May 9, 2003

Vol. LXXXII

No. 36

Omaha, NE

7 Iyyar, 5763

May 9, 2003

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 82 YEARS

Kinarksy is First Omaha Teen Selected as Bronfman Fellow

by JEWISH PRESS News Service Alana Kinarksy, daughter of Leo and Yulia Kinarsky, has been chosen as one of only 26 recipients of the Bronfman Youth Fellowship for 2003 from America and Canada. She will travel to Israel this summer and participate in a fully-paid five-week program of Jewish studies and touring. She is the first Omahan to have been selected for this prestigious program.

Alana Kinarksy A junior at Burke High School, Alana is a member of the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Principal’s Advisory Board and hockey club. She is also active in the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO), where she was recently elected to the office of BBG Council President. She was also the first teen from the former Soviet Union to be selected as Chaim Weizmann AZA’s Sweetheart at their annual dance in 2002. In addition, she is the junior representative for Beth El Synagogue’s BILU Chapter of USY. The Bronfman Youth Fellowship was established by the Bronfman family in order to introduce a select group of teen leaders to the Judaism and the Jewish world through the lens of Israel. The program uses the country’s historic sites and natural beauty, its political dilemmas and social struggles, as background for examining questions of Jewish (Continued on page 10)

NCJW to Present Awards at Annual Installation

by SALLY ZIPURSKY, Public Relations Vice-president National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section have announced that the 2003 recipients of the Hannah G. Solomon Award, the Emerging Leader Award and the Distinguished Service Award are Murray and Sharee Newman, Deb Marburg and Beth Friedman, respectively.

The awards will be presented at NCJW's Installation and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., at Happy Hollow Country Club, 1705 S0. 105 St.

Livingston Foundation, Temple Israel, and the AntiDefamation League. Add in Planned Parenthood, Nebraskans for Research, Joslyn Art Museum and Girls Inc. and you get some idea of the scope of the Newman’s interests and influence.

Many volunteers give of their time, but Murray and Sharee expand their volunteerism by generously giving their financial support. Through their Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Foundation, Inc. they have funded numerous programs and projects

Murray Newman Sharee Newman The Hannah G. Solomon Award is a national award to be presented to Murray and Sharee Newman for their leadership efforts and service in helping change lives.

Together they have been active volunteers in all segments of Omaha Jewish and community life-having served on the boards of directors of the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation, The Foundation of the Jewish Federation, the

Deb Marburg Beth Friedman that benefit Jewish causes. In addition, they maintain a separate Supporting Foundation furthering the purposes of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

To receive the Emerging Leader Award a nominee must have potential for future leadership. Of, course, she must understand and support NCJW purposes. She must currently serve on the Board or chair a committee, serving for less that five years.

(Continued on page 8)

Senior Services Advocate will Headline HAZAK Panel on Aging

Dr. Jonathan Adelman Returns to Omaha

Rappin’ with the Rabbis

by OZZIE NOGG On Sunday, May 25, 3 p.m., Beth El’s HAZAK group will sponsor a panel discussion on senior care and housing options in Omaha and Nebraska.

“This forum is a free service to the entire Omaha community,” said Jim Wax, HAZAK President. “It will be a time to discuss the changing needs of seniors and to hear more about the studies and research going Carolyn Leeds, Endowment on concerning their Associate and Director of care. Making deci- Special Projects for the sions about the Jewish Federation of best options is a Indianapolis. very individual choice. Each family’s situation is different, and each personπs need for independence and autonomy must be respected. We’ll all benefit from learning more about whatπs available and what is planned in the area of senior adult care and housing--not only as caregivers for our parents, but also for us in the future."

The guest speaker at the May 25 event is Carolyn Leeds, a senior services advocate from Indianapolis and mother of Kathy Schmitt, Beth El’s Program Director. Leeds is the Endowment Associate and

by BETH COHEN, Executive Director Beth Israel Synagogue is bringing Dr. Jonathan Adelman back to Omaha for a Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat, Friday and Saturday, May 23-24.

Dr. Adelman is a professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Prior to his position at the University Dr. Jonathan of Denver, he was a Senior Adelman Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and a Senior Scientist at the Department of Defense.

He was also the Dissertation Advisor to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. In addition, Dr. Adelman has been a visiting professor at the University of Haifa and an Honorary Professor at the University of Peking.

His travels have brought him to Israel some 25 times, and he has been on 14 lecture tours with the State Department to 13 countries including Russia, China, Germany, Japan, and England. He is a frequent lecturer with AIPAC and is a most sought after speaker across the country and abroad. He has previously lectured in Omaha through the AntiDefamation League in conjunction with AIPAC. His presentations reflect the very latest on the political scene and foreign affairs.

On Friday, May 23, following 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat

(Continued on page 7)

(Continued on page 10)

by JILL BELMONT So you think you know your synagogue’s rabbi fairly well, hmmmm? Feeling pretty confident about that?

OK, let’s see how you do with this quiz: Who sported a snazzy afro during his younger years? Who took accordion lessons and later played in a band called Glatt Rock? Who was recruited to play college baseball (and reportedly does a mean Kermit the Frog imitation)? Who, shortly after receiving his driver’s license, drove a 72-passenger bus and backed it into a light pole?

For answers to these questions and other fun facts about Omaha’s pulpit rabbis, plan to attend Hadassah’s annual H.I.E.S. luncheon on Wednesday, May 28, 11:45 a.m., at Beth Israel Synagogue.

This year’s get-together, with the theme, “Rappin’ with the Rabbis,” will offer attendees the opportunity to get to know Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Craig Marantz of Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue, and Chabad House’s Rabbi Mendel Katzman, during an informal questionand-answer session, according to event chairwoman, Bette Kozlen.

(Continued on page 10)

INSIDE: Lincoln Congregation Hires Rabbi Debbie Stiel .................................. page 2 Teen Age .................................................... page 9 Highlights of YomHaShoah ................. page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 9 Temple Israel Artists in Residence Renee Brachfeld and Mark Novak 9-10-11, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 10 Out of Sight Saturday Night, 6:30 p.m.

C L SUNDAY, MAY 11 I JSS This Ain’t Your Bubbe’s Yiddish Theatre, 2 p.m.

P & S A V E

MONDAY, MAY 12 YES Program, 10 a.m.

Florence Melton Adult Mini School, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Driver's Ed. Class, 6 p.m.

Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Foundations in Drawing, 7 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, MAY 13 Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Lunch & Learn, noon, at Kripke Federation Library Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m.

Driver’s Ed. Class, 6 p.m.

Florence Melton Adult Mini School Graduation and Reception, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 Federation/Synagogue Presidents & Rabbis Meeting, noon B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge BESTT High School Dinner, 6 p.m.

C Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Board Meeting, L 7 p.m.

I JCC Dance Recital, 7 p.m.

P Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m.at Beth Israel

C L I P

&

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S A V E

THURSDAY, MAY 15 Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m.

Kripke Library Monthly Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Visions at the Lied for Aida, 2 p.m.

JCC Dance Recital, 7 p.m.

All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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

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SPARKS FROM THE WORD A Commandment to Count

by RABBI CRAIG MARANTZ Parashat Emor Modern theologian, Rabbi Arthur Green writes: “The farmer stands in awe of the miraculous gift he has been given, the produce that his soil and labors have brought forth. ‘Is it mine?’ he asks in wonder, hesitating to partake of it despite all the effort he has put into his growth.

“Only the gift of God at the beginning, parallel to that of the firstborn among flocks and children and that of the fruits of the trees, gives him the ability to partake of the earth’s blessing...The symbol of manna, ‘bread from heaven,’ underlies the pious person’s attitude toward food and sustenance.

Work it as it may, we still see it as the gift of God, our daily survival as miracle. As we begin our meals with blessings to God, so did the farmer start and conclude his harvest with a sacred gift.”

Green’s thoughts on thanksgiving reflect the ancient practice of sefirat ha-omer, the counting of the omer, a ritual whose roots are found in parashat Emor (see Lev. 23:15-21).

In ancient days, the spring harvest began on the second day of Pesach, marked by the bringing of the omer, a grain offering which initiated the harvesting of the new crop. The harvest (and the 49 days of counting) concluded on Shavuot, the 50th day, with the offering of shtei ha-lekhem--two loaves of bread.

So why a commandment to count? Well, technically speaking, one was not allowed to eat from the new crop of grain until the omer was offered on the second day of Pesach. It was also forbidden to offer grain sacrifices in the Temple until the two loaves of bread were brought to the altar. So counting the omer became the way to mark the harvest period between Pesach and Shavuot. And, in its own way, sefirat ha-omer expressed hope and gratitude for a bountiful yield.

But sefirat ha-omer does more.

Counting also provides an important period of time for intensive, disciplined reflection on what links Pesach and Shavuot.

According to the contemporary rabbi Michael Strassfeld, speaking in the name of the Sages, Pesach without Shavuot is incomplete. These seven weeks help us recount the power of Pesach to change our lives and the possibilities of Shavuot to shape these changes in the spirit of Torah.

Pesach, of course, is the central story of our freedom–freedom from Egyptian slavery, freedom to worship our one God, freedom to be a holy people.

And Shavuot marks the giving of the mitzvot, the manifestation of the brit between God and Israel, a covenant born in Egypt and confirmed at Sinai, a pact which infuses a certain responsibility into this blessed freedom.

Ultimately, Pesach transforms Israel from being anshei pharaoh, slaves of Pharaoh. And, in turn, Shavuot helps us renew the receipt of Torah, which enables Israel to become anshei hashem--servants of the Holy One. Sefirat ha-omer remains an important practice, a ritual chain that connects two transformative events in our people’s history, the Exodus and Sinai.

Counting the omer gives us seven weeks to reflect intensively on the power of freedom and the relationship of that freedom to Torah.

The great rebbe Nachman of Bratslav taught that when a person pays attention to what happens to him each day of sefirat ha-omer, he soon becomes aware that all he sees and hears during these days serves to align him with God’s will and blessings.

So, as we approach Sinai, free from the shackles of slavery and eager to witness the revelation of Torah, may we pay close attention to what unfolds in the days of counting and be ever appreciative of the sacred gifts in our lives.

Shabbat shalom!

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day and Friday, June 6 for Shavuot. The deadlines for ads, photos and articles are at noon as follows: Issue Deadline May 30 Wednesday, May 21 June 13 Wednesday, June 4 Questions? Call 334-6448.

DEATHS LILLY JOSEPH Lilly Joseph died in Austin, TX, at the age of 94.

Services were May 2 at Fisher Farm Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Joseph and a son, Robert S. Joseph.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Clairette Joseph of Austin; daughter Beverly Gendler of Omaha; grandchildren, Jack Joseph of Austin, Melissa and Craig Markham of Davie, FL, Larry Gendler and Tamara Field of Papillion; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorials to charity of choice.

HAROLD PERELMAN Harold Perelman died at the age of 85. Services were held May 2 at Beth El cemetery; Perelman’s grandson, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi of Des Moines, IA, officiated.

He is survived by his wife, Rose; his daughter, Pamela Greenberg; sons and daughters-in-law, Sheldon and Paula Perelman, Dell and Eileen Perelman; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Margaret Cohn, Jeff and Pam Cohn; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Betty Perelman and Melvin and Joan Perelman; sister-in-law, Minette Katz; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials to charity of choice.

@@@@@@@@ Lincoln’s B’nai Jeshurun Welcomes Rabbi Stiel

by SARAH KELEN Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Lincoln’s South Street Temple, has hired Rabbi Debbie Stiel to its pulpit. Rabbi Stiel is well known to many Jewish Press readers for her work as an Educator at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the JCC, and from her previous position as Associate Rabbi at Omaha’s Temple Israel.

According to the search committee, members of the South Street Temple were immediately impressed with Rabbi Stiel’s dedication to the education of both children and adults, including the enthusiasm for informal education that she demonstrates through her work as a member of the Rabbinic Staff at Camp Olin Sang Ruby.

Rabbi Stiel has a wide range of experience with different size congrega- Rabbi Debbie Stiel tions, including Temple Israel’s 800 families as well as the Ames Jewish Congregation’s 65 families.

Rabbi Stiel’s love of sharing both knowledge and spirituality with others, and her personal goal of making the synagogue a “warm, welcoming, and vibrant place” make her a great match for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s dedicated and diverse congregation.

Although she will continue to live in Omaha, Rabbi Stiel is looking forward to involving herself in Jewish life in Lincoln, and she is enthusiastic about joining her new congregation.

“I am very excited about serving as the rabbi of B’nai Jeshurun in Lincoln. After serving at Temple Israel in Omaha for eight years as the second rabbi and working for a year as the Judaic educator at the CDC, this seems like the right next step for me.” explained Rabbi Stiel. “I am impressed by the members’ strong sense of community, their commitment to the congregation, and their pride in the history of the South Street Temple.

“I know there is a strong desire to continue to build a vibrant future for Reform Jews in Lincoln, and I am looking forward to being involved in that process.”

Rabbi Stiel’s connections in the Omaha Jewish community can also help forge stronger links between these two Jewish communities less than an hour apart. Her term as the rabbi will begin July 1. B’nai Jeshurun has used the services of Rabbi Joshua Taub as Interim Rabbi since Rabbi Michael Weisser departed for New Zealand in January.

May 9, 2003

SYNAGOGUES

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Candlelighting Friday, May 9 .............................................. 8:11 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism

7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

1502 No. 52 St., Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB--www.bethel-omaha.org

FRIDAY: Men’s Club, 11:45 a.m. All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation; Early Worship Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. Family Shabbat Worship Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Artists-in-Residence Renée Brachfeld and Mark Novak will present a D’var Torah in Story and Song. An Oneg Shabbat with Israeli Folk Dancing will be sponsored by Kathy and Stan Hirshman in honor of their son David, and by WRJ. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9 a.m., in the Milder Center, Artists-in-Residence will present “The Art of Prayer: The Spiritual Magic of Niggun.”

Morning service, 10:30 a.m., David Lloyd Hirshman, son of Kathy and Stan Hirshman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is religious school. Charge is $2 per family.

Please make reservations with the office.

SUNDAY: Join Artists-in-Residence Renée Brachfeld and Mark Novak for “Too Much Fun: Stories and Songs from the Jewish Tradition” at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary; and This Ain’t Your Bubbe’s Yiddish Theater (in English)! at 2 p.m. in the JCC Theater. This program is sponsored by the Janis Yale Enrichment Fund. All events are open to the community at no charge.

ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, May 15: Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.

SHABBAT COMES TO YOU FRIDAY, May 16: Rabbi Azriel and OTYG will lead a Shabbat Service, 3:45 p.m. at Remington Heights.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; The West Minyan is at the home of Jack and Bette Kozlen, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m., Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood.

Mincha, 8:05 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 9:18 p.m.

A weekly e-mail update is now being sent out, listing synagogue events. Please e-mail the office to be on the list.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:45 p.m MONDAY: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Sisterhood Board Meeting, 11 a.m., followed by luncheon at 12:30 p.m. featuring a cooking demo by Nancy Mattly of Culinary Services.

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Come join a joyous, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought For Shabbat” e-mail message, please send your e-mail address to Exec@bethel-omaha.org. This message is free and open to the entire community.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Eugene Turetsky, son of Boris and Lucy Turetsky, who will host kiddish following services. Rabbi Levin’s Torah Class meets at 7:55 p.m. Evening services at 8:15 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; Evening services and Study Session, 5:30 p.m. This relaxed, informal minyan, is led by Gastón Bogomolni. This week’s topic: The Torah Service and Its Prayers; WEEKDAY SERVICES: 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m, led by Cantor Emil Berkovits.

Thursday, May 15: Introduction to Judaism class with Rabbi Levin, noon, topic is “Uncovering the Deep Messages of the Jewish Holidays”; USY annual banquet, 6 p.m., including installation.

Sunday, May 18: Zimriyah Songfest, 10:30 a.m.

BESST faculty will be honored at this annual event featuring BESST students and Youth Choir.

CHABAD HOUSE

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 tiferethisraellincoln.org

423-8569

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. Baby naming for the daughter of Lisa (Schwartzbach) Ryan, followed by Kiddush.

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

All services are held in the Herbet Goldsten Chapel and are open to the community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations

2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. Callie Feingold Bat Mitzvah.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m.; WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Library.

An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.nebraskajudaism.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Monday-Friday: Services at 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services at 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services at 8:30 a.m.

BEYT SHALOM

An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

3012 S. 119th St., Omaha, NE 68124-5130

P.O. Box 241130 402-592-4082

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue.

SATURDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

SUNDAY: Final Day of Religious Hebrew School, 3:30 p.m. at the JCC. TUESDAY: Final class for Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at the JCC.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 e-mail: doc jeb @aol.com FRIDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Oneg will follow.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway, Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m..

B’NAI MITZVAH Michael Barnett Evnen, son of Bob and Debra Evnen, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 17 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln.

A seventh-grade student at Irving Middle School, he enjoys theater, skateboarding and bowling, and plays violin in the orchestra and guitar in his band.

In honor of his Bar Mitzvah, he is contributing to the UJC’s Israel Emergency Fund to aid victims of terrorism.

Grandparents are Elaine and Everett Evnen of Lincoln, and Kathryn and Milton Beamer of Honolulu, HI. Joe Goldberg, son of Wendy and David Goldberg, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 17, at Temple Israel.

A seventh-grade honor student at Westside Middle School, Joe enjoys following sports and playing football. He plays the trumpet and piano and is a member of the Westside Middle School Show Choir.

For his mitzvah project Joe wanted a one-on-one experience. He is fortunate to have found a perfect match and has enjoyed building a friendship which will prove to be lifelong.

Joe has two sisters, Molly and Sophie.

Grandparents are Nancy and Don Greenberg and Carol and Manny Goldberg.

Great-grandmother is Sarah Becker of Hollywood, FL. Other great-grandparents are the late Sylvia and Morton Friedlander, the late Elmer and Lillian Greenberg, the late Morris and Frances Goldberg, the late Jack and Fannie Witner and the late Irving Becker.

Kevin and Rachel Kirshenbaum, the children of Scott and Barb Kirshenbaum, will celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah on May 17 at Beth El Synagogue.

Kevin, an eighth-grader at Beadle Middle School is active in football and track. His interests are music, computers, and hanging out with friends.

Rachel, a seventh-grader at Beadle Middle School is active in track and dance. Her interests are shopping, talking on the phone, and spending time with her friends.

They have two brothers, Alex and Jacob.

Grandparents are Max and Shirley Kirshenbaum, Betty Gillogly and the late Bernard Gillogly.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 9, 2003

Happy Birthday, Israel!

EDITORIAL For 55 years, the tiny State of Israel has proved the world wrong. Fighting against well-equipped Arab armies in 1948, Israeli soldiers have proved to be second only to the military personnel of the United States. Winning then, and again in 1956, 1967, and 1973, Israel remains the only beacon of democracy in a neighborhood of brutal dictators, failed monarchs and puppet parliaments.

In a single year, Israel translates more books into Hebrew than all the Arab countries combined have translated since the ninth century (thanks to Bernard Lewis’ latest book, The Crisis in Islam, for that tidbit!).

Despite the recent downturn in the economy and the terrorist attacks of 9-11, Israeli companies still have issued more IPOs than any other country except for the United States; it has more research scientists per capita and has won more Nobel prizes per capita--again, except for India in the first example and the United States in the second.

Without space limitations, the list of achievements could continue for pages. But even with its successes, the leadership of Israel understands its challenges. While the “Road Map” may be important to the world community, other domestic issues take

priority, including, but not limited to the following (in no particular order): • Creating a less socialist, more freemarket economy by privatizing more industry and lessening the stranglehold of Israel’s labor unions; • Upgrading the quality--and quantity of accessible, affordable day care programs and full-day school programs for working families with higher pay for teachers and childcare givers; • Cleaning up the environment (especially Israel’s rivers and parks) through recycling and anti-litter campaigns, desalinization plants for a long-term supply of clean water and developing alternative fuel sources; • Working to reduce traffic accidents and deaths (More Israelis have been killed on the roads since 1948 than in all its wars and terrorism combined); • Working to reduce the rate of breast cancer through education, more access to early detection efforts and mobile mammogram units (and thanks to our Partnership 2000 efforts, the Western Galilee, Jewish and Arab women in the northeast part of Israel now have one!); • National Service for everyone, including yeshiva students (who would not necessarily be the best can-

didates for basic training and combat), but who could provide direct assistance to those in hospitals, day care centers, schools and nursing homes (something we should think about in this country, too!); • A campaign to reduce smoking, its effects on the health of Israelis and the burden on its health care system; • An option for civil marriage for all

citizens and foreign workers of Israel.

Needless to say, Israel needs a safe, secure environment in which to accomplish these monumental tasks. We haven’t even achieved all of this in America--and we’re four times as old!

Regardless of Israel’s successes--and its continuing challenges--we in the Diaspora share in the simcha of Israel’s 55th birthday! Chag Samayach!

With an Everlasting Love?

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by RABBI DANIEL GREYBER, Executive Director, Camp Ramah in California Enjoying my last few hours in Jerusalem a few weeks, I sat in Kikar Tzion “dafka”--just to spite those terrorists who have tried to drive people like me away from the center of Jerusalem. Though as each bus passes on Jaffe Street behind me I think about how it could blow up, I want to fulfill the mitzvah of yishuv ha-aretz-settling or sitting on the land of Israel, if only for a few puny minutes before my plane departs tomorrow morning destination diaspora.

Israelis--not tourists--bustle about the thin streets. A bulldozer backs up in front of me, part of sidewalk repairs. It is a good time for construction in the pedestrian and commercial center of Jerusalem--work while waiting for the tourists to return.

I am reminded of how, when the Bay Bridge was closed for a month after the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, they repaired not only the part that was damaged in the quake; with no cars, no traffic to work around, they finished 10 years of scheduled maintenance in one month. So the Israelis get in and work while here I sit, a solitary tourist in an empty city.

At a restaurant on Emek Refaim a waitress had forgotten to bring water for our table. We reminded her.

“Ani mitnatzelet,” she said. “I apologize for my mistake. I’ll bring it in just a minute.”

Of the more than two years I have

lived in Israel, it is the first time I remember hearing a waitress apologize. Perhaps Israel has changed, is more American, more service oriented. The customer is always right.

But these days I fear good service masks desperation. I miss the sabraness for it meant times were good.

A man asks me for money. He is Sephardic. Or Arab. Two Israeli women soldiers walk over to this scene. “Me-afo atah?” “Where are you from?” they ask him. I put another shekel in his hand and he moves on.

For a moment I wish they could have found more humanity in that moment but who am I? Have I the burden of two years of army service (three for men)? Have I lost a friend or a child or a mom or dad to a bomb for the crime of eating at a restaurant? For riding a bus? For driving on a road?

I am a tourist. My plane leaves tomorrow so I remind myself of my limited perspective, reflect on my arrogance, forgive their humanity, and try to love them as one who truly loves. True love forgives imperfections in those we love, not naively, not blindly, but sitting in the sun of Jerusalem I try to love Israel and her people.

I am not a hero daring to sit on the streets of Jerusalem for a few measly hours--I am in love.

What does it mean to love a country? I purposefully waited to buy new deodorant before

leaving the States though the Speed Stick ran low in my medicine bag. I want toiletries with Hebrew writing.

I treasure an intimate souvenir like medicines and gum, a few shekels in my pocket--a keepsake to hold onto, to caress and fiddle with when you get nervous or bored.

A tangible reminder under my arms.

I have felt like a kid in a candy shop these past 10 days. I love the mundane. I love shopping in the Herzaliya mall for cds with Hebrew rap music (this is not your parent’s Israel). I love traffic jams as impatient cars lurch forward inches apart.

I feel blessed to be honked at.

But sitting in Kikar Tzion, I wonder and doubt and am quietly ashamed and afraid: Does American Jewry love Israel? What kind of love remains? Is it the fiery yet fleeting love of teenagers or the tested committed love of marriage, of building a life together? Or is there no love at all?

Did you know that approximately 80% of American Jews have never been to Israel? Jews have lacked a place of their own for 2,500 years, yet most American Jews have not even bought a plane ticket. In moments of frustration, I despair about how we do not go to Israel while we have money for vacations at Disney World and the beach, for skiing and cruises. Yet how can one bemoan the 80% who

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have never come when even the 20% who have been before are not coming now. How empty are her streets!

A shopkeeper at a once very popular jewelry store on Yoel Solomon said I was his first customer in two months from “chul--chutz la’aretz”--literally “outside the land.”

Is this love? Our friend, our lover, our spouse, our family suffers and we decide to stay away until it is safe? I could forgive an acquaintance for not visiting me in the hospital but not my brother, my best friend, my lover, my spouse. Israelis feel alone. They are too proud, too strong to tell us but we have abandoned them. One could understand that international tourists have been scared away. I could understand if Christians too decided to wait for a safer day to visit Israel (though they still come while we do not!). Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot: three pilgrimage festivals when Jews flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate and worship together. But American Jewish pilgrims have been scared away.

In the end I believe, I must believe, that Israel will survive. Her economy teeters, creaking under the weight of a military still too necessary, suffering from isolation from Europe, from Arab neighbors and now us.

But Israel is strong--stronger militarily and economically than of her (Continued on next page)

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Scott Meyerson; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Melanie Weinstein; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member).

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

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

May 9, 2003

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

CHALLENGES AT 55

Mr. Powell: Here’s Your Answer from Syria

As Economic and Social Gaps Widen, Democratic Pluralism Must be Instilled

by TONY HADDAD, President Lebanese American Council For Democracy WASHINGTON, DC--Syria gave proof to the old adage that “actions speak louder than words.”

While Secretary of State Colin Powell got lip service May 5 in Damascus about the closing of “some” of the offices of Palestinian terrorist groups, Syria’s true answer to American concerns came while Powell met today with officials of Syria’s puppet government in Lebanon.

During that meeting, an anti-American demonstration took place in Beirut. Cronies of Syria threatened further terrorist attacks against Americans, holding aloft such slogans as “Liar Bush--Remember How We Bombed Your Marines”, (in reference to the 241 American Marines that were killed in a Syrian-sponsored terrorist attack in 1983), “Revolt and Resist the American British Zionist Invasion”, “Kill the Americans in Doha, Saudi Arabia and Iraq”, and “Death to America.”

And these so-called protesters made clear their intent to sabotage Middle East peace with such banners as “No To The Roadmap.” The Lebanese puppet regime took no action to quell these ominous pro-terrorism voices.

But simultaneously, another demonstration took place, one which accurately reflects the true feelings of the Lebanese people. These peaceful activists held up banners reading “No To the Syrian Occupation”, “Save Our Nation From The Occupation”, “We Want Implementation of Resolution 520”, “Syria Out Now, The Syrian Regime Is A Copy Of The Saddam Regime”, and “Yes To Freedom, Yes To 520, No To Terrorism.”

These peaceful demonstrators were met with a violent reaction from the security forces which sent dozens of activists to hospitals, and others to prison.

When it comes to Syrian behavior, this is déja vu.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, Syria felt vulnerable and promised cooperation in the War on Terrorism, but at the same time illegally imported Iraqi oil and provided Iraq with hard currency to re-arm itself and transferred the arms shipment to Saddam, which cost American lives.

And at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when Coalition forces were at their most vulnerable, Syria sent night vision goggles and mujahedeen fighters to Iraq to kill Americans.

In fact, Syrian dictator Assad himself said publicly that the Coalition forces in Iraq will have the same fate as the Americans and the Israelis in Lebanon-i.e., drive those forces out with terrorist attacks. Syria has repeatedly given lip service to the United States, but has consistently acted against American interests as its planning to do now with the peace process and in Iraq.

On May 1, 2003, on the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, President Bush said, “Any outlaw regime that has ties to terrorist groups and seeks or possesses weapons of mass destruction is a grave danger to the civilized world-and will be confronted.”

The Syrian regime is an outlaw regime which stands in direct violation of U.N. Resolution 520 which calls for its withdrawal from Lebanon and anti-terrorist UN resolution 1373. The Syrian regime possesses weapons of mass destruction, and has direct operational control over the most dangerous terrorist group of all-Hezbollah.

President Bush also said that “anyone in the world, including the Arab world, who works and sacrifices for freedom has a loyal friend in the United States of America.”

The Lebanese-American Council for Democracy reminds President Bush and Secretary Powell that Lebanon was a democracy prior to Syrian occupation, and that the Lebanese people have been working and sacrificing for freedom since 1976, when Syria first gained its stranglehold over that land.

At this pivotal moment in history, the Lebanese people are crying out for freedom and democracy to allow them to extinguish terrorism within Lebanon’s borders by ending the Syrian occupation of their country.

Mr. President, the Lebanese people are true friends of the United States, and they deserve your attention.

by ALICE SHALVI JERUSALEM, (JTA) -- The major overall challenge we face today is that of returning to the ideals of a democratic pluralistic Jewish state that found their expression in the noble words of Israel's Declaration of Independence.

What its authors envisaged was a state in which all citizens would enjoy equality of status and of rights, irrespective of race, religion or sex.

Unfortunately, not only has this idyllic condition never yet been attained; on the contrary, it seems to be even further from reality, as economic and social gaps widen, hostility between different ethnic groups increases and new fissures appear, for example, between “native” Israelis and foreign workers, Jewish citizens and non-Jewish immigrants, the haves and the have-nots.

The need to educate all Israeli citizens and residents in the basic principles of democracy and pluralism, in the Jewish tradition of “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is paramount. The challenge is to find appropriate means of inculcating these principles.

Development of formal and informal frameworks, as well as development of a cadre of leaders who will, both by precept and example, help to put good intentions into effect--these are vital to our future.

Given the current dismal state of our economy, another challenge is how to restore the ideal of Avodah Ivrit, Jewish labor, which used to be the pride of the yishuv, Israel’s pre-state society.

This means structural change in the economy --decent wages and working conditions for all, development of public projects that will provide employment (as the WPA did in the United States in the 1930s), good vocational training and re-training--and a greater degree of social justice in determining the salary levels of senior executives and government employees in the public sector.

Economic prosperity will not be restored until we make significant cuts in expenditures on military equipment, on settlements across the Green Line and on the construction of the by-pass roads and tunnels that serve the settler population and increasingly deface what is left of Israel’s “green and pleasant land.”

In other words, the peace process must be jumpstarted again, based on a readiness to make major sacrifices.

And apropos the land: We have to relate urgently and seriously to the increased pollution of our soil, our water and our air.

There is much to do. The time is short. We have to band together to ensure that the next 55 years see progress, rather than continued regression.

We need honest, dedicated, selfless leadership-and we need far more women in positions of decision-making and the determination of policy. We need an end to male domination based on military prowess.

As for the Jewishness of the Jewish state: We need equal status and rights for all streams of Judaism and an increase in Jewish education even for those who are not religiously observant.

Those are the challenges. Now to work!

Everlasting Love (Continued from previous page) neighbors put together, even in tough times. As I write this what worries me is not Israel’s military or economic advantage but the fate of her soul and ours.

Will our relationship survive the intifada? Can Israel forgive us for failing to be there in a moment of need? Can we rebuild her trust in us? Will American Jewry’s professions of love and passion for Israel ever be taken seriously again or will, when good times return (God willing soon!), will all our words of commitment be heard for what they were a few years ago--fleeting, casual words spoken in a moment of bright passion only to quickly fade away as the world grew dark?

Rabbi Daniel Greyber is the Executive Director of Camp Ramah in California and was ordained last spring by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, Alon and Benjamin.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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BOOK REVIEW The Crisis in Islam: Holy War, Unholy Terror

by Bernard Lewis (The Modern Library, NY, 2003. $19.95) Reviewed by BAILA LAZARUS, Editor, Jewish Western Bulletin, Vancouver If there is one publication that provides the most comprehensive answer yet to the question of why the United States has become the target of Islamic terrorists, it is Bernard Lewis’s new book The Crisis of Islam Holy War, Unholy Terror. As Lewis points out in his introduction, in order to devise ways of fighting terrorists, it’s necessary to understand what drives them.

(Editor’s note: Bernard Lewis will speak via satellite, Live from the 92nd St. Y, on Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater in a program entitled: Jihad and Contemporary Politics, co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center and Jewish Educational and Library Services.)

In many ways, the answer to that question is summed up in the last three chapters of the book, where Lewis focuses on two sources of this animosity: First, he credits the inability of many Muslim countries to keep up with Western and Asian counterparts in economic growth. Citing comparative statistics, such as gross domestic product, living standards and purchasing power, as well as life expectancy, telephone ownership and book sales, Lewis shows that countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are constantly low down on these list, in the 30s and 40s, if they make the lists at all. For a culture that Lewis describes as once being “the most advanced civilization in the world” during medieval times, this lag is embarrassing and untenable.

Lewis adds that, by drawing attention to American economic dominance, many leaders in these Islamic states are able to place the blame of dire straits on U.S. shoulders, rather than on themselves. As well, in poorer Muslim countries where the United States has had a hand in bringing a despot to power or maintaining him there, citizens easily see their desperate situation as a result of American political or economic interest.

The second source of dissent in the modern Muslim world on which Lewis focuses is the rise in the last three centuries of a movement known as Wahhabism, named after its founder, Muhammad ibn ’Abd al-Wahhab.

“The ire of the Wahhabis was directed not primarily against outsiders,” writes Lewis, “but against those whom they saw as betraying and degrading Islam from within.” This included any force that they saw as "corrupting and debasing the true Islamic heritage of the Prophet....”

Basically, this was a fight against modernism. It manifested itself in the destruction of what they considered false idolatrous and holy places, the killing of those who weren't pure enough in their Islamic beliefs and the burning of books, among other things.

Their growth and strength in what became the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with financial prosperity due to agreements with American oil compa-

nies in the 1930s, gave Wahhabism the ability to widely promote their version of Islam. As well, with great wealth, came the ability to govern with impunity.

“Governments with oil wealth have no need for popular assemblies ... and can afford, for some time at least, to disregard public opinion,” writes Lewis.

But though this particular version of proselytizing, radical Islamic thought has had it's strongest growth in the 20th century, Lewis believes that examining the historical context of the rise of various Muslim movements is necessary if one is to completely know the enemy. And this is what makes The Crisis of Islam particularly worth reading.

In straightforward and succinct writing, Bernard Lewis uses his extensive background in the field of Middle and Near East politics to explain what, for some, is the unexplainable. Analytically criss-crossing the globe and weaving historical threads, Lewis lays out the pieces of history like a puzzle until he creates a picture that explains, in simple terms, why we have come to where we are today. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Crusades, the fear of being abandoned by the United States, the perceived weakness of the West, even the American civil war, all play roles in the story of Islam.

And, of course, there is always the Israel/Palestinian question. Lewis examines the plausibility that American support for Israel and its conflict with neighboring Arab states, can be seen as a catalyst for hatred of United States.

“The Palestine problem has certainly caused great and growing anger,” Lewis posits. “But can it really be, as some contend, the prime cause of antiWestern sentiment?”

Again, a look at historical events, including the Suez Crisis, the rise of Russian imperialism and American interests in the region, are necessary to gain a full understanding of the conflict.

In addition to his point-by-point look at historical influences of the current war on terrorism, Lewis also does the reader a great favor in explaining often misinterpreted terms, such as jihad (which is not, says Lewis, the Muslim equivalent of the Crusade) and fatwa, whose meaning, according to Lewis, has been grossly misconstrued.

If there is one failing in this book, it is perhaps with the title.

Although Lewis points out several conflicts within Islam, as well as between Islam and the West, there is never a clear reference as to why he has used the extreme term “crisis.”

The one clue comes at the end of the book where Lewis conveys a sense of urgency in the need to counter the fundamentalist doctrine of Al-Qa’ida.

Future clashes with other powers, such as Russia, China and India, he predicts, may lead the world into a “dark future.”

May 9, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Sofer Shares his Holy Work with Temple Israel Congregants

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Today is the beginning of a week of Jewish memOn Rabbi Druin’s first day in Omaha, a Torah was ories!” Temple Israel’s Sofer-in-Residence Rabbi taken from the ark and unrolled around the sanctuMoshe Druin proclaimed from the bimah on a blus- ary which was filled with adults and students from tery Sunday in April. But the gray skies and the the religious school. snowy swirls outside the Temple couldn’t quell the anticipation and merriment surrounding the restoration of the Torah scrolls.

“You don’t get rid of someone who is a little sick,” Rabbi Druin observed. “Nor do you get rid of a Torah (or bury it) when it can be brought back to life.

Bringing these Torah scrolls back to life” would be his “mission” throughout a week of repairing, reviving, and renewing Temple’s holy scrolls. As he performed his task, he taught children, teenagers, adults, and families that “there is a meaning and a purpose for every Hebrew letter.”

Above: Grant Glazer, eight, watches as Rabbi Craig Marantz reads from Genesis 1: verses 15 as congregants, including Sandy Nogg and Stacey Rockman, hold the end of the scroll.

Left: To conclude the opening ceremony, current Temple Israel President Mike Walts, left, and four past presidents, Larry Roffman, Jim Farber, Paul Epstein, and Mel Epstein, held the Torah scrolls and led a procession from the sanctuary into the Milder Center where Rabbi Druin met with families to begin his work.

Marta and Alex Fox helped Rabbi Druin restore a word.

Commissioned by the Women of Reform JudaismOmaha, Rabbi Druin is also completing a Book of Ruth to be dedicated on Erev Shavuot, Thursday, June 5, at Temple Israel.

HAZAK Panel on Aging (Continued from page 1) Director of Special Projects for the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, and was instrumental in initiating many innovative programs for senior citizens in that city.

During her almost 40 years as an advocate for the elderly, Leeds has served as President of the Central Indiana Council on Aging and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. Her proposal secured a $4 million dollar HUD Grant to build a 111 unit apartment project for the independent elderly, and she spearheaded a drive that raised $3 million for a new Alzheimer wing at the Indianapolis Jewish Home.

In 1999, Leeds staffed the planning committee on Services to the Elderly for the Indianapolis Jewish Federation. This study gave birth to ElderSource, a program that provides a range of services to support and assist older adults and their families.

“The evolving needs of the elderly and their families to stay at home whenever possible, rather than to live in a care facility, underscores the importance of providing a continuum of care,” Leeds said.

A Cleaning of Yesteryear

“The focus of ElderSource enables people to ‘age in place’, rather than move to institutional care before it’s necessary. This program is a network of coordinated services provided to older adults. It offers information and referral, and also serves as the central planning and coordinating entity for the over 55 population,” she added. Leeds is currently Supervising Director of the ElderSource program.

Michael Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services and Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach Services, will also be part of the discussion. Both recently attended the Association of Jewish Aging Services Conference in Beverly Hills.

According to Kotok, “The conference theme-’Serving the Changing Jewish Marketplace: From Black and White to Technicolor’--emphasized that as the Baby Boomers become the next group of seniors, there will need to be an even greater diversity of services offered.” Kotok was part of a panel presentation, “The Future Is Now: Serving Our Changing Jewish Communities.”

“Most of the attendees were from large East and

West coast cities,” Kotok said. “They were amazed that the Omaha community of only 6,000 Jews has a 100+ bed kosher nursing home and that our services are high quality and available. They finally understood that we may only be 6,000, but we have the vision of a community of 60,000!”

The panel will offer some general strategies for coping with the daily stresses associated with aging. “We know that families are concerned with the human issues,” Kotok continued. “How to provide safe, in-home settings for ourselves and for our loved ones. Ways to create stimulating activities and opportunities for social interaction.

“And, of course, the biggie--is it time to think about moving--be it to a retirement community, assisted living or a care facility--a question all of us seem afraid to even think about, let alone ask,” she added. “We’ll also discuss the latest trends in health care and housing for seniors--long-term insurance and other nuts-and-bolts issues--and do some brainstorming about what the future might have in store for Omaha and its over-55 population.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 9, 2003

NCJW to Present Awards at Annual Installation (Continued from page 1) To receive the Emerging Leader Award a nominee must have potential for future leadership. Of, course, she must understand and support NCJW purposes. She must currently serve on the Board or chair a committee, serving for less that five years.

Deb Marburg knew she would be active when she joined NCJW as a Life Member. In 1996, she was Assistant Stage Manager for the gala Sentimental Journey and was Assistant Financial Secretary in 1998-99. She cochaired NCJW’s Gift Wrap in 19992000, has been Parliamentarian, and is currently Membership Vice-president (a position will she continue next year).

Deb has been a delegate to the NCJW Leadership Conference in both 2000 and 2003 and to the National Convention in 2002.

Deb has an active volunteer life outside NCJW as well. She co-chaired the Federation’s Super Sunday, taught Temple Israel Religious School, was a delegate to the UJC Young Leadership Biennial in Washington, D.C., and participated in a Mission to Israel.

Beth Friedman has given years of outstanding service to the Omaha Section, together with loyalty, commitment and dedication to the Section, with a willingness to work at any level.

She will be presented with the Section’s Distinguished Service Award.

A list of her accomplishments includes: Labels Unlimited, Trouping Theatre, 7 Can Help, Bulletin Editor, Production Coordinator for

Sentimental Journey, founder, chair and co-chair for five years for “It’s A Wrap” Gift Wrap fundraiser, Chairman of Planning and Evaluation Committee, member of Membership, Finance, Garage Sale, and Nominating Committees.

And, of course, Beth served as President-elect in 1998, President in 1999-2001 and a member of the Presidium in 2002. She will serve as NCJW’s Nominating Committee Chairwoman next year.

In addition to leading the local section of NCJW, Beth is currently serving a three-year term as National Commissioner, mentoring sections around the country.

The Chamber of Commerce recognized Beth’s abilities when they chose her for Leadership Omaha. She has also been honored with the President’s Award from Beth El and the Lois Jean Schrager Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation.

Locally, Beth serves on the board directors of the Omaha Theatre Company for Young People, the Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah Holiday Curriculum Committee, and the AntiDefamation League’s Korzack committee.

The Installation dinner is $25 per person and reservations may be sent to: Jamie Friedland, 9959 Rockbrook Rd., Omaha, NE 68124, or call her at 932-9959 for more information about menu choices.

“Breaking the Code” Program Gets Teens and Parents Talking about Substance Abuse

by RACHEL BLUM, JCC Program Director It’s very easy to believe that since we are doing a good job raising our teenagers, since we love them and guide them the through trials and tribulations that society offers, that drugs and alcohol do not affect their lives. This way of thinking is dangerous, as no teen in today’s society goes unaffected.

The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and Jewish Family Service worked together to provide an informative and talking to teens about drug and drug and alcohol abuse session for alcohol abuse.

Over 50 teens and 20 parents attendteens and their parents last month.

The program was entitled “Breaking ed the event, funded by the Pennie Z. the Code,” and was designed not only Davis Family Life Education Fund.

“The program was extremely sucto discourage drug usage, but also to empower teens to know when keeping cessful, and the teens especially liked a friend’s secret could have deadly hearing from other teens who have been in trouble with drugs and alcoconsequences.

Professional staff from the Addiction hol,” states Rachel Blum, BBYO and Behavioral Health Services Director. “We didn’t decide to hold the (ABH), which offers a treatment home program so much because we think and outpatient services for youth, our teens are abusing, but more to facilitated the workshop, and teens help them by giving them the who are currently in the program told resources to make good judgments their stories of how drugs changed about when protecting a friend or reltheir lives, and how they wish one of ative can be detrimental to their their friends would have gotten them health…when it’s time to break the help before the situation got out of unwritten code of silence.”

If you know someone who needs help control. Parents participated in a slightly different session, which dealt or have questions about drug and with drug prevention and interven- alcohol abuse, contact Jewish Family tion, demonstrated household items Service at 330-2024 or call ABH at teens may be using as paraphernalia, 571-7148.

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Creighton offers students: ■ Over 50 undergraduate majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, ■ College of Business Administration and School of Nursing ■ Graduate School and professional programs in Medical, Dental, ■ Law, Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions (Physical and ■ Occupational Therapy) ■ Extensive Study Abroad opportunities ■ Internships-for-Credit ■ Leadership Program in the College of Business Administration ■ Direct Entry for freshman into the School of Nursing U.S. News and World Report has ranked Creighton the Midwest’s #1 Regional University for the fifth year in a row!

To find out more about Creighton, contact the Creighton University Office of Undergraduate Admissions 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178 • 402.280.2703 • 800.282.5835 Visit our website at: www.creighton.edu

May 9, 2003

TeenAge The Path I Choose

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

B’nai Mitzvah --Something to Celebrate!

The following articles are from two recent B’nai Mitzvah. Matthew Heyman shared with us his personal prayer, and Audrey Gerber her Siyum. Due to space limitations, these speeches have been edited.

by Matthew Heyman Lord of Hosts, today I stand before you as a Son of the Commandments. Throughout my journey preparing for this day, I have studied my chosen Torah portion. From these sacred words I have learned many a valuable lesson. From the sacrifice of well-being to eating clean meat, it all is centered on the values that make men great. It was important in biblical times to bring the best possible sacrifice. I don’t think that the key was as much the sacrifice itself, but more the effort put into it.

One gleaning that I will carry forward with me forever, is the importance of exerting all of the effort you can muster into everything you do.

I have found that homework is the perfect analogy of this lesson. If you just go through the motions only to get it done, you will have learned no more than when you started.

However, if you bend your mind on every assignment, you can wake up the next morning knowing that you have successfully absorbed information that could be essential to your education. This lesson also

applies to other areas of my life.

This year, I took on a new endeavor that has served as a metaphor for many aspects of my life: wrestling. Wrestling mirrors the struggles I face each day both physically and mentally. Just like in a match, I wrestle with other kids, teachers, schoolwork, my parents and, of course, my sister. Most importantly, I wrestle with myself ethically all the time. It would be so much easier to make the wrong decisions in life, tempting though they may be.

But where would that get you? I understand that life is filled with decisions, many of which I cannot take back.

From all of the teachings that I have read in the Torah, the path I have selected is clear. To reach out to those in need, to always be willing to lend a helping hand, to always follow the way of truth and justice. By achieving the

standards I have set for myself, I have faith that I will become the best person possible.

This is the path I choose.

Becoming a Bar Mitzvah shows all of the commitment necessary to succeed in the present and insure the future. With this ceremony, I must take upon myself a sense of responsibility that will help me to lead a better life. Another commitment that I believe this ceremony represents is that of Mitzvot, or doing the right thing. This only makes my path clearer and makes me even more certain of how I wish to live my life.

Although I have journeyed far preparing for this occasion, I have not reached my destination. I will continue to worship God and practice Mitzvot. This is my promise to God. There are many people that have blessed me with their guidance in preparing for this day. I am thankful for all the encouragement you have given me as I have prepared for this day.

For my Tzedakah Project, my family and I worked at the Siena/Francis House. The Siena/Francis house provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling to the homeless and impoverished citizens of Omaha.

On several occasions, I served food and

helped out in the kitchen. My family collected and donated clothing and canned goods. Also, I made 300 personalized valentines with an inspirational message.

Working at the Siena/Francis house taught me not to take things like food and a roof over my head for granted, as they usually are.

I now know that I am truly blessed for everything I have and am given. I plan to continue working there and donating necessary items.

It has become a valued part of my life.

As I continue to study my religion, I will work to better others’ lives and my own by putting forth effort and commitment to values and quality.

Preparing for my Bar Mitzvah has taught me values that will ultimately make me the best man I can be. With God’s blessing, I now know not only how to achieve my goals and make my dreams come true, but also how to choose the right goals and dreams. Being a Bar Mitzvah has taught me that effort is a key ingredient to living a fulfilling life.

Matthew celebrated his Bar Mitzvah Saturday, March 22, 2003 at Temple Israel.

He is a seventh grader at Westside Middle School, and a blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do.

The Book of Proverbs

by Audrey Gerber A good wife who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband trusts in her, And he never lacks gain.

She brings him good and not harm, All the days of her life.

She seeks out wool and flax, And works with her willing hands.

She is like the merchant ships— She brings her food from afar.

She rises while it is yet night, And gives food to her household, And rations to her maids.

She considers a field and buys it; With her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength, And braces her arms for work.

She finds that her trade is profitable; Her lamp goes not out at night.

She sets her hands to the distaff; Her fingers hold the spindle.

She stretches out her hand to the poor; She reaches out her arms to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household is clad in scarlet wool.

She makes her own tapestries; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known at the gates, As he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen cloth and sells it; She supplies the merchants with fittings.

Dignity and honor are her garb; She smiles looking at the future.

She opens her mouth with wisdom And kindly counsel is on her tongue.

She looks after her household; She never eats the bread of idleness.

Her children rise and bless her, And her husband praises her, saying: “Many women do worthily, But you excel them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain; Only a God-fearing woman shall be praised.

Give her due credit for her achievement; Let her own works praise her at the gates.

To celebrate my Bat Mitzvah I am making a Siyum. For those who may not know what a Siyum is, in the Jewish tradition when one completes the study of one of our holy books such as one of the books of the Tanach- The Hebrew Scriptures, we celebrate that accomplishment with family and friends, by learning the very last part of that book and participating in a festive meal.

One of the books of Ketuvim- The Writings, is the Sefer Mishlei or, the Book of Proverbs.

I have studied this entire book and will complete its study this evening at a Siyum this evening as I celebrate my Bas Mitzvah.

The book of Proverbs contains much wisdom, after all, it was written by Shlomo ha Melech or King Solomon, who was known as the wisest of all men. I am glad that I chose this book to study because of all the wisdom and advice it has given me. After all, today is my Bas Mitzvah and I am entering adulthood according to Jewish Tradition. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, I'm still a kid!)

I will be faced with many challenges in the years ahead. No doubt, the wisdom of Sefer Mishlei, the book of Proverbs, will help guide me. It taught me so many valuable lessons. Some of the things it taught me are, how important it is to follow the teachings and instructions of my father and mother.

1) It taught me how important it is to make the right decisions in life; 2) how to appreciate the value of wisdom; 3) How to never forget the Torah and its teachings. I felt as if the author was addressing me, as he often began verses with the words; “Binee” or “My Child.”

Chapter III begins, “Binee, my child, do not forget my Torah. Let your heart guard my Commandments. For they give you length of day and will add years of life and peace to you.”

What better lessons can there be for a young girl starting her adult life at her Bas Mitzvah. One more quote from Chapter 4: “Binee, my child be attentive to my words, incline your ear to my sayings. For they are life to those who find them. More than you guard anything, safeguard that which matters most.”

I believe this means always to keep precious the things that are most dear to us, the things that are closest to our hearts. For me, this means we must always have a value system based on doing the right thing. We must always be a moral, ethical, and religious people. I hope I will be able to live up to these high goals and expectations.

As much as I enjoyed and gained from learning this entire Book, as a Bat Mitzvah Girl, I could relate most to the last chapter, Chapter 31, where King Solomon describes the Aishes Chayil.

Just what is an Aishes Chayil? There have been many translations.

Some of the translations are: “The Woman of Valor” “An Accomplished Woman” “A Good Wife “ and “The Woman of Worth.” Basically, it is a description of the ideal Jewish Woman. Aishes Chayil is the role model every young girl should want to become.

You can search through thousands of books and you will not find a greater tribute to womanhood than Proverb's Aishes Chayil, The Woman of Valor. (See box to the left including Aishes Chayil.)

There are many commentaries on this chapter, but in its simple meaning it clearly describes the many virtues of an accomplished woman who is able to balance both a career outside the home as well as the traditional role of wife and mother who also runs the home. And you thought that having a job outside the home was a modern concept! It turns out that our Torah had that vision thousands of years ago.

The Aishes Chayil has many skills and attributes. She uses them to help her family as she efficiently manages her household affairs. At the same time she is always aware of the needs of the poor and the less fortunate.

It is in this spirit that I will donate a percentage of my Bat Mitzvah gifts to Adopt -AFamily, a national project that helps the families of victims of terrorism in Israel.

One interesting thing about this chapter is that the entire Hebrew alphabet is used in order to begin the first letter of every sentence. What message could there possibly be in the alphabetical sequence of Aishes Chayil?

The Midrash explains: “G-d gave us the Torah by using the 22 letters of the Aleph-Beis (the Alphabet) So too, he praises righteous women by means of the 22 letters of the Aleph-Beis.”

What is the message of this Midrashic teaching? I was thinking about this and I came to the following thought. When a Jewish girl grows into an Aishes Chayil, this means trying to live up to the high standards and great ideals described in fulfilling the teachings of the Torah. I think this is the type of person G-d wants us to be.

Today, at my Bat Mitzvah, I take upon myself to try to the best of my ability to grow along this path into a true Aishes Chayil, one that will make my parents, my family and my people proud. It may not be so easy. Today’s world has many other value systems that are difficult, challenging and at times, tempting.

I wish to conclude with this last verse: “Give her credit for her achievement. And let her deeds praise her in the gates.”

What this means is that the Aishes Chayil, the true Woman of Valor needs no praise.

Her own deeds testify to her greatness. I can only pray that Hashem gives me the strength and the ability to become the Aishes Chayil of the Book of Proverbs. And that is the greatest gift of all.

Audrey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah Sunday, December 22, 2002 at Beth Israel.

She is a sixth grade student at Friedel Jewish Academy.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 9, 2003

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Dr. Adelman Returns (Continued from page 1) Shabbat at the Jewish Community Center, dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m. During the dinner, Dr. Adelman will speak on “Can the Palestinian Authority Reform?”

Shabbat morning services will be held at the JCC on Saturday, May 24 8:45 a.m.

Junior Congregation will run at the JCC at 10:30 a.m., and free babysitting service will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kiddush will follow services and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Following lunch, Dr. Adelman’s topic will be “Anti-Semitism in Global Perspective.”

The afternoon service, will take place after the lecture. At 7:30 p.m., Donald and Maggie Gerber will

host a Shalosh Suedot, third meal of Shabbat, at their home. Dr. Adelman will speak on “Operation Iraqi Freedom and its Consequences.”

This Scholar Shabbat is chaired by Joe Kirshenbaum and Harlan Noddle. Meal coordinator is Maggie Gerber. Regular Shabbat services will also be held at Beth Israel.

Meals are $15 per adult and $8 for children for dinner; $10 per adult and $5 for children for lunch.

Children age three and under are free. Please make your reservation by May 19 by calling the synagogue at 556-6288 or e-mailing: BethIsrael@novia.net.

Artists Promise to be “Too Much Fun” at Temple and JCC this Weekend

Israel @ 55

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator With content derived from Jewish folk tales, Midrash, Hasidic sources, and contemporary composers, Artists-in-Residence Renée Brachfeld and Mark Novak, a storytelling team from Washington, D.C., have taken their “Stories and Songs from the Jewish Tradition” to synagogues, schools, churches, festivals, and community events from coast to coast.

They’ll be introduced to the Omaha community tonight, May 9, 7:30 p.m., at the family Shabbat worship services at Temple Israel, when they offer “A D’var Torah in Story and Song.” After services, the artists will lead the congregation in Israeli folk dancing at the Oneg Shabbat.

On Saturday, May 10, they’ll present “The Art of Prayer: The Spiritual Magic of the Niggun,” at Bagels and Sacred Books which begins at 9 a.m. in the Milder Center at Temple. Bagels and Sacred Books will be followed by Shabbat worship services.

Then on Sunday, May 11, 11 a.m., Mother’s Day, families are invited to “Too Much Fun: Stories and Songs from the Jewish Tradition” at Temple. Brachfeld and Novak combine stories, song, and juggling in a performance to be enjoyed by children and adults.

In keeping with the spirit of Mother’s Day, there will also be a Shades of Spring Geranium Sale that day from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will support Temple Israel camperships and the Ribbon Foundation, a non-profit organization to fund breast cancer research and other life diseases.

Brachfeld and Novak’s final curtain will rise later that day at 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center Theater when they perform This Ain’t Your Bubbe’s Yiddish Theater (in English!) in celebration of the warmth and richness of Jewish culture.

Sponsored by the Janis Yale Enrichment Fund, the events are open to the entire community at no charge.

by JEWISH PRESS News Service

Selma Sadofsky, left, examines a piece of jewelry at one of the 25 booths at Shop Shalom at the Park Inn Regency. More than 1000 people shopped there last Thursday and Friday; another 150 came to shop Shalom After Dark and its estimated than 600 attended Yom Ha’Atzmaut on Sunday. More photos from Shop Shalom and Yom Ha’Atzmaut at the JCC will be in next week’s Jewish Press.

Bronfman Fellow (Continued from page 1) identity and unity. The Fellowship strives to bring together a diverse group of high school juniors from across the religious spectrum and the country who possess the potential to be future national leaders.

Lana will be in Israel from June 30-Aug. 6. In addition to her volunteer activities, she works parttime in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

“I hope to return to Omaha with fascinating tales and lessons to share with the community,” she said.

May 9, 2003

Zimriyah Songfest Features BESTT Students

by OZZIE NOGG Beth El’s Annual Zimriyah Songfest will be held on Sunday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. This fabulous endof-the-school-year event features all BESTT students at their musical best. This year, the Beth El Youth Choir will also be part of the program, presenting special selections written by Cantor Emil Berkovits. The Zimriyah is under the direction of Cantor Berkovits and Ritual Director Gastón Bogomolni. Anna Mosenkis is the accompanist.

The program will include special selections for Yom HaZikaron (Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. As an additional treat, the entire school and faculty will offer a special serenade to parents.

The Zimriyah will also feature a Teacher Appreciation Time. Teachers being honored are: Sheri Abramson, Francee Altman, Na’ama Arzi, Devra Bram, Deborah Carver, Daniel Christensen, Eileen Clignett, Justin Cooper, Larry DeBruin, Jay and Julie Durmaskin, Hollie Fineman, Michael Gerson, Sara Juster, Margo Riekes, Kathy Schmitt, Jeff Shyken, Phyllis Silberstein, Jane Snyder, Julie Stein, Eadie Tsabari and Maya Wertheimer, The faculty will receive their gifts from Howard Kaplan, Chairman of the BESTT School Board.

The entire community is invited to attend. The program will be followed by a sweet reception.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Omaha Symphony will present a Neighborhood Concert at Beth El Synagogue on Thursday, May 22, 7:30 p.m., featuring the music of American Jewish composers.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $7 for children, ages 12 and under; tickets are available through Temple Israel, 556-6536, Beth El, 492-8550, Beth Israel, 556-6288, or through the Omaha Symphony box office, 342-3560 or online: www.omahasymphony.org.

Beveridge Middle School presents Into the Woods, Jr, Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, 7 p.m. , featuring Jeff Malashock, Seth Rich, and Brent Saltzman. Tickets are $5 adults; $3 for seniors or students and are available at the door.

Dining

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

ORGANIZATIONS OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum leads a parasha shiur at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St., May 10, 6:30 p.m.

Torah Tots is Monday, May 12, 10 a.m., with Shari Blum (parents can learn with Rabbi Blum at the same time); Time for Talmud with Rabbi Blum is 7:30 p.m. The Beit Midrash meets on Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. The Wednesday Women’s Class is May 14, 7:30 p.m., all at the OCTL house.

Join OCTL for the weekly discussion of Torah Topics at Lunch ’n Learn, Wednesday, May 14, noon, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library; the Wednesday Teen Class meets at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Brooke Shrago, 805 So. 120 Ave. Mark your calendar for Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, when Rabbi Moshe and Debbie Ungar will serve as scholars-in-residence for OCTL. Cost for the Friday night dinner or the Shabbos lunch is $15 for adults and $7 for children; a reduced price for both meals is available at $25 for adults and $12 for children. There is no charge for children under the age of five and the Women’s Seudah Shlishit is free. Checks may be sent to OCTL, PO Box 24-883, Omaha, NE 68124 or reservations can be made by calling Rabbi Blum at 320-8055.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Connie Spellman and Del Weber of the Omaha Community Foundation will speak on Wednesday, May 14. noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to Marty Ricks, May Co-chairman. They will discuss “Lively Omaha”, a beautification project of public spaces. Cost is $9 for lunch; $2 for beverage service.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.

BIRTH Jon and Amy Blumenthal announce the March 27 birth of a daughter, Anna Sophia.

She has a brother, Benjamin, age 2.

Grandparents are Bob and Enid Blumenthal of Omaha and George and Lynn Belden of Atlanta, GA.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Join us far the annual Mother’s Day Party at noon in the auditorium; Roger Webb will entertain. Mother’s Day gifts will be given out following the program. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Eileen Remer at 334-6521 for reservations: Movie with lunch from the Bagel Bin on May 22, deadline is May 15; call Ilene Pachman with lunch order at 391-2603; Bluffs Run Casino on May 29, deadline is May 22.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES This Ain’t Your Bubbe’s Yiddish Theater with Mark Novak and Renée Brachfeld is Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m. in the JCC Theater.

VISIONS Reminder: Spring Luncheon Meeting is Friday, May 16, 12.30 p.m. at the Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Visions members will be entertained by a preview of the Sound of Music by Omaha Community Playhouse performers. Send reservations to: Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114 by May 12.

Let’s Go Out to Eat

by BETH COHEN Executive Director Beth Israel Synagogue continues its close-tomonthly Sunday night tradition of “Let’s Go Out to Eat,” bringing restaurant style kosher cuisine to the Omaha community.

The next Sunday night dinner is May 18, 6 p.m., with the theme of “Celebrate America!” Enjoy a classic American menu. Past dinners have included a Chinese buffet, a Mediterranean feast, and an Italian extravaganza. “Let’s Go Out to Eat” is chaired by Sandy Kohll and catered by Culinary Services.

Cost is $12 for adults and is free to children 12 and under. Reservations can be made with the synagogue office by Tuesday, May 13. Reservations are taken at either 556-6288 or BethIsrael@novia.net.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 9, 2003

Never Again, for Anyone, Theme Largest Crowd Ever of Lincoln’s Yom HaShoah Commemorates Yom HaShoah

by MARCIA KUSHNER, State Holocaust Chairman

Photos by CAROL KATZMAN

More than 200 people attended the Reinglas, and Leelo Sommerhauser.

Nebraska State Holocaust Max Neiden lit the candle for the Commemoration, held in the Rotunda Liberators. A Technical Sergeant in of the State Capitol last Tuesday, a the U. S. Army in WWII, Neiden was night prior to the one held in Omaha. the recipient of an Army medal with Governor Mike Johanns spoke of the Oak Leaf cluster for his heroic acts on Holocaust as tragic “because of what July 4, 1943. He was and Airforce occurred in Nazi Germany and the Engineer/Gunner on a B-24 Liberator blind eye the world turned to the bomber which was hit over France. He atrocities for so long.”

Cantor Leo Fettman of Omaha repeated that theme in his address and spoke of evidence that leaders in the United States and Britain knew about the plight of the Jews as early as 1942 and did nothing to stop what was happening. In his eloquent address he recounted some of his experiences. He urged that we “not be silent Max Neiden lit the Candle for the Liberators. when a crime is committed against another human being, tended to the wounded pilot and coregardless of race or religion.” pilot, dumped the bombs over the Cantor Emil Berkovitz chanted the ocean and flew the crippled plan back “El Malei Rahamin” and the members to England, successfully crashlanding of the Lincoln Public Schools All-City the aircraft and saved the lives of the Girls Choir sang “Oseh Shalom”. crew.

Prize winning poetry was read by Other participants in the program three Lincoln Public school students were Mayor Don Wesely, Reverend from the Holocaust Studies classes.

Donald Coleman former director of In the impressive candle lighting Mad Dads lighting the candle for the ceremony the following survivors lit Righteous Rescuers and Reverend Sue candles for the victims: Ilona Berk, Bad Moccasin, who lit the Candle of Joe Boin, Bella Eisenberg, Lou Hope. Reverend Bad Moccasin spoke Leviticus, Eshter Misle, Ann briefly but poignantly of her peoples Modenstein, Eli Modenstein, Lola treatment and the Trail of Tears.

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Top left photo: Jean Reed, wife of the keynote speaker, Walter Reed, was hosted by the organizer of the Holocaust Commemoration, Dr. Ben Nachman, left, and his wife, Elaine Nachman; Walter Reed, who was born in Bavaria, related his story of being rescued as a 15-year-old by the Belgian Jewish community and the Swiss Red Cross. Middle row: winners of the ADL’s essay contest--“Tribute to the Danes and Other Rescuers”--Jessica Conry, left, Stephen Hayes and Jill Goodman (all third place winners) and Julie Bortol and Ryan Boyd, honorable mention. Bottom row: Walter Reed

and Litzie Trustin, representing rescued children, light on of six memorial candles symbolizing the Six Million Jews who were murdered in the Shoah. Others who lit candles were: Lili Berkovits, Boris Dobin, Mania Friedman, Tom Jaeger, Fred Kader, Bea Karp, Lola Reinglas, Rachel Rosenberg and Helena Tichauer; Bruce Lauritzen, Honorary Danish Consul for Nebraska, presented a first place award to Alicia Gunnels, left, and Dallas Flynn and Jill Glissman, who tied for second place. More than 750 people attended last Wednesday night’s event.

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