Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA May 6, 2011 2 Iyar 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 35
Six students awarded Sokolof Scholarships
This Week
by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Sokolof Scholarship Committee awarded college scholarships to six students from the Omaha area. Samantha Juster, Noam Margalit, Trevor Gerson and Rebekah Priluck will each receive a $10,000 Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarship. Jeffrey Malashock and Brianna Samantha Juster Noam Margalit Trevor Gerson Sadofsky will each receive a Karen Sokolof Javitch Merit Music Scholarship. The late Phil Sokolof created the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund to fund, among other things, the Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships. He specified that the scholarships were to be based on merit rather than financial need. He was looking to reward four students with a $10,000 scholarship Rebekah Priluck Jeffrey Malashock Brianna Sadofsky each – two for their first year of college and two for their studies and appreciation of music and the- 24 at the Jewish Community Center. in the field of healthcare. Samantha atre arts inspired him. This merit A reception honoring the recipients and Noam will begin their first year scholarship is for students, such as will follow the concert. of college in the fall. Trevor and Jeffrey and Brianna, who are pursuSAMANTHA JUSTER Rebekah are both working toward ing degrees in music performance, composition or music education. Samantha is a senior at Westside healthcare degrees. The funds are administered by the High School. According to her phiThe students are chosen based on Mr. Sokolof ’s criteria: their personal Jewish Federation of Omaha losophy teacher, Adam Vander Tuig, achievement, scholastic perform- Foundation. Suzanne Singer chairs she is “... one of the brightest students ance, community service and overall the committee that selected the I have ever worked with, as well as award winners. one of the most talented. Sam clearly good character. The scholarship recipients will be yearns for, recognizes, and appreciIn addition, Sokolof created the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund in honored prior to the Marty Epstein ates a deeper, richer, wider perspechonor of his daughter whose talent concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May tive and understanding of the world.
Temple Israel to hold adult B’nai Mitzvah service Page 7
Pesach art at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Page 7
Giving a boost to Jewish life in the South Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
This Month Senior Living See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
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She is an outstanding young woman with a personable nature and a genuine heart.” An award-winning debater, Samantha has been on Westside’s honor roll every semester while taking numerous Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. She is a member of National Honor Society and French National Honor Society, and placed in the top ten in the National French Exam. Samantha has earned varsity letters in academics, choir and debate. She also serves as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, received an honorable mention from the National Scholastic Press Association for feature writing, and the paper received state awards during her time as editor. Samantha was a junior varsity swimmer and volunteered as a swim teacher for three years. She has been a kindergarten teaching assistant for five years at Beth El Synagogue. “She is a superior role model for our students,” said Holly Weill, a Beth El Talmud Torah teacher. “She treats the students with respect and understanding. Samantha is not one who needs to be told what to do, she just does. I believe that is a sign of her great maturity and confidence.” In 2010, Samantha participated in an international Model United Nations in China, earning Best Delegate and Best Address awards. Continued on page 2
Friedel Jewish Academy’s Fourth Annual Tribute Celebration by DEBBIE KRICSFELD for Friedel Jewish Academy Each spring, Friedel Jewish Academy celebrates the people who have helped it become a thriving community school, now nearly 60 students strong. On Sunday, May 15, Friedel will honor Jody K. and Ray Goldstein, Bob Eisenberg and Shami Jacobs, in its Fourth Annual Tribute Celebration: Building on the Past, Building for the Future. Jody Goldstein was the principal of Friedel during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. She worked to create a strong academic program for the young school, and to forge strong ties between the school, its families, and the Jewish community. She hired Denise Bennett, a beloved educator who teaches fifth and sixth
Jody and Ray Goldstein and their family grade general studies, and who has produced several champions in the Woodmen of America Annual Speech Contest. Jody and Ray’s daughter, Heather Kelln (former student of Mrs. Bennett) graduated from Friedel. Now Jody’s grandson Peyton is completing his kindergarten year. Today Jody and Ray reside in Minnesota. Bob Eisenberg is a parent of two Friedel alumnae, Talia and Zev, now in their early twenties, and he once served as vice-Chair of Friedel. Bob is a generous supporter of Jewish causes, having established stipends for Omaha youth to take trips to Israel and a fund at Temple Israel to
Bob Eisenberg
send children to summer camps. Bob has been the Chair of the Jewish Press, co-head of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Campaign and Treasurer of the Federation. Bob has taught at Creighton and UNO, and he has also taught economics in a Brooklyn yeshiva, in Yiddish! He used his language and journalistic skills to write articles for the legendary Jewish newspaper The Forward, as well as the Village Voice and the Chicago Tribune Book Review. Bob authored Boychicks in the Hood, a collection of essays about the Chassidim. Bob lives in New York City where he is involved with the Chassidic community,
Shami Jacobs
helping less fortunate Jews. Shami Jacobs landed in Omaha almost a decade ago after being recruited by Berkshire Hathaway to do special projects for Warren Buffett. From a committed Canadian Jewish family, Shami attended a Jewish Day school. Shami says his day school experience was the “single most formative part of my Jewish identity and no other experience has even come close.” Recognizing the role Friedel plays in a strong Jewish Omaha, Shami has served on the Friedel Board of Directors. He has also served as the President of Beth Israel Synagogue. Continued on page 4
2 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Going on a Vacation? Six students awarded Sokolof Scholarships Don’t leave your four legged friends in a kennel. Call to reserve your vacation times soon!
Continued from page 1 A member of Westside’s Philosophy Club for four years, she currently serves as co-president. Samantha plans to study international relations at a college on the East Coast, after a gap year in Fance. She is the daughter of Sara Juster and Sorin Juster.
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NOAM MARGALIT A senior at Central High School, Noam is an “A” student who has taken many AP and honors courses. “Without hesitation, I can say that Noam is one of the most intelligent and hard-working students with which I have had the privilege to work,” stated her physics instructor, Matt Hamill. “Her performance on exams has been virtually flawless. Students like Noam are truly a rare find.” Noam belongs to the National Honor Society, Math Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Latin Club and Writing Club. She earned a certificate of merit in the National Latin Exam and was honored as a distinguished scholar by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Noam is an intern with Inclusive Communities and serves as president of the organization’s Diversity Club. One of only 36 students from the entire region who were selected after a strenuous application process, Noam participates in the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) High School Alliance. She spends her afternoons taking two classes a semester at UNMC. Dr. William Lydiatt was Noam’s Medical Decision Making professor. “Noam clearly has the intellectual capabilities and also brings a wealth of life experience,” said Lydiatt. “She has the gift of strong intellect married to a pleasing personality.” For the past three summers, Noam was a counselor and taught Hebrew at Camp Gan Israel. She is a tutor and teacher aide at Beth El Synagogue, and has participated in B’nai Brith Youth Organization and United Synagogue Youth throughout her high school years. Noam also was a member of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Robert B. Sturm Leadership Mission to Washington, D.C., and participated in various ADL workshops and meetings. Noam also works part-time at Passageway Gallery and Garden of the Zodiac. Her interest in art led her to take pottery and painting courses at Joslyn Art Museum. Noam’s parents are Ruth and Eyal Margalit. In the fall, Noam will attend University of Chicago. TREVOR GERSON A graduate of Omaha Burke High School, Trevor earned a Bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, took additional courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and plans to become a physician specializing in pediatric oncology. He will attend Chicago Medical School in the fall. Trevor currently serves as a research technician at the UNMC College of Pharmacy where he does biological testing of nanoformulations. He previously worked as research technician in the UNMC Department of Pharmacology, and Creighton University’s Department of Allergy and Immunology. According to Dr. Serguei Vinogradov, a Professor at UNMC’s College of Pharmacy, Trevor is motivated and eager to learn. “Trevor has outstanding intellectual skills which are matched by his written and oral communication abilities,” stated Vinogradov. “He can be regarded as a very bright and dedicated prospective Health Science professional.” What is further impressive about Trevor’s accomplishments is that he has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which causes chronic pain and significant nerve damage. He has served as the treasurer of the Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa Chapter of the Ehlers Danlos National Foundation since 2004. With a strong belief in the importance of empathy and humor in medicine, Trevor volunteers as a clown at UNMC and participates as a Shrine Clown. He also tutors high school students in math and science. Additionally, Trevor participated in Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout and serving as Assistant Scoutmaster. Trevor also finds time to participate in the Jewish community, attending minyan at his synagogue, volunteering at last summer’s Maccabi games and participating in Creighton’s Jewish Students’ Organization. “He played a major role in organizing and implementing activities for the Jewish Students’ Organization,” explained Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton. “During his years here, it was solely due to his enthusiasm and efforts that the organization met continuously and that it was well represented on our campus and throughout the community.” Trevor, who is married to Katie, is the son of Meta and Michael Gerson. REBEKAH PRILUCK Rebekah graduated from Burke High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan. This August she will become a medical student at UNMC.
