Vol. LXXXV No. 37 Omaha, NE
Blumkin Home Goes Around the World
Eric Appiah, a staff member of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, is one of more than a dozen “models” at last week’s fashion show. Appiah wears a “BuBuu”, a dress introduced by the people of northern Ghana--an African country the size of Oregon, as Joanie Bernstein, immediate Past President of Jewish Senior Services, narrates the show. The event was staged by staff and volunteers at the Home in honor of National Nursing Home Week. More photos on page 4.
Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Olmert and Bush Meet in Middle, Agree on Unilateral Moves as Second Best by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA)--One quality President Bush was looking for in Ehud Olmert during their marathon meeting this week was how well Israel’s new leader is able to stop, breathe and listen. Bush administration officials, while clearly focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, want to slow down a process that seems to be careening out of control, both in the region and in the halls of Congress. Taking a break from their five-hour session to address reporters Tuesday, the leaders appeared to have reached an accommodation. Olmert said he would delay his march toward a unilateral withdrawal from parts of the West Bank, something he had said earlier was all but inevitable because he did not see a credible Palestinian peace partner. “I intend to exhaust every possibility to promote peace with the Palestinians according to the road map, and I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, the elected president of the Palestinian Authority,” the Israeli prime minister said, referring to the peace plan backed by the United States. “I hope he will take the necessary steps, which he committed to, in order to move forward.” For his part, Bush warmly endorsed the possibility of unilateral action, as long as Olmert exhausted all other options.
It was the firmest endorsement to date of Olmert’s plan to go it alone should all else fail. Emboldened by Bush’s endorsement, Olmert said the major settlements “would remain under Israeli control and become part of the state of Israel as part of the final-status agreement.” That was the most unequivocal to-date statement signaling Olmert’s intention to annex the major Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Bush reiterated his commitment outlined in an April 14, 2004 letter, in which the United States recognized that some Jewish settlements President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert were realities on the ground shake hands at the end their joint news conference at the and would become part of White House on Tuesday. Credit: Eric Draper/White House Israel. “I would call them bold ideas,” Bush In a briefing to Hebrew-speaking said, referring to the unilateral actions reporters, including JTA, late Tuesday Olmert outlined. “These ideas could lead evening, Olmert said he did not ge an to a two-state solution if a pathway to outright American endorsement of his progress on the road map is not open in plan to extend Israel’s boundaries to the period ahead. His ideas include the include the major populations centers, removal of most Israeli settlements, where some 200,000 Jews live. except for the major Israeli population Another 70,000 settlers in more centers in the West Bank.” Continued on page 11
Omaha Gets Another Native Son as Potash Replaces Wolfson at ADL by SHARON BRODKEY ADL Communications & Community Development The Anti-Defamation League announced the appointment of Alan Potash to the position of Plains States Regional Director. He assumes the position that opened when Bob Wolfson was appointed as ADL’s Associate National Director of Field Operations in New York. Potash has more than 10 years of experience building community, inspiring and motivating leaders, fos-
tering philanthropy and stewarding Jewish values. Two years ago, he opened ADL’s first office in Austin, TX where Alan Potash leads the charge at Continued on Austin’s Save Darfur rally. page 4
Mission Presents a Glimpse into Jewry’s Past and a Look at its Future by LISA LIEB Federation Communication Specialist An extraordinary opportunity awaits the Omaha Jewish community on a Community Mission to Israel and Prague this fall. “We are so excited about the Israel-Prague Mission because this is the first community-wide trip we have offered in several years,” said Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of the Federation. “This trip has already attracted a tremendous cross section of people, including those who are returning to Israel and those who are first-time visitors.” The 10-day adventure, which runs from Oct. 22-Nov. 2, begins in Israel, where participants will visit Tel Aviv, and the Western Galilee on the shores of the Mediterranean. Among the trip’s highlights, participants will visit Masada and the Dead Sea, explore the Golan Heights by jeep, experience the new Yad Vashem museum, walk the narrow alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem, Continued on page 2
Inside Opinion Page see page 28
28 Iyyar, 5766 May 26, 2006
Jan Goldstein, standing left, meets with a diverse group of people earlier this month interested in learning more about the upcoming Federation Mission to Israel and Prague.
This Week: Senior Living Issue Starts on Page 19 See Front Page Stories at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Warren Buffett’s Jewish Connections: Pages 2-3
Temple Israel to Celebrate “Chai Aryeh” at Annual Meeting by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will be honored at Temple Israel’s annual meeting on Sunday, June 4, 5 p.m., for serving as Temple’s senior rabbi for the past 18 years. The celebration, “Chai Aryeh,” will be under the tent at The Champions Club, 13800 Eagle Run Dr. “Rabbi’s chai year is a good time to celebrate what he has meant to our Temple, guiding us for the past 18 years as the congregation re-examined itself through Synagogue 2000 in order to be more welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic,” observed Temple Board President Wendy Goldberg. “Tot Shabbat services were introduced along with adult B’nai Mitzvah classes, a Thanksgiving Interfaith service in partnership with several Omaha churches, Mitzvah Day, and Family School which brings parents and children together to study Hebrew, Jewish history and texts. The congregation has Rabbi Aryeh Azriel continued to do the work of tikkun olam--repairing the world. The Social Justice Committee has engaged in Black/Jewish dialogue, outreach to Lothrop and Castelar Elementary Schools in North and South Omaha, and provided numerous educational forums on everything from health care policy to gay and lesbian rights,” Goldberg noted. Continued on page 4
Coming Next Month: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue Next Generation in Business Features Malbar Vision: Pages 6-7
Monthly Calendar for June Events: Pages 16-17
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
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Long Before Israeli Deal, Buffett Made his Mark on Jewish Community by CHANAN TIGAY NEW YORK (JTA) -- Warren Buffett is not a Jew, and in fact describes himself as an agnostic. Still, the billionaire investment guru, who earlier this month made big news when his Berkshire Hathaway corporation bought an 80 percent share in Israeli metalworks conglomerate Iscar for $4 billion, for years has been making his mark on the U.S. Jewish community back home-though sometimes in a roundabout way. “Proportionally, if you look at the number of Jews in this country and in the world, I’m associated with a hugely disproportionate number,” Buffett, the second richest man in the world, told JTA in a telephone interview Monday. His life, he added, “has been blessed by friendship with many Jews.” Among the first companies Buffett acquired after launching Berkshire Hathaway, the Omaha-based investment and insurance giant, was the Sun Newspapers of Omaha, then owned by Stan Lipsey, one-time chairman of the Jewish Press, Omaha’s Jewish newspaper. “At the time, the Omaha Club did not take Jewish members, and the Highland Country Club, a golf club, didn’t have any gentile memStan Lipsey bers,” Lipsey recalls. “Warren volunteered to join the Highland”--rather than the gentile club--“to set an example of non-discrimination.” Buffett happily recalls the fallout from his application. “It created this big rhubarb,” he says. “All of the rabbis appeared on my behalf, the ADL guy appeared on my behalf. Finally they voted to let me in.” But that wasn’t the end of the story, Buffett tells JTA. The Highland had a rule requiring members to donate a certain amount of money to their synagogues. Buffett, of course, wasn’t a synagogue member, so the club changed its policy: Members now would be expected to give to their synagogues, temples or churches. But that still didn’t quite work, Buffett recalls with a laugh, because of his agnosticism. In the end, the rule was amended to ask simply that members make some sort of charitable donation, and the path to Buffet’s membership was clear. “He’s an incredible guy,” says Lipsey, today the pub-
lisher of the Buffalo News. In 1973, The Sun won a Pulitzer prize in Local Investigative Specialized Reporting for an expose on financial impropriety at Boys Town, Nebraska. “Warren came up with the key source for us knowing what was going on out there,” Lipsey says. Buffett himself researched Boys Town’s stocks to bolster the story, Lipsey adds. In the 1960s, Omaha Rabbi Myer Kripke decided to invest in his friend Buffett’s new business venture. Their wives had become friendly, he says, and the foursome enjoyed playing the occasional game of bridge together. “My wife had no card sense and I was certainly no competition to Warren, who is a very good bridge player and a lover of the game,” Kripke, rabbi emeritus of Omaha’s Conservative Beth El Synagogue, told JTA. “He’s very bright and very personable and very decent. He is a rich man who is as clean as can be.” Kripke, father of the noted philosopher Saul Kripke, bought a few shares in Berkshire Hathaway and quickly sold them, doubling his money, he says. Recognizing a good thing when he saw it, he bought a bunch more shares in his friend’s company, shares that Rabbi Myer Kripke by the 1990s had made Kripke-who says he never earned more than $30,000 a year as a rabbi--a millionaire. Kripke met his late wife, the children’s book author Dorothy Kripke, at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, the flagship institution of the Conservative movement, where Kripke was ordained as a rabbi in 1937. In 1996, flush from their prescient investment with Buffet’s company, the couple decided to make a major gift to JTS--$7 million in cash to restore the building’s damaged tower, and a deferred gift of some $8 million, which the seminary will receive after Kripke passes away. “Rabbi Kripke had the heart to make a donation to JTS, he had the will to make a donation, he had the desire to make a donation--but if he had not had the means to make a donation, the recreation of our tower would never have happened,” says Rabbi Carol Davidson, the JTS’s vice chancellor for institutional Continued on page 3
Mission Presents Glimpse of Jewry’s Past Continued from page 1 and go to an Ethiopian Absorption Center. Mission participants will also have the unforgettable opportunity to meet some of the recipients of Omaha’s Campaign dollars, and hear first-hand what a difference these donations have made. After Israel, the group will go to Prague where they will see some of Europe’s most important and well-preserved Jewish landmarks. “Prague is a city rich in European history, and a wonderful follow-up to Israel,” explains Julee Katzman, Federation Assistant Director, who visited Prague during the 2001 Women’s Mission. “You can’t help but feel at home there. Everywhere you go there’s something Jewish.” While in Prague, visitors will tour the ancient synagogues, see Terezin concentration camp, explore Prague’s castles and palaces, and take a walking tour marking the life of writer Franz Kafka. For those interested in learning more about Kafka prior to the Mission, be sure to attend “The Works of Franz Kafka”--a class led by Gary Katz in June. Cost of the Community Mission to Israel is $2,300 and includes round trip airfare from Omaha, taxes, transfers, guides, porterage, tips, programs and most meals. For those who are going to both Israel and Prague, the combined cost is $3,800.
A minimum gift of $500 to each of the 2007 and 2008 Annual Campaigns is required. Due to the generosity of the Murray and Sharee Newman and Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundations, a reduced rate of $1,350 each is being offered for Israel for up to eight adults, age 45 or younger. “When I go on a mission, I learn so much about myself,” shares Goldstein. “It’s not just a trip, it’s a lifechanging experience.” This mission will be Goldstein’s 45th since 1991. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are due by July 24. For more information and to request an application, contact Kathy McGauvran, at 334.6427.
The Works of Franz Kafka: An Ideal Pre-Mission Study Session by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Center for Jewish Education Administrator In June, Gary Katz, Library Administrator, will lead a class exploring the various works of Franz Kafka. The class will meet on Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11 a.m to noon, in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. For those planning on the Prague extension to the Israel mission, this is excellent preparation. Kafka was a German speaker in a Czech city and a Jew in a German-speaking population. This double alienation helped him to understand the remoteness of the modern world in general at the beginning of the 20th century. His name has become an adjective (Kafkaesque) that signals the inescapable absurdity of the modern condition. Participants will read several of Kafka’s short fictional pieces and excerpts from novels in order to analyze what kinds of alienation he captures in his narratives and how that alienation works. The cost is $23 per person, discounted to $18 for Federation donors. For more information or to register, call 334.6446.
