May 3, 2013

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

Sokolof Outstanding This Week Jewish Teacher Award May 3, 2013 23 Iyar 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 33

Mainstreeters May activites Page 6

Shuli and Moshe charm Jewish Omaha Page 6

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Being a high school teacher can be a rewarding experience and sometimes a challenging experience. Ask any high school teacher! So imagine a high school teacher who has students with behavior disorders that interfere with their ability to succeed in school. Imagine trying to teach students who arrive in your classroom with serious learning deficits. Imagine trying to work with students who exhibit verbal and, sometimes, physical aggression towards peers, staff and you. Those are some of the challenges that Rebecca Herskovitz enthusiastically embraces as a high school teacher for the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Integrated Learning Program (ILP). The program is for students in kindergarten through age 21 who exhibit the aforementioned problems. Students from schools in Douglas and Sarpy Counties enroll in ILP after numerous efforts by their home schools and districts have failed to reverse serious school decline. Herskovitz teaches high school English, art and life skills. Herskovitz has been selected to receive the 8th annual Phil and Ruth Sokolof Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award. The late Phil Sokolof created

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha “It’s the individuals and families whom I’ve grown to know that define this as sacred work. They inspire with their life stories and their connection from generation to generation.” –Shane Kotok

Winner of the Sokolof Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award Rebecca Herskovitz (middle) accompanied by her students. this $10,000 award to recognize an Omaha metro area educator, preferably K-12, who has made an outstanding contribution as a teacher and mentor to his or her students. Herskovitz, who is 29 years old, is described by colleagues and students alike as caring, generous, loving, and patient; a leader, who is passionate, funny, dedicated and inspirational. According to the ILP’s Dean of Students, Kylee Starmer-Wilson, “Ms. Herskovitz is a professional teacher

who is full of energy, passion and truly comes to work every day to make a difference in a child’s life.” Herskovitz is from Newton, MA, near Boston. She received her bachelor’s degree from Clark University, in Massachusetts, majoring in art. She earned an M.A. from the same university. Additionally, she earned a M.S. in special education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha while teaching full-time in the ILP. Continued on page 2

Teens honored as leaders Remembering Warsaw Ghetto heros Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Home and Garden See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha Naomi Zipursky and Hannah Perry will be honored with the Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Meeting on Monday, June 3. The Federation and community lay leaders recognized their activities and achievements, as well as their commitment to the Jewish community. Both young women are exceptional high school seniors selected because of their involvement in multiple activities, leadership roles, and ability to be role models for their peers. Both will receive a $1,000 stipend to participate in a convention, conclave or summer camp under Jewish auspices or a recognized Israel experience. Their names will be engraved on a plaque permanently displayed in the JCC lobby.

A Jewish heart and soul

Hannah Perry

Naomi Zipursky

Zipursky has been an officer in United Synagogue Youth (USY) at Beth El Synagogue for most of high school, serving as President in her junior year at Burke High School. Lois Wine, Director of Volunteers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, looked forward to nominating Zipursky for this prestigious award. Along with her parents and twin brother Aaron, she has been a regular volunteer at the Blumkin Home. “Naomi is a reliable, conscientious and caring volunteer. She enjoys helping out with Shabbat and holiday services in the Home’s chapel. She helps her parents lead the second Passover Seder for our residents and

community members,” said Wine. “The residents’ faces light up whenever they see Naomi walk through the Blumkin Home front door,” she added. As the clarinet section leader in Burke’s marching band, Zipursky ensures that 15 fellow clarinetists know their music and can march together in perfect rhythm. She is also the 1st chair clarinet in Concert Band and participates in Orchestra and Jazz Band. Zipursky is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Last year she was “honored” to be teaching 3rd and 4th grades at Beth Continued on page 3

Shane Kotok The Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors has chosen Shane Kotok, Director of Admissions and Community Outreach at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH) as this year’s recipient of the Jody and Neal (Buzz) Malashock Award for Professional Excellence. The Malashocks established the award last year to acknowledge the hard work of our Jewish community’s professionals. Marty Ricks, Chief Development Officer, was the award’s first recipient and was recognized for his fourteen years as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Buzz Malashock commented on this year’s recipient. “Jody and I congratulate Shane on this welldeserved honor. This award was created to recognize professional leadership and excellence and Shane exemplifies both. She has provided love and care throughout our community, often to those most vulnerable and their families. We are proud to present Shane with this award for her outstanding commitment to the Omaha Jewish Community.” Shane and her husband, C. David Kotok, have lived in Omaha for 33 years; and Shane has worked at the Blumkin Home for 29 years. They have three children and two grandchildren: son Seth, his wife Kattie, and granddaughter Frances, and daughter Annie in Los Angeles and son Stephen, wife Mehreen and granddaughter Zara in New Jersey. Kotok was overwhelmed at the Federation’s recognition. “Receiving Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | May 3, 2013

Sokolof Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award Continued from page 1 “Since middle school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” said Herskovitz. That’s why I chose Clark University, because I wanted to matriculate into their excellent M.A. program and become a teacher.” One of the classes she regularly taught during her graduate studies at Clark was a class with students who had behavioral and emotional disorders. “That class connected to my soul,” noted Herskovitz. “I feel passionate about working with students with emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. I like thinking outside of the box.” After earning her M.A., she moved to San Francisco and taught special education for a year. However, her future husband moved to Omaha; so Herskovitz moved here, too. She became the Education Director for Kent Bellows Studio. “I had the opportunity to create curriculum from the ground up, combining my interests in art and education,” she said. “I enjoyed the education programs and realized I wanted to be with students all the time, so I applied for special education positions at OPS and was hired to teach for the ILP.” This is her fourth year. “Our school is a specialized program for students struggling with social and emotional difficulties as well as academic challenges,” explained Starmer-Wilson. “Each day, I see Ms. Herskovitz take the district content standards and differentiate the instruction so the students who struggle the most can be taught in a way they learn best.” Another colleague noted, “Ms. Herskovitz deals daily with students who are hostile, oppositional and resistant to learning, but she consistently displays respect and concern for all students. She infuses her positive attitude into the learning environment.” Many of Herskovitz’s students described how positive and upbeat their teacher is. One student wrote, “She puts up with a lot of kids who curse, hit and simply do not appreciate her, but she still comes to work and continues to show happiness and love to the ones around her…I believe that says a lot about her character and her dedication to the at-risk youth and the students she serves.” Her approach to handling difficult situations involves staying calm and listening. “The power of relationship building helps,” she said. “Over time, they learn to trust me and this reduces crisis moments. There will always be ‘moments’ but the focus is on academic achievement. That’s why some students have academic successes for the first time.” Herskovitz teaches a social skills class, three English classes and co-teaches two art classes with an art-therapist. Her classes include 11th and 12th graders with varied skill levels. In her English classes, students read novels and write. Herskovitz stated, “We do creative writing and published a collection of the students’ short stories and poems. I believe in making it come alive for the students.” Herskovitz got the ILP involved with the Poetry Out Loud competition. She applied for and received grants, and organizes the competition each year. Herskovitz works with all of