Her interests include surgery, pediatrics and women’s health. During her time at the University of Michigan, Rebekah worked as a research assistant for the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, the Biochemistry Department, and the Transplantation Biology Department. She currently serves as a research assistant at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It is clearly unusual for a student to have had so many diverse research experiences as an undergraduate,” noted Professor Bethany Moore, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. “She worked in a demanding laboratory; she enjoyed her research experience and learned to embrace working in that rigorous environment.” “Rebekah is very bright, curious and personable,” said Professor Gary Huffnagle, also with the Department of Internal Medicine. “She has a drive to succeed and high level of maturity; I strongly believe that she has a bright future ahead of her in medicine.” Rebekah served as a peer mentor to freshmen and volunteered at hospitals. She participated in the University of Michigan’s gymnastics and taekwondo clubs, and is a third degree black belt. Rebekah was senior chair of Hillel Sports, overseeing intramural sports teams. She also was documents manager and summer chair for Hillel’s alternative spring break trip to Louisiana which combined volunteerism with religious understanding. Rebekah is the daughter of Sheila and Ira Priluck. JEFFREY MALASHOCK A graduate of Burke High School, Jeffrey is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at UNO. His goal is to play bassoon with a professional orchestra or symphony and have a studio for teaching lessons. Jeffrey’s interest in music began when he was young. He began studying piano at age 7. Jeffrey started to play the saxophone in 5th grade, eventually majoring in the instrument when he started his studies at UNO. He started bassoon lessons in 2009 and now is majoring in bassoon performance. According to Dr. Melissa Burke, UNO Music Department Chair, Jeffrey exhibits versatility as a performer and has a bright future as a musician. “He is equally skilled in the performance of classical, jazz and contemporary repertoire,” she stated. “He has embraced his undergraduate studies with the rigor and seriousness that the music profession demands.” Jeffrey is the principal bassoonist for UNO’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra and performs with UNO’s Woodwind Quintet. He plays saxophone for UNO Jazz 1 and Jazz Combo. He also plays piano for UNO Jazz 2 and UNO Vocal Jazz Ensemble. “Jeff is also an amazing intellect with an insatiable quest for knowledge and understanding,” explained Dr. James Saker, UNO Professor of Music. “A gifted and talented musician, I admire his sincere commitment to all of his musical activities... and the positive, enthusiastic demeanor he brings to every activity.” A volunteer each summer at Beveridge Magnet Center’s band program, Jeffrey also volunteered with the Great Plains Jazz Festival. Additionally, he volunteered at UNMC’s Munroe Meyer Institute, working with children in the program. Jeffrey is the son of Diane and Larry Malashock. BRIANNA SADOFSKY Like Jeffrey, Brianna is a bassoon player working toward a Bachelor’s degree in music performance at UNO. She is a graduate of Papillion-La Vista High School. Brianna has the desire to perform with a professional orchestra and teach lessons at a university. Brianna is associate principle bassoonist with UNO’s Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra. Her love of music began early; she participated in choir in elementary school and began learning to play a musical instrument in 6th grade. Michael Pollock, Director of Bands at Brianna’s high school, noted that she was an All-State musician and was a member of numerous honor ensembles. “Brianna is a very accomplished bassoon player. Her natural musical skills are very evident. Her work ethic and practice schedule are truly unrivaled.” “I think that one of Brianna’s greatest attributes is her determination to make music a part of her life,” said Adam Trussell, a bassoonist with Omaha Symphony. Brianna has taken bassoon lessons with Trussell for four years. “Brianna is very charming and great to work with. She has taken very naturally to reed making which most of my students struggle with.” Brianna assists with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and is beginning to work with a mentoring program that works with youth who have begun playing the bassoon. She also volunteers through UNO’s Honor Society and her dorm hall council. In addition to her performances, studies and volunteer activities, Brianna somehow finds time to work at Borders and Super Target. Brianna is the daughter of Kelli and Paul Sadofsky.
May 6, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3
Knowledge is power by JOANIE JACOBSON In 2004, 107 Omaha-area men and women of Jewish Ashkenazi descent participated in a screening for nine Jewish genetic diseases, including Tay-Sachs, Canavan Disease and Cystic Fibrosis. The project was sponsored by the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing and the Jewish Federation of Omaha; the test, a blood draw, was administered by professionals from Boys Town National Research Hospital; and the screening took place at the Omaha Jewish Community Center. The statistics were the same in 2004 as they are today: one out of five Jews of Ashkenazi descent in the United States is a carrier of at least one Jewish genetic disease. The results of the 2004 Omaha screening, however, showed that one out of four persons were found to be carriers, slightly higher than the national average. “ROUND #2: JEWISH GENETIC TESTING,” funded by local and national organizations, foundations and individuals, returns to Omaha on Sunday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 25, free of charge to the first 100 people to register. This year, the test will be administered by professionals from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. While individual test results are kept strictly confidential, four Omaha women of varying ages have come forward to tell their stories in the hope of encouraging men and women of child-bearing years, or their parents, or their grandparents, to get tested in 2011. SONIA TIPP (age 32) Soon after Alan and I got married, my father told me it might be a good idea to have genetic testing done. My parents had been tested before they had kids, and my Dad found out he was a carrier of Tay-Sachs disease. We were living in Baltimore at the time, so we went to Johns Hopkins Hospital. The genetic counselor there suggested both Alan and I be tested. We were surprised to find out I was a carrier for Canavan disease. Luckily, Alan was not a carrier for any of the Jewish genetic diseases. We felt so much more comfortable after being tested and more educated about possible risk factors in starting our family. We are so thankful to have two healthy children and will most certainly encourage them to seek genetic testing when the time comes.
JILL BELMONT (age 50) “I participated in the 2004 genetics testing out of casual curiosity, not due to any particular concern. I had been informed 20 years earlier that I was a Tay-Sachs carrier, so I assumed that the new test would yield the same result. Imagine my surprise when the genetics counselor told me that I was NOT a Tay-Sachs carrier, and that the testing back
Jill Belmont
Hollie Fineman
Sonia Tipp
Joanie Jacobson
then, which was not as sophisticated or reliable as today’s, apparently resulted in a false-positive. “I did, however, learn that I am a Cystic Fibrosis carrier. And while this revelation may not directly affect me at this time in my life, there is a possibility that one of my three children is also a carrier. Knowing this, they may choose to be tested down the road, before they become parents.”
HOLLIE FINEMAN (age 57) “I grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa, which had a very small Jewish community. Both of my parents died by the time I was 25, and the subject of genetic testing never came up. Glen and I were only tested for Tay-Sachs before we got married, because it was required by Illinois law. “There was no doubt I would be tested in 2004. Because of my close friendship with Jean (Duitch), I knew, first-hand how difficult and devastating it was (and continues to be) for her and her entire family to live with her grandson’s Canavan Disease. I was also motivated to be tested to be able to share this information with my own children. If either Glen or I were found to be carriers, our sons would need to be tested before they got married. “Ironically, I was found to be a carrier of Canavan Disease. So, if you have children of child-bearing years, and they won’t or can’t get tested, you need to be tested. It’s true ... ‘knowledge is power.’” JOANIE JACOBSON (age 65) “I was tested in 2004 and learned I was a carrier of Familial Dysautonomia. Not only was I shocked to discover I was a carrier in the first place, but I’d never even heard of the disease, much less knew how to pronounce it! But I learned fast... it’s debilitating. Heartbreaking. And deadly. “There was no way Carrie or Maggie would have ever participated in a screening at that time. Now the girls had to be tested, and if found to be carriers, their husbands would have to be tested, even though neither of them was Jewish. In the last few years, Tay-Sachs babies have been born to interfaith couples, as well. Why wouldn’t you want to know? I mean, what’s the down side?” It should be noted that both men and women can be carriers. Even though a family has no history of a particular Jewish genetic disease, individual members can still be carriers. If both parents carry the same gene, the child has a one out of four chance of being born with a Jewish genetic disease, and a two out of four chance of being a carrier. The point is: be proactive before you have to be reactive. To register for the May 22 or May 25 testing, or for more information, contact Jean Duitch, 402.393.1141 or JDUITCH@aol.com.