May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Buffett’s Jewish Connections Continued from page 2 cessful enterprise, from Ike Friedman and advancement. “It was really only possible his family. because of their prior investment many “He has years ago with Warren Buffett.” many friends in Kripke--who says he’s still got a picture the Jewish of Buffett’s late wife, Susan, on his bul- community,” letin board--concurs. Asked if he credits says Forrest Buffett with his financial success, he does- Krutter, Secn’t hesitate. “Entirely, yes,” he says. “I retary of Berknever had much of an income.” shire Hathaway The Israeli government stands to reap and a Past about $1 billion in taxes on Buffett’s pur- President of the chase of Iscar. Shortly after announcing Omaha Jewish Forrest Krutter the deal, Buffett says he was surprised to Federation. learn that a Berkshire subsidiary, CTB Buffett’s former son-in-law, Allen International, was purchasing a control- Greenberg, is a Jew, and now runs the ling interest in another Israeli company, Buffett Foundation, much of whose work AgroLogic. has dealt with reproductive rights and In Israel--which Buffett plans to visit in family-planning. Marc Hamburg, another the fall --the hope is that the deals will member of the Jewish community, is have longer legs: Buffett himself has not Treasurer of Berkshire; Buffett’s personal ruled out future purchases there and, assistant is Toronto native Ian Jacobs, considering his status as a leading who goes by his Hebrew name, Shami. investor, observers say others also may Buffett himself counts the late businesstake a look at Israeli companies now that man Howard “Micky” Newman and phiBuffett has done so. lanthropist Jack Skirball as among his “You won’t find in the world a better- “very closest friends.” run operation than Iscar,” Buffett says. “I Further, Buffett says his “hero and the don’t think it’s an accident that it’s run man who made me an investment success” by Israelis.” The Sun newspaper group was not Buffett’s only early purchase of a Jewish-owned company. In 1983, sealing the deal with a handshake, Buffett bought 90 percent of the Nebraska Furniture Mart from Rose Blumkin, a Russian-born Jew who moved to the United States in 1917. Ike Friedman Rose Blumkin In 1989, he purchased a majority of the stock in Borsheim’s Fine was Ben Graham. Graham, along with Jewelry and Gifts, a phenomenally suc- Newman’s father, Jerry, ran a New York
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What Warren Buffett Hopes to Find in Israel by CAROL KATZMAN meeting earlier this month, Editor of the Jewish Press Israeli and Jewish newspaWarren Buffett says he’s pers exploded with the not much of a traveler. In news. “Eitan warned me it fact, until last year, he had would get a lot of attennever been south of the tion,” Buffett said, “but equator. But next fall, he they were certainly preplans to visit Eitan pared for it.” Wertheimer in Israel and When asked what caught see the Iscar plant outside his eye in the page-and-aNahariya. half letter Eitan Wertheimer He’s not worried about sent him, Buffett replied, Warren Buffett security either. “I’ll let the “It’s amazing what you can people on that end take care of that,” tell in the first five minutes--even on the Buffett said in an interview Tuesday written page. You recognize certain afternoon. But he is getting a lot of qualities--like when I met Charlie requests from people who want to (Munger) in 1959, or my wife.” accompany him there, including a Susie Buffett visited Israel several woman from Pittsburgh who opened times--with Bella Eisenberg and once her letter with “I’m a typical Jewish with former Omahan Raquel Newman. mother...” The two women were trapped there Buffett says he’s not looking for mar- during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. riage proposals, just profitable compaThis will be Warren Buffett’s first trip, nies. He does, however, want to meet which may occur later this fall as his the founder of Iscar. “Eitan and his wife Jewish staff members have already are delightful, but I’m anxious to meet warned that Israel’s summer doesn’t end Eitan’s father,” Buffett said. in August. A Holocaust survivor, Stef He’s also been sent books from Israel Wertheimer started the machine tool written about him, but they’re in company in his garage. “Eitan is justifi- Hebrew. “I had to ask Ian (Jacobs) ably proud of the company they built-- where I should sign my name!” he even though I don’t need to see the laughed. plant to appreciate its value,” he added. No doubt some Israeli CEOs will be Following the announcement of the anxiously awaiting Buffett’s autograph Iscar purchase at Berkshire’s annual’s to appear on more than just books.
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by the firm--including secretaries--in its 18 years of existence. My first son bears the middle name Graham after Ben.” Buffett “is very much honored in the Jewish community,” Kripke says.
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fund called Graham-Newman Corp. “After besieging Ben for the three years after I received my degree from Columbia, Ben and Jerry finally hired me,” Buffett says. “I was the first gentile ever employed
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2. Eileen S. Erman CDC “Educator of the Year” Award ■ Lora Rosenbaugh 3. Jewish Athletic Wall of Fame Awards ■ Tom Kirshenbaum ■ Jill Belmont 4. Jewish High School Athletes of the Year Awards ■ Alexander Cemaj ■ Jacob Godwin ■ Benjamin C. Goldstrom ■ Jon Lerner ■ Zachary Muskin ■ Jacob Phillips ■ Ben Salzinger ■ Alexander Wolf
5. Isadore “Boggy” Bogdanoff All JCC Maccabi Team Award ■ Alex Epstein 6. Staff Anniversary Awards ■ Dan Bonefas (5 yrs) ■ Steve Dean (5 yrs) ■ Jeff Graham (5 yrs) ■ Cynthia Salkin (5 yrs) ■ Wanda Grant (10 yrs) ■ Sharon Lindstrom (10 yrs) ■ Bella Nakhimovich (10 yrs) ■ Lisa Shkolnick (10 yrs) ■ Charlie Gow (15 yrs) ■ Jim McCrea (15 yrs) ■ Anna Mosenkis (15 yrs) ■ Esther Wax (15 yrs) ■ Jeffrey Aizenberg (20 yrs) ■ Barb Holling (40 yrs)
Thank You to our outgoing President, Gary D. Epstein. Dessert reception following. Please RSVP to Leigh Carlson, Community Services Associate at 334-6418 or lcarlson@jccomaha.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Temple Celebrates “Chai Aryeh”
Around the World at the Blumkin Home
Continued from page 1 Officers nominated to serve one-year terms on the Board of Trustees include Wendy Goldberg, president; Jon Meyers, president-elect; Sally Kaplan and Jan Schneiderman, vice presidents; Amee Zetzman, secretary; and John Lehr, treasurer. Trustees nominated for three-year terms are Gary Marshall, Stacey Rockman, Stacy Simon, and Dorothy Spizman. Entertainment at the annual meeting will be provided by JewDa, executive producer of Kosher Productions, who will perform his vision of hip-hop based on Judaic life. His explorations led him to a long range of styles which also included reggae. He portrays Judaic mysticism and stories of the Torah and is currently working on a CD to compliment his vision of hip-hop based on Judaic life. In addition, an intergenerational musical will pay tribute to the Azriel family. Dinner will be catered by Outback Steakhouse. All ages are welcome and there will be activities for children. Adult charge is $18 per person; children five to 12 are $5 each, and children under five are free of charge.
Native Son
Photos from top left: Blukim Home residents admire Nil Dizdar in a traditional bindalli, a Turkish gown used for special occasions like weddings; RBJH/JSS Executive Director Mike Silverman--AKA The Statue of Liberty--led the parade of models representing more than a dozen countries from around the world; Norm Lincoln, center left, represented Scandinavian Vikings (his wife, Marge came as Queen Elizabeth); Linda Fitzgerald wears a Chinese silk pantsuit
and Kay Jackson models a gown and head dress from the Sudan; Director of Food Services Matt Caniglia wears his father’s folk dacing outfit from Carlenti, Sicily, while Pat Inserra’s dress of red,green and white recalls Cala Brea in Northern Italy; the Greek goddess Hera is wheeled in as residents of the Blumkin Home laugh when they realize it’s Rabbi Myer Kripke. The Home served international foods last week from Mexico, Italy and China.
Congratulations
class of
2006!
Continued from page 1 he has also served as Community Relations Council Director for the Jewish Community Association. As ADL’s Community Director, Potash oversaw the implementation of ADL programs and policies. In two years, Potash tripled the Austin office operating budget and recently raised more than a quarter million dollars at ADL’s Torch of Liberty dinner honoring Lynn and Tom Meredith, former CFO of computer giant Dell, Inc. “I’m excited because Alan brings with him the unique combination of depth of experience, a proven track record and roots in the Omaha community,” said ADL President David Gilisnky. “He is poised to build upon Bob’s successes and lead our organization into the future.” A graduate of Southern Illinois University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Potash is the son of Omahans Ruth and Merle Potash. The Central High alum also worked for the Jewish Community Center as Assistant Director of the Cultural and Performing Arts program here before moving to Israel in 1986. He served on the boards of Friedel Jewish Academy and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Potash, his wife, Amy, and twin sons, Ezra and Adeev, will be moving here over the summer. “I am thrilled and honored to take the helm of an office that Bob Wolfson has so carefully developed. To come to a community that understands the importance of today’s issues and how they impact not only the Jewish community, but the community at large is very exciting,” he noted. “It will be wonderful to return home and be connected with family and friends.”
Amherst College, Baldwin-Wallace College, Ball State University, Baylor University, Boston College (Honors Program), Briar Cliff University, Carnegie Mellon University, Carleton College, Case Western Reserve University, Central Washington University, Chapman University, Colorado State University (Honors Program), Columbia College, Creighton University (2), DePaul University, Dominican University, DrakeUniversity,DukeUniversity,FontonneUniversity,GeorgeWashington University, Gustavus Adolphus University, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University, Kansas State University, Lawrence University, Lehigh University, Loyola University Chicago, Luther College, Macalester College, Marquette University, Midland Lutheran College, Morningside College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Northeastern University, New York University, Reed College, Regis University, Rice University, St. Joseph’s University, St. Louis University (4) (Honors Program), St. Xavier University, Seattle University (2), Simpson College, Smith College, Southern Methodist University, Stanford University, Texas Christian University (2) (Honors Program), Tufts University, University of British Columbia, University of California-San Diego, University of Chicago (2), University of Findlay, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne, University of Iowa, University of Kansas, University of Minnesota (Honors Program), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (7) (Honors Program), University of Nebraska at Omaha (2), University of Northern Iowa, University of Pittsburgh (Honors), University of Puget Sound, University of South Dakota, University of Washington (Honors Program), Washington University (2), Wellesley College, Wesleyan University, Western Washington University
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May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
LIVE GENEROUSLY. IT DOES A WORLD OF GOOD.