her students as they each prepare to present two memorized poems to a large audience. She also obtained grants to bring in poets from the Nebraska Writer’s Collective. In her art classes, Herskovitz encourages her students to express themselves through art. The art therapist who coteaches with Herskovitz wrote, “She is always getting kids to explore their creative sides and expand their artistic abilities. She goes above and beyond. Although she is a super sweet person, she is not a push-over. In return for her services, she demands 100% effort from the students and they respond very well to her teaching methods.” Carol Lane, Teacher Leader/Assistant Administrator with ILP, explained, “Ms. Herskovitz maintains a classroom that is orderly and respectful and in which students are engaged and inspired to learn. Teachers are motivated to upgrade their own skills after observing or otherwise learning from Ms. Herskovitz.” Herskovitz said that graduation is a bittersweet time. “I honestly love my students. I’m so happy they can make it to this point. Sometimes a student is the first in his or her family to graduate from high school. Graduation is a proud day and is not taken for granted.” When asked what inspires her to teach, Herskovitz stated, “My family. They’ve been through some struggles; it helps

me find empathy for my students. And being an artistic person is a source of inspiration, where you are constantly seeking solutions. There is not one right way to do things; I believe in that process.” Students appreciate Herskovitz’s efforts. “She has inspired me to focus on my school work and achieve my goals,” said one student. “She has made an incredible impact on everybody’s life, including mine.” “This teaching award is a huge honor,” continued Herskovitz. “It is so touching to know that my students wrote letters of recommendation. I’m very blessed. I’m also appreciative of the school community and the support I receive from colleagues. Our principal, Sandra Bender, has championed academic excellence for our students.” Herskovitz’s husband, Caolan O’Loughlin, was born in Ireland and works for OPS. In her spare time, Herskovitz continues to create art; she paints and draws and occasionally exhibits her pieces. Herskovitz will be honored along with the winners of the Sokolof Merit Scholarships and the Sokolof Javitch Merit Music Scholarships at the Jewish Community Center on Thursday, May 16, following the 7 p.m. Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y broadcast. A reception will follow. The community is invited to attend.

A Jewish heart and soul Continued from page 1 the Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence is the greatest honor of my career. Anything I achieve has to be because of the amazing colleagues I have at RBJH. I will really treasure this because of the passion and pride I have for the Jewish community of Omaha, the community I love!” In April of last year, Kotok was honored by her alma mater, the University of Nebraska Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Service, with the Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service. The award recognized former students who “define the very best of public service: integrity, volunteerism and leadership.” And just a few months ago, Kotok traveled to California to attend the annual meeting of the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) where she was honored with its 2013 Professional of the Year Award. Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO Mike Silverman said Kotok goes above and beyond her job title; acting as administrator, social worker, geriatric counselor, companion, confidant and, most importantly, family member. “If a senior member of the Omaha Jewish community needs help, everyone knows Shane is ‘the person’ to call. She has a Jewish heart and a Jewish soul.” Upon learning that this year’s AJAS honor would be awarded to Kotok, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Assistant Administrator Mike Schop said, “Shane was the only mem-

The 2013 AIPAC Nebraska Annual Event:

Shane, bottom right, with her colleagues: clockwise from left: Bert Benson, Holly Hamilton, and Shelly Fox ber of the RBJH management team I met with during my interview process at the Home. When I asked why, I was told that Shane is ‘the heart’ of the Home. I have learned from Shane, I have leaned on Shane and I will long remember the lessons she teaches me every day.” Kotok will be honored at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Meeting on June 3 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The entire community is invited to celebrate with all of the award winners. For more information, contact Bob Goldberg, Director of Strategic Initiatives at 402.334.6431. Ozzie Nogg generously contributed content to this article.

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ADL selecting public art with a message by LIZZY GILBERT Corporate & Community Development, Anti-Defamation League Typecast | Recast is brought to Omaha by the AntiDefamation League (ADL) - Plains States Region. The project uses public art to challenge perceptions, break down stereotypes, and generate understanding of one another on a more human level. A free event is being held on Thursday, May 9 at the Holland Performing Arts Center to seek the public’s input in selecting artist proposals. We have all felt typecasted at times. We all hold our own stereotypes or biases of others. Typecast | Recast offers each one of us the opportunity to recognize and examine typecasts, perceptions, and personal biases. And through art... to consider a world free of them. In January, ADL, in cooperation with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, invited regional artists to submit qualifications and preliminary proposals to be considered for the 2013-2014 Typecast | Recast public art exhibition. More than 50 artists from Omaha and surrounding communities applied to participate in the inaugural exhibit. A jury narrowed this competitive pool to the most qualified candidates. The Typecast | Recast jury includes Karin Campbell, Phil Willson, Curator of Contemporary Art and Toby Jurovics, Chief Curator and Holland Curator of American Western Art with the Joslyn Art Museum; Hesse McGraw, Chief Curator with The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts;

Brigitte McQueen Shew, Executive Director of The Union for Contemporary Art; and Alan Potash, Regional Director for the Plains States ADL. Attendees on May 9 will hear from these artists, what they want to create, the message it will symbolize, the location for the artwork, and how it will be created. At the conclusion of the event, guests will be able to cast their vote for their favorite concept online. The project that receives the most votes will be the recipient of the first commission and named Public Choice Award Winner. The jury’s results will determine the remainder of commissions awarded. This public event will take place in the Courtyard of the beautiful Holland Performing Arts Center (1200 Douglas Street). Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m. The Holland Center serves as the Southern ending point of this planned linear art exhibit, which begins at Douglas Street and extends North on 12th Street to TD Ameritrade Park. The event is free and open to the public, but online registration at www.TypecastRecastSelection.EventBrite.com is required. Sign up early as space is limited. Guests must bring either a printed or mobile ticket to check-in. A cash bar will be available, along with light hors d’oeuvres. Visit www.TypecastRecast.org for additional information about this ADL project. Questions? Email Omaha@ adl.org or call 402.333.1303.

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Teens honored as leaders Continued from page 1 El Synagogue. “When I attended Sunday school, I always looked up to the high school kids and now it’s come full circle. The kids look up to me. I have loved participating in this Jewish community. It’s always been rewarding,� Zipursky said. Next year, this very driven young lady continues to pursue the goal she first made public to her kindergarten teacher in 2000. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Zipursky calmly replied, “President of the United States�. Zipursky will attend Emory University in Atlanta, GA in the fall to study political science/international studies, Spanish and diplomacy with an eye toward law school. She hopes to fulfill her dreams at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hannah Perry has been a constant and active participant in Jewish life throughout her high school career. Amy Katz, Youth Advisor at Temple Israel, nominated Perry, in part, because, “I do not know of any committee regarding youth engagement in either the community high school or at Temple Israel that Hannah hasn’t been a member of. She is a strong advocate for what she believes in and is not afraid to take charge and actively work to make improvements.� Hannah participated in both the Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) and BBYO her first two years of high school, then served on the OTYG leadership board for two years as the Religious and Cultural Vice President and

as President. Katz further described Perry as “An excellent role model, demonstrating consistent hard work, organizational skills and a fun spirit. OTYG hosted a fall Chavurah this year and Hannah’s involvement in every aspect of the preparation and implementation made it a great success.� Perry reads Torah regularly at Temple Israel’s services. She is a confident public speaker, having addressed the congregation many times while providing a D’var. Perry is also a Madracha in the Temple’s religious school, assisting with all kinds of tasks in the classrooms. In her leadership position as President of OTYG, Perry attends the Temple’s Board of Directors meetings and was a respected member of the search committees for Religious School Director and Youth Advisor. Hannah is enrolled in the Baccalaureate Program at Millard North High School, and, as a member of the National Honor Society, regularly tutors students in science and math. For three years she has competed on the school’s track team and is a member of Amnesty International and the chemistry club. Her philanthropic interests extend further into the Omaha community. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, building and painting houses; she has logged over 60 hours at a Habitat Restore. Perry says her college choice remains uncertain, but she has narrowed it down to George Washington University in Washington D.C. or the University of Nebraska Lincoln.

