Vol. LXXXVI No. 34 Omaha, NE
Omaha leads Partnership with Israel into next phase by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director Nearly 10 years ago, the Omaha Jewish community teamed up with 13 other communities to form an innovative new partnership with the Western Galilee Region of northern Israel. Fueled by a desire to connect with fellow Jews in the homeland, Partnership with Israel has evolved into a thriving, multi-faceted program. “Partnership has put a face on Judaism,” said Zoe Riekes, chairman of Partnership’s Central Region Consortium. “Now when we see Israel in the news, it no longer feels like a remote corner of the world…it’s news about our family.” Partnership with Israel is organized into several different areas: community, regional development, medical, education and arts. There are many different projects involving some or all of the Partnership communities within each of these categories.
Zoe Riekes, left, and Jan Goldstein visit the Acco Community Center, where boats from the Partnership Sea of Dreams project -- designed by the children of Friedel Jewish Academy -- are prominently displayed. “One of Omaha’s early Partnership projects was to bring our youth from Israel and the United States together for the JCC Maccabi Games,” Riekes said. “This program, which originated in Omaha, has now branched out into communities throughout the Partnership.” Another program benefiting Omaha’s youth has been the school twinning project. Students from Friedel Jewish Academy have partnered with students at Israel’s Ma’aynot school in a variety of projects, and there are also twinning projects for Hebrew School students at Beth El and Temple Israel. The Omaha community has been enriched in countless ways, benefiting from University of NebraskaOmaha visiting lecturers, and University of Nebraska Medical Center staff exchanges, and cultural experiences such as artists-in-residence and visiting musicians. Several partnership staff members have come to Omaha throughout the years to share their insights and get to know the Omaha Jewish community. And those Omahans who have had the opportunity to join the Federation on a Mission in recent years have been able to connect with Israel on a deeply personal level. Examples of how Partnership has made an impact in Israel are countless. Partnership dollars have helped build a women’s wing of the Western Galilee Hospital for breast cancer. The only command center in Israel, which proved invaluable during the recent war, came about with the help of Partnership dollars. And thanks to the Partnership-funded Hafouch al Hafouch program at-risk youth have a place to go, keeping them off the streets and providing counseling as needed. There are volunteers and professionals on both sides of the ocean who participate in Partnership with Israel. Omaha’s local Partnership chairman is Stacey Rockman. Serving as Partnership Consortium Chairman is a natural progression for Riekes, who’s been involved in Partnership for nine of the 10 years since its inception, taking on various local and regional roles. Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
16 Iyyar, 5767 May 4, 2007
Democrats focus on foreign policy by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- It’s the foreign policy, stupid. One after another, Democratic presidential candidates addressing an April 23-25 National Jewish Democratic Council forum here emphasized how they would change foreign policy. “America can be the light again,” former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards said. “To suggest that diplomacy is a kind of weakness is frightening to me,” said Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut. “Job description: Someone to restore America’s place in the world,” Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware said. “We know that these aren’t the best of times for America’s reputation in the world,” said Sen. John Edwards speaks at an NJDC conference April 24, in Washington. Barack Obama of Illinois. Credit: Pam Risdon “Our reputation is in shreds,” Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) said. “People don’t trust us Democratic pitch four years ago: We can be just as proIsrael as Bush, but domestic policy counts as well. anymore.” One of the ’04 candidates, former Vermont Gov. “The obsession with Iraq has caused us as a country to fail to focus on the real threats to America,” New Howard Dean, sounded the old theme in his speech Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said, listing terrorism, Tuesday to the NJDC forum. Dean now is chairman of nuclear proliferation and the Israeli-Palestinian peace the Democratic National Committee. “The idea you have to give up everything” to back a process. Candidate after candidate, including Rep. Dennis pro-Israel candidate “is wrong,” Dean said to applause. Dean referred specifically to former Sen. Rick Kucinich of Ohio, said the same thing: The Bush adminSantorum (R-Pa.), a hard-line conservative on social istration’s foreign policy needs changing. The tone reflected Democratic Jewish unhappiness issues. Sitting in the audience was Lonnie Kaplan, a with a war in Iraq that appears intractable, and with sta- Democrat who raised funds last year for Santorum’s losing re-election bid because of the senator’s pro-Israel sis in the Middle East. “We have been so consumed with this bogus war,” said record. Such admonitions hardly seemed necessary, however -Marc Stanley, the NJDC’s vice chairman, from Texas. It was a sharp turnaround from the Democratic mes- at least with 200 or so major Democratic donors from sage in 2004 at least when that message was aimed at across the country gathered for the conference. This was Jewish voters, who were believed at the time to be happy a crowd of Jewish activists, profoundly unhappy with the with President Bush’s strongly pro-Israel tilt. The Continued on page 2
Open forums to show Blumkin Home as a community destination by OZZIE NOGG What do Aladdin, Shreck and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home have in common? Each has been the subject of a family film packed with computer animated special effects, and each has spawned an even more exciting sequel. The first RBJH Virtual Tour previewed last October during the celebration of a New Beginning for the Blumkin Home. Virtual Tour 2 will be shown at the Open Forum on Tuesday, May 8, 7-9 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club. Word has it that audience members who enjoyed the original Virtual Tour will be even more blown Mike Silverman: away “I encourage our young by the sequel, families to attend the Open Water, water everywhere ... but excavation continues at the Rose Blumkin Forum, see what it’s all about, written Jewish Home despite recent heavy rains that turned the new Special Care Unit a n d learn how the Home will direct- site into a muddy pool. become a community ed by RBJH/Jewish “The evening will also provide the perfect opportunity Services to ask questions and make comments.” Sandy Epstein, destination. We think that after Senior adding, “We want people to bring their friends -- bring Executive Director people see Virtual Tour 2 their family -- bring their friends’ families. Mike is a terMike Silverman, . they’ll say, ‘Wow. This is not “Mike’s Razzle- rific tour guide and it’s a trip worth taking, that’s for just a nursing home. This is a Dazzle-’em Virtual sure.” place where we can hang out. Tour 2 promises to A second Open Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, 7-9 p.m. at the JCC. “We’d like folks to please delight, inspire, A place where we and our kids call or email if they plan to attend either Forum so we impress and inform,” can have fun.’” said Joanie Jacobson. Continued on page 3
This Week: Teen Ages features the girls of BBG: Page 11 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Book about murder of Jews in WWII unravels Europe’s textile industry: Page 6
Coming May 18: Senior Living Issue New travel guide reflects European revival: Page 7
CJE honors community’s teachers for years of work: Page 10
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
Democrats focus on foreign policy
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Continued from page 1 war on Iraq, who no longer were willing to give Bush a pass on foreign policy. When it came to specifics, there were some nuanced differences over Israel’s role in peacemaking and on the fate of Iraq. Clinton departed from other candidates by saying she favored compromise with Bush over Iraq funding. The president is expected to veto congressional bills likely to pass this week that would meet his funding demands but also set timetables for withdrawal. “We don’t want Democrats being blamed for our troops not being well equipped,” Clinton said, adding that she did not expect real troop withdrawal to begin until Bush was out of office. There was more agreement, however, on the need to engage with Iran, while not counting out the military option to force that country to come clean on its nuclear program; the need for U.S. energy independence and distance from Saudi Arabia; and rejection of any attempt to force Israel to deal with Hamas, the terrorist group leading the Palestinian Authority government. Only Obama said he expected movement from Israel toward peace. “It is in the interests of Israel to establish peace in the Middle East,” he said. “It cannot be done at the price of compromising Israel’s security, and the United States government and an Obama presidency cannot ask Israel to take risks with respect to its security. But it can ask Israel to say that it is still possible for us to allow more than just this status quo of fear, terror, division. That can’t be our long-term aspiration.” Richardson said he would appoint a special envoy to kick-start the process, and told reporters after his speech that former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker would be a likely candidate for the job. Richardson said the appointment of a Republican underscored his commitment to bipartisanship, but Baker is probably among the pro-Israel community’s least-favored candidates for such a mission because of his tense relations with Israeli leaders during the presidency of Bush’s father. Marc Winkelman of Austin, Texas, expressed relief that
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 4 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Noa Baum, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Across America, 5:45 p.m. at Beth El Noa Baum, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
C L I P & S A V E
SATURDAY, MAY 5 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat Services & Lunch, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Program, 6 p.m. BBYO Rush Program, 7 p.m. Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, MAY 6 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Sisterhood Meeting, 10 a.m. at Beth El Men’s Club Speaker, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Trope Crash Course, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El The Kaiman Lecture, 1 p.m. at Beth El Tapestry Workshop, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Beyt Shalom Religious School, 2 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, MAY 7 School Break Specials, 9 a.m. at JCC JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Friedel Plant Sale, 10:30 a.m. at JCC Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Budget & Allocation Committee Meeting, 4 p.m. Israel Nearing 60, 7 p.m. Hebrew Level 2, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, MAY 8 Judaism 101, 8 a.m. at JCC WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Friedel Annual Plant Sale, 10:30 a.m. at JCC Visions Joslyn Tour, 11 a.m. at Joslyn Art Museum ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, noon at JCC Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel Academy BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Academy Made in America, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel The Mothers’ Circle, 7 p.m. at Beth El Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House New Beginnings, 7 p.m. at Ironwood
C L I P & S A V E
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 Educator Training, 8 a.m. at JCC Foundation Investment Committee, 10:30 a.m. at JCC Sisterhood Lunch & Program, noon at Beth Israel B’nai B’rith Banquet, 5:45 p.m. at Holiday Inn Central Dance Recital, 7 p.m. at JCC Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, MAY 10 Jr. NCSY Convention at Camp Chi through May 13 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Hebrew Classes, 6 p.m. JCC Dance Recital, 7p.m. at JCC USY Pilgrimage Interviews, 7 p.m. at Beth El Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P & S A V E
Continued from page 1 process. “When Partnership began nobody really knew where In addition to the Steering Committee meeting, attenthis would lead,” Riekes recalled. “Slowly, it’s worked its dees will also be able to join the Jewish Agency for way into this really professional organization far beyond Israel’s Assembly, which begins on June 24. “This gives what anyone thought.” us the opportunity to The Central Region Partnership steering benefit from terrific Consortium allocates committee meeting in Israel speakers and events, such $600,000 annually into Dates: June 22-26 in Jerusalem; June 26-28 in the Western as dinner with Prime various Partnership proj- Galilee. Highlights include: Minister Olmert and a ects. In addition to this • Dinner with the Prime Minister; ceremony celebrating 40 annual budget, the con- • Celebration in the North for Partnership’s 10th anniversary; years of aliyah from the sortium has allocated • Tour of new projects for 2008 allocations; FSU,” Riekes said. $4.7 million in Israel • Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Reunification of Riekes encourages other Emergency Campaign Jerusalem. Omahans to join her on (IEC) funds to our Cost: $1100 for land, plus $180 to attend Jewish Agency two-day this trip. “We have an Partnership area, which meeting. opportunity to bring othwas greatly impacted by ers with us for this unforthe recent war. gettable Israel trip. For those interested in wanting to Riekes recently led a fact-finding mission of connect with Israel on a deeper level, this is your opporConsortium lay leaders and professionals, to see first- tunity to learn what’s happening on the ground, both in hand the projects requesting Israel Emergency our Partnership and in Israel in general.” Campaign money. Federation Executive Director Jan “This is so much more than a mission,” added Goldstein, who serves as the professional leader of the Goldstein. “It’s a people experience. You will have the Central Region Consortium, accompanied Riekes to opportunity to meet the people we help every single Israel. The group visited 57 IEC projects, 50 of which day.” will receive funding from the consortium. “With For Riekes, being involved with Partnership has been Partnership we have the ability to track our money and a rewarding experience. “I attend these meetings and lisgive donors something with which to identify,” ten to what they’re doing, and it’s overwhelming,” she Goldstein said. said. “We touch so many people in the Western Galilee, Riekes and Goldstein will be headed back to Israel to and it’s an awesome feeling to be part of that. So many attend the Partnership Joint Steering Committee meet- people count on and respect our Partnership.” ing June 26-28. Committee members will have the For more information about Partnership with Israel or opportunity to visit sites that have requested money attending the Steering Committee Meeting, contact from the consortium, to assist with the allocation Julee Katzman at 334.6428.