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The following people have contributed to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2006 Annual Campaign. Thank you for living generously and helping us reach our 2006 campaign goal of $3.2 million. Pacesetters and Lions of Judah are listed in bold print. Donors who have increased their gift are also listed in bold print. Pacesetters
Lion of Judah
Ben Gurion Society
Men’s Campaign
Men’s Campaign
Men’s Campaign
Men’s Campaign
Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign Women’s Campaign
(Men making an annual gift of$6,000 or more) Joel Alperson ● Harvey Aronson ❏ Baker Family ❍ Robert Belgrade Harold Bernstein Steven Bloch ❏ Irv Blumkin ❏ Ronald Blumkin ■ Marc Brodkey Sherman Brodkey Jack Cohen Henry Davis ■ Steve Denenberg Gary D. Epstein ❏ Harold Epstein ❏ Paul Epstein ❏ Robert Epstein Joseph Erman ❍ Michael Erman ❍ Tom Fellman ❍ David Friedland ❍ Friedman Family ❍ Sandy Friedman Willard Friedman ❏ Lawrence Gilinsky Morton Glass ❏ Dick Glazer ❏ Donald Goldstein ❏ Buddy Goldstein ❏ Herbert Goldsten Trust ❍ Jeff Gordman Jerry Gordman Nelson T. Gordman ❏ Don Greenberg Paul Grossman Gary Javitch Arnold Joffe ❏ Lawrence Josephson Howard Kaslow ■ Maurice Katzman Kavich Family Charitable Foundation ❏ Jeff Kirshenbaum* Joseph Kirshenbaum ❏ Kevee Kirshenbaum Howard Kooper ❍ Howard Krantz Forrest Krutter ❏ John Lehr* Martin Lehr ❏ Jay Lerner Leonard Lewis Livingston Foundation ■ Edward Malashock Bernie Meyers David Meyers Jerome J. Milder ❏ Allan Murow* N. Pitlor & Son ❏ Bob Newman ❍ Murray Newman ❍ Allan Noddle Jay Noddle ❏ Noddle Development Joseph Kirshenbaum (In Memory) Harlan Noddle Steven Nogg Omaha Bedding Company ■ Omaha Steaks ● Anne and Alan Simon Eve and Fred Simon (In Memory) Steve Simon Kathy Simon Stacy and Bruce Simon Todd Simon Alan Parsow Sol Parsow Michael Platt Carl Riekes ❏ Henry & Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund ❏ Steven Riekes Andrew Robinson ❏ Blaine Roffman Larry Roffman Charles Schneider Harley Schrager ❏ Phil Schrager ❍ Millard Seldin ■ Ted Seldin ❍ Bruce Shackman ❏ Norm Sheldon Dan Sherman Mike Sherman* Jack Shrago Steve Silver ❏ Stanley Silverman Stuart Simon Gerald Simons ❏ Milton Simons Mark Singer Slosburg Family Charitable Trust ❍ Jerry Slusky Special Donor-Advised Fund ❍ Swartzbaugh FarberAssociates, Inc. Isidore Tretiak (In Memory) Maurice Udes ❏ John Waldbaum ❏ Arnold Weitz Eugene Zweiback ❏ Anonymous
Bobbie Epstein Sandy Epstein Ruth Erman Darlynn Fellman Frances Fried Nancy Friedland Roz Friedman ▲ Thama Friedman Carol Gendler Maggie Gerber Janet Glass Ann Goldstein* Jan Goldstein Shirley Goldstein Linda K. Gordman Nancy Greenberg Deborah Greene Karen Javitch Fran Juro* Andi Kavich Maxine Kirshenbaum ◆ Sharon Kooper ◆ Joanie Lehr Bobbi Leibowitz Susan Levine Fran Milder Lyra Ann Monasee Jeanie Neff Phyllis Newman Sharee Newman ♥ Nancy Noddle ◆ Patty Nogg Carol Parsow Marcia Pitlor Dorothy Riekes Zoë Riekes Kimberly Robinson Julie Rochman Cynthia Schneider Jan Schneiderman Beth Schrager Terri Schrager Bev Seldin ◆ Sarah Seldin Anne Shackman ◆ Phyllis Sherman ◆ Norma Silverman* Ellen Slosburg Martha Slosburg Gail Veitzer ◆ Joodi Veitzer ◆ Anonymous ◆ Anonymous
Bruce Baron Paula Boggust Marty Cohen Jeff Epstein Ted Friedland David Gilinsky Jim Glazer John Glazer Bruce Goldberg Cindy Goldberg* David Goldberg* Danielle Gordman Kip Gordman Susan Lehr Trenton Magid Joe Meyers Michael Miller Mike Norton Jonathan Rockman Nancy Schlessinger * Michael Shrago* Mike Siegel Melissa Steiner Charlie Sullivan Tom Vann Steve Zalkin Amee Zetzman Anonymous* Anonymous Anonymous*
Boris Dobin Jacque Dolgoff William Dreyfus Gregory Dubov Ilya Dubov David Dvorkin Lewis Eirinberg Iosif Elkin Gary Emenitove Bob Endelman Randy Endelman Richard Engel Robert Engel Arnold Epstein Gary Epstein Howard Epstein Irv Epstein Jack Epstein Jason Epstein Melvin Epstein Richard Epstein Ronald Epstein Sam Epstein Abram Erlich Richard Erlich Mikhail Etus Steven Evans Abraham Faier Max Falk Louis Fedman Sam Fedman Ted Feidman Ronald Feldman Dick Fellman Stanley Feltman W. Ferer Cantor Leo Fettman Paul Fine Glen Fineman Steve Fingold Joel Finkel David Finkle Doug Finnicum Stephen Fischer Brian Fisher Hersz Flatowicz Pierre Flatowicz Jim Folsom Irving Forbes Harold Fox Joseph Frank Thomas Frank Alan Fredricks Jerry Freeman John Freeman Robert Freeman Jim Fried Marshall Fried Samuel Fried Bruce Friedlander Walter Friedlander Arthur Friedman Harold Friedman Lloyd Friedman Morris Friedman Scott Friedman Steve Friedman Thomas Friedman Robert Fromkin Julius Froom Harry Gates Hymie Gendler Larry Gendler Dave Gerber Donald Gerber Paul Gerber Moshe Gershovich Ron Giller Stu Giller Lawrence Ginsburg Arkadiy Ginzburg Pete Godwin Sherman Golbitz Frank Goldberg Richard Goldberg Mark Goldfein Gene Goldman John Goldner David Goldstein Gary Goldstein Herman Goldstein Howard Goldstein Brad Goldstrom Larry Goldstrom Mark Goldstrom Alan Goodman Eric Goodman* Harold Goodman Robert Goodman Thomas Goodman Bruce Gordon Peter Gordon Steve Gorelick Gary Gotsdinger Richard Grant Lonnie Graul Gary Green Andrew Greenberg Bucky Greenberg Maurice (Bud) Greenspan Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Barry Grossman Jerome Grossman Joe Guss Victor Gutman Bruce Gutnik Mace Hack Patrick Hale Howard Halperin Michael Halsted James Hamicksburg * Allan Handleman Sheldon Harris Stewart Hart Larry Herman Donald Hoberman Jerry Hoberman Kenneth Hoberman Michael Hoberman David Hoffman Philip Itkin
Richard Ivers Lewis Izenstat Eli Jabenis Jon Jabenis Adam Jacobs David Jacobs Marshall Jacobs Art Jacobson David Jacobson Richard Jacobson Fred Kader Allen Kahn Marc Kahn Marcel Kahn Thomas Kahn Howard Kaiman Jerome Kaiman (In Memory) Nathan G. Kaiman Leo Kamisar Gary Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan Sandy Kasin Sanford Kasner Richard Katelman Robert Katleman Jerry Katskee Milton Katskee Ralph Katz Michael Katzman Rick Katzman Leslie Kay Louis Kazor Larry Kelberg Adam Kirshenbaum Corey Kirshenbaum Dick Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum Matt Kirshenbaum Tom Kirshenbaum Bruce Klein Donald Klein Harry Klein Milton Kleinberg Mark Kohn Sam Kohn Igor Konfisakhar Leonid Konfisakhar Joseph Kosinovsky Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Jack Kozlen Marc Kraft Abe Krasne Leonard Krasne Lloyd Krasne Manfred Kreitstein Alan Kricsfeld Stanley Krieger Rabbi Myer Kripke Viatcheslav Krutik Gary Kudym Abram Kukawka Gary Kuklin Alan Kulakofsky Eugene Kulik Gregory Kulik Robert Kully Allen Kurland Howard Kutler Sol Kutler Stuart Kutler Paul Landow Alan Langnas Jeffrey Laudin Lewis Lavine Mike Lazer Ben Lebowich David Leibowitz Michael Leibowitz Martin Leiserowitz Robert Lepp David Lercher Gary Lerner Richard Lerner Hugh Levin Rabbi Mordechai Levin Mike Levine Steve Levinger Vidar Levit Dan Levitan Roland Lewis Dmitriy Libov Michael Liddy Eugene Linde Reuben Lippett Harvey Lipsman Boris Litvin Jerry Mack Mark Magalnik Bernard Magid Mike Makoid Larry Malashock Neal Malashock Robert Malashock Stanley Mandler Harold Mann Justin Manvitz Todd Manvitz Dan Marburg Gerald Marburg Irv Marcus Milton Marcus Eyal Margalit Myron Marko Howard Martin Leon Martin Sheldon Masnek Harold Maurer Boris May Michael Mayzet Dan Meiches Maurice Meiches Gennadiy Menkov Gerald Meyer Philip Meyer Bruce Meyers Jon Meyers Marty Meyers Larry Meyerson Leo Meyerson
Troy Meyerson Carl Milder Mike Milder Paul Militzer Sidney Mirvish Stanley Mitchell Henry Monsky Gordon Moshman Jack Moskovitz Howard Mulnick Ken Munzesheimer Stuart Muskin Alexander Nahimov Leonid Nakhimovich Paul Nathan Howard Needelman Steven Neesman Roger Nichols Simon Noel Alan Nogg Alvin Nogg Anthony Nogg Brian Nogg Jeffrey Nogg* Dave Noodell Steven Noodell Mark Ocheretyanskiy Bob Olesh Fred Ostrow Louis Pachman Ophir Palmon Marvin Parilman Steve Parsow Gary Paskar Stanley Passer Joel Patton Dick Pellman Robert Perelman Steve Perelman Edward Pesetsky Harvey Pickel Eric Pisetsky Matthew Placzek Hap Pocras Aleksandr Poluektova Merle Potash Norman Pred Ira Priluck Dave Radler Adam Raffel* Leonid Raksin Matthew Ray Steven Redler Robert Reiss Miles Remer Stephen Rennard Don Rice James Rice Tom Rice Jonathan Rich Phil Rich Marvin Richards Harry Richman Marty Ricks Ari D. Riekes Gary Rifkin Andy Robinson Dick Rochman Normand Roffman Lloyd Roitstein Bill Rosen Brian Rosen David Rosen David Jon Rosen Steve Rosen Gerald Rosenblatt Sidney Rosenblatt Jacob Rosenberg Thor Rosenquist Martin Rosenstein Lee Ross Steven Rothenberg Howard Ruback Michael Ruback* Mark Rubezhin Barry Rubin Ron Rubin Michael Sadofsky Mark Saferstein Michael Salkin Ernest Saltzman Errol Saltzman Kevin Saltzman Fred Salzinger Mark Sanford Milton Saylan Abe Schloff Ben Schneider Edward Schneider Seymour Schneider Scott Schneiderman Michael Schop Dan Schuller Natan Schwalb Michael Schwartz Sidney Schwartz Solomon Schwartz Wayne Schwarz Jeffrey Schweid Anthony Scioli Charles Scudder Greg Searson Nathan Seitelbach George Shafer Howard Shandell Ben Shapiro David Shapiro Larry Shapiro Matt Shapiro Oleg Shats Rabbi Maximo Shechet Leonard Shefren Lev Shekhtman Marc Sherman Mark Sherman Dave Shkolnick Rodney Shkolnick Michael Shnayder Leon Shrago Howard Shrier Michael Shrier Marty Shukert
Alan Shulewitz Joe Shyken Paul Shyken Gus Sideris Wayne Siegel Howard Silber Peter Silberstein James Silverman Michael Silverman Michael Simon Scott Simon Steven Simon Harold Siporin Larry Siref Steve Siref Stephen Skulsky Jeffrey Smedlund Norman Smeerin Edward Smith Barry Snyder Michael Snyder James Sophir Ramon Somberg Jim Spooner Arthur Stein Mark Stein Robert Stein Alan Stoler Bud Studna Leon Summer John Sutin Marvin Suvalsky Mark Sweet Melvin Tatelman Scott Tatelman Jeff Taxman Marvin Taxman Roger Tederman Fred Tichauer Steven Tipp Max Tomchin Eitan Tsabari Gregory Tsyrlin Allen Tully Stewart Tully Boris Turetsky Ruvim Turetsky Jerald Venger Bennett Wagner Arthur Walker Marty Warren Jim Wax Bennett Wayne Harry Weiner Kenneth Weiner Marvin Weiner Dale Weinstein Bryan Wine Norman Wine Stewart Winograd Ernest Wintroub Leon Wintroub Philip Wolf Harry Wolfson Bob Wolfson Steve Wolpa Warren “Tony” Wolpa Irvin Yaffe Sol Yaffe Harold Zabin Laurence Zacharia Richard Zacharia Jerome Zeffren Ted Zetzman Norman Zevitz Michael Zinkov James Zipursky Barry Zoob Mort Zuber Steve Zuber
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Rabin Society (Men under the age of 45 making an annual gift of $500-$999) Robert Goldberg Jay Gordman Rabbi Jonathan Gross* Rabbi Mendel Katzman Guy Matalon John McGauvran* Scott Meyerson John Vann*