2013 High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 24, 2013. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information: Parent names, High School and College you will be attending. You can also email the information and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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A beautiful evening for WRJ by DAVID GOLBITZ “and the backdrop was so cool.” Temple Israel Staff Writer Claudia Sherman was also impressed with More than 80 people enjoyed an evening the work that went into making the wine of friends, food, wine and music at the tasting a success, specifically the leadership Women of Reform Judaism’s first Wine of Dana Gonzales. Tasting Gala at Temple Israel. The April 20 “She was so dedicated and worked so fundraiser raised money to purchase kitchen hard, spent so much of her time and effort supplies for the new Temple Israel building on this project that it cannot be overstated,” on Sterling Ridge Drive. “It was a beautiful evening,” said WRJ Committee Chair Dana Gonzales. “I’m so proud of how the committee pulled together to make this event happen. There was a wonderful feeling of friendship and community.” The fundraiser featured wine and beer donated by Brix, and there was a raffle for a 2009 magnum of Blue Eyed Boy shiraz donated by Mutual of Omaha, autographed by Jen and Scott Goodman enjoyed sampling the many variPGA golfers whom Mutual of eties of wine at the WRJ gala. Omaha sponsors and valued at $150. Sherman said. “WRJ and Temple are lucky “I think the wine gala was fantastic,” Debbie to have her.” Josephson said. “Everyone was having fun Temple Israel President Sally Kaplan was and visiting with old friends and making new pleased to see so many congregants in attenones, a sure sign of a wonderful event.” dance. She hopes “We can make it an annuThe event was held in the Milder Center, al event.” which was decorated by WRJ with a New Though exhausted, Gonzales is already York jazz club theme. The band, Smooth looking forward to planning next year’s Blues Jazz Guitar Trio, featuring George event. Walker on guitar, Clark Ewalt on bass and “This was a fantastic learning experience,” Kent Barnes on vocals and drums, per- Gonzales said. “Next year in the new buildformed against a backdrop of the New York ing, it will be bigger and better. We’re going City skyline. to take what we learned from this experi“The room looked great,” Josephson said, ence and build on it.”

Chabad hosts Annual Shavuot Garden Party by RABBI LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN Chabad Center Enthusiastic volunteers are once again gearing up for the annual Shavuot Garden Party, to occur in conjunction with the recital of the Ten Commandments on Wednesday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at the Chabad Center. Shavuot is a holiday marking the date the Jewish people received the Torah and the Ten Commandments after the Exodus from Egypt. A full dairy feast, following the reading, is slated to feature traditional favorites, as well as new treats. “We are taught that the recital of the Ten Commandments each year is actually a reenactment of the Sinai experience 3,325 years ago,” says Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Director of the Chabad Center. “There is an awesome power in this holiday. It is up to us to tap into the infinite source of light and gain inspiration in our daily lives.” Shavuot is traditionally celebrated with a dairy feast, and at Chabad it is no different. “While we have the traditional blintzes and cheesecakes, we’ll also surprise you with a few modern, tantalizing dairy treats,” says Shani Katzman. “And don’t worry, for all

lactose intolerant folk, there’ll be something for you, too!” One of the reasons given for the dairy meal is that just as an infant is nurtured by milk, the Jewish nation were nurtured by Torah from the day we were birthed as a people at Sinai and throughout our history. “Torah is our nourishment. The milky tradition reminds us of that,” says Shani. Rabbi Katzman says it is especially important that children be a part of the celebration, as they were - and are - the central figures in the story. The Midrash tells of how G-d was asking for a guarantor that the Torah would be observed. The Jewish people offered the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but were refused. They then offered the Prophets, and were again rebuffed. Finally “Our children will be our guarantors,” they said, and G-d agreed, saying, “Because of them, I will give the Torah.” The event is open to the entire community. For more information or to RSVP, please check us out at ochabad.com or call Chani at 402.330.1800 or email chani@ ochabad.com.

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Your kid in pictures by OZZIE NOGG Friday, May 17, is graduation day at the Child Development Center, and the Star Deli will mark the occasion by treating CDC graduates to free cupcakes. (Oh, yum.) And, in keeping with this childhood milestone, the Star Deli Friday lunch menu on May 17 will feature those ever lovin’ Sliders -- aka Mini Burgers. Even without a Ph.D., you know this is going to be a very special day.

Circa 2003: This reporter’s granddaughters: Alexandra Pichik, left, Natalie Pichik and Olivia Nogg. Upping the ante on special-ness, Mike Schop, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Assistant Administrator, invites everyone who plans to attend the Friday Deli on May 17 (and even those who can’t make it) to be part of some media magic. “We thought it would be fun to have anyone and everyone in the community send us pictures of their kids, or grandkids, or great-grandkids. Recent photos or snapshots from the olden days. And identify the subjects, please. We’ll take all the pictures, create a slide show and put it on the big screen in the RBJH Auditorium so the CDC grads can see themselves and other kids up in lights, bigger than life, during lunch. A celebration of kidhood, if you will.” To be part of the show, please email photos to pgentry@rbjh.com. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 10. The Star Deli on Main Street is open every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues to be a popular destination for chow hounds who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the kibitzing factor. In addition, the Deli is happy to host special occasions and will reserve private dining spaces in the RBJH for large groups. For more information on how Star Deli Catering can add spice to your meetings, parties and life cycle events, contact Mike Aparo at 402-334-6522 or Regan Tinglehoff at 402-334-6523. If you prefer electronic Star Deli news -- including Friday Deli lunch offerings -please visit their web page at http://www.rbjh.com/index. php/star-catering/home. To stay up-to-date on deli specials and get the online Star Deli scoop, ‘like’ their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/star.deli.rbjh.

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Beth El’s Shavuot celebration by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Shavuot is traditionally known as a time of learning, a time for tikkun leil Shavuot (studying into the evening), as the Jewish people commemorate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This year, Beth El’s Shavuot celebration will bring the community together for thought-provoking discussions, a festive meal, plus some fun-filled learning in the kitchen as attendees team up to bake delicious ‘Bible Cakes.’ The Tuesday, May 14 holiday festivities begin with 5:30 p.m. services, followed by a traditional dairy dinner at 6 p.m. Afterward, at 6:45 p.m., the celebration will take on biblical proportions, as congregants roll up their sleeves and search through the Hebrew Bible for clues regarding ingredients needed to make their cakes. “Not only is this just plain fun for everyone involved,” says Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham, “but it’s an excellent way to become familiarized with different passages in the Torah – a great learning experience.” While the cakes bake, the studying will continue, as Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman take an in-depth look at the meaning and significance of the Book of Ruth. Attendees will also be treated to a presentation by Beth Katz, executive director of Project Interfaith, who will discuss ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive congregation toward all people, particularly interfaith families. The synagogue will also offer children’s Shavuot activities: at 5:30 p.m., Patty Nogg will lead a special Tot Shavuot program geared to toddlers and their parents; and Eadie Tsabari will lead Oh Say Shalom to Shavuot, for chil-

Omaha Mayoral election by JEAN STOTHERT Over the last four years, Omaha has faced many challenges. Omaha families and small businesses have had to deal with significant tax increases, as well as the creation of many others. For the first time in nearly a decade, crime in Omaha is inexcusably on the rise. But we don’t need to accept the status quo. We deserve better, and it starts with a new mayor and a fresh vision for Omaha’s future. As mayor, fighting crime will be my number one priority. I am the only candidate with a detailed and comprehensive plan to reduce rising crime. It includes specific proposals to improve the prevention, intervention, and prosecution of crime. I also understand you work hard for your money, and I will make sure that the city of Omaha is spending your money as smart and efficiently as you would. As a member on the Omaha City Council for the last four

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years, I fought for taxpayers by voting against the countless tax increases on Omaha businesses and families. I also stood up when Mayor Suttle gave huge salary increases to his top political appointees without the knowledge or approval of the taxpayers and the City Council. As mayor, I will renegotiate public employee union contracts to achieve significant taxpayer savings, getting pensions and healthcare costs under control, just as I have already done with last year’s fire union contract. That contract saved taxpayers over $820 million over the next 50 years. I will also set up an audit process for every city department, to identify and then eliminate the waste and overhead that currently exists. With your help, together we will make city government leaner, smarter, and more efficient. That’s the kind of mayor I’ll be, and I would be honored to have your vote on May 14.

