Vol. LXXXIII No. 38 Omaha, NE
From Buffer to Burden: a History of the Gaza Strip Settlement Effort by GIL SEDAN JERUSALEM (JTA)--Some 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip are clustered in what was designed as five settlement “fingers.” • Three settlements--Nissanit, Alei Sinai and Dugit-were built along the strip's northern border with Israel for the purpose of creating a contiguous Jewish presence from Ashkelon to the northern suburbs of Gaza City. • The Netzarim region, originally planned as a large settlement bloc, was built as a buffer between Gaza City and the town of Deir el-Balah. • The bulk of the Gaza settlements--including Netzer Hazani, Katif, Gush Kfar Darom and Ganei Tal--were built in the heart of the strip as a buffer zone between the Palestinian towns of Deir al Balah and Khan Yunis. They also cut off Khan Yunis’ access to the Mediterranean Sea. • A southern cluster of settlements lies close to the Palestinian town of Rafah and the Egyptian border. • The fifth “finger” comprised Jewish settlements on the northwestern tip of Sinai, predominantly the town of Yamit. However, that finger was “cut off”--that is to say, evacuated and razed--following the peace agreement with Egypt. According to statistics from the local regional council, some 7,500 Jews, most of them Orthodox, live in the Gaza Strip, surrounded by some 1.3 million Palestinians. The Israelis constitute about 0.6 percent of the strip’s total population. Israel occupied the region briefly during the 1956 Sinai Campaign, but returned it under U.S. pressure. The area remained under Egyptian control until the 1967 Six-Day War.
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Federation Jewish Teen Leadership Award Goes to Three Outstanding Youth by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director In an unprecedented move, the Jewish Teen Leadership Award is being presented to three young people at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Meeting, Monday, June 7, 7 p.m., in the Theater at the Jewish Janet Baack Community Center. Usually, the Jewish Teen Leadership Award is given to one or two outstanding teen leaders, but this year marks the first time in the history of the award that three young people are being honored. The award honors Jewish teens who demonstrate leadership ability in a youth group and who have contributed to strengthening the organization and developing future leadership. Recipients are chosen by an anonymous committee. The Jewish Teen Leaders for 2004 are: Janet Baack, Alana Kinarsky and Robert Mosenkis. This prestigious award also comes with a $1,000 stipend that can be used towards Jewish educational course work or a Jewish experience such as camp or program in Israel. Janet Baack was nominated for this award by Temple Israel’s Omaha Temple Youth Group. A member of OTYG for four years, Janet is the current President. Her involvement with OTYG began with the Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, ultimately becoming the chairman of the event. That year, a record $12,000 was raised benefiting Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with blood disorders, and OTYG programming. Over the next two years, as Treasurer and then Special Projects Coordinator, Janet continued to improve the fundraiser. In 2002, OTYG raised $15,000 and more than $20,000 in 2003. Janet expanded the role of Special Projects
Alana Kinarsky Robert Mosenkis Coordinator to include more than fundraising; she also believed it should include hands-on experiences to increase both knowledge and commitment to the cause. She involved OTYG members in the American Cancer Society’s Teen Relay for Life and began researching other camps for children with cancer. Although teens are not part of the staff, she contacted the director of Camp CoHoLo in Gretna, and arranged for members of OTYG to spend a day at the camp assisting with programming. Because of Janet’s passion for the fight against cancer, OTYG now contributes time and money to two camps for children with life-threatening illness. Janet’s impact goes far beyond the current OTYG program. Because of the large amount of money raised by OTYG each year and the adoption of Janet’s commitment to contributing time as well as money, the OTYG board now sponsors the program expenses for all the other Temple Youth Groups. In addition, OTYG members attend events for the younger youth groups, impacting future OTYG members in two ways. Janet has also encouraged the OTYG board to set up two scholarship funds to help offset rising costs of youth conventions. Janet is a senior at Millard West High School and plans to major in pre-med with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. Her parents are Debbie and Dennis Baack. Continued on page 2
Shop Shalom Named Community Service Project of the Year Israeli soldiers search for body parts of fellow soldiers killed when an armored personnel carrier exploded after being hit by a Palestinian rocket propelled grenade, in the Israeli controlled area between the Southern Gaza town of Rafah and the Egyptian border on May 13. Two more Israeli soldiers were killed by sniper fire while guarding their comrades Credit: BP Images/JTA looking for body parts. Immediately after the war, the Israeli government declared that it was ready to return the West Bank to Jordan, but Jordan refused to recognize or negotiate with Israel. In contrast, the Israeli government decided to hold onto Gaza, noting that Egypt had it used as a base for frequent attacks against Israel. The Jewish presence in the Gaza Strip dates back to biblical times, but many Jews do not believe Gaza was part of the biblical Land of Israel. The modern settlement drive there did not begin until three years after the 1967 war. The government initiated several civilian settlements as a buffer between Egypt, the Palestinian population and the western Negev region in Israel proper. The first civilian settlement was founded on Oct. 11, 1970. It was named Kfar Darom, meaning “south village,” after a legendary kibbutz founded in 1946 and Continue on page 11
Inside
by PAM MONSKY Shalom was obvious. Federation Communications The continuing intafada Director has destroyed Israel’s Shop Shalom, the vibrant tourist industry Israeli vendor fair sponand left small businesses sored by the Jewish and shops in shambles. Federation of Omaha, These once thriving, has been named the middle class people are Community Service now wondering how Project of the year. The they will feed their famiaward will be presented lies the next month, the at the Federation’s next week and even the Annual Meeting on June next day,” she said. 7, 7 p.m., in the Theater More than 1,500 peoat the JCC. ple came out and Shop Shalom brought shopped, purchasing a more than 30 Israeli venwide variety of merchanShop Shalom Steering committee members pictured during the dors and shop owners to dise made in Israel. May, 2003, event, included: Traci Kugler (holding daughter Omaha for a four day Since shop owners hanLauren), Sandy Kutler, Terri Zacharia and Jamie Friedland. shopping event to benefit dled their own transacthe merchants who have been devastated by Israel’s tions, sales figures are unavailable, but most vendors economic downturn due to the continuing terrorist were pleased with the event. attacks against it’s citizens. Shop Shalom involved more than 150 volunteers who Co-chairmen for Shop Shalom were the mother- did everything from helping to sell to housing vendors daughter teams of Jamie Friedland and Terri Zacharia during the event. All those involved were introduced to and Traci Kugler and Sandy Kutler. The reason the four unique Israeli merchandise, friendships were formed became involved with this project was simple accord- and the business-owners now have a strong connection ing to Friedland. “For all of us, the purpose of Shop to the Omaha Jewish community.
This Week: Where Are They Now?--Page 3 Shabbat “in the Hood” Page 4
Rabbis Tell Hadassah What’s on Their Minds: Page 5
Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue on June 4 Read It & Eat for Shavuot: Page 7
Chabad Rabbi and Wife Recovering from Accident: Page 12
Page 2
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May 21, 2004
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 21 CDC Graduation, 7 a.m. Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Confirmation/Graduation & Service, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MAY 22
Visions - Chanticleer Theatre, 2 p.m.
S OTYG Rush Program, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel A Beth El ESP Group Eat & Great, 6:30 p.m. at Jaipur V Congregational Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel E
C L I P & S A V E
MONDAY, MAY 24 YES Program, 10 a.m. Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 5 p.m. Friedel Graduation Reception, 7 p.m. Graduation, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy TUESDAY, MAY 25 Visions Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JCC CLOSED AT 6 p.m. - SHAVUOT Shavuot Night of Study, 6 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 C JCC CLOSED - SHAVUOT, 7 a.m. L I THURSDAY, MAY 27 P JCC OPEN/FED OFFICES CLOSED - SHAVUOT, 7 a.m. & Chris Short Recital, 8 a.m.
Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.
S Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel A Crash Course in Hebrew Reading - Beginners, noon V Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. E
LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7:30 p.m.