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Harold Abrahamson Alvin Abramson Michael Abramson Tony Adelson Jeffrey Aizenberg Lawrence Albert Leon Alexander David Alloy Harry Alloy Jr.Pacesetter Bernie Altsuler (Men under age 45 making James Anderson anannual gift of $3,600Rami Arav $5,999) Izrail Aronchik Mark Robinson John Atherton Joel Schlessinger* Brett Atlas Eric Phillips Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Bob Batt Double Chai Donald Baum (Women making an annual Robert Beber giftof $3,600-$4,999) Gene Beckerman Susie Blumkin Bruce Belgrade Eunie Denenberg* Jim Belgrade Pearl Richman Giventer Mark Belmont Phyllis Glazer Lenny Bergman Gloria Kaslow Harry Berman Shirley Kulakofsky Stuart Bernstein* Kim Noddle Terry Bernstein Ramona Pepper* Tom Bernstein Suzanne Singer William Bianchini Mimi Waldbaum Alan Biniamow Morris Birenbaum Pomegranate Marvin Bittner (Women making an annual Fred Blank gift of $1,800-$3,599) Larry Blass Chris Blumkin* Albert Bloch Becki Brenner* Aron Blyakher Bess Brodkey Brian Bogdanoff Jane Brooks Cantor Gaston Bogomolni Esther Canar Howard Borden Anne Cohen Bob Boumstein Babe Cohn James Bresel Cheryl Cooper Morris Bresel Elaine Feldman Bruce Brodkey Deanna Gilinsky Lawrence Brodkey Linda Gordman Peter Brodkey Caryl Greenberg David Bucksner Joanie Jacobson Larry Budwig Joan Kaiman Sam Bukenholts Susie Kaplan Jeffrey Cannon Renee Kasner Fritz Cassman Carol Katzman David Chait Madeline Katzman Jay Chasen Sharon Kirshenbaum Robert Chenoweth Sandy Kutler William Christensen Barbara Lashinsky* Alan Cohen Sandy Lehr Bob Cohen Bert Lewis Carl Cohen Deanna Liddy Don Cohen Jody Malashock Gilbert Cohen Linda Mann Marc Cohen Sue Meyers Michael Cohen Ducky Milder Sheldon Cohen Lori Miller* William Cohen Janie Murow* Barry Cohn Barb Platt Edward Cohn Arlene Richman Gerald Cohn Iris Ricks David Cooper Margo Riekes Justin Cooper Barbara Rips Ronald Cooper Jane Rips Sam Cooper Stacey Rockman* Meyer (Mickey) Coren Hannah Schwalb Sheldon Coren Helene Shrago Ken Cowan Esther Simon John Dacey Eve Simon Jerry Dann Lion of Judah Muriel Steinberg Steven Danon (Women making an annual Louri Sullivan Arthur Davidson gift of $5,000 or more) Selma Tretiak Doug Davidson Margie Alperson ◆ Nancy Wolf Larry DeBruin Phyllis Aronson Debbi Zweiback* David DeLand Judy Baker Anonymous Manuel Delgadillo (In Memory) George Demidovich Ben Gurion Society Norman Denenberg* Frances Batt ◆ Sandra Belgrade (Men or women under the Patrick Denny Carol Bloch age of 45 making an annual Dennis DePorte Marcia Cohen gift of $1,000 or more) Jack Diamond Susie Cohn ✡ Tom Baker Richard Diamond
Women’s Campaign Gaylene Abrahamson Helen Abrahamson Louise Abrahamson Doris Abramson Gail Abramson Sheri Abramson Bettie Adams Arlene Adelson Bernice Adler Charlotte Adler Patti Adler Susan Aizenberg Eleanor Alexander Jenifer Altman* Millie Altman Phyllis Angrisane Beatrice Appel Phyllis Aron Alexandra Aronchik Joyce Ashley Stacey Atlas Barbara Ault Diane Axler Baum Tatyana Ayol Elyce Azriel Ruth Babendure Betsy Baker Sally Barenbaum Jill Baron Celia Barron Kathryn Beauchaine Arlene Beber Robyn Belgrade Jill Belmont Wendy Berenson Marilyn Berman Genevieve Bernstein Joan Bernstein Mary Bernstein Rose Bernstein* Shirley Bittner Judy Blank Claire Blass Juni Bloch Rebecca Bloom Rachel Blum Lyubov Blyakher Claudia Boehm Cindy Bogdanoff Lena Bogomolni
Ruth Fox Beverly Frank Tiffany Franklin Sally Fredricks Joanne Freeman Robyn Freeman Beverly Freiden Alison Freifeld Norma Fried Phyllis Fried Susie Friedberg Doris Friedland Jamie Friedland Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Beth Friedman Debbie Friedman Gail Friedman Gloria Friedman Joan Friedman Lois Friedman Mania Friedman Merriam Friedman Sheryl Friedman Barbara Frohman Marlen Frost Mandy Frost-Becker Susana Frydman-Levin Idella Gaer Jennie Gates Linda Gates Beth Gaynes Ginsberg Anne Gerber Bernice Gerber Orly Gilat Bev Gilinsky Chickie Gilinsky Barb Giller Julie Ginsberg Cheri Ginsburg Elizabeth Ginsburg Larisa Ginzburg Donna Givner Hollis Glaser Sandra Goldberg Wendy Goldberg Jean Goldfein Barbara Goldstein Jill Goldstein Judi Goldstein Dora Goldstrom Rini Gonsher June Goodbinder Dolores Goodman Allison Gordman Andrea Gordman Bridget Gordman Sandy Gordon Hilde Gottlieb Esther Graetz Diane Graul Sherri Green Carole Greenberg Rosalie Greenspan Ellie Greenspoon Tracy Grinstead-Everly Linda Gross Pearl Gross Sara Gross* Mary Sue Grossman Stephanie Grossman Amanda Gurock Pauline Guss Margie Gutnik Verna Hahn Wendy Hahn Debbie Hale Mendy Halsted Andrea Hamburg Nanciana Hamicksburg * Eva Handleman Janice Harris Marti Harris Florence Hauss Rhonda Hayward Robin Hellwig Kathy Helm Retha Herman Ida Herzoff Shari Hess Bonnie Hines Kathy Hirshman Jennifer Hoberman Leslie Hoberman Nancy Hoberman (In Memory) Pauline Hoberman Tiffany Hoberman Phyllis Hoffman Lorraine Hopson Nancy Hornstein Bonnie Horwich Gloria Hyman Marsha Itkin Marilyn Ivers Doris Izenstat Pearl Jabenis Sara Jacobs Nancy Jacobson Ronnie Jacobson Lynne Jensen Sylvia Jess Sheryn Joffe Tamra Willett Johnson Ilse Kahn Kimberly Kahn Roxanne Kahn Ann Kaiman Sylvia Kaiman Bernice Kaplan Charlotte Kaplan Dorothy Kaplan Marilyn Kaplan* Rose Kaplan Polina Karayera Bea Karp Frankie Kasin Lucille Katelman Myllee Katelman Esther Katleman Cookie Katskee Eve Katskee
Kari Katskee Esther Katz Frances Katz Marilyn Katz Nan Katz Julee Katzman Rose Katzman Dana E. Kaufman Nanci Kavich Helen Kay Renee Kazor Betty Kelberg Leann Kelberg Gail Kenkel Colleen Kennealy Sharon Kerr Hedy Kirke Jenn Kirshenbaum Kate Kirshenbaum Myrna Kirshenbaum Shirley Kirshenbaum Jackie Klein Janet Klein Marsha Kleinberg Harriet Klopper Roza Kogan Diane Kohler Janet Kohll Mollie Kohn Betty Kolnick Marina Konfisakhar Robyn Kooper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Gertrude Korney Leah Kosinovsky Alice Kosowsky Dorothy Kotok Shane Kotok Bette Kozlen Ruth Kraft Edythe Krasne Peggy Krasne Debbie Kricsfeld Cheryl Kricsfeld Florence Kricsfeld Angie Krieger Robbi Kudym Traci Kugler Jane Kulakofsky Rita Kulik Connie Kully Denise Kully Leslie Kully Sandra Kurland Jordana Kurtzman Barbara Kushner Debi Kutler Harriet Kutler Nancy Kutler Stefani Lailari Carole Lainof Geraldine LaPierre Nancy Lazer Grace Lebowich Cheryl Lerner Martha Lerner Corinne Levin Judith Levin (In Memory) Karin Levine Bonnie Levinger Vera Levit Barb Levitan Gale Levitan Lisa Lewis Rocky Lewis Vera Lewis Marina Libov Lisa Lieb* Libby Lincoln Lydia Linde Louise Lippett Marcia Lipsman Batia Litvak Anna Litvin Helene Lohman Bonnie London Ellen Long Doris Lubman Fritzi Luefshuetz Ruth Luttbeg Candee Mack Liza Magalnik Carolyn Magid Diane Malashock Norma Malashock Paula Mandell Inessa Manevich Helen Manheimer Marilyn Manvitz Wendy Manvitz Deb Marburg Judith Marburg Harriet Marcus Joan K. Marcus Harriet Marko Regina Marshall Joan Martin Julie Martin Sally Masnek Elinor Matalon Beverly Maurer Kathy McGauvran Esther Meiches Marybeth Meiches Rosalie Meiches Nelli Menkov Sarah Meyer Tina Meyers Deenie Meyerson Jamie Meyerson Jenny Meyerson Miriam Meyerson Renee Micklin Bernice Milder Nancy Milder Lazer Rhoda Milder Harriet Miller Marian Miller Sue Millward Lynda Mirvish Evie Mitchell
Ethel Mogil Susie Mogil Anna Mogilevskaya Pam Monsky Beverly Moore Anna Mosenkis Ann Moshman Ann Moskovits Barbara Mueting Bettie Muskin Linda Muskin Elaine Nachman Jeanette Nadoff Randi Nanfito Laura-Lee Needelman Maria Neesman Donna Noel Babe Nogg Jaime Nogg Kelly Nogg Manya Nogg Marian Nogg Ozzie Nogg Sandy Nogg Ann Noodell Marcy Noodell Susie Norton Helen Novak Rita Novak Donna Olesh Reva Oruch Ruth Oruch Ann Osborne Bede Ostrow Karen Oyler Elaina Ozeroff Martha Paige Lucille Paskowitz Fefe Passer Ella Patkovsky Magda Peck Betty Perelman Vicki Perlmeter Cheryl Phillips Gerri Phillips Julie Phillips Shelly Pichik Gilda Pieck Helen Pisetsky Kim Placzek Ellen Platt Karen Plotkin Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller Sheila Polikov Karen Pollak Corinne Polsky Larisa Poluektova Mariya Poluektova Ruth Potash Sherri Preston Sheila Priluck Sharon Quittner Gretchen Radler Wendy Raffel* Irina Raksin Nancy Rampey Eve Randone Elizabeth Raphael Catherine Rawlings Dodi Redler Amy Ref Wendy Reiss Eileen Remer Barbara Rennard Juliana Reno Floraine Rice Jeanne Rice Diane Rich Helen Rifkin Chorney Merilee Rimerman Nancy Rips Paula Robinson Judy Roffman Phyllis Roffman Silvia Roffman Mimi Rogers Ann Roitstein Debbie Roitstein Becky Rosen Cathy Rosen Margo Rosen Rita Rosen Rose Rosen Sheila Rosen Toni Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Rachel Rosenberg Rose Rosenberg Dottie Rosenblum Julie Rosenquist Bunny Rothenberg Susan Rothholz Faye Ruback Marcia Ruback Alla Rubezhin Betty Rubin Erica Rubin Natalie Rubin Judy Rubin Marina Sadofsky Selma Sadofsky Mary Saferstein Janette Salkin Linda Saltzman Lynne Saltzman Rosalie Saltzman Lynn Samuel Betty Sanford Vicki Sanford Tamara Say Rosalie Saylan Julia Schapiro Bea Schimmel Jenni Schlossman Beatrice Schneider Carol Schneider Margy Schneider Heidi Schneiderman Melissa Schop Lillian Schrager Sarah Schreiber Sophie Katz Schulman
Phyllis Schwartz Andee Scioli Betty Segell Dalma Seitelbach Diane Shandell Amy Shapiro Audrey Shapiro Melissa Shapiro* Sherry Shapiro Jeanne Shechet Suzy Sheldon Claudia Sherman Debra Sherman Patty Sherman Usha Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Phoebe Shkolnick Cynthia Shoham Follick* Dani Shrago Josephine Shrago Aveva Shukert Cindy Shulewitz Susie Shyken Simmy Siegel Sissy Silber Michele Silberstein Esther Silver Susan Silver Janis Silverberg Lorraine Silverman Mimi Silverman Susan Silverman Gail Silverstein Jill Simon Joie Simon Tootie Simon Judy Simons Maxine Simons Esther Singer Esther Siref Linda Siref-Simons Nancy Skid Andrea Skolkin Anne Skolkin Charlotte Slutzky Koom Debi Smedlund Shirlee Smeerin Gloria Smith Helen Soiref Bridget Solomon* Susan Somberg Cari Sommer Penny Sophir Merrian Spiegal Stacie Spies-Matz Ninella Spivak Dorothy Spizman Gayle Spooner Edith Stein Frances Stein Lorraine Stein Susan Stein Georgiann Steinberg Phyllis Steinberg Judith Stern Rocky Stern Esther Stoler Dorothy Strauss Marlene Sukiennik Sylvia Summer Dorothy Suvalsky Susan Swartz Sylvia Swartz Lynn Sweet Barbara Taxman Linda Tederman Elaine Tepperman Helena Tichauer Pearl Tieger Ellina Tomchin Margarita Treskunova Eadie Tsabari Jane Tsyrlin Judy Tully Lucy Turetsky Margaret Turetsky Tevee Turkel Lara Usherenko* Sally Venger Mary Lou Walker Patsy Wallace Marilyn Warren Phyllis Wasserman Helen Weber Joye Wees Ina Weiner Kathy Weiner Alice Weiss Anne Weitz Audrey Wiener Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Linda Wilson Laura Wine Lois Wine Sally Wintroub Blanche Wise Sara Wisnia Shelley Wisnia Bernice Wolfson Sibby Wolfson Annette Yaffe Galina Yurikov Phyllis Zabin Barb Zacharia Terri Zacharia Rosalyn Zeffren Inna Zevakina Dorothy Zevitz Paula Ziegman Rozalya Zinkov Sally Zipursky Nora Zoob Bev Zuber Judith Zucker Rosie Zweiback Evelyn Zysman
● Prime Ministers Circle (Individual, families, corporations: $100,000 & above) ❍ King Solomon’s Circle (Individual: $25,000-$99,999 & Corporations: $50,000-$99,999) ■ Chai Circle (Individual: $18,000-$24,999 & Corporations: $25,000-49,999) ❏ Joshua’s Circle (Individuals: $10,000-$17,000 & Corporations $18,000-$24,999) ▲ Platinum Lion ($100,000 & above) ✡ Emerald Lion ($25,000 & 99,999) ♥ Sapphire Lion ($18,000-$24,999) ◆ Ruby Lion ($10,000-$17,999) * New in category
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:ADL/CRC,Jewish Community Center,Jewish Family Service,Center for Jewish Education,Jewish Senior Services and The Jewish Press.In Israel and overseas,your gift helps feed the hungry,rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism.Your annual gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign empowers you to make a visible and measurable difference in Jewish life.