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All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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the candidates focused on foreign policy. He had feared that an isolationist wing would draw the party inward. “This was a big concern,” Winkelman said. “A lot of people believe we have no right to stick our nose in other people’s business.” Indeed, Biden tapped into that concern, earning applause when he complained that Democrats had been “timid” until now on foreign policy. There were few sharp differences among the candidates on policy. Biden sounded perhaps the greatest differences, calling for the dissolution of Iraq a possible consequence of a U.S. withdrawal that other candidates prefer not to discuss, and immediate military action to end genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. “Any country that engages in genocide forfeits their sovereignty,” he said to applause. Biden said it was not a contradiction to call for military action in Sudan while calling for a draw-down of U.S. troops in Iraq. The problem, Biden said, was not a robust foreign policy but how it was pursued. “There’s a difference between straightforward and straightforwardly smart,” he said to applause. The implication that Bush is an inexperienced bungler was repeated in one form or another by all the candidates and their aides. Obama stressed his upbringing in places as diverse as Indonesia, the Midwest and Hawaii. The NJDC’s Stanley, who is backing Edwards, said the former senator has spent the years since 2004, when he lost his bid to become vice president, touring the world. Steve Grossman, a marketing magnate from Boston who is Clinton’s principal Jewish backer, cited her experience as first lady in addition to her six years in the Senate. Dodd mentioned his age 62 several times. Biden’s magic number, repeated again and again was 26, his years in the Senate. That also was a change: Members of Congress once downplayed their long records, which can be manipulated to show support for unpopular policies. After six years of the Texas governor turned president, the message was that it’s time for experience. “This is not a job for on-the-job training,” Dodd said.
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Yachad celebrates Yom Ha’Atzmaut by DUANE J. PIEPER The Yachad members started preparing for Yom Ha’Atzmaut six weeks ago and looked forward to this day in anticipation. It is such a joy each year to celebrate this historical event which took place 59 years ago, the creation of the State of Israel, after 2000 years of exile. To be able to participate in the local JCC celebration and stand with the rest of the Jewish community in acknowledging the reality of a Jewish State and its accomplishments is significant and important to Yachad. This year’s celebration was extra special because Yachad decided to direct the revenue from their booth to help support the Wings program in Israel. They became aware of the program and its’ needs last year. The members attended the benefit concert at Beth El last fall in which the proceeds went towards building a security room in one of the group’s apartments in Nahariya.
Yachad booth was open for business at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration. Wings is the flagship project of Kivunim: New Directions for Special Needs Youth in Israel. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of young adults with disabilities in the Galilee. One of their primary focuses is to help them learn to live as independently as possible as they enter adulthood. The members are appreciative of everyone who visited the Yachad booth and for their show of support. In the end it was a day filled with a sense of accomplishment, an opportunity to come along side Israel and support the needs of a group that the Yachad members can personally identify with. As Yachad has experienced others reaching out to them, they desire to reciprocate. Regardless of their own personal challenges, they want to contribute as their strengths, capabilities and gifts allow. Contact Jewish Family Service to be put on the Yachad mailing list. If you would like to volunteer your services for Camp Yachad on May 20, please call 334.6491.
R if k a’ s Em b r o ide r y
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Blumkin Home to be community destination Continued from page 1 have enough chocolate to go around,” Sandy said. The two women and their respective husbands, Richard Jacobson and Paul Epstein, are Chairmen of the Joanie Jacobson: “A New Beginning for Blumkin Home Community the Blumkin Home is a Campaign. Virtual Tour 2 includes win-win project. We color renderings of furni- make a life for those ture, fabrics and finishes in who made a life for us, the Special Care Unit and and they move into a Long Term Care Unit resi- new home that offers dent rooms, and gives audi- comfort, joy, activity and ences a deeper understand- beauty. I’ve seen us ing of the inner workings at build a magnificent the Blumkin Home. Jewish campus in “Virtual Tour 2 highlights Omaha, Nebraska, that the way various units will people from all over the actually function,” Mike country come to see Silverman said. “It lets me and emulate. Today, we show the flow of the build- have yet another ing, explain why we put a chance to create particular unit in a particular something truly great. location, demonstrate how And we will.” the food service will work, how nurses can observe group Paul Epstein: activities. There “This community is a family, and are features in the Open Forum is like a family our building reunion. A chance for us to come that I’ve never together, connect with one another, seen in any nursing home, kvell from our past accomplishments anywhere. This and recognize the part we play in our facility will put collective future.” our community on the national map. It will help attract more Jewish families to Omaha.” While an updated Blumkin Home may draw newcomers, Silverman is quick to emphasize the Home’s importance to current members of the community. “Our Jewish seniors deserve a first-class facility, and we must give it to them. We must also help educate our younger families -- those who haven’t been inside the Blumkin Home -- those who say ‘I’m thirty-five, it’s not for me yet.’ We must help them understand that the Home and this project is for everyone, whether the need seems immediate or not. I encourage our young families to attend the Open Forum, see what it’s all about, learn how the Home will become a community destination. We think that after people see Virtual Tour 2 they’ll say, ‘Wow. This is not just a nursing home. This is a place where we can hang out. A place where we and our kids can have fun.”
Naomi and Aaron Zipursky are two kids already having fun at the Blumkin Home. The eleven year-old twins, children of Sally and Jim Zipursky, volunteer at the Home and will be among the Greeters at the May 8 Open Forum. “When our school band played for the residents last year, they loved it,” Naomi said. “They were all smiles and that made me smile, and that’s when I decided to volunteer at the Home, even before my Grandpa Shamberg moved there. I love making older people happy.” “The Blumkin Richard Jacobson: Home means a “The Open Forums offer people lot to me,” an excellent opportunity to hear and Aaron said, see what the future holds for the “because my Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the grandpa’s there Omaha Jewish community. They’ll and I know he’s learn about a state-of-the-art facility in good hands. that will set the bar for quality The staff there is always nice and nursing care in a warm and helpful to him so welcoming environment. The best I volunteered at begins here in Omaha. Everyone who contributes to this effort will be the Forum to lend a helping proud they did.” hand to them.” Other Open Forum Sandy Epstein: Greeters are Bernie Altsuler, “This is an ideal time Annie Belmont, Florence to show support for our Brody, Dave Dvorkin, Judi and David Goldstein, Rabbi community. This is a Myer S. Kripke, Jerry and major event because the Home plays such a Gail Kohll, Norm and Marge Lincoln, Sara major role in our lives, Lohrman, Don Nogg, no matter how old we Lorraine Reiss, Miles Remer, are. People who never Nancy Rips, Dick Rochman, dreamt they’d ever step Sheila Rosen and Rocky foot in the Home find, Stern. somewhere down the “This is a great time to road, that it becomes show support for our comimportant to them and munity,” Sandy Epstein conto their families, directly tinued. “This is a major or indirectly. We need to event because the Home join together to do what plays such a major role in we do best -- take care our lives, no matter how old of each other. We need we are. We need to join everyone to be part of a together to do what we do best -- take care of each New Beginning for the other. We need everyone to Blumkin Home.” be part of a New Beginning for the Blumkin Home.” Reservations for the Open Forums are requested. RSVP to Sandy Epstein at slepstein@cox.net or call her at 397-2528.
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Jewish Senior Services THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH H OME
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
IN THE NEWS Pete Godwin was recently recognized by the Omaha World Herald as one of the Elite 18 Best Amateur Golfers in the State of Nebraska. Pete, a 3-time state golf champion and former President of the Nebraska Golf Association, will be inducted into the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame on May 8, 2007. Pete was also the volunteer golf coach for the 2002 Maccabi Games in Omaha. Sheldon Harris was inducted into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame last month. The honor recognizes his legal representation of real estate and brokerage companies, land developers, Sanitary and Improvement Districts, mortgage brokers, apartment developers, abstract and title companies, and banks over the past 50 years. The couple who helped transform the University of Nebraska Medical Center into a world-class academic health science center were honored last week as the next “Faces on the Barroom Floor.” UNMC Chancellor Harold M . Maurer, M.D., and his wife, Beverly Maurer, an awardwinning educator and active community volunteer, became the 111th Face recognized by the OPC, which has been honoring newsmakers with the award since 1971.
Since becoming the seventh UNMC chancellor in 1998, Dr. Maurer, an internationally recognized, award-winning researcher, has overseen much growth and activity on campus, including $150 million in recent construction as well as seeing research funding soar to nearly $80 million annually. In 2005, he received two major recognitions as he was named the Omaha World-Herald’s Midlander of the Year and he was crowned king of Ak-Sar-Ben. Before moving to Omaha in 1993, Beverly Maurer served for 25 years in various positions from math teacher to principal at a Richmond, Va., elementary school. Her innovative methods as principal earned her the Master Teacher Award and continuous inclusion in Who’s Who in Education and Who’s Who in America. She is a founding member of the Nebraskans for Research and serves on the group’s executive board. She currently is a member of the Advisory Board for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Board of Governors at the Joslyn Art Museum. She has served on the boards of Uta Halle and the University of Nebraska Hospital Auxiliary and on several committees at the Jewish Federation. In addition, Beverly Maurer is a full-time volunteer for UNMC assisting with special events, recruiting and fundraising. The James Skinner Baking Company, a fourth generation privately held company headquartered in Omaha, announced on its 96th birthday, the development of a national brand of high end pastry products. James Skinner, CEO and President commented “Our baking process and
industry reputation for high quality delicious pastries is the base for our entry into a new market for us-the grocer’s freezer case with our own brand. Our new pastries and market opportunities, will in the future allow us to potentially create additional jobs in Omaha. Our 300 employees continue to support our family business with many being with us for 20+ years. Andy Greenberg, newly appointed Director of Marketing, added, “Our pastries will be developed for special events like wedding and baby showers, major office and corporate functions, special occasions like graduations, confirmations and a bakers dozen more. We expect to have a new product ready by the first quarter of 2008, after thorough testing. We will always retain our OU kosher status for both the Jewish and non-Jewish population who are attracted to the strict requirements required for continued certification.” Scott Schneiderman, principal, was named 2006 Producer of the Year in The Lund Company’s brokerage department, a recognition given to the top associate who exemplifies superior achievements in brokerage and client service. The Lund Company Producers’ Club began in 2004 as a way to recognize those brokerage associates with superior achievements in sales and client service. Schneiderman, an Omaha native, joined the company in 1999 and specializes in retail and investment properties and provides representation in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota. Schneiderman is The Lund Company’s 2001, 2004 & 2006
Producer of the Year. He also was recognized as one of the top sales agents in 2002, 2003 & 2005. Schneiderman graduated from the Leadership Omaha Class 24 (2001-02) of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He is involved in numerous other organizations including: Habitat for Humanity, The Jewish Federation, 1998 Campaign Co-chairman for the B’nai B’rith Organization, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Floor Committee, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Commercial Network (TCN). Scouts: Ordinary Americans have always made an extraordinary difference in the lives of their neighbors by lending a helping hand, and -- as the Scout slogan states -- doing a good turn daily. The value of community service activities is twofold; not only does it fulfill a need within the community, but it helps boys and young adults develop a sense of responsibility to their community. It gives young people a feeling of usefulness and the opportunity to do something of value for someone else. Today, America needs the service of its citizens more than ever to help overcome hunger, lack of adequate shelter and poor health. The Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America is teaming with Habitat for Humanity, in an effort to build stronger communities -- one house, one community, one family at a time. People of all ages are needed to help with fundraising efforts, recruit additional volunteers and be a part of the construction crew. For more information, contact Meghan Pile at 402.431.9272 or visit the Scouts’ website at www.mac-bsa.org.