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dren in the first grade and older. As another highlight during the evening, the following ‘minyannaires’ will be honored for attending at least 24 daily services during the past year: Glen Fineman, Michael Gerson, Don Goldstein, Marcel Kahn, Merle Potash, Steve Riekes, Bill Cohen, Morris Friedman, Andy Greenberg, Rick Emas, Sanford Friedman, Dee Goodman, Michael Goodman, Shane Kotok, Hazzan Michael Krausman, Anna Mosenkis, Diane Baum, Wendy Berenson, Stan Edelstein, Ron Epstein, Howard Kaplan, Rod Skolnick, Jason Blair, Larry DeBruin, Sherman Golbitz, Miriam Gottlieb, Cary Grossman, Leah Grunkin, David Herzog, Howard Kaiman, Judy Katskee, Milt Katskee, David Kotok, Larry Kronick, Joan Latchaw, Steve Levy, Caryn Rifkin, Gary Rifkin, Nancy Rips, Lloyd Roitstein, Ed Schneider, Ben Shapiro, Stan Silverman, Tootie Simon, Nancy Skid, Stewart Tully, Esther Wax, Jim Wax, and Steve Wees. In addition, the congregation will celebrate the births of Beth El babies born since last Shavuot, including Ezra Blair, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Blair; Solomon Denenberg, son of Drs. Steven and Tiffany Denenberg; Molly Epstein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Epstein; Talia Kohen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ari Kohen; Samuel Kutler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Kutler; and Natalie Sigmond, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sigmond. Beth El’s Shavuot celebration is open to everyone in the Jewish community. Dinner cost is $10 for Beth El members, and $15 for non-members; $5 for children 7 – 12, and free for children six and younger. Free babysitting will be available by reservation only. RSVP and pay online at www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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Mainstreeters in May by OZZIE NOGG per plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and Summer is a’coming in, but no grass send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. grows under Mainstreeters’ feet. “It’s 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated wonderful to see so many different by Monday, May 13. For information, call Linda Abrams programs taking place on Tederman at 402-468-4939. Main Street at the Home,” Join Us at the Movies: said Maggie Conti, Life of Pi. Thursday, May Director of Activities and 23 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Outreach Programs at the Theater. Please note date RBJH, “and we want as change. No charge for the many people as possible to film or for unlimited bags be able to join in the of warm, delicious popexcitement.” Upcoming corn. No reservations necMainstreeters programs essary. Invite a friend. include: Winner of 4 Academy Lauritzen Gardens: Awards, including Best Past, Present & Future. Director, Life of Pi is an Monday, May 20, 12:30 astonishing technical p.m. Lunch in the Rose achievement that’s also Blumkin Jewish Home emotionally rewarding. Auditorium. Take a ‘walk’ Director Ang Lee creates a through the gardens with groundbreaking movie longtime tour guide event about a young man Margaret Clough as she who survives a disaster at presents an illustrated talk sea and is hurtled into an on the unique features and epic journey of adventure future of Lauritzen and discovery. While cast Gardens. Margaret enjoys away, he forms an amazing her assignments as an and unexpected connecLauritzen Gardens comes to Mainstreeters ambassador for the Garden tion with another surbecause “first-time visitors always express admiration of and vivor... a fearsome Bengal tiger. For questions call Maggie appreciation for there being such a high quality, superior and Conti at 402.334.6521. beautiful botanical garden in Omaha.” For your entree, Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha choose either Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon over mixed area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of social greens with raspberry vinaigrette. Both entrees are served events and learning opportunities that give participants the with Middle Eastern Hamud soup (chicken soup with chance to meet new people, excercise their brains, take part lemon), challah rolls, brownies and beverages. Cost is $11.50 in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Omaha World-Herald reporter Steve Jordan will discuss his brand-new book about Warren Buffett and he will autograph a copy for anyone who desires to purchase it on Wednesday, May 8, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish has been called the Robin Hood of languages. The

vocabulary of Yiddish is drawn from German (mostly), Hebrew, Slavic Tongues, Romance languages, and English. Yiddish bears the marks of our expulsions from land to land, it has absorbed the laments of generations, the poisons and the bitterness of history, the language whose precious jewels are undried Jewish tears. Yiddish stresses the humor in every situation because the reality for Jews is most often too difficult to bear. That is why we offer fun and laughter. Come join us at the Blumkin Home’s Boardroom every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Visit us on the web at jewishomaha.org

Shuli and Moshe charm Jewish Omaha by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Life Omaha’s Partnership2Gether program reached another high note with the recent visit by Shuli and Moshe Dayan, helping Omaha celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut. The audience of nearly 200 people delighted in the musical talents and warm personalities of Shuli and Moshe during a community concert on April 16. During the reception following the concert, Shuli and Moshe visited with community members, continuing to charm those with whom they interacted. The following day,

Shuli and Moshe Dayan performing at Friedel. Shuli and Moshe gave mini-performances at the Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy and Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah with the students joining the singing and dancing. And Moshe needs to remember to take very good care of his charming wife because two little boys at the CDC told their teacher they want to marry Shuli! Moshe and Shuli also entertained residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and Moshe sang a special medley of Yiddish songs for the Seniors. Shuli and Moshe performed in Indianapolis prior to their Omaha arrival and they traveled to Austin and New Jersey after leaving Nebraska. Those unable to attend the community concert can still enjoy the music of this talented duo through the purchase of CDs which are available in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Partnership2Gether is a program of the Center for Jewish Life, promoting people-to-people relationships between Israel and communities throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the U.S. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher region in northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, educational and economic programs. For more information on Partnership, please call the Center for Jewish Life at 402.334.6445.