All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Continued from page 1 Alana Kinarsky was nominated for this award by the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). She has faced many challenges as a leader within BBYO and demonstrated a remarkable ability to analyze situations and propose unorthodox solutions. She most recently held the position of Cornbelt Council BBG President. Alana has a strong commitment to promoting Israel advocacy. She has been a driving force behind the BBYO 4 Israel movement, organizing two successful campaigns to raise funds for victims of terror in Israel as well as organizations in Israel like Magen David Adom, the Israeli disaster relief agency. Alana spent the summer of 2003 in Israel, as one of only 26 students from all over the country to participate in the Bronfman Youth Fellowship Program. Based in Jerusalem, participants engage in intense interaction with a diverse rabbinic faculty and counselors representing a wide range of Jewish perspectives. The Bronfman Fellows are selected annually on the basis of character, intellectual interests, special talents and leadership qualities. As one of the 26 teens selected, Alana shares her extraordinary experiences with her peers at every opportunity. Alana is also an active member of United Synagogue Youth (USY) and in 2003 served on the Youth Empowered Against Hate committee, using peer-topeer training to help create safe and welcoming schools for all students. Her volunteer activities also include the Jewish Federation, the Rose Blumkin
C L I P & S A V E
by CAROL HUTCHINSON Another Omaha tradition, Chabad’s Shavuot Ice Cream Party will be held at Chabad House on Wednesday, May 26, 4 p.m. The program will feature a special Torah reading of the Ten Commandments and an accompanying party for families. “The focus of Shavuot is the children,” Shani Katzman explained. “Before G-d’s Revelation at Sinai, He asked for guarantors to take responsibility to care for the gift G-d was about to bequeath to the Jewish People. Only after the Jews offered their children as the guarantors was G-d satisfied enough to give us His
by STEPHANIE SCHMITZ for AAA Travel Book the Big Apple this year with book expert Nancy Rips! Attend “New York is Book Country”, an annual event in New York City that takes place the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 3. You’ll go with Omaha’s Bookworm bookseller Nancy Rips, who’s leading a guided tour to the Fifth Avenue show and other book related sites. The weekend begins at the Strand Bookstore, the store with eight miles of books, where you’ll attend an opening night wine reception and have a guided tour. Next day is a literary landmarks tour of Greenwich Village, plus visit famous bookstores like Murder Ink, Kitchen Arts and Letters, The Biography Bookshop, even see the newly remodeled New York Public Library Reading Room. Also included is a World Yacht Dinner Cruise with four-course dinner and an evening seeing the hit Broadway show Hairspray. You can stop by Bloomingdales and Saks, too, and even hit the Carnegie Deli for some cheesecake!
The weekend culminates with the 26th annual “New York is book Country Day”, where you’ll stroll down Fifth Avenue, which will be especially closed for the event. The avenue will be filled with authors, book giveaways, and book activities. Accommodations are at The Blakely Hotel, located at 136 W. 55 St., and nonstop roundtrip flight from Omaha is included. Rips is a veteran Omaha bookseller and reviewer. She is a member of the Board of the Friends of the Omaha Public Library and The Omaha Public Library Foundation, and a past President of the Kripke Library. She is the founder of the Omaha Juvenile Court Books Project, and the organizer of the Save Our Swanson Library initiative. She is also a member of the newly formed Omaha Reads committee. For more information and brochure, please contact me at AAA Group Travel, 390.1000, ext. 263, or sschmitz@aaane.com. Included is 20% discount on any New York travel books purchased at the Bookworm. Reservations are needed by June 30.
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Torah. Hence, as a community, it is our obligation to educate the children about this important role.” The party will include educational activities for children: stories, interactive games, and presentations. The program is open to the community and youngsters wishing to be a part of it may call Devorah Katzman at 330.7400. The activities are being organized by a group of girls, Esther Overlander from England, Dina Gurdov from NJ, and Mushka Katzman, all who are at school together in Chicago. “We are excited to be planning fun and important programs for our young friends in Omaha”, Mushka Katzman said. “I can’t wait for my friends from Chicago to meet my Omaha friends. It’s all about creative ways to help kids feel tremendous pride in being Jewish and having such an important role in this world.” Reservations can be made by calling me at 330.1800 or by e-mailing chabad@aol.com.
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Jewish Home and the Girl Scout Troop at Friedel Jewish Academy. Alana is a senior at Burke High School and plans to attend Loyola University in Chicago to study international finance. Her parents are Yulia and Leo Kinarsky. Robert Mosenkis was also nominated for this award by BBYO. Robert has been an active member of BBYO throughout high school and has handled his responsibilities with great success. He recently finished his term as Cornbelt Council AZA President and has done an outstanding job demonstrating leadership in this role by motivating his peers to attend programming and remain active in the organization. As Council President, Robert served as head delegate at the 2003 BBYO International Convention, attended International February Executive meetings in 2004 and currently serves on the International BBYO 4 Israel Task Force. He was the motivating factor behind BBYO’s Shop 2 Give Fundraiser, in which over $1,200 was sent to Israel to help suffering merchants and victims of terror. In addition to his involvement with BBYO, Robert often volunteers his time at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and encourages his peers to do the same. In 2003, Robert was the recipient of the Volunteen of the Year for the United Way of the Midlands for his work with Omaha’s Jewish seniors. Robert plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha to study business and commercial real estate development. Robert’s parents are Igor and Anna Mosenkis.
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May 21, 2004
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? by STEPHANIE GARBER Staff Reporter, Cleveland Jewish News A mathematical theory called “the butterfly effect” describes the impact of a butterfly’s wings on a weather system half a world away. Even without butterflies, Jews are intimately familiar with the concept of connectedness and unity, reminded of it each time they recite the Shema (Hear O Israel). This interplay of cause and effect and interconnectedness is very real for the Viny family of Hunting Valley (a suburb of Cleveland, OH). They call it a series of miracles. Steve and Rose Viny and their 12-yearold son, Yale Isaac, met with this reporter on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). Rose is the daughter of Bluma and Joe Polonski. Rose pointed out the significance of the date. “My parents are both Holocaust survivors,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I don’t think it’s any coincidence we are sharing our story today.” Probably because they were survivors, Rose says, her parents have always taught her a couple should have three children, “two to replace yourselves and one for God.” But a series of medical problems seemed to make that goal almost unattainable. Although Rose only had one ovary, the couple conceived a son, Aaron. This was followed by a miscarriage. Then, a daughter, Ariel, was born. After another miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy, “the doctors told us, ‘You have a better chance of winning the $20 million lottery than having another child,’” Steve recalled. Rose remembered a day in 1992, when she was simply overcome with longing for another baby. She stood
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
“A Third Child...Who Is Also a Godsend”