CHANGE A SMILE W h o ’ s i n change a life the club? ing many re of chang su a le p e th had w I feel it’s smiles. No e years, I’ve l th fu ti er u v ea O b . been so ting r help which has area by crea y I need you it ro n et u M m a m h co Oma ack to this lives in the mething b so e iv g to the time “Change a of me. rst annual supportive fi r u o r fo s omination esire is to in taking n 007. My d 2 eg , b 1 l y il a w M e My offic e” event on person! ange a Lif e deserving n o f o fe Smile, Ch li e ious about y change th n self-consc dramaticall ee b s y a lw a ave ld never who may h ile they cou e n sm a eo m es v so er ns for w of o des nominatio If you kno meone wh it so m b s p su a h n er u ca –p t om you! Yo isiting our website a their smile v t to hear fr n y a b w I e” if – afford ange a L Smile, Ch om. “Change a le ignstudio.c es ed il ns as possib m es h www.t nominatio y n a m s a ing rd to receiv g their smile! king forwa o gin lo n a ly u ch tr y b I am meone’s life so g in g n a and ch Sincerely,
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May 4, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Wendy Goldberg to be honored at Temple’s Annual Meeting by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Wendy Goldberg, who has been president of the Temple Israel Board of Trustees for the past two years, will be honored at the congregation’s 136th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. While she has been president, Temple education focused on getting to know the membership, the layprofessional sacred partnership was strengthened, Temple’s organizational structure was updated, the new building process proWendy Goldberg gressed, the feasibility of a tri-faith campus has been explored, resources of the Union for Reform Judaism were utilized to create a new website, and a new relationship with the Jewish Federation Foundation was developed. “Wendy’s contribution to the well being of the congregation has been immense,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. “Her organizational skills helped us to upgrade the workings of committees and boards. Wendy
helped us to enter into the twenty-first century with her great knowledge of computers and systems. Her passion for Judaism and the Jewish people and for pursuing Jewish knowledge has been inspirational. She definitely earned her place in the long and distinguished history of Temple Israel presidents.” Jon Meyers, incoming president of Temple Israel, also praised Goldberg’s accomplishments. “During these past two years as president, Wendy has made an enormous impact on so many different things. Policy, future planning, and finances are all in good shape and continue to get stronger. She has been especially successful with getting members involved in the many aspects of Temple life,” he pointed out. “Her tireless dedication and the excellent job she has done over the last six years cannot be emphasized enough. I know she will continue to be involved and make a huge contribution over the years to come.” New officers and trustees will be installed at the meeting, and recipients of several congregational awards will be announced. Cindy Goldberg and Nancy Greenberg are co-chairmen of the Annual Meeting and Dinner. Invitations have been mailed to Temple Israel members. Reservations are due by Thursday, May 10.
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Friedel brings flower power by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Mother’s Day may not be a Jewish Holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can pass it by. After all, mothers are indispensable. Without our endless nagging, children don’t take their vitamins, will never complete their homework, and forget to get dressed. They will spill their yogurt drinks on the carpet, leave their dirty clothes all over the bathroom, and go to bed when it suits them. I know this, because whenever my husband has to take care of my children, I come home thinking, “What? We had a tornado?” I know there are plenty of fathers out there who try their best. There are even fathers who have everything under control. My husband isn’t one of them. He is good at other things, like sensing when I am about to boil over, and buying me flowers. He knows the golden rule: There is no mess so big that it can’t be smoothed over with a nice bouquet. The mothers that
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form the Friedel Jewish Academy’s PTO know that best of all. With the school year drawing to an end, they can look back on a busy and eventful year. However, Nancy Kutler, Julie Potash, Julie Stein, and Linda Potash have one more trick up their sleeve: the annual Friedel Flower sale. Just in time for Mother’s Day, they will provide the community with an easy way to make all mothers happy. Julie Stein explained: “We will be selling flowers and plants in front of the JCC’s Main Entrance. For the first time, we will also be offering vegetables and herbs. All are organically grown and provided by Rebecca Bloom.” The sale will be held on May 7 and 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Friedel. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, come by and pick up a little something for your mother, favorite aunt, or you wife. We all deserve a little recognition from time to time.
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Beth Israel to celebrate Lag Beth El’s Cantor Bogomolni B’Omer with picnic and more to perform at Cantors’ by MARY BORT National Convention for Beth Israel Synagogue Picnic, play and sing! Enjoy these activities and more when Beth Israel Synagogue holds a Lag B’Omer Picnic on Sunday, May 6, noon to 2 p.m. The cost for lunch is only $5 for adults and $2 for children. “We’ll have tables set up outside, or you can bring blankets to sit on,” explained Executive Director Beth Cohen. “Come and play some outdoor sports, have your kids use our terrific playground and participate in a sing-along led by Rabbi Nadel. “We’re hoping for plenty of sunshine on the day of the picnic,” said Cohen. “But in the event of rain, the picnic will move indoors to our social hall. So, rain or shine, plan on an enjoyable afternoon as we celebrate Lag B’Omer.” Additionally, anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., children will have the opportunity to participate in a Mother’s Day art project, led by Andreea Shnayder. Each child will create a painting on canvas to give to Mom on her special day. The cost is $5 per child, to cover the cost of the canvas and other art supplies. Those who ordered Mother’s Day Candy Grams from Sisterhood will also be able to pick up their orders during that time. “A special ‘thank you’ goes to Joey Shyken,” noted Cohen. “He’s organizing the picnic and making arrangements for volunteers.” Please make your reservation for the picnic with the synagogue office, at 556-6288 or BethIsrael@ OrthodoxOmaha.org.
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The 60th annual Convention of the Cantors Assembly, scheduled May 6 -10 in Los Angeles, will be a special one for Beth El Synagogue’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. The cantor has been invited to sing two pieces during one of the convention’s evening concerts, an opportunity he eagerly awaits. “It is such an honor to perform during this special gathering,” he said, “espeCantor Gastón Bogomolni cially since I’ll be sharing the stage with some greatly-esteemed cantors, including Sol Zim, Raphael Friedler, Israel Goldstein and David Feuer.” The Cantors Assembly is the largest professional organization of cantors in the world, and over 250 cantors from throughout the United States, Israel and Canada are expected to attend. The convention’s theme this year is “Today’s Hazzan: A Coat of Many Colors,” and workshops and lectures will address the many roles a cantor plays, including that of a shaliach tzibur (prayer leader), spiritual leader, educator, musical artist and Jewish scholar.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, May 23-24, for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and for Memorial Day on Monday, May 28. The 9 a.m. deadline for the May 25 issue is Wednesday, May 16, and for the June 1 issue, it is Tuesday, May 22. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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Broken Threads: The Destruction of the Jewish Fashion Industry in Germany and Austria edited by Roberta S. Kremer (Berg Publishers, $29.95)
BOOK REVIEW by AARON LEIBEL for Washington Jewish Week This book looks at the Holocaust from an unusual angle. Instead of concentrating on the suffering of victims or the complicity or lack thereof of the German and Austrian peoples, its essays shine a light on how much those societies themselves lost after the Nazis murdered German and Austrian Jews. Specifically, it focuses on how the fashion industry suffered as a result of the Shoah. Jews had lived in Central Europe since the Middle Ages, but only under severe restrictions, explains Christopher Friedrichs, one of the essayists and a professor of history at the University of British Columbia. They never were admitted to the guilds, the trade associations, that controlled the manufacture of goods. As a result, Jews were forbidden to weave cloth, make shoes or sew clothing to be worn by Christians. But they were permitted to sell secondhand goods. “Since textiles and clothing were the most important manufactured goods in preindustrial times, it is hardly surprising that many Jews specialized in selling used items of apparel,” he writes. Thus, they gained experience in the clothing market. As a result of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many economic restrictions on German Jews began to be lifted, and finally Jews were fully emancipated in Austria in 1867 and in Germany in 1871. Nonetheless, Jews were, in effect, still barred from some professions -- the author mentions they couldn’t become judges, professors, diplomats and army officers -- but there were no restrictions in commerce. “Not surprisingly, one of the key areas of Jewish activity was in the garment trades, the economic sector in which Jews had long enjoyed an established if peripheral role,” Friedrichs writes. And Jews also became heavily involved in a business connected to the apparel industry -department stores. The chapter on department stores, written by German architect and city planner Christian Schramm, is one of the most interesting in the collection. Parisian merchant Aristide Boucicaut’s Au Bon Marche, which opened in 1869, is considered the first department store. With the French stores serving as models, the Wertheim department store in Berlin --
owned by a Jewish family -- opened around the turn of the 20th century and became, after several expansions, the largest in Europe. Jewish “control” of both the clothing industry and department stores became targets of the Nazis. The Nazis’ largest base of support was among tradespeople and members of the lower middle class, and they therefore attacked major department stores and their mostly Jewish owners in their propaganda, according to Schramm. Their platform foresaw public ownership of department stores, which would be divided and rented to small tradesmen. After they came to power, the Nazis organized boycotts and levied higher taxes on Jewishowned department stores, which, in short order, were on the verge of bankruptcy. However, those enterprises employed 72,000 people and fearing massive unemployment, the Nazis announced that eliminating department stores would not happen immediately. But they continued the policy of Aryanization by which Jewish owners were forced to sell their property to Aryans at rock-bottom prices. In the clothing industry, anti-Semites charged that Jews owned 80 percent to 90 percent -- actually, Jews controlled about 50 percent -- of clothing design and manufacturing, writes Irene Guenther, history professor at Marquette University. In 1933, the Nazis came to power and their arguments against Jews in the fashion industry came together, she writes. “Only German fashion, Aryan-designed and manufactured, was appropriate for the ‘noble German woman.’ Racially correct German clothing depended upon the elimination of Jewish and French influences.” So, as with Jewish-owned department stores, boycotts, Aryanization of businesses and firings, the fashion industry became “judenrein, free of Jews,” she writes. After the war began, many former Jewish clothing workers were sent to ghettos and to slave labor camps where they made clothes and shoes for the German army and for Nazi officials and their wives. But the results of forcing Jews out of the fashion industry were not exactly what the Nazis had in mind. Fashion exports and domestic sales fell precipitously, and unemployment rose, according to Geunther. “The German fashion world, suddenly devoid of its creative mainstays, suffered irreparable damage from the effects of breaking up what had been a tightly-knit business community.” In Austria -- incorporated into Germany in 1938 -the effects were similar. “Aryanized firm names were new and unknown in the industry,” writes historian and journalist Gloria Sultano. “The poor business climate, greed for profit, and lack of professionalism on the part of the Aryan owners as well as the absence of the personality, knowledge and skill of the former owners led to financial difficulties. ...”Even after the war it was extremely difficult for the textile centres in Berlin and Vienna, always ranked behind Paris, to regain the reputation they had previously enjoyed ...” Maybe there is some justice in this world after all.