REGISTER NOW! Round #2: Jewish Genetic Testing A community screening for 9 Jewish genetic diseases
Free of Charge to the first 100 men and women to register! (Must be 18 years of age or older to participate)
Sunday, May 22 | 9 a.m. - Noon Wednesday, May 25 | 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. To register or for more information, contact Jean Duitch 402-393-1141 or JDUITCH@aol.com In partnership with The Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing The University of Nebraska Medical Center | The Jewish Federation of Omaha
4 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Temple Board President announces synagogue building plans by SALLY KAPLAN Temple Israel President-Elect and Congregational Meeting Co-Chair When John Lehr, President of the Temple Israel Board of Trustees, invited Temple members to the annual meeting, he said: “There’s a real sense that we are indeed making history.” The meeting will double as the building campaign kickoff and is planned for 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 15 at Temple Israel. “As a congregation, we’ll have the rare and wonderful opportunity to stand as one, to vote to accept the pledges and gifts that have been made to date, and to move ahead to fully-fund, endow and build our future congregational home,” Lehr continued. The new synagogue is to be built at Sterling Ridge, the site of the former Ironwood Country Club. The meeting will give every congregant the opportunity to be a part of that historical decision. A five-minute video will precede a presentation by John Waldbaum, chair of the Building Coordinating Committee, which is overseeing plans for our future congregational home. Waldbaum will discuss the prime parcel of land near the southern perimeter of the property between Pacific Street and West Center Road east of 132nd Street. He will also address the process of constructing an environmentally-conscious and multi-dimensional temple, including architectural planning, costs, and a timeline.
“Seven or eight years ago, we had a vision that our congregation would move west and have a new home,” Waldbaum said. “We have searched far and wide. Each new opportunity had its strong points, and we did our best to create a strategy for each one. But none of them was exactly right. Fortunately, the wait was well worth it. We are now creating the details of a plan that meets all of our objectives.” Harley Schrager has led the major donor campaign. The Schrager family has pledged the principal gift for the construction and endowment. Harley will follow Waldbaum to discuss the goals of the building campaign and reasons why each and every donation is important. The process of locating and constructing a viable temple is not new to this congregation. In 1884 Temple Israel dedicated its first house of worship at 23rd and Harney Streets – the first synagogue in Nebraska. In 1907, the cornerstone was laid at Temple Israel’s second home at 29th and Jackson. The congregation moved into its present building at 70th and Cass in May of 1954. “Our annual meeting will be a great opportunity for our congregation to come together to celebrate not only the brilliant past but to envision our inspiring future,” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said. In 2003, then President of the Board, Mike Walts, reported that the Board would be presented with a plan to build a new building, once a firm proposal including land and building costs was written. Now that the building site has-
Beth El Sunday Scholars Series program to focus on Jews and politics by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jews and politics will be the focus of the day as Beth El presents its final Sunday Scholars Series program of the season on May 8. The morning’s guest speaker will be Richard Fellman, a local attorney and adjunct professor in the political science department at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Fellman will address From Jeremiah to Obama: Jews and Politics during the 11 a.m presentation. “Since the Babylonian exile, some 2700 years ago, Jews have been admonished to become good citizens of the Dick Fellman cities where they live, meaning, of course, the Diaspora,” Dick explained. “For long periods of time, and in many parts of the world, this was
nearly impossible, for Jews were so often subjugated and discriminated against. But at some times, Jews were given some degree of freedom, and in these instances Jews often became what we might call ‘court Jews’ -- that is, Jews who were advisers to the rulers even if Jews were not officially part of government.” He added that, “For hundreds of years, Jews have routinely said prayers seeking good government. We have such a prayer in all of our services today. And during the last couple hundred years, especially in United States, Jews have entered the innermost councils of government, including holding high office. But at times, specifically during the days of World War II, Jewish proximity to power failed us; and then, just a few years later, that same proximity helped Jews attain their two-thousand-year dream of Statehood.” The entire community is invited to attend the program, at no charge; a light nosh will be served. For planning purposes, RSVPs are requested and may be made by contacting the synagogue office at 402.492.8550, or programming@ bethel-omaha.org.
been established, as have donor pledges, the congregation will be invited to join the effort to create a new home for Reform Judaism in Omaha. Stacey Rockman, co-chair of the capital and endowment campaign with Harley Schrager, said: “As we approach one of Temple Israel’s most exciting and historic milestones, Harley and I wish to thank everyone who has helped us reach our initial fundraising goal. I’m thrilled the entire congregation has the opportunity to participate and ensure the completion of our project.” Also on the agenda for the May 15 meeting is the election of officers and trustees. Jon Meyers, Nominating Chair, will present the following slate for the 2011-2012 Board of Trustees: John Lehr, President; Sally Kaplan, President-elect; Alan Fredricks, Treasurer; Katherine Finnegan, Secretary; John Waldbaum and Mike Halsted, Vice Presidents; Rob Reiss, Justin Cooper, Danielle Gordman and Jeff Nogg, three year Board terms; Susan Rothholz and Scott Goodman, two year Board terms. Rabbi Azriel will install the new Board and deliver his annual report. He will also convey his charge to the congregation. A dessert reception in the Friedman Social Hall will follow. Please join us for this auspicious moment in the history of Congregation Temple Israel.
Friedel’s Fourth Annual Tribute Celebration Continued from page 1 He currently serves on the executive committee of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue with Spirits and Schmooze, followed by the dinner and a brief program. Dinner alone is reason enough to attend: Chairperson Susan Witkowski along with kosher Star Catering created a Middle-Eastern Sephardic feast. If you would like to attend the celebration or purchase raffle tickets, please contact Friedel Jewish Academy at friedelacademy@jewishomaha.org or call 402-334-0517.
In the news The Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) recently awarded 32 grants totaling $128,410. Amoung the grant recipients was The Anti-Defamation League of Omaha. They received $12,000 for a fall 2011 project to help schools meet the need to respond to bullying and harassment through a play, The Secret Life of Girls, pre-play workshops and post-play follow-up.
