May 7, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 36 Omaha, NE

Federation and JCC to Install New Leadership

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Jewish Community Center will install new officers during the Federation’s 101st Annual Meeting, Monday, June 7, 7 p.m., in the JCC Theater.

In addition to the installations, community volunteers will be recognized and honored.

Zoë Riekes will be installed as President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, succeeding Steve Zoë Riekes Pitlor whose term ends this year. Riekes is the current Vice-President of the Federation and also serves as Co-chairman of the Israel/Overseas Committee, as well as the Partnership With Israel Cultural Chairperson for the Midwest Consortium, which consists of 13 Midwest cities.

She has been instrumental in bringing the needs of Israel and our Partnership area in the Western Galilee to the forefront of the community. Riekes is also a seasoned leader for the Federation’s Annual Campaign, having served as the Co-chairman of the Women’s Campaign, as well as assuming other Campaign leadership roles. Riekes’ term of office is two years.

Gary Epstein will be installed as the President of the Jewish Community Center, succeeding outgoing President Jeff Kirshenbaum.

Epstein has served on the JCC Board for 12 years, eight of them as a VicePresident. Epstein has continued to be involved in many of the activities and special events at the Gary Epstein Jewish Community Center. In addition to his service on the Executive Committee, he has chaired the Fitness and Athletic Committees as well as the JCC’s Golf Outing program.

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

16 Iyyar, 5764 May 7, 2004

Double Header Program Focuses on Jews in Popular Culture

by LEONARD GREENSPOON Klutznick Chairholder in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University and RACHEL BLUM JCC Program DIrector The Jewish Community Center and the Creighton University Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization are teaming up to spotlight Jews in Popular Culture. Their Double Header event, scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 4 p.m., begins with a presentation by Ori Soltes on “Jews and Sports” in the JCC Theater.

Soltes was formerly director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, where he put together an exhibit titled Stars of David: Jews in the World of Sports. He is presently on the faculty at Georgetown University. Soltes has an international reputation as a dynamic speaker. He has led tours throughout the world and is in constant demand as a lecturer.

Many people will remember that he has spoken several times over the past years in Omaha.

Soltes recently published a book, Fixing the World: Jewish American Painters in the Twentieth Century, and his artiOri Soltes cles have appeared in many volumes sponsored by Creighton’s Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization. He promises that his presentation will be accessible to anyone, from high school age on up, with an interest in sports or Judaism. With the Summer Olympics and the JCC Maccabi Games just around the corner, Soltes' topic will be timely and fascinating.

Soltes’ presentation is the second annual WintroubRiklin Lecture on Jews in Popular Culture. The lecture is made possible by the gifts of the Eve and Louis Wintroub Foundation and the Henry H. Riklin, MD,

Endowment, and is co-sponsored by Creighton’s Klutznick Chair.

The lecture will be followed by a free stadium-style dinner with hotdogs, chips, potato salad, and more!

The evening will culminate at 6:30 p.m. with the final “Live from NY’s 92 ST Y” broadcast of the season, featuring CNN Senior analyst Jeff Greenfield and Saturday Night Live’s Al Franken, as they discuss compelling issues facing America today. The broadcast is sponsored by Omaha Steaks.

Greenfield’s brilliant analysis of current events and his quick wit make him one of the most trusted names in television journalism.

Al Franken is an Emmy-award winning television writer and producer, New York Times bestselling author, and Grammy winning comedian. He is a co-creator of

Al Franken

Jeff Greenfield

the original Saturday Night Live and frequently appeared on the show. He is author of I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough and Doggone It, People Like Me, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations and Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.

The Double Header event is free and open to the Jewish Community. For more information about the program or to RSVP, contact the JCC Program Department at 334.6404.

Who Can Define ‘Jew?’ Internet Flap Shows Challenge of the Digital Age

by JOE BERKOFSKY NEW YORK (JTA)--In 1999, at the height of the Internet boom, the AntiDefamation League warned that scores of neo-Nazis and white supremacists were going online.

In a report titled, Poisoning the Web: Hatred Online, the ADL quoted Don Black, an ex-convict and former KKK organizer, who is credited with building the first Internet hate site. By 1997, the site had grown into what the report called a “supermarket” of racist invective on the Web by linking to many other like-minded efforts.

Among those Black linked to was a Missourian named Frank Weltner, a.k.a.

“Von Goldstein Mohammed,” who set up a small site called “Jew Watch” that alleged a host of Jewish conspiracies.

Last month “Jew Watch” made the big time, suddenly placing at the top of searches for the word “Jew” on the

Inside

s e a r c h turned up engine giant in response Google. to the “Jew" T h a t query, but it sparked a did turn up media blitz, in searches as well as for its title, an online along with a f u r o r Google disa m o n g claimer those who a b o u t wanted to “offensive quash the s e a r c h site.

The results.” d i g i t a l Google said s t o r m that it s e e m e d A Google search of the word ‘Jew’on April 27. wouldn’t fueled not only by Jew Watch’s improb- remove the Jew-hating site from its listable ranking, but by the possibility of an ings, but it did promise to reconsider initial public stock offering for Google, how the search engine categorizes and which many hope will revive the labels search results.

Internet economy.

“We do our best to extrapolate what As of midweek, Jew Watch no longer the Web determines is the best result for

This Week: America Decides 2004: Primary Election Coverage Kozlen and Ginsberg to be Honored by Hadassah: Page 2

Israeli Spokesman Talks of Challenges at AIPAC: Page 3

a particular query, and the Web represents the widest range of opinions imaginable,” Google spokesman David Krane said.

Call it the rise and fall of Jew Watch.

The strange journey began with a report in j., the Jewish news weekly of Northern California, followed by stories in the New York Times, New York Post, Jerusalem Post, Reuters and such top computer news sites as Cnet.

A New York real estate investor, Steven Weinstock, launched a “RemoveJew Watch.com” petition hoping to convince Google to remove the offending site.

Though Weinstock told JTA he opposes censorship, he said he appealed to Google’s sense of corporate responsibility in urging the company to suppress Jew Watch. He urged some 40 friends to e-mail Google through his protest site.

By this week, he’d received 118,316 Continued on page 13

Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue Community Connection Column: Page 9

Teen Age Features Girls of BBG: Page 11

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

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FRIDAY, MAY 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

C L SUNDAY, MAY 9 I JCC OPEN - LAG B’OMER P Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El & Mother’s Day Concert, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P &

MONDAY, MAY 10 S YES Program, 10 a.m.

A Rivka Sass Lecture, noon V Proposed New Rules of Ethics for NE Lawyers, noon E at Creighton University

S A V E

High Holiday Youth Program Meeting, 6 p.m. at Beth El JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 11 PRIMARY ELECTIONS, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El

C L I P &

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 Hadassah HIES Program & Luncheon, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel “Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon Rabbinic Council Meeting, 1:30 p.m.

OTYG Rehearsal, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, MAY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

S Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon A Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon V at Beth El E Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m.

Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

COMMERCIAL and

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years of service rooted in health care, education, child rescue and rehabilitation.

Beth Ginsberg will receive the Myrtle Wreath Award, given in appreciation by the Omaha Chapter for all the work she has done for Hadassah over the years.

“Beth served as Chapter President for eight years,” Steinberg explained, “and I know, first-hand, the kind of commitment that entailed. She was a passionate and determined leader, who kept the chapter alive and well.

Beth Gaynes Ginsberg Along with her late husband Joe and her dance career, Hadassah has always been one of her great loves.

“All of us appreciate everything Beth has contributed to our chapter’s success,” said Steinberg, “and we want this award to reflect our gratitude.”

“Rappin’ With The Rabbis” will feature Rabbis Mendel Katzman, Howard Kutner, Mordechai Levin and Craig Marantz, who will answer write-in questions from the audience on a variety of topics. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome. Free sitter service is available (children’s meals not included), but reservations for the luncheon are closed as of press time. For information, call Julie Stein, 496.9964.

Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Testing

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, MAY 8 Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Elections/Havdalah/Dinner/Installations, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel “Out of Sight Overnight”, 6 p.m.

BBG Beau Dance (location:tba), 8 p.m.

by JOANIE JACOBSON for the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah Bette Kozlen will be named a recipient of the 18th Annual Hadassah National Leadership Award at a luncheon following “Rappin’ With The Rabbis,” a community event to benefit Hadassah Israel Educational Services (H.l.E.S.). The program will feature Omaha’s pulpit rabbis this Wednesday, May 12, 10-11:30 a.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue.

This award honors members whose leadership accomplishments within Hadassah and other civic, educational and cultural organizations reflect Hadassah’s dedication to the principles of the volunteer ethic. Award recipients are selected by their peers and represent a wide range of achievements.

“Bette personifies today’s Hadassah woman,” said Georgia Ann Steinberg, Omaha Chapter President.

“Whenever she’s called upon, whenever there’s something that needs to be done, Bette Bette Kozlen will do it. She’s been the chairman of fundraisers for the Hadassah Medical Organization and H.I.E.S., she’s written publicity articles, designed invitations and centerpieces, planned meals, organized our knitting project--when I broke my arm, she even took over the meetings. She’s just a wonderful volunteer.

“Her accomplishments speak for themselves. Bette is a responsible, creative, dependable and dedicated leader who very much deserves this award,” Steinberg concluded.

With 1,500 chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Hadassah is the largest women’s, largest Jewish, largest Zionist organization in the United States, celebrating 92

C L I P & S A V E

by LYNDA MIRVISH be tested first. If he or she is found to be a carrier, the for the Greater Omaha Committee non-Jewish partners should be offered testing as well. for Jewish Genetic Testing Q. What if I can’t come to the May 17 program? Can If you are Jewish and of eastern European descent I still register to be tested?

(Ashkenazi), it is quite likely that you may be a carrier A. You need to wait until after the May 17 meeting. of one of a number of genetic diseases that have been Then you may call Jean Duitch, 393.1141 to see if identified as occurring more frequently in Ashkenazi appointments are still available.

Jews than in the general population.

Q. Wasn’t there a testing program once before in The following are some frequently asked questions Omaha?

(FAQs) and answers about Jewish genetic diseases, and A. Tests for Tay-Sachs disease were offered here 30 how they might affect the lives of those you love. years ago. This is the first time that testing is being Q. What are the most common of these diseases? offered for a range of diseases.

A. Tay-Sachs and Late-onset Tay Sachs, Canavan, Q. How long will the test take?

Cystic Fibrosis, Niemann-Pick, Gaucher, Familial A. You should allow one hour for the procedure, Dysautonomia, Bloom Syndrome and Fanconi Anemia which will include reading and signing the consent diseases. form and meeting with a member of the genetics team.

Q. I am not planning to have any more children; why The actual blood draw only takes a few minutes. should I be tested?

Q. Where will the information about the tests go?

A. You, your children or grandchildren may be carriA. The records will be sealed at Boys Town National ers without knowing it. You have the power to provide Research Hospital. future generations with the knowledge of their herQ. Who will test the blood samples? itage.

A. The samples will be sent to the Mount Sinai Q. How can I find out if I am a carrier?

Hospital in New York city.

A. Carrier testing for the above-mentioned genetic Q. If a disease-causing gene is passed along for many disorders is available through a testing program pro- generations of carriers, does it lose its “strength”? vided by the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish A. No. The gene never changes or becomes less Genetic Testing (GOCJGT). Free genetic tests will be effective. offered in July and September for the first 100 people Q. In recent genetic testing programs conducted in who register at the May 17 meeting (see box). other parts of the country, were many carriers found?

Q. What does the test A. About one in four peoentail? ple tested were found to be A. A small sample of a carrier of any one of these Everyone is invited to attend a discussion about Jewish blood will be drawn. diseases.

Genetic Diseases and the forthcoming testing program. The Q. Who will actually be The Greater Omaha meeting will be at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha on taking the blood samples?

Committee for Jewish Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Speakers will include Jean A. Health professionals Genetic Testing is still in the Duitch, of the GOCJGT, and also Drs. Patrick Brookhouser, from the Boys Town process of raising money so Edward Cohn, William Kimberling, and Kristal Platt (genetic National Research Hospital. that they can offer the free counselor) and Toba Cohen-Dunning (Director, program planQ. What if only one of a testing. For more informaning and development), all of Boys Town National Research couple is Jewish? Does he or tion, please call Jean Duitch, Hospital. They will be available to answer further questions she still need to be tested?