Temple Israel launches new and improved website by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator After three months of researching other websites, gathering examples and material, much discussion, writing, and revising, Temple Israel recently unveiled a new website. Visitors to the website can check the Temple calendar, the religious school schedule, access the by-laws, and the religious school handbook -- for starters. “We had a wonderful website that was designed and maintained by Colleen Kennealy,” a former member of Temple who moved to Minnesota in December, said Rosie Zweiback, Temple program director, who along with Wendy Goldberg, president of the Temple Board, Rabbi Eric Linder, Executive Director Dennis DePorte, and Misty Weidner, Administrative Assistant created the site’s content and navigation. “We knew we had to take over a big job,” Zweiback admitted. But it was also “an opportunity to rethink the web design. We spent a lot of time visiting other websites to see what features we liked.” As members of the Union for Reform Judaism, Temple was able to use URJ’s templates and received
much technical support from the Union. “We were also able to import lots of photos and keep the stained glass windows on our home page,” Zweiback pointed out. “Rosie edited information,” Goldberg said. There was a lot of writing to do before the new website could “go live.” Misty built the web pages and will maintain the website with the support of the Temple staff, Goldberg added. She specifically mentioned the calendar, committee tools, and photos as improved features of the website. Among the changes are the site’s content, quality, quantity, and navigation. “I think the site (at www.templeisrael-ne.org) is very helpful to a newcomer to Omaha or someone curious about Judaism,” Zweiback said, “because it gives a well-rounded picture of the life of this congregation as well as some solid general information about Jewish holidays and practices.” In addition to easy access to pages of information, congregants can make donations, volunteer for committees, and register for adult education classes on the website. “It’s a simple process,” Zweiback added. “We are thrilled with the results.” Both she and Goldberg “have received lots of positive feedback.”
May 4, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Travel guide reflects European revival by DINAH SPRITZER PRAGUE (JTA) -- When she set out to write the first comprehensive Jewish travel guidebook on the countries of the former Eastern bloc, Ruth Ellen Gruber might as well have been documenting the secret life of a New Guinea tribe of cannibals. Seventeen years ago, little was known among mainstream U.S. travelers about the Jewish heritage of the countries that had just emerged from behind the Iron Curtain. Cemeteries had been destroyed or forgotten, synagogues were collapsing and little information was available at the region’s town halls or tourist centers about hundreds of years of Jewish history. Now the fourth edition of Gruber’s guidebook, National Geographic Jewish Heritage Travel: A Guide to Eastern Europe, reveals a revolution in monument care and the return of Jewish culture -- or a least tributes to that culture -- in areas where it had long been dormant. Researching the first guidebook, Gruber said she “could go to a town and they would mention a 17thcentury cathedral or 19th-century palace, but nobody included anything Jewish.” Gruber, a JTA correspondent, said that among Jews and non-Jews in the United States and Europe, “there was an assumption that nothing had survived the Holocaust and there was very little desire to know that there was vestiges of the pre-Holocaust Jewish world.” “I remember in 1990 looking at sites in Czechoslovakia, and we sort of recognized that if we saw a clump of dirt in a field and a broken wall it was probably a cemetery,” said Gruber, who has residences in Budapest and near Rome. “Now all of these places are known and documented.” Jewish heritage travel has made it into the mainstream, according to Gruber, who has written two other books on the recent revival of Jewish culture in Central and Eastern Europe. “It’s extraordinary, and extraordinarily important, that National Geographic is now publishing” her new guidebook, she said. National Geographic is “recognized over all the world. It gives an imprimatur of importance to Jewish sites.” The book includes everything from directions to littleknown heritage sites to addresses of Jewish communal institutions. Insider anecdotes and hard-to-find information is presented for Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Bulgaria. The restoration of so many Jewish monuments in these countries is due to myriad factors -- generous help from the West; decent planning by local governments, renewed Jewish community pride, non-Jewish devotion to history and the realization that Jewish sites could
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some extent across Central and Eastern Europe, said Gruber, who also has written Virtually Jewish: Reinventing Jewish Culture in Europe and Upon The Doorposts Of Thy House: Jewish Life In East-Central Europe, Yesterday And Today. The rebirth of Krakow’s former Jewish district, Kazimierz, has not only led to the reclaiming of Jewish synagogues there but to a more general revival that has turned the neighborhood into a top night spot with Jewish-themed restaurants and trendy bars. “There was only one cafe there when my book first came out,” Gruber said. She gave mixed reviews to monument care in the rest of Poland, but said there were plenty of sites that would impress tourists, such as Lesko in southeastern Poland. “It has a beautiful synagogue that is a landmark of the town, it’s an art gallery,” Gruber said. “The cemetery has about 2,000 intricately decorated tombstones dating back to the 16th century.” Gruber also had high praise for the Holocaust monument at Belzec, where the Nazis murdered some 500,000 Jews from the Galicia region in 1942. The monument was erected in 2004 with the help of the American Jewish Committee. In Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and eastern Poland, surviving but little-known wooden synagogues have become Jewish attractions, Gruber noted. “About a dozen wooden synagogues have been identified within the past decade, and are really worth seeing,” she said. Of the more ornate Jewish cemeteries, Gruber urges tourists not to miss those in Romania and Ukraine because of their “sheer architectural beauty.” There is a small but vocal living Jewish presence in the region, and Gruber points out that has also undergone a revival. For example, Prague’s Jewish community has only 1,500 registered Jews, but “a tourist can now go to five or six services on Shabbat,” Gruber noted. That contrasts with the communities’ moribund state during the communist era, when actively participating in religious life could lead to persecution by the secret police. Gruber acknowledged that some people have an image of the former Eastern bloc as teeming with antiSemitism, an image she seeks to dispel. Gruber notes a tremendous sea change among non-Jews -- not just toward Jews but toward foreigners in general, in countries where xenophobia once was prevalent. In Luboml, Ukraine, Gruber met a local young historian obsessed with Jewish history, as is often the case for historians reclaiming their countries’ past after communism made Jewish topics more or less forbidden. “There had been a Jewish distillery; he gave me the labels of bottles to take home,” she said. “You meet people like that all over the place. Of course you sometimes meet people who are awful, but that’s true wherever you go.”
attract tourism. “The Czech Republic is where things have changed the most,” Gruber said. “Look at the synagogue at Ustek. “ She notes in her book that the 18th-century synagogue, located on a scenic perch, was just a “pile of rubble” in the early 1990s. “It’s been restored in a fantastic way,” she said. “In three other towns near Ustek the Jewish cemeteries were scenes of devastation. Now they are cleaned up, marked with monuments.” Throughout the Czech Republic there are exhibitions in restored synagogues, and that in 2006 the country devoted an entire year to Jewish culture, staging art shows, concerts and theater productions. What went on in the Czech Republic has gone on to
Author lists Top 10 destinations by DINAH SPRITZER PRAGUE (JTA) -- Jewish Heritage Travel: A Guide to Eastern Europe has comprehensive information about 14 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. But with hundreds of sites, how to know what are the must-see attractions? Ruth Ellen Gruber, the book’s author, shared her list of favorites: • The Jewish cemeteries and painted synagogues in northern Romania. The most impressive are the three in Siret, on the border with Ukraine. Nearby towns with painted synagogues and cemeteries include Botosani, Suceava, Radauti and Piatra Neamt. • The Jewish cemeteries and ruins of fortress synagogues in Ukraine. In Sataniv, the synagogue retains some of its interior decoration and the tombstones feature elaborate carving The village of Sharhorod has a fortress synagogue, cemeteries, remains of shtetl architecture and a small Jewish community. • The baroque synagogue and Jewish cemetery in the village of Mad, in northeastern Hungary. • The synagogues in Lancut, in southeastern Poland, and in Tykocin, in northeastern Poland. Both have been restored and are used as Jewish museums. • The old Jewish quarters, synagogues and cemeteries in the towns of Boskovice, Trebic and Lomnice, near Brno in the Czech Republic. • Anything to do with the Hungarian architect Lipot Baumnhorn (1860-1932), modern Europe’s most prolific synagogue designer. Particularly recommended: the synagogue in Szeged, Hungary, and a ruined one in Lucenec, Slovakia. • Wooden synagogues in Eastern Poland, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine, all of which were destroyed by the Nazis. About a dozen survive in villages in Lithuania. • The elaborate synagogue in Subotica, Serbia, is an extraordinary example of Hungarian art nouveau architecture. • The Holocaust monument complex in Belzec in southeastern Poland. Opened in 2004, this is an overwhelming memorial that uses the entire site as a sculpture. • The Holocaust memorial in Plunge, Lithuania, features a profoundly moving installation of massive wooden sculptures by the Jewish wood-carver Jakob Bunkas and his artist friends.
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May 4, 2007
B’nai Israel features anthropology professor in Shabbat speaker series by ALLEN KURLAND on a Fulbright Fellowship, and subsefor B’nai Israel quently completed his Ph.D. in Dr. David Mayer Gradwohl will speak Anthropology at Harvard University. His at B’nai Israel Synagogue next Friday, dissertation dealt with prehistoric Native May 11, 7:30 p.m. during services. American village settlement patterns along Weeping Water Creek Dr. Gradwohl is a in Cass County, Nebraska. Professor Emeritus of In addition to archaeologAnthropology at Iowa State ical research associated with University. When he came to prehistoric Native ISU in 1962, he was the first Americans, he has excavated person hired to teach fullsites associated with Eurotime in anthropology and American pioneers and was the university’s first African-American coal minarchaeologist. ers in Iowa. For the past 25 In 1964, he established years, he has focused his the Iowa State University research on the relationship Archaeological Laboratory and the ISU Summer Field Dr. David Mayer Gradwohl of material culture and ethSchool in Archaeology. He was the archi- nicity and, in particular, intra-group tect of ISU,s undergraduate major in diversity among Jews as reflected by anthropology, supervised the first MA in cemeteries and gravemarkers. Dr. Gradwohl is a charter member of anthropology at ISU, and was the Professor in Charge of Anthropology for the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, a a number of years. Dr. Gradwohl also co-founding member of the Iowa Jewish helped establish the American Indian Historical Society, and a member of the Studies Program at ISU, team-taught the Board of Directors of the IJHS. He is married to Hanna Rosenberg American Indian Studies core course, and Gradwohl, who also grew up in Lincoln, chaired the program for several years. Born in Lincoln, he obtained his BA at and is retired from her job as a school the University of Nebraska with majors in social worker with the Heartland Area anthropology and geology. He attended Education Agency. The couple has three the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, children and six grandchildren.