under a canopy of trees and cried, thing curious.” He told Viny that Yale “pouring my heart out to God in prayer.” had the highest stem cell to body rate of That week, she said, she conceived. anyone who had ever donated bone When Yale Isaac, their “child for God” marrow at the clinic. was born, the couple knew he was speDuring this surreal period, when the cial. But they had yet to find out just Vinys were dividing their time between how special he was. home and hospital, Steve attended a bar Just over a decade later, in 2003, Aaron mitzvah of a friend’s son. A rabbi he had was diagnosed with leukemia. Even after never met before, Rabbi Yossi Marozov, aggressive chemo-therapy, the cancer asked asked him if he’d be willing to put spread to the spinal fluid in his brain. His on tefillin (phylacteries). Steve told him, only hope was a bone marrow trans- “yeah, yeah sure,” but got whisked away plant, but even with by other that, doctors only friends. gave him a 30% sur“About 20 vival rate. minutes later, Siblings are the the rabbi best sources for a came back to bone-marrow remind me,” match, but Aaron’s he said. sister, Ariel, wasn’t Drawing even close. Yale, him aside to however, was a quiet place, almost a 100% the rabbi match. asked Steve The period pre- Rose and Steve Viny, standing, and their children: how everyceding the bone- Aaron, Ariel, and Yale. thing was marrow transplant was “sheer hell.” Rose going. Something about his sincere, soft and Steve watched their oldest child go voice and kind eyes captivated the worfrom 177 to 120 pounds as his body was ried father, who “unloaded almost everyscoured clean of blood marrow. thing about Aaron.” At one point, Aaron collapsed in his The rabbi then told him, “Not to father’s arms, whispering, “I’m not going worry--the cure precedes the disease.” to make it, Dad.” Steve was stunned. While he had gone Meanwhile, the race to save Aaron con- into great detail about Aaron, he hadn’t tinued. Forty-eight vials of blood were mentioned Yale--whose blood, in fact, taken from Yale, entailing having eight would carry the potential cure: Yale’s massive needles inserted into his back. birth, indeed preceded the onset of Doctors were concerned about using Yale Aaron’s disease. as a donor, since, at age 11, he was both Viny shared the encounter with his underweight and undersized. wife, and the couple cling to those But, after the procedure, a doctor words during the trying weeks ahead. called to sat he wanted to share “some- Gradually, Aaron regained his strength
as his body manufactured the blood that originated in his brother’s marrow. “We went through hell and back,” Rose admitted. Even now, the road is rocky and something as simple as a temperature spike is cause for alarm. Doctors “won’t even begin to consider” their son out of the woods until at least two years after the transplant, Steve noted. “Despite the hardship, this ordeal has made us more spiritual,” added Rose. “There have been too many ‘coincidences’ to really be coincidences. We’ve seen that if you open your eyes and your ears. you will discover there are miracles all around you. You begin to notice how God is in control of everything. That’s what we want to share with others when we share our story.” Recently Steve, Rose and Yale attended another bar mitzvah. “Just when I thought I was done being freaked out, another thing happened,” Steve recounted. Yale pulled his father aside to show him what his parasha would be at his bar mitzvah. Reading it, Steve felt chills radiate throughout his body. The parasha is about Rachel and the challenges she had conceiving a child. Aaron Viny graduated from the University of Michigan earlier this month and has applied to medical school. To celebrate his second chance at life and to give back to others some of the love and support they received, the Vinys created a non-profit organization to help others who are facing a similar ordeal. You can contact them at: Bone Marrow Buddies, 6200 Rockside Woods Blvd., Suite 105, Independence, OH 44131. This article was reprinted with permission from the Cleveland Jewish News.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 21, 2004
Shabbat in the “Hood” by ARIELLA HOFFMAN you pray that counts, it’s how deep you go. This format for the Torah Learning Center also allows learners to ask questions, which would be For more than 50 years, Jews have lived in and impossible otherwise.” around the Dundee, Memorial Park, and Country Club A highlight of the service is the d’var Torah (sermon) neighborhood. With a high concentration of Jews, this that Rabbi Hoffman gives each week. People at varying area was endearingly referred to as “Bagel”. Neighbors levels of Jewish education have commented on how prayed and sang togethinspiring the sermons have er; they sympathized been. “I love Rabbi with one another on Hoffman. He is such a yahrzeits and Yizkor delightful speaker,” said Rini commemorations. They Gonsher. “He gives a wontoasted l’Chaims at kidderful thought-provoking dushes, socialized, d’var Torah...and I’m a pretshared simchas, and tastty tough critic!” ed cholent and kugel at Mark Marshall added, “I’m Shabbos lunches. so pleased this community With the appearance of has pulled together to serve “the neighborhood minthe needs of the Jewish yan” at the Torah community in East Omaha.” Learning Center house at Indeed, the facility itself 1313 No. 58 St., Shabbat and the contents and servicdavening and all that es, come from the kindness goes with it will contin- Rini Gonsher is one of many volunteers at “the neighborhood and generosity of others. A minyan”. She prepares cholent, sometimes with the help of lit- donor from New York sent ue--“in the hood.” The minyan only meets tle volunteers, Gila ad Bayla Hoffman, daughters of Rabbi Tuvia the minyan a number of on Shabbat and other and Ariella Hoffman. Chumashim (Five Books of holidays, when observant Jews cannot drive to syna- Moses) and siddurim (prayerbooks), as well as machgogue. zorim in preparation for the High Holidays in Newcomer to Omaha, Shami Jacobs said, “It’s nice to September. Others have donated a reading table, a Ner have a minyan that is only a few blocks away.” Tamid (eternal light), and rebuilt an Aron Kodesh to Cantor Leo Fettman added, “It’s warm and welcoming. house the Torah, which is on loan from a woman in Everybody feels comfortable here.” Atlanta, GA. “We feel an obligation to our neighbors,” Allan Still others have donated chairs, a large coffee urn, even Gonsher explained, “many of whom are returning a cholent pot! One donor has the TLC House cleaned on Omahans or newcomers who chose to live in this a regular basis. Some teens have volunteered to paint the neighborhood for its Jewish flavor. Beis Medresh (the room that houses not only the minyan, “What these neighbors are saying is that it really is but a large selection of Jewish texts and books used in unique to live in a neighborhood with so many Jews in TLC classes) a warm color this summer. such close proximity. It’s nice to know that if you run Georgia Ann Steinberg and Harriet Klopper have out of matzah on Pesach, you only have to walk a few donated their time and culinary talents in making and setdoors away to find some.” ting up the kiddush every week. Steinberg said, “It gives Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman, Director of the Torah Learning us a lot of satisfaction. It really is prepared out of love.” Center, said there has been an interest from some of his In addition to shabbat services, Shavuot services will students to start a Learners’ Minyan. be held this Tuesday evening, May 25, Wednesday and “A learners’ minyan,” explained Rabbi Hoffman, “is a Thursday, May 26-27. And on Friday and Saturday, prayer service that everyone can follow. It contains the June 4-5, the minyan in the neighborhood will have a core prayers of the service with explanations of its Shabbaton with visiting scholar-in-residence, Rabbi structure and meaning of the text. It’s not how much Yaacov Marcus, an internationally renowned speaker,
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Torah scholar and educator. He is a much sought after teacher in many seminaries and yeshivas in Israel, because he is able to explain difficult concepts in Jewish philosophy. Rabbi Marcus also teaches at Ner L’Elef, an outreach organization, which prepares rabbis and their spouses for rabbinical work in the Diaspora. The Shabbaton will include services and meals. Rabbi Marcus will speak on the mystical insight of the Hebrew alphabet during Friday night dinner and Shabbos day lunch. Cost for dinner is $15 for adults and lunch is $12; children ages 8-14, $10 and $8; a special price for both meals is $25 for adults and $16 for children. Babysitting and lunch will be provided for those with young children under age eight. To sponsor a kiddush, lein (read) Torah or a Haftorah, call Allan Gonsher at 558.2767. For more information about services and programs at the TLC House, call Rabbi Hoffman at 981.0569. For reservations for the Shabbaton with Rabbi Marcus, please call 553-5397. Hope to see y’all there!