393.1141. about genetic diseases and the proposed testing. Participants A. If only one partner is will also be able to register to take the tests.

Jewish, that person should

You Can Find Out More!

May 7, 2004

Largest AIPAC Gathering in Nebraska Features Israeli Spokesman Minister--Ariel Sharon--was relected.”

Regev not only pointed out the differences between Israel and its neighbors, but evidenced pride in his country’s highly critical press and activist Supreme Court. “We wouldn’t want it any other way,” he insisted.

But, he added, it would be wrong to assume that democracy cannot develop in Arab countries. Regev noted that 20 years ago, there were more dictatorships in Latin and South America than democracies. “Now Cuba is the only one left,” he said, adding that the same has happened in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as well as in Asia.

“The Arab Middle East is the only place where it hasn’t happened yet,” he explained. And “the fact that these Arab states are dictatorial has an impact on me.”

Regev noted that not a single democratic country has gone to war with another democratic country since the beginning of the 20th century. “Dictators--right or left--need enemies,” he asserted. “They need external threats to justify having no free elections, no free Mark Regev, center, makes a point to Gary Javitch, left, and press, and military rule. The Sharon Brodkey. more democratic neighbors Mark Regev, whose background we have, the more peace.” includes degrees in history and political In responding to a question about science from Melbourne University in Sharon’s Gaza pullout, Regev said, Australia and master’s degrees from both “There will be a vacuum, but the P.A. Hebrew University and Boston can fill it several ways--there can be University, was an eloquent speaker more of the same with terrorist organizawho didn’t mince words--even when it tions free to run amok--or the PA can get came to recognizing the faults of his their act together. That will energize the adopted country. peace process.”

“Fifty-six years,” Regev noted about Carol Bloch appreciated Regev’s the recent Yom Ha’aztmaut celebrations, remarks. “He made the point about why “what have we achieved? we have to give steadfast support to “Israel does have faults,” he admitted, Israel,” she said. Michael Miller agreed, “but the only ones who don’t are North adding that Regev “was very informative Korea, Cuba, where leaders never make and well spoken.” mistakes” he said of the lack of a free Murray Newman, Co-chairman of the press, democratic elections and multiple AIPAC Council, along with David political parties.

Gilisnky, reminded the large crowd that In Israel, where there are 26 registered space was still available at AIPAC’s annupolitical parties and 12 who actually al policy conference in Washington, D.C. obtained enough votes for seats in the next week. Information about the conKnesset, Regev asserted, “We are ference, which begins on Sunday, May blessed--or cursed--by proportional rep- 16, can be obtained by calling AIPAC resentation. But the last election was the Area Director Melanie Pearlman, first time in 20 years that an Israeli Prime 303.864.9464.

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press More than 80 supporters of Israel-including a few Nebraska legislators-attended last week’s annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. AIPAC--which is not a PAC-a political action committee and doesn’t fund candidates for elective office--does lobby elected officials on issues related to Israel--from foreign aid to the sale of armaments to the 22 neighboring Arab states. It was those “neighbors” who were the main topic of conversation by the spokesman for the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

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May 11–16 Orpheum Theater Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com and all outlets, at the Omaha Civic Auditorium box office, or call 422-1212 (Omaha) or 475-1212 (Lincoln). Groups (20+), call toll-free (888) 255-2200. www.riverdance.com

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

Statements from Candidates for the May 11 Primary Election AMERICA DECIDES 2004 (Editor’s note: all candidates running for office in Eastern Nebraska were solicited for 250-word statements and an opportunity to advertise in this Special Primary Preview Section. The Jewish Press does not endorse candidates or political parties; all statements received by press time follow here. Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 11!)

Richard Tesar Papio-Missouri River NRD Subdistrict 5 As a current member of the NRD Board, I help administer a budget that exceeds $24 million dollars annually. Flood control projects continue to predominate in our NRD’s spending. Such projects as Dam Site 6 (Newport Landing) west of Bennington, NE, is a great example of a public/private partnership that can provide needed downstream flood protection while providing a great savings to the taxpayers of the District.

As an NRD Director, I try to put an emphasis on the development of multi-purpose projects that combine sound resources management while enhancing “quality of life” opportunities that can provide a wide range of recreational opportunities such as our very popular hiking and biking trails system.

I think that being elected and serving on the NRD Board for three previous terms has given me the experience and knowledge necessary in making sound decisions. I take the time to study the issues and challenges facing our

NRD. Working with a multi-million dollar budget of your tax dollars demands that I vote to “get the most bang for the buck.” I vote to spend your tax dollars with care and solid reasoning.

I feel my most valuable credential for being re-elected to the NRD Board is that I take “a common sense approach to managing our human needs with our environment.”

As a hunting and fishing outfitter, I have a deep passion for the outdoors and the management of our fish and wildlife resources.

I would appreciate your support to re-elect Richard Tesar as your District 5 representative to the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

accomplish significant savings for taxpayers while increasing flood protection and outdoor recreation has been to encourage the use of public-private partnerships similar to Dam Site 6/Newport Landing and Prairie View Recreation near Bennington.

During the next four years I hope to be at the forefront of the riverfront development for Omaha. One component is the trail that will move trail-users out of the urban environment into Washington County, and ultimately connect to Boyer’s Chute Wildlife Refuge near Ft. Calhoun. District-wide, I want to help develop more of the proposed Missouri River corridor restoration projects, such as Decatur Bend in Burt County. I take pride in serving you on the NRD Board and ask for your support to re-elect me for another four years.

Barbara Nichols Papio-Missouri River NRD Subdistrict 9

Rich Pahls District 31 Nebraska Legislature

I am proud to offer a respectful balance of family business experience, education, and common sense on the NRD Board. I bring spirited leadership to the board on the executive committee and as chairperson of the Personnel, Legislative, and Public Affairs subcommittee. As an elected steward of an annual budget that exceeds $24 million, I scrutinize the issues and vote for equitable balance in the natural environment while maintaining high standards for human quality of life needs. My experience and knowledge will be a tremendous asset in major decisions the NRD must make for stormwater management and flood protection in the future.

Protection continues to be the NRD’s number one spending priority in the Metro area.

The Papio watershed is one of the most dangerous watersheds in terms of potential loss of life and property. One way I have helped to

Rich Pahls has been a teacher and principal in the Millard School District for over 30 years.

Two schools under his administration received the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.

Pahls is running on a platform emphasizing economic development and job creation. He supports a business and labor relationship that promotes growth and protects families. Rich will work toward creating better jobs with benefits, which will not only improve the lives of the citizens of Nebraska, but also generate additional revenue resulting in tax relief. He will work full-time as your state legislator.

As an active member of a number of organizations, Pahls has also received a number of awards and recognition, including Millard Administrator of the Tear, 1992, Nebraska Distinguished Principal of the Year, 1993, and Assistance League Operation School Bell Award for Community Service in 2003.

Pahls is a devoted family man and longtime resident of the Millard area. His wife, Lyn, is a teacher at Ackerman Elementary School and they have two children, a daughter, Morgan, and a son, Jake. Morgan is a high school sophomore and Jake is in the eighth grade; both attend Millard schools.

BEN THOMPSON District 31 Nebraska Legislature My parents raised my brothers and I to share traditional values and a strong work ethic. They also emphasized the importance of education, the rewards of community service, and the responsibility of leadership. I attended Millard Public Schools K-12 and received a bachelor’s degree from UNO. After receiving a law degree from the University of Iowa, I clerked for a judge on the Nebraska Supreme Court. I am now an attorney with a small law firm in Omaha.

My experience working in the judicial branch provided a perspective on the law that has proved invaluable as an attorney and will no doubt prove beneficial as a lawmaker. As a coowner of my law firm, I understand the issues facing employers and self-employed individuals. My legal and business background has prepared me well to appreciate the effects that the law has on people, communities, businesses, and institutions.

Throughout Nebraska, we need to ensure the continued availability of good jobs with decent benefits; that our neighborhoods remain safe and clean for our families; that our schools provide the best education possible for our children; that we all enjoy access to affordable health care, particularly our seniors; and that we do more with fewer tax dollars. As State Senator, I will work hard to protect the quality of life that we have come to appreciate in Nebraska.

More information on Ben Thompson’s campaign for the District 31 seat in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature is available at www.benthompson2004.com.

R. ANTHONY METZ Ninth District Nebraska Legislature The primary problems facing Nebraska today are financial in nature. As the State Senator for the ninth Legislative District I plan to create an environment to foster job growth in small business, the largest source of jobs in Nebraska.

To grow jobs in Nebraska we must first align state expenditures and revenues by controlling spending. Second, we need better regulation and enforcement for health, liability, and workman compensation insurance that are harming small business. Third, the benefit of state mandated administrative and regulatory requirements must exceed the cost to small business.

When we grow jobs in small business we grow personal income. When we grow income, workers pay more income taxes. When workers purchase goods they pay sales taxes. The result is that tax revenues increase with out increasing tax rates. The tax base is expanded and the tax burden is eased for all of us. The best news of all, if we grow jobs and opportunities in Nebraska, more of our young people will be able to stay in Nebraska.

I am a retired economist with 24 years experience performing revenue, budget, and expense analysis at the Union Pacific Railroad.

I have served on the panel of the Survey of Professional Forecasters sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia since 1994.

I am sensitive to education and the needs of the physically and mentally challenged. I have served as an adjunct faculty member at UNO since 1985 and as a board member for the Madonna School since 1997.

Don’t Forget to Vote!

RICK GALUSHA Douglas County Register of Deeds The Omaha World-Herald has documented that the Douglas County Register of Deed's needs energized leadership, management, and training. Douglas County taxpayers already pay more for less when compared to Sarpy or Lancaster counties, yet Mr. Takechi has gone back year after year for more money from taxpayers. More than a dozen Title Companies have called for the incumbent to resign.

Although an increase in refinancing exacerbated the situation, World Herald articles indicate the problems are more about the need for quality management.

We can’t fix these problems with old approaches.

The needs of the office match Rick Galusha’s strengths. Rick Galusha would like to help the office to do better and be faster while spending taxpayer dollars wisely. The public and businesses that rely on prompt filings deserve to have their reasonable expectations met.

For more than two decades Rick Galusha has successfully managed a business of more than 100 employees. Rick Galusha worked at a Fortune 500 firm teaching entry-level management and customer service skills. Rick Galusha has a proven record of civic leadership including; President Old Market Business Association, Board Downtown Omaha, Leadership Omaha #16, Chair American Red Cross Aphersis Marketing Board, Habitat for Humanity Carpentry Crew, and he helps manage his church.

Rick Galusha is involved in raising the quality of life in our county and deserves your vote May 11.

Visit our website: www.RickGalusha.com Continued on page 5

May 7, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Statements from Candidates for the May 11 Primary Election election results with secret computer software tabulation. There is no visible scrutiny of an election paper trail. I testified at this year’s Legislative hearing in support of LB1168 that would make a simple correction by providing the option to a losing candidate to request a manual recount if the candidate pays for it.

AMERICA DECIDES 2004

ANDY RINGSMUTH First Congressional District

Continued from page 4

DANIEL MANNING First Congressional District I am a college graduate and in 1979, was awarded membership in the International Historical Honor Society. I have taken several political science classes, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Below are some of my views: Most desire peace and prosperity. Wishing for these objectives is important, but of itself, not effective. We must defend peace for it to exist. While we may desire true evil not exist, some fanatics consider killing Jews a ticket to heaven. Appeals to reason and calls for mutual respect are seen as weakness if they stand alone.

Sadly, militaries must sometime destroy lives that more might live. This should give us great sorrow. To be a hater of mankind is to lose dignity and decency. There is also need to battle false propaganda that Jews stole all the land of Israel from Arabs.

The region was sparsely settled when Jews returned to their ancient homeland. Besides, Jews have paid for Israeli with their blood--a price greater than money. Arab nations could have absorbed Palestinians by granting citizenship. Many chose not to, preferring to fan resentment.

America should help Israel, and also foster American prosperity. In part, this can be enhanced by cutting (dependence on) foreign crude. using E-85 gasoline (85% ethanol) and bio-diesel (partly from soybeans) can save farms and cut deficits. Further, a single flat tax, beginning only after levels of decency are fully met, could enlarge the middle class and fuel prosperity.