Temple pajama event puts Shabbat to sleep Ellie liked the macaroni and cheese and by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator buffet dinner that followed the havdalah It looked more like a pajama party, but service. They both thought it was “very it was really a family sing-a-long and hav- funny” to see their parents wear pajamas dalah at Temple Israel. Approximately to Temple! 125 children and adults, most of them dressed in their b e d t i m e clothes, came on April 14 with their blankets and teddy bears to hear cantorial soloist and educator Steve Brodsky sing mostly Jewish music accompanied by his guitar. Steve Brodsky led more than 100 children and adults singing good by to The regional Shabbat at Temple Israel. educator for the Midwest Council of the Sarah Wiseman and her daughter Union for Reform Judaism, Brodsky lives Destiny, five, thought the evening “was in Denver, Colorado. wonderful. We had a blast!” said Sarah. “It was fun,” agreed the Rob and Destiny will be able to enjoy Brodsky’s Wendy Reiss family. Abby, nine, liked the voice and music for a long time listening havdalah service best. Seven-year-old to his CDs.
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ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC featuring Michael Murphy, a singer-songwriter and Native American flute player. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. Join us for bingo with Eileen or Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.
2 p.m. Dinner follows the show at the Pizza King in Council Bluffs. Cost is $28.50 per person. Depart from the JCC at 12:45 p.m. and return by 7 p.m. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by May 7. For questions, call Rose Pitlor at 558.5144. Make all checks payable to Visions.
VISIONS Reminder: Joslyn Art Museum tour is on Tuesday, May 8 with a celebrated Impressionists Exhibit, one of the greatest collections on loan. Meet at 10:45 a.m. for an 11 a.m. docent-led tour, followed by lunch at the Omaha Press Club. Luncheon meeting is Friday, May 18, 12:30 p.m. at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $10 per person. Members will be entertained by a preview of Peter Pan by the Omaha Community Playhouse performers, along with the Musical Director, Jim Boggess. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St, Omaha, NE 68114 by May 11. For questions, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. Chanticleer Community Theater presents The King and I on Sunday, May 20,
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Trent Magid and Jeff Beals will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 9, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. This dynamic duo will discuss real estate development and the changing Omaha scene. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Do you remember your first crush? How about your favorite childhood toy? Can you recall your first disappointment? What has been special about your most enduring friendship? You’ll have the chance to share those memories and so much more when StoryCorps arrives. StoryCorps is partnering with KIOSFM, Omaha Public Radio to record stories -- ranging from touching and funny to sweet and sorrowful – as part of the organization’s roving national history project. The StoryCorps Mobile StoryBooth, an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio, will be parked at the Omaha Public Library’s W. Dale Clark (Main) Library, 215 So. 15 St., from May 10 through June 2, 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Ordinary people can share their extraordinary experiences and come away with a CD of their recording. KIOS will air several of the stories as well as create special programs around StoryCorps’ Omaha project. The stories may also run on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” To set the stories in motion, Mayor Mike Fahey steps into the Mobile StoryBooth for the first StoryCorps recording during the Opening Day, on Thursday, May 10, 10 a.m. Reservations
must be made in advance. The station began booking interview slots on April 26; please visit www.kios.org for details. Information about StoryCorps as well as oral history excerpts and sample interview questions can be found at www.storycorps.net. Omaha Performing Arts welcomes The Philadelphia Orchestra to the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Kiewit Concert Hall on Thursday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Founded more than a century ago, The Philadelphia Orchestra delights more than one million music lovers each year through its performances, publications, recordings and broadcasts. The Orchestra is currently led by Christoph Eschenbach, only the seventh music director in the organization’s long and rich history. Tickets are on sale now for the final performance of the Omaha Performing Arts Presents 2006/07 Classical Series, sponsored by Omaha Steaks. Tickets, priced from $19-$80, may be purchased through Ticket Omaha online at www.ticketomaha.org, by phone at 402.345.0606 or at the Holland Center Box Office, 13th and Douglas.
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Commission finds war leaders failed, but the question is: What to do now? by DINA KRAFT political and diplomatic options available to Israel. All of TEL AVIV (JTA) -- With “failure” officially stamped these add up to a serious failure in exercising judgment, on Ehud Olmert’s management of last summer’s war responsibility and prudence.” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the question is: What The war began after Hezbollah seized two Israeli solhappens now? diers and killed eight in a cross-border raid July 12. Israel The Israeli public, deeply critical and hungry for blame, counterattacked, but Olmert and Defense Minister Amir may yet stop short of ousting the unpopular prime min- Peretz at first relied mainly on air force and artillery ister because of a lack of alternatives. Also because the shelling, which exacted a steep price on Lebanon’s civilofficial commission of inquiry into the war found fault ian infrastructure but failed to budge Hezbollah from its not only with Olmert but with the government and mil- heavily fortified bunkers near the border. The militia conitary leadership as a whole, past and present. tinued launching short-range rockets into northern Israel “I think he is going to be stubborn and refuse to until the very end of the war. resign,” Abraham Diskin, a political science professor at By the time troops and tanks were finally unleashed in the Hebrew University, said of Olmert. “It will also force just days before an Aug. 12 cease-fire was brokered depend on the cohesion of Kadima and the government, by the United Nations, the damage to Israel’s prestige and the scope and nature of the public reaction, includ- had been done. Critics charged that soldiers’ lives were ing in the media and rallies. But most of these elements wasted on a futile ground mission in the war’s waning are, for the time being, under his control,” Diskin said. hours, long after it could have made a real difference. “What we have is a very big Still, as scathing as the drama but not a real earthcommission was about quake yet.” Olmert’s failings, it was perIn fact, Olmert said haps even more damning of Monday following the Defense Minister Amir release of the Winograd Peretz and Israel Defense Commission's interim Forces Chief of Staff Dan report that though “serious Halutz. The commission mistakes were made, mainly charged Peretz, a novice in by me, “during the war, he military matters, with not would not resign. Shortly properly consulting experts, after telling his Kadima and said Dan Halutz was Party faction that he had no negligent in not presenting a intention of stepping down, range of alternative strategic Olmert reiterated his stance plans. Halutz stepped down Protesters demonstrate outside Israeli Prime Minister Ehud in anticipation of the report. at a news conference. “This is a serious and diffi- Olmert's residence in Jerusalem on Monday demanding that David Frenkel, a law procult report,” the prime min- he resign in light of the Winograd Report. fessor at Ben-Gurion Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA University of the Negev, said ister said. “There were mistakes by the decision-makers, we need to start to fix the even though the public wants to see a change in the top shortcomings; there’s much to be done. The presenta- leadership echelon, there was a danger in moving too tion of the report opens a new chapter of fixing mistakes quickly to new elections. With the government in power and learning lessons.” for only 13 months, existential issues that need to be Other prime ministers have stepped down in the wake addressed are more important than campaigning, of public anger and disappointment following wars, even Frenkel said. “We are facing a very hard time with when no official inquiry body demanded they take that Hezbollah in the North and Iran,” he said. “To leave action. everything behind and go to elections would be considGolda Meir resigned after the Yom Kippur War, and ered a luxury.” Frenkel went on to say, “There will be a Menachem Begin eventually stepped down after launch- next war, and instead of preparing for it we are coning the first Lebanon War. stantly dealing with who is to be blamed for the past.” Asked how President Bush regarded the Winograd He said it was natural for the public to place blame but Commission report, White House spokesman Tony suggested that Israeli society did not acknowledge Snow said, “Well, obviously he works very closely with Israel’s achievements in the war that Hezbollah had been Prime Minister Olmert and thinks that he’s essential in pushed back from the border and struck a severe blow. working toward a two-state solution. The president Hezbollah lost virtually its entire arsenal of long-range remains committed to it. We’re not going to comment missiles to Israeli airstrikes in the war’s opening days, on, obviously, internal investigations within the Israeli and some analysts said the militia lost nearly half its government.” fighting force. Hezbollah publicly downplays its losses. The report’s five authors -- a mix of judges, former genHezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said after the erals and an expert on public policy -- said they would war that he never would have launched the conflict had refrain at this point from making recommendations about he anticipated Israel’s massive response, a sign that the specific people and posts. Nevertheless, after months of war may have succeeded in restoring Israel’s deterrent speculation and a recent barrage of media leaks, the harsh capacity after years in which Hezbollah felt it could condemnations in the commission’s interim findings took attack the Jewish state with impunity. even seasoned politicians and pundits by surprise. The question of who would fill a leadership void “The prime minister made up his mind hastily, despite remains open. Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu the fact that no detailed military plan was submitted to leads the polls, but neither he nor other potential candihim and without asking for one,” the report said. “Also, dates seem to command much enthusiasm. his decision was made without close study of the comJTA Washington Bureau Chief Ron Kampeas conplex features of the Lebanon front and of the military, tributed to this story.
Christian clergy urge temple to “continue the dialogue” at annual ministers institute by CLAUDIA SHERMAN West.” Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “It was a wonderful program,” said Reverend Gail Atif Khalil, assistant professor of Islamic Thought, Muckey, from Peace United Church of Christ of University of Lethbridge in Walnut, Iowa. Alberta, Canada, was the Nicki McIntyre whose guest lecturer at this year’s church is in Scribner, Annual Sidney H. and Jane Nebraska, thanked the Brooks Institute on Judaism Institute organizers “once for Christian Clergy on April again for another education20, at Temple Israel. al opportunity.” She offered Speaking on the topic, her “prayers for unity and “Islam Meets the West,” peace,“ and added, “Your Khalil’s morning lecture was missions in the world are entitled: “The Vision of Temple Israel member Bob Freeman is shown having lunch exemplary!” Islam: Understanding an at the Institute with Father Tom Fangman from Sacred Heart “Continue the dialogue,” urged Bryan Hankins of Abrahamic Religion.” In the Church in Omaha. afternoon, he addressed, “The Medieval Islamic Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Bellevue. Philosophical Tradition and Its Dialogue with the
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
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Teachers honored at CJE Appreciation Dinner
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The CJE honored community teachers at a dinner at the Jewish Community Center with keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum, President of Gratz College. Photos from top left: Event chairman Debbi Josephson, left, Dr. Guy Matalon, CJE executive director, Dr. Rosenbaum, CJE chairman Ann Goldstein, CJE board member Bob Goldberg, Teachers of 18 years-plus: Betti Adams, left:
Elyce Azriel, Denise Bennett, Carole Greenberg, Marvin Parilman, Shani Katzman. Teachers of 25 years or more: Doris Parker, left, Dora Goldstrom, Gloria Kaslow, Margo Riekes.Retired teachers who taught 18 years or more: Shirley Goodman, left, Mindell Diamond, Cantor Leo Fettman, Helen Manheimer, Helen Epstein, Stanley Mitchell, and Blanche Wise.