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Rabbis Tell Hadassah What’s on Their Minds by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of The Jewish Press Joanie Jacobson believes the best way to settle conflicts is to hear what our rabbis believe, think and advocate. “It’s important to know what’s on people’s minds,” said Jacobson, the chairman of last week’s “Rappin’ with the Rabbis” program, sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah. The crowd really did want to know where Rabbis Mordechai Levin, Howard Kutner, Mendel Katzman and Craig Marantz stood on such diverse issues as genetic testing (they’re all for it) to homosexual marriage and whether Israel should relinquish land. Only Rabbi Marantz insisted there were “new understanding on old lessons” and spoke in favor of officiating at commitment ceremonies. Rabbi Levin noted that, “as halachic movements,” though “we are all made in the image of G-d and must be treated” as such, “Judaism considers homosexuality wrong. You can have a loving relationship with a person,” he added, “but it doesn’t mean we have to create a ceremony to marry them.” All the rabbis agreed that their role has changed over the years. “My bubbe told me it’s not a job for a nice Jewish boy,” Rabbi Katzman said with a grin. Rabbis have to be “counselors, teachers, administrators and fundraisers,” Rabbi Kutner said, while Rabbi Levin
noted that person recogfundraising nizes his was “someviews are times obligatcontrary to ed,” but “not Judaism.” a job for a That theme rabbi.” was strongly The group expressed by of more than Rabbi Levin 100 women when he (and a few noted that men) asked some people several quesin the tions about American when person- Joanie Jacobson chaired “Rappin’ with the Rabbis” last Jewish comal views con- week with Rabbis Mordechai Levin, left, Howard Kutner, m u n i t y flict with Mendel Katzman and Craig Marantz. believe “the Jewish laws. Rabbi Marantz joked that agenda of the Democratic Party must be “this was more like an interview for a the agenda of American Jews. Some valrabbinic position!” ues are very good,” he noted, but “some “The Torah is the manufacturer’s man- are not so good and don’t necessarily ual,” explained Rabbi Katzman, using the have to be the values of the Jewish example of a parent who wants his child community.” to desecrate the Sabbath. “Both laws are On the issue of Jewish education, sevin the 10 Commandments,” he added, eral rabbis noted that their education “but a parents doesn’t have have the had an impact on their choice of profesright to override Divine sions. “Thanks to the Jewish Federation, Commandments.” we have” subsidized “trips to Israel and Rabbi Marantz added that “sometimes Jewish education,” said Rabbi Katzman, rebuke is necessary if someone has “but we have a long way to go to feed crossed the line, but you also need to the Jewish soul. We see indifference give a person the benefit of the doubt.” among the younger generation. We have The fact that someone in conflict to give them meaningful experiences.” comes to a rabbi for advice is something The rabbis advocated for the community Rabbi Kutner welcomes. “There’s hope to spend more money on Jewish educafor improvement,” he added, “when a tion, too. “What is our goal?” Rabbi Levin
Temple Israel to Honor Adult Learners and Teachers on Shavuot by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will honor adult learners and religious school teachers, who will be called up to the bimah, at the Erev Shavuot service on Tuesday, May 25, 7 p.m. A study session, Tikkun Lel Shavuot, will follow the service. “Traditionally, Jews stayed up all night to commemorate the giving of the Torah,” explained Rabbi Craig Marantz. “Studying on Erev Shavuot symbolically ushers in the moment when Torah was given. Like the person who doesn’t want to miss out, we study that evening so as not to miss a single moment.” Focusing on the nature of Reform Judaism and what it means to be a Reform Jew in the 21st century, the clergy, staff, and congregants will engage in informal learning as they read and discuss material furnished by the Union of Reform Judaism. “The materials are based on an interesting collection of texts, both ancient and contemporary,” Rabbi Marantz said. “Based on the Reform platform created at the CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) Convention in 1999, “the content of the study session will include recommendations of how one should live as a Reform Jew,” Rabbi Marantz added. “The program takes six statements from the platform that reflect on different aspects of God, Torah, and Israel. We hope this will elicit discussion, and that the conversation lends itself to a better understanding of how we can live meaningful Jewish lives in the twenty-first century.” Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, falls on the sixth day of Sivan, seven weeks after Passover. One of the pilgrimage festivals, Shavuot was a time for the first fruits of trees and fields to be brought to the Temple in biblical days. Rabbis calculate that the Jewish people received the Torah at Mt. Sinai on Shavuot. Studying the Torah is the primary way of observing the holiday. Particular attention is given to the Book of Ruth calling special attention to those, like Ruth, who have chosen to become Jewish when she told her mother-in-law, Naomi, “Whither thou shalt go, I shall go, where thou lodgest, I shall lodge; thy people shall be my people and thy God my God…” Symbolizing the sweetness of the Torah, it’s customary to eat dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes on Shavuot. An Oneg will follow the service. On Wednesday, May 26, 10:30 a.m., there will be a service at which Yizkor will be recited. Please call the Temple office at 556-6536 by Monday, May 24, with names to be read.
asked when responding to a question about creating a community Hebrew high school.. “Is it for our teens to meet or is it to save money? We can organize social activities for our teens, but if we don’t invest more money, in 20 years these wonderful buildings will be empty.” While the rabbis were all appreciative of the support of the Jewish Federation, Rabbi Marantz noted that “the extent to which the Federation and the synagogues relate well to one another can give us opportunities to use resources that are short, like money and time.” They did admit, however, that unlike other communities, this one “doesn’t have infighting. “The friendships are wonderful,” Rabbi Levin noted, adding that “this community has so many strengths. We have to continue building on our strengths, investing in Jewish education so we can grow together.” Among the questions that weren’t asked due to lack of time were: “What are the biggest challenges facing the Jewish community?” “What’s the difference between kosher and glatt kosher?” “Who influenced you most during your adolescence?” Where is there a place for the divorced man or woman in the Jewish community? “Why do some rabbis have facial hair? And, “what’s the hardest part of your job?” “It’s important to know our similarities and our differences,” Jacobson concluded, “and be respectful of both.”
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Dining
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 21, 2004
IN THE NEWS
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Former Omahan Michelle Hellman graduated cum laude from Colgate University with a Baccalaureate of Arts degree, Concentration in Molecular Biology. She will be attending Jefferson University Medical School in Philadelphia in the fall. She is the daughter of Esther and Joel Hellman. Travis Lewis has been accepted into the M.D./Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The UAB M.D./Ph.D. program is one of only 40 Medical Scientist Training Programs in the country. Travis will begin his eight-year course of study in August. Since graduating in 2002 from Washington University in St. Louis, Travis has done research under the direction of Dr. Howard Gendelman at the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Travis is the son of Lisa and Dennis Lewis.
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sold this month. The cards entitle customers to discounts, a 5% monthly rebate for purchases over $75 and other benefits. Zachary Hoover Bryant, son of Miles Bryant and Sarah Bauman of Lincoln, has received the Henry & Dorothy Riekes Memorial Scholarship from the College of Arts & Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This is an academic year award for students in the College of Arts & Sciences enrolled in at least one course that applies to the minor in Judaic Studies. Ruth Marie Standeven, daughter of Carol Schroeder and Joseph Standeven of Lincoln, has received the Leona & Joe Gotsdiner Scholarship from the Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of NebraskaLincoln. This is an academic semester award to fulltime undergraduate students enrolled in one or more courses in the Judaic Studies Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The following students were honored by Rotary Club of Omaha at the 77th annual Honor Roll and 21st annual Scholarship luncheon: Erica Chapman, Sarah Chapman, Amy Durmaskin and Aaron Murow, all from Beveridge Magnet School; Rebecca Crabb and Benjamin Nachman, from Westside Middle School.
Professor Stephen Burnett of the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln received a research fellowship at the Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbuttel, Germany from July-December 2004.
Castus, a low-carb superstore, has opened in Omaha at the Tower Plaza Shopping Center on 78th and Dodge. Partners Sheila Anderson and Aileen Tobin said Castus is “designed to help low carb dieters and diabetics conveniently find a wide variety of high quality products under one roof. More than 2000 Castus superstores are scheduled to open in the U.S. over the next three years. As part of this store’s opening celebration, Castus will donate $5 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for every Castus Preferred Customer card
Professor David Cahan of the Department of History at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln received a Senior Fellowship from the Dibner Institute for the History of Science and Technology at MIT. Professor Cahan will spend the 2004-2005 academic year in Cambridge, MA. Prof. Cahan was also a recipient of the Charles Bessey Professorship in the Department of History at UNL, Spring 2003. The professorship is awarded on the basis of a demonstrated record of distinguished scholarship or creative activity.
MARRIAGE HERZOG/LEVY David Herzog announced the March 21 marriage of his nephew Alexander I. Herzog and Deborah Kay Levy in Jerusalem at the Renaissance Jerusalem Hotel. The groom is the son of Ian “Buddy” Herzog, Amy Ardell and Carol Greene Herzog of Los Angeles, CA; the bride is the daughter of Susan and Donald Levy of Randolph, MA. The couple resides in Jerusalem where the groom is studying at Ohr Avraham for his smicha and where the bride teaches Spanish. They will live in Jerusalem until Alex receives rabbinic ordination. Grandparents are Pearl Herzog, the late Irving Herzog, the late Sylvia and Milton Greene, and Rebecca Levy of Great Neck, NY, the late Esther and William Cowen, and the late Herbert Levy.
BIRTHS Michelle and Jason Hoberman of Saint Louis, MO announce the March 17 birth of their daughter, Lily Mara, named for her late great-grandmothers Libby Hoberman and Lillian Strauss, and her late great-grandfather Malcolm Strauss. Grandparents are former Omahans Beth and Steve Leeds of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, Roxanne and Ken Hoberman, and Sandy and Ken Birenbaum of St. Louis, MO. Great-grandparents are Barbara and Stan Malashock of Rancho Mirage, CA, Helen and Milt Leeds of Highland Park, IL, Hanna Strauss of St. Louis, MO, and Babette Birenbaum of St. Louis. Robyn and Will Wolper of Cedar Rapids, IA, announce the May 5 birth of their son, Benjamin Matthew. Grandparents are Lois and Mel Epstein, and Jerry and Susan Wolper of Beverly, MA. Great-grandparents are Jeanne and Dave Dvorkin, and the late Sophie and Harry Epstein.