CHARLIE MATULKA First Congressional District Will your vote count or will it be switched? It depends on whether county election commissioners will overrule the Legislature in not wanting to manually recount their ballots, even though they would get paid to do it.

What gives them the say-so on this? Their resistance leaves Nebraska Republican officeholders from partisan contested races in the position that their win is suspect because vote-counting device company programmers are Republican-oriented. An occasional manual recount of an election paper trail would remove this stigma. It would also keep these officeholders from getting written about on the New York Times editorial pages.

My 2002 campaign for U.S. Senate uncovered Nebraska’s secret on how elections can be manipulated. The Nebraska election recount statute states that ballots counted by a votecounting device must be recounted by that device. Secretary of State John Gale denied my letter of request for a manual recount of votes, citing statutes 32-1119(6). Other states allow manual recount in counties using electronic vote-counting devices.

Nebraska’s recount statute is illegal and unconstitutional as it is currently worded. How did Nebraska get a defective recount law? In 1981, the Legislature enacted a statute to allow a candidate to request a recount. During the public hearing and floor debate, not one word was attributed to this new statute. And advantage from this defective law goes to those who control and program vote-counting devices with proprietary source-code computer programming language. You cannot verify and certify

Class of 2004

High School Seniors...!

Lincoln resident Andy Ringsmuth was born Oct. 1, 1978, in St. Cloud, Minn., and moved to Nebraska at age 7. He grew up in a conservative and Christian household, graduating from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1997.

After learning of Rep. Doug Bereuter’s decision not to seek an additional term in the House of Representatives, Ringsmuth decided now was the best time to enter the race for Congress.

He filed for candidacy Dec. 18, the first candidate to file. In representing Nebraskans of the first district, Ringsmuth, 25, will bring a fresh, youthful, conservative voice to Washington D.C., representing the current and future generations of Americans.

The War on Terror is the most important issue of today.

Ringsmuth supports our progress in this war, and stands with Israel in their similar War on Terror.

Although new to the political scene, Ringsmuth followed politics and news since his days at Pershing Elementary School in Lincoln. A class trip to Washington his 6th grade year included an Environmental Protection Agency award from President George H.W. Bush. From his youngest days, he felt drawn toward running for office and doing so with a servant heart. He desires to serve the people of Nebraska.

Ringsmuth’s candidacy will focus on his conservative beliefs pertaining to abortion, gun control, immigration, marriage, religion, social programs, taxation and national defense.

Learn more about Ringsmuth’s campaign by visiting his web site, www.andyring.com.

GREG WALBURN First Congressional District Why run for Congress? Because the time is now for a baby boomer to step up and make a difference. It is this Generation of post Vietnam Americans who and can make the greatest difference to the political and economic stability for the USA for the next 200 years. It is this generation that understands the complex economical issues and what WE as a generation must do so future generations are not burdened with OUR debt. Plus, Israel needs a advocate in American politics.

I am President of Walburn & Associates, Currency and Equity Options Analysts in Jerusalem, Israel, with future offices in Omaha and Lincoln. (Yes, I am Jewish.)

I am founder of www.MyMommyAtHome.com, simply the most unique website on the internet. Why? Will be giving away 100 million dollars in benefits to stay at home mothers.

Americans for the first time in recent history understood what Israel has been enduring for the past 50+ years as a nation surContinued on page 6

Janet Stewart First Congressional District Janet Stewart, a 54-year-old Democrat, is a candidate in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. She lives in Fremont, Nebraska, and is married to Richard Register, an attorney in private practice. She has one grown son, and 2 grandsons with another grandchild on the way.

Stewart graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.A. in Economics in 1971, and received a J.D. from Creighton School of Law in 1975. She served as the Clerk/Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations from 1975 - 1980, and has been employed as an attorney in the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company Litigation Department from 1980 - to date. She also received a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1992.

Her community service activities have included volunteer counseling at the Child Saving Institute in Omaha and the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Fremont. She is a trained mediator, and taught a conflict resolution program for youth in the Omaha area. She is a current member of the Nebraska State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, and the Defense Research Institute.

In Congress, Stewart's primary focus will be to grow the economy and create jobs, and also provide necessary funding to improve education, protect the environment, and increase the compensation and benefits of military service personnel. Child welfare initiatives will also be a top priority. She is a strong advocate of Civil Liberties, including the reproductive rights of women.

RE-ELECT

Barbara

Nichols ★

✓ Flood Protection ✓ Outdoor Recreation ✓ Riverfront Development ote

NRD Board

RE-ELECT

Rich

TESAR

“ A Common Sense Approach to Managing Our Human Needs with Our Environment” Papio NRD - District 5

RICH

Pahls FOR STATE LEGISLATURE District 31

LEADERSHIP FOR MILLARD’S FUTURE Common Sense Property tax relief for Millard

Common Sense Business & labor relationships that promotes growth & protect families

Common Sense Excellence in education for our young people

Common Sense Incentives to attract business & jobs to Millard

Common Sense Full-time representation–no conflicts or distractions.

I will work full-time as your State Senator Paid for by Pahls for Legislature Committee, Barbara Boettner, Treasurer

Last Chance!

All Photos Must Be Received By May 17, No Exceptions!

We need your graduation photo and the following information for our annual Graduation Teen Age to be published on June 4, 2004: Name: ___________________________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Current High School _________________________________________________ Plans after graduation ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Send by May 1 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

TOM

CAVANAUGH OUR EFFICIENT CLERK

Citizens of Tom Cavanaugh: Tom Mohr, Treasurer

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

Statements from Candidates for the May 11 Primary Election AMERICA DECIDES 2004 Continued from page 5 surrounded by Islamic states. These same Islamic states now share that same hatred towards America and Americans. It is time to tell the truth about Islam and how this religion promotes violence, hatred and murder. It is time that the World, including the Europe and England to denounce every act of violence sponsored by Islam.

When Americans were crying and mourning the dead and dying on Sept. 11, Islam as a whole was celebrating. How can you for a moment trust such a culture?

Social Security and Medicare phase out has to occur. Federal tax needs to change to a national sales tax. Corporate, capital gains and inheritance taxes need to be eliminated.

BOB VAN VALKENBURG First Congressional District Bob Van Valkenburg, or “Van” as he prefers to be called, and his wife, Elaine, have been residents of Lincoln for 36 of the 48 years they have been married. Their four children, three of whom are now married, grew up and were educated in Nebraska’s capitol city. Van is “grandpa” to five children. Both his immediate and extended families are active in church organizations, community affairs and volunteer service, sharing common interests in music, sports and outdoor activities.

Van has been an active participant in political activities at local and national levels and has successfully represented clients in the nation’s capitol. Van would like to put his expe-

rience and education to work serving the people of Nebraska’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He believes that all who do or who desire to succeed in life and in business, have a duty to actively participate and serve in community, political, governmental and church activities.

Van has been both an employee and an employer in his 40-plus years in the business world. He has formed, bought and sold several corporate businesses subsequent to spending seven years in the employ of a Fortune 100 Company. He currently serves as President and principal owner of Van Valkenburg & Associates, Inc., a business and litigation consulting firm.

During the “Ag Crisis” of the 1980s, Van and his associates established a regional reputation of saving dozens of family farm and ranch operations from financial ruin. Working with attorneys all over Nebraska and in some surrounding states, he was able to re-organize and restructure agri-business operations. All of Van’s clients were able to repay every dollar owed to their lenders.

He is a veteran who served in U.S. Army active duty and reserve positions for more than 31 years. As a result of serving as a Senior Army Aviator, qualified in helicopters as well as in single and multi-engine aircraft with an instrument rating, he obtained and holds a civilian Commercial Pilot’s license.

Van believes can never really succeed in any endeavor unless you are willing to help others to succeed. He has been a featured speaker all over the country and his favorite subjects include “Less Government is Best Government”, “Our Country Didn’t Get This Way by Accident”, Leadership, and Art, A

Time For A New Direction in Washington State Senator Nancy Thompson Supports:

Science or Something Else” and “Tending to Your Own Business.”

DAVE NEUBAUER OPPD Metro Subdivision I am a candidate for the Omaha Public Power District's Board of Directors. I appreciate the Jewish Press and the Jewish community’s involvement in the election process. Thank you for allowing me this space to express my views.

OPPD will face tremendous challenges in the next decade with respect to managing its costs. OPPD is a $3 billion enterprise that will need to expand its generation capacity to meet the growing needs of Eastern Nebraska.

Understanding the alternatives and managing the associated risks will be critical to keeping a lid on costs and rates.

The Board consists of three attorneys, two educators, two local businessmen and one retired police officer. Although the Board has done a good job of communicating with the community, it has not challenged management with respect to many of the major energy issues that will affect the utility in the future. I believe that the current Board could use some additional energy experience to help provide insights on the scope and magnitude of many of the utility's generation and transmission decisions.

I have 20 years of experience in finance and energy including Vice President and President of a $2 billion energy company. My experience is relevant and it has been on a playing field comparable to OPPD. I have Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business with an emphasis in finance. I am currently a small business owner in the Omaha area. I live in Omaha with my wife Lori and my six month old son, Cade.

JOHN BLAZEK OPPD Board For most of us, our electric bills are a large part of our family budget and I want to do everything possible to keep rates low.

I know that everyone who runs for the OPPD Board talks about wanting to keep our electric rates low, but the question is which candidate can really accomplish that goal. With an annual budget of $500 million, the Omaha Public Power District is a big business and it takes business skills and experience to actually deliver on that promise.

I believe I am the candidate with the experience and qualifications to follow through on my promise to keep rates low. My business career spans 25 years. Three times my businesses were named one of the 25 fastest growing in Omaha by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

I’ve lived in Omaha all of my life and I know that electric rates affect all of us especially the poor, senior citizens and people on fixed incomes. I’ll use my business experience to do everything possible to keep rates low.

I’ll also bring fresh ideas to the OPPD Board.

Please vote for me on May 11.

TOM CAVANAUGH County Clerk

• Solving the Healthcare • Crisis • A Strong US - Israel • Relationship • Separation of Religion • and State • Ensuring Quality Public • Schools • Protection of Privacy

I would appreicate your vote on May 11th.

Nancy Thompson Paid for by Nancy Thompson for Congress.

We want our government to be more efficient and accountable. As one of your local elected public servants, I am effectively working for improving operational efficiencies through consolidation and modernization.

Given that most accomplishments made in government today rarely make the news, I would like to share with you a few of the positive changes I have worked on to improve our local government: Initiated the effort to successfully consolidate the old, cumbersome motor vehicle system managed by three officials to one, resulting today in a more efficient, streamlined, onestop system (with fewer staff) by our County Treasurer, Successfully worked on opening up the County’s budget-making process to obtain more accessible and detailed information for citizens on all of Douglas County’s expenditures, Led the County’s efforts to install (on time and on budget) a new City/County financial manage-

ment system by Oracle, replacing a 30 year old mainframe legacy system. Omaha and Douglas County now have the same chart of accounts due to this positive change, making it possible to compare cost for consolidating services.

The above accomplishments would not have been possible without the bright and dedicated staff I have the good fortune to work with in the Clerk/Comptroller’s office. From setting an appointment for a Board of Equalization hearing to obtaining County records or financial information, the Clerk staff is working hard to satisfy our customers.

I enjoy working for you and all the citizens of Douglas County.

LEE TERRY Second Congressional District I have, with pride, represented Nebraska’s Second District for three terms and take this responsibility seriously.

I serve on the House Energy and commerce Committee--with jurisdiction over telecommunications, FCC, commerce and consumer protection, to name a few areas. I serve as Whip for the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, building support for critical legislation, working closely with House leadership and keeping my colleagues apprised on telecommunications issue.

I have made the most of my position on the Commerce Committee t become involved with legislation to protect our economy and America’s businesses.

I supported legislation designed to help small businesses, including bills that would reduce health insurance costs for small businesses and sole proprietors and all businesses to deduct more expenses.

April 26 was Israel’s Independence Day and we’ve been able to reflect on Jewish history even as the events concerning Israel make world headlines. We observed a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. In the words of so many, “We will never forget.”

I have always supported Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. I backed the right of Israel to erect a security barrier for protection. I also cosponsored the Syria Accountability Act, which threatened Syria with diplomatic and economic sanctions, unless it ends sponsorship of terrorist organizations and development of weapons of mass destruction.

