Vol. LXXXVIII No. 38 Omaha, NE
Shared taxi to airport with high-profile speaker highlights AIPAC conference for writer by GARY JAVITCH This was my seventh American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference, an event that I jokingly refer to as America’s annual “I-Love-Israel Festival.” That casual remark, however, belies the seriousness of this year’s AIPAC gathering, held in Washington D.C. earlier this month. This year, the Jewish state faces an existential threat that is arguably as great -- or greater -- than the country has ever encountered in its 61-year history. That imperilment comes from Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism around the world and a country on the verge of obtaining a nuclear weapon. That danger overshadows Israel amidst a “new environment,” according to David Gillette, AIPAC’s deputy director of policy and government affairs. In Washington D.C. today, he noted, there is a new administration and a new Congress that must deal with a major economic crisis, a host of challenging foreign policy priorities, and a new Israeli government. Still, what makes the AIPAC Policy Conference such a premier operation is that it lures the top names from around the world to its annual program, which except for running a little behind schedule is one of the slickest, best organized, most thoughtfully prepared programs on the Washington scene. This year’s conference was no different. The speakers at the conclave included Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (by satellite) and President Shimon Peres, America’s Vice President Joseph Biden, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, other leading American, European, and Israeli politicians, top diplomats, military officers, academics and think tank experts. I had a chance to talk off-the-record with one of those speakers, but those fascinating and insightful details will come after some preliminary information.
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Campaign chairmen: Omaha continues to achieve by CARL AND ZOE RIEKES Jewish Federation of Omaha 2009 Campaign Chairmen From the very beginning of this campaign, our Donors told us that there are numerous tugs at their philanthropic dollars, but meeting the needs and responsibilities of our Jewish community continues to top the list when it comes to their giving. This is the nature of our Omaha Jewish community. We entered the campaign with some trepidation regarding our ability to reach this year’s goal and the Zoe and Carl Riekes led the 2009 Federation Annual Campaign. campaign did come up about 6% short. However, we Judah: Gail Veitzer; Women’s Division: Iris Ricks; Men’s can be proud that we accomplished so much thanks to Division: Bruce Friedlander; Young Leadership: Brett great campaign volunteers, staff and the generosity of Atlas; and Super Sunday: Matt and Melissa Shapiro. The Federation’s annual campaign is the nuts and our community. When so many comparable federations bolts that keeps the community in business. We need to are seeing declines of as much as 20% in their overall continue to put great effort into the success of our campaign, Omaha continues to achieve what sometimes annual campaign and keep our programming and servicseems unachievable. es available and relevant so that we avoid the slippery But isn’t this our story? slope of diminishing community. We know that our community is not about one particToday, we are prepared to do more with less. All of us ular thing but about many things. The fabric of our are asked to give and we continue to respond positively Jewish community is comprised of all the agencies, instibecause we know that our efforts make tremendous diftutions and organizations and the Federation’s annual ferences in the lives of Jews here locally as well as meetcampaign is the thread that ties it all together. ing the needs of Jews around the world. This campaign could not have run so smoothly withWe are very blessed with our lives, and it is our responout the efforts of our division chairs. They have an sibility to help make a difference. unsurpassed passion for this Jewish community and they This is what really inspires us, and we can’t get have shared their energy and stories throughout. When enough, of that good feeling. you see them, please thank them for their tremendous efforts: Pacesetter: Mike Platt and John Lehr; Lion of Continued on page 8
Local businessman, director of Institute for Holocaust Education among honorees Israeli President Shimon Peres addresses the AIPAC policy conference in Washington, May 4. Credit: AIPAC AIPAC distinguishes itself from a “political action committee” or PAC because it does not endorse or fund candidates or officeholders. Accordingly, one can be a conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, black, white, yellow, blue or green, for that matter; the only criterion AIPAC looks at is that a strong American-Israel relationship is supported. Not all attendees agreed, however, about the specific details of the course that our American government should follow in this volatile new environment. Anticipating that, when Vice-President Biden spoke, for example, he said, “You are not going to like my saying this, but [Israel must] not build more settlements, [must] dismantle existing outposts, and allow the Palestinians freedom of movement based on their first actions. [They must provide] access to economic opportunities and increased security responsibility. This is a ‘show me’ deal.” Earlier, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) voiced a similar theme on the settlements: “Nothing will do more to show Israel’s commitment to making peace than Continued on page 2
Inside
by BARBARA M. ANGELILLO Executive Director, Conference for Inclusive Communities The Conference for Inclusive Communities, formerly NCCJ of the Midlands, has announced the honorees for the 2009 Humanitarian Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Central. sponsor Presenting Omaha Steaks and 2009 dinner chairmen Carol and Rick Russell will join CFIC in honoring Henry A. Davis and Dr. Michael and Shirley Sorrell with the Humanitarian Award Henry Davis for their dedication to the goals and values of CFIC and outstanding contributions of time, effort and resources to the community. The Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award, named for one of the early founders of the NCCJ Midlands Region, is given to individuals and organizations whose lives and work exemplify the mission of CFIC, and will be presented to the Empowerment Network and Institute for Holocaust Education. Beth Seldin Dotan, director of the IHE, will accept the award.
This Week: Militant church protests in Omaha: Page 4
See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12
Beth El leaders change BESTT schedule: Page 3
Lastly, Hillary Nather-Detisch will accept the CFIC Volunteer Award for her years of dedication and service to the organization. Davis, who was honored by the City of Omaha in 2000 with its “Living the Dream” award as part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorations, is the President of Greater Omaha Packing, Inc. He was also honored by the Omaha Bar Association in 2001 with its Public Service Award. Dotan announced that the IHE recently was awarded $15,000 for perBeth Seldin Dotan formances of the children’s opera, Brundibar, Nov. 2-7 at the Rose Theater in Omaha. Opera Omaha will produce the opera, pairing professionals with young musicians in a mentoring workshop process. The Institute will publish study guides and train teachers to prepare some 10,000 middle school students who will attend the performances. Last month, the IHE played host to more than 600 area students for performances of Hana’s Suitcase, a play Continued on page 2
Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue: June 5 Politics abound on Pope’s mission of peace in Israel: Page 6
Bloom family farm forms partnership with Temple Israel: Page 16
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
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High-profile speaker highlights AIPAC conference
commitment to end violence and terror and help build Continued from page 1 freezing new settlement activities that undercut institutions for a viable Palestinian state living side-byside in peace with Israel. President Abbas and strengthen Hamas.” The last issue for consideration, but certainly no less Others in the crowd around me wondered what Israel was going to get in return for giving up more land for important, was money. Our AIPAC goal was to urge the House and Senate to support the foreign aid bill, which peace. Another outcome like Gaza? Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich (R-GA), while less than 1% of the overall budget does provide focused more on the Iranian threat during his address, $2.775 billion in direct military assistance to Israel that discussing the need to take a tougher view on Iran. “If would help Israel maintain a qualitative edge in weaponwe lack the courage to describe evil as evil, then we are ry over potential adversaries. “Relationships Matter” the conference theme, was in 1939,” he said referring in the present to Iranian President Ahmadinejad and in the past to Adolph Hitler emphasized because those political connections that before the start of WW II. He added later, that America members develop on their lobbying visits and during the year are the key to Israel’s must confront evil head on. survival. The next morning, Gala Banquet AIPAC members from across and key issues the country fanned out across Rabbi Jonathan Gross and David Kohll also attended the the capital to push the talking conference. We attended the points, develop partnerships gala banquet together and and lobby in support of the were joined at our table by American-Israeli relationship. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), The Cab Ride and Congressmen Adrian Following the lobbying Smith (R-NE) from the outeffort, I returned to my hotel for my luggage and prepared state Third District and Lee to catch a taxi for the 30Terry (R-NE) our Second District representative from Rep. Lee Terry, seated left, David Kohll, Brig. Gen. Shmaya minute ride to the airport. It Omaha. Among others sit- Avieli (Israeli Air Force) and his wife Sharon; standing: Gary was then that I stumbled into ting at our table were Brig. Javitch, Rachel Snyder, Sen. Ben Nelson, Lynn Snyder, Rabbi a situation where I was able to facilitate a cab ride to the Gen. Shmaya Avieli (Israeli Jonathan Gross, and Rep. Adrian Smith attended AIPAC. Air Force), along with his wife Sharon, and national airport for one Israeli who seemed to be having a tough time getting a taxi. We agreed to split the cost of a ride. AIPAC board member Jeff Snyder and his wife, Lynn. By way of background, the conference presenter I travThe significance of the annual banquet is that it is attended by just over half of all U.S. Senators and House eled to the airport with speaks fluent Arabic and English, members, many diplomats from countries around the is a noted author, and frequently talks to Palestinians in world and other top level guests. The depth and breadth the West Bank and Gaza in his line of work. He was truly of the gathering represents quite an extraordinary the consummate insider and I felt very fortunate to have a one-on-one conversation with him. accomplishment for AIPAC. While he would not agree to be quoted -- he had All five Nebraska legislators, including the two unable to attend the dinner, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) and already gotten in hot water for being misquoted -- he Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE-First District), were in did answer a number of queries including the key quessupport of the three key issues AIPAC emphasized at the tion in the minds of almost everyone at the conference, conference and for discussion at the Capitol Hill lobby- especially given the fact that most Israelis favored a presidency of John McCain over one by Barack Obama. ing sessions on May 5. The question: What are your thoughts about the The issues in brief: the first agenda item for consideration was AIPAC’s paramount concern that Iran would efforts the Obama administration is making to facilitate soon acquire nuclear weapons capability. To prevent this the peace process? His answer was sobering. In an arena menacing development from being realized, AIPAC where force is greatly respected, he felt the Obama members would urge their legislators to co-sponsor the administration did not fully appreciate the comprehenIran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act which would apply sive nature of the problem. My cab mate’s answer was based on his many relationmore stringent sanctions against the Persian theocracy ships in the Muslim arena. He has been interviewed frewhich imports more than 40% of its refined petroleum. When implemented, the application of this diplomatic quently on al-Jazeera and al-Arabia TV. He is trusted in pressure point would severely limit Iranian access to gaso- the Arab world. He felt that during the Gaza War, Israel line and diesel fuel, which would cripple its economy and did not perform effectively on the PR front. force the mullah-led government to choose between con- Furthermore, it was a mistake, he felt, to keep the world tinuing its illicit nuclear program or risk economic ruin. press out of Gaza during the conflict because then the The effectiveness of those sanctions would be magnified only on-scene stories broadcast were by Arab TV stations in Iran’s current economic environment where both the that reached 70% of the Arabs in the Middle East. Unlike the Lebanon war, however, the Gaza War unemployment and inflation rates hover around 30%. The second issue AIPAC members wanted Congress reestablished the Israel Defense Force’s reputation for its to consider involved the important principles needed to effectiveness and military deterrence capability. While support Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. AIPAC currently there is no formal truce between Israel and members requested members of Congress to sign onto a Hamas, he pointed to the dramatic decrease in rocket letter outlining several guidelines: the regional parties attacks on southern Israel that were now down to only should talk directly with each other and a solution one or two a week. In addition, even though the Second Lebanon War should not be imposed by a third party. The U.S. and Israel, it would be urged, need to work together and pri- was not as decisive, because of Israel’s effective demonstration of force, the northern part of the country is now vately, especially on areas of disagreement. Also, the U.S. needs to remain as a trusted mediator no longer on the receiving end of intermittent and indisand devoted friend, as that friendship and support would criminate rocket attacks from Lebanon. For now, all eyes are on the pending first visit of Israeli give Israel more latitude to take risks for peace. As part of this process, the United States must not waiver in its Prime Minister Netanyahu with President Obama which insistence that there must be an absolute Palestinian will have occurred Monday.
Honorees Continued from page 1 about the discovery of a suitcase left at Auschwitz that leads a Japanese teacher and her students on a hunt to learn what happened to its young owner. In addition to theatrical performances and films, the IHE also presents gallery exhibits and lectures pertaining to the Holocaust and trains teachers across Nebraska in methods of how to teach about this singular event. Since 1955, the Humanitarian Dinner has remained one of Omaha’s oldest and most revered awards dinners, and continues to be CFIC’s most critical fundraising effort -- allowing the organization to meet the everexpanding needs of an increasingly diverse community. Today CFIC works with over 2000 youth and adults each year by delivering educational programs that raise
awareness and advocate around issues of difference (race, culture, faith, sexual orientation, class and other diversities), and focus on reducing personal and institutional biases and prejudices. The event will begin with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 6:45 pm. Table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $10,000 and individual tickets can be purchased for $150 ($75 for students/young professionals 35 and under). This year’s attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle to win a gift donated by Borsheims, valued at $4,000. For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact the CFIC Office at 402.391.4460, e-mail info@cficonline.org or visit www.cficonline.org.