!" $%&'()"%*( FREE CONCERT Tuesday, May 10 5:00-8:00 pm
JCC Pavilion
• Featuring The Chuck Penington Band • Inflatables and Israeli Games for kids • The Balloon Brigade & Air Brush Tattoo Artist • Food catered by Star Catering • B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz 7:00 pm
Sokolof Javitch Music Fund • Herbert Goldsten Trust • Special Donor Advised Fund • Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundation • Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation • Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation
Matte Asher Choir A Partnership with Israel performance
Mother’s Day | May 8 | 2 p.m. Dessert reception following
Out
Dining
May 6, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5
Even JFS, the helping agency, needs helpers by OZZIE NOGG Even JFS, the helping agency, needs helpers A student once asked the late anthropologist, Margaret Mead, “What is the earliest sign of civilization that you look for in any given culture?” The student expected Mead to say a clay pot, a grinding stone, perhaps a weapon. But Ms. Mead surprised the student by answering, “a healed femur.” According to Mead, when someone breaks a femur, he can’t survive to hunt, fish or escape enemies unless he has help from someone else. A healed femur shows that someone cared for the injured, did that person’s hunting and gathering, stayed with that person, offered protection and companionship until the injury could mend. The first sign of civilization, Mead explained, is this evidence of compassion; the simple act of one person caring for another person. Well, the Ice Age is past, we no longer hunt and gather (or suffer broken bones inflicted by saber-toothed tigers), but we still depend on one another for help. And Jewish Family Service, the quintessential “helping” agency in our community, depends on volunteers to help the JFS office run smoothly. Examples: Harry Alloy, Phyllis Brown, Dick Hendricks and Shawn Menagh -- volunteers dubbed “The Fab Four” by Jewish Family Service staff. “Harry, Phyllis, Dick and Shawn take turns answering our phones during the lunch hour every day,” said Karen Gustafson, JFS Director. “What may seem like a small job is very important to the agency because these volunteers allow the professional staff to grab lunch and still have a real person take phone calls. When someone in need calls Jewish Family Service, they want to speak to a live person, not an answering machine, and at any given moment The Fab Four may be a life line. Without them, a community member in trouble might get the impression that JFS is impersonal, that we don’t care enough to answer the phone. That caller might then second guess his decision to reach out to us in the first place and decide not to call again. We’re here to help people. We want their calls. Our volunteers put a human face on the agency and make sure we stay connected.” Alloy agrees. “I think a caller can hear the smile in my voice,” he said. “It’s important to put people at ease, to make them feel relaxed and comfortable when they call or visit the agency.” Tammy Johnson, Assistant to the JFS Director, added, “The Fab Four don’t just cover the front desk and answer phones. They sort agency materials, stuff envelopes, put labels on mailings and are willing to help out in whatever way we need them. There’s an old saying -- volunteers are seldom paid; not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. That certainly applies to the Fab Four and all JFS volunteers. I personally love and enjoy having them around, and I’m incredibly thankful for the time they spend here.” For Shawn Menagh, “Being a volunteer is important to me because when the recession started and I was unemployed, people helped my family. I want to pay that forward by helping others.” Menagh, who “provides a respectful, caring voice on the phone and checks clients in before they meet the therapist,” praised JFS for the assistance it provides the community. “The agency offers emotional, mental and financial support in the form of the Food Pantry, or a person to talk to. And they do this with an open and caring
heart. If Jewish Family Service wasn’t there, many people would be lost.” In Phyllis Brown’s view, “Even though JFS does serious work, it’s a happy place.” When Dick Hendricks retired, he and his wife decided it was time to give to others. “When my wife died five years ago, I just kept on doing my volunteer work,” he said. “I certainly gain more than I give.” Hendricks considers Jewish Family Service a one-of-a-kind agency. “I know of no other organization with an assistance program that provides so much in the way of financial support - rent, food, medical bills. Sandy Nogg, the Assistance Coordinator, is prefect for that position. Karen Gustafson, Tammy Johnson and therapists Teresa Drelicharz and Sally Kaplan are a very professional group. They do such good work. This community should be very proud of them.” A new Jewish Family Service volunteer project falls in the category of Customer Service. “A resource lending library was set up several year ago at JFS by Harriet Singer through the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund.” Gustafson said. “Alexandra Pichik, a fourteen-year old volunteer, has been painstakingly helping catalog our Singer Library books which we often use in Bibliotherapy as part of the services offered to our clients. Alex is also helping to develop a check-out system for clients and cataloging each therapist’s own personal library in our offices, so that books can be retrieved for others to use. It’s a laborious process, but very important. The Singer Library allows clients to borrow books which they could not afford to buy -- or wish to look through before buying -- while preserving JFS resources and keeping us fiscally responsible.” On June 6, Jewish Family Service marks its 100th Anniversary with a joyous JFStival!, which honors Gloria Kaslow as the Jewish Family Service “Woman of the Century.” JFStival! Chairperson Andi Willensky said, “Each year, JFS holds a Friends Campaign that brings in critical dollars to help provide essential services from which so many families benefit. This year, in recognition of our 100th Anniversary, we’ve combined the Friends Campaign and JFStival! into one package that includes a Tribute Book, coordinated by Sandy Friedman and Marcia Pitlor. We invite you to join us at JFStival! and to support our programs by becoming a Friend of Jewish Family Service. All gifts, whatever the size, will be received with gratitude.” Todd and Betiana Simon and Carol and Steve Bloch are JFStival! Honorary Chairs. Working with Willensky on plans for the event are Joanie Bernstein, Justin Cooper, Sandy Friedman, Danielle Gordman, Joanie Jacobson, Sally Kaplan, Bert Lewis, Jenny Meyerson, Ducky Milder, Stanley Mitchell, Nancy Noddle, Patty and Steve Nogg, Jaime and Brian Nogg, Kelly and Jeff Nogg, Ozzie Nogg, Marcia Pitlor, Iris Ricks, Silvia Roffman, Marti Rosen-Atherton, Harriet Singer, Dorothy Spizman and Debbi Zweiback. Staff liaison are Mike Silverman, CEO of Jewish Federation of Omaha, Karen Gustafson, JFS Director, and Tammy Johnson, JFS Assistant to the Director. The JFStival! 100th Anniversary celebration is scheduled for Monday evening, June 6, at Beth El Synagogue. The event begins at 6 p.m. with surprise-filled entertainment followed by dinner. Jewish Family Service is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and a beneficiary of the Federation’s Annual Campaign.
1911 - 2011
JFS
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Celebrating a century of service
Beth Israel Partners with Live Well Omaha by BETH COHEN Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue Live Well Omaha has a singular vision: to create a physical and cultural environment that maximizes the ability of all residents of Omaha and Douglas County to eat healthier foods and to be physically active, at any time and in any place. Beth Israel is joining Live Well Omaha as a Partner for a Healthy City, helping to create a community where the healthy choice is the easy choice. “The Torah states, ‘ushmartem miod et nafshoteichem – carefully guard your life.’ This commandment has always been interpreted to mean that we have an obligation as Jews to make healthy choices and do all that we can to facilitate healthy living,” says Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel. “I am proud that we are part of this Omaha community initiative.” Beth Israel’s initiative with Live Well Omaha includes incorporating healthy food choices into the weekly Shabbat Kiddush and to meals offered at the synagogue, including fresh fruit available each week at Kiddush and more salads and fresh vegetables at meals. “When people first hear about our partnership with Live
Well Omaha,” says Rabbi Gross, “the first question we get is, ‘Will you still have those great chocolate chip cookies at Kiddush?’ Not to worry, the answer is yes. Our partnership with Live Well Omaha gives us a framework for helping to bring healthy initiatives to congregants. In addition to the new food options at Kiddush and meals, we are looking into the possibility of having a Beth Israel garden to grow our own vegetables for use at Kiddush.”
To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai b’rith mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.
402-391-1881
402-330-1444
402-344-2222
Child Development Center Director Jewish Federation of Omaha/Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center (CDC) is searching for an innovative, energetic Director to oversee the care and safety of all the children entrusted to the CDC (ages range from 6 weeks to 5 years). The Director will be responsible for providing outstanding professional leadership and management of the CDC. He/She sets the highest standards of operation in order to provide the finest early childhood education program in Omaha and throughout the Country utilizing as many resources as possible to implement an outstanding Jewish education program as an integral component of the overall CDC curriculum. We are looking for a Director to: • Ensure that the CDC meets all standards established by the State • of Nebraska, National Association for the Education of Young • Children, and JCC Association • Be responsible for the operations of the daycare center and • preschool • Provide an educational, caring and safe environment for children, • staff and families • Promote a positive image of the CDC and play a major role in • marketing the center as a provider of choice in education • programs for the community • Recruit, select, develop & retain qualified staff • Plan, organize, and administer appropriate child development • programs and activities Minimum Requirements: • BA degree in Early Childhood Education or related degree, • Masters degree preferred • 3-5 years of documented supervisory experience • Practical classroom experience • Proven strength in written and oral communication skills • Ability to lead and coach staff • Financial management and organizational skills • Ability to adapt quickly to change Qualified candidates please send resume and cover letter to: Tina Story, Human Resources Specialist at tstory@jewishomaha.org. View a complete description: www.jewishomaha.org Equal Opportunity Employer; background check required
6 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Temple Israel celebrates a week’s worth of Seders Relive special memories of road trips past by vacationing in Nebraska. With all there is to see and do, you’ll find it easy to re-create your favorite adventures while reconnecting with family and friends. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Family Fun Zoos, Children’s Museums, Water Parks
Water Recreation
National ur To ism Week May 7–15
Boating, Canoeing, Tanking, Windsurfing
History Fossils, Pioneer Trails, Military Forts
Natural Beauty Sandhills, River Valleys, State Parks
7JTJU/FCSBTLB HPW r 888-444-1867, Dept. 1NPA by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Clockwise from above: At Temple Israel’s congregational seder on the second night of Passover, Chaya Schondelmeyer, 21 months old, finds the afikomen; Gregory Sacks and his dad, Scott Sacks, attended a seder for pre-kindergartners and their families prior to Passover at Temple Israel; and the next evening, about 300 people gathered at a Tri-Faith Initiativesponsored seder at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel, one of the Tri-Faith partners, led the service attended by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Dorothy Spizman, left, and Susan Rothholz were among the Temple members who attended.
Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Division of Travel and Tourism
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by BETH COHEN Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue The phrase, “Vatiztchak liyom acharon - she joyfully awaits the final day,� is from the poem Eishet Chayil, the Woman of Valor. Too often, end-of-life issues are neglected and only addressed in a time of crisis and illness. At that time, decisions are often made hastily and with an enormous amount of stress and emotional strain on a family. Rather than deal with these issues in a hospital room, these issues can be dealt with in a living room. Rather than a cause of stress and sadness, discussing the end of life can be inspiring. Rather than divide a family, they can bring a family closer together. Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt leads a seminar that explains the issues and provides concrete steps for families to facilitate discussions with loved ones on living wills, medical directives, ethical wills, and estate planning. Rabbi Rosenblatt will speak at Beth Israel Synagogue on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. Rabbi Rosenblatt is the Senior Rabbi of the Zicklin Residential Hospice, the first Jewish residential hospice in the New York area, and he is the Senior Rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center. He is deeply involved with interdisciplinary end-of-life care and with pastoral training in this emerging field both locally and in Israel. “This is a must-attend lecture for all families,� says Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel. “Rabbi Rosenblatt is a phenomenal presenter, and his topic is so important to every-
one, young and old alike. I see so many families in dire circumstances with health issues, and I know how much they could have helped themselves had they had some of the conversations Rabbi Rosenblatt will guide us through.� A native of Baltimore, Rabbi Rosenblatt holds a BA and an MA from the Johns Hopkins University in Comparative Literature, and a Ph.D. in Modern British Literature from Columbia University. Rabbi Rosenblatt studied in Israel at Yeshivat Har Etzion and was ordained at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University in 1982. In addition to his work at Zicklin Residential Hospice and the Riverdale Jewish Center, Rabbi Rosenblatt also works in the training and mentoring of young rabbis as an instructor in the RIETS Rabbinical training program. Rabbi Rosenblatt is an avid squash player, and his lifelong interest in zoos in combination with his academic work in the study of modern culture has made him a popular lecturer, internationally, on the history and culture of the modern zoo. He and his wife, Tzipporah Twersky Rosenblatt, a trusts and estates attorney, have four children. Rabbi Rosenblatt has been in Omaha before -- as the scholar with “The Jew and the Zoo� program held in 2006, and for a Beth Israel Board development program in 2009, “Sharing the Sheparding – a Board Member’s Role in Shouldering Communal Leadership.� Rabbi Rosenblatt’s visit to Omaha for this lecture is made possible by the Special Donor Advised Funds of the Jewish Federation.
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM A Legacy of Ensuring that MDA is ALWAYS Prepared Your contribution to American Friends of Magen David Adom ensures that MDA's EMTs and paramedics are always on call, 24/7, 365 days a year. Operating from a network of 110 Emergency Medical Stations throughout Israel, many of which were renovated or rebuilt by AFMDA, Magen David Adom dispatches its personnel to every emergency, utilizing the latest GPS technology and its state-of-the-art Motobridge communications system. Day or night, MDA’s fleet of 800 fully equipped ambulances and other emergency response vehicles respond to terror attacks, car accidents, illnesses, childbirth, missiles, heart attacks and more with speed, skill and compassion. MDA paramedics come to the rescue moments after the March 23, 2011 bombing in Jerusalem.
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Happy 63rd Birthday to Israel!
Saving Lives in Israel For 71 Years
May 6, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7
The end of Osama
Upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's death, jubilant crowds packed New York's Times Square in the wee hours of Credit: Uri Fintzy May 1, 2011.
Pesach art at the Home
The Pesach Art Competition was held on April 10 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Seven groups of students, Yachad, and Residents participated in the project. Eliana Schuller, left, Isabella Wright and Miranda Kahn (not pictured), each won a Visa gift card for their painting of Miriam and the women.
Organizations Retiring UNO Head Football Coach Pat Behrns will present A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Maverick Football Stadium. B’nai B’rith will give him the “Award of Appreciation” on Wednesday, May 11, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday in the board room, at 1 p.m., to reap “The Joys of Yiddish!” For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
Temple adult B’nai Mitzvah service followed by Shabbat dinner, clergy “Unplugged” by CLAUDIA SHERMAN participating in the B’nai Mitzvah class, I am able to achieve Temple Israel Communications Coordinator greater understanding of my faith. Additionally, I feel like Four adults who have been studying with Na’ama Artzi, this is kind of like a completion of the conversion process.” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Cohn added, “Na’ama has been such a joy to work with. Shermet since last fall will She is so knowledgeable and become B’nai Mitzvah and has made this effortless! I was help lead the Shabbat worship surprised by our ability to service at 6 p.m. on Friday, learn Hebrew so quickly! This May 13, at Temple Israel. has been an amazing experiTodd Hutton, one of the ence, and I would strongly B’nai Mitzvah, explained that recommend it to anyone who after his father died in May has not had a Bar or Bat 2010, “his absence renewed Mitzvah.” the sense of loss I knew with “We’ve belonged to Temple the passing of my mother since about 1989,” said seven years ago. This time of Debbie Chasen, the fourth grief drew me closer again to B’nai Mitzvah. Since she didthe nature of Judaism. As n’t have a Bat Mitzvah when Rabbi Abraham Joshua she was younger, Chasen Heschel describes in his book, thinks “this is the perfect God in Search of Man, “The time, because I have the time.” Jewish way of life is to reiterSince having surgery on her ate the ritual spirit, to meet back, she has given her body the spirit again and again, the the time to heal which “brings spirit in oneself and the spirit you into full focus. It’s time to that hovers over all beings.” actually channel in.” “My parents provided Chasen has enjoyed “learnunconditional support ing from other people and throughout my life which seeing how they’ve learned. offered me the freedom to disJust because I was born cover Judaism. In many ways, Jewish, doesn’t mean I know their trust in my choice to everything. You can be choose Judaism is the most Jewish, but you may have loving gift they could have ever pulled back and then recomgiven me,” Hutton said. “My Jessica Cohn, left, Debbie Chasen, Mike Halsted, and Todd mitted yourself. You woke up.” hope is that my Bar Mitzvah Hutton cleaned up the grounds around The Stephen Center, She confided that watching a homeless shelter in South Omaha, for a mitzvah project her three classmates, “people honors their memory.” Another adult Bar Mitzvah prior to their B’nai Mitzvah at Temple Israel on May 13. who had never spoken student, Mike Halsted mentioned that “Mendy and I joined Hebrew before, was amazing. It was challenging for me too. Temple when we returned from Dallas in 1989. I formally “I’m actually doing this for people who came before me converted a year and a half ago. Following my conversion,” who didn’t have a Bat Mitzvah such as my grandmothers, he continued, “it seemed appropriate to pursue this next my mother, and my aunts,” Chasen said. step to further learn and offer opportunities to participate in All members of the congregation are invited to attend the worship.” Shabbat dinner following the worship service. Dinner will In addition to learning Hebrew, reciting and understand- cost $8 for adults, $5 for children, no charge for children five ing a worship service, chanting Torah, becoming familiar and younger. Please make a reservation by contacting the with trope among other class accomplishments, Halsted office at mkube@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536. enjoyed “making new friends with my fellow students and Bill and Cathy Christensen attended the congregational our mentor Na’ama. I really appreciated the help and dedi- Shabbat dinner in January at Temple Israel which featured “a cation of our clergy and our Hebrew teacher and having the wonderful -- unique and tasty” meal, according to Cathy, as opportunity to share the learning process with my fellow well as an “Unplugged” question and answer session with classmates!” Halstead complimented the cantor for being the clergy. “The Q and A gave me information I had never “so brave as to ask me to chant trope!” thought about,” said Cathy. “I have been a member of Temple for about 14 months,” Bill agreed. “I thought the rabbis and cantor... had some said Jessica Cohn. “My husband and I participate in various thoughtful and helpful answers to the questions and conactivities through Temple and also enjoy going to services cerns of the congregation.” on Friday nights. I completed my conversion in September On May 13, the “Unplugged” topic will be: “Who is a of last year and wanted to continue my Jewish education. By Jew?”