While in Congress, I have done my best to represent every person in my district, no matter what race or religion.

NANCY THOMPSON Second Congressional District State Senator Nancy Thompson is unopposed in the Democratic primary for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. Thompson has served in the Nebraska Legislature since 1997 and is a member of the Appropriations Committee and Executive Board. Thompson was a Sarpy County Commissioner for eight years. Thompson and her husband Jim have four children and one grandchild.

“It’s time for a new direction in Washington,” said Thompson. Solving the health care coverage crisis, promoting strong public schools, opposing efforts reverse our country’s longstanding belief in the separation of religion and state, protecting privacy, and changing policies that have resulted in the largest budget deficit in our nation’s history are a few of her goals.

Thompson believes government should have a limited role in the reproductive decisions of women and trusts the women of this congressional district to make those decisions.

Thompson believes a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is central to our country’s foreign policy goals. Israel should be supported economically and militarily. “Eliminating religious extremism, stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and encouraging democracy and human rights in the Middle East can best be achieved when working in partnership,” Thompson said.

Continued on page 7

May 7, 2004

Mayor Fahey Lauds Omaha

by JOAN K. MARCUS trolley route.

Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey is amazed at the progress Fahey answered, “Here’s the problem-- as a city, we made in downtown Omaha on 10th Street. In a recent have no more money we can borrow right now. I think address to B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, Fahey said that what Hal was proposing is a private offer. We’ve had on the 150th birthday of the city, 10th Street has several meetings and it appears they want to start at the changed!

Gallup Campus and go up 10th Street. It’s a totally pri“Our city actually began on that street and now peo- vate operation and I’m not against it.” ple who come into town pass all that wonderful stuff!”

Another question came from accountant Buddy he commented. “The first thing they see is Gallup Goodman who asked, “Have your revenue sources University--and the National Park Service Building is changed in any way so that we’re not going to do all right next to it.” this on the backs of the real estate and homeowners?”

There are so many things happening at the Lewis and “One of the things that we have been trying to do Clark Landing because of the 200th anniversary of the during the last three years is control spending,” Fahey expedition. Coming events include a jazz festival near responded, “because we don’t have the revenue Rick’s Boatyard, he announced. sources we can go to. We’ve controlled spending each “Obviously, the Qwest Center speaks for itself,” he year in Omaha by one percent or less. For the first time smiled. “It.s such a in three years, we beautiful facility. I don’t have to remember the first announce a bunch of time I walked in--it layoffs.” didn’t feel like Fahey said Omaha.” that when he came The new Hilton into office, there Omaha Hotel recently were over 1500 opened right across employees. Omaha from the Qwest now has under 1200.

Center. According to He lauded the Public Fahey, it is the largest Works Department and most luxurious for the job they did hotel in two states. over the winter with “There are 200 glothe heavy snow rious pieces of art that removal. have been done by “Considering local and regional that we have 20% artists,” he fewer people, they announced. “As we did a magnificent job move on up 10th of clearing the streets Street, we pass the and repairing the ConAgra Campus and potholes,” he noted. move into the city’s “Sometimes, belt oldest business distightening is good for trict--The Old Market. people.

A lot of us take the “I’m a big Market for granted, supporter of trying to but it really is a wonsee how efficient we derful addition and can really be,” he tourist attraction.” insisted. “I think we Continuing Fahey’s ought to be doing it tour up 10th Street, with the county and we pass the Durham trying to reduce the Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey Western Heritage redundancy between Museum. “It’s not only a fine museum, but it’s county and city government.

Smithsonian affiliated. They’re building a large building “We can’t rely on sales and wheel taxes always going underneath the 10th Street bridge to house some of the up. They’re too high now and everyone knows that,” exhibits. This is a wonderful addition to our city and it Fahey asserted. “We’re not like Dallas, Las Vegas or Los came about because of donations of private money.”

Angeles, where we have all these new people coming Proceeding on is the Lauritzen Gardens and then in to live. So, we’ve got to figure out how to be effiRosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series. cient.”

“There,” says the mayor, “is the Reader’s Digest number one zoo in the world!

“I was there the night they opened the new gorilla part of the zoo, having a conversation with Council Bluffs mayor Tom Hanafran and one of those gorillas bounced up against the window! I almost jumped out of my skin,” he laughed, “but the new section is quite the thing!

“You could actually plan a whole vacation and hardly even leave 10th Street,” he added.

On another subject, Fahey said that “many companies are beginning to look at us for relocation. Some of an Educator for District 66 School Board them offer many high tech jobs.

“We have 300 new jobs coming with AAA Auto Club and Union Pacific Railroad has brought 1000 jobs with 300 being filled locally. I don’t think that there’s a state in the union that hasn’t been challenged during the past two years because of the economy,” he noted.

“We’ve been better off than many other cities!”

He went on to describe the new Performing Arts Center that will open in 2005. “If you’ve been downtown to see that new building coming out of the ground--it’s probably one of the best investments the city of Omaha is ever going to make. Eighty percent of the funding comes from private donations. That investment will be there for our children and their children for a long time.”

Omaha attorney Steve Riekes asked the mayor about the proposed trolley on 10th Street to run between the zoo and the Old Market area. This was proposed by former mayor Hal Daub and came with the suggestion that restaurants and shopping would develop along the

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Candidates Statements Continued from page 6 Thompson was named the 2003 Child Advocacy Partner of the Year by Voices for Children in America, Public Official of the Year by the Nebraska Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration in 1989 and 2003, and received the Hubert Locke Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha Department of Public Administration in 2003.

ROSIE ZWEIBACK District 66 School Board On Tuesday, May 11, the voters in District 66 have the opportunity to select three representatives to the Westside Schools Board of Education. Of the five candidates on the ballot, only one of them has children in the elementary schools, has experience as a middle and high school teacher, has tutored students for the ACT and the SAT and has worked as a college admissions officer. That candidate is Rosie Zweiback.

I know education from many perspectives: as a parent, a teacher, an administrator of a student teaching program, a trainer for staff development, a volunteer and as a graduate of the Westside Schools. I feel very grateful for the excellent education I received in District 66 and see service on the board of education as a wonderful opportunity to contribute to my community in a serious and meaningful way.

As a school board member, my top priority would be to promote excellence in education for all our students by setting high standards and ensuring that we employ the very finest teachers and administrators. We must ensure that our curriculum challenges our children and prepares them for success beyond high school.

I also see the need for close oversight of the option enrollment program. Over-crowding issues threaten to compromise the high quality education the community expects of the Westside Schools. I am committed to using our tax dollars as wisely as possible and to facilitating positive communication between the community and the school district.

Young Congregants Learn Shabbat is Fun

Patty Nogg, far right, leads Beth El Synagogue’s youngest congregants, along with their parents and grandparents, in a joyous, song-filled Tot Shabbat service at Beth El Synagogue. Following the half-hour service, participants enjoy an Oneg Shabbat with cookies and juice. The entire community is invited to attend the next Tot Shabbat service on Friday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Vote May 11 for

VOTE FOR

Page 7

EXPERIENCE • LEADERSHIP • FAIRNESS FLOOD PROTECTION • OUTDOOR RECREATION RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT • WATER QUALITY

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

WRJ Donor Tea to Bring Bridal Gowns and Stories Out of the Closet

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Wedding dresses worn 60 years ago to as recently as last month will be on display at the Women of Reform Judaism’s (WRJ) Donor Tea on Wednesday, May 12, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel.

Along with the gowns, which include one mini-skirt, it will be a night of “helpful hints, hilarious stories, and secrets of a successful marriage from women who know,” according to Rosie Zweiback, Program Director at Temple. “There will be cute stories about how couples met, comical moments, and even some secrets on getting along with the in-laws.”

Wedding dresses on display have been loaned by Jan Schneiderman, Sally Malashock, Barbara Frankel, Shelly Fox, Doris Alloy, Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Susie Silverman, Sharon Sobel, Amy Katz, Sandy Passer, Mimi Rogers, Sherry Taxman, Ducky Milder, Danielle Gordman, Nancy Nogg, Wendy Vann, and Terri Zacharia.

Anyone, including women who are not members of WRJ or Temple Israel, are welcome to attend. The minimum donor gift is $18. Proceeds will be used to purchase gifts for Temple’s kitchen such as utensils including spoons and spatulas.

Arlene Adelson and Ellie Bleicher are co-chairs of the Donor Tea. To make a reservation, call 556.6536.

Trovato’s Steaks and Italian Cuisine Finest Homemade Italian Cooking Open 7 days a week

5013 Underwood (6 Blocks North of 50th & Dodge)

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Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117 Ave. North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. 13-9:30

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS We will have an open discussion at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 12, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, May Chairman.

Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

Breadbreakers is open to the community TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes, on Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Jewish Philosophy, ongoing discussions on Jewish philosophy and self-growth.

Wednesdays, noon, Hebrew Comprehension, at the JCC; at 7 p.m., Advanced Hebrew Reading Comprehension, at the TLC Beis Midrash, 1313 No. 58 St. Thursdays, noon, Beginner’s Hebrew Crash Course, at the JCC; at 7:30 p.m., Weekly Torah Portion, learn insights to the weekly Torah portion at the JCC. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Please call Rabbi Hoffman at: 981.0569 for more information.

AMIT WOMEN A luncheon and open board meeting will be held on Sunday, May 16, noon, at the Livingston Plaza Club Room. For reservations, call Charlotte Kaplan, 551.5658.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Join us for a Mother’s Day celebration as we honor Y.E.S Board Members with music guests John Rathsam and Esther Wax as they perform Yiddish tunes. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272. Make reservation with Maggie at 334.6521 for Bluffs Run Casino on May 20; deadline is May 13.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet at the Jewish Community Center on Thursday. Exercise and bingo will begin at 10 a.m. in the social hall. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30 a.m. At noon, join us for the movie, Mona Lisa Smile, in the Blumkin Home auditorium. For transportation, call Maggie at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a Freylichen Tog? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Director The women’s Rosh Hodesh group of Beth El Synagogue will join together on Wednesday, May 19, to discuss “God and Me: My Perception of and Relationship with God.” The get-together, hosted by Judy Tully and Caryl Greenberg, will be held at the Wedgewood Townhomes clubhouse, 117th and Mason Streets; refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., the program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tully said she hopes that prior to the meeting, participants will delve into the origins and evolution of their own personal beliefs. “We think it will be interesting to find out what each of us believes or doesn’t believe. We also plan to look at the people or events in our lives that either changed or strengthened those beliefs.”

Reservations are needed and may be made by calling Caryl Greenberg at 399-2088, or e-mailing Judy Tully at judyt1223@cox.net or reception@bethelomaha. org.

Out PIZZERIA 13463 W. Center Rd.•330-1444 7924 W. Dodge Rd.•391-1881 1213 Howard St.•344-2222

by Jewish Press News Service Jewish Senior Service and Jewish Family Service is offering a monthly grief support group for anyone who has lost a loved one within the past three years. It is designed to facilitate a sense of a caring community in the midst of the many feelings of the mourning process and to suggest Jewish resources that may offer comfort to those grieving a loss.

The group will meet from 4:15-5:15 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. The next group will meet May 12. All monthly meetings are held in the Jewish Family Service conference room.

Shane Kotok, M.S., C.S.W. and Steve Stiel, L.C.S.W. co-facilitate each meeting. To register or for more information call Kotok at 334.6529 or Stiel at 334.6492.

BIRTH Bruce and Pamela Kutler of Valley Village, CA, announce the April 5 birth of their son, Benjamin Nathan, named for his grandfathers Benton Kutler and Nathan Cooper. Benjamin has a sister, Emily.

Grandparents are Myrna and Mark Meyers and Harvey and Donna Stern, all of California, and Harriet Kutler.

Omaha Magazine--2002

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A sold-out group recently traveled to Mahoney State Park.

Visionaires enjoyed lunch in the scenic Kiewit Lodge and saw the outrageous comedy, It Runs in the Family: Morey and Pauline Landman, Jean Elkon and Lois Endelman were among those who attended.

