May 7, 2010

Vol. LXXXIX No. 33 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

23 Iyar 5770

May 7, 2010

Sokolof scholarships awarded to five students

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Sokolof Scholarship committee has awarded college scholarships to five students from the Omaha area. Dayna Cohen, Molly Goldberg, Joel Passer and E l l i n a Pisetsky will each receive a $10,000 Phil and Ruth S o k o l o f Honor Roll M e r i t Scholarship.

The recipient of this year’s K a r e n S o k o l o f Dayna Cohen Javitch Merit Music Scholarship is Ilya Poluektov.

The late Phil Sokolof created the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund to fund, among other things, the Sokolof Merit Scholarships. He specified that the scholarships were to be based on merit rather than financial need. He was looking to reward four students with a $10,000 scholarship each -- two for their first year of college and two for their study in the field of healthcare. Dayna and Molly will begin their first year of college in the fall. Joel and Ellina are both working toward healthcare degrees.

The students are chosen based on Sokolof’s criteria: their personal achievements, scholastic performance, community service and overall good character.

In addition, Sokolof created the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund in honor of

Arts Series concert.

Dayna Cohen Dayna is a senior at Millard West High School. Her goal is to become a biomedical engineer and orthodontist.

“Dayna challenges herself continuously

Molly Goldberg Joel Passer Ellina Pisetsky his daughter, whose talent and apprecia- by taking Advanced Placement courses tion of music and theater arts inspired and honors courses, and still manages to him. This merit scholarship is for a stu- get involved with her volunteer work,” dent, such as Ilya, who is pursuing a said Daniel Hall, a mathematics teacher degree in music performance, composi- at Millard West High School. “Dayna is a tion or music education. very motivated individual. Her ability to The funds are administered by the balance her academic, leadership, volunJewish Federation of Omaha teer and work responsibilities will proFoundation. Suzanne Singer chairs the vide her with a smooth transition to colSokolof Scholarship committee. lege.”

The scholarship recipients will be honHer ‘A’ grade-point average led Dayna ored at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 17, at to become a member of the National the Jewish Community Center, prior to Honors Society (NHS), and she earned the Partnership with Israel Performing an academic letter for four years. She also

Adam Raffel and Brett Atlas mix business with pleasure

is a junior officer with DECA, learning about business and management and participating in state competitions.

Additionally, Dayna is a member of Millard West’s Student Council.

During her junior year, Dayna participated in an intensive 10week dentistry program at Creighton U n i v e r s i t y.

This experience reinforced her decision to become an orthodontist.

Ilya Poluektov Dayna sings in both the varsity choir and competitive choir at Millard West. She also is a varsity tennis player, ranking fourth in her division for doubles tennis last year.

Dayna has played tennis at Millard West since her freshman year.

Through NHS, Dayna has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Ollie Webb Center, the Hope Center, and Methodist Children’s Hospital. She works on fundraisers, food drives, coat drives and more.

Dayna also is involved in the Jewish Continued on page 4

Liberators gather, perhaps for last time, to recall the camps

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Moving to a new city, whatever the reason, can be hard. There are many things to figure out, especially once there are kids involved. You are not just choosing

Adam Raffel are two such “imports,” and for both men, moving to Omaha was a very conscious choice.

“I grew up in Chicago,” Atlas says, “and in 1998, I became an attorney. I then immediately went into the family business: swimming- and water-park design and construction. I started a successful fountain business that built, and continues to build, a lot of great fountains throughout the city of Chicago.

However, I didn’t love the business, and I really wanted a better quality of life than was possible in the ‘big city’ we lived in.”

In 2003, Brett and his wife Stacey moved to Omaha. Stacey is the Adam Raffel and Brett Atlas daughter of Carl and Zoë for yourself, you have to consider the Riekes. Brett began working for his implications for the whole family. Unless, father-in-law’s container distribution of course, you plan on it being a tempo- business, Ryco Packaging. “I loved the rary move, but that’s an entirely different business, but when it was sold in 2007, I issue. pursued my dream of becoming an Here in Omaha, we have quite a few option trader. I worked at it for 2 1/2 people who come from elsewhere. Not all years; for most of 2009, I commuted plan on it, some end up here almost by between Omaha and Chicago. I flew accident, and many find themselves there every Sunday afternoon, and back growing roots anyway. Then there are here every Friday night!” those who seek out a place like Omaha, Considering that Brett and Stacey had because they realize you don’t have to be by now become the parents of two boys, born here to call it home. Brett Atlas and Continued on page 3

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

Gen. David Petraeus greets Norman Smith of Albion, Neb. at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Credit: Melissa Apter

by MELISSA APTER WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Walking along the dimly lit corridors of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the liberators peered at black-and-white photographs and listened to tour guides detail events that many had witnessed as young men in the armed forces.

The relative quiet was a sharp contrast to the flurry of flash bulbs set off moments earlier in the museum lobby as photographers jockeyed to shoot the best picture of U.S. Gen. David

This Week: Primary Election Preview Page 10 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’

Jacobson, Denenberg, to be honored during NCJW installation Page 5

Petraeus handing out commemorative medals to the 120 Americans whose divisions freed concentration camps throughout Germany and Austria in the waning months of World War II. Norman Smith of Albion, Neb., served in the 101st Airborne Division, and later the 82nd, from 1943 to 1946, and guarded the Landsberg Prison in Germany at the end of the war.

“The same place where Hitler wrote Mein Kampf,” he said from his Continued on page 2

Coming Next Month: Salute to Graduates/Father’s Day Gifts HHEF founder speaks at Wayne State College Page 8

2010 Elinor Whitman Book Appreciation Contest Page 9

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

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by LISA SHKOLNICK JCC Associate Executive Director The Omaha JCC was honored for its communications and programming efforts at the JCCs of North America Biennial, held May 2-5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Nearly 1,000 people from the U.S., Canada, Israel, and countries in Latin America and Europe attended the meeting of JCC leaders and volunteers.

Every two years at its convention, the JCC Association recognizes North American JCCs’ outstanding achievements in communications, marketing, and public relations.

In the category of Marketing and Communications, the JCC received the following awards for its exemplary work: 1. Direct-mail marketing campaign and outreach for the Jewish Community Center memberships and programs.

2. The “Summer at the J” program guide.

3. The 2009 Summer Sharks swim team video.

JCC Association Program & Practice Awards honor outstanding work in several categories, including Jewish Living and Learning and Professional Development. The Omaha JCC received the following Program and Practice Awards: 1. Israel@60 programming 2. Continuing education for professional staff: Project Harmony training and education on recognition and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

The Jewish Community Center recognizes the following lay leaders and staff who were instrumental in the development of programming and marketing efforts with awardwinning results: Kimberly Robinson, JCC president; the JCC board of directors; and the following JCC staff: Ben Lorenzen, swim team coach for the Summer Sharks Swim Team video; Margie Utesch, publicity director and Lynn Batten, publicity associate, for all printed marketing materials; and Esther Katz, JCC program supervisor, for development of professional staff and the training accomplished with Project Harmony.

Leo Biga, Jewish Press win awards at NPA competition

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Leo Adam Biga has been writing since the 1980’s.

Recently, the Nebraska Press Association, in its annual Better Newspaper Competition, honored Biga for his feature about Holocaust survivor Kitty Williams. “Ben Nachman was the one who led me in the direction of Holocaust stories in the first place,” Biga says, “and Kitty Williams’ story was one he always wanted me to do, as Ben himself had interviewed her for the Shoah history project. For about five or six Leo Adam Biga years, she very sweetly told Credit: Bill Sitzmann me ‘no’, but eventually, when she felt ready, she called me.

Biga has written many survivors’ profiles, in order to preserve memories for generations to come. “In general, I try to let my subject, especially if it is a survivor, tell as much of the story as possible. There are many times when I’m not directly quoting the individual, yet I try to remain true to what he or she has told me. My underlying philosophy is to honor the experience of the individual I’m profiling.”

As survivors’ stories are not only deeply personal but also painful, not every journalist is able to strike the right tone, or display the patience and respect necessary. The writer can’t allow his or her own opinions or preconceived notions to overshadow what is being shared. “I try not to over-think or over-write the story,” Biga admits, “but rather let the intrinsic power and horror and emotion speak for themselves. Always I am aware what a privilege it is to be entrusted with a survivor’s story. They have much to share with us, and there is much we need to learn. It is an honor to convey their

wisdom, their courage, their defiance, and their perseverance against all odds.”

Before he wrote, he was the public relations director at the Joslyn Art Museum; he also, after leaving the Joslyn, maintained a day job with the American Red Cross. Then, approximately six years ago, he began writing full-time. Ever since, Biga’s been busy. Of all the work he’s done over the years, he can best be identified through the literally hundreds of articles he has written for The Reader. “What I have written for The Reader is pretty representative of my work in general, which doesn’t focus on any one person or topic. It is the spectrum of humanity I am interested in. I am drawn to people who can express themselves in an artful way, and often end up writing cultural stories of one kind or another.”

While it is usually the writer himself who asks the questions, there is one others like to ask: why write? “On one level or another, it’s about expressing myself, about making sense of the world around me. Once you take a good look at someone’s story, you have the ability to put your own spin on the world. And when the person you write about is passionate about something, it becomes very exciting to write their story.”

Biga loves writing about different kinds of people, for all kinds of audiences -- particularly niche papers, which often have a very specific audience and a certain demographic. Writing for these types of newspapers reflects his eclectic tastes. “That variety is what keeps me going as a freelancer. Wednesday is completely different than Monday, I always have various projects in different stages of completion, and there is always that next story just around the corner. I don’t know it yet, and maybe I never thought about it, but suddenly I’m doing it. It’s the greatest gift of all: there is never a shortage of good stories.”

The NPA hands out newspaper awards on an annual basis; this year, the Jewish Press also received an award for its editorial page.

Liberators gather, perhaps for last time, to recall the camps Continued from page 1 wheelchair.

Smith carried with him pictorial histories of his division and regiment to donate to the museum’s archives.

Stories and pictorials like Smith’s were preserved during the special gathering, the largest of liberators ever at the Holocaust museum, on April 14-15 as part of the Days of Remembrance observed April 11-18. This year’s theme was “Stories of Freedom: What You Do Matters.”

Petraeus, who heads the Central Command covering the Middle East and Central Asia, saluted the liberators in his keynote address in the Capitol Rotunda on April 15, marking the museum’s annual Holocaust commemoration.

“As we remember the victims and survivors today, we also remember and honor the American soldiers who liberated the survivors of the camps 65 years ago,” Petraeus said. “We salute once again the thousands upon thousands of Americans who donned the uniform, freed a continent, and then saved those who survived the living hell of the concentration camps.”

“This event was significant because it marked 65 years since the liberation, and it may be one of the last times we can have a group of liberators at the museum,” said Neil Newman, who has been giving tours of the museum for five years. “It really gave us a chance to honor the liberators and hear their stories.”

As Newman guided the veterans and their family members through the permanent exhibit, he focused on the role of the liberator. But it was inside a railroad car that Hilbert Margol, a Jewish-American veteran from Atlanta, felt the greatest emotion.

“I was stationed with light artillery supporting the [42nd] infantry company,” Margol said. “We were riding down the road on a fire mission, fired a few rounds, when a jeep driver said that he saw a strange camp on the other side of the road. My twin brother and I went to see the camp.”

What Margol and his twin brother, Howard, saw was the main entrance to Dachau.

“My most vivid memory was of a railroad boxcar on a track by the main entrance,” he recalled. “The sliding doors were open and we could see deceased bodies piled up.”

Margol learned years later that the bodies had been inside the car for 2 1/2 weeks. There was only one survivor.

With a brownie box camera, Howard Margol snapped a picture of the boxcar, which is now part of the museum’s archives.