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Essay Contest awards nine students by HILLARY FLETCHER High School, Omaha. Communications Coordinator, Institute for Holocaust Education Honorable mentions: In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and with 9th-10th Grade Category support from the Carl Frohm Foundation, the Institute for Katie Hollenbeck, Burke High School, Omaha. Holocaust Education hosted the 11th Annual Tribute to the 11th-12th Grade Category Rescuers Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on April 22 in the Jessica Vortham, Central High School, Omaha; Zach Silverman Theater at the Weingarten of High Rose Blumkin Home. Technology High School, Donna Walter, Education Lincroft, NJ. Coordinator for the IHE Feldstern, Executive presented the student Director of the Institute for awards and read a congratuHolocaust Education, latory message from Linda hopes to see the contest and Harold Mann, trustees grow. “The students who of the Frohm Foundation. participate in the contest Bea Karp, child survivor of are really asked to examine the Holocaust, provided her the true meaning of moral testimony for those in attencourage – in a historical dance and Liz Feldstern, context and in their own Executive Director of the Contest Winners: Ryan Wood; left, Tamerea Marion; Young-Joon personal experiences. The IHE gave the introductory Park; Bea Karp, Holocaust Survivor; Katie Hollenbeck; Jessica thoughtful maturation that remarks. Laura Stastny, IHE Grimmond; Marie Wagner; and Jessica Vortham. comes from this process is Administrative Assistant, something we’d like more presented the teacher students to experience. “ awards. Walter added, “It was Essays were submitted wonderful to see our essay by students throughout contest winners supported Nebraska and included by their families and teachentries from Pennsylvania ers as they were recognized and New Jersey. for their efforts to tackle Approximately 520 stuthe challenging topic of dents entered the contest moral courage. We are this year. Student essays delighted that their teachwere diverse, drawing on ers were willing to use the both personal experiences lens of the Holocaust to and classroom exercises. inspire their students in Essayists shared their perthis writing assignment.” sonal confrontations with Tamerea Marion of Sherri Hoye, VJ and Angela Skutt Catholic High School; left, Jen and concerns about issues Central High School wrote Stastny, Omaha Central High School; and Eileen Sullivan, Mount such as racism, homophoeffectively about Ugandan Michael Benedictine High School. bia, gender bias, bullying, gay rights activist, Frank oppressive regimes and terrorism -- issues that many adults Mugisha. Mugisha is an openly gay man living in a country are uncomfortable addressing. Inspiration was also elicited that is “striving to make homosexuality punishable by death.” from works of literature as different as Harry Potter and The Tamerea wrote, “The world needs more morally courageous Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. people like Mugisha who will persevere and sacrifice to Winners of the 11th Annual Tribute to the Rescuers defend their ethics and protect others.” Essay Contest: Marie Wagner of V.J. and Angela Skutt High School, was 9th-10th Grade Category inspired by London Times journalist Marie Colvin. Marie’s First Place: Marie Wagner, V.J. and Angela Skutt High essay, Behind the Stories, passionately illustrated Colvin’s School, Omaha; Second Place: Jessica Grimmond, Burke reports of conditions in Syria and the bombing, by the Syrian High School, Omaha; Third Place: Young-Joon Park, Mount Army, of the town of Homs. While trying to remain unbiMichael Benedictine High School, Omaha. ased, Colvin could not help reporting these events as she saw 11th-12th Grade Category them, “shelling a city of cold starving civilians.” Colvin was First Place: Tamerea Marion, Central High School, killed in a bombing shortly after writing those words. Omaha; Second Place: Audrey Loo, Watchung Regional For next year’s Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest’s appliHigh School, Warren, NJ; Third Place: Ryan Wood, Central cation and instructions, please visit www.ihene.org in the Fall.

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Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER I recently received a bar mitzvah invitation that was addressed to “Teddy Weinberger and his spouse.” The Hebrew text of the invitation was fairly standard, thanking God and giving the details of the celebration. Standard too, unfortunately (since the family in question is ultra-orthodox), was the fact that for each of the three sets of couples that appeared at the end of the invitation (the parents and the two sets of grandparents), the woman’s name was designated as had been my wife’s on the envelope: “and his spouse.” Apparently, it is immodest for a woman’s name to appear in print. The invitation was at the cutting edge of what passes for women’s modesty these days in Israel: a restriction on women’s presence so that, ideally, there is no presence left. Other examples: certain public bus lines that travel through ultra-orthodox neighborhoods are segregated by gender, women’s images on public advertisements are frequently defaced, ultra-orthodox men refuse to sit next to women on airplanes, and very religious male soldiers refuse to be instructed by female soldiers or to hear them sing at army ceremonies. I might have been prepared to overlook Sarah’s absence from the invitation were it not for the fact that at such a bar mitzvah men and women are seated separately. And unlike a few years ago, when I attended the bar mitzvah of this family’s older son, I have consciously made a decision that may sound humorous but is really very important to proclaim: I only attend celebrations where there is mixed seating. You probably have never heard of such a policy. What you might

have heard about is the practice of only attending a simcha if there is separate seating for men and women. This “custom” is relatively new. Decades ago one could find even ultra-orthodox rabbis at simcha tables seated alongside their wives, and it is only fairly recently that such a practice has become treif. Yes, separate dancing (where the women cannot be seen) is no longer enough to appease the strictly Orthodox. Separate seating is de rigeur if you wish to have “very religious” people as your guests. It’s time for Orthodox people like myself to speak up and say that we don’t enjoy simchas without our spouses present beside us. But perhaps this will lead to temptation? Perhaps. Life is full of temptations and one cannot eliminate them. I just know that a simcha is literally supposed to be joyous, and I will not be fully happy if my wife is seated beyond a separating partition. Did I call up the family of the bar mitzvah boy and tell them why I wouldn’t be attending their simcha? No, of course not. I took the easy way out and did not respond and did not attend the bar mitzvah. (Like many simchas in the ultra-orthodox world, the invitation arrived without a request for an RSVP. I’m not sure what the the ultra-orthodox tell their caterers, but they must over time have worked out some kind of formula.) I strongly believe that the modern religious have to stop acting as if the more stringencies the better. Because guess what? Sometimes stringencies are not stringencies. Sometimes stringencies are just plain old wrong. Forcing families to separate when they come to your simcha is wrong. So if you want me to dance (okay with men only) at your wedding, make it a mixed seating event, and if you can refer to my wife as “Sarah Ross” on the invitation’s envelope that would really make us happy. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

Debbie Massarano selected as Temple Religious School Director by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer In looking for a Director of Youth and Family Education, the Temple Israel Educator Committee, led by Rosie Zweiback, cast a wide net for a qualified, dedicated individual who has the vision and commitment to create engaging educational programming for children and adults alike. Zweiback and the members of the committee believe they found the perfect candidate for leading Temple Israel’s students into the future: Debbie Massarano. “Debbie stood out for her experience, vision and personal warmth,” Zweiback Debbie Massarano said. “She has a strong background in Reform Jewish education.” Massarano comes to Omaha from Dallas, Texas, where she worked most recently as Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning at Temple Shalom. Prior to that, she worked for the Union for Reform Judaism as Regional Educator for both the Southwest and Midwest Councils. When she was 12, her parents sent her with her older brother Glenn to the URJ’s Camp Swig -- now Camp Newman -- in northern California. That summer camp experience solidified her Jewish identity and continues to influence her work as a Jewish educator. “My experience at Camp forever shaped and colored the way in which I live my life and my view of education,” Massarano said. “We came home to our parents and said, ‘We want to do Shabbat.’ My parents looked at us and said, ‘What do you mean “do Shabbat?”‘ and we said, ‘Well, you gotta get the challah, you gotta do the wine thing, we gotta go to services, and my parents were like, ‘Seriously, we have to go to services?’ So we schlepped our parents to services.” Four years later, Massarano’s father was president of their congregation and Debbie was on her way to becoming a Jewish educator, beginning with returning to Camp Swig to be a counselor. “We transformed our twice-a-year Jewish family into actively involved members of our congregation and