VOTED OMAHA’S #1 ORIENTAL RESTAURANT

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When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

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Living with Loss

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group to Study Personal Beliefs in God

Dining

VISIONS Join us for La Cage Aux Folles at the Chanticleer Community Theater in Council Bluffs on May 23, 2 p.m. Cost is $33 per person. Dinner is after the show at the Pizza King in Council Bluffs. Depart from the JCC at 12:45 p.m. and return by approximately 7 p.m.

Send reservations to: Jean Elkon, 1005 No. 63 St., Omaha, NE 68132. For information, call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is May 11.

Our Luncheon Meeting is May 21, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Our guest is Mayor Mike Fahey. Send reservations to Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline is May 14.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN Omaha Section outgoing and incoming board members will meet on Thursday, May 13, 6:30 p.m., at the JCC to exchange materials, notebooks and files.

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL JWI will host its annual donor luncheon on Tuesday, May 18, noon, at the JCC. Make reservations by May 17 o Rosaeli Greenspoon, 391.1954; Frieda Krizelman, 391.0551; or Esther Wax, 393.4442. To be eligible as a donor, contribute a minimum of $18.

42nd

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May 7, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Newcomers No More Emily and Juliet have recently relocated to Omaha from Mason City, IA. When Creighton University Medical Center asked Peter to become Chief of the Hematology/Oncology department, the timing was right. Emily was graduating

by JANIE MUROW high school and preparing to attend Amherst College in Massachusetts, and Julie was starting high school. After 17 years in Mason City, the Silbersteins were ready to The Federation’s Community Development office has been very busy this past month live in a larger community.

Big cities are not foreign to Peter; he grew up in New and we have no plans to slow down in the near future!

On Sunday, March 28, The Jewish Federation of York and carried on a family tradition by attending Omaha hosted an informational gathering for newcom- Amherst College. After graduating from medical school ers in the Kripke Library. “Bagels and…” is designed to at SUNY Buffalo, he moved to Iowa City to complete help newcomers connect to the Omaha Jewish an internal medicine residency at the University of Community. We had an excellent turnout of more than Iowa. It was there that he met Michele who was a car50 people including newcomers and representatives diac nurse at the medical center. The couple was marfrom our “Ambassador Families”. The event enabled ried in Minneapolis while Peter finished a fellowship in community members to meet some of our new arrivals hematology and oncology.

The Jewish population in Mason City is small, about 17 and provided an opportunity to arrange for Passover families. This year, in Omaha, Michele was excited to Seders for those who didn’t have holiday plans.

We are in the beginning stages of developing an cook for her family’s Passover seder. In previous years, employment resource network, and have invited a career their seders were held at the synagogue in Mason City which was attended by consultant/advisor to most of the community’s Omaha to discuss the Jewish families. challenges of making a Fortunately, Minneapolis career change and to is just two hours away and share her methods for provides the additional conducting a successful resources that are needed professional job search. If for Jewish life. you are interested in meetJulie is finishing her ing with her, please consophomore year at tact me at 334.6566 or Brownell-Talbot. She is jmurow@jewishomainvolved in Omaha ha.org and I will try to Youth Leadership and schedule an appointment. participates in crossOn the other hand, if country, swimming and there are positions availtennis, and plays clarinet able in your company or The Silberstein family: Julie, Peter, Michele and Emily. in the band. Julie will be business, or you know of suppliers or clients that are looking for qualified traveling to Israel this summer to visit relatives in Zichron Yaakov. Emily is working toward a degree in employees, please contact me.

I’d like to personally invite you to the Kripke women’s and gender studies and will be studying Federation Library on Monday, May 10, 11:45 a.m.-1 abroad next year in South Africa. In addition to being p.m., for a terrific event featuring Rivkah Sass, Omaha’s a Registered Nurse, Michele has worked as a commuPublic Library Director, another newcomer to Omaha. nity volunteer. Since Julie is now driving, Michelle is This will be an excellent opportunity to meet new peo- enjoying the extra hours in her day, taking time to ple. I’d also like to suggest that some of our long time improve her personal health and well being.

Peter spends his free time running. He recently community members bring one of our newcomers to the Kripke Library Event. Give me a call and I will hook achieved his personal best in the Las Vegas marathon. you up with a name or two! For more information Peter has applied to participate in Lance Armstrong’s about the Rivkah Sass Kripke Library Event, please call Tour of Hope, a bike ride across America that raises money for cancer research. the library at 334.6462.

Welcome Silbersteins; we’re happy you’ve connected This month I’m delighted to introduce you to the Silberstein family. Peter, Michele and their daughters with Jewish Omaha!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

IN THE NEWS North High School has announced that the late Joe Ginsberg will be honored posthumously with induction to the school’s Hall of Fame.

Former Omahan Courtney Rabb has received this year’s Brandeis University Alumni Association Award.

The award is presented to “outstanding student leaders whose commitment to Brandeis University has enhanced and strengthened the foundation of our community for the future.” Courtney has served as President of Student Events at Brandeis as well as Director of Major Events, Director of Major Entertainment and Membership Coordinator.

Courtney, a 2004 graduate of Brandeis University, lives in West Hartford, CT, with her parents, Lori and Steve and her brother, Benjamin.

Rabbi Myer S. Kripke was among four individuals who recently received the 2004 Ak-Sar-Ben Ike Friedman Community Leadership Award. Rabbi Kripke was recognized by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation for his many years of service to our community, both as rabbi of Beth El for 29 years, and for his involvement in a variety of community foundations and organizations.

Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will join hundreds of cantors from around the world to attend the 57th annual Cantors Assembly Convention--the international organization of cantors serving the Conservative movement--from May 2-6, in Monticello, NY. Members of the assembly will attend workshops and musical performances, as well as pray and enjoy fellowship, while creating glorious Jewish music together.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Frank Sinatra, Jr., will perform with the Omaha Symphony tonight, Friday, May 7, 8 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater. Seating is still available for all performances. Call the Omaha Symphony Box Office for tickets and seating availability, or 342.3560, or www.omahasymphony.org.

On Sunday, May 23, 9 p.m., the Hallmark Channel will air The Way Home: Stories of Forgiveness, a onehour special on cable, narrated by Glenn Close. The documentary chronicles inspiring stories of real Americans, including the Hasidic community in Postville, Iowa. The program explores the diverse population in “small-town America” that has changed and grown dramatically since the local meatpacking plant was bought by Lubavitcher Jews.

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Dr. Philip Rich is May’s featured artist at Gallery 92 in Fremont, NE. Dr. Rich, a panoramic photographer, is also an inventor, entrepreneur and general dentist.

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May 7, 2004

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Temple 10th and 12th Graders Visit New York and Washington, D.C.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Eight high school seniors from Temple Israel’s Senior Seminar class spent four intensive days in Washington, D.C. in March at “L’Taken: A Teen Social Justice Program.” The students focused on Jewish values and social justice and met with U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel and aides from Senator Ben Nelson’s and Representative Lee Terry’s offices.

Sponsored by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), issues included AIDS, women’s rights, Israel, environmental and economic justice. Seminars were designed to help students learn more about the complexities of public policy, how the American democratic system functions, and how to become more active and informed citizens.

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stunned to learn that there are more animal shelters in the country than shelters for human beings. Margaret had never been to Washington, D.C. previously. “The cherry blossoms were blooming. It was beautiful,” she said.

Other twelfth graders on the trip were Kyle Baines, Molly Needelman, Sara Rips, and Rebecca Smedlund.

Chairpersons were Barry Grossman and Dr. Magda Peck. This opportunity to participate in “L’Taken” was subsidized by Harlan and Jane Rips and Barbara Rips.

Temple tenth graders also took a trip to the east coast. Nine sophomores visited the “Big Apple” in March. They toured the Spanish Portuguese Synagogue, Ellis Island, the Lower East Side, and attended a Broadway show among other attractions.

“I felt very welcome going to the Lower East Side and seeing so many Jews,” said Chelsea Taxman. She found it interesting to see her classmates in “a different environment and their reactions” to the sights of New York City.

“I liked the trip a lot,” remarked Anna Clark for whom the trip included her first air flight and her first time in New York. “It was amazing -- just so big! I liked the delis, the Statue of Liberty, and riding the subway.”

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“It was excellent,” reported Daniel Gutman (in the middle of the photo with students from other cities at L‘Taken), one of the students on the trip. “It was really an interactive way of seeing how politics work especially in Washington, D.C.” He felt that the students “were successful with our lobby visits. They listened to us and took notes,” Daniel was pleased to see that “Senator Hagel voted in favor of a bill dealing with poverty that one of the students discussed.”

Daniel added that he “really liked learning about the issues that RAC sponsors.” He also enjoyed seeing the sights that the nation’s capital has to offer.

Aron Neesman indicated that “the coolest thing” was talking to Senator Hagel and the aides. “They actually listened to us. I spoke about judiciary nominations and lobbied against a couple of judges nominated for the federal bench.”

Margaret Terry was impressed with RAC. “We had enough free time to meet other kids. The balance of educational time and social time was very good. There was one program that completely turned my perspective of homelessness around,” she added. She was

Josh Bleicher (with Caroline Terry at Rockefeller Center) thought “it was fun to be with all our friends and experience New York that way. I liked the synagogue Friday night -- they had dancing during services. Times Square (at night) was really cool.”

On their visit to Ground Zero, “I was thinking about what it would have been like to be in one of the towers or in one of the planes that day,” said Sarah Sherman. She came away from the trip with “a feeling of awe.”

Also on the trip were Sam Anderson, Josh Phillips, Caroline Terry, Eli Bloom, and Samantha Long. They were accompanied by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Jeremy Passer, Stephanie Grossman, and Beth Spizman.

Jewish Family Service wishes to thank the “Mitzvah Makers” of this community; for your time, effort and support of our 2003-2004/5764 Project Tzedakah and Project Dreidel Bag ’N Save Bagel Bin Beth El Synagogue and Religious School Students Burke High School Students Friedel Academy Students Individual & Private Donors JCC Child Development Center

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TeenAge

May 7, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

underwritten by THE MURRAY H. & SHAREE C. NEWMAN SUPPORTING FOUNDATION

Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of the BBG Chapters of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. Special thanks goes to Director Rachel Blum.

Leaving My Mark

Chocolate Seder

by LINDSAY BELMONT I only get to be there one month out of the year.

“We are the B’nai B’rith Girls. We have the power to I am so lucky to be able to come back to Omaha and change a life. It could be yours, It could be mine. But all have another group of Jews that I love to be with and we know, is that together; We’ll leave our mark on time!” that love Judaism as much as I do. It’s always a good -- Meka Millstone. feeling to walk into the Jewish Commnunity Center on I came across this quote the other day while brows- Tuesday nights and be greeted with open arms from ing through the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization official some of the sweetest people in the world. website. The sentence reading, “We have the power to Recently, I was elected to the position of Sh’licha. I’m change a life” really stuck out. The entire quotation is very excited to be holding this position in my chapter, completely true and being a part of an amazing organ- and I can’t wait to get started on different programming ization, like BBYO, gives everyideas that I have.

Not many people get to experience So many different people in one the opportunity to change the world. To some, this could this organization, especially in sound really cheesy, but in real- times like these and we all should my chapter, have inspired me ity, even the littlest things can make it last as long as we can. to become stronger with my (and do) make a difference. I beliefs and to become a know for a fact that the lovely girls of MZ Yoshanah stronger and better person.

BBG #2053 have made an incredible impact in my life.

I’m very excited to attend SRC 2004 and be surIf someone were to ask me what is really important rounded by even more Jews who love BBYO, too. Not to me, I would definitely answer, “Being Jewish.” I’ve many people get to experience times like these and we attended B’nai B’rith Beber Camp for the past six years, all should make it last as long as we can. to which I will be returning this summer for the first The quote stated above ended saying, “We’ll leave part of a counselor-in-training program. It’s an amazing our mark on time.” This made me think about what that camp where hundreds of young Jewish kids get to will be. Most of us don’t know yet, but I know that I express their love for Judaism and be with each other. can’t wait to leave my mark in BBYO, and to hopefulIt’s one of my favorite places in the entire world, but ly make a difference in somebody’s life.

by ABBY GINSBURG During Passover, I think everyone gets a little tired of eating plain old matza, so this year the girls of EDIAR BBG # 710 decided to add some spice to Passover. We held a chocolate seder for the entire chapter at the home of member Gal Tsabari.

This was a very creative, enjoyable way to get together and celebrate Passover together.