Beth El’s fifth-grade thespians to perform musical play about Shabbat by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s fifth graders have been busy preparing for their upcoming musical play, “Celebrate Shabbat for the Rest of Your Lives,� and everyone is invited to see the culmination of their efforts on Sunday, May 6, 11:30 a.m.
penned the lyrics, and Beth El Cantor GastĂłn Bogomolni, who composed the music; it was released as a CD last year, recorded by the cantor, Dacia Jabenis and Annelise Ocanto, with the arrangements by Norberto Vogel. “All during the year, the students have been learning selected Shabbat prayers and their meaning,â€? Greenberg remarked. “They are always seeking to understand what
Left: Chelsea Kavich, left, Alyssa Cohen and Megan Kahn shared a script as they showed off their budding acting
chops during rehearsal. Right: Teacher Andy Greenberg recently led students through a run-through of their play
Scripted by the fifth-grade class under the tutelage of their teacher, Andy Greenberg, “Celebrate Shabbat,� focuses on the many significant aspects of Shabbat and highlights how families can put aside their busy school or work week and celebrate this day of rest. Collaborators on the play included Greenberg, who
the words mean and how they can relate to them and the prayers. Their writing and presentation of the play is a culmination of their year’s work. Now, they can not only lead and participate in services; through their own study, they understand the beauty of Shabbat.�
High School
Seniors High School Seniors and Parents... We will be publishing our annual Graduation Teen Age on June 8, 2007. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information. Name _______________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _______________________________________ Current High School _______________________________________ College you plan to attend _______________________________________
Send by May 11 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Yachad members to be honored and participate in worship services at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Members of Yachad will be honored at Temple Israel during Shabbat worship services on Friday, May 11. The focus of the 7:30 p.m. service will be on the gifts this group of Jewish adults, who have developmental disabilities, bring to the community. Emphasis will also be on how to better include them in the community’s life including in worship services. “There are young and older members of our community for whom the time has come to celebrate their special gifts. The community is beginning to set up the tools in order to make their journeys easier,� said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “Our Shabbat service will celebrate their and their families’ courage and perseverance.� Sisters Jillian, 27, and Lisa Salomon, 30, are members of Yachad. Their mother, Deborah Salomon will share some of her experiences with the congregation on May 11. There have been “successes and struggles,� she said. She recalled that Lisa, who recently celebrated her 30th
birthday, wasn’t expected to live for more than nine hours after birth. So celebrating this special landmark birthday was “exciting� as Lisa’s Yachad and Special Olympics friends and people who have been a part of her life attended the party. Avi Wolfson, 18, who will graduate from Westside High School in May, will also attend the service, said his father, Doug Wolfson. “I think this night will give the Yachad members a sense of community as they experience the service,� said Doug Wolfson. It will also afford some “exposure to the community and show them that our kids are in need of developing their Jewish identity just like everyone else.� Duane Pieper, who works with the Yachad group by taking them to social, recreational, and cultural events around Omaha, is working with Rabbi Azriel and Program Director Rosie Zweiback to organize the worship service. He and his wife Kathie will attend the service, and he hopes the entire Temple community “will attend this special event.�
May 4, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM THE MORTON A. RICHARDS YOUTH FUND Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the BBG girls of BBYO. Special thanks goes to BBYO Director Rachel Blum for collecting the material.
Why BBYO is so much more than just a Tuesday night meeting by AMANDA BUCHER In eighth grade I had no intention of joining any Jewish youth group or even staying involved in my synagogue. My mom, who had been in BBYO when she was in high school, urged me to at least give it a shot by going to the rushes. I reluctantly agreed and showed up for Ediar’s rush at That Pottery Place. The girls were so friendly and I really had a lot of fun. MZ’s rush was even better for me and I decided to join that chapter. Sometime after senior farewell and hanging out over the summer with all the BBYO kids, I fell in love with the organization and everything that it had to do with. I went to two conventions my freshman year and had the time of my life. I started to hold board positions in my chapter and loved contributing to make it better. I attended almost any program I could
and even decided not to try out for basketball my sophomore year because it took too much time away from BBYO. I could never thank my mom enough for making me go to those rushes. BBYO has always been there for me. Going to Millard West, the Jewish population is about 10 kids if that, and I love going to the JCC on Tuesday nights and feeling like I belong somewhere. I’ve made life-long friends here that always cheer me up when I have a bad day, know how to have fun doing anything, and have helped me to become more outgoing when freshman year I was the shy little MIT in the corner. Everyone says that if you put your whole heart into BBYO that it will be well worth it and I truly know that feeling. I cannot wait to continue to contribute to it my next two years in high school. Amanda Bucher is a sophomore at Millard West and a member of MZ Yoshanah BBG. She is currently our Council Mit-Mom, or Membership Vice President.
A Best Friend by LASHANNA ROSE BERNSTEIN
A best friend is someone who cares for you, Someone who will be there when you need them, Someone who will understand your problems. A best friend is someone who will stay with you through hard times. Never letting you struggle alone, Always sticking by your side. A best friend wouldn’t betray you. They would always keep your secrets safe, Respecting your wishes twenty-four seven.
A best friend will make sure you’re having fun. Whether laughing till you have the hiccups, Or dancing to the weirdest song you know. A best friend will call you up and talk with you for hours. Non-stop jibber jabber of nothing special, But never a moment of silence. Having a best friend is something to cherish, It’s a good feeling when you know That they’re your best friend. LaShanna Bernstein is a junior at Elkhorn High School and a member of MZ Yoshanah BBG.
What BBYO means to us by EMILY GILLER and ALYSSA MORRIS BBYO has impacted our lives in so many different ways. We volunteer our time to help out the less fortunate and we try to participate in as many events as possible because they are a lot of fun and we learn something new every time. Even throughout middle school, our older friends would always tell us about the great times they had at programs for their chapters. We were excited to join BBYO but we never expected all of the opportunities that came from this organization or the lessons we have learned over these past few years. It’s really hard for us to even describe what this organization means to us. We have both met some of our best friends through this youth group and have been given the opportunity to hold various leadership positions. These positions have helped us become better people by teaching us responsibility, organization, generosity, cooperation, effective public speaking, how to be more creative and so much more. Each of these skills can be utilized in our future. They have helped us succeed as leaders in our community and hopefully will continue to allow us to be great leaders for the rest of our lives. This February, we attended the BBYO International Convention in Texas. We met many new people not just from the United States but from all over the world. It is crazy to think that a small group of men started this organization in our city. It is even crazier to think of how far this organization has come throughout this century thanks to these men. They were able to stand up for what they believed and that ideal led to great
things like the beginning of BBYO and of the B’nai Brith Girls. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Jewish teens such as ourselves have something to look up to. Each week we attend meetings where we recite the Menorah Pledge principles. These are the ideals that BBG is based upon. These traditions not only assist the Jewish community but work to improve the entire world. Each chapter knows what is expected of them but when we attended this convention we found out that BBYO is run differently from Region to Region but the goals and the traditions are same. This feeling of unity is an amazing thing that we believe all teens should have the chance to experience for themselves. As leaders, we hope that everything that we have done within BBYO and the B’nai Brith Girls will influence and inspire girls to work hard for this organization. BBYO is amazing both in the opportunities it provides and the experiences you are able to partake in. It is so hard to put into words just how much BBYO can do for teens in our world today so this article probably does not do as much justice as it should. Every teen should take the chance to see what BBYO has to offer them and maybe they will end up with the same passion we feel for this organization. Emily Giller is a junior at Millard North and a member of Ediar BBG. She was just recently installed as the 20072008 BBG Council President. Alyssa Morris is a senior at Millard North and a member of Ediar BBG. She just completed her term as Council President.
b-linked is your connection to the largest online network exclusively for Jewish teens. Make thousands of new friends from around the world and stay connected to friends from camp, travel and school. Create a personal profile. Speak your mind about your favorite topics on message boards and blogs. Upload photos. Explore social, travel, community service and leadership opportunities. Get help with the college admissions process. And so much more!
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
Making a difference in an indifferent world That’s the theme of the Jewish Press New Year’s issue, to be published on Sept. 7, 2007. It’s an expanded variation of Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World, the theme of our 2003 Passover issue; this time the focus will be on members of the Jewish community who volunteer in the larger world. The most obvious names that come to mind of course are Jerry and Cookie Hoberman, whose creation of a partnership at Omaha Public Schools’ Belvedere Academy has led to the Winners’ Circle and now a college scholarship program. Their dedication and encouragement continues to offer hope and opportu nities never thought possible for dozens and dozens of underserved students. (Yes...we’ll be calling you for an interview!) Sandy Epstein has been a longtime volunteer for Make A Wish, as well as the first and only chairman of Dictionary Day that the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section has ever had. Believe it or not, the Press has not featured her in any of our special issues either. Sylvia Kaiman walks to Children’s Hospital to volunteer every week. And Bud Studna helps students in underserved schools improve their reading. You get the idea. These are Jews on a mission -- a goal to use the values with which they were raised, Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), gemillut hasadim (acts of loving kindness) and tzedakah (justice) to make a difference.
And we need your help. Please nominate the men, women -- and teens -- who continue to help others in Omaha, in Nebraska, or in the world. Tell us about your nominee -- whether it’s working in AmeriCorps as a teacher, as Megan Adams did (we profiled her in our New Year’s issue of 2006) or Deenie Meyerson, a long time volunteer and leader for the Arthritis Foundation (profiled in the 2003 Passover issue). Please send us your nominees name(s), contact information (phone and e-mail address if you have it) and a short description of volunteer activities by Monday, May 14, to: 2007 New Year’s Issue, Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or e-mail the editor at: ckatzman@ jewishomaha.org. By the way, we’re interested in former Nebraskans, too: college students who run dance marathons or 10K runs each year to raise money for an established charity, young adults who work as volunteer emergency medical technicians, or retirees in Arizona, California or
Florida who mentor high school students or read to preschoolers at local libraries. These are our shining stars, the people who can literally change the lives of people. Some have helped young people alter a course from a life of drugs and desperation to college and career; others have literally saved lives with gallons of donations of blood or plasma through the Red Cross. And others have sparked smiles among lonely elders with weekly visits and phone calls. Let us know who they are so we can tell others and let them be examples to the world of how the righteous live.
Perhaps the most serious charge made throughout the war was that Israel was indiscriminately targeting civilians. Groups such as Human Rights Watch made the allegation, which was then publicized uncritically by the media. Israel consistently said that Hezbollah was using civilians as shields, but the media bought the denials of HRW’s director. Kalb notes that reporters should have been aware that Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had said before the war that Hezbollah fighters “live in their [civilians’] houses, in their schools, in their churches, in their fields, in their farms and in their factories.” Early in the war, Kalb says, reporters did note that Hezbollah started the war and casualties were a consequence of the fighting, “but
age.” Similarly, he reports that Israel was depicted as the aggressor nearly twice as often in the headlines of the New York Times and Washington Post and three times as often in photos. Israel was repeatedly criticized for alleged attacks around or on UN troops in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Kalb notes that the “impartial” UNIFIL web site published information about Israeli troop movements while no such information was posted regarding Hezbollah’s military activities. Kalb also reiterates what media watchdogs knew all along, but journalists rarely admitted, that their access to stories in Lebanon was strictly controlled by Hezbollah. “Foreign correspondents were warned, on entry to the tour [of a southern Beirut suburb], that they could not wander off on their own or ask questions of any residents. They could only take pictures of sites approved by their Hezbollah minders. Violations, they were told, would be treated harshly. Cameras would be confiscated, film or tape destroyed, and offending reporters never again allowed access to Hezbollah officials or Hezbollah-controlled areas. Kalb compared the terms to that of the Soviet era and said that only CNN’s Anderson Cooper described the ground rules that Hezbollah imposed to try to control the story. Kalb says “all of the other reporters followed the Hezbollah script: Israel, in a cruel, heartless display of power, bombed innocent civilians. Casualties were high. Devastation was everywhere. So spoke the Hezbollah spokesman; so wrote many in the foreign press corps.” Cameramen didn’t need permission to film devastation, but they were warned against taking pictures of Hezbollah terrorists. “The rarest picture of all,” Kalb observes, “was that of a Hezbollah guerilla. It was as if the war on the Hezbollah side was being fought by ghosts.” The Herald Sun of Australia also published equally rare photos showing Hezbollah preparing to fire rockets from civilian neighborhoods, the type of visual evidence that if widely disseminated could have quickly discredited the inaccurate reports of Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Continued on page 13
From the perspective of Israel, much of the media was hopelessly biased in favor of Hezbollah during last summer’s war. On a purely journalistic basis, the mistakes, the distortions and the failure to follow basic rules of reporting were mortifying. Now the first serious study of the media’s behavior has confirmed these impressions. The study was not written by some partisan watchdog organization that would be expected to arrive at these conclusions; rather, it was produced by a respected journalist, Marvin Kalb, Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy. Kalb details the way the press allowed itself to be manipulated by Hezbollah, some of the mistakes made by Israel in trying to manage coverage, several of the outright distortions published and broadcast, the impact of the digital media and the fundamental disadvantage a democracy such as Israel faces in a public relations battle with a non-democratic state or organization. Israel is automatically at a disadvantage in any conflict because it is an open society. “During the war,” Kalb noted, “no Hezbollah secrets were disclosed, but in Israel secrets were leaked, rumors spread like wildfire, leaders felt obliged to issue hortatory appeals often based on incomplete knowledge, and journalists were driven by the fire of competition to publish and broadcast unsubstantiated information.” He added that Hezbollah was able to control how it was portrayed to the world and could therefore depict itself as “a selfless movement touched by God and blessed by a religious fervor and determination to resist the enemy, the infidel, and ultimately achieve a ‘divine victory,’ no matter the cost” and no mention was made of its dependence on Iran and Syria.