became a family with a foundation of rich Jewish celebrations and values in our home,” Massarano said. “Through the years I have carried with me the richness of informal education that is integral to camp life. It has shaped each teaching opportunity and every learning encounter.” “I don’t think any of us were prepared to succeed to this level, to find someone this uniquely qualified to meet our needs,” search committee member Lise Sasson said. Search committee member and Religious School teacher Natasha Kraft was equally impressed and is looking forward to working with Massarano next year. “I am positive we found the best person to be our Religious School Director,” she said. As Director of Youth and Family Education, Massarano will be responsible for the K-12 Religious School program, family school and family enrichment activities, according to Zweiback. “She will work closely with our faculty and the Temple Israel staff to strengthen our school and to develop new programs that will build community and provide families with new ways to learn and grow,” she said. In addition to being a Jewish educator in the United States, Massarano also lived for two years in Jerusalem, where she took part in a NFTY training program and lived on a kibbutz. “I do what I do because I think that it’s all about building Jewish identity,” Massarano said. “And we build Jewish identity by creating relationships with our congregation, with the clergy, with the building, and with the other people in the community.” As an employee of URJ, Massarano had visited Omaha twice before, and those experiences with the Omaha Jewish community made her that much more excited when she saw the job listing at Temple Israel. “I knew I had to apply, because I knew what a wonderful place this was,” Massarano said. “Omaha in general is a fabulous community, and that community piece was a huge part of the decision to come here.” Search committee member Susie Norton believes the future of Temple Israel’s Religious School is in good hands. “She has the experience, talent and enthusiasm to help us continue to improve and energize our children’s Jewish education, and I’m excited as a parent and as a congregant to welcome Debbie into our Temple Israel family,” Norton said.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Wednesday, May 15 for Shavuot. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

May 3, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The not-so-United Nations ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press B’nai B’rith International recently released a statement denouncing the U.N.’s planned speech by former MI5 agent Annie Machon. She will be hosted by the department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations Relations section and the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations. Annie is what’s known as a “truther.” That means she has interesting theories about 9/11, mainly that it was an inside job by the U.S. government, and that the Mossad was involved in the 1994 bombing of Israel’s London embassy. Why the U.N. has decided to give this woman a platform is a bit of a mystery. Although: why are we still surprised at the U.N.’s collective lack of good judgment? Controversy has surrounded many a speaker over the years; Annie is hardly alone. Some examples: TIn September of 2009, then-Libyan dictator Muammar Ghadafi famously addressed the U.N. General Assembly. Although he was only allowed 15 minutes, he hung onto the mike for an hour and a half (just saying, someone could have pulled the plug) and used that time to tear up a copy of the U.N. charter. He also accused the Security Council of being a ‘terror council’ and speculated that swine flu was a manmade biological weapon. Nobody remembers exactly what Fidel Castro said during his 4 1/2 hour speech, back when he was Prime Minister of

Cuba, just that it was long. He called Kennedy an ignorant and illiterate millionaire and added that both JFK and Nixon (who were both running for office at that time) “lacked political brains.” Of course, if we want to be entertained, there’s always Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who said in 2009: “The era of capitalist thinking and imposition of one’s thoughts on the international community, intended to dominate the world in the name of globalization and the age of setting up empires, is over.” Yes, you have to read that sentence more than once. He went on to accuse the Jewish ‘Zionists’ of “dominating politics, economies, and culture through complicated networks, establishing a new form of slavery." Then there was Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, who in 2006 compared American President George W. Bush to the devil. “In this very place. It smells like sulfur,” he claimed. Finally, my favorite: Daniel Ortega, president of Nicaragua in 1987, warning Ronald Reagan that “Rambo only exists in the movies.” Does he? Are you sure?

There’s not much that Annie Machon can say that will compete with that on the scale of weird, although I have a feeling she will try. After all, make an exciting speech, and you’ll make the news. And although some attendees may walk out in protest, many will remain in their seats. Reminding us, once again, that the United Nations are anything but.

of dollars per year. There are also many other costs for participation in Jewish life, such as program fees for both children and adults, admission prices for various events, and the costs of higher food prices for keeping kosher. Further, since every Jew is required to give Tzedakah, there is a commitment to the Federation’s annual campaign. These facts vividly demonstrate the huge financial burden placed upon the average Jewish middle class family in Omaha. Of course, our community is not oblivious to this situation. Synagogues do their best to try to work with people in regard to their dues. There are some scholarship funds, such as the CornerStones Fund, according to Beth Cohen, Administrator of the Center for Jewish Life. However, those funds are completely overwhelmed by the financial needs of those applying for financial assistance. According to Beth, in the summer of 2012, the CJL processed 50 applications for summer camp and 35 applications for school year programs for the CDC and Friedel. One Jewish family said: “When expenses continue to grow, when we pay for food, and mortgages, and heat and water, and manage to set something aside for the kids to go to college, as so many of us do, it seems a never-ending battle. We’re not poor, at least not in the traditional sense. However, adding synagogue dues, religious school tuition, BBYO membership, summer camp, campaign contributions, sisterhood dues, and so on and so forth, it can become a problem.” But it’s not only a problem for this family and many others. It is a problem for our community. Obviously, if people cannot afford to participate, then our Jewish community will seriously suffer. Dorothy Spizman, Chairman of the Federation’s Financial Aid Committee, noted: This problem is something nobody really likes to talk about, but we must. Maybe if we get this all out in the open, we can have a meaningful discussion about tikkun olam right here in Omaha. One organization doing something about this problem is B’nai B’rith. On Thursday, May 23, B’nai B’rith will host its 59th annual Omaha Sports Banquet, honoring Tom

Osborne. For the first time ever, money raised at this event will be divided among the following: the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Cornerstone Fund, which provides scholarships for many activities such as the CDC, Friedel Jewish Academy, summer camps and youth groups; Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel synagogues; BBYO, and the Henry Monsky Lodge. In exchange for receiving these funds, the above-mentioned partners have committed to use the money exclusively to enable participation in Jewish activities for families and individuals in need. B’nai B’rith is bringing attention to this exceedingly important and serious problem and has indicated a way to help alleviate it. The proceeds from the Sports Banquet will not, of course, eliminate the problem, but it is a start. According to Rabbi Jonathan Gross, “B’nai B’rith works throughout the year to provide Jewish opportunities for people of all ages and to make these Jewish experiences affordable for all Jews in our community. That is why I am attending the Banquet and encouraging others to participate.” Ari Riekes, President of B’nai B’rith, stated: “No Omaha Jew should ever have to skip a program or not join a synagogue or the JCC because he or she can’t afford it. No Jewish parent should ever have to deny his or her child basic Jewish experiences because the money isn’t there. Our community can begin to solve this crisis by working together and by supporting B’nai B’rith in this monumental endeavor.” Banquet Chair Howard Shandell added, “Not only will the community be supporting a great cause, but attendees will have a great time being treated to a dinner, open bar, and Husker legends Tom Osborne, Charlie McBride, Ahman Green, Tommie Frazier, Trev Alberts, and others! Who could ask for anything better?” To purchase tickets or for more information about the B’nai B’rith’s Omaha Sports Banquet, on Thursday May 23, 2013 at the CenturyLink Center, visit Omahasportsban quet.org. Also, you may purchase tickets, ask questions or inquire about a kosher option by calling Deb Marburg at the B’nai B’rith office, 402.334.6443 or Howard Shandell directly to purchase tickets at 402.861.0565.

