon Boyd, Blair; about the actions of Danish rescuers during World War Second Place: Learn to Stand on the Side of Right, Ben II. In 1999, the Organization merged with the National Goodrich, Creighton Prep; Third Place: Long Live Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which through the Freedom, Dana Hamby, Westside. Institute of Holocaust Education in the Plains States Eleventh-12th Grade Category: First Place: Strength Omaha Office, seeks to educate the public about the in Dissension, Erin Brummett, Burke; Second Place: In Holocaust and contemporary issues related to the the Time of The Butterflies: Moral Courage Under Holocaust. Moral courage is defined as the ability to take a strong stance on a specific issue and to defend it based on one's personal beliefs or convictions, regardless of danger or threats to personal safety. In Denmark during World War II, Danish citizens provided a unique example of courage and concern by jeopardizing their own lives to spare those of 7,200 Jewish Danes. Moral values and beliefs united Denmark and her citizens in their defiance of Hitler’s commands and decrees. The Danes’ courage serves as a model of triumph over adversity. Using the story of the Danes and others rescuers Winners of the Tribute to the Danes and Other Rescuers contest include, back row: Dana as supporting material, stu- Hamby - Westside, left, Amanda Landan - Burke, Mayor Fahey, Bea Karp, Sarah Cutler (Bea's dents were asked to choose granddaughter), Seth Rich - Central, Ben Goodrich - Creighton Prep; front row: Brandon a historical event or literary Boyd - Blair, Katie Ross - Marian, Colleen O’Doherty - Marian, Erin Brummett - Burke. subject that exemplifies moral courage and relate it to Trujillo, Colleen O’Doherty, Marian; Third Place: Small contemporary or personal experiences in which morals Fires, Amanda Landan, Burke. and values helped guide actions and behaviors. Students receiving “Honorable Mention” include: More than 250 essays were submitted by students Ninth-10th Grade Category: Erika Hart, Let Your from Omaha, Millard, and Westside Public Schools, Conscience Be Your Guide, Westside; Erika Gruber, Omaha Catholic Schools and six essays from students Moral Courage of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany, who entered the contest through the national ADL Westside; Seth Rich, What A Hero Is Made Of, Central; w e b s i t e - - w w w . a d l . o r g / t r i b u t e _ t o Rachel Meyer, Ethical Endurance, Westside; Aaron Parr, _rescuers/default.asp They were from Chicago, The Rescuers, Creighton Prep. Florida and California. Eleventh-12th Grade Category: Ashley Community leaders judged the essays using an Christoffersen, A Caring Heart, Blair; Daniel Elolcomb, anonymous judging system and state criteria rubric. Her Flame, Burke; Mallory Mlotek, Moral Courage A The Founders of the contest felt that the message the World Away, Blair; Katie Ross, A Rescue Effort Ignored essay brings to the reader should play a large role in By Many, Marion; Madison Salander, Be All That You the judging arena. Winners all demonstrated the ability Can Be, Burke. to transcend the facts and figures of morally difficult Teacher Recognition Awards: Deb Ward, Burke; subjects, while bringing their point home to make it Dawn Nielsen, Blair; Regina Lehnhoff, Marian. real and relevant to today.

Omaha Doctor Attends Conference in Kishinev, Moldova by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Dr. Sidney Mirvish is often invited to lecture at, or participate in, scientific conferences that take place all over the world. Recently, the researcher from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, attended a meeting in Moldova organized for international scientific cooperation. While in Kishinev, the capital of Moldova, Dr. Mirvish paid tribute to the victims of the 1903 pogrom. During Easter weekend of 1903, more than 500 Jews were left injured and 49 dead, when Russians attacked the Jewish community, destroying 700 homes and 600 businesses. Some 2000 families were left home- The monument pictured above is a tribute to the Jewish victims who were masless during the first pogram; a second sacred in the Kishinev programs in 1903 and 1905. one occurred just two years later, helping to galvanize Communities. The events served as the impetus for Jewish immigration to the U.S., South Africa and what the American Jewish community into action. Under the leadership of Oscar Strauss, Jacob Schiff was then known as Palestine. “It was exciting to be here,” said Dr. Mirvish, the and Cyrus Sulzberger, the American Jewish Committee was formed in 1907 to raise funds for the victims of the American sponsor who received a grant to the research two pogroms; the campaign became the forerunner of program. “They’re trying very hard to set up their the United Jewish Appeal--today’s United Jewish research” in this part of the former Soviet Union.

April 30, 2004

Small Protest Barely Noticeable at Commemoration in Lincoln by YALE GOTSDINER for the Lincoln Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Committee More than 400 people attended the 17th annual Nebraska State Commemoration of the Holocaust at the Rotunda of the State Capitol. According to ADL Director Bob Wolfson, who attended, “Although not apparent to most participants, three neo-Nazis appeared at the back of the event and were escorted away by security. One of the neo-Nazis was apparently arrested. The event was further disturbed by a proPalestinian protester who rose to shout his position. He was also removed by security.” Featured speaker Rochelle Epstein related how, as a small child, she watched as the Nazis took her parents. She never saw them again. She was saved from certain death by her family’s Catholic neighbors. Epstein was accompanied to Lincoln by her daughter, Anita Libowitz, who introduced her to the packed crowd. Both women live in New York. In addition to an invocation by Rabbi Debbie Stiel of B’nai Jeshurun, brief remarks were offered by Gov. Mike Johanns, State Senator Mike Foley and Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng. Lighting yahrzeit candles for the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust were survivors Ilona Berk, Eli Modenstein, Joe Boin, Esther Misle, Lola Reinglas, Rose Leviticus (on behalf of her husband, Lou), Bella Eisenberg, Ann Modenstein and Leelo Sommerhauser. Everette Hilfiker lit a candle to honor the liberators and Anthony O. Messineo, Jr., lit one for Righteous Gentiles. A beautiful vocal rendition of “El Malei Rachamim” was sung by Cantor Gastón Bogolmoni of Beth El Synagogue, followed by a performance of the Lincoln Boys Choral Choir. Prize winning poetry related to the Holocaust was read by Lincoln Lux Middle School students. A candle of hope was lit by Modesta Putla, Director of the Lincoln Asian Center, after which Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum of Tifereth Israel led the audience in responsive reading. Additional members of the committee include Chairman Julie Brockman, Lori Feldman, Marcia Kushner, Rabbi Rosenbaum, Rabbi Stiel and Brian Shur.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

First Televised Broadcast of Survivor’s Remarks Highlight Yom HaShoah Observance in Omaha by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Though Julie Kohner was only in Nebraska for twoand-a-half days, she managed to speak to four different groups. The daughter of Holocaust survivors, Kohner spoke at Plattview Middle School, North High School, to Temple Israel’s Family School and at last week’s Yom HaShoah commemoration. More than 325 people attended the service and program, this year held at Temple Israel. Kohner, who teaches Holocaust classes to teens in Los Angeles, CA, opens nearly every program with a question, “What do you know about the Holocaust?” Her question elicited a barrage of answers--and led into the background of her presentation. “Why do people say the Holocaust never happened? “Why was Hannah transferred out of Auschwitz? How much did she weigh at the end of the war?” (Kohner answered, “Just 73 pounds.”) “And is that your mother’s charm bracelet on your wrist?” Kohner wants to speak to teens. As the child of a survivor she knows it won’t be long before they’re gone. She feels an obligation to continue her parents’ legacy. Kohners parents, Hanna Bloch and Walter Krohner, lived only eight miles from the German border, in a small town of Teplitz in Czechoslovakia. Kohner obtained a visa for the U.S., but was unable to get his fianceé out before the Germans invaded. The two, separated by war and thousands of miles, were reunited and married in 1945. In 1953, while living in Los Angeles, Hanna Kohner became a subject of the network television show, “This Is Your Life.” While featuring ordinary people was not Continued on page 4

Top left: Hannah Kohner hugs her brother, Dr. Gottfried Bloch in the “This is Your Life” episode of May 27, 1953. Kohner hadn’t seen her brother in 10 years. Right: Julie Kohner, Yom HaShoah’s featured speaker; bottom: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel invited all the children present to come forward for the singing of “Hatikvah”, Israel’s national anthem.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

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Omaha Commemoration Continued from page 3 unusual, highlighting the life of a Holocaust survivor was. It was the first time a concentration camp survivor had ever spoken on national tv. And, at the end of the program, the sponsors announced a $1000 gift to the United Jewish Appeal (forerunner of United Jewish Communities)--a stunning amount and the equivalent of $35,000 today. While the 1953 tv program appears “glitzy” as Kohner noted in its treatment of the Holocaust, it became the means by which Hanna and Walter told their story. The couple took seven years to write their story, first published in 1984: Hanna and Walter: A Love Story. The book, priced at $7, is available at the Kripke Library, as well as Temple Israel, which funded the commemoration, along with Beth El, Beth Israel, Jewish Educational and Library Services and the Six Million Lights Foundation. As Kohner told the students, “Most Holocaust stories are sad because so few survived. My parents were two of the lucky ones.” And Hannah’s brother, with whom she was reunited at the 1953 broadcast after a 10-year separation? He will celebrate his 90th birthday this fall in L.A.

Photos, from top left: Host of “This is Your Life”, Ralph Edwards and Hanna Kohner in the May 27, 1953 episode; Julie Kohner with two students from North High School; Julie Kohner explains the background behind her parents’ book, Hannah and Walter: A Love Story, to North High students; Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Craig Marantz (pictured) led services at Temple Israel; survivors Mindell and Jack Diamond light a yahrzeit candle with student Anna Munzesheimer (other candles were lit by Bella Eisenberg, Joachim Boin, Sam Fried, Gershan Lieber and Roman Amster); Temple’s Kol Rina Choir sings the opening of Yom HaShoah.

Lessons to Last a Lifetime by SHARON BRODKEY their own lives and the roles for the Anti-Defamation League they can play in breaking As the years pass and the cycle of hate. the generations of Following the trip the stuHolocaust survivors, resdents submit stories, essays, cuers and witnesses pass videos and other creative with them, how do we expressions of their experiremember and convey ences to be used as aids the enormity of loss and when speaking in the comman’s inhumanity to munity.Through the misman? How can we motision, young people learn vate and teach high about the vital roles they school students to recogcan play in breaking the nize prejudice and fight cycle of hate. hate and bigotry in their The Youth Leadership own lives, their schools Mission helps students and our community? become effective leaders in The ADL/CRC’s Youth their schools and communiLeadership Mission to ties. Marty Nachman, front row right, was among the 40 students Washington, D.C. has Participant Marty Nachman who participated in the ADL Youth Leadership Mission to been doing that for the said, “The Youth Leadership Washington, D.C., in March. past four years. In March, Mission really increased my a diverse group of high school students representing awareness of what we need to do and that we can’t just schools and districts from the greater Omaha area spent sit there. We need to go out into the world and help three and a half days participating in an educational those people in need and not just watch them suffer. program at the United States Holocaust Museum that “All of us agreed that we have hope for the future uses the lens of the Holocaust to teach about the con- because of how we got to know each other and the sequences of hate and prejudice left unchecked. Many awareness and deeper appreciation we now have,” he of the participants have experienced prejudice and added. stereotyping first-hand. “The long-term impact this program has on the parTwenty Omaha high school students were selected ticipants is invaluable,” said Debbi Zweiback, assistant from more than 100 applicants. They were joined by 20 director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Plains States students from the ADL’s Mountain States region. In office in Omaha. “They return motivated to share their addition to the training they received in Washington, experiences with their peers participants commit to a year of additional training and and teach others about the advocacy with the ADL/CRC. The curriculum at the strength of pluralism within United States Holocaust Museum is augmented with a democracy. They become visits to other monuments and sights in our nation's ambassadors for change, capitol, meetings with civil rights leaders and elected moral courage and diversiofficials on Capitol Hill. ty.” The educational program exposes them to the lessons The annual ADL Youth learned from the Holocaust. They meet with a survivor Leadership Mission to Washand listen to a first-hand, personal account of the indi- ington is made possible by vidual’s experience and life. The students then focus on support from Robert B. how they can apply the lessons they have learned to Sturm from Denver, CO. Robert B. Sturm

April 30, 2004

How About Some â€œTLCâ€? from the Torah Learning Center? by ARIELLA HOFFMAN The Torah Learning Center (TLC) is gearing up for an exciting new schedule of classes on a wide array of topics based upon studentsâ€™ requests. The interest in learning Hebrew in Omaha is astonishing. Jews of every background and experience want to learn to read Hebrew or improve their comprehension for reasons such as greater participation in services or to say a few words in Hebrew in Israel. This is by far Rabbi Tuvia Hoffmanâ€™s most popular class, which integrates Hebrew skills, spirituality, and basic Judaism into one class. A third Hebrew course (beginnerâ€™s level) will be starting on Thursday, May 6, noon, at the JCC (which is sponsored in part by National Jewish Outreach Project). Hebrew comprehension courses are offered on Wednesdays, noon, at the JCC and 7 p.m. at the TLC Beis Midrash located at 1313 No. 58th St. TLC (formerly known as the Omaha Center for Torah Learning) offers several one-onone or private study groups. Last fall, while giving the fourth class of a series on character perfection near the JCC, a woman had shown up for a meeting that was cancelled. Instead, she decided to hear the class given by Rabbi Hoffman. Afterwards she asked if he could give that series at her home to herself and her friends. That class has evolved into a weekly class on Jewish philosophy and controversial topics. Other people prefer to have a one on one learning session with Rabbi Hoffman, usually based on a text such as the siddur (prayerbook), Talmud, or Chumash (Five Books of Moses).