May 22, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
New school schedule in the fall
Beth El leaders decide that change is for the BESTT
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator For years, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) has held weekday Hebrew school classes on Monday through Thursday, dividing different elementary grades between those days and necessitating many parents to drive carpools to the synagogue almost every day. All that will change though, as the BESTT school committee and education director have announced that beginning this fall, all classes will take place only on Mondays and Wednesdays. The time was right for the modification, according to school committee chairman Bev Fellman, who explained that, “Because we’re fortunate this year to have enough teachers to make this change, we decided, as a board, to hold classes on only Mondays and Wednesdays and no longer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We’re thrilled that we will now have the whole school together, so that sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends can all come the same days! Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to occasionally hold family dinners on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and invite our high school, which meets that night. “We believe that this change will be well-received by parents who are currently driving their children to BESTT classes all four days,” Fellman continued. “I certainly went through that and would have welcomed having all my children attend the same days.” Education Director Judy Rubin also expressed enthusiasm about the new schedule, saying she is “pleased that the school has been able to respond to parents’ needs in a way that will maintain the goals and standards of a Conservative school. At BESTT, we are always looking for ways to enhance our program. “I have always been a proponent of cognitive and effective education,” Rubin said. “The combination of grades on the same days will allow us to expand our experiential programming and will create a greater sense of community.” The new change elicited a positive response from Sheri Dietrich, who has been driving her three children to Hebrew school, Monday through Thursday, for the past four years. “This will be the first year that I will be able
to take Ben and Lauren together at the same time,” Dietrich said. “Although I would have loved for this change to have taken place years ago, I am extremely pleased that it is taking place now. This new schedule will make it easier to do extracurricular activities on the days the kids don’t have Hebrew school, since it will provide more flexibility in our schedules. Also, it will be wonderful to cut down on all the driving to and from the synagogue. It gets very tiring.” And, Dietrich, added, because of the condensed schedule, “We hope to attend more Shabbat services during the year.” The news was also enthusiastically received by Jordana Kurtzman, who said, “I think it’s absolutely fantastic. I was dreading next year; we would’ve been going every day, plus twice on Wednesday, because I have a high schooler. With Sunday school and going to shul Friday night and Saturday, that pretty much would make it a seven-day-a week job, instead of enhancing our lives. I probably would’ve had to skip somebody’s class or alternate between somebody’s every other week because we just couldn’t have done it every single day, so I’m thrilled. “Whoever came up with this deserves a bottle of wine and a big chunk of cheddar cheese - I’m so happy.” In addition to driving fewer carpools, which is “obviously a good thing,” according to parent Nancy Kavich, being able to plan her daughters’ other extracurricular activities just became easier with the simplified BESTT schedule. “It’s nice, because while they’ve had to change [religious school] days each year, their other activities haven’t changed -- so an activity they could do on a Monday, now all of a sudden they can’t, because they have religious school. It’ll be nice to have the consistency so we can plan the rest of their lives and not have to wait and wonder what day next year they’re going to have Hebrew school.” Harry Klein and his wife, Janet, are veteran BESTT parents who have driven their six children to and from religious school for the past 15 years. Without this new schedule, their three youngest would’ve attended classes at Beth El Monday through Thursday this fall; not
surprisingly, the Kleins are singing the praises of the new timetable. “It’s certainly advantageous for us because it cuts down on the commute,” Harry said. He also noted that BESTT’S re-vamped schedule eliminates the Wednesday night dilemma: “Since many activities aren’t scheduled on Wednesdays because of ‘church night,’ they are oftentimes scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we’ve had to try to get the kids out of Hebrew school on time and get them to their respective places. The fact that these schedules are now going to correspond will help a little bit, as far as not worrying about taking the kids out of their religious program for other activities.” Overall, Harry applauded the school committee for “being progressive in the sense of acknowledging people’s busy schedules. Everybody’s schedules are so hectic, between having kids in different grades, sporting activities and after-school activities; now we can schedule things a little better knowing that religious school will always be on Mondays and Wednesdays - it gives us a little more freedom to plan things.” In addition to the weekday class modification, the BESTT Sunday school schedule is also being altered, according to Fellman. During the year, there will be four fewer Sunday classes; those sessions will be moved to Saturday mornings. “The format for each of the Shabbat school sessions will be a combination of new and innovative, along with traditional,” she said. “Students will meet in classes, attend services and stay for lunch. What a joy it will be to have them all there on Shabbat!” Rubin further expounded on the new Shabbat sessions: “This change is being implemented as a pilot program in response to some requests we have received from some families who are looking for more Shabbat programming. While it is still in the planning stages, the program will consist of a Shabbat morning service for each of two age group/grades: Pre-K-2 and 3-7. The younger students will have classes and Shabbat-appropriate games and activities. The students in grades 3-7 will engage in study, discussion, and Shabbat appropriate Continued on page 5
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
Militant anti-gay church turns its sights on Jews
by ERIC FINGERHUT with it. douse their typically inflammatory protests. WASHINGTON (JTA) -- After years of focusing on Mark Potok, director of the Southern Poverty Law “Safety, respect for civil rights and deliberate nongays and lesbians with its protests, the Westboro Baptist Center’s Intelligence Project tracking hate groups, said engagement are the three prongs of our recommended Church has a new target -- the Jewish community. he didn’t think there was any real significance to the approach to this hate group,” ADL Regional Director The Topeka, Kansas-based church, which features the church’s new focus on Jews. Alan Potash said. “Because they thrive on media attenslogan “God Hates Fags,” protested at three Jewish sites “With a group willing to picket the funerals of little tion, we strongly discourage counter-protests by wellhere on May 8. The protests are part of a series of girls killed in a school bus crash, it’s hard to be surprised meaning citizens.” upcoming rallies that will bring members of the church by anything they do,” Potok said. Lauter added that the protesters are not violent and to Jewish community institutions in Omaha, St. Louis, “They’re the farthest fringe,” he said, noting that even don’t try to recruit others to their cause. But they are South Florida and Providence in the next few weeks, hard-line anti-gay groups are embarrassed by Phelps’ provocative and are “baiting the Jewish community to according to the church’s Web site and fliers the group church. respond.” is distributing that list scheduled protests and proclaim Last week, Omaha Jewish synagogues and organiza“We’re advising Jewish institutions not to give them “Jews Killed the Lord Jesus.” tions, along with South Magnet High School and the the publicity they crave,” she said, and not engage the Led by Pastor Fred Phelps, the 71-member church, Qwest Center, were among targets picketed by WBC protesters. according to Anti-Defamation League research, first with offensive signage in the effort to spread defamatoIn Washington, the group first picketed the funeral of gained notoriety about a decade ago when it began pick- ry messages about Jews and homosexuals. former congressman Jack Kemp, and then protested outeting the funerals of gays or those they thought were gay Local police practically outnumbered the six members side the ADL offices, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial -- including Matthew Shepard, who was the victim of an of the group who showed up in the pouring rain at the Museum and the city’s largest synagogue, Washington anti-gay attack. Jewish Community Center in Omaha on May 12. Staff Hebrew Congregation. (The group positioned itself In recent years, church members frequently have at the JCC and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home lined up across the street from the museum -- on the edge of the protested outside the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq near the windows facing the public sidewalk on 132nd National Mall -- meaning that visitors to the museum and Afghanistan, or at other events that are likely to Street to try to read the protesters’ signs. that afternoon did not even necessarily see them when bring news coverage and, in entering the facility.) turn, publicity to the church. Margie Phelps and three One such event was the fellow church members funeral of three young girls stood on the sidewalk and killed in a traffic accident. held signs stating that “God While picketing outside Hates Israel,” “Jews Killed the Washington office of the Jesus,” “America Is Anti-Defamation League on Doomed,” “Israel Is May 8, Phelps’ daughter Doomed,” and “ADL Jew Margie told JTA that the Bullies.” One of the four group is now focusing on women had an Israeli flag the Jewish community tied around her waist that because church members dragged on the ground; she have been “testifying” to Staff of Omaha’s JCC and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home stepped on the flag as she Protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka gentiles for 19 years that peer out the west window of the Home’s north wing at the walked. showed up in front of the Jewish Community Campus in “America is doomed” and “Phelps” protesters. Credit: Carol Katzman Omaha on May 12. Credit: Carol Katzman That scene in Washington they haven’t gotten the meswas repeated in Omaha. The sage. The Phelps’ group obtained a permit to protest at group is to protest in Miami this weekend. “Now it’s too late,” she said. “We’re done with them.” three of Omaha’s synagogues, including Beth Israel, Alluding to prophecy in the book of Revelation, Margie Phelps added, “one of the loudest voices” in where they were to arrive at 8:15 a.m. on Shabbat -- 45 Phelps said that all the nations of the world would soon favor of homosexuality and abortion is “the Jews, espe- minutes prior to the start of services. Instead, they be marching on Israel, led by President Obama, whom cially the rabbis.” paraded across the street at Ironwood Country Club, a she called the “antichrist.” She said “Israel is doomed” “They claim to be God’s chosen people,” she said. surprise for its members. and that only the 144,000 “righteous Jews out there” “Do you think that God is going to wink at that forev“No shows up for services that early,” said one com- would survive the “persecution” that all other Jews will er?” munity member, who added with a smile, “Too bad it experience. Deborah Lauter, the ADL’s director of civil rights, said didn’t rain on Saturday, too.” For more information, visit the WBC background file the church has always been “anti-Semitic” but never tarOne week before they arrived in Omaha, the Anti- on the ADL website at: http://www.adl.org/special_ geted the Jewish community until recently. She said the Defamation League (ADL) Plains States Region began reports/wbc/default.asp. ADL isn’t entirely sure what triggered the new focus on coordinating with law enforcement and the Jewish comCarol Katzman, Editor of the Jewish Press, and Jews, but speculated that the help the ADL provided to munity to help reduce the group’s negative impact. a school that the church picketed last month for per- Thanks to planning, the WBC’s efforts to fire up the Therese Vaughn-Weiner, a communications consultant forming the musical “Rent” could have something to do public fell short. The stormy weather also helped to for the ADL, contributed to this article.
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May 22, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
IN THE NEWS
SEWING CENTERS
You’re up for the challenge and ready for the ride of your life! The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel crossing the finish line will be matched only by the difference made in the lives of people living with MS, as the ride benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Challenge yourself to finish the two-day route or enjoy one of our three one-day routes. The Bike MS Scenic Ride 2009, presented by docuLynx and Omaha Steaks, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31. The Omaha ride begins and ends at Concordia Junior/Senior High School, 15656 Fort St, Omaha. Registration begins at 6 a.m. and ride begins at 7:15 a.m. Saturday night festivities will be at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Taylor Commons. Registration is Friday, May 29, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 6-7 a.m. Overnight race participants will stay Saturday night at Nebraska Wesleyan University, 5000 So. Paul Ave., Lincoln. Register early at bikenen.nationalms society.org or 800.344.4867, press option #2. For more information, call 1.800.344.4867 or visit nationalmssociety.org/nen.
Donations are being accepted for a memorial for Steve Wigodsky, a dedicated Scouter and friend. Steve was involved in many programs behind the scenes that helped the Scouting movement in the Boy Scouts Mid-America Council succeed for so many years. It is our pleasure to help keep Steve’s Scouting Spirit alive for many more years to come. If you wish to donate please contact one of the following individuals: Ricky Holbert (Chairman), Tim Varney, Rick Emas, Sue Baldwin, and Scott Seibert. Steve Wigodsky Memorial Fund, Durham Scout Center, 12401 West Maple Road, Omaha, NE 68164. In recognition of the achievements and contributions of former Omahan Barbara Chandler as a communication professional, the University of Nebraska-Omaha School of Communication presented its 2009 Alumni Achievement Award to her last month.
Chandler completed her undergraduate degree after she and her family returned to her native Omaha following her husband’s military career. She then earned a master’s degree, while working at the Jewish Federation of Omaha as its Communications Director. She now works in Chicago, where she brought to completion Homeland, a major book project and then marketed it so that it is now a nationally award-winning publication. Rabbi Michael Graves, a kashrut superviser at Stoller Fisheries in Spirit Lake, IA, has been offering classes to local residents each month on Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., at the Spirit Lake Library. Born and raised in Israel, Rabbi Graves served in the Israeli Navy in three wars. He has lived in Scandinavia and California; his three children and many grandchildren live in Beitar Illit in the Judaen Hills. He is hoping to establish the “Spirit Lake Jewish Community Center and Synagogue” to serve Jews in Northwest Iowa and Southwest Minnesota, and can be reached at 712.336.4002 or at SpiritLakeRabbi@yahoo.com. Former Omahan Marshall Widman was honored at a luncheon May 14 by the University of Nebraska-Omaha, College of Business Administration, as a Distinguished Alumni. Widman is the founder of Star Innovations, d/b/a BallStars, and the inventor of the photo ball heat transfer method. Since 1998, he received three U.S. Patents for this invention and has a number of worldwide patents. He has been in business for himself since 1974 and in the personalization business since 1988. Widman is an avid collector of baseball memorabilia and enjoys lecturing on “Inventing” and “Entrepreneurship.” He now lives in Leawood, KS, and can be reached mwidman@ballstars.com.
New school schedule in the fall at BESTT
Continued from page 3 games and activities. We are planning for these new programs to be very attractive to our students and their parents.” Making these new changes in the religious school is a positive move, said Fellman.” Change is important. It means
that we listen to our congregants and their needs and requests. And it is not change for change’s sake. Rather, we and the BESTT board have been in discussion since January, listening and seriously considering the possibilities. We are, and will remain, open to new ideas!”
How is this publication thinking about the future?
By becoming part of the past. This publication is available from ProQuest Information and Learning in one or more of the following ways: • Online, via the ProQuest® information service • Microform • CD-ROM • Via database licensing
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
Politics abounds on Pope’s mission of peace to Israel
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by MARCY OSTER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Coming as a self-described “pilgrim of peace,” Pope Benedict XVI vowed to fight anti-Semitism and called for a Palestinian state in the moments after his arrival in Israel for a five-day visit. But controversy has marked the visit this week from the start, as the pope’s supposedly non-political trip abounds with politics and his hosts in Israel and the Palestinian Authority parse his words with nearly Talmudic precision eyeing support for their positions. On Monday, his first day in Israel, the pope was criticized for not being contrite enough about the Holocaust on behalf of the Catholic Church. Later he cut short an interfaith meeting of clergy after a Palestinian Muslim cleric launched a surprise attack on Israel during an impromptu address.
and used the 6 million figure during his remarks upon arriving in Israel. Lombardi also said four times that the pope never served in the Hitler Youth, whose members were volunteers, but that he was forced to join anti-aircraft troops against Allied aerial raids near his hometown. The pope stopped an interfaith conference in Jerusalem after the head of the Palestinian sharia court accused Israel of killing women and children and urged the pope “in the name of the one God to condemn these crimes and press the Israeli government to halt its aggression against the Palestinian people.” Criticizing the incident, a papal spokesman said, “We hope that such an incident will not damage the mission of the pope aiming at promoting peace and also interreligious dialogue, as he has clearly affirmed in many occa-
The Pope visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and laid a memorial wreath in the colors of the Vatican next to the eternal flame. At the end of the ceremony the Pope spoke Credit: ISRANET with Holocaust survivors. “I come, like so many others before me, to pray at the holy places, to pray especially for peace -- peace here in the Holy Land, and peace throughout the world,” Benedict said Monday morning during a welcoming ceremony at Ben Gurion International Airport, where he was met by President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Benedict would repeat that desire for peace and interfaith dialogue in every appearance in the early days of his trip, which the Vatican insisted is non-political. But his visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial, sparked criticism by former Israeli Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, who greeted the pontiff at the museum. “I am deeply grateful to God and to you for the opportunity to stand here in silence: a silence to remember, a silence to pray, a silence to hope,” the pope said. The cry of those killed “echoes in our hearts. It is a cry raised against every act of injustice and violence. It is a perpetual reproach against the spilling of innocent blood.” Following the visit, in which the pope did not enter the actual museum due to an exhibit that offers an unflattering portrayal of Pope Pius XII, who has been accused of being silent in the face of Nazi atrocities against the Jews during World War II, Lau criticized the pope’s speech in an interview on Israel’s Channel 1. Lau, a survivor of Buchenwald who serves as the chairman of the Yad Vashem Council, lamented that while Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in his address at the museum nine years ago offered a moving personal expression of grief, the current pope did not go that far, instead offering the Church’s “deep compassion” for those killed in the Holocaust. “I personally missed hearing a tone of sharing the grief,” Lau said. “I missed hearing ‘I’m sorry, I apologize.’” Lau also pointed out that the pontiff, who is German by birth and was a member of the Hitler Youth, did not mention the Germans, or Nazis, as those who carried out the genocide, and used the word “killed” instead of “murdered” to describe how the Jews died. And, he added, the pope never said that 6 million were killed, saying only “millions.” Rivlin also criticized the Pope. “With all due respect to the Holy See, we cannot ignore the burden he bears, as a young German who joined the Hitler Youth and as a person who joined Hitler’s army, which was an instrument in the extermination,” he said Tuesday on Israel Radio. “He came and told us as if he were a historian, someone looking in from the sidelines, about things that should not have happened. And what can you do? He was a part of them.” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi fired back Tuesday, noting that the pope has denounced the Nazis and spoken of his German heritage in previous speeches, including during a visit to the Auschwitz death camp,
The Pope continued his five-day visit to Israel by making a visit to the Kotel, where he placed a traditional message between the stones and stood a few minutes on his own in contemplation, before visiting the Temple Mount. Credit: ISRANET sions during this pilgrimage. We hope also that interreligious dialogue in the Holy Land will not be compromised by this incident.” During a brief visit Tuesday to the Western Wall, the pope placed a handwritten personal prayer between the stones of the wall asking God to “send your peace upon this Holy Land, upon the Middle East, upon the entire human family,” according to a text released by the Office of the Holy See. Following his quiet reflection at the wall, punctuated by the whirring of camera lens shutters, the pope made a courtesy visit at the compound to the chief rabbis of Israel. He had made a similar visit to the grand mufti of Jerusalem before his wall appearance. The pope, who traveled with a 40-person staff and 70 reporters, and stayed at the Papal Nuncio’s residence in Jerusalem during his visit, was scheduled to visit a Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem on Wednesday and Nazareth on Thursday, where he will celebrate an open-air Mass. He was to fly back to Rome Friday afternoon on a special El Al flight. Upon the pope’s arrival, “Operation White Robe,” which included 80,000 police officers and security guards, went into effect to protect his safety. The pope arrived in Israel after spending two days in Jordan, where he celebrated Mass before an estimated audience of 25,000 in a soccer stadium in Amman. On Saturday he visited Mount Nebo, from where the Bible says Moses saw the Land of Israel. The pope said the site was a reminder of “the inseparable bond between the Church and the Jewish people.” Benedict also visited the King Hussein bin Talal Mosque in Amman. He did not remove his shoes while visiting the mosque and engaged in silent reflection rather than prayer, according to reports. In a meeting there with Muslim leaders, the pope called for a “trilateral dialogue,” including the Church, to help bring Jews and Muslims together to discuss peace. The pope and Peres together planted an olive tree at the president’s residence Monday afternoon, followed by a performance by a choir made up of Jewish and Arab girls joined by Israeli tenor Dudu Fisher, who sang “Bring Him Home” from the musical “Les Miserables” only minutes after the pope met with the family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. “Old divisions have aged and diminished,” Peres told the pope. “So more than the need for another armored vehicle, we need a strong, inspiring spirit to instill both the conviction that peace is attainable, and the burning desire to pursue it.” “Ties of reconciliation and understanding are now being woven between the Holy See and the Jewish people,” he added. “We cherish this process and your leadership. Our door is open to similar efforts with the Muslim world.”
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Beth El fourth graders delight family and friends during mock wedding ceremony Whitney Feidman, flower girl; and Joshua by JILL BELMONT Kurtzman, ring bearer. The sanctuary was Beth El Publicity Coordinator On May 10, members of Beth El’s transformed with flowers and balloons for fourth-grade class showed up at the syna- the special ceremony; at right, while gogue in all their finery, as they partici- accompanying Josie Slovut down the aisle pated in the religious school’s annual mock wedding ceremony. Coordinated by teacher Margo Riekes, the ceremony under the balloon-decorated chuppah was led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg; musical accompaniment was provided by Esther Wax. During the program, the children shared with audience members the various rituals of the traditional Jewish wedding; before the breaking of the glass, the bride and groom vowed “to remain friends until the end of the ceremony.� (The groom evoked laughter when he produced a signed get -Jewish divorce decree -- from his pocket, to make sure the Top photo: Rabbi “marries�Josephine Slovut and Jacob Spivack; bottom photo: enjoying wedding cake during a marriage wasn’t binding.) reception following the ceremony were the BESTT fourthEach of the children front row, Jason Gallagher, left, Cali grade celebrants: played a different role during Epstein, Geordi Gonzales, Ally Kavich, Whitney Feidman and the program. Participants back row: Jacob Spivack and Joshua Josephine Slovut; included Josephine Slovut, Kurtzman. bride; Jacob Spivack, groom; Geordana Gonzales, maid of honor; during the recessional, Jacob Spivack Jason Gallagher, best man; Allyson accepted congratulations from several Kavich and Calista Epstein, bridesmaids; wedding guests.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Jam it, pickle it, cure it by Karen Solomon (Ten Speed, $24.95)
READ IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN What’s old is new again with this array of “Do-It-Yourself� recipes for “puttin’ up�... save money, cook from scratch, stock your pantry with the season’s fresh fruits, vegetables and more, create gifts or “festive giftabes� and homemade handicrafts. Dedicated to her mother, the original balabusta, S o l o m o n shares 75 recipes to munch, bottle, brine, noodle, hook, hunt, milk, jam, sugar, freeze, unwrap and drink it ... or crackers, chips and dips, all manner of condiments, pickles and olives, easy pasta- three ways, preserved and cured fish and meat, butter and cheese, preserves, curds and fruit butter, sweet treats, frozen confections, making candy and hard and soft beverages. Solomon is a self proclaimed low-frills, bring-on-the-yum kind of gal and hopes to help you “let your culinary inhibitions fly free� with helpful chapter and head notes. The recipes have clear, user friendly
instructions with the Time Commitment, Prep Ahead and How to Store information included. Variations are suggested. Throughout the book are color photographs of these projects ... Arnold Palmer Pops, Beef Jerky, Rumkirschen (an eastern European cherry liqueur), Gravlax and more. Every year my dad made pickles. Every year they got more puckery and the jars got bigger. He would have enjoyed the simple recipe for superduper garlic pickles and this cucumber recipe that compliments spicy curries, noodles and fried rice ... Perfect for Memorial Day!
SUPER-FAST THAI CUCUMBER SALAD 1 English cucumber, or 2 regular cucumbers, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced (about 2 cups) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup) 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar Instructions: Toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, and let stand for 30 minutes. How to Store It: This is meant to be eaten immediately but leftovers can be refrigerated, covered, for up to two days. Makes two cups. Time Commitment: less than one hour Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.
Creighton at the JCC this Summer! Theology 354 - Introduction to Judaism Taught by Dr. Leonard J. Greenspoon Mondays and Thursdays: 5:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. June 1, 2009 through June 25, 2009 Course may be taken as credit or audit. For further information contact University College, Creighton University, 280-2424 or Klutznick Chair office, 280-2303.
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
May 22, 2009
Campaign chairmen: Omaha continues to achieve
During last fall’s Federation mission, particpants Margie Gutnik, left, Michael Ross of Los Angeles, Jan Goldstein (Federation Executive Director), Marty Ricks (Federation Foundation Director), Janie Fruchtman of Denver, Kathy McGauvran (Women’s Campaign Director), Bob Lepp (Federation President) and Andi Wilensky delivered candy to Israeli soldiers in the Sinai.
“I did not find the world desolate when I entered it.And as my parents planted for me before I was born,so do I plant for those who will come after me.”
For more information, contact Marty Ricks, Federation Foundation Director at 402.334.6440 or mricks@jewishomaha.org www.jfofoundation.org
Agencies and Beneficiaries Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign impacts the entire Jewish world. Locally, your ONE gift to the Campaign funds a wide variety of community services provided by the Federation and our Family of Agencies. In Israel and overseas, your gift helps feed the hungry,rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism. Your gift will help empower the next generation to continue to build, support and grow the Omaha Jewish community. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Grants birthright israel Campus Capital Funds Center for Jewish Education Central Services Child Care Financial Assistance Community Relations Committee Friedel Jewish Academy Institute for Holocaust Education Israel/Overseas Israel Experience Teen Trips Jewish Community Center Jewish Family Service JFO Contingency Fund Jewish Press Jewish Senior Services Kripke Federation Library National Agencies Needy Funeral Fund Partnership With Israel Passport to Israel Program Religious School Subventions • Beth El • Beth Israel • Friedel Jewish Academy •Temple Israel Scholarship Assistance – Children’s Fund Special Needs Education Subvention • Beth El • Beth Israel •Temple Israel United Jewish Communities Va’ad
In January, a group of Israeli educators visited Omaha to be briefed by a former Center for Jewish Education president Ann Goldstein, standing second from left, Mary Sue Grossman, CJE Administrator, Patty Nogg, right, and Jan Goldstein, kneeling, right.
Also that month, Andy Ruback, left, Betiana Simon, and Mark Javitch enjoyed meeting a celebrity agent brought to Omaha to speak to the Young Jewish Omaha group by Rabbi Jonathan Gross, and organized by Community Development Director Janie Murow.
T H A N K YO U F R O M T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A , I T S A G E N C I E S A N D B E N E F I C I A R I E S .
-Talmud
LOJE - Lion of Judah Endowment Fund PACE - Perpetual Annual Campaign PACE - Endowment
Continued from page 8 Our job today is to maintain this level of excellence while being cognizant of the economic challenges. We can and will do this. Omaha is special because we are a strongly affiliated community. This is because each of us, in our own way, contributes. We must understand that the success of the Federation’s annual campaign depends on you. Please continue to live, learn, and love your Jewish Federation and your Jewish lives. *PACE: A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endow ment ensures that a campaign contribution is maintained, even after the donor is deceased. *LOJE: A Lion of Judah Endowment ensures that a Lion’s gift (of $5000 or more) continues to fund the campaign.
Community Happens Because of You.
LOJE/PACE
In Blessed Memory Norm and Frances Batt Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt Roz Friedman Henry Riekes Lorraine Silverman Phil Sokolof Maury Udes
Page 9
Campaign chairmen:
viduals with the vision to continue supporting the things that were important to them in life, long after they are gone. Through annual campaign endowments, PACE* and LOJE*, you, the donor, are able to continue to support and play a role in this community through your perpetual gift. Continued on page 9
Continued from page 1 Time, effort, and dollars make things happen and our community’s success depends on each and every one of us. The nature of our community is that we get involved and we care. We must engage with newcomers and the younger generation because it will take all of us working together as we head into next year. Thanks to everyone who gave and thanks to those who were able to maintain their level of giving. We are so appreciative that even through difficult times our community sees the good we do. Success does not happen accidentally. It happens when people with vision and passion and purpose are called to action. We are especially indebted to the indi-
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Pacesetter Pacesetter Prime Minister’s Circle Joshua Circle ($100,000+) Omaha Steaks Anne & Alan Simon Betiana & Todd Simon Eve & Fred Simon Stacy & Bruce Simon
King Solomon Circle ($50,000-$99,999 Corp, $25,000-$99,999 Ind) Joel Alperson Baker Family Joseph Erman Michael Erman Tom Fellman Joseph Kirshenbaum Howard Kooper Jay Lerner* Murray Newman Robert Newman Phil Schrager Estate of Phil Sokolof Millard Seldin Ted Seldin Slosburg Family Charitable Trust Special Donor Advised Fund of the JFO Foundation
Stanley Silverman Gerald Simons Milton Simons Mark Singer* Estate of Maurice Udes John Waldbaum Eugene Zweiback
Pacesetters
($6,000-$17,999 Corp, $6,000-$9,999 Ind) Bruce Baron Harold Bernstein Jack Cohen Robert Epstein Ted Friedland* Sheldon Gallner David Gilinsky Richard Glazer Bruce Goldberg Jerry Gordman Gary Javitch Keith Josephson Lawrence Josephson Jeff Kirshenbaum Joseph Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum The Harry A.Koch Co./ First Insurance Group* John Lehr Bob Lepp Leonard Lewis Chai Circle Jon Meyers* ($25,000-$49,999 Corp, Allan Murow $18,000-$24,999 Ind) Allan Noddle Ronald Blumkin Steven Nogg Friedman Family Alan Parsow Herbert Goldsten Trust Eric Phillips Howard Kaslow Michael Platt Livingston Foundation Marty Ricks Jay Noddle Omaha Bedding Company Steven Riekes Jonathan Rockman Steve Pitlor Blaine Roffman Republic National Larry Roffman Distributing Co. Charles Schneider Gary Epstein* Richard Schrager* Harold Epstein* Dan Sherman Paul Epstein* Michael Sherman Harley Schrager Jack Shrago Jerry Slusky Isidore Tretiak Joshua Circle The Benjamin & Anna E. (18,000-$24,999 Corp, Wiesman Family $10,000-$17,999 Ind) Foundation Harvey Aronson Philip Wolf Steven Bloch Harry Wolfson Irvin Blumkin Leo Eisenstatt Pace Fund* Morton Glass Lion of Judah Donald Goldstein Emerald Lion Leonard Goldstein ($25,000-$49,999) Nelson T Gordman Susie Cohn Arnold Joffe Nancy Friedland* Forrest Krutter Roz Friedman LOJE Fund Martin Lehr Michael Liddy Edward Malashock SapphireLion Jerome J.Milder ($18,000-$24,999) Carl Riekes Sharee Newman Henry & Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund Andrew Robinson RubyLion Joel Schlessinger* ($10,000-$17,999) Natan Schwalb* Tham Friedman* Bruce Shackman Aileen Eisenstatt* LOJE Norman Sheldon Fund Steven Silver Karen Javitch
Lion of Judah Ruby Lion Fran Juro* Maxine Kirshenbaum Sharon Kooper Nancy Noddle Terri Schrager* Anne Shackman Phyllis Sherman Gail Veitzer Joodi Veitzer Anonymous*
Lion of Judah ($5,000-$9,999) Judy Baker Ellie Batt Frances Batt LOJE Fund Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Margaret Block* Frances Blumkin Susie Blumkin* Paula Boggust* Marcia Cohen Bobbie Epstein Sandy Epstein Ruth Erman Darlynn Fellman Janet Glass Ann Goldstein Jan Goldstein Shirley Goldstein Linda K.Gordman Andi Kavich Joanie Lehr Bobbi Leibowitz Lyra Ann Monasee Jeanie Neff Susan Noddle Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Marcia Pitlor Daphna Pollak Pearl Richman Giventer Dorothy Riekes Zoë Riekes Kimberly Robinson Julie Rochman Stacey Rockman* Cynthia Schneider Jan Schneiderman Beth Schrager Hannah Schwalb* Sarah Seldin Norma Silverman Harriet Singer Ellen Slosburg Martha Slosburg Cari Sommer* Melissa Steiner* Anonymous
Double Chai
Eunie Denenberg Phyllis Glazer Gloria Kaslow Sharon Kirshenbaum* Shirley Kulakofsky Kim Noddle Ramona Pepper Barb Platt* Helene Shrago Suzanne Singer Nancy Wolf*
Pomegranate
Marilyn Berman* Chris Blumkin Sylvia Cohn Cheryl Cooper Elaine Feldman Deanna Gilinsky Cindy Goldberg* Kathy Goldstein-Helm* Danielle Gordman* Linda Gordman Caryl Greenberg Andrea Hamburg* Joanie Jacobson Sheryn Joffe Beatrice Karp Carol Katzman Sandy Kutler Barbara Lashinsky Sandy Lehr Bert Lewis Deana Liddy Thelma Lustgarten Jody Malashock Linda Mann Ducky Milder Lori Miller Jane Murow Arlene Richman Iris Ricks Margo Riekes Barbara Rips Nancy Schlessinger* Suzy Sheldon Eve Simon Muriel Steinberg Selma Tretiak Debbie Zweiback Ben Gurion Society Brett Atlas Amber Baker Stacie Brodkey Toba Cohen-Dunning Jason Epstein* Laurie Epstein* Jamie Friedland* Bennett Ginsberg Jordana Glazer Jay Gordman Kip Gordman Rabbi Jonathan Gross Mark Javitch Dana E.Kaufman* Lisa Lieb* Trenton Magid Mark Robinson Rebecca Rosen Anthony Scioli Adam Yale Sarah Yale
Men’s Campaign
Harold Abrahamson Michael Abramson Milt Abramson Jeffrey Aizenberg Leon Alexander David Alloy Harry Alloy Samuel Alloy Bernie Altsuler Rami Arav Izrail Aronchik John Atherton Donald Baum Robert Beber
Men’s Campaign Gene Beckerman Bruce Belgrade Jim Belgrade Robert Belgrade Jay Benton Lenny Bergman Harry Berman Eric Bernstein Stuart Bernstein Terry Bernstein Thomas Bernstein Philip Bierman* Morris Birenbaum Marvin Bittner James Blasingame* Larry Blass Mike Blatt Bernard Bogdanoff Brian Bogdanoff Howard Bohm Howard Borden Bob Boumstein James Bresel Bruce Brodkey Lawrence Brodkey Peter Brodkey Ronald Brodkey Larry Brookstein Larry Budwig Ronald Budwig Sam Bukenholts Scott Burger Milt Cackin Jay Chasen Robert Chenoweth William Christensen Alan Cohen Bob Cohen Marc Cohen Michael Cohen Paul Cohen Sheldon Cohen William Cohen Edward Cohn Gerald Cohn Stephen Cohn David Cooper Jeff Cooper Ronald Cooper Samuel Cooper Meyer Coren Ken Cowan Art Davidson Isaac Davidson David DeLand Manuel Delgadillo Steven Denenberg Alan DePorte Jack Diamond William Dreyfus Ilya Dubov Eric Dunning Gilbert Dysico Eugene Elkin Bob Endelman Randy Endelman Arnold Epstein Daniel Epstein Gary Epstein Howard Epstein Irv Epstein Jack Epstein Mel Epstein Ronald Epstein Sam Epstein Abram Erlich Richard Erlich Mikhail Etus Steven Evans
Men’s Campaign Richard Evnen Lou Fedman Sam Fedman Ted Feidman Jordan Feinstein* Ronald Feldman Richard Fellman Stanley Feltman Cantor Leo Fettman Paul Fine Glen Fineman Steven Fingold David Finkle Joel Finkel Doug Finnicum Stephen Fischer Arthur Fishkin Hersz Flatowicz Pierre Flatowicz John Fletcher Joshua Follick Jim Folsom Richard Fox Joseph Frank Ronald Frank Alan Fredricks Jerry Freeman John Freeman Robert Freeman Jim Fried Marshall Fried Samuel Fried Bruce Friedlander Jeremy Friedman Josh Friedman* Lloyd Friedman Morris Friedman Sanford Friedman Scott Friedman Harry Gates Jeffrey Gates David Gerber Donald Gerber Paul Gerber Robert Gerelick Moshe Gershovich Lawrence Gilinsky Kevin Gilinsky Ron Giller Stu Giller Lawrence Ginsburg Mikhail Ginsburg Arkadiy Ginzburg Gennadiy Ginzburg Jim Glazer John Glazer Pete Godwin Bob Goldberg Frank Goldberg Richard Goldberg Irwin Goldenberg Mark Goldfein Gene Goldman John Goldner David Goldstein Gary Goldstein Howard Goldstein Joe Goldstein Michael Goldstein Brad Goldstrom Mark Goldstrom Alan Goodman Robert Goodman Thomas Goodman Gary Gotsdiner Gary Green Andrew Greenberg Barton Greenberg Bud Greenspan
Men’s Campaign
Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Barry Grossman Cary Grossman Jerome Grossman Josh Gurock Victor Gutman Bruce Gutnik Howard Halperin Michael Halsted Allan Handleman Jim Helm Jason Hoberman Jerry Hoberman Kenneth Hoberman David Hoffman Edward Horowitz Ron Ipock Phil Itkin Richard Ivers Lewis Izenstat Jon Jabenis Mace Jabenis David Jacobs Art Jacobson David Jacobson Richard Jacobson Leslie Joseph Darrin Kader Fred Kader Marc Kahn Marcel Kahn Robert Kahn Howard Kaiman Jerome Kaiman Leo Kamisar Gary Kaplan Myron Kaplan David Karayev Gary Katelman Richard Katelman Robert Katleman Jerry Katskee Milton Katskee Philip Katz Richard Katz Michael Katzman Richard Katzman Michael Kaufman Leslie Kay Louis Kazor Lawrence Kelberg Mark Kelln Jay Kenik Gregory Kilishek Marvin Kirke Adam Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum Max Kirshenbaum Bruce Klein Donald Klein Harry Klein Milton Kleinberg Alexander Kogan David Kohll Justin Kohll Leonid Konfisakhar Beau Konigsberg Doug Koom Joseph Kosinovsky Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Jack Kozlen Marc Kraft Leonard Krasne Lloyd Krasne Todd Krasno Joe Kravitz Alan Kricsfeld
Men’s Campaign
Stanley Krieger Rabbi Myer Kripke Viatcheslav Krutik Gary Kudym Gary Kuklin Alan Kulakofsky Eugene Kulik Robert Kully Allen Kurland Adam Kutler Bruce Kutler David Kutler Howard Kutler Stuart Kutler Wayne Lainof Alan Langnas Jeffrey Laudin Michael Lazer Ben Lebowich Joe Leff Howard Lehman Michael Leibowitz Martin Leiserowitz Fred Lelchook David Lercher Gary Lerner Richard Lerner Sheldon Lerner Hugh Levin Rabbi Mordechai Levin Michael Levine Robbie Levine Steve Levinger Clifford Levitan David Levy Roland Lewis Dmitriy Libov Eugene Linde Rabbi Eric Linder Mark Lippett Harvey Lipsman Boris Litvin Robert Lohrman Stephen Lubman Jerry Mack Bernard Magid Mike Makoid Larry Malashock Neal Malalshock Robert Malashock Stanley Mandler Harold Mann Paul Mann Justin Manvitz Todd Manvitz Dan Marburg Gerald Marburg Irv Marcus Eyal Margalit Myron Marko Mark Martin Jose Martinez Guy Matalon Harold Maurer Boris May Dan Meiches Maurice Meiches Sheldon Mendelssohn Gennadiy Menkov Alexander Mesishchev Gabe Meyer Gerald Meyer Bruce Meyers Joseph Meyers Larry Meyerson Leo Meyerson Scott Meyerson Troy Meyerson Carl Milder
Men’s Campaign
Myron Milder Paul Militzer Michael Miller Paul Miller Sidney Mirvish Stanley Mitchell Michael Mogil Igor Mosenkis Robert Mosenkis Gordon Moshman Jack Moskovitz Alan Muskin Stuart Muskin Gary Nachman Alexander Nahimov Leonid Nakhimovich Howard Needelman Steve Neesman Anthony Nogg Brian Nogg Jeffrey Nogg Dave Noodell Steven Noodell Michael Norton Mark Ocheretyanskiy Dennis Paley Ophir Palmon Marvin Parilman David Parsow Gary Paskar Jeffrey Passer Mark Passer Robert Perelman Steve Perelman Stan Perlmeter Jay Perry Harvey Pickel Eric Pisetsky Roman Pisetsky David Pitlor Matt Placzek Oliver Pollak Donald Polsky Steven Popp Alan Potash Merle Potash Ira Priluck Paul Rabinowitz David Radler Adam Raffel Andy Raffel Hertzel Rahmani Leonid Raksin Matthew Ray Steven Redler Miles Remer Stephen Rennard Don Rice James Rice Tom Rice Jonathan Rich Phil Rich Harry Richman Gary Rifkin Stuart Rochman Normand Roffman Lawrence Roitstein Lloyd Roitstein Brian Rosen David Rosen Steve Rosen Gerald Rosenblatt Sidney Rosenblatt Thor Rosenquist Richard Rosinsky H.Steven Rothenberg Andrew Ruback Mark Rubezhin Daniel Rubin
Men’s Campaign
Michael Sadofsky Rodney Sadofsky Aleks Salkin Michael Salkin Ernie Saltzman Errol Saltzman Kevin Saltzman Scott Saltzman Fred Salzinger Mark Sanford Aaron Sasson Milton Saylan Abe Schloff Edward Schneider Seymour Schneider Michael Schop Jack Schrager In Blessed Memory Jeff Schrier Michael Shrier Dan Schuller Sidney Schwartz Wayne Schwarz Jeffrey Schweid Greg Searson Barry Segell Matt Seigel Ben Shapiro Dave Shapiro Larry Shapiro Matt Shapiro Rabbi Maximo Shechet Leonard Shefren Lev Shekhtman Marc Sherman Mark Sherman Dave Shkolnick Rodney Shkolnick Leon Shrago Martin Shukert Alan Shulewitz Gary Shyken Paul Shyken Gus Sideris Mike Siegel Michael Sigmond Howard Silber Peter Silberstein James Silverman Michael Silverman Chuck Simon Jim Simon Michael Simon Scott Simon Steven Simon Harold Siporin Larry Siref Mark Siref Michael Skolkin Dan Slusky Stuart Smoler Barry Snyder Ray Somberg Albert Sorkin Ben Spatz Brent Spivack Arthur Stein Mark Stein David Stern Alan Stoler Bud Studna Charles Sullivan Barry Summer Ryan Swanek Mark W Swanson Swartzbaugh FarberAssociates,Inc. Mark Sweet David Swensen
Men’s Campaign Melvin Tatelman Scott Tatelman Jeff Taxman Marvin Taxman Alain Taylon Roger Tederman Gady Tene Fred Tichauer Alan Tipp Steven Tipp Boris Turetsky Lazar Turetsky Tom Vann Jerald Venger Bennett Wagner Arthur Walker Martin Warren James Wax David Weill Dale Weinstein Daniel Weinstein Richard Wiener Bryan Wine Norman Wine Stewart Winograd Ernest Wintroub Leon Wintroub Isaac Witkowski Wolf Brothers Tom Kirshenbaum Matt Kirshenbaum Steve Wolpa Tony Wolpa Irvin Yaffe Artur Yurikov Harold Zabin Laurence Zacharia Richard Zacharia Ted Zetzman Norm Zevitz Michael Zinkov James Zipursky Morley Zipursky Barry Zoob Mort Zuber Robert Zuber Steve Zuber
Women’s Campaign Helen Abrahamson Louise Abrahamson Gail Abramson Sheri Abramson Bettie Adams Charlotte Adler Susan Aizenberg Eleanor Alexander Carol Alloy Doris Alloy Millie Altman Phyllis Angrisane Alexandra Aronchik Joyce Ashley Stacey Atlas Diane Axler-Baum Tatyana Ayol Elyce Azriel Ruth Babendure Amber Baker Sharon Bargas Jill Baron Celia Barron Kathryn Beauchaine Robyn Belgrade Jill Belmont Wendy Berenson Genevieve Bernstein Joanie Bernstein
Women’s Campaign
Mary Bernstein Rose Bernstein Shirley Bittner Claire Blass Joann Blatt Rachel Blum Claudia Boehm Esther Bogdanoff Marge Bresel Susan Brezack Beth Brodkey Carol Brodkey Gloria Brodkey Florence Brody Sandra Bromley Jane Brooks Judy Brookstein Beth Brown Phyllis Brown Amanda Bucher* Michelle Bucher Elaine Bukenholts Haley Burns* Sandra Canfield Molline Cassman Jackie Chapman Peggy Chasen Susan Chenoweth Cathy Christensen Joyce Clark Anne Cohen Arlene Cohen Beth Cohen Gabriella Cohen-Blair Joyce Cohen Karla Cohen Marla Cohen Anna Cohn Helene Cohn Pam Cohn Soralee Cohn Sandra Cole Edith Comisar Sharon Comisar-Langdon Judy Cooper Rose Cooper Sarita Cooper Susie Cooper Fran Coren Renee Corcoran Suzan Crabb Janey Dann Rose Davis Sylvia Davis Peggy DeLand Karen Delgadillo Debbie Denenberg Pam DePorte Minde Diamond Tanya Dubov Jean Duitch Eleanor Dunning Rachel Dysico Julia Elkin Olga Elkin Lois Endelman Penny Endelman Audrey Epstein Edith Epstein Emily Epstein Etta Epstein Harriet Epstein Helen Epstein Lisa Epstein Lois Epstein Lucille Epstein Michelle Epstein Nancy Epstein Pam Epstein
Women’s Campaign Rosaline Epstein Sharon Epstein Esther Erlich Patty Erlich Jill Erman Mary Etus Deirdre Evans Veronica Fadke Judy Farber Judith Feigin P.J.Feinstein* Marla Feldman Bev Fellman Erika Felt Mary Ferer Annette Fettman Carrie Fingold Barbara Finkle Helen Finkel Lois Finkel Marti Finkel-Poulos Deborah Finnicum Betty Fisher Janis Fischer Jane Fishkin Claire Flatowicz Paulette Flatowicz Hillary Fletcher Jill Folsom Sonia Forbes Amy Forss Shelly Fox Beverly Frank Julie Frank Tiffany Franklin Arlene Fredricks Sally Fredricks Joanne Freeman Robyn Freeman Norma Fried Doris Friedland Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Beth Friedman Cindy Friedman Debbie Friedman Gloria Friedman Lois Friedman Barbara Frohman Marlen Frost Susana Frydman-Levin Linda Gates Anne Gerber Joell Gerber Bev Gilinsky Barb Giller Julie Ginsberg Cheri Ginsburg Anna Ginzburg Larisa Ginzburg Vlada Ginzburg Yelena Ginzburg Donna Givner Darlene Golbitz Julia Gold Kim Goldberg Wendy Goldberg Ruth Goldenberg Inna Goldman Jill Goldstein Judi Goldstein Dora Goldstrom June Goodbinder Shirley Goodman Allison Gordman Andrea Gordman Bridget Gordman Bernice Green Sherri Green
Women’s Campaign
Carole Greenberg Rosalie Greenspan Ethel Grossman Mary Sue Grossman Sarah Grossman-Lopez Amanda Gurock Margie Gutnik Mendy Halsted Florence Hauss Robin Hellwig Shari Hess Bonnie Hines Cookie Hoberman Jennifer Hoberman Nancy Hoberman Phyllis Hoffman Nancy Hornstein Bonnie Horwich Sarah Howard Jill Idelman Denise Ipock Marsha Itkin Marilyn Ivers Doris Izenstat Elaine Jabenis Nancy Jacobson Ronnie Jacobson Lynne Jensen Linda Jess Sylvia Jess Debbi Josephson Sara Juster Ilse Kahn Kimberly Kahn Roxanne Kahn Ann Kaiman Joan Kaiman Mary Kaiman Sylvia Kaiman Bernice Kaplan Rose Kaplan Edythe Kass Lucille Katelman Esther Katleman Cookie Katskee Kari Katskee Amy Katz Esther Katz Evelyn Katz Nan Katz Julee Katzman Madeline Katzman Shani Katzman Shevi Katzman Nanci Kavich Helen Kay Lily Kay Renee Kazor Betty Kelberg Suzan Kenik Gail Kenkel Elena Kilishek Kelly Kirk Hedy Kirke Jenn Kirshenbaum Kate Kirshenbaum Nikki Kirshenbaum Shirley Kirshenbaum Jackie Klein Janet Klein Marsha Kleinberg Lina Kogan Diane Kohler Janet Kohll Sandy Kohll Marina Konfisakhar Sarah Konigsberg Georgine Koom Patty Koom
Women’s Campaign Lori Kooper-Schwarz Leah Kosinovsky Alice Kosowsky Dorothy Kotok Shane Kotok Bette Kozlen Natasha Kraft Ruth Kraft Jori Kravitz Cheryl Kricsfeld Debbie Kricsfeld Florence Kricsfeld Angie Krieger Robbi Kudym Traci Kugler Janie Kulakofsky Connie Kully Denise Kully Sandra Kurland Jordana Kurtzman Debi Kutler Nancy Kutler Pam Kutler Carole Lainof Pauline Landman Susan Langnas Joan Latchaw Nancy Lazer Grace Lebowich Cait Leff Denise Lehman Susan Lehr Karen Lepp* Cheryl Lerner Martha Lerner Corinne Levin Bonnie Levinger Lina Levit Barb Levitan Denise Levy Lisa Lewis Rocky Lewis Vera Lewis Marina Libov Lydia Linde Chickie Linsman Louise Lippett Marcia Lipsman Anna Litvin Helene Lohman Bonnie London Doris Lubman Erika Lucoff* Fritzi Luefshuetz Ruth Luttbeg Candee Mack Carolyn Magid Norma Malashock Helen Manheimer Marilyn Manvitz Wendy Manvitz Deb Marburg Judy Marburg Harriet Marcus Joan Marcus Ruti Margalit Harriet Marko Julie Martin Elinor Matalon Beverly Maurer Karen Mavropoulos Elizabeth May Esther Meiches Marybeth Meiches Rosalie Meiches Emily Meyer Sarah Meyer Marcia Meyers Tina Meyers
Women’s Campaign
Jamie Meyerson Jenny Meyerson Miriam Meyerson Renee Micklin Emily Milder* Rhoda Milder Nancy Milder Lazer Jennifer Miller Marian Miller Evie Mitchell Ethel Mogil Susie Mogil Anna Mogilevskaya Pam Monsky Anna Mosenkis Bettie Muskin Amy Nachman Randi Nanfito Naava Naslavsky Lee Needelman Maria Neesman Babe Nogg Jaime Nogg Kelly Nogg Manya Nogg Sandy Nogg Ann Noodell Susie Norton Rita Novak Jackie Okun* Reva Oruch Ruth Oruch Ann Osborne Bede Ostrow Carin Parcel Doris Parker Margo Parsow Alla Pashchenko Clara Paskar Sandy Passer Ella Patkovsky Helga Patterson Magda Peck Elinore Penner Betty Perelman Vicki Perlmeter Beth Perry Cheryl Phillips Gerri Phillips Julie Phillips Ann Pickel Gilda Pieck Helen Pisetsky Kim Placzek Deborah Platt Karen Plotkin Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller Sheila Polikov Karen Pollak Yuliya Popkov Julie Potash Ruth Potash Debbie Powers Sheila Priluck Wendy Raffel Irina Raksin Catherine Rawlings Dodi Redler Eileen Remer Barbara Rennard Juliana Reno Amy Reynolds Caryn Rifkin Helen Rifkin Merilee Rimerman Jane Rips Nancy Rips Paula Robinson Judy Roffman
Women’s Campaign Phyllis Roffman Sivi Roffman Ann Roitstein Betty Roitstein Debbie Roitstein Cathy Rosen Margo Rosen Rita Rosen Sheila Rosen Toni Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Rachel Rosenberg Dottie Rosenblum Julie Rosenquist Janet Rosenstein Bunny Rothenberg Susan Rothholz Faye Ruback Marcia Ruback Teresa Ruback Judy Rubin Sherrie Saag Marina Sadofsky Selma Sadofsky Mary Saferstein Debbie Salomon Linda Saltzman Lynne Saltzman Rosalie Saltzman Betty Sanford Vicki Sanford Elise Sasson Rosalie Saylan Lisa Scheet Carol Schneider Heidi Schneiderman Sarah Schondelmeyer Toby Schonfeld Melissa Schop Lillian Schrager Debra Schwartz Phyllis Schwartz Phyllis Schwartz Andee Scioli Aviva Segall Betty Segell Tanya Seina Dalma Seitelbach Diane Shandell Melissa Shapiro Sherry Shapiro Jeanne A Shechet Mor Sheinbein Claudia Sherman Debra Sherman Patty Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Phoebe Shkolnick Cynthia Shoham Follick Dani Shrago Josie Shrago Aveva Shukert Cindy Shulewitz Liat Shyken Susie Shyken Stephanie Sigmond Sissy Silber Esther Silver Susan Silver Lorraine Silverman Pace Fund* Mimi Silverman Susie Silverman Jill Simon Joie Simon Judy Simons Tootie Simon Maxine Simons Esther Siref
Women’s Campaign Mary Siref Nancy Skid Andrea Skolkin Anne Skolkin Charlotte Slutzky Koom Susan Somberg Penny Sophir Merrian Spiegal Stacie Spies-Matz Marcie Spivack Beth Spizman Dorothy Spizman Gayle Spooner Frances Stein Lorraine Stein Susan Stein Phyllis Steinberg Judy Stern Rocky Stern Jenina Stewart Louri Sullivan Susan Swartz Lynn Sweet Baylamae Tatelman Barbara Taxman Linda Tederman Elaine Tepperman Mindy Tene Pearl Tieger Marilyn Tipp Sheila Tomps Margarita Treskunova Eadie Tsabari Judy Tully LucyTuretsky Margaret Turetsky Tevee Turkel Shohreh Vann Iris Varkony Yuliya Vishnevskiy Mary Lou Walker Patsy Wallace Mary Wampler* Phyllis Wasserman Helen Weber Joye Wees Holly Weill Kathy Weiner Ruth Weiner Jamie Weinstein AliceWeiss Anne Weitz Lindsey Westervelt* Julie Westman Audrey Wiener Andi Willensky Laura Wine Lois Wine Sally Wintroub Blanche Wise Susie Witkowski Annette Wright AnnetteYaffe Mary Kay Young Galina Yurikov Phyllis Zabin Barb Zacharia Terri Zacharia Rosalyn Zeffren Inna Zevakin Sally Zipursky Bev Zuber Rosie Zweiback Evelyn Zysman
* New in category
The 2009 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign
333 South 132nd Street Omaha,NE 68154 402/334-8200 info@jewishomaha.org www.jewishomaha.org Please note that this list of Federation donors is complete as of May 14,2009.Every effort is made to ensure that the list is accurate and we sincerely apologize if any name was incorrectly printed or inadvertently omitted.To update information in this donor listing,please contact Nancy Martin at 334-6430.
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
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by SHEVI KATZMAN great.” for Chabad of Nebraska A greater understanding of The stormy weather did the richness and depth not allow Solar Oven enthuofJewish holidays is a goal at siasts to bake with the power the Chabad House. Cohen of the sun on Lag B’Omer as explains, “Rabbi Katzman planned, but Rabbi Shimon and his family shared with us Bar Yochai had gotten his insights into the meaning of wish. Everyone celebrated the holiday -- which especialhis day of passing with great ly pleased Marlene and me.” joy at the Chabad House on The event felt “haimish” May 12. and inclusive, testifies Dr. David Cohen, who Brigette Kohll. She adds, joined the festivities with his Lily Goldberg and Gary Javitch compete in a potato peeling “Being new to Omaha, it is wife Marlene, notes, “We challenge where Javitch and his team emerged as victors. really nice to find such a enjoyed the festive occasion, warm and welcoming place especially meeting new as Chabad. I had the opporfriends and old, enjoying the tunity to meet and mingle delicious meal, and partakwith many interesting peoing in the fun and games.” ple, hear more about the The meal, prepared by holiday, and enjoy good Brigitte Kohll and Mushka food, music and games.” Katzman, included a tradiShe added, “Chabad is a tional barbecue menu as well place that welcomes all Jews as an array of Middle Eastern as equal, “regardless of level salads. of religious observance, and The program, coordinated offers a wide variety of by Shani Katzman, co-direcevents and learning experitor of Chabad House, had Mushka Katzman, left, and Simmy Denenberg enjoy a spe- ences. It is a great place for Gary Javitch saying, “I had cial moment together at the Lag B’Omer BBQ at Chabad last young families and all to an especially good time since week. come together to have a I ‘skinned’ my way to victory in the potato peeling con- great time in a relaxed and friendly environment.” test. The other events were fun, too. And I have never Anat Cabili, Marlene and David Cohen, and Bob gone away hungry from a Chabad event. The food was Goldberg assisted with the food at the party.
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The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha,NE 68154 or see bottom of page 12 for email address and Fax number
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Third-year rabbinical student, Nicole Luna, will be joining the Temple Israel clergy staff this summer for seven weeks beginning at the end of May. Currently attending Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUCJIR), Luna was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 2006 with a degree in Jewish studies and cognitive science, the study of the human mind and intelligence. “I love working with people and understanding what Rabbi-to-be Nicole Luna will they care about, what is be an intern for eight weeks meaningful and important in at Temple Israel this summer. their lives and why. Through my studies, I came to appreciate the complexity of human thought and emotion,” she explained. While a student at UVA, Luna was president of Hillel and attended the 2005 World Jewish Congress Plenary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium. “At my Bat Mitzvah,” she said, “my cantor suggested I become a rabbi. From that moment on, all my activities steered me toward this path. The rabbinate combines everything I want to do: teaching, counseling, study, public speaking, working with all age groups -- all within a Jewish environment and context. Ultimately, it combines my love of the Jewish people with my love of Jewish learning.” A year ago, Luna was awarded a fellowship in HUCJIR’s Bonnie and Daniel Tisch Fellows Program for a few selected rabbinical students. A three-year intensive leadership training, the fellowship is intended to develop visionary leaders who will understand the dynamics at play in the American Jewish community and provide the tools to transform synagogues and communities into vital and exciting arenas of engagement and meaning, according to HUC-JIR. For the past year, Luna has served as the student rabbi of Temple Beth Israel every other weekend in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She leads worship services, teaches Torah study and adult education classes, does pastoral counseling, conducts life cycle events, and teaches Religious School. Luna, 24, will be ordained in May 2011. While still in college, she was a member of the Children of Abraham Institute engaging in scriptural study with Christians, Jews, and Muslims. During her HUC-JIR year in Israel, she participated in the Encounter Trip to Bethlehem which gives Jewish leaders
from outside Israel an opportunity to meet with Palestinian non-violent activists. “The point is not to force agreement,” she explained, “but to aid understanding.” Through her involvement in interfaith dialogue, Luna said, she “realized that through speaking with each other, we were doing so much more than learning about the other’s religion. We got to know one another, we saw each other as more than just ‘the Jew,’ ‘the Christian,’ or the Muslim.’ We appreciated and respected each other as people. “I was extremely impressed by Temple Israel’s participation in the Tri-Faith Initiative and definitely wanted to be part of a congregation that not only pursues interfaith dialogue but is engaging in such a pioneering and exceptional undertaking. “The other major factor in deciding to come to Omaha was the opportunity to work and learn from Rabbi Aryeh Azriel.” Rabbi Azriel is looking forward to Luna coming to Omaha. “Our congregation, leadership, and staff are well aware of the importance of mentoring Jews who will play an important role in forging a new future for the Jewish community in the USA. Rabbis and cantors have come to our congregation, and we are all proud of their many accomplishments around the country,” he said. Luna, who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, plans to be in Omaha for seven weeks. Her husband, Dr. Joseph Bord, a history teacher, will join her for the last four weeks. “I have never been to Omaha or anywhere in the Midwest,” Luna noted. “I’m excited to explore another part of the country and have been pleasantly surprised by how many people have connections to Omaha. Everyone who has been there has spoken very highly of the city and the Jewish community.”
Israeli police find ancient document Israel Police and the Border Police had been following two Palestinians for several weeks who were trying to sell a looted 1900-year-old papyrus, now safely in the hands of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The document, dated to the second century CE, is unique, as it includes the names of Hebrew villages of the time and a date ‘four years from the destruction of the house of Israel,’ which archaeologist Amir Ganor said was likely an allusion to the Roman reprisals for a Jewish revolt in 135 CE. Credit: ISRANET
May 22, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Temple seniors to graduate, OTYG board to be installed on Shavuot
Friedel students winners at speech contest
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN and Sandy Bleicher; Amanda Bucher, daughter of Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Ronald and Michelle Bucher; Hannah Ferer, daughter of In addition to thanking God for the Ten Whitney and Mary Ferer; Susan Freeman, daughter of Commandments and the Torah, the congregation of Bob and Robyn Freeman; Adam Goldberg, son of Bruce Temple Israel will celebrate the graduation of its high and Cindy Goldberg; Max Halsted, son of Dr. Michael school senior class on Erev Shavuot, May 28, 7 p.m. and Mendy Halsted; Andrea Holmberg, daughter of Kol Rina will sing at the service, and Julianna Scheet, Helene Cohn and Mark Holmberg; Avery Lehr, daughone of the graduates, will play Psalm 29 on her clarinet. ter of John and Sandra Lehr; Rachel Martin, daughter of Also graduating from Papillion-La Vista High School, Mark and Julie Martin; Zach Spooner, son of Oliver and Julianna, 17, has attended Temple Religious School Gayle Spooner; and Alexander Terry, son of Dr. John since she was in kindergarten. and Michele Terry. Attending Religious School subsequent to becoming a In addition to graduation, next year’s Omaha Temple Bat Mitzvah “brought me closer to Judaism,” she said. Youth Group Board members will be installed during “And I wouldn’t have gotten involved in Klezmer Band the festival worship service. They are Haley Burns, presand been able to play my clarinet at graduation if I had- ident; Hannah Grossman, programming vice president; n’t gone on.” Julie Sadofsky, membership vice president; Zane Julianna is planning to attend Kansas State Univer-sity Fletcher, religious/cultural vice president; Jordan in the fall where she’ll major in architectural engineer- Jensen, social action vice president; Sophia Miller, coming. Her parents are Lisa Scheet and Gordon Scheet. munications and visuals vice president; and Morissa Seventeen-year-old Amy Levinger has also been Miller, Junior Youth Group liaison. attending Religious School at Temple since kinderA traditional Shavuot dairy Oneg will be sponsored by garten. the graduation class and the congregation. “I always enjoyed going to see the rabbis and cantor On Friday, May 29, services begin at 10:30 a.m., and and my friends who go to different schools,” said Amy, yizkor will be recited. Names to be read during yizkor who is graduating from Millard North and is planning to should be called into the Temple office at 556.6536. major in nursing at the University of Michigan. “It’s meaningful to know we’re graduating together and supporting each other.” She definitely hopes to keep in touch with her Religious School friends “after this big accomplishment.” Amy is the daughter of Steve and Bonnie Levinger. “I think it’s important to go (to Religious School) and keep Judaism close to you,” Studying with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel are Temple Israel high school seniors, Molly Noodell, left, said Molly Noodell, another Amy Levinger (partially hidden), Andrea Holmberg, Zach Spooner, Adam Goldberg, Max Millard North graduate who Halsted, Charles Parsow, Susan Freeman, and Hannah Ferer. has not yet confirmed her plans for next year. Molly missed only one year of Religious School between kindergarten and senior year. She returned at the urging of her parents, Dave and Ann Noodell, and is WALK-IN, DROP-IN now “glad I went back.” For those members going to the Ameristar Casino on “I feel like I’ve been strengthening my Jewish identi- Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For ty,” by completing kindergarten through twelfth grade information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. at Temple Religious School, commented 17-year-old Charles Parsow, who is graduating from Westside. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH “I’m excited to join the adult Jewish community.” Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us He’s looking forward to attending Tufts University every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. For information, which attracts a Jewish population of 30 percent which call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. is “important to me.” He added that “Bar Mitzvah is just one milestone in your Jewish journey, and you VISIONS should continue that.” Charles is the son of Margo and Join us for dinner and a melodrama at Mahoney State the late Dr. Jay Parsow. Park to see “Goodnight Goodhart” on Wednesday, July Other graduates are Aaron Bleicher, son of Dr. Joel 8. Cost is $30 per person. Depart from the JCC at 4:30
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT After Friedel Jewish Academy students Sarah Kutler and Mika Caplan won the local speech contest at Friedel, they went on to participate at the district level competition at Boys Town’s Wegner Middle School. The speech contest is facilitated by Woodmen of America, and is held annually. Sarah, who is in sixth grade, and Mika, a fifth grader, won first and second place respectively.
Denise Bennett, left, Mika Caplan, daughter of Naava Naslavsky and Steve Caplan, Sarah Kutler, daughter of Nancy and Howard Kutler, display their trophies, along with as last year’s winner Elissa Wiener, daughter of Audrey and Richard Wiener.
“We are so proud of both of them,” principal Ron Giller said. “They spoke in front of a large audience, and will advance to compete at the state level later this month. Last year, Elissa Wiener won first place in the state contest; this speaks very well of the kind of students who attend Friedel.” Under the supervision of Denise Bennett, who will later this month be honored at the Friedel Tribute Dinner, the girls practiced tirelessly. “They also received a lot of help from their parents, and of course took some pointers from Elissa, who is very supportive of Mika and Sarah,” Giller said. Date and time for the State competition is to be announced.
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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Successful and retired, former real estate executive Van Deeb, now talks on “motivation.” He will discuss his new life and past achievements on Wednesday, May 27, noon, at Regency Lodge. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Iris at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
What did you do THAT summer? Where were you when the Israel Air Force rescued the hostages from the Palestinian hijackers in Entebbe in July, 1976? Do you remember how you felt when the Neil Armstrong took a “giant leap for mankind” on the moon during the summer of 1969? Or maybe you recall when Israeli and Jordanian officials signed the Washington Declaration in the desert between the two countries, ending 46 years in a state of war, in the summer of 1994. Were you away from home at Camp JCC, Herzl, Sabra, Schwayder or Beber? Or were you traveling in Israel with a group of old and new friends with Ramah, NCSY, NFTY or ARTZA? Was it your first trip to Israel? Or did you visit when you were an adult -- perhaps with a Federation or synagogue mission? Was your wedding held during one of those summers, or did you celebrate the birth of a child and a bris or a baby naming? Some summers were just “fun” like 1954, when WMBQ in Memphis aired the first Elvis Presley record -- or in 1964, when the Beatles released “A Hard Day’s Night.” And you probably smile now at those memories when you think about planning AZA dances at Peony Park, being a counselor at the old Esther K. Newman Camp, or volunteering when Omaha hosted the JCC Maccabi Games in 1991 and again in 2002. Other summers were highlighted by more serious events, like June 4, 1939, when the ship the St. Louis was barred from landing in Florida with 939 Jews on board, most of whom later died in Europe’s concentration camps -- or June 6, 1944, when the Allies landed on Normandy Beach on D-Day. Your memories might reveal summers of worry,
wondering where you’ll be sent from the DP camp in Europe, or how you’ll make a living now that you’re home from World War II. And of course, there are achievements to recall during many summers -- from 1959, when both Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the Union, or when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Or 1979, when Sony introduced the first Walkman or in 1984 when the Space Shuttle Discovery made its maiden voyage. What was your best summer? Was it driving across country with your fraternity brothers, or backpacking across Europe after graduating college? Was your best summer working at a Jewish camp in Wisconsin or interning at one of the Federation’s agencies? Maybe you moved to Nebraska one of those memorable summers? What was it like coming from a bigger (or smaller) city? How did you meet people and make friends? How did you get involved? As long as there is Jewish content in your story, tell us about your most memorable summer (including this one, when 21 teens are going to Israel with ARTZA, Omaha’s community teen trip, June 17July 16). We want photos, too: from your summer wed-
Happy 61st Birthday, Israel!
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by SHOSHANA BRYEN
At the birth of Israel in 1948, the population was 806,000, 35% native born and the rest immigrants. Tel Aviv was the only city in Israel with more than 100,000 residents. At 61, Israel’s population is 7,411,000 - an increase of 125,000 over this time last year. There were 154,000 babies and more than 12,000 immigrants last year, creating a growth rate of 1.8%. Native-born Israelis account for 70% of the Jewish population with at least half being second generation Israelis. About 75% of Israel’s population is Jewish, 20% Arab and about 5% “other.” There are 14 cities with populations greater than 100,000 - and five with more than 200,000. Israel has accomplishments galore -- its democratic system, free press, independent judiciary, and high tech industry are the envy of much of the world. Its tremendous agricultural and medical innovations are shared around the world. Israel ranks among the highest in literacy rates, computer ownership, book purchasing, college degrees and symphony subscriptions. Israel boasts a mighty military that has retained its humanity despite facing a decades long terror war. Underpinning all these achievements is an almost unprecedented willingness and capacity for self-examination and self-criticism. But population figures have their own compelling logic. In the last part of the 20th Century, overpopulation was an idée fixe among social scientists. Fear of running out of resources food, fuel, water - led to predictions of famine and led China and India to adopt radical pop-
ulation policies. In the first part of the 21st Century, declining and aging populations have become the norm. AIDS has decimated large swaths of Africa; Japan and the Western European countries face declining and aging populations as people have one child - or none. The birthrate line in the Muslim world is downward -- including in the West Bank and Gaza. Demographer Nicholas Eberstadt drew a devastating picture of the current and future decline of the Russian population, owing to disease, drink and abortion. China’s one-child policy coupled with the availability of abortion has led to a dramatic imbalance in the male and female populations that will have a major societal impact when they reach adulthood. In the United States, it is not uncommon to hear couples talk about children as a strain on the ecology. During the large Russian immigration of the early 1990s, an Israeli parliamentarian was asked if Israel would prefer that there be fewer immigrants to ease the social and financial strain on the country. “Give me another million,” he said. “More people working, thinking, building and creating.” They fueled the high-tech boom. Even more than immigration, it takes a certain general optimism and faith in one’s country to have a baby. Over the past two years, Israel has seen a happy spike in the numbers of births per thousand as well as a spike in immigration. It is a testament to Israel and its people that, under relentless threat (and some cheap shots from those who should be its allies), Israelis are growing their country. Happy Birthday, Israel and many more. Shoshana Bryen is the Senior Director for Security Policy at JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security in Washington, D.C. Read more at www.jinsa.org.
ding, your trip to Italy when you visited the historic synagogue in Florence or met refuseniks in the former Soviet Union, your family car trip out west, or your Bar Mitzvah. If your most memorable Jewish events occurred during the summer -- any summer -THAT summer -- we’ll publish your stories and photos in our Sept. 18, New Year’s issue: “What we did THAT summer!” We need all materials no later that Aug. 1, but for more information or if you need help pulling it all together, call editor Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450, stop by the Press office or e-mail ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.
(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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 an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., 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 To the Editor: Last year was the most difficult year of my life as I underwent four operations in an attempt to save my left leg, and spent three months in the hospital and then a nursing home. I am doing better now, using a wheelchair and a walker. It meant so much to me that readers took time out of their busy lives to be concerned about me. It’s the thoughtfulness of dear friends that gives me strength and courage to carry on. Thank you for your thoughtful financial gifts. It means so much to me now that I will be able to come back home to Omaha in June, where my heart and friends are. I also will be able to be with my son, Bart and three grandsons, Jacob, Spencer and Zachary; my grandson Jacob will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah this summer. Due to my disability, I will need a one-bedroom handicapped accessible apartment with living space that will accomodate a wheelchair and have all of the necessary safety devices. I hope to offer my services to local nursing homes and retirement centers and teach chair exercise classes for those persons with osteoarthritis and other physical disabilities. “Uncle” Chuck Arnold Ocean Shores, WA To the Editor: The rockets fired at Israeli citizens from the Gaza Strip by the Iranian-funded terrorist organization Hamas have not stopped. International leaders and the news media need to stop presenting statistics that foment this fallacy. All one needs to do is come to my first floor apartment in Sderot to be awakened to this continued reality of rockets. Noam Bedein, Director, Sderot Media
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May 22, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Eyeless in Antwerp Operatic perversion of “Samson” is symptom of cultural decline and hate
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by JONATHAN S. TOBIN
The impact of opera on contemporary politics is fairly limited these days. Unlike the 19th century when new operas by composers like Giuseppe Verdi would often be seen as important political statements, the contemporary lyric theater is usually the preserve of an elite that most people don’t care about. But every once in a while something can happen at an opera house that makes its way onto the news pages. Such an event happened earlier this month when a new production of Camille Saint-Saens biblical set piece Samson et Dalila had its premiere at the Flanders Opera in Antwerp. A two-man directing team, Omri Nitzan, an Israeli and Amir Nizar Zuabi, a Palestinian, conceived the new staging of the opera. But rather than a conventional rendition of what was written as a fairly static work for the theater, Nitzan and Zuabi decided to turn the piece on its head. In their version, the Philistines oppressing the Hebrews were portrayed as Israelis and the Hebrews as the Palestinians. According to The New York Times, this included scenes in which “Jews, in fancy dress, dance atop a shiny, black, twotiered set, oblivious to the swarm of robed Palestinians under their feet.” Elsewhere in the show, “Dalila’s Jewish handmaidens, in red underpants, sprawl on their backs, legs spread in the air, helping to seduce Samson” and “Israeli soldiers clad in black humiliate blindfolded Palestinians and shoot a Palestinian child, who reappears as a kind of leitmotif during the opera.” And after “Israeli soldiers dance orgiastically with their phallic rifles,” the character of Samson, wearing a “dynamite-loaded vest” ends the opera with a suicide blast.
Shocking as this may sound, in the world of opera today such “artistic license” is far from rare when it comes to putting on the classics. Anyone entering an opera house these days is as likely to see the works of Mozart, Verdi, or Wagner set in a time and place that the composer never envisioned as they are a traditional staging. Political agendas, almost always with a left-wing slant, as well as the sort of vulgarity seen in Antwerp, are commonplace. The rise of a generation of directors who commit vandalism rather than bringing new insights is a fact of life in contemporary opera, especially in Europe. It is a symptom of the same deconstructionist school of thought that has turned the study of literature on its head with pseudo-scholars claiming there is no such thing as objective truth and that the text of any work can be separated from its original meaning with impunity. But the Antwerp “Samson” must also be understood as part of the ongoing campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel. Essential to this trend is the claim that the Jews aren’t really the Jews. In order to treat Israel’s right of self-defense against terrorists and states that seek to destroy it as inherently immoral -- a standard no rational person would seek to impose on any other country -- you have to impose a new identity on the Israelis. The most popular way of doing so is to claim that the Jews are Nazis. Such claims have become popular in Europe as well as throughout the Muslim world. Such juxtaposition is both offensive and an absolute falsehood since Israel doesn’t seek to exterminate the Palestinians as the Nazis did of the Jews, merely to try and stop them from committing mayhem. But when Nazis aren’t available, turning the tables on the Jews vis-à-vis the
Palestinians will do just as nicely. Yet one of the problems that vandals such as Nitzan and Zuabi run into when they parachute their ideology into innocent operas is that the text often contradicts them. This requires their Belgium audience (which, unlike an audience in say, New York, probably understands the French language in which the piece is sung) to believe that when in the first act Samson rallies the Jews to overthrow their Philistine oppressors, “Israel romps ta chaine” -- Israel break your chains -- he doesn’t really mean “Israel” but Palestine. This is interesting because in this oratorio-like opera, the Jews are the good guys but don’t get very much interesting music to sing. By contrast, the Philistines get all the good numbers including a really stomping Bacchanale just before the Temple of Dagon comes crashing down on their heads. This artistic atrocity aroused the ire of Antwerp’s Jewish community but when one Jew expressed his outrage and fear that the production would stir up antiSemitism to the general director of the opera, reportedly he was told “that if the situation for Jews were really so precarious here, they should leave.” Interestingly, New York Times critic and columnist Michael Kimmelman reacted to this invitation for the Jews to leave Europe with dismay about the bad taste of the comment but not to slander against the State of Israel and supporters. “Rage,” Kimmelman wrote about the incident, “is a perfectly sane response to the Israeli occupation. And all art is political in the end.” One can argue in response that had the Palestinians been even marginally interested in sharing the country and living in peace with the Jews, they might have accepted any number of peace offers over the course of the last century. Even more to the point, Gaza, the setting of the final scene of the opera, is currently occupied
... one director’s vision is based on the truth and the other on a lie.
by Hamas, not Israel. The inversion by which the Islamist murderers of Hamas bent on annihilation of Israel become the soulful Jewish sufferers in “Samson” is more than just another play on the familiar David becoming Goliath theme that has gained traction ever since the Jews started winning wars of self-defense rather than being slaughtered en masse. Put in the context of an opera whose point is the triumph of faith over violence and sex, it is a way by which contemporary Jews can be stripped of any connection to their homeland and their heritage. The fact that one of the persons responsible for this is an Israeli Jew does not make it any less misleading. That is especially true when this sort of work gives a boost to the revival of anti-Semitism in Europe. Kimmelman thinks this sort of a “Samson” could not have been produced in New York where presumably the Jews are not ready to be told to flee. As it happens, the production of the piece performed at the Metropolitan Opera since 1998 does take the opposite point of view. That version, created by English Jew Elijah Moshinsky, has the effrontery to portray the Jews in “Samson” as, well, Jews. Though no uniformed Nazis are seen onstage, Moshinsky’s direction evokes the Holocaust with Jews in religious garb being oppressed by an enemy whose prime characteristic is a primitive and violent paganism. This, too, may be a case, as Kimmelman says, that proves that all art is political. The difference is that one director’s vision is based on the truth and the other on a lie. The trouble is, in an intellectual milieu in which those concepts no longer exist, it is all too easy to imagine a world in which Israel and the Jews can be eliminated too. Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of Commentary magazine where he contributes to the Contentions blog at www.commentarymagazine.com. He can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@commentarymagazine.com.
The importance of the pope’s visit to Israel
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN
NEW YORK (JTA) -- When his plane touched down at Ben Gurion International Airport, Pope Benedict XVI became only the second pope in the history of the Catholic Church to officially visit the State of Israel. Israeli, Jewish and Vatican leaders expressed high hopes for a smooth visit that would enhance the Catholic-Jewish and Israel-Vatican relationships. Yet almost from the minute he got off the plane, Benedict’s actions and words have been severely scrutinized, dissected and criticized from all sides. This extraordinary level of public and media scrutiny has led to a series of controversies, expressions of dismay and failed expectations by some Israeli leaders. It must be recognized that Benedict is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the beloved Pope John Paul II, whose groundbreaking pilgrimage in March 2000 hit all the right notes and captured the hearts and minds of Jews and Catholics around the world. From the get-go it was always going to be unfair to measure Benedict’s trip by John Paul’s, especially since Benedict has stepped into a roiling political, religious and social climate that is vastly changed from the more hopeful regional environment just nine years ago. It is not only the region that is different. The two popes have vastly different personalities and public personas. Where the Polish-born John Paul II was a grand communicator able to project his charm and personal story to a wide audience, Benedict, a native of Germany,
is a reserved theologian who conveys a professorial tone. Beyond style, there are the words themselves. In this there is room for debate. Prominent officials have sharply criticized Benedict’s much-anticipated speech at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial for failing to live up to expectations. When Pope John Paul II visited Yad Vashem he referenced the Nazis by name, condemned the murder of millions of victims and mourned the loss of his Jewish friends. He met at length with 30 Polish Jewish survivors. By contrast, Benedict failed to mention Nazis or Germany, as well as his own personal history in Germany during the war. He did not use the word murder and ignored the issue of Christian responsibility for the Holocaust. A historic opportunity was squandered. Yet a close examination of Benedict’s text and actions shows that he did deliver an appropriate speech focusing on the concepts of remembrance. He also met briefly with Holocaust survivors. It must be noted also that in recent months, Benedict has made strong statements repudiating Holocaust denial. And in the past, Benedict has talked about his personal experiences as a member of Hitler Youth and the Germany Army. Therefore, it would do us well to keep things in perspective and recognize what this pope has said and done. By coming to Israel at this time, the 82-year-old pontiff is solidifying the Vatican’s formal relationship with the State of Israel, launched when a historic diplomatic agreement was signed in 1993. His trip demonstrates the Church’s commitment to the security and survival of Israel as a Jewish state. Benedict is also establishing a track record for future popes. No longer will Pope John Paul’s journey be able to be portrayed as an aberration or a personal mission. Indeed, Benedict’s trip will institutionalize that every
pope visit Israel and commit the billion-member Roman Catholic Church to the importance of Israel as the Jewish state. Benedict’s voyage also demonstrates the continuity of the Church’s commitment to enhance relations with the Jewish people. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he was Pope John Paul’s chief theologian and, therefore, the many positive improvements in Jewish-Catholic relations over the past three decades were done in consultation with him. To be sure, there are a series of outstanding serious issues challenging the Vatican-Jewish dialogue, including the recent troubling regressions in Catholic theology and liturgy about Judaism. Israel and the Vatican also have complicated property and tax issues to resolve. However, the focus on this trip should be in recognizing the positive contributions of the current pope. Benedict has pledged to keep strengthening CatholicJewish relations and reaffirmed the Church’s unqualified repudiation of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. He has taught that Christians should gain a new respect for the Jewish interpretation of the Old Testament. And he has asserted that God’s Covenant and promises to the people of Israel are alive and irrevocable, further demonstrating his belief that the Jewish people “are beloved brothers and sisters.” While we believe that Jews must remember and honor the past, we cannot change it. What we can do is create a future where Catholics and Jews deepen and expand our dialogue and work together with mutual respect and understanding in the interests of tikkun olam. Abraham H. Foxman is national director of the Anti-Defamation League. A Holocaust survivor, he was saved by his Polish Catholic nanny who baptized him and raised him as a Catholic until his parents returned after the war.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, May 22, 8:25 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 29: no earlier than 9:29 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. S’MORES & SONGS: On Sunday, May 24, 7 p.m. the Jewish community is invited for a campfire sing-along in Beth El’s backyard. (See full story on page 15.) WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m., at the home of Bev Fellman, 14101 Eagle Run Dr. The program will feature Aviva Segall, director of the Omaha Area Youth Symphony. To RSVP, contact Fellman at 333.0674 or bbfellman@aol.com. SHAVUOT: Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m. services, followed by a dairy dinner at 6 p.m. (dinner is optional; people may come later for the quiz.) The program will begin at 6:45 p.m., with Rabbi Levin offering a brief overview of Shavuot; then at 7 p.m., the quiz will begin. Dinner cost is $5 for adults; no charge for children ages 12 and younger. Reservations are needed by May 26 and may be made by sending a check to Beth El. The Jewish community is invited to attend. SHAVUOT SERVICES: Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.; Friday, May 29, 9:30 a.m., and 6 p.m.; Saturday, May 30, 9:30 a.m. NEW MEMBERS/NEW BABIES SHABBAT: Saturday, June 6, 9:30 a.m. All congregants who have joined in the past year, plus babies who have been born during that time, will be honored. HAZAK CINEMA SERIES: Sunday, June 7, 3-5 p.m. Spend a fun afternoon at the synagogue enjoying a movie, followed by
5:30 p.m. minyan (optional) and 6 p.m. dinner. No charge for the movie; dinner is $10 for Hazak members, $12 for non-members. To reserve your spot, send a check to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114. WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: Thursday, June 11, 1:15 p.m.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by Harry Wolfson in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his father, Louis I. Wolfson; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 8 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:33 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Synagogue office is closed for Memorial day. TUESDAY: Mishnah Club for third, fourth and fifth, graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home (last club of the year); Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; synagogue office closes at noon; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. followed by dairy dinner at 8:45 p.m.; Tikun Leil Shavuot begins at 9:30 p.m. with Family Feud, Part I followed by Cram Session I with Rabbi Mizrahi at 10:30 p.m.; and Cram Session II with Rabbi Gross, 11:30 p.m. FRIDAY, May 29: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by a dairy lunch; Family Fued part II at 1 p.m.; Cram Session III with Rabbi Gross at 2 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Biblical Reflections, Find Yourself in The Stories of Genesis, 7 p.m. Enroll now at www. myjli.com, More information, call Chabad or email TorahStudies@ochabad.com. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. FRIDAY, May 29: Service, 9:30 a.m.; Annual Shavuot Ice Cream Party and luncheon, 11 a.m. RSVP to office@ochabad. com or call 330.1800 All events and programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Temple Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Classical Reform Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Nancy Intermill. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Beth El Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog and Jim Polack.
call
Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451
ordination at the Reform seminary’s Cincinnati campus. In contrast to last year, when she seemed a bit overwhelmed by her new status as a role model for young black Jews in America, she now speaks confidently of what her ordination means. “I represent the new face of Judaism, a new era of inclusiveness,” she told the JTA by phone Sunday. “I’m honored to have this opportunity, and I’m thankful
is affiliated with the Reform movement. So along with the usual settling-in challenges, she’ll be dealing with the politics of a merged congregation. That’s okay with her, though. After 16 years as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and grief, she’s well equipped to deal with personal conflicts. “I look forward to embracing the commonalities we share,” she says with some delicacy.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Lunch ‘n’ Learn and Talmud study. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. THURSDAY: Tikkun Leil Shavuot catered dairy dinner, 6:30 p.m. for $5 per person. Pay at the door or in advance by sending a check to Tifereth Israel. Following dinner will be an hour study session about the Ten Commandments and then a 30minute Ma’ariv service followed by another session led by Rabbi Emanuel.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Eric Linder and
First African-American female rabbi to take N.C. pulpit If you’re About 20 percent of American to my God for making it happen.” by SUE FISHKOFF Jews are racially or ethnically Stanton never chooses the easy Last May the JTA interviewed looking Alysa Stanton, a Hebrew Union path. A convert and single moth- diverse, according to the San rabbinical student who er of an adopted daughter, 14- Francisco-based Institute for at this space, College insisted she never set out to be the year-old Shana, she has been hired Jewish and Community Research, so are world’s first African-American by Congregation Bayt Shalom in yet they are greatly underreprefemale rabbi. But that’s what Greenville, N.C., a 53-member sented at the community’s leaderothers! she’ll become after her June 6 Conservative synagogue that also ship level. There are a handful of Your ad can go here... to reserve space,
Cantor Wendy Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Linder, 10 a.m.; Graduation Service/OTYG Board Installations, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, May 29: Shavuout Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. To have names of your loved ones read at the morning Yizkor Service, contact Bonnie Sullivan at Temple by Thursday, May 28; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet. Annual Meeting and brunch, Sunday, May 31, 11 a.m. Several honors, including presidential awards, will be announced. Brunch is $18 per person; the meeting starts at 11:45 a.m. Babysitting will be available. Please make a reservation by contacting the Temple office or mkube@templeisraelomaha. com by May 26.
African-American congregational presidents, but none who are rabbis of majority white congregations. Stanton will be the first. Asked whether any Jews of color belong to her new congregation, Stanton jokes, “Yes, me and Shana.” But, she adds quickly, there are many intermarried families, so there is outreach work to be done. Institute associate director Diane Tobin sees Stanton’s ordination as
an important step in mitigating the marginalization felt by many Jews of color. “There are so many who do not identify with the mainstream Jewish community,” she says. “As more people like Rabbi Stanton come along as role models, others will see themselves better reflected in the community.” Meanwhile, Stanton is packing up her Cincinnati home for next month’s move, and bracing for a week of interviews. “It’s back to back all week,” she says. “I knew this day would come, and ‘Baruch Hashem,’ it’s here.”
MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery Council Bluffs
May 22, 2009
A census ...
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Bamidbar As we open the fourth Book of Torah, Bamidbar, that is to say “in the wilderness of Sinai,” we recognize that from Exodus through Leviticus and now into Numbers, we are still at Sinai. But now the Israelites are to resume their journey at the instruction of the Lord, through Moses. Their numbers, not only tribe by tribe, but by family groups as well, are carefully assembled. It turns out that the census reveals that there were 603,550. But this was only a census of males, 21 years and older, who were capable of military service. This number did not include the Levites who had various duties in carrying the parts of the portable sanctuary through the long journey ahead. We are not to wonder at these large numbers, which would have been several million if women, children and older men were included. The trek of so large a number of people through the areas named, from Egypt to the land that would become known as Israel, would have left some impression on the route of their journey. But archaeologists have found no trace of any large exodus with their livestock passing through from ancient Egypt to ancient Israel. One suggested interpretation of the numbers is that the word we have translated as “thousands” means really some small number of six, eight or 10, a “patrol”, instead of thousands. Even so, there would have been some trace, even hundreds and hundreds of years later. By this, I do not mean to question the accuracy of the Biblical writer(s), but simply to point out that we are left with no extra Biblical account or trace of the journey of our ancestors. All that having been said, we await the finding of some archaeologist, possibly not yet born, who would be able by practical evidence, to determine how ancient Israelites moved such a large group. So far as I know, we cannot identify the stopping places mentioned. It would have been, as previously noted, a relatively short journey north along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, but the trek went not northward, but east, into the vast wilderness. This accounts for the so-called “wandering” of the ancient Israelites for 40 years. Interpreters have suggested that the 40 years were meant to take the physical and moral remains of slavery out of this people so they could recover their humanity, their intelligence and their sense of morality before becoming the People of Israel. Looking at our Sidra simply to see what it says: it arranges the tribes of Israel methodically around the portable sanctuary, tribe by tribe and family by family. And it is to be noted that Bamidbar is “wilderness”, not desert. It simply means, as one wag put it, “where the hand of man had not yet set foot.”
Campfire sing-along to highlight Beth El’s S’mores and Songs by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator This Sunday, Beth El’s backyard will be transformed into a cozy, old-fashioned campfire atmosphere for an evening of music and munchies during “S’mores and Songs.” Everyone in the Jewish community -- young and not-so-young -- is invited to this sing-along, led by Cantor Beth Schlossberg and accompanied by several musicians. The cantor said songs will include everything from the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel to traditional folk songs, camp songs. Anything goes! She also encouraged attendees to bring their own song requests (along with comfortable blankets to sit on), and promised a funfilled evening for all. “As part of the Jewish community, we don’t only have to join together for ritual reasons,” she said. “It’ll be so nice to enjoy each other’s company, eat some sugar, and sing some songs.” “S’mores & Songs” is Sunday, May 24, 7 p.m.; there is no charge to attend, but for planning purposes, please contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org, if you plan to join the fun.
DEATH RUTH FOX Ruth S. Fox, died at the age of 88. A graveside services was held on May 15 at Temple Israel Cemetery. Along with Harold Fox, her husband of 67 years, she was a dedicated volunteer for Opera Omaha for more than 40 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Mary Fox; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Fox-Beuterbaugh and Cliff Beuterbaugh; grandchildren, Robyn and Brian Crone and Allyson and David Bognich; and five great grandchildren. Memorials to Opera Omaha.
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Obama: Won’t talk forever on Iran by JTA Staff WASHINGTON (JTA) -- President Obama said he would reassess his policies of engagement with Iran by the end of this year. Obama, who appeared before reporters Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after their first White House meeting, also said that the United States was considering all options in dealing with Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program.
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Outside Salesperson with an office at the Jewish Press Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on May 18. Credit: Moshe Milner/GPO/Flash90/JTA “I assured the prime minister that we are not foreclosing a range of steps, including sanctions, in ensuring that Iran understands that we are serious,” Obama said, following the two-and-a-half--hour meeting, which also included close advisers to both leaders. After the meeting, Obama rejected “artificial deadlines” for engagement with Iran, but added, “We’re not going to have to talk forever, we're not going to have a situation where talks become an excuse for inaction. We will probably be engaged and have an assesment by the end of the year.” Obama reiterated his commitment to a two-state solution, while Netayahu resolutely refused to commit to Palestinian statehood. Instead, Netanyanu again said Israel was serious about resuming the full range of negotiations with the Palestinians.
JEWISH PRESS CLOSINGS & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day and Friday, May 29 for the first day of Shavuot. The deadline for the June 5 issue all ads, synagogue schedules, articles and photos is Wednesday, May 27 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 22, 2009
Bloom farm forms produce partnership with Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN grocery bag of fresh produce for the famTemple Israel Communications Coordinator ilies straight off the farm for 20 weeks. Rebecca and Brent Bloom, members of Farming came naturally to Rebecca Temple Israel, own Fertile Crescent Farm Bloom. “I have it in my genetic makeup. in Crescent, Iowa, in the Loess Hills area. My dad was a doctor by profession but Run primarily by Rebecca with support owned land, and my mom always garfrom her husband and Eli, one of their dened and tended big yards and orchards. two sons, their farm produces primarily I lived on my parents’ farm from age 12 berry fruits, culinary herbs, and a large variety of vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, shallots, onions, Asian greens, and root crops. Blooms Organic, the name of the Blooms’ family business, also grows annual flowers and some perennials “for their beauty and to attract beneficial insects,” Rebecca explained on the Blooms Organic website. She also sells potted plants from her greenhouse in the spring. Blooms Organic supplies products to Whole Foods Market in Regency, Patrick’s Market at 14th and Howard, Paradigm Gardens, 89th and J, and to V Mertz Rebecca Bloom, at her farm in Crescent, Iowa, is expecting a new Restaurant in the Old harvest of partners this spring. Market. until I was 17. I really enjoy spending Several Temple Israel families have vol- time outdoors in nature as well as the unteered to participate in a pilot freedom farming allows me to set my Community Supported Agriculture own schedule. Growing crops and the model, or CSA adventure, with the outside work are what draw us to farmBlooms that will reap approximately one ing.”
But, she added, “the challenges are also exciting. In addition, we have recognized the need for locally produced fruits and vegetables and feel as though we are truly serving a purpose.” Brent, a practicing attorney and a yoga instructor, said he got involved in farming when he married Rebecca. “We’ve always had a big garden since we’ve been married,” which goes back 28 years, Brent mentioned. Produce will be available through Sept. 24 and includes lettuce, radishes, greens, kale, peas, chard, green onions and herbs through June; summer squash, fennel, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, garlic, onions, shallots, and raspberries in July; some of the aforementioned vegetables plus cabbage and kohlrabi in July and August; and greens, peppers, tomatoes, and cut flowers in August and September. The Blooms are certified organic growers. CSA’s roots reach back 30 years to Japanese women concerned about the increase in imported food and the corresponding decrease in the farming population, initiating a direct growing and purchasing relationship with local farms. As the concept spread to Europe and the United States, a sense of community developed, land stewardship was encouraged, and small to average-size farmers gained respect. Kim Stoler and her husband Alan have been enjoying the Blooms’ fresh produce for several years. Alan Stoler and Brent Bloom have known each other for a long time, said Kim. “I’ve known Rebecca since she first got started in farming.” Stoler herself grew up on a farm near Malvern, Iowa. Having previously enjoyed the Blooms’
harvest, Kim Stoler is sold on the Community Supported Agriculture concept. “It was the nutritious food” that persuaded the Stolers. “We noticed a difference” and realized “this is what a strawberry is supposed to taste like!” Having been to the farm a few times for social occasions, Kim Stoler said, she’d like to go there with her children, Madison, 17, and Jordan and Evan, 15, to actually do some farm work. In addition to the Stolers, other families participating in the pilot Temple Israel CSA venture are Barry and Kelly Streit, Mike and Susie Norton, John and Hillary Fletcher, Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback, Judy Feigin, Jeff Laudin and Kathy Beauchaine, Bruce and Cindy Goldberg, Andrew and Kimberly Robinson, Bruce and Stacy Simon, Jeff and Sandy Passer, Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel, Dennis and Pam DePorte, and David and Wendy Goldberg. CSA participation is meant to create a platform for serious, engaging, and innovative Jewish education and encourages Jews to re-examine what it means for food to be kosher (literally “fit”) for us as well as for the community and the earth. Membership in the CSA is $500 ($25 per week). Families can partner together to split the membership. Members will receive email newsletters with information about the harvest and recipes, and educational material. Pick-up day will be at Temple on Thursdays. There will be an opportunity to visit the farm and share a potluck meal celebrating the harvest as well as a oneday option to work on the farm. CSA membership for this year is full, however, and Temple is not currently able to offer additional shares.
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