Emerging from the darkness the liberators were led to the memorial hall, where candles flickered in honor of the victims and those who died securing the freedom of the survivors.

May 7, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Mixing business with pleasure Continued from page 1 Zach and Noah, this was hardly an ideal situation.

Eventually, Brett had to make a decision: move back to Chicago, or permanently settle in Omaha. That’s when Adam Raffel came up with an idea. Adam is also from Chicago, and life had offered him some very similar choices. Adam married Wendy Sheldon, daughter of Norm and Suzy Sheldon, which gave him a connection to Omaha. “My wife and I were living with our two boys, Benjamin and Jordan, in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. I was driving 35 miles to work every day, and after a while we got fed up with the high cost of living in the Chicago area. In 2004, we decided to make a change and move to Omaha. I came across an opportunity to run a small, local commercial real estate development company, and since I already had years of experience in the commercial real estate business, it was a good fit. We moved here permanently in 2005.”

In the fall of 2009, Adam approached Brett. “Adam thought there was an opportunity for us to do a great job in the commercial real estate management business,” Brett said. “It was the perfect decision for me, because it allowed me to remain in Omaha, raise our children here, and teach them the importance of giving back to a community that has given us so much. I obtained my Nebraska attorney’s license, and my Nebraska broker’s license. Late last year, we started Terrahawk Group.

Building this business with Adam and getting our message out, I’ve had more fun than I have ever had. I’ve fallen in love with real estate, and feel this is where I was meant to be.”

Terrahawk offers a business model that focuses on the human element. “We manage properties, such as retail buildings, condo associations, and industrial buildings, and as such we make sure the day-to-day operations run smoothly,” Adam says, “but what we really are is customer service agents.” Brett agrees: “What we want is for every customer to love their property manager, we want to personalize the business and express that it is all about people. Tenants aren’t just a number; clients don’t just provide a paycheck. They are consumers, they are human beings, and they are important. And whether you build a business or help build a community, the

principles are the same.”

Translating those principles into action, Brett and his wife Stacey chaired Super Sunday in 2004. Brett has served on the Federation executive board as Young Leadership chairman, and currently serves as a memberat-large. He was also a member of the Yachad Task Force, and currently is co-organizing the group

Brett Atlas Adam Raffel “Journey to Israel,” with Dana Kaufman. He explains, “It’s a discussion group that meets regularly to educate people on a variety of Jewish issues. We will have featured speakers and a scheduled itinerary; the end result will be a solid group of people that will take a trip to Israel, approximately two years from now.” Brett’s wife Stacey has been on the CDC board for the last couple of years; she also serves on the board of the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Grants Committee, and was involved with the playground development at the Rose Blumkin Home. In addition, she served on the NCJW board for three years.

Adam Raffel served on the Federation’s Budget and Allocations committee; his wife Wendy has been a YJO committee member, chaired the Community Development committee and serves on the Federation board.

She is on the JOLT steering committee and a JOLT participant; after working on the NCJW fall fundraiser committee and serving as the organization’s treasurer, she is the incoming co-president of NCJW. Considering the in-laws (Zoë Riekes and Norm Sheldon are the past two presidents of the Jewish Federation of Omaha), a skeptic might say the Raffel

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and Atlas families didn’t have much of a choice. They would be wrong. “There was never any question of having expectations put upon us,” Adam says, “or anyone saying ‘you have to be on this committee, or on that board’. All of us simply were exposed to people who are committed to their community. Watching them be so involved, and seeing how much gratification they felt, has been an inspiration to us. It made us want to be a part of it.”

Neither regrets the move to Omaha. “I found the Omaha Jewish community too important to leave behind,” Brett says. “Chicago has a huge Jewish community (Editor’s note: In 2000, the Jewish population of Chicago and its suburbs was estimated at 270,000, making it the fifth largest Jewish community in America), but my family and friends were only peripherally involved in it. My wife’s family has always been heavily involved, and from the moment I first came here, the Omaha Jewish community swallowed us up. People came to meet us, and showed me what the word ‘community’ really means. The people of Omaha know what it means to take care of their own, and I have made it my personal mission to get others involved. I have learned that your life will be significantly changed if you get involved.”

Adam’s experience has been similar. “When we moved to Omaha, we were contacted almost immediately by members of the community. Some of the original introductions led to card games, weekly lunch groups, and many other social functions large and small. What more can a family ask for when they move to a different city? We were given every opportunity to meet and become friends with a lot of great people. In Chicago, it is tough to break into groups when you are not from there. We have found that in Omaha, none of that matters. Good people like to socialize with good people, regardless where they are from. This community has been great to us.”

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The annual Graduation/Father’s Day Issue publishes June 4.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

Sokolof scholarships awarded to five students Continued from page 1 community. She is an active member of the United Synagogue Youth (USY) program and has held a number of leadership positions. She has attended more than 20 USY leadership and religious conventions.

“As the Israel Affairs vice president, Dayna is responsible for planning over 20 programs per year aimed at high school-aged students to increase knowledge about and advocacy for the State of Israel,” explained Mark Gulner, a region coordinator with USY. “I remain impressed with her knowledge, skills, ability to motivate others and her dedication to projects and tasks she has been assigned.”

Dayna has attended Beth El’s High School of Jewish Studies for four years, and is the student representative on Beth El’s Talmud Torah school board. She served as a teacher aid for the synagogue’s Sunday school and received Beth El Sisterhood’s Teen Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009.

As a member of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO), Dayna has attended numerous conventions and a leadership training conference. According to Anne Muskin, BBYO teen director, “She takes pride in her Judaism and never shies away from educating others. As a student at Millard West, she is only one of five or so Jews and is often forced to play the role of Jewish representative. She embraces this challenge and handles it with extreme grace. Dayna is an exceptional leader.”

Two years ago, Dayna traveled to Israel with the AntiDefamation League Youth Leadership Mission. “Dayna was the only Jewish participant from Omaha and showed great leadership in helping the other students understand Jewish tradition and belief,” said Beth Seldin Dotan, executive director of the Institute of Holocaust Education. “She quietly leads her peers in her passion for Jewish programming, while maintaining high educational standards, family and activities in the community at large.”

Dayna’s parents are David and Karla Cohen. In the fall, Dayna will attend the University of Minnesota.

Molly Goldberg Ranking in the top of her class, Molly is a senior at Westside High School.

Molly has completed a series of Advanced Placement and Honors classes during her time at Westside, including courses in science and math. She has studied Spanish for four years. Molly enjoys vocal music, singing in school choirs such as Westside’s Varsity Choir and Women’s Show Choir. She was chosen for the Nebraska All State Choir. Molly also excels as a writer.

According to Adam Vader Tuig, a literature teacher at Westside High School, “Molly turned in written work that displayed an adroit command of language and academic style,” he said. “…Molly went far above and

beyond even my highest expectations; she used the literature we studied as a springboard for social and civil action aimed at bringing about positive change and contributions to her community. Her commitment to public service, and the way she used American literature to inform her contributions, are unlike those of any other student I have had.”

Molly pursues her interests in social causes. “I know Molly as an energetic, passionate, creative and committed individual with a desire to connect with others and make a difference in her community and the world,” said Rabbi Michael Mellen, director of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY). “When it comes to changing the world, Molly has used NFTY and the Reform Movement as a platform for her work.”

Molly’s efforts have been instrumental in the selection of the annual NFTY “action theme.” She serves as the NFTY Representative on the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s Commission on Social Action.

According to Mellen, “Among other projects she has developed, Molly created a social action Wikispace for use by NFTY participants interested in sharing ideas, projects, websites and other resources.”

Recently, Molly was elected to serve as the NFTY Social Action Board Vice-President. This is a prestigious honor, as only five incoming college freshman from across North America were elected to this board.

Her interest in biomedical research and immunology led Molly to intern at an immunology lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also took on a leadership role as a member of Westside High School’s chemistry team. They earned second place, out of 27 teams, at an annual competition.

“Molly’s positive attitude, intellectual curiosity, potential for growth and ability to work well alone and lead others will assure her success,” noted her chemistry teacher, Kevin Biga.

Molly served as a counselor at Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with cancer. Throughout her high school years she has participated in a myriad of volunteer activities, ranging from helping the homeless to raising money for multiple sclerosis research. She is a Munroe Meyer mentor, helping to provide recreational therapy to children with intellectual impairments and disabilities.

The daughter of David and Wendy Goldberg, Molly will attend Williams College in Massachusetts in the fall.

Joel Passer A graduate of Brownell-Talbot High School, Joel Passer graduated with a B.A. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and is pursuing a degree in medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Joel’s experiences as a volunteer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reinforced his desire to

attend medical school. He served as a medical floor volunteer for one year and an emergency room volunteer for two years. Now attending UNMC, he volunteers at the UNMC SHARING clinic, a student-volunteer run health clinic in south Omaha.

His research experience is equally impressive. As an undergraduate student, he spent two summers doing research at UNMC. “We were evaluating the effects of immune suppression drugs on pancreatic function,” explained Dr. Jennifer Larsen, who is Professor and Chief of UNMC’s Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Division of the Department of Internal Medicine and the Associate Dean for Clinical Research for the College of Medicine.

“The first year that he began to work with me it was clear that he is an incredibly intelligent young man, very resourceful, energetic, and had a lot of initiative,” noted Larsen. “It is rare that I invite a student from the previous year back to see if they would like to work with me again, but Joel was that exception.”

Joel conducted a research project, based on his undergraduate senior thesis, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Department of Neuroscience.

“My laboratory is interested in how neurons form functional excitatory connections,” said Dr. Matthew Dalva.

“Joel’s work has lead to a number of new lines of research in my laboratory. Not only was the work that he conducted of high quality, but he did it more or less independently, taking initiative to complete a difficult set of experiments. Overall, I think Joel’s work embodies the ideals of the physician-scientist.”

Now that Joel is in medical school, he is attaining Honors status in his classes. “These successes clearly demonstrate his dependability, in addition to his capabilities of soaring academic performance,” stated Dr. Sheritta Strong, Joel’s UNMC academic advisor. “It is not so common for the accomplishments of a first year medical student to also include research experience which has culminated in published articles that have strengthened his abilities.”

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Joel also enjoys music and plays the French horn. His minor at the University of Pennsylvania was in music, where he performed in the University’s Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and in brass trio and quintet groups.

While at the University of Pennsylvania, Joel was cohost of a student-run radio show that was broadcast over the internet.

Joel was involved in Penn Hillel while at the University of Pennsylvania. He served as co-chair of the Conservative Jewish Community (CJC) and was a member of the new student rush committee. He traveled with the organization to New Orleans for spring break, Continued on page 6

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Jacobson, Denenberg, to be honored during NCJW installation event

by PATTY NOGG promise.

Installation co-chair for NCJW This coming year, she will return as the When National Council of Jewish Section’s public relations vice president.

Women-Omaha Section installs its new “I love NCJW because it’s truly an officers and board on Thursday, May effective working board and I’ve met 27, 7 p.m., Joanie Jacobson will be hon- amazing Jewish women I never would ored with the Distinguished Service have met had I not joined,” she said.

Award, and Tippi Denenberg, the In addition to her volunteer involveEmerging Leader Award.

Installation will be at the home of Suzy and Norm Sheldon.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a dedicated NCJW member who volunteers with a willingness to work at any level. Joanie Jacobson receives the honor to mark her years of outstanding service, along Tippi Denenberg Joanie Jacobson with her loyalty, commitment and impact on the Omaha Section. ment, Denenberg is a longtime veterinarA longtime member of NCJW, ian who has worked for the Humane Jacobson’s involvement has been varied: Society, and currently works at the in 1996, she produced and directed Rockbrook Animal Clinic; she also is a “Sentimental Journey” a musical produc- licensed pilot and the owner of two local tion celebrating the organization’s 100th yoga studios. anniversary; in addition, she has particiThe 2010 NCJW Awards Committee pated in NCJW’s Adopt-a-School pro- was chaired by Danielle Gordman, and gram, Dictionary Day, and the holiday included members Lori Kooper-Schwarz, gift-wrapping fundraiser.