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Meet Rivkah Sass, Director of the Omaha Public Library

Another new class that Rabbi Hoffman will be starting on Thursday nights at the â€˜Jâ€™ is a Parsha (Torah portion of the week) class. This will provide a basic framework of well-known stories and personalities in the Chumash, as well as penetrate a deeper understanding ranging from mystical to ethical. An interesting facet about Rabbi Hoffman that not many people know is that he works for an â€œAsk the Rabbiâ€? column for the widely respected website www.Aish.com. People from all over the world write with questions from every spectrum of Jewish life. You can send your question to TLCâ€™s website: www.OmahaTorahLearning. org. It could be something you never understood, maybe something you have an issue with, or maybe just a question you're too embarrassed to ask in person. Send them in. And donâ€™t think itâ€™s too off the wall; heâ€™s heard it all! Send your questions to: rabbi@omahatorahlearning. org. And last but not least, Shabbos. â€œWe welcome it every Friday night, but how many people have never had a taste of Shabbos. The songs, the camaraderie, the food!â€? exclaimed Rabbi Hoffman. â€œWith todayâ€™s pace of life, we ask ourselves, how can we hold our families together, have enough quality time for each child, and have meaningful conversations with our spouses. This is why Shabbos is the answer to keeping our families strong and connected.â€? We invite you to our home, to welcome the light of Shabbos, the laughter and pure loveliness it brings to our lives (and hopefully to yours as well). To join or arrange for a class, join our mailing list, or for Shabbos hospitality, please call Rabbi Hoffman at 981.0569.

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by GARY KATZ Assistant Librarian, Kripke Library Not only does Omaha have a new director of the Public Library, but a Jewish woman at that! Come meet Rivkah Sass at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library on Monday, May 10, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. â€œThe moment we met Rivkah, we knew that we had to have her speak at our Library so others could have the pleasure of getting to know her,â€? said Susan Rothholz, Cochairman of the Kripke Library committee. â€œShe Rivkah Sass is such an incredibly delightful, dynamic woman it is inspiring just to talk with her!â€? According to a recent World Herald editorial, â€œSassâ€™ energy as the new library director is welcomeâ€Śher initiatives to encourage library interest are manyâ€Śâ€?. In Sassâ€™ April 19 article in the World Herald under Midlands Voices, she challenged Omahans to want a world-class library. She invited every resident to have an active library card and to avail themselves of the many services the library offers. â€œWe know everyone will be interested in hearing details of her vision for the Omaha Library and the new â€˜Omaha Readsâ€™ project that Mayor Mike Fahey just announced, as well as her ideas for collaboration with our Kripke Library. We are looking forward to learning how being a Jewish woman influences her work, as well as more about her background and what convinced her to come to Omaha from Portland, Oregon!â€? added Suzanne Singer, the other Co-chairman. This informal gathering is free and open to the public. Lunch is available for $6 by reservation only. Please call the Kripke Library at 334.6462 to reserve your lunch.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

ORGANIZATIONS JELS On Monday, May 10, noon, Prof. Larry Raful of the Creighton University Law School will be the guest speaker at a luncheon under the auspices of the Adult Education Committee of Jewish Educational & Library Services. His topic will be “The Proposed New Rules of Ethics for Nebraska Lawyers (The Model Rules) and their relevance, if any, to Jewish Law.” In addition to being a Professor of Law at Creighton University, Raful is the Chairman of the Nebraska State Bar Association Committee on the Model Rules and has been an extremely active member of the Jewish community. The luncheon will be at the Creighton University Law School Fitzgerald Conference Room (second floor) with parking available in the student lot at Cass and 21 Streets just east of the Law School. A kosher deli buffet will be available, with the presentation beginning at 12:15 p.m. Cost of lunch is $10. Make your reservation by calling Kathy Hirshman at 334.6445 or e-mailing her at khirshman@jewishomaha.org by May 5. BREADBREAKERS Larry Raful will speak at Breadbreakers Wednesday, May 5, noon, at Park Inn Regency Lodge, according to Marty Ricks, May Chairman. Raful will discuss his new position as the Dean of Touro Law School in New York. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH Omaha’s pulpit rabbis will be featured at a community forum to benefit Hadassah Israel Education Services (H.I.E.S.) on Wednesday, May 12, 10-11:30 a.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Chabad of Nebraska, Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Levin of Beth El, and Rabbi Craig Marantz of Temple Israel will be available to answer questions ranging from “Is it permissible for two Jews of the same sex to marry?” to “What is the relationship between Omaha’s synagogues and the Jewish Federation?” A person may attend only the program (no charge) or choose to stay for a buffet lunch ($13.50 per person)

g i n y o j En ard w e r e h t . e i m t e f i l a of

following the program. Sitter service is available upon request. Contributions to H.I.E.S. along with reservations for “program only” or “program and lunch,” must be made by May 5. Please mail reservations to Julie Stein, 5264 No. 110 Cir., Omaha, NE 68164. For more information, call Joanie Jacobson, 554.0500. The event committee includes Joanie Jacobson, Patty Nogg, Bette Kozlen, Debbie Kronick, Julie Stein, Karin Levine, and Esther Wax. AJHSA The 29th annual symposium for the Associates of Jewish Home and Services for the Aging (AJHSA) is to be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in the Old Market, May 1-4. Former Omahan Mark Zalkin, who runs a training center in Denver, is one of the featured speakers. For more information or to volunteer your services, please contact Lois Wine, AJHSA President-elect, at 334.6519, or Judy Brookstein, AJHSA Vice-president, at 493.3642. You can also log on to www.ajhsa.org for a complete schedule of the symposium. More than 75 participants are expected to attend. TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes, starting May 3: on Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Jewish Philosophy, an ongoing discussion on Jewish philosophy and self-growth. Wednesdays, noon, Hebrew Comprehension, at the JCC; at 7 p.m., Advanced Hebrew Reading Comprehension, at the TLC Beis Midrash, 1313 No. 58 St. Thursdays, noon, Beginner’s Hebrew Crash Course, at the JCC; at 7:30 p.m., Weekly Torah Portion, learn insights to the weekly Torah portion at the JCC. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Please call Rabbi Hoffman at: 981.0569 for more information. Y.E.S. There will be no meeting on Monday. Make reservations with Maggie at 334.6521 for the Mother’s Day Party with entertainment by Jon Rathsam and Esther Wax on May 10--the deadline is May 3; and for Bluffs Run Casino on May 20--the deadline is May 13.

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WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Bunch to Lunch trip to the Upstream Brewing Company on Thursday, please meet at the JCC main entrance at 11 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. For transportation call Maggie at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a “Freylichen Tog”? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. VISIONS Reminders: For those members going to Stepping Out on Thursday, May 6, please meet at the Omaha Community Playhouse at 7 p.m. to pick up your tickets. For those members going to the Olive Garden before the show, please meet at 5 p.m. Visions Board Meeting is Friday, May 7, 9:30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home conference room. Diamond Tours present a Chicago Trip Oct. 11-15. The cost is $400 per person A deposit of $75 is required, plus a check for $35 for insurance. Must be in by June 4. Please pay with two checks - the first payable to Visions for $75.00 and the second payable to Travel Insured International for $35.00. Send to: Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway #302, Omaha, NE 68114. La Cage Aux Folles will be at the Chanticleer Community Theater in Council Bluffs on May 23, 2 p.m. The cost is $33 per person and includes motorcoach, tickets, dinner, tax and tip. Depart from the Jewish Community Center at 12:45 p.m. and return by 7 p.m. Send reservations to: Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132. For information call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is May 11. Our luncheon Meeting is May 21, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Our special guest is Mayor Mike Fahey. Send reservations to: Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information call Harry Alloy: 697.8709. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is May 14.

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April 30, 2004

IN THE NEWS Brian Durmaskin was named Student of the Year at the University of Minnesota, where he is a junior in the Carlson School of Management. The award was presented earlier this month at the annual business week award celebration. Selection criteria included an application and essay as well as student and faculty voting. Brian, who chaired the business week events last year and received Sophomore of the Year, received a standing ovation when the award was presented. He earned a full-tuition scholarship at UM and is active in Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity. He works for Honeywell Industries as a marketing intern and soon will join General Mills as a finance department intern. Brian is the son of Jay and Julie Durmaskin. Grandparents are Gloria and Norman Durmaskin of Boynton Beach and the late Joan and Bud Bernstein. The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society at ceremonies on April 14 at Westside High School: Steven Patton, Ashley Corcoran, Hayley Epstein, Naomi Fox and Gal Tsabari. Jeffrey Baum, a sophomore at George Washington University and assistant photography editor of the GW Hatchet, received three awards from the Society of Professional Journalists at its recent annual regional conference. Jeff took first place for sports photo and general news photo and third place for spot news photo, while the Hatchet was recognized as “best overall non-daily student newspaper in the midAtlantic region.” This summer, Jeff will move up to the position of photography editor. His parents are Donald and Diane Baum. Gabrielle and Eli Fried, daughter and son of former Omahans Sandy and Ed Fried, now of Overland Park, KS, will appear in this summer’s Theater in the Park’s production of Wizard of Oz on June 25-27 and July 1-4. George Eisenberg will open the season at the Old Market’s Omaha Farmer’s Market, tomorrow, May 1, 8:30 a.m. Eisenberg, along with his brother Hy, were known as the “Onion Kings” when their businesses became the largest supplier of fresh and frozen onions to the food processing industry. He remains active today in the Old Market Business Association. Beth Gaynes-Ginsberg was honored at the recent Omaha Press Club Show, “O! My Gawd!” at the Rose Theatre for Performing Arts. She started working with the annual benefit 30 years ago when she stepped in at the last minute to help and has been choreographing the show ever since. A dancer, dance historian and educator, GaynesGinsberg was presented with a dozen roses both nights of the Press Club Show after emcee Mike Kelly, columnist for the World-Herald, paid tribute to her accomplishments. In 2001, the Press Club honored her with its Distinguished Member Award.

RE-ELECT

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

UNO’s Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Made in America,” a concert featuring great American masterpieces, on Sunday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. in the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Call 554.3427 for ticket information.