Kalb also reiterates what media watchdogs knew all along, but journalists rarely admitted, that their access to stories in Lebanon was strictly controlled by Hezbollah. after the first week such references were either dropped or downplayed, leaving the widespread impression that Israel was a loose cannon shooting at anything that moved.” Kalb also produces statistics that clearly show the bias of coverage in the Arab press. It is not surprising that 78% of the stories on AlJazeera would label Israel as the “aggressor.” Western news services, however, would be expected to show some semblance of balance. The BBC ran 117 stories on the war, 38% blamed Israel as the aggressor compared to only 4% that blamed Hezbollah. Most stories said they were equally to blame. American network coverage was more intense than at any time since the 1991 attempted coup against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. More than half of the network stories focused on Israeli attacks against Lebanon. With the exception of Fox, Kalb said “negative-sounding judgements of Israel’s attacks and counter-attacks permeated most network cover-
Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee 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.
A war fought by ghosts
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by MITCHELL G. BARD, PH.D.
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern
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NEW YORK (JTA) -- With threats to the Jewish people emanating from so many directions -- a nuclear Iran, the demographic challenges of American Jewry, the rise in anti-Semitic attacks around the world -- a succession of leaders has warned that Jews face as much peril today as on the eve of the Holocaust. But when the Center for Jewish Studies at Queens College in New York City convened a conference on the state of world Jewry -ominously titled “Is it 1938 again?” -- the consensus was a resounding “No.” Virtually every presenter at the gathering April 22-23 noted the limits of any analogy to 1938. That was the year of Kristallnacht and the surrender of the Sudetenland to Nazi Germany in a policy now known disparagingly as appeasement, symbolizing Europe’s failure to appreciate the depth of Hitler’s ambitions. Presenters noted instead the obvious differences today, including the existence of a Jewish state with a strong army; the power and wealth of Jews in the West, particularly in the United States; society’s general intolerance of brazen anti-Semitism, even if the more subtle anti-Zionist variety is increasingly accepted; and a greater assertiveness by Jews, as demonstrated by the very fact of a conference convened to address the threats to Jewish survival. Nevertheless, the question of how concerned Jews should be has been raised with increasing frequency in recent years, particularly since the collapse of the Oslo peace process and the outbreak of the violent Palestinian intifada in 2000. At best, it was suggested at the conference, 1938 is useful for focusing Jewish attention and energy, and spurring action. At worst it can become a dangerous obsession with the past that creates unwarranted pessimism and obscures today’s opportunities. “Calling the conference ‘Is it 1938 again?‚ was intended to provoke debate about the dangers facing Jewry today,” said William Helmreich, a sociology professor and director of the Center for Jewish Studies. “It was a paradigm rather than a literal comparison.” That the question was raised at all reflects the unease in certain sectors of the Jewish community. Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, captured that feeling in an address at the opening session. In a speech that even Leonard Fein, the author and professor who was chosen to respond to Hoenlein, described as “extraordinary,” the veteran Jewish activist tore through a litany of threats to the Jews, his pitch rising in indignation as he jabbed the air for emphasis. Hoenlein invoked not only the obvious threat to Israel posed by a nuclear Iran but the danger of European antiSemitism, the tendency to appease
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No excuse for Brit bias at local NPR outlets
Jews wonder: Is it 1938 again?
F OCUS ON ISSUES by BEN HARRIS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Israel’s enemies and the attempts to silence Jews with charges -- increasingly visible in mainstream media -- that a proIsrael conspiracy controls policy in Washington. He warned that the “British model,” in which anti-Israel feeling among the elites begins to “trickle down” to the masses, is taking root in America. The point was not that catastrophe is upon the Jewish people but that it could be absent resolute action. “I think that for the Jewish community, this is a time we are being tested,” Hoenlein said. Fein didn’t dispute Hoenlein’s description but challenged his level of emotion, suggesting that comparisons to 1938 don’t help in formulating a response to the threats. “Those obsessed by history are as likely to repeat it as those who forget it,” Fein said. “The mantrification of 1938 is hardly a policy.” Fein cautioned that a fixation on the past blinds Jewish people to opportunities today, particularly what he called a “breathtaking” Arab peace proposal offering Israel normalized relations with the Arab world in exchange for withdrawal to Israel’s pre-1967 boundaries and a vague acceptance of the Palestinian demand for a refugee “right of return” -which some warn is tantamount to demographic suicide. “History is a fickle teacher,” Fein said. “If we do not probe what lies behind the windows that are open, those windows will close and we will have only fetid air to breathe.” The limits of the 1938 analogy were even more evident in considering Jewish demography, where warnings about intermarriage and assimilation have been a staple of communal discourse for nearly two decades, and the growing gulf between Israeli and American Jews. But when applied to the risk of physical violence against Jews, 1938 has a greater resonance. Bucking the consensus against a 1938 parallel, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, answered the conference question with an “emphatic yes.” Eckstein called for a strategic alliance with evangelical Christians -- “our best friends and closest allies.” He brushed off concerns about their supposed ulterior motives -- converting Jews and advancing Armageddon -- as a “figment of, if I can say it, this liberal, Jewish and journalistic imagination.” While Eckstein offered a possible solution, David Pryce-Jones, the soft-spoken Oxford University professor and senior editor of the National Review, presented perhaps the gloomiest prognosis at the conference. Pryce-Jones described the threat to Europe and its Jews from a large, alienated and unassimilated Muslim minority that he warned would increasingly turn the continent toward fascism. Asked why Europe seemed so complacent in the face of threats to its identity and culture, the normally witty and articulate Pryce-Jones could only stammer in response. “If push comes to shove, we’re in for tremendous bloodshed,” he said.
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN
a “thank you” to Palestinians who’ve worked for Johnston’s release. But even that point highlights British bias because the union went out of its way to demonstrate that Johnston’s work had been largely dedicated to supporting the Palestinians against Israel. While we should all hope for Johnston’s safety and his swift return, the idea that his slanted reporting against Israel ought to render him off-limits for terrorists remains deeply offensive. Implicit in the union’s statements about his kidnapping, and their boycott, is the odious assumption that terror against Israelis and Jews is okay. Even though the British journalists’ decision represents a dark day for journalism, there is a silver lining to it. Never again can the sacred cows of British media outlets, such as the BBC, claim that their reputation exempts them from well-deserved criticism for their biased coverage of Israel and the Middle East. The vote makes it official that none of their reports that routinely stack the deck against Israel should be taken as anything more than the opinions of a group that values their grudge against Zionism more than the demands of their profession. In particular, listeners to BBC radio, whose news programs are featured on local public radio stations throughout the United States, have a right to ask why taxpayer-funded broadcast outlets should continue to present the fruit of such bias. BBC news is heard regularly here in Philadelphia on WHYY-FM, where it is
The culture of modern journalism rests firmly on the notion of avoiding bias. This important principle may often be observed in the breach, but a firm belief in an individual’s own lack of bias seems to be one thing that unites just about everyone in the press, whether the actuality remains true or not. Armed with the notion of their own incorruptibility, press and broadcast outlets often act as if accusations of media bias are not to be taken seriously, a point that is deeply frustrating to critics. So it must be considered something of a surprise to learn that there’s at least one group of prominent journalists who feel there is no shame in publicly admitting that they take sides on an important issue. The case in point was the April 13 resolution by Britain’s National Union of Journalists to boycott Israel. The resolution not only compared the State of Israel to apartheid-era South Africa and asked for international sanctions against it, but threw in gratuitous criticisms of the war against Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon last year, as well as measures of Israeli self-defense against terror attacks emanating from Gaza. How can people who are supposedly pledged to objectively report the news engage in this sort of blatantly false propaganda? Just as with similar motions debated by academics, this measure ...it’s high time that local NPR donors, demonstrates the depth of antipathy in British society as well as American taxpayers ... asked why to the existence of a sovereign Jewish state, and that of the undisguised prejudices of British journalists its people to live in peace. against Israel is tolerated on our airwaves. That supposedly objective observers would take such a stand is espe- highlighted as an example of outstanding cially galling since it flies in the face of the journalism unavailable elsewhere. The same facts of the conflict. It is Israel that has is true throughout the nation as NPR stamade concession after concession over the tions use BBC’s news hour to fill in the gaps course of a vain 14 year effort to make in their schedule and provide their listeners peace with the Palestinians since the Oslo with what they think is a “Masterpiece accords in 1993. It is Israel that pulled Theater” version of the day’s news. But it’s high time that local NPR every settler and soldier out of Gaza in the summer of 2005. And it is the Palestinians donors, as well as American taxpayers that have steadfastly rejected every effort to who provide generous indirect subsidies give them a state because they refuse to give to NPR, asked why the undisguised prejup their dream of destroying the one Jewish udices of British journalists against Israel state in the region. Indeed, the more Israel is tolerated on our airwaves. We may not be able to do anything gives, the more its enemies are seemingly about the brazen politicization of the encouraged to keep on pushing for more. We already knew that many Western news in Britain, but we can cease donaintellectuals think the term “human tions to these American stations. If British journalists think that boycotts rights” doesn’t apply to Israeli Jews. But apparently, the demonization of Israel of besieged democratic Israel are okay, and Jews runs so deep in European cul- then perhaps friends of Israel should ture these days as to cause even those make it clear that American broadcasters whose job it is to avoid bias to embrace it who disseminate the work of these biased Brits should be held accountable for their eagerly in this case. Ironically, the journalists union voted words and actions. Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of while the fate of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who was kidnapped in Gaza by the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be reached at jtobin@jewishexPalestinian terrorists, is still unknown. The union claimed its vote was, in part, ponent.com.