The aftemoon was a wonderful time for bonding and eating.

Many different chocolate items represented the symbols of Passover. For example, green M&Ms represented karpas, dark chocolate represented maror and four glasses of chocolate milk took the place of four cups of wine. Also, we made s’mores of matza, Hershey’s chocolate, and marshmallows.

By this time our stomachs were very full, but we managed to find room for chocolate fondue. Of course our “haggadah” talked of the 10 plagues. Some of them being cellulite, headaches, calories and more. We ended the seder with the line, “Next Year in Candyland”.

Overall the chocolate seder was a great success. The girls of Ediar left with full stomachs and a great appreciation for seder.

Week Of Sorrow

by SAMANTHA LONG During this week many tragic memories have been resurrected. Sunday April 18 was Yom HaShoah and then on Tuesday, April 20, it was the anniversary of the Columbine shooting. MZ Yoshanah held a small service in remembrance of these two days. Lindsay Belmont wrote the Yom HaShoah service.

We each took turns reading the poems that stirred our emotions and touched our hearts. Sitting in a circle in the middle of our small meeting room, we lit a candle in front of us and turned out the lights. The Yom HaShoah candle was lit, and “Hatikvah” was sung. The quotes from survivors echoed in each of our minds as we tried to soak up all that was happening. You could feel the emotion in each girl’s voice as she read her part. The number of lives that were lost was reiterated over and over again.

Everybody there could feel the sorrow and see the looks of anguish on each girl’s face.

At the end of the service came the memorial for Columbine. I stood and read a poem called “11:21 a.m.”, written by a junior who attended Columbine.

Her poem described the shooting with such great detail and yet so few words.

I practically knew the poem by heart, because I had read it over a dozen times before in order to be able to finish reading it during the meeting without bursting into tears. But as I read, I was able to glance up and take a look at the girls of MZ Yoshanah. Two of the girls had their arms around each other. Others had blank stares, looks of shock, even tears rolling down their faces. It was a very emotional time for our chapter. But through the sorrow you could feel the love and thankfulness each girl had for one another. A candle was lit for the 13 people who were killed during the Columbine shooting, and each of the names was read aloud.

At the end of the service, the lights were turned on and the candles eventually burnt out. Smiles returned to the girls’ faces and for a moment I worried that the service hadn’t touched them like I had hoped it would. But later that evening questions were asked about both the Columbine attack and the Holocaust.

Some of the girls were even reminiscing about the service. As each girl comforted one another and shared their knowledge of the tragic events, I knew that none of them would forget what had occurred that day in our little meeting room in the JCC. And I hope that over the years we can continue this tradition, so that future generations will never forget those innocent people who lost their lives. The names of those who died in the Holocaust and in Columbine will be remembered and cherished by MZ Yoshanah BBG #2053 forever.

Ediar Wins Awards at SRC

by LAUREN JOSEPHSON and TAYLOR WORKMAN

New Member Intake is Coming!

All eighth through 12th graders are invited to join us for programming during our RUSH Season! Be sure to save the following dates on your calendars...

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization

May 15: Ediar BBG May 16: Chaim Weizmann AZA May 22: Mother Chapter AZA May 23: MZ Yoshanah BBG June 8: Council Pledge Night

Watch your mail for more information, or contact BBYO Director Rachel Blum at 334.6404!

2004-2005 BBG Council Board

Left: Gal Tsabari, Council N’siah; Abby Ginsburg, Council S’ganit; Alysson Friedman, Council Aym Ha’Chaverot; Naomi Fox, Council Mazkirah/Gizbarit; Meagan Katelman, Council Sh’licha.

Chapter of the Year, and Best Scrapbook are two of the prestigious awards that Ediar won at this year’s Spring Regional Convention, which took place in Kansas City. The weekend consisted of many Jewish activities, such as discussing Mel Gibson’s new movie The Passion of the Christ, interactive services and and Life Ceremonies.

One of the most special parts of the weekend was that the International N’Siah (President), Emily Hyatt was in attendance. She spoke with us about The Passion and told us stories about all of her times in BBYO, while at the same time teaching us new things about the youth group. Despite all of the things we learned that weekend, the one that stands out the most is that BBYO truly does help you make friends. For both of us it was a wonderful learning experience.

Before SRC, we basically kept to one another and weren’t very social as far as BBYO went, but rooming with girls from not only Omaha, but also from St. Louis, opened our eyes to a new world within the Jewish community. Upon leaving Kansas City, we had the screen names and phone numbers of people we’d met all throughout the weekend with who we constantly talk. We built ties that will last all through our high school years--thanks to BBYO--and we know we speak not only for ourselves, but for our entire chapter, when we say we can’t wait until next year’s conventions!

MZ Yoshanah/Ediar’s Annual Beau Dance Tomorrow!

by ANGELA FRIEDMAN Committee Chair This Saturday night, May 8, is B’nai B’rith Girl’s Annual Beau Dance. The fundraising dance is being planned by MZ Yoshanah #2053 and Ediar BBG #710. The dance committee consists of three Ediar members and three MZ members. They are Abby Ginsburg, Becky Kahn, Aliya Katskee, Jessica Belmont, Angela Friedman, and Sam Long. The beaus, candidates, committee, and other BBYO members have been busy selling ads to raise money for BBG. The theme for this year’s dance is Mystic Nights, and the dance will have a genie-like, mystical aura.

Beau Dance will be held at the Shark Club at 2808 S. 72nd Street. The dance will start at 8 p.m. and a pasta dinner will be served. The dance is open to all BBYO members and potential members, and the cost to attend is $30 per person in advance and $35 per person at the door. The new beau for each chap-

ter will be announced at Procession at 11 pm, and is free and open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity for all Jewish community members to see the camaraderie that exists among BBYO teens, and we encourage everyone to attend the Procession.

The beau candidates for Ediar are Alex Krutik, Jason Rich, and Andy Siref. The honoraries are Ryan Blumkin and Josh Grossman. Their current beau is Brad Abramson. MZ’s beau candidates are Lev Ginsburg, Corey Green, and Josh Sweet. The honoraries are Stephen Lercher and David Martin. Alex Raksin is their current Beau. Congratulations and good luck to all these wonderful young men!

If you are a Jewish teen and are interested in attending the dance, you can purchase tickets by calling Rachel Blum at 334.6404 or stopping by the Leon Fellman Teen Lounge located at the JCC.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

Opinion Why Vote?

Nebraska’s primary this Tuesday, May 11, is not one of those hotly contested elections.

With the exception of the First Congressional District, with multiple candidates for both the Republican and democratic sides of the ballot, most races are almost predetermined. In a few cases, there are no opponents.

So why go to the polls Tuesday?

For one thing, there are those few races where a dozen votes could make the difference. One of those is the District 66 School Board race (not that the Press is endorsing any of the candidates--we can’t do that any more than we can endorse a political party).

Other races, as “mundane” as they might seem to the average voter, could mean the difference in your electric rates, your water rates or state or local taxes.

We have the luxury in this country to not only vote for the candidates and parties we want, but to even run for office ourselves.

Contrast that with regimes in South America, the former Soviet Union and South Africa 20 years ago--one party, one dictator, and 100% of the votes.

Maybe, G-d willing, in our lifetimes, we’ll see the same in the Middle East where now only Israel has free and democratic elections.

Speaking of elections, many of you have

(Founded in 1920)

already learned that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Likud Party defeated his Gaza evacuation plan by nearly 20 percentage points-59-39%. That’s the way it goes in a democracy. Politicians put issues on the table--and the voters are free to reject any of them.

Some Jewish residents of Gaza were thrilled, but their happiness was short-lived; on Sunday, terrorists shot five Israelis near Gush Katif, killing a pregnant woman and four of her young daughters, ranging in age from two to 11.

Despite the Likud vote, Sharon is determined to pull out of Gaza--for obvious reasons. In the end, the decision will be up to all Israeli voters, not just members of his Likud Party.

Sharon has said he won’t resign, but this vote could be his undoing, even though, in our opinion it’s the right road to take.

In the end that’s what voting is all about-the ability of a single adult to determine the future of his or her school board, city, county, state and national government. If you’re not registered, it’s too late for the pri-

mary--but not for the general election on Nov. 2. If you are registered, but will be out of town, stop by the Election Commission office on 115th and Davenport, just a few blocks south of Dodge and one block west of the strip mall on 114th St. You can vote right there--or have the office send you an absentee ballot. You can also register there, change your party affiliation, and update your address and other pertinent information. If you have questions, call 444.7200.

Second Time Around No, we’re not talking about marriage...in its 2004, New Year’s edition, the Jewish Press will be featuring men and women who’ve changed careers. We’re looking for teachers who’ve become lawyers or med techs, lawyers who’ve become teachers or Jewish communal workers, tradesmen who went back to school to become professionals and career executives who chucked it all to start new lives as artists.

Who says that once you’ve decided on a career, you’ve got to do it for the rest of your life? Everyone gets a second chance, so we’ll be working all summer to interview those who’ve done just that.

If you know someone who fits this category (or if you do!), call us at 402.334.6450, e-mail us (including name, phone number, e-mail address if you’ve got it, and some background information) at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or fax us at: 402.334.5422. You’ll get to read the results on Sept. 10, 2004.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Independence Has a Price JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL

by TEDDY WEINBERGER A good thing about America’s Independence Day is that it’s so dependable: you can always count on it to fall out on the Fourth of July. Israel’s Independence Day, on the other hand, is much less reliable. To begin with, its commemoration is tied to the Hebrew calendar, of which half the population here typically hasn’t the foggiest.

Add to this the factor of Memorial Day immediately preceding Independence Day and the factor of neither day being commemorated on the Sabbath, and you have a recipe for "calendrical" confusion. Take this year, for example.

My daily calendar has Yom Ha’atzmaut marked out on its official commemorative day, the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyyar, which this year fell on Monday, April 26. But, because the Jewish day begins at night, this would have meant that Memorial Day would have begun on Saturday night April 24, making it difficult for many of the Sabbath-observing bereaved to attend commemoration services. Memorial Day, therefore, had been set back to Sunday night, April 25, thus pushing Independence Day celebrations this year to the sixth of Iyyar, on Monday night April 26.

Too bad for Israel’s calendars that someone realized the scheduling conflict a little late.

But hey, we’re still a young country-we’ll get it right one day.

For religious Zionists, the founding of the State of Israel has theological significance, and religious Zionists want to mark this occasion of God’s acting in history. They do so primarily with a special evening service on the night of Independence Day, which includes the blowing of the shofar and the recitation of the festive Hallel prayer.

Religious non-Zionists, however, attach no special religious importance to Yom Ha’atzmaut, and even recite the tahanun prayer reserved for regular profane weekdays.

...its commemoration is tied to the Hebrew calendar, of which half the population here typically hasn’t the foggiest.

To the general public, Yom Ha’atzmaut is a time for free outdoor concerts, fireworks, getting foam sprayed all over you, and having musical toy hammers smashed into your skull. There are also many parties throughout the night. In Givat Ze’ev, even the party for junior high-school students begins at midnight.

The day of Yom Ha’atzmaut provides one with the opportunity to fulfill the central commandment of this holiday: the mangal (barbecue). One simply has not fulfilled one’s obligation to one’s country without a bbq.

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein.

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

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

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

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

It’s no wonder that my friend Katriel playfully calls this day not Yom Ha’atzmaut, but Yom Ha’atzamut (the day of bones). Israelis like to get out into nature on Independence Day, and so they lug all their bbq paraphernalia with them.

Because holiday traffic jams can be horrendous, some families set up their barbecues well before the entrance to a park, thus getting a jump on the trip back home. It’s astounding to me to see families barbecuing a few feet from a highway, with asphalt and cars providing most of their scenery. You sort of wonder why they didn’t just set up shop from the comfort of their own neighborhood street.

There are several locations around the country on Yom Ha’atzmaut where the army creates a military “parking lot” for kids. Givat Ze’ev is one of the chosen spots.

On our first Independence Day here six years ago, a television crew from Miami (where we lived before aliya) followed us around. As the cameraman filmed Rebecca climbing on a tank, I told the reporter that kids here are socialized from a very early age to view the military as friendly and fun.