Former Omahan Barry Siff, adventure racer and author, will be in town to show his Extreme to Mainstream presentation tomorrow, May 1, 11 a.m and 1 p.m. at Backwoods new location at 78th and Dodge in Tower Plaza. The presentation will include a video, as well as tips on being active, healthy, and having fun. Siff began his adventures while still a business partner in a successful Omaha telemarketing company and, then, a Senior Vice-president for a $7 billion food business in Colorado. In 1998, he decided to embark on the adventure full-time, co-founding MountainQuest Adventures, a company that sponsors adventure races and adventure training camps.

BIRTHS Beth Cohen and Harry Berman announce the April 5 birth of their son, Bradley Edward Berman. He has a sister, Zoe. Grandparents are Marilyn Berman and the late Dr. Bradley Berman and Sheila and Harvey Cohen of St. Louis, MO. Stacy and Corey Kaplan of Chicago announce the April 22 birth of their daughter Yanira Claire. She is named after her great-grandfather, the late Yale Halperin, and great-grandmother, the late Clara Flowers. Grandparents are Ronna and Gene Kaplan, and Nancy and Nick Nelson of Phoenix, AZ. Great-grandmother is Ida Halperin.

According to Older Adult Director Maggie Conti, Pachman has the gift of making members feel welcome and comfortable with her leadership. “Many older adults would not take the risk of participating in activities were it not for her unique personal style,” Conti said. “She never asks for anything in return for her graciousness, other than a simple ‘thanks’.” Pachman cares about the success of Y.E.S.; her input and opinions are vital to its board. She wears many hats--from leading the board and luncheon meetings, assisting at twice weekly Y.E.S. functions, supervising committee members, writing occasional columns for the Jewish Press, and informing the community about Y.E.S. activities. “Ilene doesn’t sit idly either,” Conti added. “During her free time she knits one-of-a-kind sweaters, hats, baby booties and scarves. Most recently, she crocheted a kipa for violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman with his Hebrew name on it. She presented this unique item to him during a concert in Florida while visiting her daughter, who is the Executive Director of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra there. “Ilene is a priceless asset to Jewish Senior Services,” Conti concluded in her nomination. “Her dedication, devotion and dynamic personality make her most deserving of this award.”

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The Omaha Symphony will perform the Seville Neighborhood Concert, “Music Around the World,” Thursday, May 13, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Synagogue. Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will perform as the evening’s guest soloist. Tickets are available at the synagogue or at the symphony box office: $18 for adults, $13 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. Child Saving Institute will host a Comedy Club Caberet on Saturday, May 8, at the Holiday Inn Center, featuring comedian Tom Papa, host of a new sitcom on NBC, called “Come to Papa.” For ticket information, call 553.6000.

Page 7

Nichols

“September 11th Connections”, an exhibit featuring pieces of the destroyed World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon, has opened at The Strategic Air and Space Museum. Located 15 minutes from West Omaha and Lincoln, exit 426 off I-80, the museum will also feature drug-related items from Afghanistan and artifacts from the Taliban. The exhibit runs through Aug. 8.

Three Honored by United Way Continued from page 1 Frankel provides directions to visitors, visits with residents as they pass through the lobby, places address labels on envelopes and always provides a warm smile for everyone. Frankel is an avid reader and loves to write letters to people. She receives many donations and cards for holidays and her birthday, and sends her own hand written responses to everyone. When former Executive Director Barbara Gottlieb developed the concierge position, she had Frankel in mind. However, she thought this job would require too many hours for one person; Rose assured her she could handle it. The staff at the Blumkin Home is sure that no other agency has a 102-year-old volunteer, and certainly not one who is as vital, attractive and generous with her time. Frankel averages 56 hours a week, 52 weeks per year. You add up the hours she’s volunteered! Ilene Pachman is currently President of the Young Energetic Seniors group (Y.E.S.) which meets at the Jewish Community Center every Monday and Thursday. The group was founded more than 50 years ago and is still composed of energetic seniors ready for new adventures. Prior to becoming President, Pachman served as a Vice-president for three years.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

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by JOANIE JACOBSON The upcoming Jewish genetic testing for the Greater Omaha Committee project is the first local effort of this kind. for Jewish Genetic Testing Dr. William Kimberling, Dr. Edward What is a Jewish genetic disease? Why Cohn, Dr. Patrick Brookhauser, Krystal should people of all ages be tested? What Platt and Toba Cohen Dunning, all repif I’m a carrier? What are the odds my resenting the Boys Town National children will be affected? How do the Research Hospital, and Duitch, founder results of this test affect my insurance? of the Committee for Jewish Genetic In partnership with the Greater Omaha Testing, will be on hand to explain the Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing rationale behind this effort. and the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Dr. Kimberling, Director of the representatives of the Boys Town National Center for the Study and National Research Hospital will speak Treatment of Usher Syndrome, received and answer questions at a Community his Ph.D. degree from the Indiana Forum on Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. School of Medicine in 1969 in Medical at the Jewish Community Center. Genetics. He came to the Boys Town Members of the Omaha, Council National Research Hospital in 1979 to Bluffs, Lincoln, Sioux CIty and Des build a medical genetics division and Moines Jewish communities will have continues to pursue his interest in the the opportunity to be tested for 10 clinical genetics of large populations and genetic diseases affecting Jews of in the application of genetic medicine to Ashkenazi descent: Tay-Sachs, Canavan, improve the quality of life for families Nieman-Pick, Gaucher, Fanconi Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Usher Syndrome and another specific hearing loss. Testing was last done in Omaha more than 30 years ago and just for TaySachs. Testing will be offered-free of charge--to the first 100 people who register, with registration officially beginning at the May 17 Dr. William Kimberling Dr. Edward Cohn forum. Those not in attendance may register by calling committee chairman, Jean Duitch, at 402.393.1141. Test dates are Sunday, July 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 1, 3-8 p.m. So what is the Boys Town National Research Hospital and why are they interested in genetic testing? In 1977, the Boys Town National Research Hospital Krystal Platt Toba Cohen-Dunning opened its doors to serve children around the country with hearing loss and communication dis- that must cope with genetic problems. orders. Highly trained physicians and “The Jewish population has a long traother clinicians continue to collaborate to dition of screening for carrier status of provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and certain genetic disorders,” Dr. treatment for children so they may com- Kimberling explained. “Doing so is good municate with their families and the world not only for humanitarian reasons, but around them. As part of the rehabilitative such testing also enhances one of our process, therapists and educators use most precious human rights, that of selfinnovative intervention methods to help determination. We look forward to prodeaf and hard of hearing children develop viding the testing and the counseling for the language skills necessary to reach their the upcoming project and are proud to full academic potential. be part of the process.” Past progress yields new challenges for Dr. Cohn attended medical school at the future. Geneticists at the hospital the University of Pennsylvania before have played an international leadership taking and finishing his residency in role in identifying genes responsible for Otolaryngology at the Johns Hopkins Usher syndrome, which involves congen- Hospital in 1972. He has been with ital hearing loss ranging from moderate Boys Town National Research Hospital to profound, coupled with a gradual loss since 1993, and is a practicing of vision caused by retinitis pigmentosa. Otolaryngologist, as well as a research Their scientific leadership has culminated scientist who studies Usher Syndrome, in the development of the National and the gene DFNB1 that causes hearing Center for the Study and Treatment of loss. Usher Syndrome at the Hospital. Dr. Cohn observed, “I am very enthuThis has prompted them to expand siastic about this new project for our their mission to include children with Jewish community for several reasons. vision disorders, which can lead to First, those interested will be able to blindness. Their recent research find- determine their carrier status for a numings about the distribution of Usher relat- ber of diseases which are more common ed genes across different populations among Ashkenazi Jews. have indicated that there may be some “Second this testing will be free for the Usher mutations that are specific to the first 100 persons thanks to the Greater Ashkenazi Jewish populations. That has Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic led the Boys Town National Research Testing, headed by Jean Duitch,” he Hospital team to establish a liaison with added. “Third, this effort may well the Greater Omaha Committee for become a model for Jewish communities Jewish Genetic Testing. Continued on page 9

April 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Genetic Testing

Press Wins Again at NPA

Continued from page 8 mation that could make a difference to many people.” around the United States. Toba Cohen-Dunning is a graduate of Creighton “Lastly, we will obtain some insight regarding carrier University, and received a Master’s in Social Work and frequency for these diseases among our Midwestern a Master’s in Public Administration from the University population which could be very valuable.” of Nebraska at Omaha. She worked for 12 years for Kristal Platt has worked in U.S. Senator Jim Exon and U.S. Omaha as a genetic counselor Senator Bob Kerrey before for the past 16 years serving coming to the Boys Town families with a variety of conHospital in 2000 as the cerns. She joined the Boys Director of Program Planning Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Town Hospital staff in May of and Development. at the Jewish Community Center 2003 to work with the Usher Cohen-Dunning is on the Hear from experts from Syndrome project and to Committee with Jean Duitch as Boys Town National Research Hospital develop a program for children the representative for the about the 10 genetic diseases affecting who experience vision loss. Hospital. Jews of Ashkenazi descent: Originally from Iowa, she “This is an incredible opporTay-Sachs, Canavan, Nieman-Pick, Gaucher, received her undergraduate tunity to bring new awareness Fanconi Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, degree from Iowa State Usher Syndrome and another specific hearing loss, to our and other local Jewish University, and her Master’s in communities,” she said. “We and register for July 11 and Sept. 1 test dates. Medical Genetics from the are very appreciative of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. efforts of Jean’s committee and the Jewish Federation “Genetic counseling is about providing information to and to the many who are donating so generously of empower people,” she insisted. “This genetic testing proj- their time and dollars as we attempt to reach the goal ect offers a unique opportunity to obtain valuable infor- that will make this project a reality.”

Continued from page 1 ented staff, quality freelance writers and an editor who continues to maintain a standard of excellence from which an entire community benefits every single week. “Carol sees the big picture and is dedicated to the betterment of Jewish communities everywhere in the world,” Jacobson continued. “She’s not afraid to ask the tough questions and print the answers we need to hear. Her ideas and goals for the Press have been innovative and far-reaching. She takes her job seriously and is always looking for ways to enhance the paper, increase its revenue and better serve this community. “In addition,” Jacobson noted, “we’re so lucky to have Richard Busse as our Creative Director. What a perfect title for him! Responsible for reformatting the entire paper (and making it look the best it’s ever looked), as well as always designing beautiful and effective ads, he’s extremely ‘creative’ and talented--a proficient and skilled professional who deserves 300 awards! “That the Press remains a highly informative, comprehensive and award-winning newspaper is no surprise,” she concluded.” We should all be very proud of this little newspaper. It’s really good!”

Community Forum on Jewish Genetic Testing

From Opera to Broadway, Temple Mother’s Day Concert will be “a Little Bit of Everything” by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Last year, Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel and her friend of 25 years, Riva Capelleri from Kansas City, celebrated their birthdays together. As they reminisced about a friendship that began at the Aspen Musical Festival, the idea of an interfaith concert was born. “It’s turning out to be a little bit of everything,” according to Capelleri who is an adjunct vocal instructor at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas, and the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She described the Mother’s Day Concert as “a potpourri of different styles.” The concert will take place at Temple Israel on Sunday, May 9, 4 p.m. Also participating, in addition to Cantor Shermet and Capelleri are Dr. Tamara Field, a member of Temple Israel who is a soloist in the Omaha area and sings from time to time with Cantor Shermet at Temple; Jerry Brabec, minister of music at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Omaha, and Reverend Mister Michael Magiera, who has performed leading roles in several operas. Selections from opera, liturgy, musical theater, and art song will highlight the concert with proceeds going

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Leo Delibes (1836-1891), a French composer who is most famous for his ballets; and Italian-born Giuseppe Verdi (1831-1901), who composed 26 operas including Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Aida, will be featured at the concert. Liturgical music, from George Frideric Handel, who was born in Germany in 1685, to gospel music will also be on the program. Cantor Shermet and the other performers will include songs from musical theater fare such as Candide, with music and lyrics by Leonard Bernstein; the Broadway shows Into the Woods and Company, both by Stephen Sondheim. “There will also be some swing as well as the light opera of Gilbert and Sullivan,” noted Cantor Shermet. Most of the selections will be in English, but there will also be some French, Italian and Hebrew. Concertgoers can expect to hear duets, trios, and ensemble numbers. Members of the committee assisting Cantor Shermet in planning the concert are Rachel Combs, Jim Anderson, Jeff Schweid, Colleen Kennealy, Lisa Lewis, Dorothy Spizman, Michael Walts and Gary Marshall. Tickets to the concert, which will be followed by a brief reception, are $10 each. The community is invited to attend. Please call the Temple office at 556.6536 to make reservations.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

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One person really can make a difference. You helped buy playground equipment and furnishings for the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. BBYO teens participated in Chapter Leadership Training Conferences thanks to you. You provided food for needy Jewish families on Passover, the High Holy Days, and Hanukkah. Your generosity provided programs and activities for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Your help supported staff and programming for Jewish children who have disabilities. Together with others in the Omaha Jewish community, you are assuring the stability and continuity of Jewish life and supporting Jewish communal services for generations to come through the establishment of endowment funds.