The 2006 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign 2006 General Campaign Co-Chairs: Anne & Bruce Shackman
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 23,2006.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 Brenda Frank at 334-6429.
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
“The Eyes Have It” at Malbar Vision Centers well as wholesale-type competition, two of the major drawbacks. NEXT GENERATION asAccording to Buzz, their father was their role model, and he was the one IN BUSINESS who set the standards to which they by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES
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The Malashock family’s optical business has been an integral part of Omaha’s historical Jewish-owned enterprises for over 50 years. It all began with a jewelry store on the southeast corner of 16th & Farnam St., founded by Jacob “Jay” Malashock, and his partner and brother, Harry Malashock. Then Jay’s son, Dr. Stanley Malashock, known to his friends as “Buddy”, began the optical company with his partner and brother, Robert “Bob” Malashock. Stanley is the father of Drs. Neal and Larry Malashock, who are now equal partners in Malbar Corporation, which includes four optical shops in various locations within the Omaha area. Neal, who goes by the nickname, “Buzz”, says, “They split the company in 1960, with Bob taking over the jewelry business, and Dad taking the optical Dr. Neal “Buzz” Malashock c o m p a n y. When he needed a corporate name for his business, he borrowed the first three initials of Malashock and combined it with the first three letters of Barbara, our mother’s name, to coin the name, ‘Malbar’.” The jewelry store is still in operation, but has moved from its downtown location and is now at 712 No. 114 St. in West Omaha, and run by Bob’s children, Jay Malashock and Debbie Baker. In all three generations, brothers became business partners. Another thing common in the early days was the fact that jewelry stores and optical companies co-existed in either different levels of the same building or adjacent to one another. Neither Buzz nor Larry could explain it. Buzz thought it might be because eyeglass frames were made of gold, and somehow that could have been why the two shops were operated together. “It wasn’t just that way in Omaha,” he explained, “but all over the country.” Buzz works out of the 78th and Cass location in a strip mall anchored by CompUSA, and Larry, the Orchard Plaza office, just north of 132nd and Center. The other two offices are in Maple Village, 101st and Maple Streets, and Brentwood Square, 8104 So. 84 St. in LaVista. Buzz and Larry both attended UNO and completed graduate studies down south, in Memphis, TN. Buzz indicated he was at first, primarily interested in astronomy and physics. “Then, when I started thinking about getting married, it was time to consider a more practical career, so I changed my focus to pre-med, and eventually optometry, which was still scientific enough in nature to please that side of me. When I was still in school, I’d hang around the office a lot and watch Dad.” Larry said, “I enjoyed physics and computer science, but overall, optometry was a nice cross between medicine and business. As it turned out, it was not the profession I expected it to be. It’s changed so much; it’s a totally different ballgame than when I first started.” He mentioned having to work with extra insurance companies and other third-party payers, as
adhere. Larry agreed. Apparently this paid off, because they were recipients of the 2005 “Best of Omaha” award for the best optical shops. Both Buzz and Larry were pretty low key regarding the recognition, but did admit this was just one of many similar awards they had received in the past. In fact, they didn’t even mention the current one. Larry said, “I think we have one for 2006, also, and I don’t know why ‘Omaha Magazine’ picked us, because we never advertise in there.” The magazine is a sponsor of the “Best of Omaha” awards; the choice comes from the consumers, as they’re the ones who vote for the best businesses. Possibly one of the reasons for Malbar’s consistent choice as a favorite, according to Buzz is, “We view eye care more on a quality level, and concentrate on optometry itself, rather than speed or cheap prices. We don’t enter into competition of that nature.” Larry countered with, “Well, those things are important, too, but everybody who comes in here wants to know what condition their eyes are in, what their options are, and what’s going to work. We don’t believe in selling them something they don’t want or need. Our methods are pretty basic.” The corporation’s motto says it all: “The difference is clear--The difference is care.” It’s good to know these equal partners can, if you’ll pardon the expression, see eye-to-eye on most matters pertaining to their business practices. But they still retain their own ideas as individuals. When asked if technology has had any effect on their business, Buzz said, “Well, there definitely have been some changes, but not so much due to technology. It’s mostly that the entire scope of the business has changed. We do more here than just test eyes. Some technology now enables us to diagnose not only eye problems, but physical conditions as well, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiac disorders, and thereby refer these people to their physicians for treatment.” Larry then expressed his opinion regarding technology: “We have to know about it, because our patients know about it and ask questions, and we care about them. We know exactly what our limitations are, what the state of the art is. And new technologies are allowing us to do more non-invasive procedures, such as digital retinal imaging photography which can assist in diagnosing a host of conditions, or allow us to send the image to a retinal specialist in seconds for a second opinion.” Then he added, “Even the glasses have changed, especially bifocals, which I hate, but have to use.” (I mentioned I had tried them once, and had trouble going down steps with them on.) Larry said, “It’s a matter of training the eye, such as changing eye or head position when reading or watching TV, and using a common-sense approach when going down steps--you simply take them off!” And Larry demonstrated by removing his own glasses. “Yes,” he went on, “I agree. They’re great for desk work, but terrible for going down steps.” The next topic discussed was the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Some folks lump them both together as “eye doctors”. Buzz indicated back when his father was practicing, patients made the distinction by noting that optometrists were the Continued on page 7
May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
“The Eyes Have It” Continued from page 6 ones who do not put drops in the eyes. Buzz explains, “We’re not surgeons; we’re not trained in surgery. However, we are able, and do treat eye diseases.” Buzz completed his clinical externship in pediatric vision, vision therapy and low vision care. He maintains these specialty areas in his private practice, as well as contact lens care. Larry added, “The difference between the professions is getting more and more blurred. We study for 8-10 years, which in my opinion, is a lot. But we know our limitations, and they know theirs.” The most rewarding aspect Dr. Larry Malashock of Buzz’s career, he indicates, is the ability to detect and diagnose diseases through eye exams, and cited instances where he had actually saved lives. “I would tell them--no, I would insist --they see their doctors. I have a couple of patients who might not be here today had I not insisted on medical intervention.” “I had a patient like that,” Larry said. “He had a subtle case of malignant melanoma in his eye. I referred him to a specialist, who couldn’t save the eye, but we at least managed to save his life. Every year at Thanksgiving, he gives me two bottles of scotch as a token of gratitude for getting him medical attention before it was too late.” Some of the worst moments Buzz experiences is when some patients are so sensitive and squeamish that all he has to do is touch the eye, and they pass out. “It’s really scary, because you don’t know whether it’s a heart attack, a stroke or just a simple faint,” he said. “Or a narcoleptic,”Larry adds. “I’ve had a few of those, too.” However, both doctors concur that these are rare instances, and most of their days are pretty much routine. But when something like this happens, it does create excitement. “To me, the worst part of the practice is when a lack of communication occurs,” Larry observed. “There is potential for misunderstanding on both the doctor and patient side. They may not understand what my directions are, and I may not understand what they’re trying to tell me. In health care, communication is vital.” Are there any future plans for expanding their business, such as opening another office? Buzz said there were arguments for and against. “Yes. I’m for and he’s against,” Larry joked. Buzz went on to say, “With the rapid expansion and development of West Omaha, it’s a possibility, but when an area expands, so does the market value. Maybe it
wouldn’t be financially feasible, and maybe it would. However, we have no immediate plans to open another office. “I’m more for consolidation rather than expansion,” Buzz observed. “For example, it makes more economic sense to me, to purchase an expensive piece of equipment, and have it in one office with five doctors being able to utilize it, than to have five separate offices and have to purchase five expensive pieces of equipment. However, I am aware of different areas that are underserved, such as 90th and Center, and even North Omaha. However, you have to consider where the patients are, where they will want to go, and there is always the problem of finding good staff.” The practice employs office personnel and receptionists, as well as opticians to assist patients in selecting and fitting eyeglass frames. They also have two other optometrists on staff to work with them. Buzz and his wife, Jody, are members of Beth El Synagogue. He is a past board member of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service and Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Jody was co-chairman of the Federation’s Women’s Campaign, and she and Buzz are co-chairing the community event for Operation Promise, a campaign designated to assist Ethiopian Jews and those in the Soviet Union. She also co-chaired the 2003 JCC Maccabi Games.
Visit www.jewishomaha.org/opera tionpromise, to access Buzz and Jody Malashock’s video invitation for the Operation Promise Community Event on Thursday, June 8, 7 p.m., in the JCC Auditorium. Buzz received his doctorate in 1980, and during the last year of that study, he was elected to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”. Buzz and Jody have two adult children, Ryan, a sports writer for the Joplin Globe in Missouri, and Erin, a second-year law student at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Larry and his wife, Diane, are also members of Beth El. Diane is the director of the Artza teen trip to Israel this year. “I’m going to have a whole month by myself,” Larry says. They have three children: Michelle, 24, who lives in Tortola, located next to St. John and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and is employed as a massage therapist; Andrew, 21, a music major at UNO, and a guitar teacher at a local music store; and Jeffrey, 17, a junior at Burke High, who is also a musician and plays keyboard, piano, saxophone and bassoon. In his spare time, Larry enjoys fishing and taking computers apart and putting them back together again. He
quips, “If I weren’t doing this (optometry), I’d be working on the geek squad at Best Buy!” Larry is also a member of the Nebraska Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. For 10 years, he was the Director of NOA’s Political Action Committee. He has also written articles on optometry practice. Since none of the children of either doctor shows any interest in the family legacy, does this mean Larry and Buzz are the last ones? “I certainly wouldn’t encourage them in that direction,” Larry says. “All the red tape, insurance issues, and filling out forms, and so forth, has taken the fun out of the profession of optometry, but I still enjoy helping people, and I’m not sorry I chose Buzz Malashock meets with students while on the Federation Mission last this.” Buzz claims if he September. He and his wife, Jody, are were to start all co-chairmen of Omaha’s Operation over again, he Promise Campaign, along with Maxine might consider and Joe Kirshenbaum. dentistry, since there is a shortage of manpower in the field, such as orthodontists and cosmetic dentistry. However, they both indicate that despite changes in their field of optometry, there are still a lot of university students preparing for that career, with at least 40-50 percent of them females. While the doctors have encouraged their kids to do their own thing, they may secretly hope the young people will remain or return to Omaha and take over the helm, even though it doesn’t seem likely. But one thing is certain: No matter what profession they ultimately pursue, they will reap the benefits of their fathers’ solid professional ethics and experience. As for Buzz and Larry, their involvement in the Jewish community has helped their business prosper. The people of Omaha have spoken. They have repeatedly cast their votes for Malbar Vision Centers, and also given their vote of confidence. Poetically speaking, not only do the “eyes have it”, but also the “ayes”! It’s been a win-win situation for both the community and the friendly, cordial, Drs. Neal (“Buzz”) and Larry Malashock, who, in return for Omaha’s support, will continue providing quality eye care to patients, and upholding a family tradition of excellence, long recognized and revered.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Students and their “Grandfriends” Create Professional-looking Exhibit
front of the students’ pinhole photographs: Max Weiner, left, Aaron Kurtzman, Steven Levitan, Sam Kricsfeld, Josh and Max Polack, seated; one of the subjects of the exhibit--Mollye Rimmerman--and her daughter Merrilee examine the exhibit’s accompanying book with the Blumkin’s parrot; Blumkin residents Marge and Norm Lincoln look closely at the photos; Greenspoon
When fourth-sixth graders at the Friedel Jewish Academy worked with a group of residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on a photography project, the result was a professional-looking exhibit now on display in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center. Photos from top left: artist/photographer Ellie Greenspoon and Julie Phillips, volunteer art teacher at Friedel, center, pose in
explains the process of pinhole photography to those attending the opening reception last week; Eliana Schuller admires a painting by her sister Y’gal in the other half of the exhibit by the preschoolers of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center; Mika Caplan holds hands with her “grandfriend”--Geri LaPierre; the Blumkin Home’s parrot makes a three-point landing on the head of Cookie
Katskee, Principal of the Friedel Jewish Academy. The Academy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of day school education in Omaha with a gala at the JCC next Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 p.m., for cocktails and 7:30 p.m. for dinner and the program. Tickets are still available and reservations may be made by calling the school at 334.0517.