A war fought by ghosts Continued from page 12 Reporters always want more access to the war and the people making the decisions about it, so it is not surprising that many complained about restrictions placed on them by Israel. Kalb reports, however, that reports were filled with interviews with Israeli troops, generals and officials and that “the depth and breadth of the coverage seemed to belie the common complaints about access.” By contrast, he notes, “Hezbollah provided only limited access to the battlefield, full access to an occasional guided tour, and encouraged visiting journalists to check its own television network, Al-Manar, for reports and information about the war.” Kalb adds, “Al-Manar was
to Hezbollah what Pravda was to the Soviet Union.” The discovery of doctored photos used by major media during the war was a major embarrassment and Kalb skewers the press for its misuse of photographs. In addition to several frequently cited examples, he mentions a photo of a southern suburb of Beirut that appeared in the New York Times that Times Jerusalem bureau chief Steve Erlanger later admitted was out of context. The Times used a satellite photo showing the destruction of a Beirut neighborhood that gave the impression of massive devastation throughout the city, but a larger photo of Beirut would have shown that the rest of Beirut was undamaged.
Nothing in Kalb’s report will come as any surprise to media critics or Israel’s supporters. What is shocking is that these well-documented abuses have continued for so long without the media itself taking corrective measures. The report should be required reading for journalism schools, not to mention working reporters, as the serious maladies Kalb describes must be fixed if the media is to expect the public to have any confidence in its reporting. Dr. Mitchell Bard is the Director of the Jewish Virtual Library and author of Myths & Facts: a Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and of the forthcoming book, Will Israel Survive?
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
Candlelighting Friday, May 4, 8:07 p.m.
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 Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, May 11: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with Dr. David Gradwohl, Professor Emeritus, Iowa State University will explore Intra-group Diversity in American Cemeteries, “The Grandee vs. Our Crowd.” The community is invited.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. SATURDAY TOT SHABBAT & LUNCH: 11:15 a.m. to noon, led by “Miss Patty” Nogg. Lunch will follow: $5 for adults; free for children six and younger. RSVP for lunch to Margie Gutnik at programming@bethelomaha.org or call the office. W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group and Living Hebrew; all at 10 a.m.; “Jewish Pot Pourri,” 11 a.m.; Torah Trope crash course, 11:15 a.m. THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights into the Siddur. SISTERHOOD MEETING: Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. Join us for bagels and berries. MOTHERS CIRCLE: Group for non-Jewish mothers raising continues Jewish children, Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m. and is open to the community, free of charge. Babysitting is available. For more information, contact Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org. MINYANNAIRES SHABBBAT: We’ll thank our loyal minyannaires at a special Shabbat Service on Saturday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. Congregants who have attended at least 24 minyans during the year will receive a special gift from the congregation. Special awards will also be presented to several congregants. MEN’S CLUB: Will host a Mother’s Day brunch for BESTT faculty on Sunday, May 13. BESTT FOURTH-GRADE WEDDING: Sunday, May 13, 11:20 a.m., in the sanctuary.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; NCSY Teens will be participating in the Shabbat Across America program, 5:45-8:30 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class; Havdalah, 9:13 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” class, 9:45 a.m.; Lag B’Omer Picnic, noon-2 p.m. with a children’s Mother’s Day craft project anytime from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and a Sing-a-long with Rabbi Nadel at 1 p.m.; Those who ordered Mother’s Day Candy Grams may pick them up during the picnic or during regular office hours this week; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY: Hebrew Reading Crash Course, level 2, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Sisterhood Lunch, noon, featuring Dr. Alan Kricsfeld speaking on women’s health issues. A bagel and lox lunch costs $5; Congregational Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m.; Junior NCSYers and Rabbi Gross leave for convention at Pearlstein Resort in Wisconsin and return on Sunday.
Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Snacks, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Dedication of the Habitat for Humanity Faith Built House, 9 a.m. at 1011 Sumner Street; Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: Temple Clean-Up Day, 9 a.m.-noon; LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 7 p.m. The Book of Ruth (Part 1) led by Rabbi Emanuel.
BEYT SHALOM
TEMPLE ISRAEL
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast; Lag B’Omer Bar-B-Q, 1 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer
BAR MITZVAH Jacob Benjamin Lehr, son of Sandy and John Lehr, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 12, at Temple Israel. Jacob is a seventh-grade Distinguished Honor Roll Scholar student at Westside Middle School and is a State Qualifier in the Duke Talent
Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the entire community.
Identification Program. His interests include golf, tennis, football, baseball, basketball, skiing, the Huskers, Duke basketball, and hanging out with friends and family. For his mitzvah project, Jacob volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, tutoring and supervising kids in the after school program. He has an older sister, Avery. Grandparents are Joanie and Marty Lehr, and Gail and Eugene Smoler.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Marti Nerenstone & Beyt Shalom Congregation.
FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service along with Grade 3; D’var Torah: Artist-inResidence Noa Baum; Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder will lead the service. Cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and children at no charge. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Cantor Shermet and flutist Maria Harding in concert, 7:30 p.m. with reception following. Tickets $12 in advance, $18 at the door, and $36 for patron tickets. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon; WRJ Book Sale Workday, 10 a.m.-noon; Pandemic Flu - What’s the Real Impact, 10 a.m-noon; Tapestry Workshop, 1 p.m. Adult B’nai TUESDAY:
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot on Wednesday/Thursday, May 23-24. The deadline for the May 25 issue is 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, and for the June 1 issue, the deadline is Tuesday, May 22, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448
Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m.; Made in America with Bette Evans, 7 p.m. Creighton Professor Bette Evans will address how the American experience affects the various religions practiced in this country. Fee: $18, non-members $25. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Family School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Last Day for Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine (13955 “S” Plaza) THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy & Lunch” with Cantor Wendy Shermet. Shabbat Service honoring Yachad, Friday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13: Celebrate Mother’s Day and the last day of Religious School. Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Bagesl & More Brunch, 9:30 a.m. sponsored by Men’s Club and gift “shuk” (bazaar); Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Joe Black for Grades K-6.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; Hebrew class (grades 27), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth .
TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Rabbi Michael Weisser. FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m. Havdalah: SATURDAYS: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; following Havdalah Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; following Drumming Social Time until 10 p.m. Sitting/Silent MONDAYS: Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m. Sitting/ WEDNESDAYS: Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.
Jewish Heritage for The Blind has announced the availability of a Large Print Hebrew English Edition of the Yizkor Prayer Publication. Requests must include phone number to confirm delivery. Supply is limited. Fax 718.388.0653; or e-mail jewishheritage@gmail.com.
May 4, 2007
Profaning and sanctifying
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Emor The reader of Leviticus, with its emphasis on ritual, is brought up short by our last Sidra, Kedoshim, which demands facin g life with a sense of holiness. So, too, the reader of of our present Sidra, Emor, is brought up short, by the interruption of ritual matters with the highly significant demand: “You shall now profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people -- I the Lord, Who sanctify you, I Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God, I the Lord.” I say the demand is significant because it touches deeply on our mood as we face contemporary society. We are often in deep gloom about the way our world works now. We despair of ridding of our own society of crime; we are shocked at the cheapness of life in countries around the world, and even in our own country. When we are overcome with thoughts of this kind, we have fallen prey to a numbing despair. We begin to say that justice cannot be achieved, that only fools try to live by ideals, that the only sensible way of life is to grab what we can. What’s in it for me?
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Pet/House Sitter Judaism still demands of us that we put those ideas aside, bury them. They are ideas that profane the name of God in the world. If the idea of God means anything at all, it means that mankind must work to perfect the world, for God is in it. In preparation for a panel where I was to explain a Jewish idea of the Messiah, I stressed the point that the preponderant view in Judaism has always been, and especially is so now, that the onus for bringing in the Messiah is on mankind, not on God. It is only if mankind will learn to live like children of one human race, with the love and brotherhood that a Messianic era implies, that the Messiah will have arrived. A famous Jewish tale has it that the Messiah will come as soon as all Jews observe one Sabbath properly. Extending that thought, the Messiah -- that is, the Messianic era -- will come when men will learn to live together in peace and harmony. The ancient Biblical demand is real. We are forbidden to profane God’s name by denying the reality of the ideas we associate with godly behavior. On the contrary, we are to sanctify God’s name by acting in the certainty that these ideals are the very essence of humanity and the world. We are speaking of honesty and truthfulness, love and compassion, the recognition of all humans as God’s children and our brothers. (Editor’s note: this column originally appeared in the April 29, 1994, issue of the Jewish Press.)
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Religious school ends with Mother’s Day brunch and concert at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Mother’s Day and the last day of Religious School at Temple Israel coincide this year on Sunday, May 13. In honor of this calendar coincidence, Temple Men’s Club is sponsoring a Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. “This is a perfect way for Men’s Club and all of Temple to honor our mothers,” according to John Glazer, Men’s Club president. A buffet of egg casserole, bagels and cream cheese, fruit, mini Rabbi Joe Black muffins, coffee, juice, and more will be available at no charge. Following the brunch, Rabbi Joe Black returns to Temple for a repeat performance from Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has served as senior rabbi since 1996. A performer, lyrical composer, and musician, Rabbi Black has produced several critically acclaimed albums of Jewish music, a songbook, and two videos. His original songs are sung in religious schools, Jewish summer camps and community centers, and at youth group events around the country. Recipient of numerous honors for his performances and compositions, Rabbi Black was recognized by Moment Magazine as one of the top ten male performers in con-
temporary American Jewish music as well as one of the top ten children’s performers in American Jewish music. Rabbi Black will be the guest at Temple’s last Religious School prayer assembly of the school year following the brunch. “Rabbi Black’s visit to Temple, a visit with songs and laughter, is a fitting culmination to a successful year,” noted Temple Israel’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “Our kids and staff merit an inspiring sendoff to a restful summer.” After the songfest with Rabbi Black, the children will spend the rest of the morning in their classrooms for a final lesson with their teachers. “Come prepared to have an exciting and uplifting last day of school,” said Elyce Azriel, director of education at Temple Israel. “It’ll be a day not to be missed.” While the youngsters say good by for the summer, adults are invited to smell the roses-- imported from Israel -- which will be for sale along with scrapbooking supplies from Close to My Heart for which Miriam Moran, a teacher at Temple, is a consultant, and from Creative Memories. Jewelry and other items from Deni Z; art glass including glass pendants and additional jewelry, a few plates, and platters by Larry Budwig (who along with his daughters is a member of Temple’s Family School); and Judaica from Temple’s Gift Shop will also be for sale. Elyce Azriel promised that “after school, the students will also have a chance to browse just in case they’d like to get ‘a little something’ for Mom or Grandma.”
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DEATH EDWARD BERKOWITZ Edward Berkowitz, Libeau, Latvia in 1909, died at the age of 98. Burial took place in Sharon, MA. He served in the Unites States Navy as a ship builder in World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Morris and Lois Berkowitz of California; nieces and nephews, Susan and Jim Polack; Danny Berkowitz of Iowa; Paul Berkay of Massachusetts; Sharron and Mike Bradle, Carol Mumford, Rosalie Koire, all of California; and two great nephews.
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Memorials to the Blumkin Home or Beth Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 4, 2007
What ever happened to Omaha’s best known macaroni company?
The legacy continues since 1983 as the James Skinner Baking Company
Now
47 varieties of Danish, Coffee Cakes, Crumb Cakes, and Cinnamon Rolls 47 are certified OU-D Kosher! “Pastries of Distinction – Rising to Your Occasion”
Now
Omaha’s Best Known Baker
James Skinner Baking Company www.skinnerbaking.com