Jennifer Meyerson and Patty (Steve) This year, Jacobson chaired the organi- Nogg. Installation chairmen Lori zation’s nominating committee; in addi- Kooper-Schwarz and Patty Nogg. tion to slating new leaders, she also assistNew officers and board members being ed in re-evaluating NCJW’s community installed on May 27 include: co-presiservice projects and helped to re-format dents: Beth Friedman and Wendy Raffel; the board.

Community Service vice presidents, “NCJW is one of the best ambassadors Roxanne Kahn and Michelle Hoberman; of goodwill that we have in the Jewish Public Affairs/Education vice presidents, community,” Jacobson said. “Its services Sara Juster and Nancy Skid; Membership and programs speak to our lives today and vice presidents, Jaime Nogg and Melissa make the world a better place. There’s no Shapiro; Fundraising vice presidents Jan Jewish organization like it, and I’m very Fischer and Melinda Grahman; Public proud to be of service. Very.”

Relations vice president, Tippi As the recipient of this year’s Emerging Denenberg; treasurer, Iris Ricks; financial Leader Award, Denenberg is being hon- secretary, Julie Martin; corresponding ored for her potential for assuming future secretary, Lori Kooper-Schwarz; recordsection leadership, and as someone who ing secretary, Lisa Lucoff; parliamentariunderstands and supports the NCJW pur- ans, Debbie Friedman and Dottie pose and programs and demonstrates Rosenblum; directors, P.J. Feinstein, Cari commitment to the Section. The award Green, Kelly Kirk, Rocky Lewis, Sonia was established at the national level for Tipp and Holly Weill. each Section to pay tribute to a member This special installation evening is open new to the NCJW scene who shows great to the entire community.

Class of 2010 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

High School Seniors and Parents We will be publishing our annual Graduation Teen Age on June 11, 2010. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the following information.

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Beth Israel presents “Rabbis Around the World”

by BETH COHEN Executive Director of Beth Israel Beth Israel Synagogue is proud to bring to Omaha an exciting, innovative initiative in adult education, “Rabbis Around the World.”

According to Rabbi Jonathan Gross, “Every rabbi has what he considers to be the best class he has ever given - the one that totally engaged the audience, had people asking questions and eager for more. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that class? Through Skype (an online service) we bring the best classes to Omaha.”

Rabbi Gross has called on his network of rabbis who are part of West Coast Rav, a group of young rabbis he helped establish when interning at Beth Jacob Congregation in Los Angeles several years ago. “As a group, we have remained strong in providing support for each other,” Gross said. “Many of us have moved beyond the positions we held five or six years ago and are now senior rabbis in congregations around the world. We seek out each other’s advice, learn together, and share ideas. It seemed logical to tap into both the expansive knowledge base of this group and emerging technology.”

“Rabbis Around the World” begins on Thursday May 13, 7:30 p.m., in Beth

Israel’s social hall, using a full-wall projection and surround-sound.

The three-session class will include the following presentations: On May 13, Rabbi Dan Friedman of Beth Israel Synagogue in Edmonton, Alberta, will speak about “Christian Zionism: Dirty Money or God’s Salvation?”; on May 27, Rabbi Ari Syntner of Brith Shalom Beth Israel of Charleston, S.C., will address “Three Jews, Four Opinions: Jewish Personalities through the Prism of the Forefathers”; and the June 3 session will bring a truly unique opportunity to Omaha, as Rabba Sara Hurwitz of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale speaks about “Agent of Change or Disruption: A Talmudic Case Study.”

Rabba Hurwitz’s Orthodox ordination is the subject of current global controversy. She founded and is Dean of Yeshivat Mahara’t, the first Orthodox school that will ordain women. She was named one of the Jewish Week’s “36 under 36,” as well as named the Forward’s “50 most influential Jewish leaders in 2009.”

“Rabba Hurwitz’s ordination is undeniably a unique historical development,” Rabbi Gross said. “Thanks to Skype technology, we have an opportunity to study with this impressive scholar, as well as great rabbis and speakers we could not so extensively be exposed to otherwise.”

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ALLAN Handleman Call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

Sokolof scholarship winners

Continued from page 4 where they worked on rebuilding a house.

Joel is the son of Jeff and Sandy Passer.

Ellina Pisetsky Ellina graduated from Millard South High School, and spent two years as an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She is currently a pharmacy student in the College of Pharmacy at UNMC. While at UNO, Ellina was on the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List, received the Outstanding General Chemistry Student Award, the Outstanding Multicultural Student Award and served as the PrePharmacy Club President. “During these two years she also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, was a student ambassador while being a Russian translator and running marathons,” noted Dr. Dennis Robinson, Chairman of UNMC’s College of Pharmacy.

“Despite our demanding academic program, Ms. Pisetsky continues to be very active in the community,” Robinson continued. “She is a volunteer at the Sharing Clinic for the underprivileged, Lothrop Elementary Magnet School, the Heartburn Awareness Clinic and the Ronald McDonald House. This remarkable young lady can also speak fluent English, Russian and Spanish.”

Ellina has followed a path toward becoming a pharmacist for many years. She worked as a cashier at a HyVee pharmacy during her high school years.

According to HyVee Pharmacy Manager Dr. Cortney Donaldson, “She quickly became certified as a technician, passing the test as soon as she was eligible at the age of 18. Now she has received her pharmacy license and practices as a student pharmacist in our pharmacy. Her work ethic, compassion, and commitment to the profession of pharmacy are just a few characteristics that Ellina embodies.”

Dr. John Ridgeway, Director of Experiential Programs at UNMC’s College of Pharmacy also had positive things to say about Ellina. “Ms. Pisetsky is without a doubt an extremely focused and determined student,” he said. “However, what I really appreciate about her is her cooperative nature and her bubbly personality. She has a ‘can do’ attitude that is refreshing and encouraging to me as I look to our future generation of pharmacists.”

Ellina is a member of the American Pharmacist Association and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

She also earned a “top 3” honor in a patient counseling competition.

“In summary, Ms. Pisetsky is a truly exceptional, multi-talented young person who has an extremely bright future as a leader in the health care field,” stated Robinson. “She aims to exceed expectations in the work place while giving back to the community.”

Ellina is the daughter of Eric and Helen Pisetsky.

Ilya Poluektov A graduate of Burke High School, Ilya is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at UNO. His goal is to play bass in professional orchestras.

Ilya began his career in music by playing the clarinet while attending Friedel Jewish Academy. In high school he took lessons in both the clarinet and piano.

During his freshman year at UNO, he switched from clarinet to the bass. He has excelled in his music studies.

“Ilya is a very talented, hard-working, and conscientious double bass student who is on the verge of a breakout year in terms of his musical and technical development,” praised Jeremy Baguyos, Assistant Professor of Music at UNO. “Musically, he is a very expressive player. He has what it takes to take his playing to the next level, and has the talent, potential, tenacity, and work ethic to become competitive on the professional orchestra audition circuit.”

His professionalism was also noted by Mark Misfeldt, Vocal Music Director at Omaha Benson High School and Artist Instructor of Jazz Piano at UNO. “I look for college student musicians that are ready for professional performing experiences,” said Misfeldt. “I have hired Ilya for the past two seasons to work with my high school students, and perform with them in our winter musicals. His performance on the bass is always top notch.”

Ilya is the principle bass with the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra. He served as principle bass for the UNO Chamber Orchestra and the UNO Symphonic Wind Ensemble. His musical activities also included singing with the University Chorus in 2009, and he plays bass for the basketball pep-band, the Maverick Horns.

Ilya tutored music theory students at UNO. He also worked as a volunteer assistant with Millard South High School’s orchestra program.

As a music student, Ilya must do more than play his bass. He also studies music history, music theory and more. “He has been a wonderful student in upperlevel music history courses that I teach and I have watched him grow over the years as a bassist in recitals and master classes,” explained Dr. David Low, UNO’s Kayser Distinguished Professor of Music. “He has a first class intellect, learns very quickly and thoroughly and is an absolute delight with whom to be associated.”

Not only is Ilya an accomplished musician, but he is also an excellent student. He has been on UNO’s Deans List every year since 2007.

Ilya is the son of Larisa Poluektova and Alexander Poluektov.

Celebrate Shavuot at the Kripke Library

by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education The Kripke Jewish Federation Library continues its Family Fun Series with a celebration of Shavuot on Sunday, May 16 from 2-3 p.m.

Join Gary Katz, Library Administrator, as he leads children through special programming just for them to commemorate the day God gave the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai.

In keeping with traditional, modern observances associated with Shavuot, kids will be creating their own books about the ten commandments and celebrating by eating dairy products -- in this case make-your-own ice cream sundaes.

“Since almost all other Jewish holidays are drenched in brisket and chicken soup, the tradition to eat dairy on Shavuot comes as a welcome change, at least to me,” said Katz. “There are many explanations offered for this custom, but the one I prefer is that in the Torah the Jewish people are promised a land flowing with milk and honey,” he explained. Dairy meals recall this lyrical description of Israel.

The first Family Fun Sunday was April 25 when Katz led kids on an Israeli Treasure Hunt through the library.

Hidden prizes and kosher snacks ended the hour of fun and games. The third and concluding Sunday event, a Teddy Bear Picnic, is scheduled for June 13.

The entire community is invited; there is no charge and no reservations are required. Contact the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at 334.6462 for more information.

Community Jewish High School starts in August!

The Community High School Committee, chaired by Toba Cohen-Dunning, is pleased to announce the formation of a Community Jewish High School for students in grades 9-12, with classes beginning in August, 2010. Committee members include Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Sharon Comisar-Langdon, Bev Fellman, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Mary Sue Grossman, Debbie Kricsfeld, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Eric Linder, Dr. Guy Matalon, Rabbi Yitchak Mizrahi, and Judy Rubin.

The school will be a joint project of Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Watch for more details next week!

HOLIDAY CLOSING & DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, May 19-20 for Shavuot. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Issue: May 28 Deadline: Monday, May 17

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Jewish mothers BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

Let’s talk about Mother’s Day, since it’s right around the corner. How exactly does a female change from the carefree girl she once was to somebody responsible for the health and welfare of another human being? Oh I don’t mean a husband, since a husband is at least responsible for some of that health and welfare.

No, I mean a very small human, one without previous experience in the serious business of getting through every day, day after day after day. Ad Infinitum. Or another way to put the question might be like this: How does a female handle that very important transition that takes place when she becomes a mother?

There isn’t a key to click on, or a switch to flip or a button to push, so what makes her change from that young woman who has a job and a husband and a house to run, and who worries only about how they can afford a trip to Hawaii to celebrate her 30th birthday, or his promotion, or anything else that only relates to their personal happiness? If you look at it that way, doesn’t it appear that a married couple with only themselves to worry about are maybe a little selfish? Is that fair? I mean, if there are only the two of them, why not put all their energy into what makes them happy, as a couple? But wait a minute – that wasn’t the question. Let’s back up and change the original premise. Let’s say our couple suddenly discover that pretty soon, their twosome will be a threesome? Aha! Now we’re getting to our original point.

How does a carefree young woman suddenly change her entire personna and learn how to become a mother?

We know it isn’t something you can study diligently for and when you’ve completed “the course” consider yourself qualified to be a mom. Of course there are many helpful books to provide bits and pieces of the big picture, but isn’t it possible, though a frightening prospect, a person learns those skills during “on the job training?”