Thank you for making a difference.

Israel just celebrated her 56th birthday. And even if you didn’t make it to Jerusalem or Afula or Kfar Saba for Sunday night’s party, you can still give a present…by supporting Israel’s economy. Here are some ideas. Buy Blue & White If your local store doesn’t carry Israeli products, you can probably find what you’re looking for on the Web. Do want to munch on some Israeli chocolate or listen to a CD or soak in some Dead Sea salts? Follow the links at Shop in Israel for hundreds of Israeli merchants who will be happy to sell to you over the Internet. [www.shopinisrael.com/] I’ve enjoyed browsing through the Ke’ilu site where you’ll find Israeli-made products that are a bit out of the ordinary like lampshades and combination toothpaste/toothbrushes and Astroturfshaped floor mats in the shape of a hippopotamus? If you still have money to spend, the American Jewish Congress has even more vendors on its site. [http://tinyurl.com/2map6] The Orthodox Union has a list of Israeli exporters whose products are commonly found in retail stores on this side of the Atlantic. [www.ou.org/ israel/5762/difference.htm] Give Tzedakah There are plenty of wonderful organizations in Israel that need your support. You can give online to an umbrella charity such as the United Jewish Communities’ Israel Emergency Campaign. [www.ujc.org/israel_ home.html] Or you may also want to consider helping organizations that are dedicated to assisting victims of terror such as the One Family Fund [www.onefamilyfund.org] and Natal, the Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War which works with bereaved family members. “While we go back to our lives they remain and will remain forever with their pain.” [www. natal.org.il/eng/ home.html] For more Israeli charities, check out the list at Maven [www. maven.co.il/subjects.asp?S=172] and at the OU. [www.ou.org/israel/5762/ helpisraelis.htm] If you are interested in donating to an Israeli organization, you may be able to find out more about it by browsing through Professor Eliezer Jaffe’s Giving Wisely: The Internet Directory of Israeli Nonprofit and Philanthropic Organizations. [www.giving-wisely. org.il]

Always check out any charity or retailer before doing business online. If you are considering using a credit card on the Internet, make sure that you are dealing with a secure website. Those are websites with addresses that begin “https://”. Go on a Trip The official Israel tourism site offers plenty of information for planning a trip. The site also lets you take a very impressive virtual tour of the country. But before you travel for real, make sure to download the coupons to save on accommodations, attractions, car rental and shopping. [www.goisrael.com/] As for what to do when you get there, take a look at Hello Israel. This is the online version of the ubiquitous tourism magazine found in most Israeli hotels. [www.helloisrael.net/] If you’ve done the tourist thing and are looking for something different, then consider some of the programs that are available to foreigners. You can study intensive Hebrew on a Kibbutz Ulpan. Or learn the lay of the land through an intensive seven-week hiking program. Or become a volunteer with the Magen David Adom’s ambulance corps. [www.israelprograms.org/] For program ideas for younger people, check out Israel Experience. [www.israelexperience.com] Go Forever! Does the idea of moving to Israel intrigue you? Start by contacting an Israel Aliyah Center near you to find out details about the process [www.aliyah .org/] and participate in a forum with other people who are considering going or have advice about their move. [www.jafi.org.il/forum/] Jacob Richman has done a marvelous job linking to other Aliyah organizations. And his interestingly named “Aliyah--Why?” page has links to many non-official sites as well as an archive of personal stories. [www.jr. co.il/aliyah/] If you want to check out the housing or job markets, then take a look at Localista. The site has thousands of apartment and employment listings for Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheva. You can even put in a free “jobs wanted” or look for a shiduch. The navigation part of the site is bilingual; most of the listings are in Hebrew only. [http://tinyurl.com/2z5fp] If you start working on your Aliyah now, maybe by this time next year you will be in Israel for its 57th birthday and be able to wish the country… Yom Huledet Samayach! Mark Mietkiewicz is a Torontobased internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish internet. He can be reached at: highway@rogers.com.

Temple Israel Prepares Easter Dinner for 100 at Stephen Center

If you wish to honor someone this Mother’s Day (or at any time) by establishing a fund in their honor or memory, please call Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director at 402/334-6440 Jonathan Rathsam, left and Howard Marcus were among scores of Temple Israel members who cooked meals (including 100 pounds of turkey), donated food and money, and transported the dinners on Easter Sunday to The Stephen Center where more than 100 people enjoyed the holiday feast. In addition, several families, after completing their Passover seder, assembled Easter baskets for The Stephen Center. Joan Marcus coordinated the Easter dinner as well as other Temple Israel Social Justice Committee projects at The Stephen Center throughout the year.

April 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Former Omahan Makes a Big Splash in the Art World WHERE ARE THEY NOW? by JOAN K. MARCUS When Jay Milder graduated from Central High School in 1952, he was known as a football player, a golfer and a guy who ran track. There was no mention of his artistic ability in the O Book. After calls to several relatives here, we found Milder in New York City and he told us about how he had grown up in Omaha. His parents, Jeanette and Leo Milder, owned a grocery store on South 10th St. His parents gave him complete freedom to choose his own path in life. His brother, Alvin, is an attorney and their sister, Sarah Milder Jones, writes about Jewish mysticism. Their oldest sister, Ilita, lives in a group home near Los Angeles. Jay credits his aunt, Cece Milder, for awakening his artistic abilities. “In high school, I was interested in Jewish and Oriental mysticism,” Milder recalled. “I went to Sunday school at Beth El and my aunt taught some of the classes. I got very involved with it and then went off on my own to study.” He says these studies helped him to begin his artwork. “The Jews are really very pluralistic,” he insisted, “no dogma, no hierarchy.” Milder remembers that “as a teenager, I had friends in all parts of the high school. I was friendly with black kids, Jewish kids, Italians and even some Syrians who moved to town! I got involved with Thomas Aquinas and went on from there.” (Thomas Aquinas was known as the prince of scholastic philosophers. Among many other things, he attempted to meet the views and objections of nonChristians by clearly distinguishing the spheres of natural reason and faith.) Milder remembers that when he was about 16, his mother took a painting class. “I just took her paint box one night and began paint-

ing,” he said. “During my childhood, I had always drawn and painted things because I was looking for a way to express myself.” After graduation, Milder went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was the campus disc jockey. He majored in general studies and that only lasted six months. “It was during the McCarthy era and one of my favorite professors didn’t show up one day. So, I quit school and went to New York to work,” he added. “From there, I went to Paris and North Africa to study art and the history of civilization for two years!” While in Paris, he studied at La Grande Jay Milder Chaumiere and the Sorbonne. He was the assistant to Ossip Zadkine, famous Parisian sculpture and painter. In 1958, Jay moved to Provincetown, MA, where he began to study with Hans Hoffman, probably one of the best art teachers in the entire world. It was during there Milder officially began his career as a painter. In 1959, he married Sheila Schwid of Omaha. One year later, they moved to Puerto Rico where he had shows in a new museum. In 1965, he began teaching at the New York Institute of Technology. He moved to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn where he taught until going to Brandeis Institute, Santa Susanna, CA, in 1967 and Brooklyn College in 1969. Jay and Sheila have three children: Joshua, a songwriter and stockbroker; Rachel, a choreographer; and Rifka, a painter like her father. All three live in New

York. Another daughter, from his marriage to a New Zealand woman, is a dancer. From 1971-91, he taught at City College of New York. During those 20 years, he had exhibitions all over the world including: Guadalajara, Mexico, Uppsala, Sweden, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador Bahia, Brazil. Milder was cited in Ideas in Contemporary Arts Magazine as “A painter of discovery, resolution and rediscovery.” In 1986, Carter Ratcliff, a critic for Art In America, wrote, “Milder’s levitating forms suggest the geometries of tall buildings and metropolitan streets seen from on high--not to mention traffic patterns, illuminated signs, clusters of lit-up windows. Milder’s is an imaginary city, one he has constructed far outside the ordinary cycles of night and day.” Critic Donald Kuspit of Artforum International touts him as painting the best and most integral group of biblical pictures in the 20th century. Kuspit, a renowned critic, says, “Milder’s paints are second only to Nolde!” One of Milder’s paintings--of Noah’s Ark--represents the landing of The Ark and shows man being given the rainbow. Milder says, “Now, people are trying to block out the rainbow by sending pollution up into the air.” Milder remembers some of his high school friends: Howard Krantz, Alan Nogg and Bernard Bogdanoff as some of the people who began philosophizing with him and dreaming of artwork. “We sort of invented our own universe!” According to Bogdanoff, they did more than philosophize. “We did things I would have killed my kids for doing!” he laughed. “Once, we put a note in a bottle saying ‘Help! We're being held hostage!’ We attached a helium balloon to it and let it go! When the police came to see who was holding us hostage, we were all in big trouble!” Jay misses the open air, friendly faces and small town charm of Omaha. “My life, still artistically active, has been great! One thing for sure--I had to do it my way!”

O l A u r r M o n o o the H e Happy Mother’s Day

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

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SUNDAY, MAY 2 Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Lee Bycel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Social Justice Club Event 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Club 34 Event, noon at Temple Israel NCJW Installations/Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. OTYG Rehearsal, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Elinor Whitman Book Appreciation Contest, 2 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m. Dance Experience Performance, 7 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 3 YES Program, 10 a.m. â€œSoul of the Textâ€? Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. Associates of Jewish Homes & Services for the Aging, 6 p.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 4 JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon BBYOâ€™s Suicide Awareness Program, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 â€œPatterâ€? Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Middle/High School Teacher Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel High School Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Bâ€™nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El

FRIDAY, MAY 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY, MAY 8 Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Elections/Havdalah/Dinner/Installations, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel â€œOut of Sight Overnightâ€?, 6 p.m. BBG Beau Dance (location:tba), 8 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 9 JCC OPEN - LAG Bâ€™OMER Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Motherâ€™s Day Concert, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, MAY 10 YES Program, 10 a.m. Rivka Sass Lecture, noon Proposed New Rules of Ethics for NE Lawyers, noon at Creighton University High Holiday Youth Program Meeting, 6 p.m. at Beth El JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 11 PRIMARY ELECTIONS, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El

May

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 Hadassah HIES Program & Luncheon, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel â€œPatterâ€? Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon Rabbinic Council Meeting, 1:30 p.m. OTYG Rehearsal, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Bâ€™nai Bâ€™rith Charity Sports Banquet, 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Bâ€™nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El

TUESDAY, MAY 18 Jewish Women International Donor Luncheon, noon Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. JSS Concert - Janice Meyerson and Eva Handelm, 7 p.m. Sisterhood Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m. Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, MAY 14 Tot Shabbat Services, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, MAY 15 BESTT Graduation, 10 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 16 Club 56, JYG, OTYG Event, noon at Temple Israel Jews in Sports, 4 p.m. Dinner, 5:30 p.m. â€œLive from the 92nd Street Yâ€? Jeff Greenfield & Al Franken, 6:30 p.m. JELS Program â€œJews in Sportsâ€? #2 Series, 7 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 17 YES Program, 10 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m. at JFS BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Genetic Testing Program, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. â€œPatterâ€? Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon OTYG Board Meeting, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel NJHS Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Adult Bâ€™nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, MAY 23 Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions - Chanticleer Theatre, 2 p.m. OTYG Rush Program, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Beth El ESP Group Eat & Great, 6:30 p.m. at Jaipur Congregational Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

TUESDAY, MAY 25 Visions Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JCC CLOSED AT 6 p.m. - SHAVUOT Shavuot Night of Study, 6 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, MAY 20 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10:00 a.m. at Temple Israel Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m. Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, MAY 21 CDC Graduation, 7 a.m. Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Confirmation/Graduation & Service, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MAY 22 BELLS with Toby Schoenfeld, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El â€œOut of Sight Saturday Nightâ€?, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 27 JCC OPEN/FED OFFICES CLOSED - SHAVUOT, 7 a.m. Chris Short Recital, 8 a.m. Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 29 Suzanne Horwich Cowan Group Art Reception, 2 p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 30 Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El Suzanne Horwich Cowan Group Art Reception, 2 p.m. MONDAY, MAY 31 JCC OFFICES CLOSED - MEMORIAL DAY- H&FITNESS OPEN, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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SATURDAY, MAY 1 Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Lee Bycel, 4:30 p.m. at Temple Israel OTYG Rush Program, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Associates of Jewish Nursing Homes & Services for the Aging (a four day Symposium), 6 p.m.

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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 Federationâ€™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 above events.

THURSDAY, MAY 6 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Visions at the Omaha Community Playhouse Stepping Out, 7 p.m. Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m.

Page 13

ENTERTAIN

Community Calendar FRIDAY, APRIL 30 Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Lee Bycel, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Stephanie DePorte Graduates from Hebrew Union College by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Stephanie DePorte, the daughter of Temple Israel members Pam and Dennis DePorte, will graduate from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles on May 17. She will receive two masters degrees -one in Jewish education and another in Jewish communal service. She expects to be working in southern California after graduation. “Growing up in Omaha made me realize the importance of a strong Jewish education,” according to Stephanie. “A clear Jewish identity was important for my family, because we were often in situations where we would be the only Jewish family. Our Jewish life as a family developed, because we were active in our synagogue and in the greater Jewish communal life.” A product of Temple Israel’s Religious School, Stephanie became active in Stephanie DePorte Temple Youth Group while her parents pursued leadership roles in the congregation. “Being active in my youth group, attending a Jewish camp as both camper and staff, attending a college with a significant number of Jews, and teaching religious school exposed me to the vast and vibrant life of Jews in America,” she explained. “I realized how important it is to educate people about Judaism,” she continued, “passing on our traditions, our values, and our history. I think it is imperative that we embrace our Jewish communities and continue to educate our people so that they can make informed choices as to how to live as Jews.” A 1999 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew and a certificate in Jewish studies. She spent her junior year in Jerusalem at Hebrew University. That’s when she decided that a career in Jewish education is “where my passion was.” Even prior to her graduation from Burke High School, Stephanie embarked on her career as a counselor at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Wisconsin where she had been a camper herself. As a college student, she taught third and fourth grade at Congregation Beth El in Madison, WI. Later she was a head counselor at Camp Shalom Noar in Madison, taught at congregations and was a mentor to B’nai Mitzvah students in Illinois and California. Administratively, Stephanie continues as a graduate intern and a third and fourth grade unit head at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana until she graduates. She was a graduate intern for the Department of Jewish Community Programs at Jewish Family Service in Los Angeles. She was also a youth director at Temple Chai in Chicago from 1999 to 2001.

What’s New at the Kripke Library by GARY KATZ Assistant Librarian New arrivals of fiction and non-fiction are now available for circulation at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. On the shelves in fiction are old stand-byes as well as the hottest titles: The Sea House by Esther Freud, A Spectacle of Corruption by David Liss, and the ever popular The Natural by Bernard Malamud--great Summer reading! For those who prefer non-fiction, the library has received American Judaism by Jonathan Sarna, Raid on the Sun by Rodger Claire, and Wrestling with God and Man by Rabbi Steven Greenberg. The library also has several new popular titles on DVD and VHS: Avi Hoffman’s Too Jewish, The Believer, Nowhere in Africa, In the Presence of Mine Enemies and Schindler’s List. Come check us out.

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In addition, Stephanie has been working at HUC-JIR as an admissions and recruitment intern. Stephanie believes that “one of the challenges facing Reform Jewish education in the 21st century is the question of how Reform Jewish life in this country will continue and what role education will play. As liberal Jews, Reform Jews in particular, we value being part of the Jewish community as well as being a part of the larger American society. Reform Jewish education needs to help Jews embrace Jewish values, traditions, and the culture of Judaism as well as value the differences between all communities in American society. Jews ultimately need to maintain their Jewish identity and still feel comfortable in secular America. “As educators,” she points out, “we must strive to make Jewish communal life a priority in conjunction with American secular life. As a Jewish professional, I think it is important to build an environment that does not just teach content but also teaches about our relationship with God and our place in the world.” She feels a responsibility “to bring a connection with God into (Jewish) lives and help (Jews) see how important their roles are as individuals both in the Jewish world and in our greater global community.” Students interested in pursuing a degree as Jewish professionals, can contact Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at Temple Israel, 556.6536. An education fund for the children of Temple Israel members interested in becoming Jewish professionals was established in 1998 to celebrate Rabbi Azriel’s 10th anniversary at Temple. Jerry Hoberman and his wife Cookie initiated a drive to establish the fund “in the rabbi’s honor because of his interest” in encouraging students to enter the rabbinate and other Jewish career fields, Hoberman said. Thanks to the ongoing contributions of Temple congregants, the fund has assisted several Jewish professionals fulfill their educational goals.

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April 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Beth El’s Hebrew Crash Course Introduces Adults to the Aleph Bet by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Susi Frydman-Levin is a people magnet, charming and energetic. Turns out she’s one heck of a teacher, too. In fact, her tag-line could be, “If She Teaches It, They Will Come.” She does, and they do. Every Sunday morning at 10 o’clock, the faithful meet in the library at Beth El Synagogue to attend Susi’s Hebrew Crash Course for Adults, a class originally slotted for eight meetings--now expanded to 15, at the request of her enthusiastic students. Susi, wife of Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin, decided to offer the crash course after realizing that congregants unfamiliar with the language couldn’t join in during services, mainly conducted in Hebrew. As new melodies were introduced into the service, many could not follow along, unable to rely on familiar tunes. Figuring that five to 10 people would attend a Hebrew class, she was stunned when 30 congregants signed up. “There was a need for this class in our congregation, and I wanted to show people that they could learn to read and it wouldn’t take 100 years,” she said. “Since we started, I’ve put all my energy toward teaching this course, and we have all been successful--we learn, we laugh, we sing. I never imagined this course would be so joyful for all of us.”

For 12 years, Frydman-Levin taught Judaic studies at a day school and afternoon Hebrew school in her native Argentina, but this has been her first foray into teaching Hebrew to a group of adults. The biggest difference between the two? “In many cases kids come because parents send them; adults come because they want to learn,” she said. Armed with a study guide, an accompanying CD and their own personal motivations, attendees are committed to tackling a new world of foreign letters, vowels and sounds. Student Peggy Chasen said she decided to learn Hebrew because “I felt so inadequate and wanted to be able to follow the service. Susi is an outstanding teacher and a great motivator–I feel as though I’ve accomplished a lot.” Chasen’s goal after taking this class? “I’m hoping that when my granddaughter becomes a Bat Mitzvah next year, I’ll be able to say something in Hebrew on the bimah.” As an adult convert to Judaism, Cindy Salkin had not been exposed to Hebrew while growing up. “My husband and kids can all read Hebrew, and I always felt kind of left out,” she said. “This was something I wanted to share with my family.” Salkin said the key to learning has been consistent study, committing 10 to 15 minutes a day. Still, while the pro-

nunciation and reading have come easily to her, she joked that “I feel like a kindergartner at that ‘Dick and Jane’ stage!” Study and repetition are essential to successfully learning another language, Frydman-Levin said. Her weekly smiley-

ly paid off, as several people proudly announced after Pesach that they were able to follow along as their grandchildren recited the Four Questions. “This goes beyond just reading,” she said. “Through learning Hebrew, you can go inside Jewish life, and not be dependent only upon transliteration.” The desire to follow along in the Siddur during Shabbat services motivated Sherry Shapiro to attend the crash course, and she expressed delight with both her accomplishments and her instructor. “I knew no Hebrew at all: I raised a Susi Frydman-Levin, right, leads students Sherry Shapiro, left, Carole was Greenberg and Gail Levitan, in a rendition of “L’cha Dodi” during the Reform Jew who never went to Hebrew Crash Course. Hebrew school. face e-mails--reminding her students to This class has been such an enjoyable practice--always include the following experience and the hour always flies message: “Learning Hebrew is not easy, by,” she said. “Those who already know but it is not impossible. If generations of Hebrew are really missing out, because Jews were able to do it, you can do it as they don’t have the joy of having Susi for well!” Cracking the books has apparent- a teacher.”

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

Whitman Book Contest, Trivia Quiz Among Activities at Yom Ha’Atzmaut

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by Jewish Press News Service The winners of the annual Elinor A. Whitman Book Appreciation Contest received their prizes at an awards ceremony and reception Sunday at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The contest was co-sponsored by the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and the Omaha area religious schools. To enter, a contestant had to either write a The winners and recipients of certificates of appreciation review or design a book received their awards at Sunday’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration. jacket for a Jewish book. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade were eligible to compete. On behalf of Susan Rothholz and Suzanne Singer, CoChairmen of the Library Committee, Nancy Rips made the presentations of awards and certificates. The Book Appreciation Contest memorializes Elinor Whitman who served for many years on the Library Committee. Above: winner in the Teen division of the B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz She took a keen interest Sunday was Mother Chapter AZA #1, Josh Grossman, left, in promoting Jewish lit- Corey Green, Jeff Malashock, Robert Mosenkis and Jason Rich. erature for young read- Below: winners in the adult division included Sorin Juster, left, Phil Wolf, Barry Sommer, Sandy Kohll, Jeff Ferber and Alex ers. Winners in the Book Wolf, who played for the Beth Israel team. Beth El’s team came Jacket contest are: in second, while the Temple Israel team placed third. Kindergarten--Isaac Ferber, first place; Second Grade--Mallory Rogers, first place; Maddie Jensen, second; Chad Shulewitz, third; Third Grade--Lee Lohman, first place; Lila Ferber, second; Ariel Kohll, third; Fourth Grade--Jordan Jensen first place; Lauren Cooper, second; Ben Lohman, third; Sixth Grade--Julie Sadofsky, first place; Zoe second; Third Grade--Zachary Bram, Vann, second, and Brittany Baines, third. first; Fourth Grade--David Glazer, first Winners in the Book Report contest place; Fifth Grade--Grace Zweibackare, First Grade--Amythest Wertheim Hack, first place; Sixth Grade--Joe first place; Robert Levitan, second; Slosburg, first place; Aviva Oberstsecond, and Hannah Eliyahu Kutner, third; Second Grade--Eva Marshall, Phillips, first place, and Mikhail Popkov, Grossman, third.

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An Israeli family prays over the grave of their relative, as soldiers join them at the Mt. Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem on the eve of Israel's memorial day for its fallen soldiers, last Sunday. Israel marked Memorial Day on Monday, to honor all those Israeli soldiers killed in Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA wars since the creation of the Jewish state in 1948.

April 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

Scenes from Israel’s 56th Anniversary Celebration in Omaha

Photos from top left: Israeli guide Alex Fleischer showed his original artwork to Karin Levine at a pre-Yom Ha’Atzmaut reception celebrating Israel Independence Day; Amy Raffel smiled up at a balloon-making clown; Gadi and Mindy Tene’s Shir-Tal booth sold Israeli jewelry; Nancy Nogg sold Roses

from Israel; Tommy Sullivan ate his decorated cookie; Tuffy Epstein and his band of musicians played lively tunes for the 250 who attended Israel Independence Day festivities; Daniel Davidson, left, and the JCC’s Boy Scout Troop led those gathered in a moment of silence for Israel’s fallen sol-

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

Dining

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by HOWARD BORDEN for B’nai B’rith B’nai B’rith Banquet Chairman, Gil Cohen announced that Bud Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner, will be a special guest at the Golden Anniversary B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, Wednesday evening, May 12, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. “We are thrilled that Mr. Selig will celebrate our 50th Anniversary with us. We look forward to his comments and insight into major league baseball,” said Cohen.

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Ventriloquist, Vern Wirka, recently entertained the seniors of the Y.E.S. Club, students from the Friedel Jewish Academy and Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the JCC with a creative and upbeat show. Participants got to meet Dewy, Monk and Riley as they came alive: Jesse Reno, left, Dewy, Vern Work and Dorothy Strauss.

Sam Edelstein joined fellow Beth El USYers recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel pool for snorkeling and scuba-diving lessons presented by Big ‘O’ Scuba ‘n’ Snorkel. Comic relief during the evening came in the form of inflatable toys, thrown in the pool so the teens could dive for “aquatic life.”

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Beth El Hosts Discussion on Religion and the Death Penalty by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Three perspectives on the value of the death penalty were presented at the recent Beth El Lunch ‘n’ Learn event, “The Death Penalty: Do Religious and Legal Views Conflict?” Guest speakers included Creighton University Law Professor Larry Raful, who presented a Jewish point of view; Creighton Theology Professor Thomas Kelly, who offered a Catholic perspective; and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, who discussed his legal duties and obligations regarding the death penalty in this state. Around 60 attended the luncheon, sponsored by Beth El’s Hazak group. Although many major religious groups in the world denounce and oppose the death penalty, most Americans support this law, mainly for reasons of retribution, said Bruning, who supports capital punishment. “Do you feel safer in your bed at night because some of these people are gone? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. Maybe you think that the 10-foot-thick walls are enough.” He conceded that the existence of the death penalty is not a deterrent to criminals, but said it serves as “an effective retribution that makes society feel safer.” He added that he feels no urgency to carry out death sentences, but rather, stressed the importance of taking whatever time necessary to exhaust every legal avenue before the penalty would be carried out. Citing passages from the Hebrew Bible, Raful said death penalty laws in Jewish tradition were established as sources of warning, deterrence and retribution. He also noted that, “Talmudic scholars later put a great deal of limitations on these laws, putting in place such strenuous procedural obstacles that it made it virtually impossible to impose the death penalty by the Sanhedrin.” Currently, all three branches of Judaism either oppose the death penalty or support a moratorium until its procedural problems are fixed, Raful said.

Agreeing with this philosophy, he noted that the system doling out death sentences “appears to be broken and flawed. In the 20th century, at least 100 people were put to death and were later found to be innocent.” He added the modern-day sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole adequately fulfills society’s need for retribution. “They didn’t have that in ancient times.” Kelly, a Creighton faculty member for the past two years, told the crowd that until recently, the Catholic Church supported the death penalty, “primarily on the grounds that it would preserve the common good, the fundamental rights of human beings to be protected from dangerous criminals.” He noted, however, that the Church has consistently qualified its position by stating that if incarcerating a criminal removes the threat to the common good, then this option is always preferable. A fundamental shift in the Church’s position took place during Vatican II, when Catholic teachings virtually eliminated the moral legitimacy of the death penalty in the United States, Kelly said. This philosophy, he noted, was based on the belief that “human beings are created in the likeness of God and nothing we do as human beings vitiates our intrinsic human dignity.” The question to be raised for lawmakers, Kelly said, is “how can you be a religious person and at the same time, a public person?” For example, he noted that U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah (who is Mormon), may vote for certain issues that aren’t perfectly consistent with Mormonism. “My problem is not so much that that happens; I’m interested in how we make the decisions about where we draw those lines. How do you decide?” “The most difficult thing for public leaders is to--in their conscience--go against what might get them reelected, simply because it’s the right thing to do.”

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Wendy Goldberg, left, and Deb Marburg were among the estimated half-million to 800,000 in Washington, D.C., last Sunday at the March for Women’s Lives. Goldberg, who represented Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism and the National Council of Jewish Women, said, “It was a very motivating experience for me--a girl from Nebraska who lives as a minority in a conservative world. The power of participation in a pro-choice movement in which I was part of the majority was inspiring. It gave me hope for my daughters for their reproductive health and rights in the future.”

April 30, 2004

by Lonnette Parks (Square One, $12.95)

Everything from soup to nuts to be attractively packed into quart or pint Mason jars. These are terrific projects to do with children and grandchildren to make for gifts...Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa would enjoy a jar of goodies on their special day or anytime. Fifty recipes are for Breakfast Fare, Muffins/Scones & Breads, Cookies & Cakes, Soups & Stews and Beverages. The Basics covers ingredients, equipment, baking and cooking tips and instructions for creating the jars...including how to make a wide-mouthed funnel to use while filling the jars for one of these fun projects. The format is a recipe with numerical instructions for preparation, instructions for creating the jar and a recipe to be copied and attached to the jar - a festive square of fabric is suggested to be tied to the jar creation - and viola, your gift is ready. Try making this jar full of summertime sips of pleasure.

Secure the lid, and decorate as desired. Attach these instructions for making the tea: Serve this drink over a chilled glass of crushed ice for a refreshing summertime treat. Place 3 heaping teaspoons of the jar mix in a tall glass. Add 8 ounces cold water and stir well. Add ice and enjoy. Lois Friedman can Readitandeat@yahoo.com.

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Not long ago I wrote some of my opinions of the television people who consider themselves Interior Designers. I made fun of them (because I have a mean streak) and was critical because I didn't think some of them knew borscht from a Botticelli, but now I may have to eat my own words. I’ll explain. My kitchen, here in the southwest, is fairly large and has a nice big table and six chairs. Normally we use it for all meals, except when company is important enough to use the dining room. Ok, no big deal - we have a table and chairs. Over the past weekend I found exactly the right touch to add, making it look so inviting and making me smile every time I walked in the room. What was it you ask? Well, it wasn’t an adorable ceramic cookie jar for the counter, nor was it a colorful poster showing a still life of vegetables. It wasn't even a big straw basket filled with oranges and grapefruit, in the center of the table. It was a tiny booster chair strapped into one of the standard chairs. Now maybe you’re accustomed to a highchair or a booster chair in your kitchen, and if you are that means you have a tiny person to use such a thing. Well, around here we have to wait for company to need such an item, and yes, you guessed it, our great-grandson came for an extremely short visit. He brought his parents and his aunt and a suitcase full of toys, including a nesting set of plastic cups. He found that when those cups were dropped (or tossed) on the kitchen floor, they made a very satisfactory noise, and I must say they added something to the decor of the room. He also had a small toy which had buttons and switches, each of which produced different sounds,

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Page 19

Dining

The Mason Jar Soup-to-Nuts Cookbook

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such as a doorbell, a telephone, a dog barking and I forgot what else. At times, to entertain himself, he would sit down and methodically push each button. If I tell you he’s the most adorable 17 month old blond cherub on the planet, you’ll think I’m bragging, but of course it’s true. If you ever knew our son Joel, you should know this little precious munchkin is his grandson. Unfortunately we don’t get to see him often as we’d like, so when we have the chance, we get a little nutsy. I know for a fact, if you were introduced to him, you’d melt on the spot when he flashed you a big, bashful grin. The visit was more than brief, but certainly better than no visit at all. He explored every inch of the house and was the perfect guest. The only fault we could find was when we had to kiss him goodbye...that part wasn’t fun at all. In addition to which, he wasn’t very into being passed from one grandparent to another to be kissed and kissed again. But although we had to let him go so soon, it was the most delightful weekend we’ve had in quite a while. So the bottom line as far as decorating your house is concerned, is simply this: For an extra touch of color and warmth and feel-good-all-over, be sure to have a small child (and all the paraphernalia that goes with the kid) around. It does wonders for an otherwise serene atmosphere.....even the tiny fingerprints which are found after the kid goes home add a special look that Martha Stewart couldn’t dream up. Yes, now that I think about it, I believe I’ll go get a set of those plastic cups and scatter them around the kitchen floor. If anyone should ask, I’ll explain that “my interior designer thought they add a perfect touch”. Try it yourself. Except you must realize it takes a little kid to really add that touch. Oh well; “for everything, there is a time.” But this over-time is really a special treat! Bert Lewis can Bertelewis@aol.com.

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

Opinion Don’t Blame it on Mom

(Founded in 1920)

Got a compulsive urge to straighten the towels each time you enter the bathroom? Must be Mom’s fault. Didn’t learn how to speak Yiddish as a child? Blame her for that, too. Never moved to the Big Apple to try your hand at acting ‘cause Mom said to “settle down” instead and, of course, she’s the one who threw out your favorite (pick one) stuffed animal, blankie, toy. Ah, it’s probably time to grow up. If you’re reading this newspaper, you’re old enough to shoulder the responsibility for your own actions now. Despite the plethora of jokes about (Jewish) mothers (and mothers-in-law), they’re not agents of Satan. They’re just doing the best they can under sometimes difficult circumstances. Recent statistics state that 72% of mothers with school-aged children are in the workforce in Greater Omaha. That’s not to say that the other 28% don’t work. On the contrary, all mothers work hard--and they sometimes hold down more than one job. Husbands who find themselves sudden widowers or who have sole custody of their children discover rather quickly how much their wives’ services are worth as: drivers, chefs, nurses, housekeepers, seamstresses, gardeners, nannies, bookkeepers, general contractors, teachers, tutors, dishwashers and laundresses, just to name a few of the tasks for which mothers are responsible. Of course, mothers are also capable of and often provide their services as: financial investors, researchers, guidance counselors, psychologists, zookeepers (for the pets--not the children), caregivers, historians, photographers... If your own mother lives in your hometown, you’re pretty damn lucky. If not, make travel plans today to see her soon; at the very least, pick up a phone and call her. Tell her you love her and thank her for all the wonderful things she did (and does) for you, everything she taught you--from tying your shoelaces to reconciling your bank account. Don’t remind her of the time she missed your school play because she was out of town on a shopping trip or the time she forgot your birthday. What is, is. Remember the good stuff. And if your mother is no longer alive, say kaddish for

her. You’ve got five opportunities a year to enter a synagogue and pray for her: Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pesach, Shavuot and her yahrzeit. Too many Jews are skipping out on an important part of Judaism--one that’s as much of a benefit to them as it is to elevating the souls of their loved ones. We’re nearly halfway to Shavuot (it’s the end of the seven week period that started on the second day of Passover and celebrates the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai). So mark your calendars now-May 26 for Reform Jews and May 27 for Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox for Yizkor services. There’s even a special prayer for mothers (and fathers) who have passed away. You’ll feel better if you go--and Mom will appreciate it. Can’t you hear her saying now, “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for your call!” Though not every woman is a mother--we are all children...so Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

The Palestinians’ Unmitigated Disaster BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES A day after Israeli troops killed its second leader within a single month, the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas put on a brave face. The Israelis “are dreaming,” if they think this would weaken Hamas, announced Ismail Haniyeh to a crowd of over 70,000 mourners at the funeral for Abdel Aziz Rantisi. “Every time a martyr falls,” Haniyeh insisted, “Hamas is strengthened.” This sort of boosterism and puffery has a long history among Palestinians. The last time Israeli forces did real damage to the Palestinian war machine, in May 2002, for example, Khaled Meshaal of Hamas announced that the Israeli devastation was actually “a Palestinian victory that lifted the morale of our people.” Not to be outdone, Yasir Arafat of the Palestinian Authority (PA) claimed that same month, “The more destruction I see, the stronger I get.” These leaders may be fooling themselves by pretending that defeat is victory, but growing numbers of Palestinians are wising up to the bitter realities of losing a war. Their mood has darkened since February 2001, when Prime Minister Ariel Sharon came to office intent to establish that violence against Israel does not work. The results have deeply affected Palestinian life. In one town of 5,000 on the West Bank, a resident told the Times of London how his town has been “isolated from the whole world, even from other villages. Everybody has to be in their homes by 6 p.m., and the Israeli patrols come around every day to check.” Protracted isolation has led to steep economic decline. Recent PA figures show that

84 percent of the Palestinian population lives in poverty, as defined by the World Bank, four times the number that did so before the Palestinians stepped up the violence in late 2000. PA residents number 3.5 million and their economy produces $2.5 billion a year, meaning the average per capita income is US$700 a year. A World Bank study in 2003 found that investment in the PA declined from about $1.5 billion in 1999 to $140 million in 2002. The United Nations found in 2003 that Palestinians have turned to subsistence agriculture--growing their own food--in place of the more sophisticated work they had previously been doing.

Ordinary Palestinians, too, are drawing the salutary conclusion that murdering Israelis brings them no benefits...As for Israelis, as early as July 2003 the military brass reached the conclusion that Israel was achieving victory. Commenting on the situation, the UN special envoy to the region, Terje Roed-Larsen, describes the Palestinian economy as “devastated.” (That said, conditions should not be exaggerated. Foreign aid adds $800 million a year, bringing annual per capita income to about $1,000--or about the same as Syria and higher than India and all but a few sub-Saharan countries. Palestinians are thus by no means the poorest people in the world.) In a word, Sharon’s tough policies have established that terrorism damages Palestinian interests even more than it does Israeli ones. This has led some analysts deeply hostile to Israel to recognize that the “second intifada”

was a grievous error. Violence “just went haywire,” says Sari Nusseibeh, president of AlQuds University. An “unmitigated disaster,” journalist Graham Usher calls it. A “crime against the Palestinian people,” adds an Arab diplomat. After the execution of Hamas’s other leader, Ahmed Yassin, last month, sixty prominent Palestinians urged restraint in a newspaper ad, arguing that violence would provoke strong Israeli responses that would obstruct aspirations to build an independent “Palestine.” Instead, the signatories called for “a peaceful, wise intifada.” Ordinary Palestinians, too, are drawing the salutary conclusion that murdering Israelis brings them no benefits. “We wasted three years for nothing, this uprising didn’t accomplish anything,” says Mahar Tarhir, 25, an aluminum-store owner. “Anger and disillusionment have replaced the fighting spirit that once propelled the Palestinian movement,” finds Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, a reporter for Knight Ridder. As for Israelis, as early as July 2003 the military brass reached the conclusion that Israel was achieving victory. More sharply, Israeli analyst Asher Susser concluded in the Middle East Quarterly back then that the Palestinian effort to break the Israeli spirit through terror “has failed” and resorting to force “was a catastrophic mistake, the worst the Palestinians have made since 1948.” In this context, rapidly eliminating two Hamas chieftains in a row deepens Palestinian perceptions that Israel’s will to defend itself is strong, its military arm long, and that terrorism is tactically wrong. Perhaps more Palestinians will realize the time has come to accept the existence of the Jewish state. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures. He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant 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; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. 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 constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. 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.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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Ever the Maverick, Reform’s Yoffie may be Bellwether of Sharon Support “When liberals see something outstanding by a conSome observers say Yoffie and many liberal American servative, they have to stand up and say, ‘Amen,’” Jews are signaling their appreciation for Sharon’s politGanchrow said. “What Yoffie is saying you’re finding ical finesse. across the board--except for the people who are pre“It’s unlikely the American Jewish community, which by JOE BERKOFSKY pared to fight to the last Jew” to retain all of the biblihas traditionally had cal Land of Israel. much stronger ties with Indeed, the Op-Ed by a self-described dove Labor than Likud, would NEW YORK (JTA)--As goes Reform movement leader appeared just as some on the right --including the suddenly change its Rabbi Eric Yoffie, so go many American Jews. views, but as time has At least that's the consensus of many observers after Zionist Organization of America and Americans for a gone on people have a surprising commentary in which the president of the Safe Israel --were accusing Sharon of abandoning been impressed that Arik Union for Reform Judaism--an outspoken liberal-- Jewish settlements and appeasing terrorists while getSharon is thinking severcalled Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon “my hero” for ting nothing in return. “Eric Yoffie himself called Yasser Arafat and his al steps ahead of them, Sharon’s plan for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza regime neo-Nazis, so why and he really does have a Strip. is it positive to be giving plan,” said Jonathan Yoffie, whose group land away to a neo-Nazi?” Sarna, a professor of includes more than 900 conasked Morton Klein, the Jewish history at gregations believed to repZionist Organization of Brandeis University. resent the majority of affiliAmerica’s President. Sarna does find some ated American Jews, wrote Yoffie cautioned that irony in the new political in the Forward last week he wasn’t departing from alignments. As Yoffie was lining up behind Sharon, the that while he once labeled the Reform movement’s edgy Web site Jewsweek, which targets Jews in their 20s Sharon a “demagogue,” he longtime opposition to to 40s, railed against the Gaza pullout. now considers him a “masIsraeli settlements and supOnce, young Jews would have been “reflexively libter politician” singularly sitport for a two-state solution eral,” Sarna said. uated to end Israel’s occuto the Israeli-Palestinian “There are certain shifting currents in the communipation over the Palestinians conflict. ty,” he said. “At a time when there doesn’t seem to be and encourage peace. Moreover, some say, anything coming from the other side, other than ‘We “You have to give someit’s not that American Jews want to destroy the Jewish people and we’re going to one credit when they do suddenly may follow find new ways to blow them up in Israel and around something right, and the Yoffie’s lead, but rather that the world,’ Sharon has kept his eyes on the prize.” prime minister is doing Sharon is moving closer to Some say history is being made. something I consider to be what the majority of Rosen of the AJCongress said Bush took a “historic very important,” Yoffie told American and Israeli Jews step” last week by saying publicly that the presence of JTA. want. West Bank settlements means Israel will not have to Appearing in the days “There’s certainly an return to the pre-1967 boundary lines, and that after Sharon’s historic April irony that now American Palestinian refugees do not have a right to return to 14 summit with President Jews are supporting Sharon, their former homes inside Israel. Bush, the front page Op-Ed but it’s reflective of the “What the president has done is codify the two open not only struck a nerve, but Rabbi Eric Yoffie change in the Israeli govern- issues in this process,” he said. “What’s more important also may signal that American Jews are shifting from their former support ment’s position,” said Jonathan Jacoby, Director of the for the future of Israel than these two issues?” Ganchrow, meanwhile, echoed Yoffie in saying that for the Oslo peace accords to new hope in Sharon, left-leaning Israel Policy Forum. Jack Rosen, President of the American Jewish Sharon is uniquely situated to make a bold move. some say. “It took Nixon to go to China; it took Begin”--Israeli “It’s an important note of realism from the left, and I Congress, said Sharon was growing more centrist. “Sharon is just maturing in his role as leader of Israel Prime Minister Menachem Begin--“to go to Yamit,” a think it also reflects the rank and file of American Jewry,” said Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, President of today,” Rosen said. “He’s coming closer to what the Jewish settlement in the Sinai Desert that Israel relinthe Jewish Life Network, who is considered a moderate majority of the American Jewish community and Israeli quished in its peace treaty with Egypt. Jewish community believe.” In the past, Yoffie has shown a similar willingness to in the modern Orthodox world. Klein sounded a more critical note, saying Sharon has change course, such as when he admitted that it had “It’s a real recognition across the conventional lines been a mistake to support Oslo and trust Palestinian that Sharon from the right is bringing some hope for abandoned his right-wing ideals for the left. “Sharon’s policies are no longer Likud policies, they Authority President Yasser Arafat. Maybe American disengagement and peace that the left cannot deliver,” are Labor-Meretz policies,” he said, referring to the left- Jews will now follow his lead in backing Sharon’s bold Greenberg said. steps, Sarna said. Not all liberal Jews would go as far as Yoffie in laud- leaning Israeli political parties. ing Sharon, but they do praise the Israeli leader’s political acumen. Writer and activist Leonard Fein said Sharon has “played this entire thing brilliantly. He put Bush over a barrel: With elections coming up Bush wants a Gaza withdrawal, and Sharon told him, ‘You’ve got to give me something.’ Now Sharon has told Israelis that if you vote against withdrawal, you’re voting against our alliance with the United States.” But while many American Jewish groups officially have backed Sharon, many U.S. Jews remain skeptical about whether he really will withdraw from Gaza even if he wins support for the move, Fein said. “I really don’t want to live a life in which I say or think, ‘I told you so’” about Sharon, he said. “I would much rather be pleasantly surprised. If there’s a pleasant surprise in the offing here, I may not be the first to drink champagne, but I’ll be lining up.” More wary is Letty Cottin Pogrebin, a writer and former chairwoman of Americans for Peace Now. Though she too acknowledged Sharon’s political skills, she called Yoffie’s support “misplaced praise.” Bush’s support for Sharon’s proposal was “chutzpahdik,” or nervy, she, said because it is the Palestinians, not the Americans, who must sign off on any peace plan. Now, “what do the Palestinians bring back to their people to show, ‘Negotiations pay off, violence doesn’t?’” she asked. Dr. Mendy Ganchrow, Executive Vice-president of the Religious Zionists of America and a fierce Bush backer, said Yoffie’s stance could encourage some of the 80 percent of American Jews who traditionally vote Democratic to vote for Bush on Nov. 2 because of his We’ve moved to an all new location on the exciting Omaha River Front. strong support for Sharon and opposition to Palestinian 151Freedom Park Road www.rivercitystar.com terrorism.

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In the past, Yoffie has shown a similar willingness to change course, such as when he admitted that it had been a mistake to support Oslo and trust Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

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

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

April 30, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE 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 Services, 9:30 a.m., Alternative Services, 10 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation for grades three to seven, 10 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:15 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10 a.m. Hebrew Crash Course, taught by Susi Frydman Levin, in the library; 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study Group, with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues with The Book of Samuel, in the library. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni. THURSDAYS, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin. For more information, call the synagogue. SPECIAL PROGRAMS PATTER (Toddlers & Parents Torah, Exercise, Recreation) session with Helen Epstein, Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance Lessons (no experience required) Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com. THURSDAY, May 13, 7:30 p.m.: Cantor Bogomolni will perform with the Omaha Symphony as a guest soloist. Tickets are available through the synagogue office, 492.8550 or the symphony ticket office.

SATURDAY, May 15: BESTT Graduation. The community is invited to join us for Shabbat services, as we honor our Beth El Talmud Torah high school seniors, seventh and eighth graders, during a special graduation ceremony. Following services a special kiddush will be held in the students’ honor.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7 p.m. For those who accept Shabbos early by davening, candles should be lit by 7:25 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Mary Sue and Alex Grossman in honor of their son’s Bar Mitzvah; Mincha, 7:55 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:08 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 8 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 8 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m., at the blumkin Home. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Stiel, with oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzv=ah of Clarissa Siegel-Causey. SUNDAY: Religious School, 9 a.m.-noon ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Contemporary Issues, 7-8:30 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by members of Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Lee T. Bycel will speak about “Living Out the American Dream: Why Remain Jewish?” Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform JudaismOmaha; Early Worship Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Jeff Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Amy Levinger, daughter of Bonnie and Steve Levinger, will celebrate her Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat Services. SITTER SERVICE Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar/bat mitzvah, as well

Candlelighting Friday, April 30, 8:03 p.m. as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the office so we may plan accordingly. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE RABBI LEE T. BYCEL “Living as a Jew in the Modern World: Challenges and Opportunities”. FRIDAY, 7:30 p.m.: Shabbat Evening Worship Service “Living Out the American Dream: Why Remain Jewish? with Oneg Shabbat following. SATURDAY, 4:30 p.m.: “Finding Meaning in Life: Insights from our Tradition”, with Havdalah, cheese and fruit reception. SUNDAY, 10 a.m.: “Transforming the Ordinary into the Sacred: Creating a Life of Meaning--The Insights of Abraham Joshua Heschel” with bagel brunch. FRIDAY, May 7, 6 p.m.: Tot Shabbat. Cost is $5 per family. Please RSVP to the Temple office, mkube@templeisraelomaha. com or 556.6536. SUNDAY, May 9, 4 p.m.: Mother’s Day Concert. Tickets are $10 each. Call Temple office to reserve at 556.6536.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Celebrate Leelo Sommerhauser’s 90th birthday at the Legacy, 1-3 p.m.; 2004 Annual Dinner and Distinguished Service Award Event. Cocktails, 5:30 p.m. and Dinner, 6 p.m. catered by Chef Everman. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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B’NAI MITZVAH Daniel Isaac Grossman, son of Alex and Mary Sue Grossman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah tomorrow, May 1, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Daniel is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Westside Middle School. He plays the string bass in orchestra and bass guitar in jazz band. He has played ice hockey for seven years for O.M.A.H.A. He also enjoys reading, bike riding, the outdoors, movie making, photography, and many computer related activities. For his mitzvah project, he assisted in affixing mezzuzot in the new Beth Israel building. He

will also be making donations to the Anti-Defamation League, in memory of his paternal grandparents, Ignac and Miriam Grossmanm and to the Nebraska Humane Society, in memory of his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Arlyne Pickett. Daniel has two older siblings, Sarah and Josh. Clarie Elizabeth Schlessinger, daughter of Nancy and Joel Schlessinger, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 8, at Beth El Synagogue. Claire is a seventhgrade superior honor roll student at Kiewit Middle

PERSONAL Please accept my deepest appreciation and many thanks for your good wishes and prayers for my recovery. It helped! Bella Eisenberg

School, and member of the peer leadership program. She was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Program and was a grand recognition honoree. She is a second degree brown belt in karate. She enjoys playing flute and piano, traveling, sewing and acting. She has been in two productions at the Omaha Community Playhouse. For her mitzvah project, she grew her hair for “Locks of Love”, and by using her Bat Mitzvah money, she purchased fabric and sewed warm blankets and pillows for needy Jewish families. Claire has a brother, Daniel. Her grandparents are June and Bernard Schlessinger and Bernice and Maury Gordon.

Maxwell Alan Halsted, son of Mendy and Michael Halsted, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 8, at Temple Israel. Maxwell is a seventhgrade distinguished honor roll student at Westside Middle School. He enjoys music, computers, tennis, and plays the bass clarinet for the Westside Middle School Cool Jazz band. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered with Prevent Blindness Nebraska by helping with vision screening for area students. Max has a sister, Haley. His grandparents are Minnette and Gabriel Klein of Dallas, TX, and the late Alvin Rose, and Joan and Bill Halsted.

April 30, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 23

What is Holiness?

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashiyyot Ahare/Kedoshim In our world, we cannot avoid attention to homicide bombers who hope to kill as many people as possible as they give their own lives to the cult of death. In the Bible, those bent on suicide are devotees of the Molekh, a corruption of the Melekh, that is to say, of the King or the Master, of God. In the second of our two Sidrot, the Text demands that we be holy, “for I the Lord Your God am Holy.” Holy seems to mean “different” or “set aside” or “set apart.” To be holy, then, means to consciously separate oneself, or one’s group, from what is common, undistinguished and ordinary. To be, for example, a “chosen people,” is to adopt standards of life higher than what is expected of people ordinarily. There is no discussion here of attitudes towards war and peace directly, but everything is contained in the magic words, “V’ahavta l’reiakha kamokha--love your neighbor as yourself.” From this wonderful phrase flows ethical treatment in

DEATHS

FAYE ZABIN Faye Zabin died April 23 in Sioux City at the age of 96. Graveside services were held April 26 at Independent Farane Cemetery, with Rabbi Bonnie Leavy officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, and a brother, Martin Lazinger. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Harold and Phyllis Zabin, and Marvin and Ferne Zabezensky of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jacqueline Zabin, of Evanston, IL and Steven Zabin of Oakland, CA; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Charnie of Phoenix, AZ. Memorials to Congregation Beth Shalom in Sioux City, IA, or Beth El Synagogue.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office on Shavuot (May 26-27), the deadline for articles, photos and ads is noon as follows: Issue Deadline May 28 Wednesday, May 19 June 4 Monday, May 24 Questions? Call 334.6450.

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ROBERT ROFFMAN Robert Roffman died in Philadelphia, PA, on April 20. Services were held at Joseph Levine Chapel in Broomhall, PA, with interment at the Haym Salomon Memorial Park. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lee White Roffman. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Roffman; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Barbara Roffman; nine grandchildren, Tara, Kritsa, Mary Jo, Julie, Jennifer, Corey, Michael, Hannah, and Emily Anne; and five grea-grandchildren. Memorials to Congregation Or Shalom or to the Paoli Memorial Hospital.

all situations. It restrains power. It conquers anger. It puts down instincts towards revenge. It calls even for ethical warfare. It demands ethical treatment of the convict and the prisoner of war. It flattens every aggressive feeling a person may have, whether he is victim or victor. It invites a society of gentleness and kindness. It obliges a recognition of human brotherhood. It does not tolerate feelings of dislike, of disdain, of hatred, no matter how natural they are. It overcomes them all and demands recognition that we are all of the same flesh and blood. It calls for clear and omnipresent recognition of our common humanity. Thus it becomes the groundwork and undergirding of an approach that sees life as holy, meaningful, and worth every effort and every sacrifice that man is called upon to give. It calls for devotion and concentration. It engages the whole man, physical, moral, and spiritual. These three words thus become a Bible in little, an ethical treatise unarticulated but deeply demanding. Here in Leviticus, endlessly calling on us to be patient as we are involved in an ancient “hocus pocus” of ritual, we are set straight and obliged to understand that ritual may impress us, but that it is its inner meaning that matters. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is probably beyond the ability of all of us to achieve. But it is the goal toward which we are told to aspire.

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• The American Jewish World Service is collecting money for humanitarian relief in Sudan. The Sudanese government reportedly has armed Arab Muslims who killed as many as 100,000 black Muslims in the past several months. The violence comes after a civil war in the country that has pitted Christians against Muslims during the past several years. Donations can be sent to the American Jewish World Service, 45 West 36 St., 10th Flr., New York, NY 10018. • The Palestinian Authority’s envoy in Washington told the Tikkun Community that Israeli policy foments Palestinian extremism. Hassan Abdel Rahman received a standing ovation from the dovish organization Tuesday after saying he believed there would be an opportunity for a Palestinian state next to Israel, but only if Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon changed his policies. Members of the Tikkun Community lobbied lawmakers to support a Palestinian state and to pressure the Bush administration to take a more “evenhanded” approach to Israeli- Palestinian peacemaking. • The son of a Holocaust survivor recovered a cache of gold coins his family had buried in Poland during the Holocaust. Working with a Polish investigator, Mark Biederman, 43, helped recover the cache of 63 old gold coins, dating as far back as 1703, the family buried in a ceramic pot beside their home in Lodz. Biederman, from southern Ontario, plans to fly to Poland this week to take possession of the coins, which are worth a fortune.

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

April 30, 2004

Israeli Tech Sector Sees Positive Signs, but Security Fears Still Haunt Investment by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- The handshakes, smiles and deals are beginning to return to Israel’s high-tech shores. Venture capital investors are back in Israel shopping for the next big thing and Israeli start-ups are feeling the welcome buzz of momentum as the tide has begun to shift following three hard years of a global economic downturn compounded by the Palestinian intifada. “The current feeling is that there is a change in the general atmosphere and it applies to Israel too,” said Joseph Ciechanover, president of the venture capital funds Etgar I and Etgar II, which together have raised $240 million for investment in Israeli companies. “And it is here, more than anywhere else in the world, that is a cradle for new investors and new initiatives.” With Israel’s position as a leader in information technology, the Jewish state stands to benefit from increased corporate spending in the United States on technology research and development. Long-time Israeli companies, Israeli start-ups and Israeli divisions of foreign companies are beginning to feel the benefits. Technology companies and investments have been an integral part of Israel’s economic growth since the technology boom of the 1990s. But during the technology slump of the last few years, companies in Israel have been hit hard, sometimes even more so than their counterparts around the globe because of the Palestinian intifada. Now, however, there are signs of recovery in Israel. High-tech exports from Israel increased

0.8 percent in 2003 compared to the pre- worked at an economic pep rally. He vious year, totaling $8.9 billion. spoke to an overflow crowd about the “Economic prospects within Israel steps Israel has taken under his watch to depend upon the external environment,” liberalize the country’s economy. Jacob Frenkel, Chairman of Merrill Lynch “If we want to compete, we have to International and a former Bank of Israel have a national economies,” Netanyahu governor, was quoted as saying at a recent said, describing cuts in the public sector in conference in London. “The international Israel and creating incentives for Israel’s environment is improving. I am optimistic private sector. “Israel is undergoing the about the most rapid world econoliberalization my.” process of A group of any country some 10 anywhere.” Israeli venture Netanyahu capital funds said that the are hoping to process-raise about which some $1.5 billion critics say is this year for moving too start-up comquickly, and panies, and o t h e r s money manbemoan as agers say maddeningly fund-raising Still life of keyboard and computer photographed in incremental-p r o s p e c t s Jerusalem. Israel’s hi-tech industry is emerging from a coupled with Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA Israel’s innolook better slump over the last few years. now than they have at any time since vative technologies provides exceptional 2000, the financial news service opportunities for investors. Bloomberg reported. “We are sitting on the silk routes and the At a conference held earlier this month spice routes of antiquity” and can now sponsored by the Association of Venture become a regional hub for technology, Capital Funds, the theme was, “On the Netanyahu said. Threshold of a High-Tech Renaissance” W. Robert Genieser, managing director and the mood was decidedly upbeat. at Vertex Management, a British company, Blue-and-white balloons festooned dis- who was among those attending the conplay booths and participants were ference, is just the kind of investor Israel addressed by top figures in Israeli busi- is trying to attract. ness and politics. “Israel is the closest one gets to Silicon Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Valley from Europe,” he said. “As a global address to the conference would have investor, you cannot ignore the Israeli

market.” He said the returns on investments in Israel are “on par” with Silicon Valley, in California. Israel’s technology industry has its roots in the country’s defense industry. Genieser said the private sector and venture capitalists benefit from investment in research and development that already has been made by the Israeli government. That translates into profits for businesses, he said. Today, Israeli technology is less linked to the military and covers a wide array of industries, from software development to network, search-engine and database technology. Genieser said he also is impressed by the “tremendous spirit” in the country. “The combination of a nice grounding in technology and an entrepreneurial spirit makes it possible to get worldwide investment,” he said. Aliroo, an Israeli company based outside of Tel Aviv that specializes in encryption for e-mail, fax, and other data files, has its international headquarters in Rochester, N.Y. Meir Zorea, Aliroo’s president, founded the company eight years ago. Last year, it reported its first profits and has grown by 100 percent since. Capping its success, the company just closed a major deal with Eastman Kodak to secure their e-mail traffic related to the health-care industry. Among the company’s innovations is the development of a method to safely send and receive medical prescriptions by email. Zorea said the Israeli companies that survived the recent economic recession are the stronger for it.

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