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May 21, 2004
Dining
ORGANIZATIONS Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the new “YES Talk” discussion group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, the Rusty Hinges will perform a musical program. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Reminder: The meeting will be in the Blumkin Home conference room, Thursday, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638 for information. VISIONS Reminder: For those members going to see La Cage Aux Folles at the Chanticleer Theater in Council Bluffs, please meet at the JCC on Sunday, 12:30 p.m. Diamond Tours presents a Chicago Trip Oct. 11-15. The cost is $400 per person includes guided tour of Chicago, two shows, concert at the Historic Rialto Square Theater, cruise on Lake Michigan, Art Institute of Chicago, Deluxe motorcoach transportation, four nights accommodations, eight meals: four breakfast and four dinners and much more. Travelers insurance is $35 per person. A deposit of $75 is required, plus a check for insurance by June 4. Send reservations and checks to: Anne Skolkin, 1010 Regency Parkway #302, Omaha, NE 68114.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN There is no meeting Thursday due to Shavuot. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Breadbreakers is cancelled on Wednesday, May 26, due to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES 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 band is composed of students and community people and has performed in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for 25 years. A dessert reception follows the performance. There is no admission fee. Call Maggie Conti for reservations at 334.6521. TORAH LEARNING CENTER Tuesday, first night of Shavuos: “The Giving of the Torah--what exactly happened on Mt. Sinai” at 11 p.m.; “Discussion on Pirkei Avos” at midnight. Home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Call Rabbi Hoffman: 981.0569 for information. HADASSAH YOUNG WOMEN’S CONNECTION All women in their mid-40s and younger...are you interested in making new friends? Hadassah Young Women’s Connection is hosting its second “Escape to Schmooze” on Wednesday June 2, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. We are planning to play games, schmooze and nosh. For information, please contact Julie Stein at 496-9964 or e-mail her at jstein9@cox.net.
The New York Times Jewish Cookbook Edited by Linda Amster (St. Martin’s Press, $35)
R EAD IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN “Discover the rich diversity of the dishes that may grace a Jewish table” in this delightful read and treasure trove of traditional and cross-cultural dishes. The impressive list of over 75 world renowned food writers, restauranteurs (mostly from New York City restaurants), chefs and other fine cooks from Abramoff to Zakarian, whose names appear after their contributed recipes, reads like the who’s who in the illustrious kitchen. The 825 recipes were selected by Amster from many cookbooks and the vast resources of the New York Times, as well. Mimi Sheraton, restaurant critic and cookbook author, introduces the cookbook itself with insights in the rules of kashrut, the official inspection of mashgiach, trayf and a bit about foods that are “most evocative, symbolizing continuity with the past, both personal and historical” and briefly introduces each chapter. Joan Nathan writes of multiculturalism and many of the foods of Israel, of the seven biblical foods mentioned in Deuteronomy-barley, wheat, figs, dates, pomegranates, olives and grapes, and of Israeli food as a mosaic. The creation of the cookbook followed a fascinating voyage of discovery from childhood memories of traditional bowls of chicken soup, plates of pot roast and such to discoveries of Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Middle Eastern kosher food and of the Galicia and their “arch-rivals”, the Litvaks...from ancient eras to contemporary times including fusion (the “currently fashionable term applied to a multi-ethnic culinary blend”) recipes...a world wide array “juxtaposed with those handed down for generations”. The recipes are labeled meat, dairy and/or pareve. Those recipes with more than one designation contain an optional ingredient that may be omitted to change the category of the dish. An advisory note dealing with fish and meat courses and cooking
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
with anchovies and with Worcestershire Sauce provides the use of tamari as a substitute. The first chapter is about Forshpeiz (“before food”)...the Appetizers. Think titillate, whet the appetite and some best loved Jewish dishes--gefilte fish, chopped liver, pickled herring as well as Greek and Middle Eastern first courses. “Bread is the metaphor for all food and for abundance” and the “symbolic reward for righteousness”. Bread in all of its cultural splendor, shapes and sizes is used to mark occasions and as the round loaf to signify eternity...Challah recipes, a use-it-up (or toss it out) recipe for a Pre-Passover Bread and desserts from Hungarian Apple Soup to Nut Bsteeyas are in this book. Further help is offered in lists of sources, glossary of ingredients and terms and in Suggested Holiday Dishes covering recipe suggestions for the Sabbath and holidays. So, whether you fancy celebrating the role food plays in the celebration of Jewish life, enjoy this recipe which includes the note that Capanata is said to have been developed before the Spanish Inquisition as an eggplant salad prepared by Sicilian Jews for the Sabbath lunch or for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. CAPONATA medium eggplant tablespoons olive oil clove garlic, minced onion, thinly sliced tablespoons fresh or canned tomato sauce 3/4 cup chopped celery stalks 2 tablespoons capers 12 stuffed green olives, cut into halves 2 tablespoons wine vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar Freshly ground black pepper to taste Peel the eggplant and cut it into slices, saute in 5 tablespoons of the oil. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Cook the garlic and onion in it until the onion is brown. Add the tomato sauce and celery and simmer until the celery is tender. If necessary, add a little water to the skillet. Return the eggplant to the skillet and add the capers and olives. Heat the vinegar with the sugar and pour it over the eggplant. Add pepper to taste and simmer the mixture 10-15 minutes longer, stirring frequently. Serve hot or cold with lemon wedges. Cold caponata may be served on lettuce leaves. Pareve. Yield: 6-8 appetizer serving. Lois Friedman can be reached at: readit andeat@yahoo.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 21, 2004
Opinion After Genetic Testing, This Community Needs A Bone Marrow Registry Readers may have noticed a series of articles in recent weeks about a special project, organized not by Jewish organizations or synagogues, but by a grassroots committee. Its purpose is to educate members of the Jewish community about the medical and scientific advances in genetic testing and to offer--free of charge to the first 100--testing for the most common (and in more than half the cases, deadliest) geneticically transmitted diseases prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews. The committee’s hard work in publicizing this project and in raising funds to pay for the actual testing has obviously paid off; more than 45 people have already registered for tests on Sunday, July 11, and Wednesday, Sept 1. There are still slots available; registration can be done by contacting Toba Cohen Dunning at: cohent@boystown.org. More funds are needed however--the committee has reached 85% of its goal; if you’d like to contribute any amount, please call the founder of the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing, Jean Duitch, at 393.1141. This is a great accomplishment for this community, especially since the last time any community-wide testing was done was more than 30 years ago and just for Tay Sachs. This time, the testing is being offered to the Jewish communities of Lincoln, NE, and Sioux CIty and Des Moines, IA, too. For those readers who think their families are exempt because of intermarriage, think again. These diseases--Tay Sachs, Fanconia Anemia, Canavan, Cystic Fibrosis, NiemannPick, Gaucher, Familial Dysautonomia, Bloom Syndrome, and Usher Syndrome--are not absent from the general population. But there is a higher-than-average incidence
among Jews of Ashkenazi background. Converts are not immune from being carriers--in fact, CF has a high incidence among northern European, especially Scandinavian and German, non-Jews. If your spouse is a convert and you signed up for testing, please consider having your spouse tested, too-especially if you prove to be positive as a carrier for any of these diseases! Now that this major medical project is well on its way, it’s time to think about one more-a Bone Marrow Registry blood drive. The Jewish Press has advocated for this before, especially when members of our own community or their close relatives are in dire need of the life saving transplant. Why should this community participate in adding to the Bone Marrow Registry? It’s simple--Jews (and other minorities) are under-represented. And when you’re trying to make a 10point match to save someone’s life, it’s easier if the donor comes from the same ethnic group. It’s a simple procedure only entailing the drawing of a vial of blood by a qualified health care professional. Organizations like Jay Feinberg’s Gift of Life (see article below) can arrange for this during any standard blood drive--but there is a cost. Luckily it’s far less than the cost of paying for Jewish genetic testing, so it should be fairly easy to raise the funds for this. A one-day blood drive that includes Bone Marrow Registry (something often done on college campuses) should be on the agenda next year as
a community service project. Please, someone, lobby the Jewish organization, synagogue or Center of Excellence with which you’re involved to take this on. The Jewish Press promises to do its share by helping you promote this event (which, by the way, would be a fabulous project for our teens, especially those who need community service hours in order to graduate). Future generations--in Omaha, in the Heartland, and worldwide--will be grateful.
Founder of Marrow Registry to Use Prize Money to Give Life under-represented in the nearly 50 worldwide bone marrow registries. They face an added challenge because so many Jewish bloodlines were severed in the Holocaust. Gift of Life grew out of Feinberg's own search to find a donor after he was diagnosed with leukemia in 1991. During the four years until he found a donor, nearly 60,000 people were tested--and some matched with other needy patients--thanks to an organization of family, friends and volunteers then known as Friends of Jay Feinberg. Following his recovery, Feinberg created Gift of Life to expand the registry as a “way of giving back,” he said. “A hero saved my life,” Feinberg said. “I can think of no greater thing to do with mine.” During the past decade, the organization has registered another 75,000 people as potential donors. Nearly 1,000 donations of bone marrow and peripheral blood cells already have taken place. Feinberg said he hoped to announce a new
cord-blood registry--blood from the umbilical cord, rich with immature stem cells, also is effective in bone marrow transplants. Cord blood often is a more viable donation than bone marrow or blood stem cells, but it can by E. B. SOLOMONT cost around $1,000 for the first year and $100 NEW YORK (JTA)--Jay Feinberg doesn't like each year after that to store. being called a hero. Founder of the Gift of Feinberg’s organization is expected to partLife bone-marrow registry, Feinberg reserves ner with Hillel this fall to mobilize college stuthat term for organ donors. dents for the cause. Most people would disagree with him. To determine if two people match, doctors Earlier this month, Feinberg, 35, received look at the proteins on the surface of each the inaugural Charles Bronfman Prize, a new person’s white blood cells. A “perfect match” award for humanitarian efforts in the Jewish occurs when 10 human antigens match up. world. The closer the match, the less chance there is “Different people do wonderful things in of graft-versus-host disease, an ailment similar the Jewish world and beyond,” Stephen to organ rejection following an organ donaBronfman said. Feinberg’s story “really hit a tion. Feinberg’s match was Becky Faibisoff of note in all of us,” he said. “How could it not? Milwaukee. He’s a real lifesaver.” In order to accept Faibisoff’s bone marrow, Stephen Bronfman, along with Ellen Feinberg’s immune system was completely Bronfman Hauptman and Andrew Hauptman, destroyed through total body irradiation and chose Feinberg for the prize, which was crechemotherapy. Then, over two hours, the ated in honor of their father’s 70th birthnew marrow was infused, followed by a day. The prize will be given annually. grueling recovery that lasted nearly two “We wanted to do something that would years. Since the 1995 procedure, science respect what he has done through his has progressed, as have Feinberg’s efforts life,” Stephen Bronfman said. “To perpetto keep his registry up to date. uate Dad and his attention to humanitariToday, he said, doctors choose whether an issues, to the Jewish world and to they want their patients to receive blood youth.” stem cells or marrow. Cord blood increasAs part of the award, Feinberg will ingly is harvested and stored for future receive $100,000, most of which he plans transplants. to donate to Gift of Life, which is funded Already, Feinberg has attracted the by private donations and grants, mostly attention of families whose relatives he from Jewish organizations. has helped. Gift of Life is a bone-marrow registry “There are nearly a thousand people geared specifically for Jews. The genetic alive and well today because of his make-up of all body tissue--including Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, right, presents Jay Feinberg, efforts,” Warren Spector wrote in a letter bone marrow--is an inherited characteris- founder of the Gift of Life bone-marrow registry, with the endorsing Feinberg’s nomination for the tic, and Gift of Life offers Jews from simi- Charles Bronfman Prize, a new award for humanitarian Bronfman Prize. “By his existence as a lar ethnic backgrounds better odds of efforts in the Jewish world. Looking on are her husband, transplant survivor, Jay is a comforting finding a viable donor. Andrew Hauptman, left, brother, Stephen Bronfman, and his presence. His own survival offers patients Like other small ethnic groups, Jews are fiancee, Claudine Blondin. Credit: Robert A. Cumins hope in their darkest hours.”
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
(Founded in 1920) 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. 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. 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. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
May 21, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Fight Over Kosher Slaughterhouse in Iowa Takes its Saltiest Turn Yet Agriprocessors to add technology to the “Their response was consistent: ‘This is to remove salt, Goldsmith said there was new plant that would remove salt from how we go about our religion. If you “no known cost-effective removal of BEHIND THE outgoing wastewater. disagree with us, you’re an anti-Semite.’ chloride.” On two separate occasions this year, There seemed to be little concern by the In the 1990s, the City of Postville H EADLINES the citizens group failed at the district Lubavitchers about the environment.” by AMIR EFRATI annexed the land on which the slaughIOWA CITY (JTA)--For more than a decade, tension has been a way of life in Postville, Iowa, where a group of Chasidic Jews are the small town’s power brokers, owning the top industry and employer, Agriprocessors Inc., the world’s largest glatt-kosher slaughterhouse. In the saltiest chapter yet, a group of farmers is fighting the company’s new, $10.7 million mechanical wastewater treatment plant, which when complete will discharge more than 14.5 tons of salt used by the slaughterhouse into local streams every day. Construction of the plant began last month with $7.5 million in federal grants and loans. But on April 28, Northeast Iowa Citizens for Clean Water filed an appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court to stop construction of the plant until a trial--slated for February 2005-- decides the legality of the proposed level of salt discharge. The litigation will focus on an August 2003 permit issued by Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, authorizing the salt discharge. The state’s supreme court will review the appeal for a stay later this month. The citizens group and environmentalists in Iowa claim the proposed discharge--more than twice the amount the slaughterhouse currently releases into the city’s lagoon system--would violate state and federal water quality standards. They also say it would damage the ecosystem of the scenic Yellow River, a rare and valuable cold-water trout stream that connects to aquifers tapped by the farmers’ drinking wells, which they say would be contaminated. “I’m definitely in favor of the new plant,” said Jerry Anderson, an environmental lawyer and law professor at Drake University in Des Moines who is representing the citizens group, which has 15 core members. “But the plant will not take one molecule of salt out of the water. It’s just going to dilute it. This doesn’t comply with the law.” Anderson’s clients are asking
court level to get a stay on the plant’s construction. Sholom Rubashkin, vice president of Agriprocessors, said his company is being targeted by farmers who are purposely ignoring other sources of pollution in the area. “If people are so concerned about the environment, let’s talk about all the other pollutants, like those from the hog farms. Why are they not concerned about that?” he said. “Which contaminant are they attacking? Salt -which belongs to the Jewish people.” Salt is used to leach blood from the meat, an essential part of making meat kosher. Rubashkin added that Agriprocessors, which will pay back $4.5 million in federal loans for the plant, is making a “tremendous improvement” to the environment because the plant will reduce pollutants such as ammonia, which kills fish. “This is all done with the blessing of the DNR,” Rubashkin said. “This is the most researched permit ever given in the state of Iowa.” The Lubavitch Chasidim came to Iowa from Brooklyn in the late 1980s to take over a defunct meat processing plant. Chasidic Jews now make up about 10 percent of Postville’s 2,200 residents, and the slaughterhouse employs more than 600 people. Since they arrived, the Chasidim often have been at odds with local farmers-and much of the rest of Postville, says Stephen Bloom, author of Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America. When they opened the slaughterhouse, “there were farmers who pleaded with the Lubavitchers not to dump the tonnage of salt,” said Bloom, a journalism professor at the University of Iowa.
Goldsmith said the citizens group was “undermining the spirit of cooperation” that made the plant possible and was jeopardizing funds for the project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor The April 30 edition of The Jewish Press has just reached me. How pleasant to read the Page One story on the recognition and honors paid to the paper and to its editor. As a former editor of a weekly (the Boston Jewish Advocate), I know the effort that goes into production of an interesting paper. You have every reason to be proud. Also loved your editorial on mom--a different but endearing approach. Carl Alpert Haifa, Israel
But Aaron Goldsmith--the only Chasidic Jew to serve on Postville’s City Council, until his term ended in January-said there was “no science whatsoever to support that there will be any negative effect” on the environment from the plant’s discharge. During his three-year term, Goldsmith served on a 10-person city committee that unanimously approved the Department of Natural Resources permit after hearing from scientific experts who supported the plan, and he played a key role in negotiating a settlement between the city, the Department of Natural Resources and Agriprocessors over the specifics of the plant’s operations. Goldsmith said the citizens group was “undermining the spirit of cooperation” that made the plant possible and was jeopardizing funds for the project from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. “They’re breaking the backs of the town. For those who want to see the Jews leave, this is a great opportunity,” he said. “And by holding the project up they’re polluting the Yellow River worse.” As for the argument that Agriprocessors should improve technology at the plant
To the Editor: Congratulations and thank you for the extremely informative statements from the candidates for the May Primary printed in the May 7 issue of the Press. It is very gratifying to know that the staff and the board of the Jewish Press recognize the importance of informing their readers about the candidates and their positions on critical issues. Carol Bloch
Shabbaton! Food! Singing! And amazing Torah discussions! On Shabbat, June 4-5, explore the MYSTICAL HEBREW ALPHABET with scholar in residence Rabbi Yaacov Marcus from Telzstone, Israel. Through the shapes of the letters we can learn the purpose of Creation, the meaning of life, the meaning of Shabbat, and much more.
All this along with two traditional Shabbat meals Friday night and Saturday day. Babysitting available. RSVP by May 31st! Call Rabbi Hoffman at 981-0569
terhouse is located. There have since been many lawsuits involving the slaughterhouse that are pending, settled or already adjudicated. In 2001, for example, Postville filed a lawsuit to recover $2 million that it said Agriprocessors owed in unpaid wastewater-related fines, penalties and user fees dating to 1990. That and other, similar cases were settled out of court in mid-2002. Agriprocessors plans to expand production from 760,000 pounds to 1.1 million pounds of meat per day once the wastewater plant is up and running in mid-2005. The City of Postville, which is doing the actual construction of the wastewater plant on land owned by Agriprocessors, supports the project. “Many, many hours were spent by Department of Natural Resources engineers looking into the question of whether this permit was a good idea and whether it was protective of the environment,” said Steven Pace, an attorney for the city. “The conclusion was that it was.’’ But Anderson said the Department of Natural Resources never conducted a formal environmental study of possible effects on the Yellow River ecosystem, even after 1,300 Postville residents signed a petition in March asking the Department of Natural Resources for such a review. Lawyers for the Department of Natural Resources said they could not comment on the pending litigation.
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 ............................................................................................................................................... Zoë 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 ............................................................................................................ Joanie Jacobson 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 Rothholz Co-Chairman ............................. Suzanne 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 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
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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
BLUE RIBBON Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Over 25 Years Experience Steve Snail 558-8617
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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Traditional Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Alternate Service, 10 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Bells Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., following Shabbat services. Dr Toby Schonfeld will address “The ABC’s of 2004: Atkins-BotoxCarbs: How do they Square with Jewish Law?” For reservations, call Harriet Einziger, 492.8550. Evening Services, 8:35 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. SHAVUOT SERVICES: Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. (Yizkor and dedication of memorial plaques) and 8:35 p.m. 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 Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334.8430 or cldancer@ aol.com. SUNDAY: Sisterhood Meeting, 10 a.m.; SYNERGY, for ages 2235, will meet at Henry Doorly Zoo, 1 p.m.; E.S.P. Members, for ages 35-50, will gather for dinner
at Jaipur Restaurant, 6:30 p.m. For more information on both events, contact Harriet Einziger, 492.8550. MONDAY, May 24, 6 p.m.: USY Final Banquet. TUESDAY, May 25: Celebrate Shavout by joining us for dinner, 6 p.m. Then attend the following study sessions: 6:40 p.m, “The Question of Biblical Anthropomorphisms: G-d Doesn’t Have an Eye or a Hand.” lead by Rabbi Levin; 7:40 p.m. “The Purposes of the Commandments: The Essence of Judaism Is In the Doing,” taught by Professor Guy Matalon. For more information and reservations, contact Harriet Einziger, 492.8550.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.mnoon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. Those who accept Shabbos early by davening at 7:30 p.m., candles should be lit at 8:24 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Learn-A-Lot Shabbot, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; “Perek on the Green” at the home of Judy and Mike Feldman, 6 p.m., today’s topic “Giving the benefit of the doubt”; Mincha, 8:20 p.m. and Havdalah, 9:32 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 8 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 8:10 p.m. SHAVUOT SERVICES Tuesday: Mincha, 8:35 p.m.; Tikun Leil Shavout, 12 a.m., refreshments will be served; Wednesday: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. with Kiddush following morning services; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Thursday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; dairy lunch following morning services; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:37 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in Home SUNDAY: Mohm’s Place, 4 p.m. meet at the JCC.
Candlelighting Friday, May 21, 8:24 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 8:28 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 9:36 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Monday-Friday, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, May 25: Late night Torah Study Session at home of Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman, 640 So. 124 Ave., 11 p.m.-2 a.m. This class is open to all. Reserve by calling 330.1800 or Chabad@ aol.com. Refreshments will be served.
FRIDAY: Confirmation/Graduation Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate along with the graduating confirmands and include: Janet Baack, Kyle Baines, Alexander Bloom, Sara Cowan, J.J. Friedman, Daniel Gutman, Molly Needelman, Aron Neesman, Sara Rips, Rebecca Smedlund, Margaret Terry and Hannah Wolf. 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. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Rebecca Noddle, daughter of Kim and Jay Noddle, 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. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 1011:30 a.m. SHAVUOT SERVICES: Tuesday Erev Shavuot Service, 7 p.m. with a study session and a special Oneg to follow. Wednesday Morning Shavuot Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416.2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Stiel with Oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Deborah Swearingen SUNDAY: Last Day of Religious School, 9 a.m.-noon; Adult Education Committee meeting, 12:15 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Please call the office to sign up. SHAVUOT, Tuesday, May 25, 7-9 p.m.: 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 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andy Greenberg. SHAVUOT SERVICES: Wednesday, Services, 9 a.m.; Thursday, Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. Services led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
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.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m. SHAVUOT SERVICES: Tuesday, Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Torah Study and Refreshments, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Second Day Services, 9:30 a.m and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Shavuot Services, 9:30 a.m.
BAT MITZVAH Steven Ryan Finkle, son of Dr. David and Judi Finkle, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 29 at Beth El Synagogue. Steven is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Peter Kiewit Middle School. He enjoys playing baseball, umpiring baseball, cooking from scratch, Tae-KwonDo, Playstation 2 games, spending time with his friends, and watching Chicago Cubs baseball. For his mitzvah project, he cooks dinner using recipes he finds on the internet. His supplies
are purchased with money Steven earns umpiring baseball games. He has the room set-up like a restaurant with menus, and guests pay for their dinner. All proceeds are used to buy toys for the Children’s Respite Care Center. He also volunteers there. Steven has an older sister, Jennifer, and an older brother, Andy. His grandparents are Rose Davis and the late Saul Z Davis, and Barbara Finkle and the late Maynard Finkle.
Anna Gabrielle Kohll, daughter of Janet and David Kohll, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Sunday, May 30 at Beth Israel Synagogue. Anna is a sixthgrade student at Friedel Jewish Academy. She enjoys art, pottery and yoga. For her mitzvah project, she volunteered for and raised money for the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. She also is donating her hair to Locks of Love. Anna has four younger brothers: Sam, Max, Jack and Leo. Her grandparents are Virginia and Chester Stefanski and Sandra and Marvin Kohll.
PERSONAL I would like to thank my family and friends for all their caring, cards, and donations during my illness. I appreciate everything that was done for me. Helena Tichauer
May 21, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Everyone Counts
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by SUSI FRYDMAN LEVIN Parashat B’Midbar To be in the desert is a powerful and unforgettable experience. Have you ever been there? I first visited Israel in the winter of 1979, during that historic time when the Camp David Peace Accord between Israel and Egypt was to be signed between President Anwar al Sadat and Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and witnessed by President Jimmy Carter. One of the tours I took was to the Negev and the Sinai Peninsula, which was in Israeli hands. We stayed there for several days, walking, hiking and climbing under the fiery sun of the desert, and passing the night in our sleeping bags under the open sky. Heat during the day, cold at night. No boundaries could be seen: nothing more than sand, dunes and an incredible sky; wind and silence at night. Being in the middle of that infinite landscape, it was easy to feel how small are we and how finite is our human existence. After two days, I had the feeling that if it weren’t for my friends, I would be completely lost. If it weren’t for the tour guides, nobody would know where to go and how to get to our camp. All these feelings after only two days. What could the impact of that environment be on the people of Israel after one year in the desert? With Parashat Bemidbar, the fourth book of the Torah begins. The book’s title, Bemidbar, means “in the desert” in Hebrew, and “Numbers” in English. Both names accentuate different aspects of the book. “In the desert” is the setting of the book, and “numbers” speak
History of the Gaza Strip Continued from page 1 destroyed by the Egyptians during Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. Israeli officials paid lip service to settling the Gaza Strip, but settlement was accelerated only in 1977, when the Likud Party replaced Labor in power. The Gaza Coast regional council was established in 1978, initiating a chain of new settlements from the southern suburbs of Deir el-Balah down to the southern border of the strip. This created the Katif Bloc, designed in part to prevent Khan Yunis from expanding westward to the sea. For years, Jewish residents of Gaza have enjoyed relative prosperity. They developed successful agricultural projects, growing crops mostly for the use of Israel’s fervently Orthodox population and flowers for export. However, the settlers’ quality of life suffered a serious blow with the outbreak of the Palestinian intifada in September 2000. The local population has suffered frequent terrorist attacks, including infiltration of settlements, attacks on automobiles and mortar and rocket fire on civilian communities. The continued escalation has heated up public debate in Israel regarding the cost--in casualties, finances and military burden--of holding the Gaza settlements. Most criticism has focused on secluded settlements such as Netzarim, which because of its isolation required extraordinary military resources to defend. Unlike the West Bank--which contains strategic high ground near Israel’s densely populated coastal plain, the country’s capital, Israel’s only international airport and the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway--the Gaza Strip is flat, and a security fence has proven effective at stopping terrorist infiltration from Gaza into Israeli proper. These factors provided the background for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s recent proposal to evacuate the Jewish communities in the strip. Still, many Israelis--including top military officials-warn that evacuating the strip in the absence of a peace agreement may lead to an intensification of the Palestinian campaign of terrorism, as Palestinians conclude that violence can force an Israeli retreat.
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 the June 4 issue is Monday, May 24 noon. Questions? Call 334.6450.
to us about the people who were in that desert. Moses was instructed by God to take a census of the Israelites. They had been liberated as one unique people, and had wandered in the desert a year after they left Egypt. Together at Mount Sinai, they received the Torah. Moses was commanded to count all Israelite males over the age of 20, all the Levites from the age of one month, and all the Kohanites. The census was taken according to the tribal houses of the Israelites, and every individual was counted. Because of this, everyone felt like a significant, valued part of the community, and realized their responsibility to look out for one another. The commentator Rashi explains that just as we count those things or persons important to us, God considered that every Israelite was important. God not only loves us, but asks us to fulfill our part of the covenantpartnership: accepting the Torah and living by its teachings; and arriving to the land of Israel. So it is with us. We all count. We all are unique and important. As the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber wrote, “Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique. Every single person is called upon not to imitate others but to fulfill his own unique role in the world.” The same applies to the Jewish people as a whole. We have a unique role: to live according to the teachings of the Torah, to count and be responsible one another, and to be partners with God in our effort to improve the world.
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DEATH LOIS SHKOLNICK Lois Ann Shkolnick died May 14 at the age of 72. Services were held Sunday at Beth El Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Rodney Shkolnick; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Robyn of Houston, TX, and Stuart and Judith of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan and Jillian of Des Moines and Lean and Lauren of Houston; brother, Gary Greenblatt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Phoebe Shkolnick, and Donald and Sandra Shkolnick of Tucson, AZ. Memorials to the Lois and Rodney Shkolnick Scholarship Fund at Creighton University. To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of great-grandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state non-profit organizations, if provided.
The Jewish Press jBay classifieds are only for use by individuals–businesses should contact the Advertising Department– Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Ray Pred, 334.6559, for display ads.
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Lead Teacher Needed The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center is looking for a Lead Teacher for the 2004-05 school year. The position is with the part-time program for 3-yearolds. The hours are 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. The position requires experience in working with young children. A degree in Education or a related field is required. Strong Judaic background a plus. If you are interested, contact Corey Kirshenbaum at 334-6415 or Fax your resume to 334-6557.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 21, 2004
Scholars at Temple Introduce New Ways to Look at Contemporary Life by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Dr. Michael Cook spoke at the Sidney H. Brooks Memorial Lecture at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in April as well as at Temple Israel’s annual Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Institute on Judaism for Clergy. Dr. Cook is from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spoke at UNO on “Jesus ‘and the Jews’ in Hollywood and DVD--Lessons We Must Learn from the Mel Gibson Ordeal.” At Temple, he addressed “Jesus’ Passion: Charting Our Ways through the Mel Gibson Maze.”
Registration volunteers were Ruth Cain, Evie Zysman, and Sharon Brodkey. The same weekend as the Ministers Institute, Rabbi Lee Bycel, this year’s Ida and Samuel Kaiman Memorial Fund scholar-in-residence spoke at worship services and at two additional sessions on the topic, “Living as a Jew in the Modern World: Challenges and Opportunities.” “I did find his selection and interpretation of (Abraham Joshua) Heschel particularly timely,” said David Goldberg of Rabbi Bycel’s Sunday session. “In this era of seemingly endless consumption and the false fulfillment it delivers, Rabbi
Spencer and Donna Kaiman Gilbert (left to right), Rabbi Lee Bycel, Rabbi Myer Kripke, and Howard Kaiman at the conclusion of Rabbi Bycel's scholar-in-residency at Temple Israel.
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (left to right), Dr. Michael Cook, and Jane Brooks at Temple Israel's annual Ministers Institute for Clergy.
“I thought he was superb,” said Jane Brooks, wife of the late Rabbi Brooks. “He was scholarly, understandable, and available to the audience in answering whatever questions they asked him.” She found it interesting that even when “you thought you knew all about the movie (“The Passion of the Christ), Dr. Cook introduced a whole new perspective in understanding Gibson a little bit more.” Guests at the Ministers Institute agreed with Brooks. “As always, it was very good!” commented Larry McAlpine from Laurens, IA. “This institute has been excellent,” said Dick Dahle from Sioux City. “Dr. Cook has become my favorite of your visiting rabbis.” Women of Reform Judaism members including Nancy Wolf, Sharon Brodkey, Dora Goldstrom, Michelle Bucher, Rosalie Greenspan, and Rosie Zweiback served the luncheon at the Institute.
Bycel elucidated the importance of nourishing the soul through learning, humility, and prayer to maintain physical and spiritual health.” Louri Sullivan commented that Rabbi Bycel “helped me to stop and think about our everyday lives and how to better appreciate the moment, whatever that moment is. “That night I was up in the middle of the night with my twoyear-old who couldn’t sleep which is not always such a fun thing to do, and as I was rocking him…I thought about how lucky I was to have that quiet moment with him. How quickly he will grow up and not want to be rocked anymore. “Even though I love my children,” she added, “I’m not sure I would have appreciated that wake-up in the middle of the night without listening to Rabbi Bycel. He made some very good points about this wonderful country we live in and how to try to balance our Jewish lives in this country.”
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Chabad Rabbi and Wife Recovering from Accident by SHANI KATZMAN Rabbi Gideon and Shely Menahem were in a serious automobile accident on May 8, approximately 20 miles west of Des Moines on I-80 around midnight. The torrential rains forced his car out of control and threw it to a ditch. “Thank G-d, the rescue team was able to disentangle Gideon from the car,” said Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Director of Chabad of Nebraska, for whom Rabbi Menahem and his wife work Menahem was flown to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines where trauma and orthopedic teams worked to repair his broken legs and other injuries. Shely also received care there for the injuries she sustained. “I am extremely grateful to my dear friends Dr. Dan Schuller and Dr. Eric Phillips who have generously given of their time and expertise during a difficult time to help secure the best medical care for Gideon and Shely,” Rabbi Katzman added. “With their assistance, we were able to transfer Gideon to Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, where he continues to receive vital medical care.” Rabbi Katzman also expressed his appreciation to physicians’ assistant Susan Polack, who is, “a devoted friend and medical confidante to the
Menahems.” “Shely and Gideon have been working with great diligence and devotion for our community since their arrival here six months ago,” Rabbi Katzman continued. “They have reached out to many with kindness and have served to organize programs to benefit many. Of particular note is the L’chaim group at Chabad House with whom Rabbi Menahem works, along with Nancy Wolf and Nancy Rampey to help serve the social, religious, and educational needs of a particular segment of the Jewish community. He and Shely have also assisted in holiday programming for Russian-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews. A special bank account has been opened for those who wish to assist the Menahems, whose medical coverage is very limited. “The road to their recovery is quite extensive and expensive,” explained Rabbi Katzman. “We are appealing to members of the community for assistance.” Checks can be made out to “Chabad of Nebraska benefit account for G. Menahem” and sent to Pinnacle Bank, PO Box 540001, Omaha, NE 68154-0001.
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