Six years from now Rebecca will already have completed her military service, Nathan (having also completed his compulsory service) will be set to begin about 20 years of reserve duty; Ruthie will just be finishing her army service; and Ezra will be about to start his. Independence, after all, has a price.

Teddy Weinberger can be reached at: weinross@netvision.net.il.

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Page 13

Poll: European Anti-Semitism Down, but Anti-Israel Sentiment Is Growing

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by TOBY AXELROD BERLIN (JTA)--A new report showing that European anti-Semitism may be on the decline came just as participants were arriving in Berlin for a major international conference on anti-Semitism.

Released Monday in Berlin by the AntiDefamation League, the survey showed a drop in anti-Semitic attitudes in most European countries since the ADL’s last poll on the issue, in 2002.

But the survey also showed a marked rise in anti-Israel sentiment on the continent, which the ADL’s national director, Abraham Foxman, called disturbing.

The survey was conducted in 10 European countries between March 16 and April 8, and the findings were announced shortly before the start of a conference on anti-Semitism sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The disparity between the drop in antiSemitism and the rise in hostility toward Israel suggest that political intervention has helped Europeans separate their feelings about Jews from their views on Israel, Foxman said.

But ultimately, Foxman warned, bias against Israel “impacts on how Jews are perceived.”

The most dramatic declines in antiSemitic attitudes came in France and

Spain, the survey showed.

In France, which has been a focal point for attacks against Jews in Europe, there was a decline of 10 percentage points, to 25 percent from 35 percent.

Foxman attributed the decline to the willingness of French leaders to stand up against anti-Semitism. He singled out French President Jacques Chirac, who in 2003 called anti-Semitism an assault on all French citizens and pledged to combat it.

In two of the 10 countries surveyed-the United Kingdom and the Netherlands --anti-Semitic attitudes increased. In the United Kingdom, 24 percent of those surveyed held antiSemitic attitudes, up from 19 percent in 2002.

The number of people holding favorable attitudes toward Israel declined in the United Kingdom from 29 percent to 24 percent, a decline reflected in most of the countries surveyed.

Among the survey’s other findings: • Eight of 10 European countries polled showed a decrease in anti-Semitic attitudes in 2003.

• Nine countries showed a decline in the number of those believing “Jews are more loyal to Israel than their country.”

• Six countries saw a drop in the number of those believing “Jews don’t care about anyone but their own kind,” while

...most events were perpetrated by Muslim youth who were influenced by anti-Israel media.

two countries saw an increase.

• Attitudes toward Israel grew worse in all 10 countries polled, with overall favorability dropping to 23 percent in 2003 from 28 percent in 2002.

• By a margin of 2-1, Israel is held more responsible for violence than the Palestinians.

Foxman said the latter results “make it more difficult for Europe to play a constructive role in the Middle East peace process.”

“It’s open season on Israel, an open season of criticism at a level that is almost beyond reason and rationale,” he said. The best antidotes to anti-Semitism are education and outright rejection, Foxman said, “Marginalize it, condemn it as immoral, as unchristian, as unacceptable. Make it known to the political leadership.”

The timing of the survey’s release was meant, in part, to influence discussion of anti-Semitism at the OSCE conference last week, hosted by Germany at the invitation of Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer.

The event is an outgrowth of the first OSCE conference on anti-Semitism, held in June 2003 in Vienna, and marks a response to increased anti-Semitic crime in Europe over the last few years. The European Union also held a conference on the issue in February 2004.

There are signs that the increased response to and awareness of antiSemitism may be paying off, at least in terms of overall anti-Semitic crime levels.

Bolstering the ADL survey, two other new reports showed drops in overall anti-

Internet Flap Continued from page 1 replies, he said, and some 12,000 e-mails.

“I do believe in the First Amendment, but corporations should have some responsibilities,” he said.

Google replied that it wouldn’t intervene or tinker with its search results.

“Petitions don’t impact Google’s ranking technology,” Krane told JTA. Google determines its results by a kind of digital democracy. When a user begins a search by entering key words or phrases, computer algorithms search the Web for appearances of those words and return each page according to popularity, or what Google calls relevancy.

That was until Daniel Sieradski, editor of Jewschool, a Web log of “Jewish news from the fringe,” arrived.

Sieradski launched a “Google Bomb,” a campaign in which many sites link to a single site with the aim of moving it up Google’s rankings.

The Jewschool-led offensive pointed to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Within weeks, Wikipedia’s definition of the word “Jew” became the first result for that search term.

In the meantime, Jew Watch’s Web hosting service apparently shut the site down for nearly a week. By the time a well-known neo-Nazi site allowed Jew Watch to

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Semitic crimes in Germany and France-but both reports showed that such crimes were becoming more violent.

German government sources said there were 1,300 reported anti-Semitic crimes in 2003, down 20 percent from the previous year. But the number of violent attacks against Jews rose to 35 from 28, including 12 incidents in Berlin. Half of the violent attacks in 2003 reportedly were by youths of non-German background.

Likewise, a new report by an Israeli research institute showed an increase in the number of serious-meaning violent-anti-Semitic incidents around the world in 2003. The report also said that a majority of attacks were by Muslim youths.

Of a total of 360 serious incidents registered last year, 30 involved physical attacks with weapons, as well as bombings and arson, and 330 involved unarmed physical aggression and vandalism, according to Tel Aviv University’s Stephen Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism and Racism. In 2002, there were 311 serious incidents.

The five countries with the highest rates of anti-Semitic incidents in 2003 were France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany and Canada, the Israeli report said. Typically, the rate of antiSemitic incidents correlates with the size of a country’s Jewish population.

The Israeli report’s authors concurred with a research team at Berlin’s Center for Research on Anti-Semitism that most events were perpetrated by Muslim youth who were influenced by anti-Israel media.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR use its Web service, the absence had pushed its rankings down on Google, several people said.

Sieradski is satisfied with the outcome--“the Jewish people have a right to defend ourselves before our detractors define us for us,” he said--but he doesn’t plan to make the fight against Jew Watch his “life’s mission. There are tons and tons of sites out there and we can’t police them all,” he told JTA. Sieradski said he’d leave that job to those like “Internet Haganah,” a site that fights anti-Israel Islamic sites on the Internet. Meanwhile, several neo-Nazi sites have begun a “counter-Google Bomb” against Jewschool, Sieradski noted.

Others have joined the fray, including Sen. Charles Schumer, (D-N.Y.), who called on Google to retool its results, and the ADL, which urged Google to red-flag Jew Watch and similar sites.

As a result, Google’s co-founder, Sergey Brin, a Stanford graduate and Russian Jew, sent the ADL a letter pledging to re-examine how it classifies Web sites.

Google will not censor any site save for those that remain illegal, such as child pornography sites, Krane said, but it would consider returning to a modified version of its old practice of categorizing each Web page.

Under that system, Jew Watch was tagged “hate/hate sites/anti-Semitic.”

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To the Editor: I’d like to comment on the recent articles about genetic testing in the Jewish community. I understand that in some ways, people may view genetic testing as controversial. Our family has lost two very special people, Martin and Ben Jabenis, to Familial Dysautonomia (FD).

We want our children to know what genes they carry; what they choose to do with that knowledge will be up to them. The work Jean Duitch and her committee are doing for our community is very important.

Little is known about some of these rare diseases and this may be another step in helping future generations.

M’Lee Jabenis Hasslinger To the Editor: Thank you so much for introducing us to Bea Karp.

She was warm, gracious, articulate, real and a delightful person, who spoke for nearly an hour (about the Holocaust), answered questions for half an hour and was so good to the children (of our home-schooled parents association).

She is a fine representative of the Jewish community.

Janita M. Pavelka

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE... to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

May 7, 2004

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

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

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

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Nancy and Joel Schlessinger in honor of their daughter, Claire, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Junior Congregation for grades three to seven, 10 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:20 p.m.

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

SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

FRIDAY, May 14, 6 p.m.: Tot Shabbat, with Oneg to follow.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, 10 a.m. Hebrew Crash Course, taught by Susi Frydman Levin, in the library; 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study Group, with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues with The Book of Samuel, in the library.

THURSDAYS, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” with Rabbi Levin. For more information, call the synagogue.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS PATTER (Toddlers & Parents Torah, Exercise, Recreation) session with Helen Epstein, Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m.

COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance Lessons (no experience required) Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com.

THURSDAY, May 13, 7:30 p.m.: Seville Neighborhood Concert with the Omaha Symphony, featuring Cantor Bogomolni. Tickets are available at the synagogue office, 492.8550 or the symphony ticket office.

SATURDAY, May 15: BESTT Graduation Ceremony, during Shabbat services.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Thursday,

Hours: Monday8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.;

Friday, 8:30 a.m-noon (these office hours are effective through June). Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7 p.m. Rabbi Avrohom Stulberger, Rosh ha Yeshiva of Bais Medrash Ner Aryeh, and Dean of Valley Torah High School in North Hollywood, CA, will be the scholar-in-residence for Shabbos. He will speak following services and prior to the 8:45 p.m. dinner.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Rabbi Stulberger will give the D’var Torah. Kiddush is sponsored by the family of Jack E. Cohen, in memory of his yahrzeit; Rabbi Stulberger will speak following services and prior to a 1:15 p.m. lunch; Shabbos House and Perek on the Green is at the home of David and Janet Kohll, 107 So.128 Plz., 4:45-7:15 p.m. Mincha, 8:05 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:16 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 8 p.m.

Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 8 p.m. (Please note change in time for evening service).

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: All School Kaballat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Stiel and Callie

Feingold as Torah reader, with oneg to follow.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 9 a.m.-noon TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:15 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Please call the office to sign up.

TUESDAY, MAY 18: Contemporary Jewish Issues, discussing the social ethical question--the waging of war, 7-8:30 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.

Come enjoy songs and a story with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Marantz will give the sermon.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

Candlelighting Friday, May 7, 8:10 p.m.

Maxwell Halsted, son of Mendy and Michael Halsted, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat Services.

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT SUNDAY, 4 p.m.: Join Cantor Wendy Shermet; Dr. Tamara Field, Temple Israel cantorial soloist; Jerry Brabec, music minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church; Riva Capellari from Westport Magiera from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, for this afternoon of music. A reception will follow. Tickets are $10 each.

Call Temple office to reserve at 556.6536. All proceeds will benefit the Temple Israel Music Fund.

(See article on page 15.)

ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 1011:30 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

Mock Wedding Teaches Beth El’s Fourth Graders about Jewish Traditions and Rituals

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Director Pull out the hankies and the ‘mazel tovs’--Beth El Synagogue’s annual fourth-grade mock wedding will tug at heartstrings and tickle funny bones this Sunday, May 9, 11 a.m., at the synagogue. The wedding is part of teacher Margo Riekes’s class, in which students have learned about Jewish traditions, holidays and life-cycle events, including the rituals and customs of the marriage ceremony.

“I believe in experiential learning,” said Riekes, who created this event 15 years ago, and has overseen it ever since. “They learn it, they remember it. The kids never forget what part they played in their fourth-grade wedding.” And of course, she joked, many of the students are most excited about having wedding cake after the ceremony.

From ketubah to chuppah, Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will officiate, pronouncing the bride and groom “friends for the rest of the day.”

Fourth graders and their roles in the wedding are: Abby Giller, bride; Sam Kohll, groom; Elizabeth Zalkin, maid of honor; Max Saferstein-Hansen, best man; Hal Emas, father of the bride; Alex Kirshenbaum, father of the groom; Bradley Kutler, ring bearer.

Piano accompaniment will be provided by Anna Mosenkis.

The entire community is invited to attend this meaningful, funfilled simcha.

B’NAI MITZVAH Levi Weiss, son of Cindi and Marlon Weiss, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 8 at Tifereth Israel in Lincoln.

Levi is a seventhgrade student at Pound Middle School. He received state honors for his participation in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. He

enjoys playing football, swimming, playing the drums, and learning magic tricks.

Levi has an older brother Noah, and two older sisters Molly and Casey.

His grandparents are Margie Weiss and the late Bernard Weiss, and Lea and Bob Pitlor of Lincoln.

UNVEILING A stone setting for the late Yale Richards will be held Sunday, May 14, 10:30 a.m.p.m., at Fisher Farms Cemetery.

Rebecca S. Frishman, daughter of Martha and Seth Frishman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 15 at Temple Israel.