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Elyce Azriel to be Director of Temple Religious School, Grades K-12 by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Elyce Azriel has been named full-time director of religious education at Temple Israel, announced Wendy Goldberg, president of Temple’s Board of Trustees. Since 1996, Azriel has been the director of Temple’s high school. She has overseen the middle/high school since 1998. Her new position, effective June 1, adds to her responsibilities at Temple as director of all grades, kindergarten through 12th, and Family School. This “is the next step in creating a comprehensive and integrated youth program Elyce Azriel that enables our youth to participate in a diverse series of Jewish life experiences,” wrote Goldberg in a letter to the congregation. In this newly created position, Azriel will direct “the organization, development, and operation of the religious school relating to students, parents, and teachers.” In 1989, Azriel began with JELS (Jewish Education and Library Services) as a community teacher and taught at Temple and at United Talmud Torah Omaha. She is also a former Omaha Public Schools teacher and was a Hebrew instructor at Burke High School and Central High School. For the past 18 years, she has been teach-
ing sixth grade at Temple. “With her guidance, the middle/high school focus is giving students the knowledge and skills to develop attitudes and relationships enabling (the students) to participate actively as independent members of the Jewish community,” acknowledged Goldberg. “At the same time, Elyce has added great value to our elementary religious school as a B’nai Mitzvah mentor, Hebrew teacher, and madrichim (youth teaching assistants) program coordinator.” A member of the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE), Azriel was an administrator in religious school programs in Cincinnati and Baltimore before she came to Omaha in 1988. She was also instrumental in starting the Hebrew Center, the first of its kind for the Union for Reform Judaism, at Olin-SangRuby Union Institute in Wisconsin. Lori Bennett will be the religious school administrative assistant for kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has been working with the middle/high school since 1999. Since joining Temple in 1998, Bennett has been the front desk receptionist, secretary and then administrative assistant to the executive director as well as acting executive director for six months before Dennis DePorte, the current director, was hired. She is also responsible for the production of the Temple Israel Tidings. Since October 2005, she has been working with the religious school directors of both the lower and upper grades.
Beth El’s Lag B’Omer Picnic Offers High-flying Fun
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
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Beth El families gathered at the synagogue on May 15 to enjoy a special Lag B’Omer barbecue and fun-filled children’s activities. Left photo: children of all ages and their
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Storytelling Festival Crosses Religious Lines--on Purpose by BETH KATZ ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs and Community Education Over 150 individuals and families attended Omaha’s first Interfaith Storytelling Festival hosted by the AntiDefamation League (ADL) on May 7 at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The event featured Jewish, Christian and Muslim storytellers along with a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. Jewish storyteller Rita Paskowitz, Christian storyteller Sheila Rocha and Chicago-based Muslim storyteller Arif Choudhury told stories and led storytelling workshops
metropolitan area. “Our religions all have a rich oral tradition, offering us the stories of our spiritual heritage, “said Paskowitz. “Bringing people of differing faiths together to hear each other’s stories creates a bridge of interest and understanding.” For the storytellers, sharing stories about their faith and religious identity is as much an educational experience as it is a performance. “Whenever I participate in storytelling events…that are geared toward bringing people of different ethnic
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Storytellers Sheila Rocha, left, Arif Choudhury, and Rita Paskowitz answer questions from the audience after their
performance. ADL volunteer Aaron French right, paints the face of a young participant.
for audience members. In addition to the storytellers performing, the ADL and the Omaha Children’s Museum provided art activities and Soul Desires independent book store held a children’s book fair and story hour in the lobby. No Frills Supermarket donated delicious cookies for this event as well. Festival organizers saw storytelling as a great vehicle to provide families and individuals an opportunity to learn about and celebrate religious diversity in the Omaha
and religious backgrounds together, I learn how much we all have in common no matter how different our cultural practices and traditions might be,” notes Choudhury. “This understanding is reaffirmed at every event in which I participate.” This event was co-sponsored by the Omaha Community Playhouse, the Omaha Children’s Museum, the Rose Theater, Soul Desires Bookstore and the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Nebraska.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
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Celebrate Shavuot at Beth Israel with YU Torah Tours by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue In addition to Shavuot services and meals, Beth Israel will welcome Yeshiva University’s (YU’s) Torah Tours to Omaha, June 1-3. The Torah Tours scholars will lead a variety of educational programs and the community is invited to attend. “Shavuot is when we commemorate the giving of the Torah, so we prepare ourselves by spending a great deal of time studying it.� stated Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “This is a perfect time for YU Torah Tours to be here. They will bring us to new levels of understanding the Torah. For myself, it’s not often to have such an opportunity to learn from a gathering of great scholars such as the three people who’ll be here during Shavuot. I want to learn from this experience and look forward to the Torah Tours visit. I highly recommend everyone to join us for these programs during Shavuot.� The schedule of events begins on Thursday, June 1 with a dairy dinner following 7:45 Mincha, and Tikun Leil Shavuot after dinner, for which reservations are needed. According to Beth Israel’s Executive Director, Beth Cohen, “In preparation for receiving of the Torah, there is the custom to stay up the night before Shavuot studying and learning Torah. To that end, we’ll have ‘almost-all-night’ classes with Torah Tours programs starting at 9 p.m. that go into early Friday morning.� Thursday night Torah Tours classes include “Take Two Tablets and Call Me in the Morning: A Text-Based Analysis of the 10 Commandments� at 9 p.m., “More than Lasagna and Cheesecake: Shavuot as a Biblical Holiday,� followed by “The Late Show with Rabbi Gross� from 11 p.m. until at least 1 a.m. On Friday, June 2, there will be a dairy kiddush after 9 a.m. Shavuot services. After kiddush, you can attend “Build-a-Baby Workshop: The Ethics of Genetically Engineered Children.� Later that evening, everyone is invited to return for a 7 p.m. program entitled, “Advanced Talmud for Beginners: A Sophisticated Study of the Law of Honoring Parents.� Following 9 a.m. Shabbat Services on Saturday, June 3, a dairy lunch will be served. (Please make reservations.) After lunch, there will be a Torah Tours program for elementary school-aged children, “Kabbalah for Kids,� and a concurrent women’s Megillah reading. The final Torah Tours program, “Female Scholarship in Jewish History: Biblical Times to Present Day,� will be held at 7:30 p.m. Torah Tours staff include Rabbi David Nuchbar, Shana Stauch-Schick and Ari Schick. All three scholars are involved in sophisticated levels of Torah studies at YU and will offer unique programs during their visit to Beth Israel. Rabbi Nachbar received his smicha from YU and studied Medieval Jewish History at Bernard Revel School of
Jewish Studies. He is now a member of the distinguished post-graduate Talmudic research program, Wexner Kollel Elyon, at YU, which is sponsoring Nachbar’s trip to Omaha. This will not be the first time that Nachbar has visited Beth Israel. He was with Rabbi Gross when they both came to Omaha in 2001 as staff members of the summer Torah Tours. “That was my first trip to Omaha,� noted Gross. “Duvie is a great guy and I enjoyed working with him. Since that time he’s become a really outstanding and distinguished scholar, renown beyond his years.� Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Talmud at YU, Shana Strauch-Schick has an MA in Bible. She completed the Stern Advanced Talmud Program where she continues to serve as sho’elet u’meishivah, student mentor. She previously taught Talmud at the YU High School for Girls. After earning a degree in biology from YU, Ari Schick completed master’s degrees in Jewish Philosophy and Talmud from the Revel Graduate School, where he focused on early Jewish mysticism. He currently works as a researcher in bioethics at YU and is a fellow of the Kavvanah Center for Jewish Thought and Spirituality in New York. To make reservations for the dinner or lunch or for more details, please call the office at 556.6288 or email BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha. org
Former Omahan Explains Legal Issues Surrounding Intelligent Design Case
The Cardozo Society welcomed Richard Katskee as its featured speaker at a luncheon on May 15. Katskee, who is the Assistant Legal Director at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, shared his experiences with landmark intelligent design litigation in Pennsylvania. Katskee is the son of Milton and Judy Katskee. The Cardozo Society is an affinity group for Jewish attorneys, judges and law students. For more information on upcoming events, please call 334.6445.
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May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Teacher Highlights Holocaust Education in Lincoln
Beth El Kids Say “I Do”
LINCOLN CENTER
Top: Flashbulbs pop and smiles are abundant as Beth El’s fourth graders participate in the 17th annual mock wedding. Coordinated by teacher Margo Riekes, it included a short service under the chuppah, officiated by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, and presentations by each fourth grader, explaining Jewish wedding rituals. A reception with wedding cake and refreshments, followed. Bottom: As classmate Chad Shulewitz looked on, bride Julia Edelstein and groom John Gallagher exchanged friendship rings before being pronounced “friends for the hour” by Rabbi Levin.
by MARCIA KUSHNER The Jewish Federation of Lincoln kicked off the 2006 campaign “101 Years of Jewish Giving” with the Major Donor Brunch at the home of Richard Evnen and Kim Heier on Sunday, May 7. Heier gave a brief history of the historic home and invited guests to tour the three story beautifully restored home. Emily Evnen sang a program of jazz classics, and UJC Network Communities Regional Director Sam Horowitz spoke about the work of the Network Communities. Members of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun attended Tifereth Israel Synagogue for a combined Federation Shabbat on May 12. A joint service with elements of the Reform and Conservative prayer book was led by Rabbis Ilan Emanuel and Royi Shaffin. I addressed the congregation as Federation President and Sue Schreiber, Fund Drive Chairman spoke as well. Paul Smith, who created a course of Literature of the Holocaust at Lincoln Southeast which he has been teaching for five years, explained the project. This wellattended, popular course has been adopted by other high schools in Lincoln. More than 600 students have opted to participate in Smith’s one day field trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Holocaust Museum.
In the summer of 2005, Smith was invited to participate in the March of the Living’s 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps. He spoke eloquently of his trip which took him to a number of camps: Plaszco, Auschwitz, Birkeneau, and Majdanek. This profound experience deepened his commitment to
continue to teach the lessons of the Holocaust. High school teacher Paul Smith, right, leads students on tours of the U.S. Holocaust Museum. For his efforts, which have resulted in hundreds of Lincoln Public School teens attaining a true understanding of the Holocaust, he was honored as the Righteous Rescuer at the 2005 Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration. Smith currently serves on the Wyuka Nebraska Holocaust Memorial Committee.
Olmert and Bush Meet in the Middle Continued from page 1 areas of the West Bank would be evacuated under Olmert’s plan, which is already meeting resistance from members of Olmert’s own government. Olmert said he would embark on an international tour this summer to explain his plans to world leaders. He intends to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullah II of Jordan in the region. He will then continue on to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Jacques Chirac of France and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The goal is to pressure Abbas into confronting Hamas and to prepare the ground for Israel’s unilateral actions should that effort fail, Olmert told reporters at Blair House, the Washington guest residence where he was staying. The prime minister said he did not raise the issue of U.S. economic assistance in the wake of Israeli withdrawals from Gaza last summer and planned further withdrawals from the West Bank. He said it was “premature.” On Wednesday, the prime minister addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, an honor afforded to few foreign leaders. In his speech, which was interrupted several times by warm applause and standing ovations, Olmert reiterated that he is ready to negotiate with
Abbas, but would not entertain contacts with the Hamas-led Palestinian Cabinet until the group renounces terrorism and recognizes the State of Israel. If negotiations fail, Olmert said to Congress, he is ready to conduct a unilateral withdrawal from parts of the West Bank. At the joint news conference on Tuesday, Bush and Olmert appeared to enjoy each other’s company. Later, the two leaders met at the Bush residence, along with Olmert’s wife, Aliza, without advisers--a sign that one goal of the session, to establish a bond, was a success. “The meeting with Prime Minister Olmert really is, in many ways, a getting-to-know-you session,” Tony Snow, Bush’s press secretary, said just before Bush and Olmert met. The two leaders also agreed on the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. “We’re determined that the Iranian regime must not gain nuclear weapons,” Bush said. “I told the prime minister what I’ve stated publicly before: Israel is a close friend and ally of the United States. And in the event of any attack on Israel, the United States will come to Israel’s aid.” The last time Bush and Olmert met was in 1998, when Bush was the governor of Texas and Olmert was mayor of Jerusalem. Olmert said he would meet with Abbas soon, reversing
his earlier dismissals of the P.A. president as ineffectual. In a CNN interview Sunday, Olmert said the landslide victory of the Hamas terrorist group in Palestinian Authority elections in January profoundly undercut the authority of Abbas, a relative moderate who leads the rival Fatah Party. “Mahmoud Abbas was deprived of all his powers,” Olmert said Sunday. “He is powerless. He is helpless. He is unable to even stop the minimal terror activities among the Palestinians, so how can he seriously negotiate with Israel and assume responsibility for the most major, fundamental issues that are in controversy between us an them?” In that view, Olmert has a powerful ally: the U.S. House of Representatives, which voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority. Like Olmert, the House largely ignores Abbas as an alternative. The provisions of the House bill, which severely limits humanitarian aid and restricts the movement of Palestinian officials in the U.S., would outlive a Hamas government. In his address to Congress, Olmert commended the House for the bill that cuts off assistance to the P.A. The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act “sends a firm, clear message that the United States of America will not tolerate terrorism in any form,” he said to a standing ovation.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Beth El to Salute Its Loyal ‘Minyannaires’ by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El holds the distinction of offering religious services twice a day, every day of the year--thanks to a group of congregants who attend daily services on a regular basis. Those regular ‘minyannaires,’ who attended at least 24 times during the past year (an average of twice a month) – will be honored and thanked during Shabbat services on Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. The following congregants will be recognized: Steve Riekes, Marcel Kahn, Merle Potash, Harry Weiner, Colleen Kennealy, Sol Schwartz, Peter Ginsburg, Mikhail Ginsburg, Frances Gottlieb, Rodney Shkolnick, Stan Widman, Stuart Simon, Stanley Silverman, Rick Emas, Ben Shapiro, Abe Schloff, Dolores Goodman, Ron Epstein, Diane Axler Baum, Phillip Ratner, Howard Kaiman, Jack Epstein, Gary Rifkin, Donald Nogg, Caryn Rifkin, Stan Edelstein, Steve Pitlor, Stewart Tully, Macklin Emas, Nancy Rips, Lea Grunkin, Larry DeBruin, Carol Schneider, Carol Gendler, Leigh Emas, Ed Schneider and Sara Klein. “Our daily morning and evening services serve an important need in the local Jewish community,� Rabbi Mordechai Levin said. “They fulfill spiritual needs-not only of our congregants but also the Jewish community at-large, making it possible to recite Kaddish for loved ones, and allowing those observing a yarzheit the opportunity to lead the service or accept an honor.� Marcel Kahn began attending daily minyan regularly upon his retirement almost 20 years ago, following the example of his late father, a Beth El member who could always be counted on to make a minyan-even at the last moment. “There were three or four regulars who were always called when there wasn’t a minyan,� he said. “I was brought up this way.�
Kahn stressed the importance of continuing the tradition of daily minyanim, and encouraged congregants to attend whenever possible. He suggested setting aside the same morning or afternoon once a week or once a month, and making service attendance routine. “We want to keep this going,� he said. Sol Schwartz, an afternoon service regular, agreed, stressing the importance of every Jew’s ability to observe a yarzheit and say Kaddish at daily services. People want to be assured that there will be a minyan when they come to services, he said, but, “If they really want a minyan for themselves, they should help make a minyan for others.� Schwartz’s regular attendance began around a dozen years ago, during his wife’s illness; back then, being at Beth El was his haven during a difficult time. Since then, the afternoon service has become an important part of his life, offering him a break from his everyday responsibilities. “It gives me piece of mind,� he said. By becoming a regular minyannaire, Steve Riekes said he “discovered that Judaism also places value in community, not just individual spirituality. Making a minyan creates a certain kind of atmosphere that stresses community, and you develop a kind of camaraderie.� As he said Kaddish for his father several years ago, Riekes said he realized that just as others showed up to make the service possible, he also needed to assume that responsibility for others. “I have to do my part,� he said, adding that “I love the value of it. The service gives you a warm feeling--it encompasses all the good things that community means.� “We owe all of these dedicated congregants our appreciation,� Rabbi Levin remarked, “and we invite everyone to join us to help us honor their contribution to synagogue life.�
Temple’s Seniors Complete the Journey from Consecration to Confirmation and Chelsea’s father, Jeff Taxman, who played guitar along with Tom Friedman also on guitar, Jon Bleicher on bass and Julie Sandene on piano. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel called the seniors’ parents to the bimah to recite a parents’ prayer looking to their children’s futures. Joel Passer, who was confirmed and graduated last year, presented a new silver link, inscribed with names of all this year’s confirmands/graduates, to be added to the Chain of Tradition which hangs in the Milder Center at Temple. Caroline Terry accepted the link on behalf of this year’s class. The chain was started in 1954 with the first confirmation class in the building. Rabbi Azriel also spoke individually to each senior on the bimah. Officers of the upcoming Omaha Temple Youth Group Board were installed under a chupah, held up by the seniors, during the worship service. The new board members are Jackie Neesman, president; Sarah Bleicher, programming vice president; Adam Goldberg, religious and culturTemple Israel’s senior class is all smiles as they gather with Cantor al vice president; Wendy Shermet, Middle/High School Director Elyce Azriel, and Rabbi Anne Rips, secreAryeh Azriel--first row: Cantor Shermet, left, Caroline Terry, Aly tary; Jaclyn Adelson Friedman, Sam Long, Sarah Sherman, Chelsea Taxman, second row: and LaShanna Elyce Azriel, Sean Bernstein, Hamutal Ginsburg, Eli Bloom, Rabbi Bernstein, memberAzriel, third row: Sam Anderson, Nick Laudin, and Josh Bleicher. ship vice presidents; with the congregation. Chelsea Taxman, Sarah Spooner, Junior Youth Group liaione of the confirmands/graduates, sang a son; Ashley Bernstein, special projects stirring rendition of “When You Believe� coordinator; and Joe Goldberg, memberaccompanied by Cantor Wendy Shermet in-service. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In a moving celebration of Temple Israel’s high school seniors, they were confirmed and graduated after completing 12 years of religious school instruction. The ceremony was part of Shabbat worship services on May 12 at Temple. Surrounded by their parents, educators, clergy and the congregation, the seniors began with a processional to the bimah in the same way many of them had embarked on their formal Jewish education 13 years ago when they were consecrated as kindergartners. Leading the service for the last time as a group, the seniors recited the Torah blessings, read from the Torah, and sang
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May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
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PlayNation of Omaha, a new local distributor of PlayNation brand redwood playsets and outdoor equipment for kids, today unveiled the company’s store opening plans to include a partnership withthe Food Bank to benefit area children and families. PlayNation will donate 5% of all gross sales from today through Aug. 31, 2006, and aspires to deliver a $10,000 check to The Food Bank at that time. Families that visit PlayNation of Omaha at 144th & ‘L’ to view the line of durable redwood playsets are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food to be donated to the Food Bank. Donald Schinzel, president of the Food Bank, commented on PlayNation’s commitment and generosity. “In Omaha, hunger is the often times hidden challenge for working families, especially their children. The Food Bank feeds over 74,000 meals to area children through our seven Kids Cafes annually, and we need community support. We were pleasantly surprised by PlayNation’s willingness to donate 5% of gross sales, and thankful their showroom can accommodate a collection center. Our hope is that the community will visit their showroom and help them achieve the $10,000 goal. That amount of financial assistance will feed 40 children in one of our Kids Cafes for eight months.� Owners Samantha and Bill Fleck pursued the business opportunity after discovering an unmet need for durable, competitively priced family playsets while looking for a playset for their two children. Bill Fleck commented that of all the nationally known options, PlayNation provided the best combination of durability, safety, and value. Samantha Fleck, a 1995 Millard South graduate, noted their commitment to family fun and area children. “We are thrilled to be able to offer area families a great, competitively priced range of family playsets that will last and offer kids safe recreation. More importantly, as a new business, we are excited to get off the ground by making a commitment to 5% of gross sales for the Food Bank.�
Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, will donate more than $34,000 to local Partners in Education programs throughout the Midwest in May. “Strong alliances between educational systems and local business partners benefit students and enrich communities. Gordmans is committed to supporting quality education and we are proud to be associated with Partners in Education,� said Jeff Gordman, president and CEO. “The program provides a great volunteer opportunity for our associates while allowing our guests to positively impact the educational process in the communities in which we operate.� Gordmans’ guests purchased paper “Helping Hands� for $1 each during April to contribute to the campaign. Gordmans contributed $25,000 to the project chainwide including additional contributions to School District #150 in Peoria, IL; the Community School District in Cedar Rapids, IA and DeSoto County School District in Southaven, Miss. in celebration of grand openings this March and April. “We believe our continued success depends on customer satisfaction and a sound business strategy, but as importantly on our willingness to give back to the communities in which we live and work,� Gordman said. Since the program’s inception in 2000, Gordmans has contributed more than $580,000 to Partners in Education. For more than 30 years, Partners in Education, particularly the Adopt-A-School program, has been instrumental in developing school volunteers, community service and business partnership programs throughout the United States.
replacing missing or broken teeth or relining the entire denture. Maintaining, good oral hygiene is important even if you wear dentures. It is important to brush and massage your tongue, palate and gingiva. This helps stimulate circulation and remove plaque. Brushing dentures keeps them clean and free of food and plaque that can irritate the gingiva. Keeping dentures out at night gives the gingiva a chance to rest. Place dentures either in water or water with white vinegar. Always wet dentures before placing them back into your mouth. These helpful hints increase oral heath and decrease chances of sore spots, halitosis (bad breath), and fungal infections. We provide complete family care, including complete and removable partial dentures. Comfortable, pain free dentures can provide you with the ability to eat whatever you want and the give you the confident smile you deserve. Call Dr. Peter Straub for your free denture consultation at 991.6965.
How Much Life Insurance Is Enough? by TODD C JOHNSON American Family Insurance Agent One of the most common questions when purchasing life insurance is, “How much is enough?� The answer lies in what’s called a needs analysis. A needs analysis examines your specific financial and personal situation to help determine the type and amount of life insurance that will best satisfy your needs. One of the first decisions you will have to make when purchasing life insurance is whether to choose term or permanent coverage. Term life insurance can offer coverage from one year to 30 years or longer, and is often purchased to provide funds for financial obligations such as a mortgage or a child’s tuition in case the insured dies. Permanent life insurance, which includes whole life and universal life policies, generally provides coverage throughout a person’s life. Unlike term insurance, a permanent life policy may gradually accumulate a cash value, which you may be able to
borrow against while the policy is still active or cash in upon surrender of the policy. Determining the right amount of coverage requires a solid understanding of all your policy options as well as your financial needs and goals. A needs analysis will seek answers to questions like: What are my family’s immediate and future income needs? How much supplemental income will they need to meet expenses if I were to die tomorrow? And how much can I afford to pay in premium? Your roles as a spouse, grandparent, stay-at-home parent or small business owner mean that you have specific needs. If you have not purchased life insurance yet, consider sitting down with an insurance agent to discuss your situation and options. If you already have a policy, discuss with your agent if it’s still appropriate for your present situation and any lifestyle changes that may be on the horizon. Todd C. Johnson has been an agent for American Family Life Insurance since 1996. He can be contacted at 561.8633.
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Maintaining a Healthy Smile by KELLIE ALDMEYER At Whispering Ridge Family Dentistry, we understand how important a beautiful, healthy smile is to your happiness. That is why we offer complete family dental care, utilizing state of the art techniques and equipment in a modern, friendly dental practice. Complete and partial removable dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. There are many different types of dentures, some supported by your gums (complete dentures) and some supported by remaining teeth (partial dentures). Some are also supported by dental implants and are fixed in place. Dentures of any kind help your ability to eat, improve speech, stimulate gingival health and give you back a great smile. Dentures also change over time due to wear on the teeth. As we age, the tissue in the oral cavity changes, causing some dentures to become loose, cause sore spots, or make them painful to wear. All are treatable--from a simple adjustment,
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Romantic Comedy! Weekends - May 26-June 4 Fri & Sat 8p.m. • Sun 2 p.m. Adults: $15 Seniors: $13 Students: $7.50 w/ID
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Summer Activities for College Students by ELLIE KRASNE Federation Intern As the summer intern for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I attended the University of NebraskaLincoln for two years, and will transfer to the University of Kansas this fall. Some of you may know me through UNL’s Hillel or the Omaha Jewish College Student Union. I am thrilled to be part of the Federation’s new Ellie Krasne program. This summer, the Federation launches its pilot internship initiative, “Opportunity Omaha, Its More Than Just a Job.” This innovative program provides Jewish social and cultural activities to college students, while introducing them to professional opportunities in Omaha. “Its great the Federation has created a program that lets college students know there are professional
opportunities as well as Jewish social and cultural events in the Omaha area,” says Robert Mosenkis, leader of the Omaha Jewish College Student Union and internship committee member. Opportunity Omaha is open to Jewish college students who have completed at least one year of college and will live in the Omaha area this summer. The program kicked off last spring when the planning committee helped connect applicants with various internship opportunities. Now that most students have secured summer jobs or internships, participation in the social and cultural aspect is strongly encouraged. The first event will be a Shabbat dinner on June 9 at the JCC. Other activities include an Omaha Royals baseball game, Shabbat dinner, Summer Arts Festival, “Apprentice” style mitzvah project, Jazz on the Green and guest speakers from the Omaha business and Jewish communities. All the events are free, and vegetarian and/or dairy food will be provided (a kosher option also is available upon request). Call me at 334.6461 if you want to participate or have questions, or send me an e-mail at ekrasne@jewishomaha.org.