If that’s true, then picture this: Somebody puts a newborn infant into a woman’s arms and says “ok, this is your kid. Go raise it, and be sure to do a good job, because a lot depends on how well you do it.” Of course she’ll say “what do you mean? I don’t have a clue about raising a child. How do I know what to do?” It’s not like a voice suddenly will say you shouldn’t worry…it’ll come to you as you go along!

Now that’s what you’d call a scary prospect. And nobody actually says that. But isn’t that, in a way, kind of like real life? Don’t you get better at what you do as you continuously do it, day after day? Does that include raising a child? Is that what it means to become a mom?

Mmmmmm, nuh huh, not so much. Oh yes, it’s true after umpteen diapers, Mom learns a trick or two to make it an easier drill, and after the precious bundle spits up all four ounces of just ingested nourishment, she learns to protect her clean shirt with a towel on her shoulder, of course. She also learns, with practice, how long she needs to stand by the crib, patting the little back until the cherub is really asleep. Yes, this is perhaps, the real meaning of on the job training. But oh my children, there’s so much more to learn if you expect to be presented with the new title of Mommy.

How does the woman who always “slept like a log” suddenly hear that first tiny whimper that will, before very long, crescendo into an amazingly loud wail?

Nothing has happened to her ability to hear….or has it?

How come she could (and often did) sleep through the neighbor kid’s incredible amps blasting out the sweet sounds of Metallica, but let the new baby squeak and she nearly levitates from the comfort of her warm bed? Yeah, how come? What’s going on here? Or fast forward a bit, to nursery school, and watch her approach outside, when she arrives to pick up her toddler. Several little ones can be heard, some softly, one doing a certified tantrum, and she listens and says “oh oh…that’s my kid.

Get out of the way, I need to get in there.” From outside yet! What kind of radar is that? Did it come with the kid, or was it an anonymous gift?

There are hundreds of questions that could be asked, when it comes to explaining a mother’s ability to recognize her own little one. And I’m not sure we would find all the answers reasonable, but maybe most couldn’t be explained. Maybe we just ought to try to remember that every time it was important for Mom to be there for us, darned if she wasn’t! Or every time she was far away and a small, unexplained feeling made us think we’d give anything in the world to see her, if we’d pick up the phone and at least hear her voice, it would be a comfort.

And please notice and admit, when you call your Mom and you’re upset about something, all you have to say is “hello Mom?” and she says “what’s the matter”?

Yes, we all know the jokes about Mothers…and heaven help us, the ones about Jewish Mothers are among the worst of them. We get a really bad rap, we Jewish mothers, and having been one of those for more than six decades, I speak from experience! But we laugh with the rest of you, because we know if there are such women among us, we don’t belong in that category. We’re the ones who can tell when something is wrong, even if you keep it a secret, and we’re the ones who have been protecting you from earliest memory, whether it was “don’t tell Dad.” Or “yes, I did it, but I’ll pay for it, honest!”

Sure, we hear the awful jokes, but we know where we really stand, and I personally am not worried that my children think of those jokes and me, in the same thought.

Somehow, even though we start out green and unprepared for the awesome responsibility that comes with the baby, we really do learn “on the job.” And we get better at it as we go along, don’t we? Ask the third or fourth kid in any family how tough their parents were. You’re likely to hear the eldest sibling quickly claim “you had it so easy….Mom and Dad were very strict with me, but not with you! By the time you came along, they hardly had any rules!” If you aren’t an only child, I’d bet money, matches or marbles, you’ll agree.

So nu, are there answers to how one is automatically changed from a carefree life of instant gratification to a woman who can foretell when her child will have a nightmare? Probably not, but is it really important to know? Or shouldn’t you just be very grateful for the wonderful woman you call/called Mom. Well, that’s a no brainer, right? And that’s also my way of saying that’s all I know on the subject, so I’m finished here. Except to tell you the only thing I’ve loved as much as being called mom, is being called gramma. And while there are two little munchkins who could call me greatgramma, I don’t care what they call me as long as they know I’m the other-gram, as a friends’s grandchildren call her.

If I could tell my Mom about them I’d never wish for anything else. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.

BIRTHS

Stephanie and Rabbi David Eshel of Los Angeles announce the March 12 birth of their son, Eli Louis.

He is named for his grandfather Eli Eshel and greatgrandmother, Louise Martin.

He has a sister, Isabel.

Grandparents are Pam and Dennis DePorte, Maggie and Larry Kosmin of Long Beach, CA, and the late Eli Eshel.

Cristi and Kevin Finkel of Gladwyne, PA, announce the April 21 birth of their son, Oliver Hershel.

He has two brothers, Eli Garrison and Simon Alexander.

Grandparents are Lois and Joel Finkel, and Jane and Michael Siegel of Elkins Park, PA.

Shani and Yosef Richtman of Woodmere, NY announce the April 18 birth of their son, Shmuel Dov. He has siblings, Charna Rochel, Menachem, Chanale, and Hinda Leah.

Grandparents are parents Walter and Harriet Richtman of Chicago, and Ellen and Abe Orzel of Kew Garden Hills, NY. Great-grandparents are Rosa Richtman of Highland Park, IL and the late Dave Richtman.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

HHEF founder speaks to large crowd at Wayne State College

by MARY BORT Czechoslovakia. The SS came to his town in 1941 and Fried notes that the young people he speaks to are Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund took all the Jewish people to Auschwitz. Twenty-four probably the last generation to hear an eye-witness Sam Fried is a survivor of Auschwitz. He is also the hours after arriving at the camp, “I became an orphan account of the period known as the Holocaust. “But founder and a board member of the Heartland and my world disappeared,” he said. “My name was what happens when all the witnesses of the Holocaust Holocaust Educational Fund (HHEF), an organization replaced with a tattoo – A-5053. From this point on I are gone?” he asked. “What happens when our voices are that finances Holocaust education courses at Nebraska was no longer a person; I was a number.” silenced by the passing of time?” colleges and universities.

His concern that his story, and the stories of all As a survivor, Fried believes it is an obligation to tell Holocaust survivors, is told even after he is gone led others about what he experienced and saw during the Fried to start the HHEF with his wife, Frances. “We Holocaust, so that people will “never forget.” Recently, must remember, even though we know it will be more Dr. Douglass Taber, a Professor of History at Wayne and more difficult to remember when those who lived State College (WSC) invited Fried to come to WSC and through the Holocaust are no longer with us to tell the share his story with the students. WSC is located in story,” said Fried. “By educating our future leaders at Wayne, Nebraska, about 100 miles northwest of Heartland colleges and universities, we will ensure that Omaha. it will not be allowed to happen again. We must teach Taber teaches a history course entitled, simply, “The the next generation to never be silent or be bystanders Holocaust.” His class is financed each year by the in the face of evil. They must speak up against injustice, HHEF. “We’d been talking about how it would be such racism and religious hatred.” an opportunity to meet a survivor of the Holocaust,” The HHEF also supports the Nebraska Holocaust explained Taber. “They are disappearing, so meeting a Memorial, located in Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. The survivor would be an opportunity not to be missed.” memorial serves as a place for reflection, education and What began as an idea for Fried to speak to one group remembrance. “The Nebraska Holocaust Memorial is of students, evolved into a full-blown event at WSC. for future generations,” explained Fried. “I hope that The event was sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, the histoeveryone will visit the Memorial.” ry honor society that is advised by Professor Joseph Sam Fried, after giving his speech at Wayne State College, met Les “I’m glad I had the opportunity to speak at Wayne Weixelman, and another student organization that par- Youngmeyer, who was a Liberator of concentration camps during State,” said Fried. “The audience was very receptive to ticipates in the Model United Nations. The student WWII. my message and seemed interested in asking questions. groups paid for advertising and arranged for refreshA few weeks later he was transported to a coal mine in While I don’t have the time to speak to every group that ments after Fried’s speech. The WSC public relations Jaworzno, a satellite camp of Auschwitz, where he asks, last week I was pleased to be able to speak to the department got the word out to the surrounding com- worked to the brink of death, maintaining electrical students at one of Lincoln’s high schools. The students munity. In the end, Fried spoke to a standing-room- equipment for the mine. will hopefully take my message, remember it, and share only crowd of 300 people.

Fried was only 16 years old when, in 1945, he risked it with their children some day.”

“Students, faculty, staff and other people from the com- being shot by making his escape during a death march.

If you would like to learn more about the HHEF and munity were all in attendance,” said Taber. “Sam spoke He only weighed 80 pounds. Fried met up with two the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial, please call and then answered many questions from the audience.”

Russian soldiers who gave him some bread and helped 402.334.6459 or email mbort@holocausteducationFried was born in the former Republic of him away from the front. fund.org.

Temple high school seniors recall memories as graduation nears

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Ten high school seniors at Temple Israel are counting the days. During Shabbat worship services on Friday, May 14, at 6 p.m., they’ll graduate from Religious School.

“I’m ecstatic!” exclaimed Scott Goldberg, one of the graduates. “It’s been a long run,” said the senior who has been enrolled in Religious School at Temple since he was in kindergarten. Scott, who will attend Middlebury College in Vermont next year, said he’s gained a lot of new connections and broadened his number of friends and acquaintances among the students and faculty.

One of his favorite memories will be singing in the Temple choir for part of his junior year and all of his senior year. “It’s been cool,” he remarked.

Brittany Baines has been attending Religious School at Temple since she was a preschooler. “It’s given me a better understanding of my faith,” she believes. “It feels good to be graduating. I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot,” said Brittany, who will be going to the University

ORGANIZATIONS

of Nebraska at Lincoln next year. One of her fondest memories is the trip she took with her fellow classmates to New York City in April, an annual excursion for Temple graduates to check out the sights and sounds of Jewish life in “the big city.”

Another Temple senior, Brenna Robinson, has also attended Religious School since she was in kindergarten.

“I’m excited,” she admitted as she looks forward to graduation and next year at the University of Texas at Austin. Thinking back over the years, Brenna recalled attending trope class. “That class inspired me,” she said.

This year, she’s been teaching trope to sixth graders on Wednesday nights.

Other graduates are Chloe Ginsberg, Molly Goldberg, Hannah Grossman, Danny Pachman, Julie Sadofsky, Jordan Slutzky and Zoe Vann.

Kol Rina will sing during the worship service, and Omaha Temple Youth Group will install new officers for the upcoming year. A dinner for the graduates and their families will follow the service.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in the social hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS There will be no Breadbreakers on May 12 due to the Sports Banquet.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ajami, Israel’s submission to this year’s Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film, will be shown at the Mary Riepma Ros Media Arts center from May 7-13. Ajami is cosponsored by the Jewish Federation of Lincoln and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies. For ticket prices and show times, call the information line at 402.472.5353, or visit www.TheRoss.org.

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by TERRI PETERSEN have ever met. These guys really knew what Malibu Sunrooms & Outdoor Living they were doing and accommodated our every This evening I had the opportunity of taking need.” potential customers to visit a few of our sun“Our sunroom has been the best investment room owners. These visits are always fun and we have ever made.”

“All the neighborhood parties are at our remind me of why it is Malibu Sunrooms continues to be the number one sunroom compa- house because everyone loves our sunroom so ny in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. Honestly, much!”

“This has just been an extension of our our customers say it best. These are just a few of the comments I heard tonight when our cus- house, but we feel like we’re sitting outside. I tomers related their sunroom experience to never thought winter storms could be so fun.”

I could come up with many more reasons for potential buyers: “After owning this room for 10 years, I am owning a sunroom. Return on investment, still amazed at how much it adds to our added space, etc. Until you actually own a sunlifestyle.” room, you’ll probably never understand its full “The doors and windows operate so smooth- impact on your lifestyle. But just try to imagine ly and we have NEVER had an issue with any of being surrounded by your backyard, “feeling” them.” the sun, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors “We live out here and with the kids and and feeling like you are part of nature. It’s the grandkids coming over it seems to be every- most peaceful place to be in my house...my one’s favorite room in the house!” daily vacation.

“Malibu has some of the best installers we PAID ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

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Graduates honored at Beth Israel will speak on, “The OU: NCSY and Beyond,” giving insights into the innovative NCSY youth movement, OUsponsored Israel experiences for college students, and services available to “grown-ups” including seminars and the Institute for Public Affairs, the public policy arm of the nation’s largest representative Orthodox Jewish organization. One hour before Minchah, Laya’s topic will be, “Gold, Silver and the Value of Torah.” Laya’s visit to Omaha is part of the services the Orthodox Union provides to member synagogues.

The Kiddush following Shabbat morning services is sponsored in honor of the graduates. If you would like to contribute to the Kiddush in honor of a graduate for $25, contact Cait at Beth Israel Synagogue, 556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.

Page 9

The weather is always great in a Malibu Sunroom!

402/715-5300

by GARY KATZ Noddle; Third Place - Jacob Meyerson.

Library Administratior Sixth Grade Book Report: First Place The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is Jack Goldstein; Second Place - Mika pleased to announce the winners for the Caplan; Third Place - Naomi Teetzel.

19th Annual Elinor A. Whitman Book The Book Appreciation Contest memoAppreciation Contest. To enter, a con- rializes Elinor Whitman who served for testant had to either write a review or many years on the Library Board. She design a book jacket for a Jewish book.

Children in Kindergar ten through sixth grade were eligible to compete.

Kindergarten Book Jacket: First Place Rosie Friedland First Grade Book Jacket: First Place L a u r a Kirshenbaum; Second Place First grade book jacket design by Aiden Shnayder R a c h e l Kricsfeld; Third Place - Aiden Shnayder. took a keen interest in promoting Jewish Second Grade Book Jacket: First Place - literature for young readers. The Elinor Orion Shnayder; Second Place - A. Whitman Memorial Book Alexander Kraft.

Appreciation Contest is presented by The Third Grade Book Report - no awards Center for Jewish Education and sponFourth Grade Book Report: First Place sored by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel - Ethan Shrago.

Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy, and Fifth Grade Book Report: First Place - Temple Israel.

Hannah Goodman; Second Place - Aaron

by BETH COHEN Executive Director of Beth Israel Beth Israel’s annual “Graduation Shabbat” will take place on Parshat Bemidbar, May 15. Each year, Beth Israel congregants celebrate all graduates, whether from the JCC’s Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, High School or Graduate School.

As part of the Graduation Shabbat, Beth Israel is pleased to welcome Laya Pelzer from the Orthodox Union’s Pepa & Rabbi Joseph Karasick Department of Synagogue Services. Laya works closely with synagogue staff and OU leadership to develop initiatives to effectively use local and national resources in promoting and strengthening Orthodox communities.

On Shabbat morning, May 15, Laya

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T EL C -E

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Learning Community Council Leadership, Collaboration, Common Sense “The Learning Community Council has shown how much can be accomplished if professionalminded school leaders promote constructive dialogue.”

– Omaha World-Herald editorial November 2009

Vote For

Nancy Jacobson Learning Community Council Paid for by Nancy Jacobson for Learning Community Council David Jacobson, Treasurer nancyjacobsonforlearningcommunity.blogspot.com

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

Primary election is Tuesday, May 11 AMERICA DECIDES 2010 E VOT

John Sieler State Board of Education Paid for by John Sieler, 7801 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68124

Elect Ralph Bodie 1st Congressional District U.S. House

Standing with the founding fathers, the Constitution, Embracing the Tea Party Movement. Supporting Liberty & freedom, strong national defense, limited Government, free enterprise & morality. Holding Common sense, lower taxes, energy independence, Pro life, freedom of speech, rights to own & bear arms while embracing the Constitution.

Read, View & Listen at www.RalphBodie.com

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Paid for by Ralph Bodie for 1st Congressional District U.S. House. ph: 402-696-4383 402-696-4843

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VOTE TONY FULTON REPUBLICAN FOR STATE TREASURER

Governor Dave Heineman and Sen. Tony Fulton

Appointed by Governor Dave Heineman, Tony Fulton has: ✓ Improved Nebraska’s economy ✓ Controlled government spending ✓ Opposed benefits for illegal immigrants ✓ Held the line on taxes ✓ Promoted prolife principles Paid for by Tony Fulton Committee, 6100 S. 31st St., Lincoln, NE 68516

www.tonyfulton.com

Elect me to the District 66 School Board

Doug McElwain

I’m running because I believe **NOTICE** there is nothing more important

than a with quality As a This ad should be included theeducation. other 2x2/2x4/1x4’s handicapped person who has for the week of 5/3/10. If you have any questions, feel benefited greatly from a good free to contact Carolyn Bowman at 800-369-2850. public education, I believe in the value of representing all constituants within the district. Vote is 11, NOT ad, do nottoplace it inDistrict your for(This me ontext May andanI will work provide 66 with strong newspaper.) representation for all our children.

Thank You!

Reasons to vote for me:

• I’m running to help our schools, parents and • community work together for the good of our • children.

• I hold a Master’s Degree in Library Science, • Bachelor’s Degree in History.

• As a handicapped person, I have personally • benefited from stron community-based • educational programs.

• I’m an active participant in the “Bright Futures” • Initiative, improving educational outcomes for • area school children.

• I will work to ensure that our property tax dollars ing the Nebraska Display Adschools Network!

• are spent wisely on our and children.

Please vote for me on May 11.

Paid for by Doug McElwain for District 66 School Board

Editor’s note: According to Jewish Press election policies, this newspaper neither endorses candidates nor political parties. However, the Press welcomes advertisements and statements from candidates which we offer to our readers as a civic service. As of press time, these were the only statements received.

JOHN SIELER STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 8 My wife, Becky and I have been married to each other for 44 years.

We have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. I graduated from Spencer (Nebraska) Public High School (1963) and from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (1967) and have been selfemployed since 1973.

I have been elected as a Delegate/Alternate Delegate to the Republican National Convention 7 times, and have been an active member of the community for many years. One of my favorite volunteer activities is serving on The Open Door Mission Capital Campaign Board.

I have the vision, experience, and leadership capabilities needed to help lead Nebraska schools as we enter the second decade of the 21st century. I support a student-centered education, and believe we need to meet the needs of all of our students, high, middle, and low achievers, and challenge them to achieve at their maximum level. I support the classroom teacher. We need to let the teachers teach, and not burden them with too many outside duties.

I am concerned about our taxpayers. We need to balance the needs of our students and schools with the concerns of our taxpayers. Local control of our schools is very important. I will work hard to maintain the local control of our schools by locally elected boards of education. One of my top priorities will be to work for the continued existence of local, independent schools, and

school districts. Taxes and school finance are always important issues. I will be a good steward of every tax dollar spent, whether it is a local, state, or federal tax dollar. I believe in accountability for educational results and fiscal responsibility. I believe in an open and transparent process, and would appreciate your support and your vote.

NANCY JACOBSON COUNCIL MEMBER, ACHIEVEMENT SUBCOUNCIL # 1 I am honored to represent District 1 of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy County.

This includes Northwest Omaha and the Omaha Public School District. The Learning Community was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2006 with the purpose of creating higher academic achievement and equity through collaboration among the 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. A strong public school system is needed to improve excellence and equal opportunities for all students who choose public schools.

The Learning Community is dedicated to increase socioeconomic diversity among student populations as well as insuring choice, which includes allowing students to attend neighborhood schools. I have worked hard with colleagues to engage in professionally minded dialogue and promote a spirit of cooperation. Our charge is to address the barriers to student achievement both academic and social in nature. We are now focusing on implementing our plans for elementary learning centers which will serve as resource centers to improve academic success for at-risk students who face too many challenges such as poverty, limited English skills and mobility. Please look at LearningCommunityds.org for more information about elementary learning centers and how we are addressing inequities of funding.

I think the Learning Community process demonstrates how much can be accomplished if school and community leaders engage in constructive dialogue. I am running for re-election because I believe that an excellent education system is essential to a quality community. I am proud of the progress we have made, but there is a lot more work to be done. I would appreciate your vote in the Primary election on Tuesday, May 11th.

Step into biblical times during Beth El’s unique and entertaining Shavuot celebration

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Traveling back in time may not be possible, but stepping inside the world of the Bible will be the name of the game during a unique, entertaining Shavuot celebration at Beth El. On Tuesday, May 18, the synagogue will welcome Dr. Peter Pitzele, a world-renowned bibliodramatist who, through roleplaying and creative interactions, brings biblical times to life for participants.

Pitzele, a faculty member at the Jewish Theological Seminary, is a former literature teacher, an expert in improvisational drama and a certified psychotherapist. He is the author of Our Fathers’ Peter Pitzele Wells: A Personal Encounter with the Myths of Genesis, and Scripture Windows: Towards a Practice of Bibliodrama. Over 150 congregations in the U.S. Europe and Israel have been treated to Pitzele’s artistry, his dynamic and engaging style and his innovative presentations.

During a recent interview, Pitzele explained how he developed the “bibliodrama” concept.

“Psychodrama, my second career after teaching literature, gave me the form (improvisational drama), the tools (role-playing) and the confidence (working with unusual and creative people), to bring my love of words and my skill in working with groups to the fashioning of this method,” he said. “My fascination with the Bible is as old as hearing my father say, when I was a child, ‘If I could only take one book to a desert island it would be the Bible.’

“Combining a close reading of a text with an invitation to the imagination, bibliodrama is only a modern variation on the ancient Jewish practice of midrash, which is basically a ceaselessly inventive way of contemporizing the biblical text.”

Pitzele noted that he does not see bibliodrama as a substitute for traditional Bible study, which offers “its necessary emphasis on language and ethical values.”

Rather, he said, it allows participants to voice aloud or

inwardly their own reflections on the biblical text.

Getting audience members to participate in the roleplaying can be a challenge, he said, as people worry about the possibility of being put on the spot. However, they relax after realizing that they won’t be singled out during the program.

“The enjoyment of the bibliodramatic process comes in part from the discovery of one’s own ready interpretations and also from hearing the variety of responses that come from those willing to speak up,” Pitzele said.

“In traditional Bible study, the assumption is that the meaning of the text belongs to the tradition, to its interpreters—the rabbi or the scholar—and that the average person does best to listen and to learn. Bibliodrama, though it certainly respects tradition and scholarship, places the person before the text and invites her to respond from where she is. Inaccuracies may arise, but these may be gently corrected. What always amazes participants is how rich and thrilling a familiar story can become as the hidden voices and possibilities emerge through the role playing.”

Very satisfying to Pitzele is the common response he receives following one of his bibliodrama sessions: “‘I don’t think I’ll read the Bible the same way again.’”

Children ages seven and up and adults from throughout the community are invited to participate in Pitzele’s program on the 18th, which will focus on the Book of Ruth and the relationship between Ruth and Naomi.

This special evening will begin with 5:30 p.m. services, followed by an optional 6 p.m. dairy dinner. Pitzele’s program is slated to begin at 6:45 p.m. Dinner cost for Beth El members is: adults, $8; high school/college students, $5; children ages 6-12, $4; no charge for children five and younger. For non-Beth El members, the cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $6 for children ages 6-12. Free babysitting will be available only with reservations.

To RSVP, send a check by May 14, to the synagogue; for more information, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, 492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Pitzele’s visit has been made possible by a generous donation from The Dr. Leon Fellman Endowment Fund.

May 7, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

New Arizona law brings renewed attention to immigration reform

by MELISSA APTER Jewish communities across North America.

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Jewish groups are slamming Gideon Aronoff, the president and CEO of the Arizona’s stringent new immigration-enforcement law, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, who supports legislabut hope outrage over the measure will reignite efforts tion like Schakowsky’s and that of Sen. Charles Schumer to push comprehensive immigration reform on a nation- (D-N.Y.), said he is working actively with other Jewish al level. organizations to draft a broad statement condemning “I believe that it has absolutely ignited a movement the federal government’s failure to enact comprehensive across this country for comprehensive immigration reform. HIAS also is coordinating with its partners in reform,” said U.S. Rep. Jan Arizona and anticipates that Schakowsky (D-Ill.), the rallies, the filing of amicus daughter of Jewish immibriefs and other actions may grants, who is a co-sponsor be warranted in the near of a bill that would provide future. illegal immigrants with an “Are most of the Latinos opportunity to normalize who suffer from this law their status. “You see people Jewish? The answer is no, pouring out of their homes but we look at this through and into the streets and halls the oral commandment of of government rejecting this ‘welcome the stranger,’” notion of allowing our counAronoff said. “We are all try to become a police Americans, we are all our state.” brothers’ keepers. We have Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer an obligation not to stand by signed the Support Our Law when legislation so harmful Enforcement and Safe is put through.”

Neighborhoods Act into law Phoenix Mayor Phil last week, though the measGordon, a Jewish Democrat, ure won’t go into effect for referred to the immigration 90 days. The new law Protesters at the State Capitol building in Phoenix compare bill as one that “nationally requires that police check the new immigration-enforcement law to Nazi tactics, April embarrasses Arizona” in an Credit: Kevin Bondelli/flickr Op-Ed piece published the immigration status of 25, 2010. anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant, a tactic Saturday in The Washington Post. civil liberties groups and several Jewish organizations say “Already, I have called a special meeting of the effectively mandates racial profiling.

Phoenix City Council to establish standing to sue the Proponents of the law say the tough measures are nec- state on the grounds that S.B. 1070 unconstitutionally essary -- given the federal government’s failure to act -- co-opts our police force to enforce immigration laws to rescue the state from a flood of illegal immigrants that are the rightful jurisdiction of the federal governfrom Mexico that they say sap taxpayer-funded programs ment,” Gordon wrote. and, in some cases, commit violent crime. They also note Eight of the state’s Reform rabbis wrote a letter to that the governor has issued an executive order establish- Brewer urging the governor to veto the measure, calling ing a training program on how to avoid racial profiling it “an affront to American values of justice and our hiswhen implementing the new rules. toric status as a nation of immigrants.” And the Jewish On Monday, following a weekend of protests, vandals News of Greater Phoenix voiced concern in an editorial -- apparently opposed to the new law -- smeared refried that the new law would lead to racial profiling and quesbeans in the shape of swastikas on the windows of the tioning of U.S. citizens.

Arizona State Capitol buildings, the Associated Press Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious reported. More protests were being planned, including a Action Center of Reform Judaism, said in a statement vigil organized by the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. that “Allowing an individual’s accent or skin color to The new law has been criticized by an array of Jewish precipitate an investigation into his or her legal status is groups, including the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, an anathema to American values of justice and our hisAnti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, toric status as a nation of immigrants. The bill is also Simon Wiesenthal Center, National Council of Jewish likely to endanger our communities by discouraging Women and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, a pub- immigrants from cooperating with law enforcement on lic policy umbrella group comprised of the synagogue issues of national security.” movements, several national groups and scores of local Along similar lines, Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon

Wiesenthal Center issued a statement saying that “This law makes no sense -- it guarantees and stigmatizes people of color as second-class citizens and exposes them to intimidation and the use of racial profiling as a weapon of bias.”

Amy Laff, chair of the Arizona chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition, told the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix that she has lingering concerns about the new law.

“I’m concerned that the law will be viewed by many as mean spirited and hostile to minorities,” she said. “I’m also disturbed by the prospect of Arizona residents filing actions against law enforcement personnel whom they deem not to be enforcing federal immigration statutes to the full extent of the law.”

Another Jewish Republican, State Sen. Barbara Leff, voted for the law and defended it.

Leff, the only Jewish member of the Arizona Senate, told the local Jewish newspaper that “no one can be stopped without probable cause, and no one can be asked anything about their immigration status without there being reasonable suspicion that they are here illegally. Racial profiling will not be tolerated in this state.”

Debra Morton Gelbart contributed to this report from Phoenix.

IN THE NEWS

Former neo-Nazi gang leader Frank Meeink will be signing his new memoir, Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead, at the Bookworm in Omaha on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The book chronicles Meeink’s descent into America’s Nazi underground and his ultimate defection from the white supremacy movement.

The Nebraska Humanities Council (NHC) is seeking nominations for its annual Sower Award in Humanities, which recognizes individuals, institutions, businesses, and communities that have made a significant contribution to public understanding of the humanities in Nebraska.

Nominations must be postmarked no later than June 1. For more information, contact the NHC at 402.474.2131 ext. 110; or email julie@nebraskahumanities.org.

The entire Omaha community is invited to attend the 22nd National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday June 6, at the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor’s Park, located at 105th St. and Pacific Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be food, entertainment, speakers, and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.csdomaha.org.

Join Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch Tuesday, May 11th in voting YES on Amendment 1 For more info

visit www.yeson1.net

Find us on Facebook at “Nebraskans for Amendment 1”

A vote for Nebraska’s NonproÞts Paid for by the Yes on Amendment 1 Committee 1141 H St. Lincoln, NE, 68508

Larry Bradley’s wife Dr. Sylvia Rael and their daughter at Holocaust Memorial in Berlin August 2009. Rael is short for Israel according to family history. Army Veteran Bradley visited Berlin Wall site for 20th Anniversary of fall.

Paid for by Larry Bradley for Legislature, Deb Suttle Treasurer.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

This time, it’s personal

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press As a writer and editor, I talk to many people.

Oftentimes what they tell me is documented, shaped into a bite-size story, for others to read at a later time in a different place. Once a story is told, written and printed, a certain distance can creep in: we focus on what’s on the page, rather than the person it represents. I think we do this with many things in life: we substitute the part for the whole, and forget the human source.

We run to Target and don’t completely see the woman at the cash register, her private joys and sorrow, or opinions; what we see is a means to an end. She takes our credit card and hands us a shopping bag. When we call the doctor’s office we hear a disembodied voice but don’t bother wondering who the voice belongs to, whether he is having a good day, whether he maybe hates his job, or what car he drives. The barista who hands us our latte, the woman who drops off our mail, the anonymous person who makes sure our air miles are transferred: we interact with them, but only insofar as it serves our temporary and unapologetically selfish purpose.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as we don’t overdo it. This past week, I had a conversation with two people who are planting their roots in our community: Adam Raffel and Brett Atlas (you can read their story on page 1). The conversation began with the predictable questions and answers, serving the purpose of getting the story written; in my head, I was already planning what it would look like on the page. Eventually, our talk digressed into areas that had little, if anything, to do with the original purpose. When Adam mentioned having lived near a Ferris Bueller location in Chicago, we started talking about movies. Put a few people who remember the 1980’s with a healthy dose of nostalgia in a room together, and you can wait for it: we all have our favorite John Hughes moments.

Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, you name it. And have you seen Judd Nelson lately? Well.

But they also talked about the personal and human element in their business, as well as in the volunteering they do in the community. It sort of stayed with me the rest of the day, as those things have a tendency to. And what some might consider a giant waste of time in the form of discussing how much Anthony Michael Hall has changed since he wore a bra on his head, I think it is those personal touches that make us connect. It’s about finding something in common with the people around you, whether you’re in an office, in a boardroom, or in the supermarket.

Seeing beyond the immediate purpose, and finding the people that make that purpose come to life.

Having said that, I think there’s a larger picture here. Our community is vibrant, it is warm, and it is welcoming. This is not because we have a fabulous gym, great educational programming, or a wellstocked library; sure, those things are all nice, but it is the people that make it all possible. Without them, we’re just looking at bricks and mortar without any soul. When we fundraise we want your money, yes; it would be madness to deny that. But what we, as a community, want and need even more is the people. It is that human element that elevates us all.

Back in the 80’s, when Ferris Bueller was talking Cameron into skipping school, long before Demi Moore met Ashton, we had yuppies. Remember, when it was all about making fast money, having an expensive apartment, and a

designer couch? I think we’ve all learned that material possessions can only do so much. At the end of the day, we need other human beings much more than those Prada shoes.

Someone told me recently that a bee alone is not really a bee; that the essence of a bee can only come out when it functions as part of the entire hive. I’m not proposing we turn into the Borg; I’m proposing we remind ourselves of what really makes this community great, and how to keep it that way. We are stronger and function better together, and we can make much more honey.

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by GIDEON ARONOFF

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and those of us who believe in compassionate and fair immigration laws are in complete agreement on one thing: the Draconian bill she signed into law on April 23 is the result of the federal government failing to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Like Governor Brewer, HIAS is frustrated with the inaction in Washington and the resulting impact on local communities across the country. Yet unlike the governor, we believe that our value system as Americans and as Jews, which protects human dignity above all else, must never be jeopardized.

For Jews especially, the question “Where are your papers” raises the dual spectres of Nazi Europe and the Soviet Union. Within living memory, some of us were forced to identify ourselves by yellow stars and many of us by having “Yevrey” (“Jew” in Russian) stamped on our identification papers.

The situation in Arizona, though very different from these tragic memories, nevertheless resonates strongly. Once it takes effect later this year, the Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods Act (SB 1070) will require everyone in the state of Arizona to carry government-issued identification at all times. Despite the police training programs Governor Brewer mandated after the law was signed to prevent racial profiling -- and the new act passed by Arizona late last week that

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman.

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Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: editor@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Immigration overhaul is a job for the U.S. Congress changes the law to specify that when deciding whom to question about immigration status, police may not use race, ethnicity or national origin as a factor -- discrimination seems unavoidable.

Once it takes effect later this year, the Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods Act (SB 1070) will require everyone in the state of Arizona to carry government-issued identification at all times or risk arrest. Despite the police training programs Governor Brewer mandated after the law was signed to prevent racial profiling, discrimination seems unavoidable.

For legal residents who will be pulled over based solely on the color of their skin or questioned due to their accents, the reaction no doubt will alternate between shame and rage.

This legislation will pit segments of society against each other, resulting in increased hate rhetoric and racial tension.

In Deuteronomy 16:12, we are commanded to establish a fair justice system: “and they shall judge the people with righteous justice.” In Leviticus 24:22, we are further instructed: “You shall have one law for the stranger and the citizens alike.”

We believe these passages have great relevance today and that advocating for the rights of immigrants reflects the Jewish mandate to uphold a fair justice system.

Undocumented immigrants are not the only ones who suffer under our broken immigration system. Employers, workers, families and America’s proud tradition of welcoming immigrants all become victims of this law.

Enforcement-only approaches have been tried and failed because the motivation to flee

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

grinding poverty -- like that experienced by our relatives who came from Eastern Europe - is so great.

As U.S. Department of Human Services Secretary and former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano said, “If you build a 50-foot-high fence or wall, they will build a 51-foot ladder.”

HIAS believes the only humane answer to an inhumane law is comprehensive immigration reform similar to the bipartisan legislation courageously introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in 2005. Congress must enact immigration reform to establish border protection and enforcement policies that bolster our national security; enhance enforcement while promoting economic development and human and civil rights; keep families together and decrease the waiting time for family reunification; create pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants; devise a plan for future migration flows in order to protect all workers' rights; and empower immigrants to fully integrate into American society by providing financial support to local governments and community organizations that offer classes and services.