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and space restrictions, but it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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 per-

Taking care of our own

Focus on issues STEVE RIEKES “We Jews take care of our own.” Or, that is what we like to believe. What is the real situation today? We have historically made donations to help our “poor” brethren in Israel, the Ukraine, Russia, or perhaps even Brooklyn, whether through the Jewish Federation or otherwise. However, what many of us often overlook is that many Jews suffer financially right here in Omaha. While we are fortunate to have Jewish Family Service that helps those who are most vulnerable, there simply are not enough resources to help all of those in need. Moreover, the problem is not limited to those in poverty. The truth is that it is extremely expensive for the average middle class Jewish family, particularly those with children, to fully participate in the life of our Jewish community. Incomes have remained flat for the middle class for more than a decade, and the average middle class person finds it increasingly difficult to just stay afloat. The Omaha World Herald recently reported that over the last two years, the net worth of the wealthiest 7% of families increased by 28% while the net worth of the other 93% of family households decreased by 4%. Add to that, the financial costs of Jewish living continues to increase, and the economic struggle becomes very serious. Indeed, this situation may be the single most important problem faced by our Jewish community. Here are some facts: It costs hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to belong to a synagogue. It costs $1,098 for a family membership at the Jewish Community Center. The cost to enroll a child in the Child Development Center on average is $407 per month for a four-year-old. Tuition at Friedel is $6,500 per year. The average cost to send a child to a JCC summer camp is $200 per week. To send a youngster to a resident camp, such as Camp Sabra or Camp Herzl, is approximately $900 per week. To provide a Jewish teenager with membership in a youth organization, such as BBYO, or a synagogue affiliate, and to fully participate, costs hundreds

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Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial

material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.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: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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

sonal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 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. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

10 | The Jewish Press | May 3, 2013

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Our Shabbat Tables, 7 p.m., at participants’ homes. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Hanna and Larry DeBruin, in honor of the naming of their granddaughter, Emma Rivka Estaver; Mincha and Margaritas, 7:30 p.m. (early Mincha time is this week only), featuring margaritas, non-alcoholic beverages and Mexican snacks; Ma’ariv follows; Havdalah, 9 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m., with Hazzan Krausman; Mikvah Visit, 1-3 p.m., Sisterhood will sponsor a tour of the mikvah at the JCC, led by Shira Abraham. Attendees will meet in the Blumkin Home chapel at 1 p.m. MONDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. WEDNESDAY: YAC Playgroup, 10 a.m., trip to Henry Doorly Zoo. Contact Caryn Scheer, carynscheer@yahoo. com, for more information. BESTT 7th and 12th grade Graduation, Friday, May 10, 6 p.m., during Kabbalat Shabbat services. Dinner follows at 7 p.m. Entire congregation is invited. Shavuot, Tuesday, May 14, services at 5:30 p.m., followed by dairy dinner at 6 p.m. and tikkun leil (study sessions). Dinner cost, $10 for Beth El members, and $15 for nonmembers; $5 for children 7–12; free for children 6 and under. Sign up online at www.bethel-omaha.org. Tot Shavuot & Oh Say Shalom to Shavuot, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, morning services, 9:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, morning services, 9:30 a.m., Yizkor is said and dedication of new memorial plaques; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; The Laws of Shabbat, 5:50 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 6:50 p.m.; Mincha-Seuda Shlishit, 7:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:11 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross,

B’nai Israel Speaker Series At the last speaker series for the season, Mark Kirchhoff, Administrative assistant for the Center for Jewish Life presented information on Refugee Resettlement. The Congregation learned of the hard work, dedication, ingenuity, and selflessness involved to assist emigrants coming to the United States from a variety fo countries throughout the world. It was an informative and fascinating description of helping people with housing, jobs, food and other personal needs. This was the last service to be conducted by Cantor Beth Schlossberg before she leaves for her new position in Florida. B’nai Israel Synagogue congregants and guests will miss her as she begins her new assignment.

7:45 a.m.; Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Yom Yerushalayim Program, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.; Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m; Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC.

CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch will follow. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. Call 402.330.1800 to reserve. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. Contact Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu to receive updates. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Mayor’s Interfaith Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. Speakers are Scott Young, Exec. Dir. of Food Bank of Lincoln, and Rabbi Craig Lewis of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun; Dinner and Early Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Classical Reform Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Sara and Robert Friedman. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parsahat Behar/Bechukatai. SUNDAY: Temple Garden Committee clean-up of the gardens and mulch, 9 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Last Day of LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Last Day of Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Picnic, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 2 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss Heir to the Glimmering World by Cynthia Ozick. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #14 led by Rabbi Lewis Shavuot Dairy Potluck supper, Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. followed by two study sessions titled The Joha and other Jewish tales of North Africa at South Street Temple.

Candlelighting Friday, May 3, 8:06 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Candlelight in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.; First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. followed by dinner. Please RSVP for dinner by contacting Temple Israel at 402.556.6536 or RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com by May 1. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Teachers Meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Kindergarten Roundup, 10:30 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 11:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 7 & 8 End of the Year Party, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m. THURSDAY: Dilemmas of Faith: God and Spirituality in the Modern World, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Mayor’s Interfaith Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. Speakers are Scott Young, Exec. Dir. of Food Bank of Lincoln, and Rabbi Craig Lewis of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun; Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. followed by cake, coffee and a discussion of timely news topics pertaining to the Jewish world. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Last Day of LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Last Day of Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Picnic, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 2 p.m. at Sara Friedman’s home and will discuss Heir to the Glimmering World by Cynthia Ozick. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions. Shavuot Dairy Potluck supper, Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. followed by two study sessions titled The Joha and other Jewish tales of North Africa at South Street Temple. Shavuot mincha services, Tuesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. and Shacharit at 8:30 a.m. and Yizkor at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16.

Second Gaza rocket strikes Israel in two days by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A rocket fired from Gaza struck Israel for the second time in two days. The rocket landed in an open area of southern Israel near Ashkelon early Monday morning. No damage was reported. Early Sunday morning, a rocket from Gaza struck the Sdot Negev Regional Council as local residents were gathered to celebrate Lag b’Omer; the festivities were shut down and revelers sent home.

The Israel Air Force responded to Sunday’s rocket attack by striking a terrorist training base in Gaza and what it called a weapons storage facility. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine confirmed to Reuters that the training base was hit. Since the Sunday attack, the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, through which all goods pass, has remained closed.

Join the Midnight Madness Challenge by RABBI LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN Chabad Center Did you know that it is customary to stay awake all night on the Eve of Shavuot? Jewish communities around the world are preparing their thoughts and texts- gearing up for an all night marathon of study and discussion. Omaha will be no different, and Mrs. Shani Katzman is daring women of the community to venture out from midnight-1a.m. for a fun and lively discussion entitled, “A Tale of Two Women.” “We’ll be pitting various prominent women in Jewish history, discussing their virtues, strengths and

shortcomings,” says Katzman. “Which side of the argument will you fall on? I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!” Of course all men AND women of the community are invited to spend the entire night at Chabad in study. Starting at 11 p.m. until sunrise a variety of topics will be explored including a discussion of the listing of the 613 Mitzvahs and Chevrusa style study where you can pick your own topic. Rabbi Mendel Katzman will share the Kabbalah of this Midnight Madness! Refreshments and coffee will be served. To RSVP, please contact chani@ochabad.com to participate or reserve.

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May 3, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Proclaim Liberty

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha B’har/ B’chukotai The visitor who comes to Philadelphia may see the famous Liberty Bell. If one is fortunate enough, one may even be allowed to strike it and proclaim liberty. This is one of the most important occasions in human history. In the past, there were always nobles or friends or clients of the king who owned the land, and all it produced. The average person had nothing, and depended on living from what the nobles cast off. Thus, our Sidrah reminds the reader that civilization did not have much for the average person. But now, with the proclamation of liberty, everyone is able to partake of humanity. Proclaim liberty!

The child who asked too much by RON KAMPEAS So last year we had the bright idea of asking the campaigns what their Passover plans were -- based on the history that an improvised seder in Pennsylvania in 2008 led to a White House tradition. Maybe, we thought, we'd uncover or even precipitate the Next Great Jewish White House Thang. We got exactly one reply: From an intern for the Newt Gingrich campaign, Adam Savader. He spoke of joining three generations of his family in New York, sharing the tradition with Christian friends who “yearn to learn more” and repealing ObamaCare. (All during the Seder?) Anyhoo. A year after Candidate Obama attended a campaign seder in Pennsylvania, President Obama convened the first-ever White House seder. And a year after Savader replied ... he's under arrest and charged with cyberstalking and blackmail. From the New York Daily News: He preyed on women from Michigan, Washington, D.C., and Long Island, prosecutors said, many of whom he knew from high school. In one instance, the criminal complaint said, Savader threatened to send naked pictures of one of his victims to the Republican National Committee if she didn’t comply with his demands. She sometimes got as many as eight threatening texts a day, the document said. So yes, I too wonder what exactly the RNC would have done upon receipt of these photos. “There's empty space on the wall between the Priebus and Steele portraits, and they kind of hate one another anyway...” And I also wonder what form the hunt for the Afikomen took at last year’s Savader seder.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Wednesday, May 15 for Shavuot. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- In a speech to the AntiDefamation League, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urged Americans to protect the rights of Muslims and other minorities in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing. “The battle for the safety and rights of all Americans - all Americans -- must be our common endeavor,” Holder told a conference in Washington on Monday marking the group's centennial. He noted that the conference was held just weeks after the Boston bombing, which killed three and wounded scores. The lead suspects are two brothers who are Muslims of Chechen origin. One was slain in the bombing's aftermath; one is in custody. “Our investigation into this matter remains ongoing, and I want to assure you that my colleagues and I are determined to hold accountable, to the fullest extent of the law, all of those who were responsible for this attack,” Holder said. “But I also want to make clear that just as we will pursue relentlessly anyone who would target our people or attempt to terrorize our cities, the Justice Department is firmly committed to protecting innocent people against misguided acts of retaliation.” Holder praised the ADL for its role in combating antiMuslim sentiment, noting that the organization initiated a friend-of-the-court brief filed by an interfaith coalition in the successful Justice Department lawsuit against a Tennessee county that sought to prevent the building of a mosque. “This action, and many others like it, prove the department’s determination to safeguard the core constitutional protections that stand at the center of who we are as a nation and that have always empowered the ADL to bridge divides and promote cooperation over conflict,” he said. “As Americans, we must not allow any group to be stigmatized or alienated.” Holder also pledged his assistance in combating antiSemitism, which he said remains a threat. “We delude ourselves if we believe that the dark forces have been conquered,” he said. “They continue to exist in this nation. They continue to exist in the leadership of other nations around the world who have pledged to do harm to Israel and to Jewish people in other countries. We cannot afford to dismiss this sad and dangerous reality.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | May 3, 2013

Remembering Warsaw Ghetto heroes with yellow daffodils by RUTH ELLEN GRUBER about Edelman, several Polish Jews forced to WARSAW, Poland (JTA) -- In Warsaw, leave the country during the communist antisirens wailed and church bells rang to mark Semitic campaign of 1968, and former dissithe 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto dents and Solidarity activists. uprising, a valiant but failed revolt by Jewish One of them, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, served fighters against the Nazi occupiers who as Poland’s defense minister following the already had deported hundreds of thousands of Jews to the Treblinka extermination camp. An official commemoration, held last Friday in a plaza between the monument honoring the ghetto heroes and the new Museum of the History of Polish Jews, was attended by Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as well as Israeli Education Minister Shai Piron. But a half-mile away, a small group gathered under leaden skies at the entrance to Warsaw’s huge Jewish cemetery for an alternative memorial. Carrying bunches of bright yellow daffodils, they walked People laying flowers at Umschlagplatz at the Warsaw down the main path and laid Ghetto, the monument at the site from which Jews were the flowers on the grave of deported to Treblinka. Credit: Ruth Ellen Gruber Marek Edelman, the last surviving uprising commander, who died in fall of communism. In 1983, he was arrested 2009 in his early 90s. The group, most now in and jailed for four months by the commutheir 60s and 70s, has come together for nist regime for speaking at an anniversary decades to mark the anniversary of the upris- ceremony organized by dissidents. ing. Until his death, Edelman was usually “We had all hoped that Marek Edelman with them, laying a bunch of daffodils at the would turn up and say a few words, but he towering, dark monument to ghetto heroes. couldn’t because he was being held under For years, Edelman had received yellow house arrest in Lodz,” Onyszkiewicz told flowers, usually daffodils, from an anonymous JTA. “He only sent a letter that was read. I felt person on the anniversary. Eventually the that everyone was waiting for something to flowers became a symbol of the remembrance. happen, so I got up and delivered a speech, The group laying flowers on Edelman’s grave and as a result, I was arrested immediately.” this year included an Italian who wrote a book He added, “What was rather funny is that BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAA AND PROPER ARTIST MANAGEMENT PRESENT...

when the secret police agent arrested me, he was rather curious. He asked me, ‘Why did you come here, you’re not a Jew?’ I replied that no, I’m not -- but so what!” Yellow daffodils were a memorial motif; a stylized daffodil was an official logo of this

Warsaw, people could be seen sporting the symbol, which was reminiscent of the yellow Star of David the Nazis forced Jews to wear. “I think one of the most moving things I’ve seen in all my years in Poland was watching volunteers all around the city giving out the daffodils and watching Warsavians walking around the city wearing them, evoking the Star of David,” said Jonathan Ornstein, the executive director of the JCC Krakow, who was in Warsaw for the commemorations. “It really felt as if the city was commemorating something from Polish history, not only Jewish history, and it made me aware that Poles realize the shared heritage.” The anniversary proceedings attracted Jews with Polish roots from all over the world. Among them were Holocaust survivors and emigres -- such as American philanthropists Tad Taube and Observers placing daffodils at the grave of Marek Edelman, Sigmund Rolat -- and those a commander of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, in Warsaw’s who had fled during commuJewish cemetery. Credit: Ruth Ellen Gruber nism. Members of Poland’s year’s commemorations. People placed daf- contemporary Jewish community also fodils at the foot of the ghetto memorial and turned out in numbers. at the monument at Umschlagplatz, the site For many, this made it an old home week from which hundreds of thousands of of sorts, filled with emotional reunions. The Warsaw Jews were deported to Treblinka. high-profile presence of visiting Jews creatPots and vases of daffodils decorated the ed one of the more unusual sightings. Late at Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where night after the Friday ceremonies, the tower thousands of visitors flocked to see the strik- of the Marriott Hotel in the center of ing new building, attend concerts and films, Warsaw bore a message spelled out in lights and buy souvenirs in the gift shop. that moved around the top of the building: Throughout the city, young volunteers kosherfood.pl. handed out paper daffodils for people to The website, it turns out, is for the wear on their jackets or lapels. All over Marriott’s own kosher catering service.

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