Rebecca is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Kiewit Middle School. She participates in High Ability Learner program music theory, art and drama. She enjoys dancing, singing, and swing choir.

For her Mitzvah Project, she became the youngest Grief Facilitator for Ted E. Bear Hollow

in Omaha. She became involved after her grandmother passed away five years ago. She has taken college courses to become a facilitator and helps children and teens understand and deal with their loss and grief.

Rebecca has a brother, Isaac.

Her grandparents are Diane and Herb Frishman of Del Ray, FL and the late Helen Hornstein-Mason and Irwin S. Mason.

Her great-grandmother is the late Pauline Chasser.

May 7, 2004

Education is Theme of Counting the Omer

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI GIDEON MENAHEM Parashat Emor This week’s Torah portion begins with a fundamental teaching about the education of children: “Speak to the priests...and say to them.” Our Sages explain that this repetition alludes to the mitzvah (commandment) and obligation placed on adults to instruct their children in the proper path. Parents, the Torah insists, must provide the next generation with the proper Jewish education.

But why is such a fundamental concept not mentioned until now, halfway through the Torah? Would it not have been more appropriate for this mitzvah to be given immediately after the revelation at Mount Sinai?

Furthermore, why is this mitzvah mentioned in connection with the priests?

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that the Torah portion studied during any given week has particular significance for that time of year. Its selection is not arbitrary; its teachings are especially applicable at that particular time. The commandment to educate the young must therefore apply most specifically now, during the month of Iyyar, a month primarily characterized by counting the omer.

The essential concept of Sefirat HaOmer, counting

Israeli Advocate Offers Tips

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press

David Olesker gave tips on advocacy to supporters of Israel during several presentations on Wednesday and Thursday.

David Olesker is a good storyteller--so good, in fact, that he’s been able to charm hosts of talk radio and BBC reporters. That, he says, is the secret to being a good advocate for Israel.

In short sessions with major donors from Pacesetter and Lion of Judah divisions of the Jewish Federation’s annual Campaign, Olesker gave examples and basic points for everything from the issue of settlements (he calls them “villages” or “suburbs”) to the recent conflict (he describes it as “the Arab-Israeli conflict” instead of bowing to current nomenclature--the Israeli/Palestinian conflict”).

He uses what he calls, “the Uzbek strategy” to describe what most Israel advocates do when they respond to loaded questions. “We Jews like facts and figures,” he said, “so we feel as though we have to put it into ‘context,’--and respond with ‘Let me explain by beginning with Abraham.’

“Instead,” he continued, “ration your information.

Give one fact--like--there were no suicide bombers in Israel before 1993.”

That, he added, is a good response when asked if Palestinians have become suicide bombers out of despair and lack of hope. “What happened in 1993 to cause their despair,” he asked the Pacesetters. “Oh, right--the signing of the Oslo Accords!”

He urged those gathered to turn loaded questions around, make answers relevant, be brief, be authentic (“If you’ve been to Israel, say that.”) and tell a story to illustrate a point, rather then overloading a listener with a barrage of facts. And he offered his suggestions with humor--something, he added, that is far better than becoming confrontational.

Olesker distributed talking points, a list of resources and a biography of recommended reading from his non-profit advocacy organization in Israel--the Jerusalem Center for Communications and Advocacy Training. For a copy, call Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director, at 334.6431.

the omer, is education. The Jews were educated and refined as they counted the days before the Torah was given on Mount Sinai, seven weeks after their exodus from Egypt. The release from bondage was, so to speak, the “birth” of the Jewish nation, which was then followed by a period in which they were educated for the great event to come.

This learning experience was not, however, in the fundamentals of Judaism; G-d had already said of Abraham, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, that they will keep the way of G-d.” This process of refinement, achieved through counting the omer, refers to an even higher degree of perfection.

Furthermore, this type of education has a special connection to the service of the priests, for their job was to bring the Jews closer to G-d through the sacrifices brought in the Holy Temple. Because the priests raised the sanctity of the entire Jewish nation, it is to them that the commandment to instruct the young was addressed.

We learn from this that the duty to provide our children--and every Jewish child--with a proper Jewish education involves more than teaching them just the basics of Judaism. We must also endeavor to instill in them the desire for perfection in the service of G-d.

Today, as we stand on the threshold of Moshiach’s imminent arrival, this lesson is particularly apt, for it prepares us for that time when “the entire world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d, like the waters of the sea cover the earth.”

Mother’s Day Concert to Support Musical Education and Programs at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “I always jump at the chance to sing with (Cantor) Wendy Shermet,” remarked Dr. Tamara Field, a soprano, who will perform at the upcoming Mother’s Day Concert on Sunday, May 9, 4 p.m., at Temple Israel.

Cantor Shermet and Field, both of Temple Israel, will be joined by Jerry Brabec, music minister of St. Paul United Methodist Church; Riva Capellari, Westport Presbyterian Church in Kansas City; and Reverend Mister Michael Magiera, a seventh-year seminary student at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.

Cantor Shermet “has been a great mentor in teaching and coaching me in Jewish liturgical music,” said Field.

“I am thrilled to be able to substitute for her at Temple.

Wendy is a pleasure to work with, our voices blend very well together, and our vocal styles compliment each other as well.”

Field said she is also looking forward to the concert for “the privilege of working with Jerry Brabec. I have known and performed with Jerry for nearly ten years now, and it is always a great experience. He is an incredible musician and performer as well as a great friend.”

Brabec, who has known Cantor Shermet since she arrived here in 2001, pointed out that “anyone who appreciates musical theater, opera, and oratorio” will enjoy the Mother’s Day Concert. Selections by Puccini, Delibes, Verdi, Handel, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Gilbert and Sullivan generate appeal to “a broad spectrum of musical tastes,” he said.

The concert is a fund raising effort in support of musical education and programming at Temple Israel.

Proceeds will go towards special musical events. In the past year, Temple has welcomed the Jerusalem Lyric Trio and Rabbi Joe Black to Omaha. In November, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band is scheduled to perform at Temple for the entire Jewish community.

Cantor Shermet stated that donations in any amount are “welcome and vital to the future of music at Temple.” Tickets are $10 each. Please call 556.6536 for reservations. A brief reception will follow the concert.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2004

Beth El Students to be Honored at Services

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Director The entire community is invited to attend Shabbat services at Beth El on Saturday, May 15, as the synagogue's Talmud Torah students will be honored during a special graduation ceremony.

High school seniors, seventh and eighth graders will help to lead the morning's service, and will be recognized for their years of attendance and participation in the school. A kiddush in the students’ honor will be held afterward.

As graduation gifts, seniors will receive a miniature Siddur Sim Shalom from the A.B.and Freeda Gendler Fund, and Back to the Sources, from the family of Dr. Leon and Frances Fellman; middle-school graduates will receive The Jewish Book of Why from the Dr. Leon and Frances G. Fellman family. As a gift to the synagogue, all three classes will donate a brick in Beth El’s Gan Shalom, the Garden of Peace.

High school graduates include seniors:

Bradley Abramson, Brian Altman, Jessica Belmont, Samuel Edelstein, Aliya Katskee, Stephen Lercher, Robert Mosenkis, Daniel Ocanto, Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz, Aleksander Salkin, Laura Shkolnik. Eighth Grade graduates are: Laura Adler, Daniel Canfield, Erica Chapman, Sarah Chapman, Liatte Dotan, Amy Durmaskin, Michael Friedman, Emily Giller, Henry Ginsburg, Rachel Gordon, Rachel Kirshenbaum, Arielle Levine, Steven Meyer, Aaron Murow, Benjamin Nachman, Daniel Rahmani, Rachel Reno, Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen, Nikolai Salkin, Joshua Simon, and Eugene Turetsky.

Seventh Grade graduates are: Salomon Cemaj, Macklin Emas, Steven Finkle, Greta Gross, Stephanie Gross, Joseph Kahn, Daniel Klein, Alec Lerner, Tali Levin, Jessica Morris, Mitchell Sanford, Claire Schlessinger, Ygal Schuller, Alexander Solomon, Lydia Stern, Talia Tene, and Efrat Tsabari.

Bethel-omaha.org-Check Out This Hot Spot on the Web!

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Want to know what’s happening at Beth El Synagogue? Interested in finding out about special events, youth activities and adult education opportunities?

Check out Bethel-omaha.org, the synagogue’s newly revamped web site, which carries a myriad of local information, plus more than 200 links--classified by category--to sites about Judaism, according to Rabbi Mordechai Levin.

“At Bethel-omaha.org, visitors will be treated to a virtual tour of our synagogue, and may learn about every activity, every event taking place, as well as volunteer opportunities within our congregation,” Rabbi Levin said. In addition, he noted that the synagogue’s monthly newsletter, the Kol, has been placed online, as has his weekly “Thought for Shabbat” message. He credited webmas-

ter Colleen Kennealy with the design and creativity behind the web site, as well as the weekly responsibility of updating information.

The web site will prove to be a valuable resource for the whole community: from offering the weekly parasha to various ethical issues and rituals, visitors will learn exactly what Conservative Judaism stands for, he said.

“You can never have too many ways to communicate with the community,” Rabbi Levin said. “Through this web site, which is updated weekly, we will be able to reach not only the local Jewish community, but also visitors and families who may be planning to move to Omaha.

“This is a wonderful way to connect with others, and we’re pleased to have this site up and running.”

Check it out: www.bethel-omaha.org.

NFTY Teens Enjoy “Amazing” Chavurah in Omaha

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN of the Chavurah along with Sara Rips Temple Israel and Daniel Gutman, said, “It was pheCommunications Coordinator nomenal. We couldn’t have hoped for it They came from Denver, St. Louis, to have been any better!”

Kansas City, even Manhattan (Kansas, “It was an amazing experience of that is) to join with Omaha teens for the friendship, bonding, and Jewish discovNFTY Spring Chavurah, hosted by the ery,” according to Stephanie Lieberman, Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) in 17, from St. Louis.

April. The seniors arrived a day early for Temple’s Director of Youth and the senior function at Mahoney State Informal Education Stephanie Grossman Park. is thankful to “all the host families and “Senior function was actually kind of the clergy and staff at Temple for their sad, because it was our last time to all be guidance and help” during the together and just be us,” said Elisabeth Chavurah. She especially appreciated the Wallace, 18, from Denver. As for the work of the three OTYG Chavurah Chavurah, “we were housed with really chairs as well as Committee Chairs Becki cool families.” She mentioned how much she enjoyed the Friday night service at the Temple and the “one we planned for the morning service at the JCC.” “It was a g r e a t time,” said B r a n d o n Becki Smedlund, a senior from Omaha, left, and Aliya Gordon from Sioux City, T h o m a s , meet another friend from the region.

14, from Omaha. “I had a great time Smedlund and Aron Neesman. Other hanging out with all my friends from out OTYGers she recognized were Josh of town. I made a lot of new friends Sweet, Chelsea Taxman, Anne Rips, Eliza too.”

Cowan, Jackie Neesman, Adam OTYGer Eliza Cowan, 14, agreed. Her Trubnikov, and Nick Laudin. favorite part was “meeting new people Grossman also thanked Temple memand seeing old friends.” bers Patrick Jensen and Jane Rips for all Jackie Neesman, 14, also from Omaha, their help and support. Other adults who had “a lot of fun, too. I really liked the helped were Barry Grossman, Justin social action program,” she said.

Cooper, Elyce Azriel, Maria Neesman, Shira Kronick, 17, one of the tri-chairs Debbie Baack, and Michele Marsh.

Congratulate Your Graduate!

The annual Graduation/Father’s Day Issue publishes June 4. Senior photos will run in that issue and we know you’ll want to highlight the achievements of your high school graduate! Congratulatory ads are available in two sizes.

Mazal Tov, Jennifer!

We are so proud of your achievements– membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T.

A 2x3 $65

Limit of 25 words.

Add a photo for just $5 extra! (baby photo, awards night, prom or family photo)

2 column by 3 inches ere Photo h

B 3x4 $100

Mazal Tov, Ben!

3 column by 4 inches

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

ere Photo h

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Name __________________________________________ Phone ______________________ Address ____________________________________ City, State and Zip _________________ Ad A ❏ Ad B ❏ Photo enclosed ❏ Check enclosed for $ _________ Send check and photo to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by May 18.

We are so proud of your achievements– membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T. Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents