May 14, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 37 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

23 Iyyar, 5764 May 14, 2004

Outstanding Community Volunteers to be Recognized at 101st Federation Annual Meeting

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Eight Omaha Jewish community members will be honored for their outstanding volunteer contributions to the Federation and its Centers of Excellence at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 101st Annual Meeting, on Monday, June 7, 7 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Theater.

In addition to honoring the Volunteers of the Year, presentations include the Jewish Teen Leadership Awards,

Outstanding Community Service Program and the Humanitarian of the Year. A new slate of Federation and Center of Excellence officers will also be installed. This year’s Meeting marks the end of current Federation President Steve Pitlor’s term in office. Pitlor will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. The event is free and open to the community. A dessert reception will follow.

The 2004 Volunteers of the Year are: Harry Berman, Jay Gordman, Rose

Harry Berman

Rose Frankel

Jennifer Glazer

Bucky Greenberg

Scott Meyerson

Michael Miller

Frankel, Jennifer Glazer, Bucky Greenberg, Scott Meyerson, Michael Miller and Ilene Pachman.

Working together and separately, Berman and Gordman have demonstrated that they are each exceptional leaders and were named Volunteers of the Year by the Federation.

Both men serve on the Steering Committee for JOLT (Jewish Omaha Leadership Training), the Federation’s leadership training program. Their commitment required countless hours of detailed work including development of the program curriculum and securing the best speakers in their respective fields to educate the memJay Gordman bers of the JOLT II class.

The two men are also both graduates of the first JOLT class of 2000.

Berman and Gordman are also active individually in several other projects.

Berman curIlene Pachman

NCCJ to Honor Jack and Judy Baker

by BARBARA ANGELILLO serves on the STRATCOM Consultation Committee; Mid for NCCJ America Council, Boys Scouts of America; and The National Conference for Community and Justice, Children’s Respite Care Center Advisory Board.

NCCJ, has announced the chairs and honorees for the Judy Baker served as the Creative Director for Special 2004 NCCJ Humanitarian Dinner. Susan Jacques and Events at Baker’s Flowers. Judy started her professionGene Dunn are Co-Chairs for the June 10 event at the al career at Baker’s in 1971, and is responsible for the Holiday Inn Central in Omaha. Judy and Jack Baker growth of Baker’s Flowers. During Judy’s involvement, and Carol and G. Richard Russell will be recognized Baker's became the largest and highest volume retail with Humanitarian Awards. James A. “Jim” Swoopes florist in Nebraska. will be honored with the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Over the years, the couple have given generously of Award. The Skutt Catholic High School Agape their time, resources and business expertise to several Organization will be presented with the Liz Karnes community boards and have chaired numerous civic Youth Leadership Award. Commercial Federal Bank events. Jack was a member of the NCCJ Midlands will be presented with the newly established NCCJ Regional Board of Directors from 1990-2003 and served Walk As One Silver Level Award. as the Vice Chair from l993-1995. The Bakers coJack Baker graduated from the University of chaired the NCCJ Humanitarian Dinner in 1999. Their Oklahoma in 1959, with a Bachelor’s Degree in past and current support of the NCCJ Midlands Region Business Administration. He is Chairman, President and has been instrumental in the success and expansion of CEO of PDM, Inc. (Property the NCCJ Midlands Regional Development and mission-driven work and Management) and owns, programs. develops and manages Married for 45 years, the shopping centers and comBakers have been Omaha mercial properties. He is residents since early childalso the retired Chairman hood. They have three adult and CEO of Baker’s children and four grandchilSupermarkets. dren. For more information Jack is currently the and to purchase tickets Chairman of the Greater and/or tables for the 2004 Omaha Chamber of NCCJ Humanitarian Dinner, Commerce Hall of Fame call NCCJ at 402.391.4460.

Jack and Judy Baker Selection Committee and

Inside

This Week: Partnership with Israel on Page 5 B’nai Israel to Celebrate 100th: Page 3

Partnership with Israel Gives Scholarships: Page 5

rently serves on the Federation’s Planning and Evaluation Committee and on the Community Survey SubCommittee, where he was instrumental in producing and compiling results from the recent community survey. He served as chairman of the first Jewish Omaha Film Festival in 2002 Gordman currently sits on the Federation’s Budget and Allocations Committee and is Chairman-Elect. He was also Co-Chairman, with his sister Andie Gordman, of Super Sunday 2004, helping to raise more than $50,000 for the Annual Campaign.

Rose Frankel has been the unofficial “concierge” of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home since shortly after she moved to the Home five years ago. Visitors are obviously impressed that Frankel, who is 102 years old, most likely knows who they are and most of their family members as well!

Seated at her desk right inside the front door, Frankel leaves her post only when absolutely necessary. She provides directions to visitors, visits with other residents, addresses envelopes and always provides a warm smile. Frankel works seven days a week, averaging 56 hours a week, 52 weeks a year! In her “spare time,” Frankel is an avid reader and letter writer.

Motivated by a passion for Jewish learning, Jennifer Glazer took a more active role as a volunteer for Jewish Educational and Library Services last summer when she was asked to serve on Continued on page 4

Videotaped Execution of U.S. Jew Raises Questions about Terror’s Targets

by JOE BERKOFSKY NEW YORK (JTA)--The world may never know for sure if Nicholas Berg’s religion played a role in his grisly execution at the hand of terrorists in Iraq.

But many, including his family, are speculating that it A frame of video footage posted to an Islamist was a factor Web site that shows someone, identified on in the ter- the video as Nicholas Berg, being killed. rorists’ decision to kill the American Jewish civilian who had gone to the war-torn country in search of business.

A video that surfaced on the Internet on Tuesday showed the decapitation by masked Iraqis of Berg, 26, of West Chester, PA. The scene echoed the 2002 murder in Pakistan of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was forced to admit his Jewishness on tape just before his captors cut off his head.

Continued on page 16

Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue on June 4 People of the Byte-Baseball and the Jews: Page 6

Feast of Weeks Crossword Puzzle: Page 11

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 14 Tot Shabbat Services, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, MAY 15 BESTT Graduation, 10 a.m. at Beth El

C L I P & S A V E

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, MAY 16 Club 56, JYG, OTYG Event, noon at Temple Israel Jews in Sports, 4 p.m.

C Dinner, 5:30 p.m.

“Live from the 92nd Street Y” Jeff Greenfield & Al Franken, 6:30 p.m. L JELS Program “Jews in Sports” #2 Series, 7 p.m.

I MONDAY, MAY 17 YES Program, 10 a.m.

Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m. at JFS BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Genetic Testing Program, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 18 Jewish Women International Donor Luncheon, noon Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

JSS Concert - Janice Meyerson and Eva Handelm, 7 p.m.

Sisterhood Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m.

“Patter” Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon OTYG Board Meeting, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel NJHS Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

P & S A V E

C L THURSDAY, MAY 20 I Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Adult Education, 10:00 a.m. at Temple Israel P Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El & Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

S Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

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

V Israeli Dancing, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not E 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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by RABBI TUVIA HOFFMAN Between 1989 and 1995, he and his wife organized Director, Torah Learning Center (TLC) and ran an outreach synagogue in a secular Jewish subEver thought about the shape of the Hebrew letters? urb of Toronto. In 1995, he and his family moved to Wondered what the white spaces mean? Considered Israel, where he became a member of the rabbinical that each letter has a mystical symbolism? faculty of the Neve Yerushalayim College for women in Discover the mysteries of the Aleph-Bet Har Nof, a suburb on Jerusalem. He lecwith internationally renown Rabbi Yaacov tures there, as well as supervises two levels Marcus from Israel and the Torah Learning of classes.

Center at a Shabbaton on June 4-5 at the Rabbi Marcus is a guest lecturer for the TLC House, 1313 No. 58 St. Friday night Heritage House and often speaks on their dinner and Shabbat day lunch will be behalf at the Hebrew University, as well as served with words of Torah and songs being their lecturer in residence for their interspersed throughout.

Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur outreach proRabbi Marcus will be discussing “The grams in the Old City. He is also a regular Mysical Hebrew Alphabet: An Exploration lecturer for the Darchei Bina and Afikei of the Shapes and Meanings of the Hebrew Torah Seminaries in Bayit Vegan.

Rabbi Marcus Letters.” During this Shabbaton, we will Additionally, he is a outreach training learn Aleph and Beit (and Gimel if we have time). lecturer for the Ner L’elef and Ohr L’gola programs, Through the shapes of the letters we can learn the pur- which prepare rabbis and their spouses for work in pose of Creation, the meaning of life, the meaning of Diaspora communities. He and his family live in Shabbat, and much more.

Telzstone, Israel.

Rabbi Marcus was born in Baltimore, MD, and has For more information about the Shabbaton, please been involved in Jewish education professionally for call me at 981.0569. more than 14 years.

Funds Available to Community, Schools, Agencies to Help Children with Special Needs

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Coordinator According to an old Yiddish saying, “Each child brings his own blessing into the world.”

There are a number of children enrolled in Omaha’s Jewish schools including the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center (CDC), Friedel Jewish Academy, and the synagogue religious schools who have disabilities.

Several endowment funds administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation help meet the special needs of these children as well as young adults who have disabilities, their families, and teachers in this community.

Marty Ricks, director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation, noted that the children benefiting from these endowment funds “are a blessing to their families just like all children. With good Jewish educations, summer camp, and youth group experiences, these kids will have a better chance to grow up to be a blessing to our community and the rest of the world.”

Established in 1993, the Ruth Somberg Krantz Fund provides funds for the education and care of children with special needs who attend the day care program or religious schools associated with the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Income from the fund can also be used to train personnel to assist in the special needs education and programs of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS).

A second fund, the Samuel and Delma Goodman Endowment was established in 1994 to enable developmentally and neurologically impaired Jewish children under age 21 who live in the Omaha area to participate in existing programs or for new ones to be created for the children.

To accomplish this objective, the fund stipulates that its income can be used to purchase material and/or equipment that would help a child or children to participate in a program or a camp experience. The fund’s income can also be used to hire an extra staff member with experience and/or training in working with children thereby giving them the opportunity to participate in a program or camp. Scholarships from the fund are available to help pay for children to attend camps for kids with special needs.

A third fund’s purpose is to enhance the joy, ease, and dignity of life for children through the age of 20 who have physical disabilities (with an emphasis on hearing impaired children) and their families. The Glazer Family Endowment was set up in 1999 to be of benefit to the families and teachers of children with physical disabilities.

Grants provided by the Glazer Endowment are meant to provide opportunities for children with physical disabilities, their families, and teachers to attend classes, seminars, and/or camps which contribute to the growth and communication of the children. The classes should include but are not limited to sign language, computer and Braille instruction. Travel expenses for college interviews may also be considered.

Expenses to provide access to cultural and recreation-

al venues and events, including plays, art exhibits, and ballgames are also part of this fund’s purpose.

In addition, any physical equipment not covered by insurance may be considered for funding. Equipment may include but isn’t limited to TTY’s, home emergency systems, and automobile retrofitting.

Synagogues, Nebraska families, teachers employed by the Jewish Federation or one of its agencies, a school where an eligible child is enrolled are all entitled to apply to the fund. Income can also be granted for secular community projects as it was last year to make it possible for blind and deaf movie patrons to enjoy shows at Oak View AMC Theatre.

Newest of the funds serving the special needs population of the Omaha Jewish community is the Harris Family Endowment Fund which was set up in 2000.

This fund’s purpose is to enhance the life of children and young adults who have a disability or disadvantage originating with mental function or neurological origin including, but not limited to, specific learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, emotional disorders, psychiatric disorders, mental handicaps, autism, and epilepsy.

Along with the children, their families and teachers are eligible for funds to attend classes, seminars, and camps, preferably involving Jewish content, to develop the growth, knowledge, and communication of the children. Local institutions of Jewish learning including Friedel Jewish Academy, the CDC, and synagogue religious schools are encouraged to apply for grants to subvent the costs of instructors, textbooks, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. Special emphasis is placed on assisting children preparing for their B’nai Mitzvah, confirmation, graduation or to attend Jewish or special camps.

One-third of the income from the Harris Endowment Fund will be available for scholarships to college students who have a mental or neurological disorder or disability. If there are no qualified applicants, the scholarship can be used for a junior or senior college student or graduate school student who is majoring in special education.

For many years, the Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation and the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund have provided JELS with financial assistance for its special needs program to help children with disabilities learn Hebrew, prepare for B’nai Mitzvah, and to live as participating members of the community.

These funds have been accessed most recently by JELS for its special needs program and to grant a college scholarship. Income from the Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation was also used for a performance at the Omaha Community Playhouse for a hearing impaired audience and their families.

There is income available now from these endowments for summer camps and for the 2004-2005 school years. Synagogue religious schools as well as other schools, Jewish Federation agencies, and families of children with special needs are encouraged to call Ricks at 334.6440 for more information and referral to the appropriate Federation agency that accepts applications for the individuals funds.

May 14, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

B’nai Israel Synagogue to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

by SANDRA KURLAND for B’nai Israel Synagogue Singer and songwriter Rick Recht will headline a weekend of events next month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Council Bluffs’ only remaining synagogue. B’nai Israel--affectionately known as “The Little Shul off Broadway”--will kick off the celebration on Friday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., with a special Shabbat service, followed by an Oneg Shabbat reception.

On Saturday evening, June 5, 6 p.m., there will be a reception, followed by a dinner. The cost is $25 per person. Checks will serve as reservations and may be sent to the synagogue at 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

The celebration culminates with a free concert on Sunday afternoon, June 6, 2 p.m., at the synagogue. Recht, who has been called the top touring musician in the Jewish music world, has played in Omaha, Sioux City, IA, and throughout North America.

Highlights of Recht’s performances this year include: the NFTY National Convention, BBYO International Convention, UAHC Biennial, USY International Convention, the NAA Conference, the BBYO Staff Conference, and the UAHC National Preschool Director’s Conference.Recht also won the 2001 American Zionist Movement and 2000 American Jewish

Who, America, Supertramp, Three Dog Night, Government Mule (Allman Brothers), and many more. After releasing two secular albums, Good Thing and Reality, Recht returned to his Jewish roots with Tov, a new Jewish album, released in the summer of 1999. Tov is a breakthrough, Jewish pop album highlighting Recht’s prolific lyrical and melodic songwriting with a backup chorus of BBYO, NFTY, USY youth singers.

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Recht developed a strong Jewish identity. After graduating the University of Southern California and Music Institute, Recht hit the road, performing at a variety of venues from clubs to amphitheaters. He is widely recognized for his particular appeal to youth and Rick Recht family audiences as a powerful musician, Photo by Elisa Heiligman Recht singer/songwriter, entertainer, and role model.

Festival songwriting contests.

Recht is currently the Artist in Residence at United Over the last two summers, Recht has played over 70 Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, MO. Jewish camps from coast to coast including Ramah, The concert and reception are funded by the Shirley UAHC, JCC and private camps garnering a feverish fol- and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, in lowing among the national Jewish youth movements memory of Shirley’s parents, the late Ben and Selma unseen in previous years. Recht has two top selling Gershun, and in memory of her brother, Dr. Ted Jewish albums, Tov and Shabbat Alive!, the first Jewish Gershun. multimedia CD. Please make reservations by May 19. All events are Recht has shared the stage with national acts such as open to the entire community. For more information, the Samples, Jackopierce, Freddy Jones Band, Guess call me at 323.8885.

They Could Have Danced All Night

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator About 30 students from Temple Israel‘s Middle/High School danced the night away with residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at the Senior Prom last month at the Home. “It was such a warm, spirited evening,” said Elyce Azriel,

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Director of the Middle/High School. Lauren Davis, left, and Avery Lehr danced with Rabbi Myer Kripke to the sound of Black Tie, a rhythm and blues band, while Sam Anderson brought a smile to Molly Franklin’s face (middle photo).

Blumkin Home residents “had a wonderful time,” said Michael Silverman, Executive Director of the Home. “They

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thought it was a great event and something different for them to do.” In addition to the dancing, The Amazing Arthur designed balloon hats as worn by Mollye Rimmerman, right.

“We really appreciate so much that Temple Israel helped organize this event and we’re looking forward to many more opportunities to do joint activities,” added Silverman.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

Volunteers to be Recognized Continued from page 1 the committee on the agency’s strategic plan and was instrumental in formulating the adult education programming plan as well as developing several cultural/educational programs for the Omaha Jewish community.

In addition to her service on the Advisory Board, Glazer was Chairman of the successful Second Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival. Glazer and her committee members spent countless hours researching films to ensure the Festival offered high quality Jewish film with broad appeal.

An anti-Semitic remark from a passing stranger more than 20 years ago led to Barton “Bucky” Greenberg’s involvement on the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee Board of Directors and he’s been an integral member ever since. Greenberg has emerged as a leader in the development of financial resources for the agency, concentrating on deferred giving programs as a feasible way to sustain the work of the ADL/CRC. Greenberg believes the ADL/CRC provides and important service for the Jewish community and points to his own personal experience in which “antiSemitism may hide in the sand for a time, but it always seems to re-emerge.

We’re seeing that now more than ever.”

As Finance Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee, Scott Meyerson has demonstrated clear and comprehensive thinking with particular attention to detail. He has put forward creative and effective ideas for generating income and operates with a respectful and professional demeanor with both lay and staff people.

Meyerson is not afraid to ask the tough questions, especially last year when the Press was faced with the downturn in the economy.

Michael Miller has been an outstanding volunteer and leader for the Jewish Community Center for the past several years. Currently, Miller is a member of the JCC Executive Committee and serves as a Vice President.

He participated in the committe for the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games and has served on the Health and Fitness and Budget Committees. He is always willing to participate in helping the Center provide excellent services to the community and has keen insight into the operations of the JCC. Miller has increasingly taken on more responsibility as a JCC lay leader and is an outstanding advocate for the organization. There is no doubt that he will continue to contribute to the JCC well into the future.

Ilene Pachman is the President of the Young Energetic Seniors (Y.E.S. Club) that meets at the JCC on Mondays and Thursdays and will complete her third term as the group’s Executive Chairman this month. Prior to that, she served as Vice-president for three years.

Pachman cares deeply about the success of Y.E.S. and wears many hats. Her duties range from leading the board and luncheon meetings, assisting at weekly functions to supervising the various committee meetings. Pachman occasionally writes a column in the Jewish Press informing the community about the activities of Y.E.S. “She is a priceless asset to JSS,” according to Maggie Conti, JSS Older Adult Program Director.

Twelve Seniors to be Confirmed and Graduate at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Kyle Baines is one of 12 high school seniors who will participate in the Confirmation/Graduation Ceremony at Shabbat worship services on Friday, May 21, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel.

“It’s kind of exciting,” he said. “The reality is starting to set in,” said Kyle who will attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha next year. Kyle said his class at Temple is “like a family. You know everybody so well. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Led by the 12th grade class, the Confirmation/Graduation Service focuses on social justice including readings from the Religious Action Center and by activists from within the Reform Movement including Al Vorspan, who will be a scholar-inresidence at Temple in October. The service also includes a prayer recited by the students’ parents in gratitude to God “for the gift and blessing of parenthood.”

This year’s senior class “are an incredible group,” according to Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple’s Middle/High School. “They’re sensitive toward each other and the subject matter which included social justice, activism in areas such as homelessness, immigration, equal opportunity, nuclear arms, and lobbying.” The students studied Jewish texts that relate to these topics culminating in a four-day trip to Washington, D.C. that focused on Jewish values and social justice Twelfth grade teacher Barry Grossman said, the seniors “are very passionate about the issues that they chose such as homelessness, Jewish identity, the political process, and gay rights. They really liked the trip to Washington, D.C.,--including

meeting with Senator Hagel and visiting with Senator Nelson and Congressman Terry’s representatives--more than they thought they would.”

This is the second year that a class at Temple will be both confirmed and graduate in the 12th grade. Previously, students were confirmed in the 10th grade. Since 1997, students have continued on for two more years on their way to graduation in the 12th grade.

Two more years makes a difference, said Elyce Azriel. “The added excitement and commitment is stronger when the students remain with us for the additional years. A celebration of our students and their accomplishments are something in which the entire congregation should gather and take pride,” she added.

This year’s 12th graders and their parents are Janet Baack (Dennis and Debra Baack), Kyle Baines (Kenny and Brigitte Baines), Alex Bloom (Brent and Rebecca Bloom), Sara Cowan (Kenneth and Allison Cowan), Jacob Friedman (Thomas and Suzanne Friedman), Daniel Gutman (Victor Gutman and Roberta Wilhelm), Molly Needelman (Howard and Lee Needelman), Aron Neesman (Steve and Maria Neesman), Sara Rips (Harlan and Jane Rips), Rebecca Smedlund (Jeff and Debra Smedlund), Margaret Terry (John and Michelle Terry), and Hannah Wolf (Philip and Nancy Wolf).

In addition to the Confirmation/ Graduation, seventh graders’ mitzvah projects will be on display at the Oneg Shabbat which will be sponsored by the graduation class and the Noddle family in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Rebecca Noddle.

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May 14, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Partnership with Israel: Omaha's IEC Contributions Provide Scholarships to Western Galilee Students

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Thirty-nine students from the Western Galilee College recently received scholarships from the Israel Emergency Campaign monies that were contributed by the Omaha Jewish community and the other Central Area Consortium communities linked to the Western Galilee through our Partnership With Israel.

According to Dr. Yehuda Ben-Simon, the Western Galilee College Dean of Students, “This is the second year that the IEC monies have enabled us to give ‘Campus Security Scholarships’ to eligible students.”

“Campus Security Scholarships” are granted in return for a student’s commitment to contribute at least 190 hours per academic year assisting campus security personnel, serving as selectors at the campus’s gates and conducting patrols across campus grounds. The idea for this type of scholarship was developed in 2002 shortly after the terrorist attack at the Hebrew University campus restaurant in Jerusalem. With the deterioration of the security situation, Israel’s universities also became targets in the terrorists’ eyes,” he noted.

Ben Simon continues, “The students are the college’s primary resource and provide an excellent response to our new on-campus security needs. This

p r o j e c t Psychiatric allows us to Hospital. further foster Eli is a and encourmember of age academic the Students’ excellence Association together with and a candia sense of date for the communal bodies vice responsibilichairmanty.

These ship. He is funds proactive in the vide much “Peace at needed finanHome” projcial assisect, funded tance to by the Jewish many area Eli Lachiani and Anna Litbin are scholarship recipients in Agency, a students and the Partnership with Israel program. program that enable a large number of them to con- encourages dialogue between the Jewish tinue their post high-school education.” and Arab students on campus. During The idea developed together with the his service in the army in Lebanon he Jewish Agency and the Partnership with was wounded in action.

Israel communities.

The Jewish In the framework of the “Campus Federation of Omaha, together with the Security Scholarships” program, Eli also other Consortium communities designat- serves as a campus guard and received a ed over $700,000 to particular security promotion to the rank of “security coorneeds in the Western Galilee from their dinator”. For his outstanding service to IEC campaigns. the community he will be presented with Among the students selected as a a Certificate of Excellence by Mr. Shimon scholarship recipient is Eli Lachiani, 25 Lankry, the Mayor of Akko. from Akko. Eli is a tutor of young chilAnna Litbin, age 25 immigrated to dren, volunteers as a social guidance Israel from Siberia in 1996 as a high counselor at both the “Hermon” school student without her parents as Correctional Institution and “Mazra” part the Jewish Agency’s “Na’ale” pro-

Shavuot at Beth El: An Evening of Celebration, Study and Song

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Following the age-old tradition of studying Torah and other Jewish sources on the first night of Shavuot, Beth El will celebrate the holiday through an evening of study on Tuesday, May 25, led by Rabbi Levin and Professor Guy Matalon, director of Jewish Educational and Library Services.

The entire Jewish community is invited to celebrate Shavuot, the festival commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, by attending 5:30 p.m. services and joining together afterward for dinner at 6 p.m.

Following dinner, the evening’s study session will focus on the teachings of Maimonides, said Rabbi Levin. “In 2004, the world will mark the 800th anniversary of the death of the renowned medieval Jewish philosopher, legal scholar and Jewish leader, Moses ben Maimon, or Maimonides,” he said.

“Maimonides was the most original and influential Jewish thinker in pre-modern times. In addition to producing a centrally important corpus of legal and philosophical writings that shaped

Jewish thinking and practice in many regions of the world, his Guide to the Perplexed entered Western history through Saint Thomas Aquinas, who quoted Maimonides in Latin translation.”

The 6:40 p.m. session, “The Question of Biblical Anthropomorphisms: God Doesn’t Have an Eye or a Hand,” will be led by Rabbi Levin; Prof. Matalon will teach “The Purposes of the Commandments: The Essence of Judaism Is in the Doing,” at 7:40 p.m.

During a 20-minute break between the two sessions, Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will lead participants in joyful songs related to the holiday.

After the study session concludes, adults students who attended Rabbi Levin’s “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century” class, Cantor Gastón’s adult Bar Mitzvah class, Susi Frydman-Levin’s Hebrew Crash Course and Leonard Greenspoon’s weekly Bible study group, will be recognized and receive participation certificates, Rabbi Levin said.

To make dinner reservations or receive more information about the study session, please contact Harriet Einziger at 492.8550.

Temple Israel Annual Meeting Slated for May 23

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will elect officers and new members of the Board of Trustees at its annual meeting on Sunday, May 23, 7 p.m. Gary Kaplan, president of the Board of Trustees, said, “we will be getting a report on the work that the Building Site Committee has done this past year.”

In addition, there will be a farewell tribute to Stephanie Grossman who served on the Temple staff part-time and then fulltime for six and one-half years as youth director and more recently as director of youth and informal education. Lonnie Williams will also be recognized for his 30 years at Temple. He has

worked at Temple longer than any other current staff member.

Temple’s Nominating Committee will present the following slate, to serve oneyear terms, for approval at the annual meeting: Gary Kaplan, President; Dennis DePorte, President-elect; Wendy Goldberg and Andi Willensky, Vice-presidents; Rick Fox, Secretary; Jon Meyers, Treasurer; John Lehr, Assistant Treasurer.

Ducky Milder, Ed Malashock, and Vicki Perlmeter have been nominated to serve three-year terms.

Stacey Rockman’s name has been submitted for a two-year term. Committee, auxiliary, and budget reports will be presented at the meeting.

gram. Following her army service, Anna entered “Shachar Ba’Galil”, a project operated by the Jewish Agency only in the Western Galilee for newly released immigrant soldiers. The objective of this project is to strengthen the Galilee region by making it attractive to a younger and better-educated segment of the population through the appropriation of economic assistance to this sector of the population.

Anna is also among the recipients of a “Campus Security Scholarship” in return for her service as a campus security guard. Anna noted “This scholarship has helped me significantly by allowing me to concentrate on my studies and aspire to high academic achievements.“ In February 2004, as part of an Israel Police alertness exercise, Anna thwarted an “attempt” to plant a terrorist explosive device on campus. For her actions and for excellent service as a security volunteer she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Israel Police.

Partnership with Israel promotes people-to-people relationships between our Jewish community and Israel’s Western Galilee through cultural, social, educational and economic programs. Omaha, along with 11 other cities in the central United States, is linked with the Western Galilee, located in the most northern part of Israel on the Mediterranean coast.

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Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Inc. 10050 Regency Circle X Suite 300 X Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 397-5050 X www.gracemayer.com

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

Baseball and the Jews into the Hall of Fame.

The player?

Sandy Koufax. [www.cjnews.com/pastissues/98/ma y798/feature/feature2.htm] Koufax, of course, didn’t pitch for his Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of the 1965 World Series against the Minnesota Twins because it was Yom Kippur. Sandor Slomovits captures the pride felt by every Jewish baseball-loving fan at the time in his article “Yom Kippur and Sandy Koufax: They’ll Always Go Together.” Slomovits says Koufax’s decision to sit out the game transcended the sport and even had an incredible impact on people who normally had no use for the game like Slomovits’ father. “To my father, baseball was still a stupid game, but all of a sudden, it was not played by only stupid people. Sandy Koufax did not hide his Jewishness. He took a righteous stand. And my father, along with millions of Jews, was proud of him.

‘He’s a good Jewish boy,’ my father said.

His highest praise.” [http://jewishsports.com/ reflections/] Stay at the JewishSports Web site for several great baseball articles including a look at how Jews made baseball “Our Own,” and a review of Aviva Kemper’s documentary, The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg.

And now, three special treats! Fans can download Professor Eric Solomon’s essay “Jews and Baseball: A Cultural Love Story” in which he argues that the game has played a crucial role in the evolution of Jewish society. [http:// ls.berkeley.edu/dept/townsend/pubs /OP08_Sport_and_Race.pdf] After that, you can read on-line, the

PEOPLE OF THE BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ Nem mikh mit tsu der ball geym (Take me out to the ball game) Tsum oylem lomir dokh geyn (Take me out with the crowd) Koyf mir di nislekh un krekerjek (Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack) Vil ikh keyn molfun dort nit avek (I don’t care if I never get back) [http://makeashorterlink.com/?I23A 34215] Harry von Tilzer (born Aaron Gumbinsky) will be loved forever for creating the melody to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” And like the many of the game’s greats, lyricist von Tilzer was Jewish.[www.cityjournal.org/html/10 _3_tin_pan_alley_diarist.html] Rabbi Richard Agler remembers how every year he would announce von Tilzer’s yahrzeit with “considerable reverence” when he was at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in Manhattan. [www.cbiboca.org/ rda/101196.html] (By the way, the Yiddish lyrics came later thanks to Henry Sapoznik.)

Today, more about baseball, Jews and Judaism on the World Wide Web. As Shel Krakofsky pointed out a few years ago in the Canadian Jewish News, one of the greatest baseball players of all time was also the “only player in Major League history to strike out in 12 consecutive plate appearances?” Although his lifetime batting average was .097, he was the youngest player ever elected

ENTIRE book, Jewish Baseball Stars (New York: Hippocrene Books, 1984) by Harold U. and Meir Z. Ribalow. [www.jewsinsports.org/publication.a sp?titleID=1] Want more? How about profiles of 168 Jewish baseball players from Cal “Abie” Abrams to Eddie Zosky. [www.jewsin-sports.org/ list.asp?sport=baseball] Lest you believe that the only Jewish players of note are in North America, check out the action in Israel, where Amit Megiddo, Yehuda Beinin and Sholom Menorah play on teams like Shomrot Triple T, Zion Tours and the Dimona Mean Judeans. [www.eteams. com/israelbaseballsoftball] Although neither is J e w i s h , J o s e p h Aaron of the Chicago Jewish News found special meaning in the famed home run derby between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa a few years ago. Prior to the competition. baseball had been hurting because of absurd salaries, owner arrogance and the players’ strike. So too with Judaism, “where organizational turf battles, lack of spiritual leadership, an obsession with fund-raising, communal rigidity and irrelevance all systematically turned Jews off.”

Aaron points out that just as it took a contest between two talented individuals to bring attention back to the central values of the game, Judaism also needs to reassess its priorities. “Baseball, at its core, is what Judaism is at its core. Each person striving to do the best they can,

to always improve, to work on themselves.

And yet to do it in the context of a team, in the context of a community.

Even the greatest player is nothing without his teammates. Even the greatest Jew needs to be part of a community to be most fully Jewish.” [www.jewishaz.com /jewishnews/980911/thrill.shtml] (Note that this article was written prior to Sammy Sosa’s corked bat problems from which, hopefully, both he and baseball will recover.)

But the most eye-popping article that I have come across is Reuven Goldfarb’s Baseball Kabbalah. In it, he provides indisputable parallels between the two mystical activities: • The ten players (nine plus batter) on the field correspond to the number of Sefirot (Divine Emanations) that constitute the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

• “What about the umpires? Easy.

They're Dayanim (rabbinical judges).

That's why they wear dark colors.

Managers? Rebbes. Coaches? Gabbais.”

• “And you’ve heard of the seventh inning stretch? Does that sound like Shabbat to you?” [www.ascent. org.il/Surprise/Sport/baseball%20ka bbalah.html] Vayls'iz eyns, tsvey, dray strikes, un oys (For it's one, two, three strikes you're out) Bay der beysball shpil (At the old ballgame) Shpil Ball!

(Play Ball!)

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Torontobased website producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@ rogers.com.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is proud to nominate the following community members for positions of leadership

ELECTION 2004 INFORMATION

for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Centers of Excellence

JOINT ANNUAL MEETING

June 7, 2004, 7:00 p.m. • Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd Street

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA OFFICERS & CHAIRMEN: President ............................................................................................................................................... Zöe Riekes Vice President ............................................................................................................................... Norm Sheldon Vice President and Secretary ......................................................................................................... Robert Lepp Treasurer ..................................................................................................................................... Mike Abramson Past President ...................................................................................................................................... Steve Pitlor Foundation Chairman ...................................................................................................................... Steve Bloch Budget and Allocations Chairman ............................................................................................. Jay Gordman Building and Grounds Chiarman ............................................................................................... Todd Manvitz Overseas Chairman ............................................................................................................. Jan Schneiderman Jewish Press Chairman ......................................................................................................... Joannie Jacobson

L

ADL/CRC OFFICERS: President .............................................. Sara Juster Vice President ............................... David Gilinsky Second Vice President ................ Keri Workman Past President .......................... Mimi Waldbaum JEWISH EDUCATIONAL & LIBRARY SERVICES (JELS is under the direction of the Federation Executive Committee.)

Advisory Committee: Harry Berman Gloria Kaslow Jennifer Glazer Steve Riekes Todd Hutton Jane Rips Kripke Library Committee: Co-Chairman ............................ Susan Rothholtz Co-Chairman .............................. Susanne Singer JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OFFICERS: President ......................................... Justin Cooper Vice President ....................................... Lisa Lewis Secretary .................................... David Goldberg Treasurer ............................................ Todd Simon Past President .......................... Patricia Newman

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICERS: President ........................................... Gary Epstein Past President ......................... Jeff Kirshenbaum Vice President ................................. Bob Belgrade Vice President .................................... John Glazer Vice President ............................... Michael Miller Vice President .................................. Susie Norton Vice President ...................... Kimberly Robinson JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES OFFICERS: President .................................... Joanie Bernstein First Vice President ........................ Bob Belgrade Vice President ................................. Harold Mann Vice President ............................... Larry Roffman Secretary ............................................... Jim Farber Treasurer .................................... Mike Abramson Past President .................................. Sivi Roffman

The Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 South 132nd St. Omaha, Nebraska 68154 402/334-8200 www.jewishomaha.org

May 14, 2004

Governor Speaks at AJHSA Meeting then Visits Blumkin Home

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Mention this Jewish Press ad and receive a 5% Discount Photos top row left: L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) Board member Harriet Marcus chats with Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns, who spoke at the annual Association of Jewish Homes and Services for the Aging meeting in Omaha earlier this month. The four-day symposium was chaired by Lois Wine and Judy Brookstein, President and Vice-president of AJHSA. Rabbi Myer S. Kripke and Frances Batt were both presenters at the event.

Second row, left, following the nursing home staff convention, Gov. Johanns called Mike Silverman, Jewish Senior Services Executive Director, to arrange a visit to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The governor speaks with Fannie Chunovic, Mollie Franklin and Julius Frohm. Right: Gov. Johanns also chats with Pauline Hoberman when he toured the Home with Mike Silverman.

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A Different Kind of Mother’s Day Gift

BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

Over the years, you and I have met right here, in this place, to talk over many topics.

You’ve patiently listened to me complain about all sorts of mishagoss, and you've heard me kvell about personal nonsense, and especially at this time of year you've been made aware of some of my feelings about mothers.

Your mother, my mother, everyone’s mother--it didn't matter which. Since half the people (conservatively speaking) who read this column knew my mother, it was particularly sweet to share memories of her, and there were many.

Today let me take a different direction, and tell you about another mother.

She’s the mother of two of our grandchildren and she recently gave her dad and me a priceless gift. Lisa’s our youngest daughter and, like other young women today, a very busy person. She is the manager of a busy household, a wife, a mom, the owner-operator of a small business, the author of two published books and many articles, an active participant in her youngest child’s school, as well as at the school where her special needs child resides.

Lisa hardly notices the time and effort for what I call “all the livestock”...two cats, one dog, countless tropical fish and who knows what other so-called pets who share her environment. In other words, although I have hardly touched on that which fills her time, she’s one busy gal.

Okay, now picture this.

After learning that her dad and I were going to be in a position where we’d need a helping hand because of some health issues, she put everything on the back burner and announced she was coming to visit us for a week.

That was her gift. She gave us a week of her life, while everything else waited for her return. She flew across country and rolled up her sleeves as soon as she got here. She drove miles, ferrying her dad back and forth to his doctors, to dozens of errands to the supermarket, to the drug store, to the gas station, to wher-

ever she was asked. Lisa cooked; she baked; she worried; she fussed about her mom; she kept in touch with her household by phone with frequent and lengthy conversations, but she was here, with us, where she was sorely needed.

Her siblings were (and still are) on the phone constantly, checking, asking how they can help, fretting over their absence and wishing for the ability to be in two places at one, which isn’t possible.

But we lucked out; Lisa arranged her life at home and was able to be with us from one blessed Friday to the next. She gave us that week and all the energy it took to keep things moving smoothly. The day before her return to the East coast she shopped, cooked and baked and left things in the kitchen, so even though I was 10 days post surgery, I could manage.

So, what’s the bottom line? We were talking about mothers to begin with, weren’t we? Okay, here's my candidate for a special mom, even though she’s only had the title for 15 years. We’ve thanked her profusely, but I thought if I told you all what a champ she is, well it couldn’t hurt to spread the word.

Moms are special ladies, we all agree. Everyone has wonderful stories they like to tell about theirs. Heaven knows I’ve told all about mine, so just let me remind those who have daughters, raise them well.

You have the raw material to create the most special individuals who will guide the next generation to adulthood. Teach them; show them; tell them; and if you’re lucky you’ll end up with caring, devoted, loving, hardworking grown daughters who know exactly how to fill whatever role asked of them.

I can just about guarantee it.

Bert Lewis can Bertlewis39@aol.com.

be

reached

BEETHOVEN Symphony 8 WAGNER Wesendonck Lieder R. STRAUSS Death and Transfiguration Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks Friday, May 21 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 22 at 8 p.m.

Orpheum Theater

at

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office on Shavuot (May 26-27) and Memorial Day, May 31, the deadline for articles, photos and ads is noon as follows: Issue Deadline May 28 Wednesday, May 19 June 4 Monday, May 24 Pictures from the Passover issue may be picked up during regular business hours, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Questions? Call 334.6450.

Victor Yampolsky, conductor Janice Meyerson, mezzo-soprano Robert H. Storz Foundation

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

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Sabra in Omaha: A Taste of Israel about Israel, its people, language, customs, and culture.

by YAFFA PODBILEWICZ SCHULLER, PH.D. Very soon, a unique mini-day camp experience for Children will receive age appropriate dynamic Jewish children will open its doors. From June 1-4, a instruction in modern Hebrew by a native Israeli prolimited number of four- to six-year-old children will fessional teacher, Hamora Naama Artzi, during two 20have the opportunity to learn minute periods designed to maxabout Israel and be immersed in imize their learning. In addition, the Hebrew language while havinformal Hebrew exposure takes ing a great time. place throughout the day as the This camp was developed to children immerse themselves in offer experiential and educationthemed-centered daily activities. al experiences to connect chilOur lead counselor, Eadie dren to key aspects of their idenTsabari, is not only fluent in tity as Jews. The organizers Hebrew and married to a sabra, wanted to share with the greater but is a dedicated and experiJewish community the kind of enced Hebrew teacher for young experiences that children at children. Even our counselorFriedel Jewish Academy have assistant, Shir Palmon, is a native throughout the year. Hence the speaker of Hebrew. camp aims to instill a tangible Eliana Schuller and Sam Kricsfeld have regisFrom the moment the camp link to the land of Israel, a link tered for camp. starts with the Israeli flag, that can translate into greater desire to learn about and “Hatikva” and tzahal-style mifkad, Israel will be presupport Israel. sented in a lively and vibrant way. By the end of the In addition, there was recognition that many kids week, the children will have been introduced to a wide have limited exposure modern Hebrew--as emphasis is range of aspects of Israeli life, including knowledge placed on siddur Hebrew in after-school education. So about its people, geography, history, and culture. To the camp also aims to give children a sense of famil- accomplish this several daily activities have been iarity with the modern Hebrew language that will not designed using art, music, dancing, science and sports. only begin to link them to Hebrew as it is spoken in The expertise of Julie Phillips in art and Cheryl Lerner Israel, but will also instill a desire to learn about being in Israeli dancing adds quality to our program.

Jewish and plant early seeds for their life- long learning The camp is based in the Friedel Jewish Academy about their Jewish heritage. building, located on the campus of the Jewish To accomplish this, Margo Riekes and I have gath- Community Center. Applications are still being acceptered staff and, with their input, developed a camp cur- ed for the few remaining spots. For information about riculum that uses a multi-sensorial approach to learn this program, please call me at 614.7102.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sponsored by the Omaha Public Library and Lincoln City Libraries, the Fifth Annual Mayhem in the Midlands Mystery Conference is May 27-30 at the Omaha Sheraton Hotel, 1615 Howard St. The conference features William Kent Kruger, the up-and-coming author of the Cork O’Connor mystery series, who will serve as guest of honor, with Susan McBride, author of Blueblood: a Debutante Dropout, serving as toastmaster. Other mystery authors attending are: Donna Andrews, Jan Burke, Denise Hamilton, Victor Gischler, Twist Phelan, Naomi Hirahara, Daniel J. Hale, Mary V. Welk, Julia Spencer-Flemimg, along with Omaha natives, Sean Doolittle and Alex Kava. Cost of the convention is $80, with additional fees for the Sunday brunch and author interview ($25), the Saturday cocktail party ($18), and mystery dinner ($45). These activities are open to conference participants only. $40 single-day passes will be available, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday in the Sheraton Lobby. Registration closes May 15. Visit www.omaha.lib.ne.us/mayhem/ to print out a registration form, or contact Jennifer Kirchmann at 444.4828 or at: jkirchmann@omaha.lib .ne.us or Sally Fellows at sallyfellows1@cox.net.

Jewish Senior Services presents a special concert with the accomplished performer mezzo soprano artist Janice Meyerson and her accompanist Eve Handleman on Tuesday, May 18, 7 p.m., in the JCC

Library Assistant High School degree and computer literacy required. Library experience preferred. 25-hour week, salary is depending on experience. Send resume to Kripke Jewish Federation Library, 333 S. 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154, or fax to (402) 334-1330, or email to gkatz@jewishomaha.org.

auditorium. A dessert reception follows. Since her professional debut as Brangane in Tristan and Isolde with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein, Meyerson has triumphed in opera houses and concert halls on four continents. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521.

Members of E.S.P., (Eat, Socialize and Play), Beth El's group for adults ages 35 to 50, will eat, drink and be merry at their next get-together, a delectable dinner event on Sunday, May 23, 6:30 p.m., at The Jaipur restaurant, 10922 Elm. Spend an evening with old friends, and have a great time making new ones! For reservations (due by May 14) or for more information, please call Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492.8550.

Exploring the wilder side of life is on tap for Beth El’s Synergy group, as they plan their next get-together at the Henry Doorly Zoo on Sunday, May 23, 1 p.m.

The group, open to adults ages 22 to 35, will meet at the black globe near the entrance of the Desert Dome, and, along with their families, will enjoy the afternoon at one of Omaha’s premier attractions. Cost of admission for non-zoo members is $9.75 for adults (12 and over); $6 for children (5-12); IMAX admission is extra.

For more information, please contact Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492.8550.

MOVING? Please give us the following information:

Name ________________________________________________ Old Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ (Or attach your mailing label)

Name ________________________________________________ New Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ New Phone ___________________________________________ Effective Date _________________________________________ If moving out of town, please check one: ❏ Discontinue Press ❏ Bill Me ❏ Full-time College Student ❏ “Snowbird” date of return _____________ Mail this coupon 3 weeks in advance to:

The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see bottom of page 12 for email address and Fax number

May 14, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Jewish Genetic Testing: “It’s About Education and Our Children”

by JOANIE JACOBSON for the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing On July 11 and September 1 of this year, 100 men and women from the Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Sioux City and Des Moines Jewish communities will have the opportunity to be tested for ten Jewish genetic diseases ... free of charge ...

Rocheyl Simon Beth Seldin Dotan for the very first time.

This testing is made possible through made me that way. I was going to need the efforts of the Greater Omaha those traits to get through my life.

“Gaucher has given me perspective,” Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing and its chairman, Jean Duitch, in partner- she concluded. “It’s so much of who I ship with the Jewish Federation of am. It’s made me sensitive to others’ Omaha and Boys Town National pain, to being different, and to knowing what’s important ... really important.”

Research Hospital.

Beth Seldin Dotan is a carrier of Meet three members of our community--a woman who has a Jewish genetic Canavan Disease.

Canavan is a progressive neurological disease, one who discovered she was a carrier, and a man whose family member disorder with symptoms beginning in was diagnosed. Most of us will find our- infancy. The condition is typically fatal within the first decade, although some selves in one of them.

Rocheyl Simon has Gaucher (pro- survive into their teens or early twenties.

There is no cure at the present time. nounced go-shay) Disease.

Gaucher Disease consists of three dis- Symptoms include generalized weakness, tinct disorders. Type I is most frequent in Ashkenazi Jews. It is caused by an enzyme deficiency. Everyone is invited to attend a discussion about Jewish Symptoms include bone and Genetic Diseases and the forthcoming testing program. The joint pain, fractures and meeting will be at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha on other orthopedic problems, Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. Speakers will include Jean as well as enlargement of Duitch, of the GOCJGT, and also Drs. Patrick Brookhouser, the liver and spleen. Some Edward Cohn, William Kimberling, and Krystal Platt (genetic individuals are severely counselor) and Toba Cohen-Dunning (Director, program planaffected as teenagers, while ning and development), all of Boys Town National Research others remain relatively Hospital. They will be available to answer further questions asymptomatic until age 50 about genetic diseases and the proposed testing. Participants or 60. Enzyme replacement will also be able to register to take the tests. therapy for Type I is available and has been highly effective in both severe mental retardation, and blindreducing the severity of some symptoms ness. Such is the case with “Gershie, “ Jean Duitch’s grandson. and reversing others.

“I didn’t even know about Canavan “I remember I had an enlarged stomach and I bruised a lot,” she recalled. “When I before Gershie was diagnosed,” said was three, we moved from a small town Dotan. “I heard about Gaucher at a CAJE to Philadelphia where my pediatrician conference and how they had discovdetected a problem and sent me for test- ered the medication to keep the disease ing. I was admitted to the hospital for a from advancing. In grade school, I knew week, my mother never left my side, and people were tested for Tay Sachs. That I had a bone marrow biopsy. Fortunately, was the first time I realized certain diseases could be passed on from one I don’t remember that part.

“The doctors told my parents I had Jewish generation to another.

“It became a personal issue during the Gaucher. The geneticist said I was ‘lucky’ -- I was young, and in my lifetime, there summer of ‘97, when my sister, would be treatment and then a cure. I Stephanie, was pregnant with her secwasn’t supposed to do things like climb ond child. Her first child had minor medical issues no one had identified. Steph to the top of the jungle gym, but I did.

“Everything was pretty normal until I had an amnio, and the doctor recomwas about six,” she continued. “The kids mended genetic testing. She and her teased me about being pregnant. I saw a unborn child tested “positive” as hematologist who assured me I was not Canavan carriers.

“I was visiting from Israel at the time having a baby. ‘You tell them it’s your and was tested immediately. I didn’t spleen!’ he said.

“When I was about eight, I had a know the results until I’d returned to tremendous amount of pain and had to Israel and didn’t know where to find have a partial splenectomy. The miracle genetic counseling there. The fact I’m a Canavan carrier is important for my chilcame when I was 12. The medication.”

Rocheyl receives a synthetic enzyme dren to know because the gene can be passed on by one parent. When they’re through an IV every two weeks.

“I’m 24 years old, and I feel great,” she older, they’ll be tested.

“It’s about education and our children,” boasted. “Gaucher is manageable. It’s usually not fatal in the form common to said Dotan. “As Jewish adults, we have the Jews. About 1 in 12 people carry the responsibility to pass knowledge about our gene, and about 1300 people in the ancestry on to our children. That includes health issues, particularly, our genetic United States are on the medication.

“The most important thing is to be make-up and how it affects us.

“In the past, doctors had no names for educated so you can make conscious, informed decisions about your future,” these diseases and no course of action,” Simon emphasized. “Gaucher is not a she continued. “Today, the knowledge is reason not to have kids. If a child has there for the asking--the knowledge that been diagnosed, he or she can start on now affords us the opportunity to make the medication at a much lower dose. responsible and intelligent choices about our future.

The sooner, the better.

“We’re so lucky to have someone like “I’ve always been a feisty, adamant, stubborn kid, and my mother always Jean Duitch in our small community to tried to get me to behave. After I was bring this to our attention,” Beth added. diagnosed, she said she knew why G-d “Through Gershie and his family--his

You Can Find Out More!

riages, both partners are carriers; there are 30,000 CF patients in the United States and 30,000 more in Europe; when Lindsay was born, the life expectancy was about 17 years; today it’s mid-30’s (there’s a gentleman in Omaha with CF who’s 63), and it can be diagnosed later in life.

“My sister wakes up Lindsey Wadleigh Barry Zoob every morning and wonders wonderful, loving family -- we can all what the day will be like,” said Zoob. learn so much about ourselves.”

“But Lindsay doesn’t worry about her Barry Zoob has a niece with Cystic disease -- she’s focused on making a difFibrosis. ference in other’s lives. The illness is secCystic Fibrosis is a chronic illness of the ond-nature to her. CF does not control respiratory and gastrointestinal system. her life. She does.

Patients develop breathing difficulty, fre“Most CF kids seem to accept the realiquent infections and poor digestion. ty their life is going to be shortened,” Although there is no cure at the present Zoob explained. “They tend to make their time, patients can achieve an improved mark early in life, whatever that mark is. quality of life with efficient supportive CF kids are so much more mature than treatments. The severity of symptoms as other kids. They know they can impact well as life expectancy are quite variable. their lives through proper medication, “Oh, my G-d. Are you sure? Not us! therapies, care and nutrition, and that’s Questions, doubts. It can’t be true.” what they do...with great spirit.”

That’s what raced through Barry’s head When Lindsay was two, she was CF’s when he got the phone call from his sis- National Poster Child. You’ll find her feater that would change everyone’s lives. tured on CF’s website under “Special His niece, Lindsay Wadleigh, had been People.” Today, at 20, she is a singer and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis only a dancer who also wrote her own show few days after she was born. that’s performed in her own theater, and “I couldn’t believe it,” said Zoob. “Five all proceeds go the CF Foundation. She years prior to that phone call, I’d joined has a 3.95 average at the University of the CF Board to give back to the com- Wisconsin, has been offered drama munity. After I found out about Lindsay, scholarships from De Paul in Chicago my motives became much more selfish.” and the University of Michigan, and Zoob knows the statistics. “CF is the dreams of being a teacher. “She’s conlargest genetically inherited disease fatal to vinced it’s the best way to change the children. In the general population, 1 out world,” said Zoob. of 30 is a CF carrier; in 1 out of 400 mar- Continued on page 15

GAUCHER DISEASE Approximately 1 out of every 450 within the Ashkenazi Jewish population has Gaucher disease

The symptoms may become apparent at any age and they include:

EASY BRUISING AND BLEEDING BONE PAIN ●

FATIGUE EASILY FRACTURED BONES ●

DELAYED GROWTH ENLARGED SPLEEN AND LIVER ●

The consequences of this disorder can be debilitating. For more information on Gaucher disease, treatment, and testing, contact your doctor or please call and ask for Information Packet 9.

RGD/US/P145/01/04

1-800-745-4447 www.genzyme.com

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Dining

May 14, 2004

ORGANIZATIONS

Out

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. Following lunch at noon, join Lois Wine for “Remembering When”. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272.

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

WALK-IN, DROP-IN: For those members going to the Bluffs Run Casino on May 20, please meet at the JCC at 8:45 a.m. For transportation call Maggie at 334.6521,

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LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a Freylichen Tog? Come to the Lomir Redn Yiddish meeting at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information.

VISIONS Reminder: Luncheon Meeting is May 21, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person.

Our special guest is Mayor Mike Fahey.

Join Visions for Baseball Game Night with the Omaha Royals on June 3. Cost is $5 per person. Dinner is at the Stadium View Club at 6 p.m. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. Make check payable to Visions. Send reservations by May 20 to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Cir., Omaha, NE 68154.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Reminder: Mother Daughter Concert with Janice Meyerson and Eve Handleman is Tuesday, May 18. 7 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium.

JSS presents the Iowa Western Community Band on Tuesday, June 15, 7 p.m. in the JCC auditorium. The theme will be Patriotic and Klezmer Music. The concert band has performed in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for 25 years. A dessert reception following the performance. There is no admission fee. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521.

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

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

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL JWI will host its annual donor luncheon on Tuesday, May 18, noon, at the JCC. This year’s program is “Walter Graham: The Humorous Trickster”. Make reservations by May 16 to Rosalie Greenspoon, 391.1954; Frieda Krizelman, 391.0551; or Esther Wax, 393.4442.

To be eligible as a donor, contribute a minimum of $18.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Alan Parsow will speak on Wednesday, May 19, noon, at the Park Inn Regency Lodge. His topic will be “Investing In a Rising Interest Environment.” Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

Breadbreakers is open to the community.

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

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

IN THE NEWS The Nebraska State Home Builders Association recently named Harding Collis “Educator of the Year.”

A longtime Omaha Realtor, Collis is Vice-president of Residential Sales for NP Dodge Company and serves as Director of the Great Plains Real Estate School. He often teams up professionally with his wife, Rovia Collis, also an experienced Realtor with NP Dodge.

Daniel Davidson, son of Igor and Helen Davidson, and Trevor Gerson, son of Michael and Meta Gerson, will be recognized at a Double Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony, this Sunday, May 16, 5 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 202 So. 20 St. Davidson and Gerson will obtain additional Eagle Scout honors at the ceremony; refreshments will follow. Hal Daub, former mayor of the city of Omaha, will be the keynote speaker. The two are members of Boys Scout Troop #218, which is led by Dr. Mark Pilley and meets at the Jewish Community Center.

The law firm of Abrahams, Kaslow and Cassman has been accepted into the invitation-only organization, Meritas, a closely integrated group of full-service law firms that provide business clients with worldwide access to comprehensive legal services. Only one firm per geographic marketplace is accepted into Meritas; members are ranked among the top firms in most cities.

University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and his wife, Beverly Maurer, have been named as the recipients of this year’s People of Vision Award from Prevent Blindness Nebraska. The People of Vision Award is given to an Omaha person or couple whose lifetime achievements exceed the expectations of peers, colleagues and friends.

The Maurers were honored at a dinner last week. Prevent Blindness Nebraska has worked since 1970 to save the sight of Nebraskans through screening programs, information and referral.

New York, New York- It's a Wonderful Town!

Mitch Weiner graduated with high distinction from the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a LeRossigrol scholar for outstanding academic achievement. He will pursue a PhD in economics at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he has been awarded a scholarship and will also receive a stipend as a teacher’s assistant.

Mitch is the son of JoAnn Blatt and David Weiner.

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Stephanie Olesh, daughter of Dr. Robert and Donna Olesh, won a silver award for her portfolio in the National Scholastic Art competition in New York. She was one of only 150 students recognized from thousands of senior portfolio entries from across the country.

Stephanie also won a national silver award for her drawing. She is a senior at Omaha Central High School and will pursue her art studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she plans to major in illustration.

The Omaha Theater Company at the Rose Theater recently presented Broadway Town to the seniors of the Young Energetic Seniors and students of the Friedel Jewish Academy. Based on the musical On the Town, the musical follows the adventures of a lone sailor looking for a taxi so he can see some Broadway shows. Artist Earl Bates, left, and Sue Booton chat with members of the Y.E.S. Club Esther Simon and Ethel Grossman and students Mikhail Popkov and Eva Phillips.

May 14, 2004

Omaha Native Returns to Perform

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Janice Meyerson grew up surrounded by music in Omaha. It wasn’t unusual for friends and relatives to come over to her home for hours of singing, while her mother, Eve Handleman, played piano.