The Torah commands us to “welcome the stranger” and “treat the stranger as ourselves.”

It is an injunction stated in one way or another no less than 36 times in our sacred text. The new Arizona law blatantly rejects the strangers among us, trumpeting a hateful, anti-immigrant message that will reverberate through American society and far beyond our borders.

The United States can be a light unto the nations by establishing a just and humane Continued on page 13

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May 7, 2010

What to do about Jewish teens

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by ADAM GAYNOR

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Observers of Jewish education for teens are increasingly concerned about a disparity between the participation of boys and girls.

Lamenting the absence of boys in youth programs, Jewish educators and philanthropists have turned their attention more and more to enticing boys to become involved.

I wonder, however, whether the concern over boys masks a deeper issue that is more difficult to confront: Jewish teen participation rates are abysmal in general, regardless of gender.

Rather than lament the misguided notion that we have disenfranchised boys in the Jewish community, let’s focus on how to empower all Jewish teens.

Admittedly, most rational people fear teens. We fear their hormones and mood swings. We fear their experimentation with substances and sexuality. We fear their penchant for argument. We don’t know how to approach them or curry favor with them. Most professionals steer clear.

This seems to be true for many funders as well. Everyone is interested in primary Jewish education, with its crown Jewel of bar/bat mitzvah, and recently, major initiatives such as the reinvigoration of Hillel, the explosive growth of Chabad and the founding of Birthright Israel and Repair the World have targeted 18- to 26year-olds.

Clearly, to be a young adult is hip. They get to dig ditches in Guatemala for spring break, fly to Israel for free, and choose a myriad of free activities at campus Jewish centers and Moishe Houses.

In contrast, options for Jewish high school students haven’t changed much since the 1950s, and despite impressive initiatives in Jewish camping and in particular Jewish communities, day school tuition and synagogue-based programs remain prohibitively expensive.

Nor do researchers take much interest in Jewish teens. The study that everyone cites on teen participation rates, “Being a Jewish Teenager in America: Trying to Make It,” already is 10 years old. I am hard-pressed to identify any rigorous large-scale studies that have been conducted since.

So what do we know about teens?

Anyone who has taken Psychology 101 is aware that a defining aspect of teen development is a process of identity exploration, individuation and independence from parents, much of which occurs through the medium of a tightly knit peer group.

For the 85-88 percent of teens who do not attend Jewish day school, the 60-plus percent of teens whose families do not belong to a synagogue and the huge numbers of teens who do not participate in Jewish youth groups or camps, the peer group more often than not is a religiously, racially, ethnically and sometimes economically diverse group.

Faced with this reality, one option is to continue with business as usual: We can alienate a majority of Jewish teens by continuing to insist that they only bring their

full Jewish selves to bear in Jewishly exclusive spaces.

However, it is pretty clear that the standard model of ripping teens out of their everyday lives and placing them in artificial, Jewishonly peer groups has failed for all but the most affiliated teens.

Or we can promote Jewish learning that focuses on meaning-making and encourages teens to integrate their Jewish selves into every aspect of their lives.

To be sure, many believe that the purpose of American Jewish education is to prevent assimilation.

Wake up! We have already assimilated!

Jewish teens see themselves in Rahm Emanuel, Sarah Silverman and Adam Lambert, among others. Jewish teens are smart, savvy and motivated. They understand complexity and fill their lives with myriad academic and extracurricular pursuits.

This is not a value judgment; it is simply reality. If we continue to frame Jewish learning as peripheral, as something to do in isolation from their friends and everyday activities, then how will Jewish values ever find a place in their lives?

Several initiatives have successfully developed models for Jewish learning in secular spaces.

The Curriculum Initiative partners with private high schools to introduce Jewish content into student clubs, all-school assemblies and classrooms. By partnering with Jewish student leaders and their teachers, TCI develops and teaches Jewish content that is rooted in student interests and developmental needs.

The Jewish Outreach Institute takes a similar approach by running Jewish programs in public spaces, where barriers to participation are lower than what is typically found in Jewish institutions. Even BBYO has conducted “Rock the Vote” programs at public high schools.

The beauty of Jewish tradition is that it imagines that every place and every act from the most mundane to the most extraordinary can be infused with meaning. This sense of integration should guide Jewish education.

Integration does not connote a “watering down” of Jewish learning. In-depth Jewish learning should be able to match the rigor of any learning and should energize Jewish teens and their friends. By way of comparison, wouldn’t it be absurd to assert that African-American studies are only relevant to African Americans? That African-American studies can only be rigorously pursued in historically AfricanAmerican schools and colleges with exclusively African-American teachers?

Jewish students may internalize and personalize Jewish learning differently from their peers, but that should not affect the quality of the learning nor the potential impact.

Jewish teen education is in need of a massive paradigm shift, but the hand wringing about what to do is silly. All we have to do is talk to teens. They understand their worlds better than we do.

Adam Gaynor is the executive director of The Curriculum Initiative, an organization that supports Jewish culture and identity at secular and parochial private high schools.

Immigration overhaul Continued from page 12 immigration system. Without Congress taking a leadership role on immigration, we can expect other states to follow Arizona’s suit.

Now is the time for the Jewish community to stand together in defense of all immigrants, for we, too, once were strangers. By not demanding immediate

action from our national leaders, we betray both our Jewish teachings and our American heritage as a country built by immigrants.

Gideon Aronoff is president & CEO of HIAS, the international migration agency of the American Jewish community and the oldest refugee rescue and resettlement agency in the United States.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Responding to the top 10 anti-Israel lies

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by MARVIN HIER LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- It’s no secret to anyone that relations between the United States and Israel reflect a new reality and are not what they once were.

The last few months have seen a worldwide frenzy of intimidation and threats directed against Israel that has backed its supporters into a corner. Very few have raised their voices in response.

For this reason, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has produced a new brochure, “2010 Top Ten Anti-Israel Lies,” that we will be distributing to millions of people worldwide. The brochure also provides contact information for U.S. and world leaders and key news bureaus.

Here is a condensed summary of the 10 top lies and the center’s responses: Lie No. 1: Israel was created by European guilt over the Nazi Holocaust.

Why should Palestinians pay the price?

Three thousand years before the Holocaust, before there was a Roman Empire, Israel’s kings and prophets walked the streets of Jerusalem. The whole world knows that Isaiah did not speak his prophesies from Portugal, nor Jeremiah his lamentations from France.

Revered by its people, Jerusalem is mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures 600 times, but not once in the Koran.

Throughout the 2,000-year exile of the Jews, there was a continuous Jewish presence in the Holy Land.

Lie No. 2: Had Israel withdrawn to its June 1967 borders, peace would have come long ago.

Since 1967, Israel repeatedly has conceded “land for peace.” Following Egyptian President Sadat’s historic 1977 visit to Jerusalem, Israel withdrew from the vast Sinai Peninsula and has been at peace with Egypt ever since. But the Palestinian Authority has never fulfilled its promise to end propaganda attacks nor drop the Palestinian National Charter’s call for Israel’s destruction. In 2000, Prime Minister Barak offered Yasser Arafat full sovereignty over of more than 97 percent of the West Bank, a corridor to Gaza, and a capital in the Arab section of Jerusalem. Arafat said no.

Lie No. 3: Israel is the main stumbling block to achieving a two-state solution.

The Palestinians themselves are the only stumbling block to achieving a two-state solution. With whom should Israel negotiate? With President Abbas, who for four years has been barred by Hamas from visiting 1.5 million constituents in Gaza?

With his Palestinian Authority, which continues to glorify terrorists and preaches hate in its educational system and the media? With Hamas, whose Iranianbacked leaders deny the Holocaust and use fanatical Jihadist rhetoric to call for Israel’s destruction?

Lie No. 4: Nuclear Israel, not Iran, is the greatest threat to peace and stability.

The United States and Europe can afford to wait to see what the Iranian regime does with its nuclear ambitions, but Israel cannot. Israel is on the front lines and remembers every day the price the Jewish people paid for not taking Hitler at his word. Israel is not prepared to sacrifice another 6 million Jews on the

altar of the world’s indifference.

Lie No. 5: Israel is an apartheid state deserving of international boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns.

In fact, Israel is a democratic state. Its 20 percent Arab minority enjoys all the political, economic and religious rights and freedoms of citizenship, including electing members of their choice to the Knesset (Parliament).

Lie No. 6: Plans to build 1,600 more homes in East Jerusalem prove Israel is “Judaizing” the Holy City.

Ramat Shlomo was not about Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem but about a long established, heavily populated Jewish neighborhood in northern Jerusalem, where 250,000 Jews live (about the size of Newark, N.J.) -- an area that will never be relinquished by Israel.

Lie No. 7: Israeli policies endanger U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would benefit everyone, including the United States. But an imposed return to what Abba Eban called “1967 Auschwitz borders” would endanger Israel’s survival and ultimately be disastrous for American interests and credibility in the world.

Lie No. 8: Israeli policies are the cause of worldwide anti-Semitism.

From the Inquisition to the pogroms, to the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis, history proves that Jew hatred existed on a global scale before the creation of the State of Israel. It would still exist in 2010 even if Israel had never been created. For example, one poll indicates that 40 percent of Europeans blame the recent global economic crisis on “Jews having too much economic power” -- a canard that has nothing to do with Israel.

Lie No. 9: Israel, not Hamas, is responsible for the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. Goldstone was right when he charged that Israel was guilty of war crimes against civilians.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is obsessed with false anti-Israel resolutions. It refuses to address grievous human rights abuses in Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Cuba and beyond. Faced with similar attacks, every U.N. member-state, including the United States and Canada, surely would have acted more aggressively than the Israel Defense Forces did in Gaza.

Lie No. 10: The only hope for peace is a single, binational state eliminating the Jewish State of Israel.

The one-state solution is a non-starter because it would eliminate the Jewish homeland. However, the current pressures on Israel are equally dangerous. In effect, the world is demanding that Israel, the size of New Jersey, shrink further by accepting a three-state solution: a P.A. state on the West Bank and a Hamas terrorist one in Gaza. All this as Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, stockpiles 50,000 rockets, threatening northern and central Israel’s main population centers.

Current polls show that while most Israelis favor a two-state solution, most Palestinians continue to oppose it.

Full versions of the brochure are available by e-mailing toptenlies@wiesenthal. net or calling 800.900.9036. The online edition is available at http://www. wiesenthal.com/toptenlies.

Rabbi Marvin Hier is the founder and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To the Editor: I’m a Resident of the Blumkin Home and I’m proud of what they did with the building. It makes me more comfortable and I’m proud to be a Jew. Paul Nathan

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:16 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Midrash begins with breakfast, 9:40 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 10 a.m.; Sacred Text Messages (for teens) with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m.; Living in Season with Miriam Gross is cancelled this week.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m.; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www. omahakollel.blogspot.com.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Around the World class, 7:30 p.m. taught via skype.

Join us as we celebrate this year’s graduates at a special Shabbat morning on May 15.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $10 for Beth El members, $15 for non-members.

No charge for children 6 and younger.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; “Minyannaires” -congregants who attended at least 24 daily services during 2009, will be honored during the service followed by a special Kiddush; Minha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Beginning Hebrew, with Eadie Tsabari, and Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.

BESTT 4TH GRADE WEDDING: Sunday, 11:15 a.m., followed by a reception.

PARSHA AND PIZZA: led

by Cantor Schlossberg, Wednesdays, May 12 and 26, 7-8 p.m.

Cost is $18 for Beth El members, $25 for non-members. Register by calling the office.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP: On Wednesday, May 12, 3:30 p.m. will discuss Foreskin’s Lament, by Shalom Auslander.

All women in the Jewish community are invited to join.