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8 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Yours and mine
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press A long, long time ago, when I was still in college and writing my thesis, I talked (probably too long) about how important the right location is in literature. Now that I no longer spend my days buried in novels, it’s becoming clear to me how true this is in everyday life. Where you live can matter as much as how you live, and with whom. Buildings have climate and character; they can be gloomy, or upbeat, cluttered, or organized. Our surroundings can make us feel energetic, or they can depress us. It is up to us to decide which is which, and to make the proper adjustments where needed. This goes beyond putting up new wallpaper or changing your throw pillows. An underused building is an unhappy building, no matter how nicely decorated. The essence of a space is a reflection of its purpose: when it’s put to good use, and it fulfills the needs of the people who dwell within its walls, everyone’s mood is lifted. Having said that, we all need to take a good and hard look at the Jewish Community Center. How are we using the building? Do we have any forgotten rooms that nobody uses; are there neglected spaces that just sort of sit there? This building is very large; are we taking full advantage of it, or does it leave something to be desired? With all the changes that have gone on in the Jewish Community Center, we tend to focus mostly on the people. Don’t take me wrong; this is a good thing. However, I think we also need to pay attention to our surroundings. Do you ever say to yourself: I would go more often, if only there was a …fill in the blank? Maybe now is the perfect time to speak up about what you’re missing. I for instance think we need a coffee bar, and I mention it every chance I get (I also think a very large hot tub in the pool area would be great, but I don’t have high hopes for that right at this moment).
This building is yours and mine. Together, we can become more and more invested in it by coming up with ideas to improve it. When we collectively carve out additional niches, we will feel more like we belong. Thinking of ways to make the building suit us better will help us take the necessary ownership. Then, instead of yours and mine, it becomes ours. A few weeks ago, we invited you to send your questions to askmike@jewishomaha.org; I would like to add this additional challenge: think of what you would do to improve the building, and send in your suggestions, no matter how wild. Crazy ideas are welcome: sometimes bad plans allow us to come up with good plans. And besides, this building does have a plane hanging from a ceiling somewhere, so unless your suggestions involve pink neon spray paint in unhealthy quantities or free-roaming pet iguanas, I think you can let loose in the idea department. The Jewish Community Center is a great building,
and we are very lucky to have it. With that comes the responsibility to make sure it stays great. A place feels like home when we treat it as such (and when it has great coffee). Speaking of visiting the J, on Mother’s Day, May 8, the Jewish Federation is hosting a free concert in the theater. It starts at 2 p.m., and is followed by a dessert reception. The choir featured is called Matte Asher, and hails from the Western Galilee, where our Partnership region is located. You should all come. Did I mention it is free and open to the entire community? It is. Plus desserts. How can you lose?
Education is key in a changing U.S. Jews-Israel relationship
Behind the headlines JONATHAN SARNA AND JAY RUDERMAN WALTHAM, Mass. (JTA) -- The relationship between American and Israeli Jews is changing. For most of Israel’s history, the American Jewish community was larger, wealthier and more powerful than its “poor cousin” in the Middle East, but now the differences between the two communities have greatly narrowed. More Jews are living in Greater Tel Aviv than in Greater New York, and Israel, like the United States, is one of the world’s most developed nations. In addition, funds from Israel now strengthen the American Jewish community through programs like TaglitBirthright Israel. Charitable funds no longer flow exclusively in the other direction. The political relationship between the two communities is likewise changing. Gone are the days when major American Jewish organizations, and the bulk of their members, took their cue from the government of Israel and supported its policies reflexively. Thanks to the Internet, American Jews now hear a full range of voices from Israel. As a result, the spectrum of American Jewish opinion concerning Israel increasingly mirrors the spectrum of opinion within Israel itself. Given these and other changes, the relationship between the world’s two major Jewish communities is in need of recalibration. To this end, much attention has been paid over the past few years to improving American Jews’ understanding of Israel. In 2008-09, according to a recent Brandeis University study, some 548 courses on campuses across the United States focused on Israel, seeking to improve students’
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page sto-
knowledge of the subject. Centers for Israel studies on American campuses also have proliferated. By contrast, Israelis learn almost nothing about American Jewry. Not one significant academic center for the study of American Jewish life exists in the State of Israel, and university-based courses on the American Jewish community are few and far between. At the high school level, the study of American Jewish life is equally neglected. As a result, the understanding of American Jewish life on the part of Israelis is quite limited. They know next to nothing about the deepest issues upon which Israelis and American Jews agree and disagree. They cannot comprehend what church-state separation means and how pluralism operates in the American context. Many fail to understand their American cousins at all. All Israelis, political leaders in particular, would benefit from knowing more about American Jewish life. The more American Jews and Israelis learn about one another, the better their future relationship will be. Israelis, including members of Knesset, too often only look inward at Israeli society when legislating and voting on matters that ultimately impact upon American Jewry. Even if their first responsibility is to the citizens they represent and the sovereign state they serve, they would do well to consider how the American Jewish community, too, is affected by their choices. If every measure considered by the Knesset carried a “Diaspora impact statement” (analogous to our environmental impact statements), consciousness of how Israel’s actions impact upon world Jewry would be heightened. Six Israeli Knesset members are visiting Boston and New York as part of a program organized by Brandeis University
and the Ruderman Foundation to help Israeli leaders gain new perspectives on American Jewish life and on the changing relationship between their country and the American Jewish community. They are meeting with religious figures, community leaders and private citizens. By learning more about the American Jewish community, we hope they will come to better appreciate how their actions -- such as Knesset efforts to legally define Jewishness for the purposes of marriage or aliyah, Israel’s military actions and how the Foreign Ministry reacts to democratic uprisings in the Arab world -- impact upon American Jews and Jews worldwide. Educating Israel’s political leaders about the American Jewish community should be the start of a larger effort aimed at teaching Israelis as much about American Jews as the latter learn about them. A new day is dawning in the relationship between American Jews and Israel. The image of wealthy American Jews providing charity to their struggling Israeli cousins is fading fast. More than ever, each community now needs to understand how its interests are bound up with that of the other. Just as American Jews are becoming better educated about Israel, the time has come for Israelis to learn more about the American Jewish community and their inextricable relationship to it. Jonathan Sarna is the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University and chief historian of the National Museum of American Jewish History. Jay Ruderman is president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which has offices in Boston and Rehovot, Israel.
ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.
and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos
is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted
writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
May 6, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9
Letters
Daley on Hamas-Fatah -is there an opening to US recognition? by RON KAMPEAS President Obama’s chief of staff, William Daley, is the top administration official addressing the American Jewish Committee’s annual conference. This is what he just said about Hamas-Fatah reconciliation: “We all have seen the news of the agreement between Fatah and Hamas to form a government. Like the Israeli government, we are seeking more information.� The United States always supported Palestinian unity, he then said, “providing it is on the terms which advance the cause of peace. Hamas is a terrorist government which targets civillians.� Okay, before I get to the most interesting bit, a couple of observations: I’m not sure from Israeli statements that Israel is interested in more information about the agreement. Here’s what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “You can’t have peace with both Israel and Hamas. Choose peace with Israel.� That sounds more like “I’m giving you a little time to change your mind,� not, “Hey, I need more information.� Sounds like Bibi thinks he has plenty info. Also interesting: The elision from “Like Israel, seeking more information� to “always supported Palestinian unity.� I don’t think Israel has expressed much in the way of support for Palestinian unity that does not involve the crushing of Hamas. But here’s the crux, which by the way earned Daley loud applause: “Any Palestinian government must renounce violence, it must abide by past agreements and it must recog-
TO THE EDITOR To the editor: B’nai B’rith dinner and Yom Hashoah service on the same night? Ouch! Our Banquet date was set three years ago. When we discovered the conflict, it was too late to make changes. With a venue the size of the Qwest, they had no wiggle room. We take full responsibility for not putting it on the calendar when we booked the site. This was a terrible situation which we regret deeply. Gary Javitch President, Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith
nize Israel’s right to exist.� Such a government -- particulartly one composed of nonpartisan “experts,� as Fatah and Hamas have reportedly agreed -- could easily meet those criteria, and still have as a component Hamas. That’s a substantive difference from demands by Israel and by Congress members that any Palestinian government not include Hamas, period. Otherwise, Daley hit right notes: strong security relationship, confronting Iran, and on domestic issues -- protecting immigrants and seeking energy independence, signature AJC issues. He became emotional discussing how the passport photo he beheld at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum recalled for him his own Irish ancestors’ flight from persecution. His Chcago accent -- broader than anything I even hear on Chicago Code -- mangled “Tikkun Olam� beyond any other use I’ve heard, and among Democrats who speak to Jews, you hear the phrase a lot. One odd note though: He talked about his first hundred days in the job as White House chief of staff, and related how he sought advice from his predecessors. He singled out James Baker, who, Daley said, called chief of staff “the worst f***ing job in the world.� Really, if you’re going to quote an ex-White House chief of staff using that adjective, best not to make it Jim Baker, no? I mean, didn’t Rahm use it often enough?
To the editor: Kudos to the Jewish Press for recently running a personal ad from Rob Cohn of Simi Valley, California, looking for his Omaha relatives. Rob was raised in California but his grandfather was Abraham Cohn, a businessman and philanthropist in Omaha and Chicago in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, who met his second wife on a trip to Palestine in 1930. Rob’s father was a brother to Omahans George Cohn (father of Eden Ostravich, Denver, CO), Max Cohn (father of Arnold Cohn, San Francisco, CA) and Beatrice Cohn, my grandmother. Eden, Arnold and I are all very thankful to the editor and staff of the Jewish Press for helping Rob get in touch with us. James Polack
The price for Israel support
been many individuals who have reached out already and offered to help in any way they can. I do plan to engage everyone – as we must all take responsibility to insure that OUR community is viable for our children, grandchildren, and so on.
Ask Mike MIKE SILVERMAN, CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha Mike, Mazel Tov, on being chosen first CEO of the Omaha Jewish Community Center. It will not be an easy job, but we have a great Jewish community, with many young and old supporters who will be willing to help in all areas. You have done an outstanding job as the director for the Blumkin Home, and am confident you will be the strong leader and CEO that we need for the Jewish Community. Best of luck, “Big� Joe Kirshenbaum “Big Joe� – thank you so much for the support. I have enjoyed working for the Omaha Jewish Community and I believe that it is second to none in the country. There have
Steven – my vision for the future is clear: a vibrant, active and engaged community that collaborates and shares resources for the betterment of all; complete transparency where information is readily available and the rationale behind decisions is attainable; growth in programs and services; and enhancements to our physical facilities to best meet our communities’ current and future needs. Because the Omaha Jewish community cares and shows it every day by being generous with its time and resources, we will and must listen to our community members about what is important to them and do all we can to exceed their expectations. Please keep me informed and I promise to do the same.
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by RON KAMPEAS I’m at the American Jewish Committee’s “Global Forum Gala,� and the events signature event, the Light Unto the Nations Award, has just been given to Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli. Under Martinelli, Panama was one of a handful of members on the U.N. Human Rights Council to vote against the Goldstone report. More recently, Martinelli has turned away pressure to recognize the state of Palestine, a trend sweeping Latin America. Martinelli said he didn’t deserve the award -- he was just keeping his word, he said. “The best thing Panama did was to support the state of Israel,� he said, referring both to his actions and Panama’s 1947 vote for the creation of Israel. He couldn’t resist a tourism pitch to the crowd, starting with “Now comes the price for support of Israel,� to laughter. “Come to Panama,� he kept repeating, noting its restaurants, its low taxes -- and its status as possibly the only country with border-to-border free Wi-Fi.
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10 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Lunch with Rabbi Levin at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli at noon. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated so the rabbi can reserve seats. Contact him at rabbilevin@bethel-omaha.org; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat & Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. Dinner follows. Dinner cost is $10 for Beth El members, $15 for nonmembers. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Susi FrydmanLevin; Final Sunday Scholars program of the season, featuring attorney and UNO political science professor Richard Fellman. (see full story on page 4.); Parsha & Pizza, noon to 1 p.m., join Cantor Schlossberg for a slice (or two) of pizza and a discussion about the week's Torah portion at Bagel Bin. MONDAY: Let’s Wine About It, 6:30 p.m. meet Cantor Schlossberg at Fox & Hound, 506 N. 120th St, for a get-together filled with conversation about anything and everything Jewish. All adults in the Jewish community are welcome. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible, noon. Cost is $36 for members and $45 for non-members. Open to all adults in the Jewish community. To register, contact the office; Sisterhood Greek-kosher cooking demo and dinner, 6:30–8:30 p.m. led by local chef, Stephanie Patsalis. Cost to attend: $18. To make a reservation, send a check – payable to Beth El Sisterhood – to the synagogue. For more information, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. BESTT MOCK WEDDING: On Sunday, May 15, BESTT’s third and fourth graders will participate in the annual mock wedding at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to attend the festivities. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.;
Bar Mitzvah Steven Jacob Levitan, son of Gale and Daniel Levitan, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson, TX. Steven is a seventh-grade student at Frankford Middle School in Plano, TX. He is a Duke Talent Program participant for Seventh Graders, a Nominee for the National Junior Honor Society for Eighth Grade, and is currently in PACE, and honors program through Plano ISD. Steven will be receiving a Math award on May 31, due to his score on the ACT test for Seventh graders. His interests include Bowling, football, reading, video games, and Kadima activities at Congregation Beth Torah. For his mitzvah project, Steven collected food, books, clothing, and shoes, for the Austin Street Shelter, in Dallas, TX. He also volunteers with the North Texas Food Bank, and the Dallas Ramp Project. He has a brother, Robert, 14. Grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Richard Levitan of Dripping Springs, TX and the late Ruth and David Chorney.
Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 7 p.m.; Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:15 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Special Sunday NIght Dinner for Mother’s Day, 6 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code; Monday Night Lecture Series with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. followed by the Yom Hazikaron Memorial Service, 8:30 p.m., and the Yom Ha’atzmaut Chaigah. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: JLI class, Oasis in Time, 7 p.m. Register at www.myjli.com or call 402.330.1800. To request you first class free or have questions contact JLI@OChabad.com or call 402.330.1800. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Kiddush, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes for Mother’s Day WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Third Annual LJCS Rummage Sale, Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at South Street Temple.
Candlelighting Friday, May 6, 8:09 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:39 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Tami Field. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Sophie Budwig, daughter of Larry Budwig and the late Kirsten Budwig, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: No Religious School TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Last Day for Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Last Day for Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Last Day for Grades 7-8, 6-8 p.m. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony at Shabbat Worship Service followed by Temple Israel Clergy Unplugged: Who is a Jew? and Congregational Shabbat Dinner on Friday, May 13, 6 p.m. (see full story on page 7.) What Will it Take to Build a New Building for Temple Israel? It Takes You! Join Us on Sunday, May 15, 11 a.m. (see full story on page 4.)
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Learners Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon and Torah Study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes for Mother’s Day WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Third Annual LJCS Rummage Sale, Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at South Street Temple.
Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with Family Fun at the JCC by LYNN BATTEN Publicity Associate Get the family together and come the to Jewish Community Center for an evening of entertainment at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration on Tuesday, May 10 in the JCC Pavilion. Kids and adults alike will have fun sampling the food, games and live music that will compose a carnival-like atmosphere. Activities begin at 5 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. You can even test your knowledge at 7 p.m. with the B’nai B’rith Jewish Trivia Quiz, held in the JCC Community Room. Esther Katz, JCC Program Supervisor, and her planning committee have worked hard to make this a meaningful celebration. For example, children’s activities will be lots of fun but also educational, as most are designed to help introduce aspects of Israeli culture. “We want everyone to enjoy themselves, but also remember why we are there; to celebrate Israel’s Independence!” Kids can bounce and explore inflatable landscapes as they jump in the “Akko Castle” and Velcro themselves to the “Kotel”. They can also test their skills in the “IDF Wingate” inflatable obstacle course. There will also be several Israeli games, prizes, an airbrush tattoo artist, and even a visit by the Balloon Brigade! If the hustle and bustle of the Children’s Activities are too much, then spread out your picnic blanket, pull up your lawn chair and relax by the stage as you enjoy the musical
styling of the Chuck Penington Band. Star Catering will provide the food for the evening. The Adult Meal will include a kosher hotdog or falafel, toubouli salad, bag of chips and a drink for only $5. The Kid’s Meal will include a kosher hot dog, choice of chips or carrot & celery sticks and a drink for $4. And for those of you with a sweet tooth, brownies and cookies will also be available for $2. At 7 p.m. the B’nai B’rith Jewish Trivia Quiz will take place in the JCC Community Room. Open to anyone ages13 and over, this quiz is a fun challenge that will test your memory and knowledge as you play for CASH PRIZES! Teams can be composed of 1 to 6 people and teens can compete with or against their friends in the special Teen Category. Pre-registration for the Jewish Trivia Quiz is helpful, but not required. For more information, contact Beth at 402.334.6443, or email at bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. The Celebration will be held rain or shine. In the event of rain, activities will be held in the JCC Gymnasium and Auditorium. For questions regarding the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration contact Esther Katz, JCC Program Supervisor, at 402.334.6406 or email at ekatz@jccomaha.org. The Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration is made possible in part by the generous contributions from the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, Herbert Goldsten Trust, Special Donor Advised Fund, Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundation, Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, and the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
May 6, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11
A concept of purity
In memoriam LEO HILL
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Emor Our Sidrah is involved with the problem of keeping the Sanctuary always pure. I have said elsewhere that, from the point of view of modern Orthodoxy, the concept of “Purity” is not really understood. We understand physical infections, infections of diseases; but our ancient ancestors were involved with a different concept of purity and impurity, dependent on other situations than infections. Impurity is caused specifically by close contact with and close proximity to a deceased person, or with various diseases. It is the Kohanim (Priests) who are specifically warned to keep themselves away from any of the impurities mentioned above. Furthermore, the Sanctuary itself and the altar were to be kept scrupulously clean. All of this had to do with maintaining purity wherever the “Kadosh Baruch Hu” was, so that the Holy One (Blessed be He), that is to say, the Lord himself, is not profaned. Our Sidrah mentions extreme cases of profaning God’s name. If someone curses the Lord Himself, the congregation is expected to hold such a person aside until the entire congregation of Israel places such a person in front of them and stones him to death. In our day, cursing is very common indeed. Our ancient ancestors would have been shocked to hear the language that is very common today, even in polite circles of conversation. The Torah, however, insists on purity of language, as well as purity of persons and things. For an understanding of all of this, read Leviticus chapter one through 22.