Meyerson’s still singing today--as a professional. And she’ll be in Omaha for some very special performances next week. On May 21 and 22, 8 p.m., Meyerson will perform with the Omaha Symphony at the Orpheum, singing Wagner pieces originally written just for voice and piano. And on Tuesday, May 18, 7 p.m., she’ll join her mother once again, for a concert at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Handleman plays by ear, so she and her daughter have been e-mailing suggestions for the concert back and forth.

“I grew up hearing Broadway tunes, pop music of the day, Yiddish songs,” said Meyerson in a recent interview. “But I didn’t think of music as a career until college.” After graduating from Westside High School, Meyerson attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she “thought about teaching, because that’s what girls did then.”

Because Art History was only offered at 8 a.m. “and I’m not a morning person,” Meyerson laughed, she opted for the afternoon music theory class. That, and an “excellent voice teacher who encouraged” her, lead Meyerson to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

Unlike pianists and violinists who have to start playing and practicing early in life, Meyerson says that singers really don’t develop their full range until they’re in their 20s. So she had the time to let her talent mature, while studying under some of the best vocal coaches.

And it’s paid off. Her career as a mezzosoprano takes her to Spain (where she spent seven weeks this winter in Barcelona), France, Belgium, Great Britain, even Russia. She has sung many Verdi roles, including Amneris in Aida on four continents (Buenos Aires, Frankfurt, and Taipei, in addition to many U.S. cities). She made her New York City Opera debut in the title role in Carmen.

Though it’s hard spending time apart from her husband, Dr. Raymond Scheindlin, a professor of medieval Hebrew literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City (and last year, a scholar-in-residence at

Janice Meyerson Temple Israel), as Meyerson says, “I don’t regret it at all. I’ve gotten to see the world--and not as a tourist.”

Because there are so many more opera companies in Europe, many of which perform year ’round, Meyerson actually lives “like a native” wherever she’s performing, shopping in small markets, learning the language and making friends in her neighborhood.

Even though New York is her home base, she’s excited about coming back to Omaha. The last time she performed with the Omaha Symphony was in 1995 with former director Bruce Hangen; before that she sang when when Thomas Bricetti conducted. This is her first time working with Victor Yampolsky and she’s looking forward to it.

Meyerson has some advice for young people contemplating a career in music: “You have to be your own race horse.

“Because I came from a family where music was--and is--important,” she added, “I think you should study music whether you’re going to make a career of it or not.

Today music is ‘done’ to you. While it’s nice to listen to it, it’s also important to be involved with it. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re good or not!”

Though she works in a competitive field (“What isn’t these days,’ she says.), she insists that if you want a career in music, you have to follow your dreams.

To hear her at the Omaha Symphony, call 342.3836 for tickets or visit www.omahasymphony.org.

To reserve a spot for Tuesday night’s performance, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

Israeli Guide Connects with Former Mission Participants Stuart Kutler, left, and Alex Fleischer, Omaha’s Guide for Federation missions to Israel for more that 15 years, caught up with each other recently at an artist’s opening in the JCC Gallery for Fleischer’s paintings. In addition to his work as an Israeli tour guide, Fleischer is a talented artist who has studied at the Bezalel School of Art in Jerusalem, the Rex Museum in Amsterdam and the Royal College of Art in London. His work focuses on the landscapes of Israel.

With tourism down in Israel due to the intifada, Fleischer says he has had more time to focus on his art. Fortunately, tourists are starting to come back to Israel. In fact, last November more than 5000 North American Jews (24 from Omaha) traveled to Israel for

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Feast of Weeks!

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66. Country singer McIntyre 67. Memo abbreviation 68. Motif or storyline 69. Unit of weight or mass 70. Nebraska Native Americans 71. Measuring device 72. Sh’moneh ____, Hebrew prayer (term means ‘18’) DOWN 1. White powdery mineral 2. ___ Giaevar, shared 1973 Nobel Prize for Physics 3. Muppet 4. Under the speed of sound 5. One of the three values on which the world is founded, in Judaic tradition 6. Make-believe laugh sound, often used sarcastically 7. Facial blemish condition 8. Placed golf ball prior to driving 9. In debate, arguers take ____ 10. ___ to, attain, as a position 11. Othello 12. Haifa or Ashkelon 13. Bus or RR stop

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the General Assembly, United Jewish Community’s most important annual Jewish conference. For more information about the Federation’s missions to Israel, please contact Pam Monsky at 334.6431 or e-mail her at: pmonsky@jewishomaha.org.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

Opinion Spending Money to Make Money Organizations are often criticized (unfairly in our opinion) for spending money in order to raise money. But with a growing number of charitable organizations in this community and competing interests, non-profits have to find clever ways to approach donors, host fundraising events and write grants.

It’s that last item on the agenda for this week’s editorial.

According to one local grantwriter, most foundations want answers to 12 basic questions. That and the budget (plus copies of standard information like last year’s financial statement and a copy of the IRS tax-exempt letter) is all an applicant really needs to apply. Of course, the grantwriter needs to know how to “state the case” for the organization so that members of foundation boards will understand why the funding is important.

There are several good projects for which we think the Jewish Federation and its Centers of Excellence should look to foundations outside the Jewish community and to the federal government for assistance.

Case in point: the Internal Revenue Service has given a block grant to Nebraska Legal Services, received a $33,250 grant to provide low-income individuals and families involved with tax disputes with the IRS. For 2004-05, grants of up to $100,000 are available for this project and we think the Jewish community should apply for some of the funding.

If your organization is interested, contact: Applications for Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

Grants must be received at Internal Revenue Service, Taxpayer Advocate Service, Mail Stop 211-D, LITC Program Office, 401 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, no later than July 1. The application package

(Publication 3319) is available at www.irs.gov/advocate or may be ordered from the IRS Forms Distribution Center by calling 1.800.829.3676. Applicants can also file electronically at www.grants.gov.

Here’s another example: President George W. Bush has stressed “faith-based” grants in nearly all of his State of the Union addresses.

In fact, when Chabad of Nebraska sponsored a day-long seminar on this subject, Jennifer Sullivan, the White House Chief Deputy Associate Director of Outreach for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, flew in at the last minute to make a presentation.

Chabad has already obtained a faith-based grant, thanks to the hard work of one of its volunteers. It helped, in part, to sponsor the conference and serve the Jewish mentally ill population in Eastern Nebraska.

Whether you agree with the rationale behind faith-based grants or not, whether you think non-profit organizations of any faith can serve the general population, the funding is there, available, and is paid for by our tax dollars.

And here’s another idea of how to use it. Because many funders like collaborative efforts, we think it would be a good idea for Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services to get together and apply for a single grant to serve the families of the elderly. These families don’t necessarily have to be Jewish (since JSS and JFS both serve non-Jewish clientele--for which they receive funding from

(Founded in 1920)

United Way, too), but having the federal government pay for a full-time therapist to be used by both Centers of Excellence would free up critical funding needed elsewhere at both agencies.

Come to think of it, maybe other Centers of Excellence could apply as well. Anyone interested in a meeting on this topic? If you think your organization could benefit, let’s get a group together to discuss next steps.

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

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

Why Did They Do It? Likud Voters May Have Been Wrong, but Their Critics Are Missing the Point BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by JONATHAN S. TOBIN On the face of it, Israel has screwed up. Big time.

President George W. Bush went out on a limb for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He not only backed his plan for a unilateral withdrawal, but also reversed a decades-old American policy, and publicly endorsed Israel’s position on its right to retain some of the settlements and its opposition to the Palestinian “right of return.”

For this, Bush was roundly bashed by most American editorial writers and virtually every foreign leader. But the beating he took might have been considered worth it had Sharon parlayed Bush’s seal of approval into a positive vote in a referendum on the Gaza plan held among members of the prime minister’s Likud Party.

But instead of giving Sharon--and Bush-what they wanted, the Likudniks gave both a black eye, with a resounding 60 percent “no” vote. As a result, all those who dismissed Bush’s historic move as dunderheaded diplomacy are now having a good laugh at the president’s expense.

In the eyes of people like former President Jimmy Carter and others, Bush had foresworn America’s supposed role as an “evenhanded” broker between Israel and the Arabs. Carter dismissed Bush as the most pro-Israel president in history, and he didn’t mean it as a compliment.

The Washington Post spoke for the foreign-policy establishment when it editorialized on Tuesday that “Bush compromised the ability of the United States to serve as mediator of a final settlement. … The result is a blow to U.S. standing in the Middle East.”

It has yet to be seen whether Bush will stay the course. He rightly refused a request by King Abdullah of Jordan, still the State Department’s teacher’s pet, that the president rethink his position. But the king may wind up getting his own Bush letter that will differ from the one sent to Sharon.

...the chattering classes have created a a political universe where Israel is at fault for everything that happens, including the slaughter of its own people.

Bush has also allowed Secretary of State Colin Powell to sign on to a diplomatic “Quartet” statement that contradicts the American commitment to Israel. Other statements from Powell prior to the referendum helped Sharon’s opponents convince some voters that Bush’s word couldn’t be trusted.

How unrepresentative?

But why did the Likud put Bush and Sharon in this position? First, as many have already pointed out, the 60,000 Likudniks who voted “no” in a party ballot where only a couple of hundred thousand Israelis (out of a population of more than five million) were eligible

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

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

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

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

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

to vote do not necessarily represent mainstream opinion in the country.

That’s true. But, to be fair, the “no” votes in the Likud referendum don’t represent a smaller percentage of voters than the few Democrats in a handful of states whose votes made Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry a finalist in this year’s presidential contest.

The Likud is Israel’s leading party, and its members may not be a true cross-section of opinion in the Jewish state, but they aren’t any less so than a similar sampling from parties such as Labor that they trounced in the last two general elections.

Sharon was foolish to hold the referendum, which was an attempt to go over the heads of his deeply divided Cabinet. He may yet be able to undo the harm with some clever maneuvering, but the Likud rebuke is a slap to Bush that was both undeserved and strategically foolish for Israel.

Yet rather than merely say that the Likud electorate was stupid, maybe we should be asking why so many Israelis were willing to put Bush and their own elected leader in such a precarious position.The answer is plain: They don’t think Israel should be asked to make concessions at a time when the Palestinians are doing everything in their power to kill as many Jews as possible.

Few Israelis other than the 7,500 who live there want to keep Gaza. But as much as I believe Sharon’s position to be a reasonable one--and Bush’s backing of him to be courageous--I can’t entirely fault those Israelis who say that handing over parts of Gaza and northern Samaria to the terrorist organizations isn’t going to advance peace.

Continued on page 13

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org..

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written.

Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing.

All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request.

No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

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May 14, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

The Anti-Semitism Conference: An Inside Look BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by BETTY EHRENBERG My arrival on a rainy late April morning in gray Berlin was the beginning of an experience for which I had prepared for weeks, ever since Secretary of State Powell appointed me as a member of the United States delegation to the Conference on Anti-Semitism, which was being convened under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the third most important European regional group, after NATO and the European Union.

I couldn’t help but think of the irony of the setting. Fifty-nine years after the fall of Berlin and the end of the Holocaust, here I was, the daughter of an Auschwitz survivor and a Kristallnacht refugee, in the Foreign Ministry of the Federal Republic of Germany, steps away from what had been the seat of Hitler's government and a few miles from Wannsee, where the Holocaust was planned.

I had come to Berlin to join a thousand people from all over Europe, Central Asia, and North America, to confront the rising tide of anti-Semitism--not as history, but as current event. Here in Berlin, 55 countries had come together to denounce anti-Semitism and commit to take measures to fight it.

The members of the U.S. delegation, with whom I had worked for years in my capacity as Director of International and Communal Affairs of the OU, worked together seamlessly. Headed by the inimitable Ed Koch, the former mayor of New York whose legendary lack of reticence proved especially useful and appropriate in forums and meetings, we were guided by Ambassador Stephen Minikes, the United States Ambassador to the OSCE, a determined fighter and seasoned diplomat with a unique direct style. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) were the Congressional delegates.

Watching the three of them “working”

the various delegations, proposing and persuading, was both an inspiration and eye-opener. Partisanship was completely laid aside as they worked determinedly to see that the goals of the Conference would be achieved. I was inspired by their sincerity and profound dedication to the cause.

The presence of Secretary of State Colin Powell compounded the excitement; I couldn’t help noticing that all eyes followed him wherever he went. With his presence, the glamour and prestige of the Conference increased exponentially and made it clear that there would be meaningful results and not just talk.

Were it not for the combined determination of the Bush Administration and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, the Conference would not have taken place. Almost sixty years have passed and the former enemies in World War II were now the staunchest allies pushing the rest of the world to stamp out an age-old vicious hatred.

The Conference had originated as the brainchild of Smith, Cardin, and German professor and Member of Parliament Gert Weisskirchen, a passionate activist with a shock of white hair falling into his eyes, whose contagious enthusiasm seemingly influenced everyone. The three are living proof, I thought, of how only a few individuals can make a great difference.

One-on-one meetings by our group with individual delegations--such as France, the United Kingdom and Israel-were an integral part of the proceedings.

I entered a meeting just in time to hear the British minister end a sentence with, “...and we oppose the targeted assassi-

nations,” then watch Koch disdainfully respond with, “And if you came up against Bin Laden today, wouldn’t you see fit to get rid of him?” to which the minister had no good reply.

I delivered my speech on the “new” anti-Semitism on April 29, and it did not escape me that this was one day shy of 59 years since Adolph Hitler committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin on April 30, 1945. In the great hall of the German Foreign Ministry I thought of my parents, and filled with emotion, I declared: “This new anti-Semitism is like a cancer that can quickly infect many countries. The same radicalized extremist Muslims who threaten Jews perpetrated the h o r r i f i c bombing of Spain’s commuter railway. The Spain attack, like those in Istanbul and at the Pentagon, are important wake up calls for all of us.

“When civilized nations fail to combat anti-Semitism, it is only a matter of time before those who hate the Jews spread their hatred towards others. Jews may be the first victims and targets, but they are never the last ones. Self-interest, then, to say nothing of simple decency, requires the nations of the OSCE region to act vigorously to extinguish resurgent anti-Semitism.”

Not too many years ago one could not have imagined that we, hundreds of

This new anti-Semitism is like a cancer that can quickly infect many countries.

The same radicalized extremist Muslims who threaten Jews perpetrated the horrific bombing of Spain’s commuter railway.

The Spain attack, like those in Istanbul and at the Pentagon, are important wake up calls for all of us.

Conference delegates, would be standing on the steps of the Chancellery, listening to the words of welcome from a German Chancellor to an Israeli President, as Gerhard Schroeder greeted Moshe Katzav. As I watched the German and Israeli flags waving side by side through the window, I could only wonder at the strange twists and turns of history.

The gathering began with Elie Weisel sounding the alarm and closed with Natan Sharansky’s warnings and the emphatic bang of the gavel. The Conference Chairman’s final Declaration was unprecedented in Europe: a resounding condemnation of all acts of anti-Semitism and the commitment of 55 countries to act decisively against it.

The problem, of course, is far from solved, but contrary to the skepticism of some critics, the achievements of the Conference were significant.

Demonization of Israel was identified for what it is--anti-Semitism. For the first time, OSCE members will commit to monitoring hate crimes, tracking bias crime statistics and issuing public reports. Best practices to help prevent anti-Semitism and racism would be shared. For once, the disease would be diagnosed and could be treated.

The world is finally confronting the poison of anti-Semitism. We must redouble our efforts on a global scale to protect our freedoms and to make it ever more difficult for anti-Semitism and bigotry to take root.

Betty Ehrenberg is Director of International and Communal Affairs of the Orthodox Union

The Israeli-U U.S. Disengagement Plan:

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush have announced a plan for Israel to evacuate all settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank in exchange for American political commitments on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. While there are some positive components to the proposal, it also contains negative features that must be addressed.

The Good

Likud Voters May Have Been Wrong Continued from page 12 Peace isn’t at hand, with the Gaza plan or without it.

The only question is whether more lives will be saved or lost by the withdrawal. And no one can answer that query with absolute certainty. The settlement movement is widely reviled abroad, and even in many sectors of Israeli society, but the main impetus behind Sharon’s defeat probably isn’t Jewish messianism.

So long as the Palestinians consider the murder of Jews living in the territories--such as the pregnant mother and her four children mercilessly slaughtered on May 2--to be a legitimate form of protest, they shouldn’t expect much sympathy from Israel’s voters.

What the “no” vote represents is also a revolt against the international opinion which claims that, despite everything that has happened in the last decade, Israel’s moral standing is still no better than that of the Palestinians.

The fact that the Palestinians violated the Oslo accords while Israel kept its side of the bargain is considered ancient history. So, too, is the fact that Sharon’s predecessor, Ehud Barak, offered the Palestinians much of what they asked for in 2000--and was answered with a terrorist war of attrition.

In the same Post editorial blasting Bush’s move as “A Poor Wager,” the paper opined that Sharon’s plan was as bad as Barak’s peace initiative. Their reasoning was that the failure to achieve peace was, and is, the fault of Barak and Sharon, not the Palestinians who rebuffed them.

What Bush has done is to assert that the two sides were not equally to blame for the lack of peace. But the chattering classes have created a a political universe where Israel is at fault for everything that happens, including the slaughter of its own people. In that context, no wonder large numbers of Israelis have been left uninterested in any unilateral gestures, even those that might strengthen Israel in the long run.

The “no” vote in the referendum was created by three-plus years of Palestinian terrorism.The key to an Israeli majority for compromise lies in the hands of the Palestinians, not Sharon’s advisers.

Until then, the naysayers of Likud will continue to find themselves on firm political ground.

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia. He can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

The removal of settlers from Gaza and parts of the West Bank will set a significant precedent for broader settler evacuations. The fact that Sharon-the godfather of settlements-has concluded that settlements can be an economic, security, and diplomatic burden will make it easier for future Israeli leaders to go beyond what he is proposing. While a negotiated evacuation would be preferable, Bush said that negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians need to be resumed at some point. Further, Bush outlined American positions on borders, settlements, and Palestinian refugees that are consistent with earlier understandings reached through Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

The Bad Bush did not challenge Sharon's proposal in several areas related to the Road Map, leaving the impression that the U.S. concurs with positions that weaken that diplomatic initiative.

Sharon's comments included Israeli reservations to the Road Map that would gut the plan of meaning, a harmful interpretation of how steps should be timed to implement the document, and a limited removal of settlement outposts.

The Ugly In pronouncing positions on difficult final status issues like borders, settlements, and refugees, Bush severely weakened America's ability to serve as an honest broker between the two sides in future negotiations. Palestinians will have a strong disincentive to engage in serious negotiations hosted by the U.S. knowing that the president has already come out against their views (regardless of the substantive arguments involved). The president's comments also strengthen Palestinian and other Arab extremists who are already saying that there is no point in negotiating with Israel and the U.S.

President Bush can still try to help the Israeli settler evacuation serve as a bridge to the negotiating process if he works seriously to get Israel to live up to its earlier commitments to freeze settlement activity, remove outposts, and ease restrictions on movements of innocent Palestinians. He must also work to bring Palestinian moderates into the disengagement process.

Unless the president restores his credibility as a peacemaker in the eyes of all sides and helps resume negotiations, the violence, death, and horror of Israel's occupation will grind on.

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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May 14, 2004

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

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

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, with Oneg to follow, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) and parents of BESTT graduates. Junior Congregation for grades three to seven, 10 a.m.; K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:30 p.m.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni.

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

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

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

SATURDAY, May 22: Beth El Lunch ‘n’ Learn session following Shabbat services. (See article on this page.)

SUNDAY, May 23, 6:30 p.m.: Members of E.S.P., (Eat, Socialize, and Play), Beth El’s group for

ages 35-50, will gather for dinner at a local eatery. For more information, please contact Harriet Einziger, 492.8550.

TUESDAY, May 25: Shavout dinner and study sessions with Rabbi Levin and Professor Guy Matalon. Services begin at 5:30 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m. At 6:40 p.m, Rabbi Levin will lead, “The Question of Biblical Anthropomorphisms: G-d Doesn’t Have an Eye or a Hand.” Prof. Matalon’s session, “The Purposes of the Commandments: The Essence of Judaism Is In the Doing,” will begin at 7:40 p.m. For reservations, contact Harriet Einzinger, 492.8550.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-noon (these office hours are effective through June). Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. (For those who accept Shabbos early, candles should be lit by 8:17 p.m.)

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Harry Wolfson in memory of the Yahrzeit of his father, Louis I. Wolfson; Mincha, 8:10 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:24 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 8:10 p.m.

Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 8:10 p.m.

TUESDAY, 7:30 p.m.: Sisterhood meeting.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in Home SATURDAY: Lag B’Omer/ Havdalah and volunteers are needed.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

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

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

BAT MITZVAH Rebecca Claire Noddle, daughter of Kim and Jay Noddle, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 22 at Temple Israel Rebecca is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Westside Middle School. She won the 2003 T.A.G. (Theater Arts Guild) Award. She enjoys art, swimming, and acting.

For her Mitzvah Project, she made drain bag covers for cancer patients and for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Rebecca has two brothers, Sam and Aaron.

Her grandparents are Barb and Mike Platt and Nancy and Harlan Noddle.

Her great-grandparents are Dorothy Platt and the late Max Platt.

PERSONAL Thanks to all my friends for their sincere expression of sympathy on the death of my only brother, Danny Fettman. I deeply appreciate the devotion of those who joined me in prayer at morning and evening minyan during the week of shiva.

Cantor Leo Fettman Thanks to all our family and friends for their cards, flowers and gifts. Your care and concern is appreciated.

Marge and Norman Lincoln

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Teacher Recognition Shabbat Service, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 9 a.m.-noon ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Please call the office to sign up.

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

SHAVUOT Tuesday, May 25, 7-9 p.m. We gather to hear the Ten Commandments and to share in a service and study. Our seventh through ninth graders will participate in the service, which is followed by a special holiday oneg.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m.; led

by Nancy Rips.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book.

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

Candlelighting Friday, May 14, 8:17 p.m.

Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

Rebecca Frishman, daughter of Martha and Seth Frishman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Morning Services.

SITTER SERVICE 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. Please make a reservation through the Temple office so we may plan accordingly.

Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY: Conversations with Rabbi Azriel, noon-1 p.m.

Bring your own lunch to this informal discussion of current events and issues that affect the Omaha Jewish Community and others throughout the world.

THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m.

CONFIRMATION/ GRADUATION SERVICE Temple Israel will confirm 12 graduating seniors at this special milestone service on Friday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. (See complete article on page 4.)

In addition to the service, seventh graders’ mitzvah projects will be on display at the Oneg Shabbat which will be sponsored by the Noddle Family in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Rebecca Noddle and the graduation class.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Picnic in Antelope Park from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Annual Meeting and Election of Officers, 1 p.m. at the synagogue; last day of Sunday school.

WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.; last day of Hebrew school.