SHABBAT ON THE GREEN: A special outdoor Shabbat celebration is planned for Friday, May 14, 5:45 p.m., on the synagogue’s back lawn. Picnic dinner served at 5:45 p.m.; outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat services, 6:45 p.m. Dinner cost: adults, $6.50 (Beth El members), $8.50 (non-members); kids 6-12, $4 (members), $6 (non-members); no charge for children five and younger. To RSVP or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

HIGH SCHOOL: Last session will be Wednesday, May 12, 7– 8:45 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Shir Palmon will speak about her experience on March of the Living.

BESTT GRADUATION: Seventh and 12th graders will be honored during graduation ceremonies during Shabbat services on Saturday, May 15, 9:30 a.m.

All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows.

Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: JLI class, Beyond Never Again, How the Holocaust Speaks to Us Today, 7 p.m. Visit www.OChabad.com for more details or to register.

THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to receive a guest pass.

FRIDAY, May 14: Service, 7

BAT MITZVAH Sarah Jeanne Prescott, daugther of Karen Schliefert and Michael Prescott, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 15, at Temple Israel.

Sarah is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School.

For her mitzvah project, Sarah volunteered at Town and Country Humane Society.

She has a brother, Benjamin.

Grandmother is Lila Lutz of Boca Raton, FL.

a.m.; Parsha Club for the Elderly at the Blumkin Home, 3 p.m.

Contact shevi@ochabad.com to make sure your parent or friend at the home can join the program and learn about the Parsha.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Oneg, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Baking, 10:30 a.m. with Joshua Shapiro; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

SUNDAY: Mother’s Day Concert, 1:45 p.m. special Tea Time hosted by LOVE.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet; SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grade 10

Rehearsal, 6 p.m.; Grade 12 Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

12th Grade Graduation/ Confirmation Service and OTYG Installations, Friday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Recruiting Volunteers to Paint the Classrooms, Sunday, May 16, 10 a.m. Contact Mimi Silverman, mimitaffet@cox.net, if you plan to attend. Bagels and coffee will be provided.

10th Grade Confirmation, WRJ Installations and Erev Shavuot, Tuesday, May 18, 6 p.m.

Shavuot Yizkor Service, Wednesday, May 19, 10:30 a.m.

Kol Rina on Key, Friday, May 21, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel and Sunday, May 23, 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 5410 Corby St. MRJ: First Softball game Temple Israel vs Beth El, 10 a.m. at the JCC Fields.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and Friday, 8-11 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch, Lunch and Learn, and Talmud study.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Israeli painter Avigdor Arikha dies

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli painter Avigdor Arikha died at his home in Paris.

Arikha, whose work was influenced by his experiences as a Holocaust survivor was 81.

Arikha began as an abstract artist, but renounced it in the mid-1960s in favor of representationalism, according to The New York Times. He is known for painting everyday things, including the view from his studio window, chairs and tables, clothing and other household things, as well as portraits.

Arikha also wrote and lectured

extensively on art history and curated several exhibitions at major museums, the Times reported.

Arikha was deported by the Nazis from Czernowitz, then in Romania, at the age of 12 in 1941 to a Ukrainian labor camp.

He drew what he saw at the camp on pieces of butcher paper, according to the Times.

In 1944 he and his sister were taken to Palestine by the International Red Cross, where they were joined by their mother. He served in Israel's 1948 War of Independence and later studied art in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

Stolen Torah scrolls returned

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Five Torah scrolls stolen from a Brooklyn synagogue were returned.

A person who said he knew the thieves brought the Torah scrolls, discovered stolen April 28 from the Khal Yirei Hashem Synagogue, also known as the Karlsburg Synagogue, in the Borough Park section to the office of Brooklyn's district attorney on Sunday.

A reward of $10,000 had been offered for the return of the Torah scrolls, which are worth more than $30,000 each. Two silver crowns and breast plates also were reported missing.

The scrolls had been stolen from a safe with a combination lock and there was no sign of forced entry, leading police to investigate the theft as an inside job, the New York Daily News reported.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

May 7, 2010

Nature or Religion?

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat BeHar A farmer of our time would be amused to read our Sidrah.

And yet, undoubtedly, he would be interested in seeing how ancient farmers tried to prevent emptying their fields of productive power. The idea of letting the fields lie fallow for one in seven years would simply mean flirting with bankruptcy.

But the ancients, having no knowledge of the chemistry of agriculture, found that the secret of preventing the failure of their fields was in giving the fields one whole year in seven to reproduce their strength.

“The one in seven” was not, of course, accidental. It is based on the Sabbath every week, one day in seven of rest and reinvigoration.

Our ancient ancestors deserved to be pleased with their solution to the problem of possible depletion of their field’s productivity. If one day in seven was to be a Sabbath, a day of rest, the fields were also to have a Sabbath (the term Sabbath is actually used!) to prevent the emptying out of the productive power of the fields.

Nature, they thought, would reward those who treated carefully God’s gifts to humankind.

Readers, of course, were prepared for this from reading the Sh’ma, which already understood the variation in production of sustenance. But note that the Sh’ma links production and non-production of sustenance with morality and immorality, and the intervention of Deity rather than Nature.

Thus, we have in the Torah itself the juxtaposition of the power of Nature, and the power of God.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

and Susan Rubnitz of Winnetka, IL; sister-in-law Phyllis Aronson; nieces and nephews.

Miriam served as president of Hadassah, the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations, and Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood. She was also Chairman of the Women’s Division of the UFA/Federation Campaign and the Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. She organized and served as the first chairman of the LOVE program for the Elderly and also as the first chairman of the Soviet Jewish Resettlement Committee.

Memorials to the Ervin and Miriam Simon Endowment Fund, in care of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE, 68154; or the charity of your choice.

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DEATH MIRIAM RUBNITZ SIMON Miriam R Simon passed away on April 26 in Palm Coast, FL. Funeral services were held April 28 in Daytona Beach, FL and performed by her son-in-law, Rabbi Baruch Gold.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ervin Simon; her son, Neil Simon; her sister and brother-in-law, Josephine and Stephen Fraenkel; her sister-inlaw and brother-in-law, Lenore and Harvey Aronson; and two nephews.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Rainer Martens of Ormond Beach, FL, and Sara and Baruch Gold of Betar Illit, Israel; grandchildren Dania and Alon Namdar, Chava Gold, Natanel Gold and Galit Shatiel, Shlomo Gold, and Shirel Gold; great-grandson, Eithan Yisrael Gold; brother and sister-in-law Myron

Page 15

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Sandra Bullock’s big news

by AMI EDEN For most media outlets, the headlines from People’s recent interview with Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock are: She’s droping her cad of a husband and she’s in the process of adopting a little baby from New Orleans.

The big news for JTA: She reportedly helped welcome Louis Bardo Bullock into her life with an at-home bris.

Some corners of the blogosphere were citing the report as proof that Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johanson have competition for Hollywood’s most beautiful Jewess award.

But plenty of celeb-obsessed Web sites said the opposite, insisting that what’s newsworthy here is that a nonJewish movie star chose to go with a Jewish ritual circumcision. Take this snippet from Hollywood Life, ‘It is surprising that Sandra opted to have a bris, considering neither she nor her soon-to-be-ex-husband Jesse James are Jewish (not to mention Jesse’s apparent interest in Nazis, as captured in photographs)’.

Oh, wait, the celebrity Web site quickly adds, there is a Jewish connection of sorts. The only Jewish person connected to Jesse, that we know of, is his godfather, who Jesse says gave him the Nazi hat he was photographed wearing.

And now, Bullock, in her own words. “A friend of ours helped arrange for a bris at the house, because we couldn’t go [to a hospital for the procedure]. The mohel [a person trained in the practice] came to us. You have never seen adults more panicked about what was about to happen to their son, but the celebration and the

Photographs wanted The Jewish Press is looking for photographs taken by members of the community. Think pictures you have taken during your last trip to Israel, when you visited that phenomenal synagogue in Prague, or that particularly well designed Seder table your grandmother puts together every year. We are looking for originality and diversity, and will soon start running the nicest photographs in this paper. Want to share your creative talents? Email your best work to avandekamp@jewishomaha.org, accompanied by your name, contact information, and a short description of when and where the photograph was taken, and why you want to share it. Take your best shot, and who knows; you just might see it back in these pages.

amount of love we felt and the pride in the little man whom we love so, so much became the greatest moment I have ever had in my life.”

Wonder if she chatted beforehand with Christina Aguilera about the balloons.

This whole thing is more common than you think. At least if you believe what you read in the Forward. Check out this article from 2007: Mohels Give Non-Jewish Babies a Slice of Tradition.

Although commonly recognized as performers of the brith milah, or Jewish circumcision, an increasing number of mohels are finding themselves handling the rituals for non-Jewish babies (even when, as in the DeCaros’ case, the father happens to be an ordained minister).

Sherman, 51, may be one of the most prolific circumcisers in the tri-state area, but others -- including Emily Blake in New York and Joel Shoulson in Philadelphia -have also found their services called upon by non-Jewish families. While it’s not clear exactly how many mohels offer nonritual circumcisions, the practice is, according to Shoulson -- an Orthodox-trained mohel who has circumcised Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus during his 50-year career -- very widespread.

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For those with milk allergies

DEALERS WANTED. Red Roof Antiques & Collectibles, North Platte, Nebraska, conveniently located on I-80. 13,000 sq. ft. and currently 50+ dealers. Open 7 days. Call for details, 308-532-4841.

DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $35,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap.

FLOOR MODEL Hot Tub Sale, $995 to $4,995. Walk-in bathtubs. Direct from manufacturer. Call 1-800-869-0406. We deliver. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE, goodlifespa.com.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.

SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold!

4 BEDROOM 2 Bath. Incredible Government Rebate Program. Move to your land or family land. All site improvements included. Won’t last. 800-375-3115.

FOR SALE: Well established bowling center in Central Nebraska. Eight lanes, well-maintained and updated equipment. Kitchen has wet ansul system. Call 308-452-3741 or 308-233-7738.

AIRPORT MANAGER. See details at www.columbusne.us. Beginning rate $29,256 plus competitive benefits. Email to Oglevie@columbusne.us.

HELP WANTED: Aurora Mall is seeking full-time office associate. Necessary skills involve bookwork and human resource tasks. The position can take on multiple forms such as assisting with marketing, merchandising, IT, etc. Benefits available and an hourly rate will be paid accordingly. Bonuses would be paid to person for exceptional contributions to the company. Contact Patrick Clarke, 402-694-6121.

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Helps fight leg cramps

Statewide Classified ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $210/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 3346448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

DRIVERS FOR Fleet Owners & O/O’s. Dedicated runs from Aurora/Sidney, NE. CDL A Haz/Doubles. 1 year OTR experience required. Top pay. 561-315-9373.

Fights osteoporosis CAL-09902 Rev 0709 Copyright © 2009 Mission Pharmacal Company. All rights reserved.

Steel Build i Factory LIQUIDATION n g s 1-800-655-5104 •65x110 •50x100 •40x60 •60x96 •50x50 •30x50 Limited Time Offer - Call Now for Quotes

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

IF YOU used Type 2 Diabetes drug Avandia and suffered a stroke or heart attack, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson, 1-800-535-5727.

FREE INSTANT Health Insurance quote from several carriers. Nebraska owned Company Business Insurance Group. Go to www.unitedamericannational.com or call toll free 888-330-3988. Go Huskers!

GOT TERMITES? Call Bear Termite Company. Over 30 years in business. We’ve earned the B.B.B. Excellence Award the last 6 years. Phone 800-241-7179.

HIGH SPEED Internet. Still waiting for high-speed where you live? Call WildBlue!

Available virtually anywhere through satellite! Call now for a limited time special offer. 1800-820-0154.

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7, 2010