Israeli director wins top documentary prize at Tribeca by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Israeli director Alma Har’el took top honors at the Tribeca Film Festival in the documentary category. Bombay Beach, her feature-length film, follows three down-and-out residents of a ghost town on the Salton Sea, a surrealistic landscape in Southern California filled with losers and dreamers. Har’el, a Tel Aviv native now living in the United States, takes home $25,000 in prize money. She describes herself in her biography as a video artist and music video director. The judges were unanimous in their decision, which was announced Thursday. They praised the film to reporters for its “beauty, lyricism, empathy and invention.” Another Israeli, Dor Fadlon of Ramat Gan, also won special mention at the festival for Eva -- Working Title. Fadlon, a graduate of the film and television department at Tel Aviv University, wrote and directed the 14-minute film. The 12-day Tribeca Film Festival, founded in 2002, concluded May 1 in New York.
Leo Hill of Lincoln passed away on April 14 at age 98. Services were held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on April 15 with burial at Mt. Carmel cemetery and were officiated by Nancy Coren, lay leader at Tifereth Israel. He was a former president of Northwestern Metal Company of Lincoln, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, and the Lincoln Jewish Welfare Federation. He also served on numerous boards. While attending the University of Nebraska, he organized the advanced ROTC Fraternity and later served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Leo received distinguished service awards from the State of Israel and the Jewish Theological Seminary, among others; he also received the City of Hope National Humanitarian Award. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty Astor Hill, sister Ruth Hill and sister and brother-in-law, Selma and Robert Cohen. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Cece Hill; daughter-in-law, Virginia Hill; granddaughter, Shayna Burke; and sister, Ghita Bessman of Madison, WI. Memorials may be made with acknowledgements sent from the family, 2836 Porter Ridge Road, Lincoln, NE 68516.
ROSA RICHTMAN Rosa Richtman passed away at age 87. Services were held May 1 at Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 N. 42 St. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave. She is survived her son, Max, son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Harriet, and daugther and son-in-law, Anne and Robert Kaplan; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A Holocaust survivor, Rosa lived in Omaha for 55 years. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue or the Institute for Holocaust Education.
JUNE ELIZABETH RICHARDS SEGAL June Elizabeth (Richards) Segal passed away on April 29. Services were held May 1 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln and were officiated by Nancy Coren, lay leader at Tifereth Israel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donna and Robert Richards; sister, Norma-Louise. She is survived by her husband, Dick, of 55 years; sons and daughter-in-laws, Dave and Jayne (Prazak) Segal, Tom Segal and Megan Stetson, Bob Segal and Melanie Lenart; daughter, Susanna Segal; daughter and son-in-law, Ann (Segal) and Greg Pratt; three grandchildren: Alec, Alice and Louie; two step-grandchildren, Jenn Waugaman, Jeff Pratt and their families; brother Jack and family; extended family members Corinne Levy, Jim Polack, Dave Petty, and many others June considered part of her family. She spent a lifetime singing, writing and many years performing in theater. She was a member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and was active in many organizations. Memorials may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue or The Alzheimer's Association.
To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 6, 2011
Giving a boost to Jewish life in the South by DINA WEINSTEIN JACKSON, Miss. (JTA) -- As Alli Goldman’s plane was making its descent on the blazing 97-degree Midland/ Odessa airport in west Texas, the landscape dotted with oil dykes looked foreign to the Dallas native even though it was the same state. But Goldman’s work schedule for the weekend was familiar: Leading Sabbath eve services with the small youth group at Temple Beth El Midland, running an Israel education program with the religious school and holding a meeting with the congregation’s education board to discuss how to utilize its new full-time rabbi. “I’m sitting with 50- and 60-year-olds in this room, and for me, at 23 years old, it’s amazing,” Goldman told JTA. “I’m the expert because I’ve worked with many other congregations.” Goldman is one of nine fellows from the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life trolling the South to provide professional Jewish educational resources to small Jewish communities that don’t have them. The two-year fellowship program started nine years ago to reach out to isolated Jewish communities in the American South. Without the Jewish population and knowledge base of larger urban areas, the commu-
ed. The fellows lead youth group events, children’s services, yoga Havdalah services and confirmation classes. The Institute for Southern Jewish Life also employs a circuitriding rabbi for small congregations. Though about half of the nine fellows grew up in the South, they say working with small communities has been an eye-opening experience -- in some cases, Temple Sinai, New Orleans exposing them to nities often have religious schools run by all- Jewish cultural rarities like matzah ball volunteer staffs, including parents with little gumbo. or no formal educational training. For Lauren Fredman, who grew up in the The fellows, who work with communities small Jewish community of Salt Lake City, on a standard curriculum of Jewish learning, Utah, before moving to Denver, Colo., the split their time among 72 congregations and small communities have a familiar feel. 59 schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Among the things she’s done on the fellowGeorgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, ship has been to design an adult education North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, program for Temple Sinai in New Orleans, La. Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. “People came up to me after and said, ‘I The program works with adults and stu- can’t believe I never knew this. I learned so dents at Conservative, Reform and much,’” Fredman said. Orthodox synagogues, as well as unaffiliatIn Jackson, where the Institute for
Southern Jewish Life is located, the fellows also are involved in local Jewish and civic life. Many teach in the city’s synagogue and volunteer in an afterschool tutoring program. They attend the institute’s annual conference to train Southern volunteer religious educators, and they use each other for support and advice. Sara Silverman of Houston, Texas, became a fellow because she always knew she wanted to be a teacher but believed she was too young and inexperienced coming out of college. The program hasn’t been all easy, she said. “I gave a d’var Torah on the power of sight and how seeing can make you feel a certain way,” Silverman said. “A blind congregant didn’t appreciate what I was saying. I still get upset when I talk about it. It was challenging to know I had upset someone.” But she turned it into a learning opportunity to better figure out how to give presentations. At Temple B’nai Israel in Hattiesburg, Miss., the local fellow leads programs for the youth group, the religious school and tots. The synagogue’s rabbi, Uri Barnea, said that “She brings new ideas, new programs, and new methods of teaching that enhance our own activities and perspectives on Jewish education.”
Apparent arson destroys N.Y. kosher market by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- An apparent arson attack destroyed a renovated kosher supermarket in New York City that was set to reopen. The Seasons market in the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood of Queens reportedly was set alight during the Passover holiday.
The attack ruined the inventory and destroyed most of the building, according to the New York Post. The New York Police Department is investigating the incident. Security cameras showed two men pouring flammable liquid into vent covers on the building’s roof and setting it alight, the Post
reported. The sprinkler system activated and doused the store all day, until the end of the holiday, flooding the supermarket. Seasons had been scheduled to reopen Wednesday. It has three other branches: on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, as well as in suburban Scarsdale in Westchester
County and Lawrence on Long Island. A message posted on the store’s Facebook page Wednesday read, “Thank you to all of you who have expressed their concerns. Your outpouring of support is greatly appreciated.”
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