Speaker at Beth El to Address Jewish Law vs. Body Enhancement: Kosher or Not?

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator In a society obsessed with body image, piercings, tattoos and weight-loss procedures are all the rage. But how does Jewish law view these alterations--as beautification or mutilation? This question will be the topic during Beth El’s May 22, 12:20 p.m., Lunch ‘n’ Learn, following Shabbat services.

The discussion will be led by congregant Toby Schonfeld, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of medical ethics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “Jewish law distinguishes between those procedures that would be considered body mutilation and those

considered beautification,” she said. “Into which category do these latest trends fall?

“During our program, we’ll discuss this distinction and how the body is valued in Judaism. We will also talk about what it means to be a ‘reasonable caretaker’ of the body, which is on loan to us from God, and whether or not we ought to engage in the secular nutrition fads that have become so popular.”

The entire community is invited to attend. Cost is $8.50 adults, $5.50 for children. Babysitting is available upon request, at no charge. Reservations are due by May 14, and may be made by calling Harriet Einziger, 492.8550.

UNVEILING A stone setting for the late Yale Richards will be held Sunday, May 16, 10:30 a.m., at Fisher Farms Cemetery.

May 14, 2004

The Last of Leviticus

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Behar/Behukkutai Both the beginning of Chapter 25, and the end of Chapters 26 and 27 of our two Sidrot, remind the reader that all of the commandments given here were given to Moses at Sinai. It is almost as though “Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.” It is as though the Text is demanding that we understand that all these mitzvot (of our two Sidrot) are indeed fundamental, that they were given to Moses at Sinai.

And then follow various practical laws for land tenure and land use of a settled people living in its own land.

The laws are primarily agricultural laws, defining the use of land and proper restrictions, so that neither the poverty of owning no land and its opposite--the accumulation of large estates--should not occur. All of this has to do with the ethical approach of man to field.

The first of our two Sidrot promises great blessing if these mitzvot are followed. There is the poetic promise that “threshing shall overtake the vintage.” This means

DEATHS

LEONARD R. SHRAGO Leonard Shrago died at the age of 58.

He is survived by his aunts, Mina Zipp, Peppi Marion and Selma Swartzstein, all of Chicago, and Josie Shrago and Ann Belmont.

Memorials to the Beatrice Developmental Home in Beatrice, NE. IDA BRONSTEYN Ida Bronsteyn died at the age of 84. Services were held May 11 at Beth El Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anastas Beiler.

She is survived by daughter, Ella Patkovsky; daughter and son-in-law, Mila and Gene Goldman; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Genetic Testing Continued from page 9 “Any Jewish couple even thinking about getting married should be tested,” Zoob insisted. “My girls were tested before they got married and my son was tested at birth. Unless you’re someone who doesn’t mind taking unnecessary risks, testing is a necessity. There’s no risk in taking the test itself and it’s about 95% accurate. I’d take those odds any day.

“Lindsay has taught everyone in my family that life is precious. Don’t take it for granted. Today is the most important day in your life ... make the most of it. Live life to the fullest and try to make a difference.”

Lindsay Wadleigh, niece of Barry and Nora Zoob, granddaughter of Seymour and Roz Zoob, has made a difference in a lot of lives...and in the world.

To find out more--and register for testing--come Monday, May 17, 7:30 p.m., to the JCC for an informational meeting. To obtain a number for registration, please arrive at 7 p.m. For more information, please contact Jean Duitch at 393.1141.

Page 15

Pulverente MONUMENT CO. that the fields will be so productive that one season, in this case threshing the harvest, cannot be completed before it is time to handle the produce of the vines.

The opposite is promise, that is to say, threats, if God’s laws are not followed.

Our second Sidra, among other things, deals with a practice too difficult to put in terms for us to understand. It has to do with what kind of contribution is required when one pledges himself to the Sanctuary. It is simple enough if the pledge is one or more animals or a piece of land. But what value shall we place on me, myself?

These two Sidrot bring the Book of Leviticus to an end. This third book of Torah has dealt largely with ritual matters. The people of Israel are still attending to laws given at Sinai. Indeed, about 10 chapters of the Book of Numbers (B’Midbar) belong to the long sojourn at Sinai. The Torah thus has made clear that the Law is Sinaitic.

After this long hiatus in the march of the People of Israel from Egypt to Sinai, the journey will continue in the Book of Numbers, as the expectation of the Promised Land comes closer and closer. And yet, as every seasoned reader of Torah knows, the Torah ends with a cliffhanger, that is to say that Israel has not yet been rewarded with entrance to the Holy Land.

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ELEANOR SLOSBURG Eleanor Slosburg died May 6 at the age of 76.

Services were held May 9 at Temple Israel.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Slosburg; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Ellen Slosburg, David and Martha Slosburg, Danny and Patti Slosburg; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and Jim Ward; grandchildren, Jacob, Rachel, Tucker, Grace, Sam, Joe, Ali, Libby, Kate and Max Slosburg, and Rebecca and Sara Ward; sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Ronald Reuben; brother, Alvin Passer; sister-in-law, Ramona Pepper; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Marion Slosburg.

Memorials to Temple Israel or charity of choice.

FRIEDA HELLMAN Former Blumkin Home resident Frieda Hellman died on May 9. Services were held May 12 in New York City.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, former Omahans Joel and Esther Hellman of Eau Claire, WI; and grandchildren, Michelle and Michael Hellman.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewelry Making Classes Rivkah Sass, Director of the Omaha Public Library, spoke to an overflow crowd on Monday at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Noting that the average hard back book costs close to $30 today, Sass stressed the variety of services offered by public libraries today beyond that of borrowing books. In addition to making DVDs, CDs and audio books-ontape available for cardholders, the library also offers highspeed internet access for students, job seekers and others.

Sass showed one of OPL’s newest projects, Books for Babies, and urged grandparents to introduce their grandchildren to the library.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office on Shavuot (May 26-27) and Memorial Day, May 31, the deadline for articles, photos and ads is noon as follows: Issue Deadline May 28 Wednesday, May 19 June 4 Monday, May 24 Photos and information about college for the high school senior graduation spread in the June 4 issue are due by May 17--no exceptions. Questions? Call 334.6450.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 14, 2004

Videotaped Execution of U.S. Jew Raises Questions about Terror’s Targets Continued from page 1 (Editor’s note: Berg is a cousin of Susie and Paul Shyken. Some Omahans have even met his parents, Michael and Susan Berg, at the wedding of Gary Shyken to Lee Kalwerisky in Atlanta, GA, in June of 2001. Susie Shyken told the Jewish Press Wednesday that she hadn’t been able to reach Michael Berg by phone.)

The killing raises questions about whether a Jewish person--civilian or military--is in any graver danger than anyone else in such a volatile region.

Shoshana Bryen, Director of special projects for the Washington-based Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, said it makes sense that Jews would be targeted in Iraq.

“There are people in these countries who are looking to kill people who are members of certain groups,” Bryen said.

“The two at the top of the list are Americans and Jews.”

Though Berg’s religion wasn't mentioned on the video, posted on a Web site linked to Al-Qaida, Berg cites his family members, similar to the way Pearl did. Berg is seen saying, “My name is Nick Berg, my father’s name is Michael, my mother’s name is Susan...I have a brother and sister, David and Sarah.”

His father, Michael, inundated by reporters Tuesday as his family was still grieving, said his son’s religion may have made him a target.

“There’s a better chance than not that they knew he was Jewish,” his father was quoted saying. “If there was any doubt that they were going to kill him, that probably clinched it, I’m guessing.”

His father also told reporters that his son routinely wore a tzitzit, or traditional fringed undergarment, although he

didn’t wear it in public.

Joseph Kashnow, an Army Cavalry scout from Baltimore who has returned from Baghdad, felt strains of antiSemitism before coming home after a severe injury.

Kashnow, an Orthodox Jew who wore a kipah but usually hid it under his helmet, said that while most of the time his religion wasn’t an issue, he did encounter problems.

As an American Jewish soldier in Baghdad, Kashnow said he learned better than to pursue one particular conversation with a local man.

“He said, ‘Saddam wasn’t so bad, at least he wasn’t Jewish,” recalled Kashnow, 25. “Not a person I wanted to continue having a chat with.”

“It’s certainly possible there are people” in Iraq “who would feel it was a ‘two-mints-in-one’ to get an American and a Jew,” Kashnow told JTA. But not everyone agrees.

Rabbi Mitchell Ackerson, an Orthodox rabbi and senior Jewish chaplain for Operation Iraqi Freedom, just returned to his native Maryland from Iraq after nearly one year there. Despite the killing of a Jewish civilian, he said he believed American soldiers remained the prime target for Iraqis insurgents.

While in Iraq, Ackerson never told Jewish soldiers to hide their identities, but neither did he counsel them to “flaunt” their Judaism.

“I’m not sure what happened with Berg, but my gut inclination is he was not killed because he was Jewish. Instead, it was, ‘We captured an American, we’re going to prove we’re the tough guys and we’re going to kill him.’”

Ackerson said that if Berg’s murder

was religiously motivated, his captors or the Al-Qaeda-linked group that claimed responsibility “would’ve highlighted it,” just as they did with Pearl.

Kashnow’s right leg was nearly blown off by a homemade land mine last September. He has spent months undergoing operations and therapy--yet he says he’s as sure as ever that the war is just. He says Berg’s murder should only deepen American and Jewish faith in the war on terrorism.

“Berg was fighting to rebuild the country and make it safe for freedom. It’s still a tragedy,” he said.

Kashnow is not alone.

“Should people think twice or should we continue this?” said Judy Ledger, whose son and daughter--and their spouses--all served with the U.S. military in Iraq. “You do have to realize there’s a danger, but the danger is no more if you’re in the military than if there is a hate crime” in the United States.

But Ledger told JTA in an earlier interview that as a mother, her children’s Jewishness always was in the back of her mind. Ledger recalled how when her son, Matt, first went to the Iraq war theater before the conflict began, she urged him to remove the word “Jewish” from his military dog tags. But he refused, saying, “I don’t want a priest praying over me if I get killed.”

Some Jewish organizational officials echoed Kashnow’s view that Berg’s murder, combined with Tuesday’s videotaped killing of six Israeli soldiers by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip--should deepen the commitment of Jews and other Americans to the war on terrorism.

“This is an evil force that has no moral compunction at all,” said Malcolm

Hoenlein, Executive Vice-chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Referring to the video showing an Iraqi holding Berg’s severed head aloft and shouting, “Allahu akbar,” or “God is great”--and footage of Palestinian militants proudly displaying an Israeli soldier’s head and other body parts-Hoenlein said the two cases point to the same enemy.

“Their barbarism could not be more clear after today. On both fronts it’s the same menace,” he said.

On the video, Berg’s captors said the killing was to avenge the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers.

Berg was in Iraq as a freelance contractor working to repair communications antennae, The Associated Press reported. He had planned to return home at the end of March, but his parents told reporters he didn’t come home as scheduled and that the FBI had told them their son was in jail in Iraq.

In West Chester, meanwhile, his family and friends were mourning the loss of someone universally praised as a caring soul. In the last years of his life, Berg became increasingly religious. Berg began attending the Conservative Kesher Israel Congregation in West Chester two years ago. He even traveled to Israel to study Arabic and Hebrew for the first time just before going to Iraq.

A funeral service was reportedly set for May 14 at Kesher Israel, which said members “mourn with the family.”

(JTA Washington bureau chief Ron Kampeas, JTA staff writer Matthew E. Berger in Washington and the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent contributed to this report.)

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