Erev Shavuot at Temple to be a Celebration by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In celebration of Temple Israel’s adult learners, teachers, Torah Corps and Kol Rina Choir members, they will be given the honor of carrying the Torah scrolls around the sanctuary on Erev Shavuot on Thursday, June 1, 7 p.m. As the scrolls are paraded around the sanctuary, one will be unrolled to encircle the congregation to symbolize embracing the Torah. In addition to being the Torah holders, the honorees will also be given a special blessing by the clergy. The holiday worship service will be followed by a dairy oneg. Congregants Mike Weinstein, Jon Rathsam, Louri Sullivan, Colleen Kennealy, Sarah Schondelmeyer, Ellen and Sam Long, and Orly Gilat will read the Ten Commandments during the Shavuot service. Shavuot comes exactly seven weeks after Passover when the story of being liberated from slavery in Egypt
is retold. On their journey to the Promised Land, the children of Israel accepted the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai. “Shavuot gives us the opportunity to be called again to an event that was so important in the life of our people,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “This is an invitation to come back to Sinai, as if in a time machine, and to understand the significance of the meeting between God and the Jewish people that is still echoing in our imagination.” After the oneg, the congregation is invited to Tikkun Leil Shavuot, a custom dating from the 16th century of studying with the community in order to experience standing at Sinai. This year, the topic for study will be “Together at Sinai, Telling the Story: A Haggadah for Shavuot,” that integrates study as well as celebration with different activities to create a multifaceted approach to the Shavuot holiday.
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OMAHA JEWISH SINGLES All metro area Jewish singles 40 and up are invited to attend a potluck picnic at the home of Sandi Cole. The picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 4-7 p.m. All interested singles are requested to RSVP to Sandi at 895.1815 or SRCOMAHA@aol.com by June 1. Each guest is also kindly requested to bring his/her favorite potluck item. Any questions or ideas, please phone or email Sandi. Meet new friends and greet old ones. Council Bluffs and Lincoln Jewish singles are also invited.
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BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 31, noon at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The Rabbi will discuss a provocative issue confronting the Jewish community. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.
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WALK-IN; DROP-IN On Thursday, June 1, 10 a.m., enjoy the HBO documentary My Uncle Burns. The film is executive produced by Billy Crystal. For those members going on the Bunch to Lunch day trip, at 11 a.m. meet at the JCC by 11 a.m. After lunch enjoy the Ken & Trudy Lee concert at 2 p.m. in the auditorium sponsored by Jewish Senior Services. (See JSS below for full information.) JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES JSS presents music by Ken and Trudy Lee on Thursday, June 1, 2 p.m. in the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. The entertainment duo of Ken Kennedy and Trudy Lee Pedersen performs great music from the 30s and 40s. Kennedy has toured the United States and Canada and has played with nationally known artists Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis. Lee is a former Miss Pennsylvania and relates a few of her experiences with the Miss America Pageant between songs. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
VISIONS For those members going to Bellevue Little Theatre this Sunday, please meet at the JCC at 12:30 p.m. Brunch/Lunch and Gardens Tour is Tuesday, June 6. We’ll start with Brunch/Lunch at Louie M’s Burger Lust Café at 10:45 a.m. and continue on to Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center. Cost of $18 includes lunch, tax, tip and Lauritzen Gardens admission. Send reservations to Doris Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Visions.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Snap! Productions presents: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, by Richard Alfieri on June 1-25. The shows stars Elaine Jabenis and Michal Simpson, at the Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. Antagonism gives way to profound compatibility when a formidable woman hires a former Broadway dancer to give her dance lessons in her Florida condo. The play is part comedy, part drama, part cha-cha-cha and communicates the age-old lesson of old-age lessons. If you’re going to learn to dance, let it be the two-step: love and companionship. The play is chock full of acerbic, raunchy humor and genuinely witty one-liners. For reservations please call 402.341.2757. Opening tonight at the Omaha Community Playouse is Ragtime--The Musical. The powerful story of three families whose lives entwine against a backdrop of a growing country at the beginning of last century, Ragtime features Kevyn Morrow in the lead role of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. Morrow, who was nominated for for an Olivier Award in London, where he played the same role, is an Omaha Northwest H.S. graduate. The play runs from May 26-June 25 and tickets, priced at $21/students and $35/adults, can be obtained by calling 553.0800 or online at: www.OmahaPlayhouse.org.
May 26, 2006
Living Independently by MICHAEL HUME Bloomfield Forum offers independent living for residents who choose to freely come and go, mingle in the common areas or enjoy privacy in their living unit. The elderly often fear losing their independence and privacy when they move from their homes. New residents moving into Bloomfield Forum continue their active lifestyle, but in a different setting, minus the burden of home maintenance, snow removal, and yard work. The community is designed to provide a comfortable, secure lifestyle in individual, private living units. Featured are one and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 700 square feet to 1,500 square feet. Each living unit has a full kitchen, so residents can prepare their own meals and/or enjoy the optional dining program that is offered in the evening. The spacious living units have walk-in closets and additional private storage in
the secure, under-building parking area. When residents choose to interact, they can visit the library, the country store, the arts and crafts room, the fitness center, theater room, and dining and community rooms. Exercise groups meet several times a week. A wood-working shop and billiards room are conveniently located in the parking area. The staff plans activities, distributes a monthly calendar, and often participates in the events with the residents. Outside trips are frequent and include visits to Lauritzen Gardens, Joslyn Art Museum, Henry Doorly Zoo, Fontenelle Nature Center, just to name a few. Free transportation is provided for medical appointments and shopping. Bloomfield Forum is a non-profit corporation sponsored by the Nebraska Medical Center and professionally managed by Essex Corporation. Please call me at 390.9991 for a personal tour or more information about Bloomfield Forum.
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Page 15
BIRTHS Shirley and Joel Kaufman announce the April 12 birth of their son Trenton Joel. Grandparents are Debbie and Scott Gilinsky, and Marla Kaufman and Mark Kaufman. Great-grandparents are Beverly Gilinsky and the late Bud Gilinsky, and Joan and Edward Johnson, and Karen Hurt and the late Harold Hurt. Kimber and Steve Givner of Shawnee, KS announce the May 5 birth of their twin daughters Kaia Jayden and Kayla Danelle. Grandparents are Donna Givner, and Nat Givner of Scottsdale, AZ, and Lana Williams of Bunker Hill, IN, and George Myers of Kokomo, IN.
Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
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All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.
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SUNDAY, MAY 28 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Visions at Bellevue Little Theatre & Dinner, noon MONDAY, MAY 29 JCC & FED OFFICES CLOSED/H & PE OPEN 9-5 Beth El Rosh Chodesh Group, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 30 BBYO Pledge Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Center for Jewish Education Class, 11 a.m. JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m. Architecture of the Synagogue, 7 p.m. at Beth El FJA Anniversary Celebration, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 1 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JSS Concert, 2 p.m. “From Your Heart to God’s Ears” make-up class, 4:45 p.m. at Beth El Shavuot Night of Study, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El Shavuot: JCC closed at 6 p.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 2 Shavuot JCC CLOSED
SATURDAY, JUNE 3 Shabbat service honoring Minyanaires, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El ARTZA Overnight, 7 p.m. at Carol Joy Holling Camp
THURSDAY, JUNE 8 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. CJE Reading the Old Testament Class, 6 p.m. Jewish Federation Operation Promise, 7 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4 Annual Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Ophir Palmon’s Gallery Reception, 2 p.m. Annual Meeting, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, JUNE 5 Yachad Day Camp, 8 a.m. at Mahoney State Park JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. CJE “Reading the Old Testament” Class, 6 p.m. Jewish Press Final Board Meeting & Dinner, 6 p.m. B’nai B’rith Banquet Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. CJE Intensive Hebrew Reading Class, 7 p.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. JCC Final Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 6 Visions Trip to KC, 7 a.m. Visions Trip to Lauritzen Botanical Gardens, 10:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Volunteer Recognition Tea, 2 p.m. MONDAY, JUNE 12 CJE “Reading the Old Testament” Class, 6 p.m. CJE Intensive Hebrew Reading Class, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 13 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m. BBYO Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 The Works of Franz Kafka Class, 11 a.m. JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 HAZAK Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El The Works of Franz Kafka Class, 11 a.m.
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MONDAY, JUNE 19 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. Reading the Old Testament Class, 6 p.m. CJE Intensive Hebrew Reading Class, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 20 ADL Teacher Workshop for Echoes and Reflections, 8:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 27 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m. RBJH Fourth of July Spectacular, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 The Works of Franz Kafka Class, 11 a.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 29 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Duties of the Heart, 10:30 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
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MONDAY, JUNE 26 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. CJE Intensive Hebrew Reading Class, 7:30 p.m.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 15 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Duties of the Heart, 10:30 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library NCJW Installations, 6 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club Reading the Old Testament Class, 6 p.m. Hebrew Classes: Level 1, 7 p.m., and Level 2, 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 The Works of Franz Kafka Class, 11 a.m. AIPAC Nebraska dinner, 6 p.m. at Fleming Steak House YU President Richard Joel, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
After Surprise Win in Israeli Elections, Pensioners Plan to Make the Most of It by DINA KRAFT KFAR SABA (JTA) -- “Don’t throw me away in my old age when my strength is diminished. Don’t abandon me,” said Yacov Ben-Yizri, Israel’s new health minister and a member of the Pensioners Party, quoting a passage from Psalms. Ben-Yizri, 78, emerged from 13 years of retirement to become a politician for the first time along with fellow members of the Pensioners Party who stunned the country -- and themselves -- by winning seven Knesset seats in Israel’s March election. “Helping people is an inseparable part of the Torah,” Ben-Yizri told JTA in an interview at his home. But it’s a concept that increasingly has been lost in Israeli society, he said. The party’s victory, however, may signal that voters are making social welfare issues a priority. Then again, as some political analysts suggest, their electoral success could be a fluke by a frustrated electorate looking for a protest vote. Either way, the party has been quick to take advantage of its newfound power. During recent coalition negotiations, the party managed to restore pensioner benefits cut under the previous government, raise social security payments and decrease medical bills for the chronically ill. They also secured two ministries; Pensioner Affairs for the party’s leader, former Mossad spymaster Rafi Eitan, and Health for Ben-Yizri, who worked in the health care system for more than 30 years. The party originally was not considered a serious contender, but with the help of a strategy team they ran a savvy campaign that tapped into voter alienation from the mainstream parties, especially among younger voters. The pensioners ran on a straightforward platform, promising to restore pensioner benefits slashed under the previous government and to improve health care for the elderly. With some 500,000 Israelis living without retirement funds, they also promoted a law that would ensure that every Israeli has a pension. When it became clear that many young people planned either not to vote or to cast a blank protest ballot, the
party’s campaigners urged them to instead vote for the Pensioners Party. More young people than pensioners voted for the party, its officials said. It’s not clear how many of them were voting out of compassion for their grandparents’ generation and how many simply were fed up with Israeli politics, tainted in recent years by an increasing number of corruption scandals.
Yacov Ben-Yizri, left, Israel's new health minister and a member of the Pensioners Party, drinks a toast with party head Rafi Eitan, minister of pensioner affairs, at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, on May 4. Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA Irit Avni, a yoga instructor in Tel Aviv, was among the party’s younger voters. She said both factors drove her to support the pensioners. “It pains me to see how much has been taken away from them, and I’m also concerned about my own future,” she said. Though she has voted for mainstream parties in the past, Avni has become disillusioned in recent years. “They only care about their seats in government and their Volvos,” she said, referring to the cars government ministers receive. “They don’t really care about the state.” The party is led by Eitan, 80, a white-haired man with large, plastic eyeglasses and a smug grin. Younger voters might not realize that the jovial-looking grandfather type has a controversial past. The former Mossad agent was involved in kidnapping Adolf
Eichmann in Argentina to bring him for trial in Jerusalem, and garnered negative press as Jonathan Pollard’s handler. He has not traveled to the United States in 20 years, fearing arrest. No destitute pensioner, Eitan is a multimillionaire with extensive business links in Cuba and was a confidant of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Ben-Yizri, who along with the others in the party was active in pensioner organizations, sought out Eitan to lead the party. In addition to having a recognized name, Eitan had been their liaison with Sharon. When Sharon fell into a coma in January, his successor, Ehud Olmert, gave the pensioners, who had asked to merge with Olmert’s Kadima Party, a low number on the party list, and they decided to run independently. Yaron Ezrahi, a Hebrew University political scientist, does not think the party represents a fundamental shift in Israeli politics. “It is an interesting constellation that shows that a particular sector or group -- if it can establish nationally that they have been victimized -- can have political consequences in the short run,” he said. The party tapped into a feeling in Israel that the country’s weakest sectors have been ignored in recent years, he said. “There is a sense of economic policy without compassion,” he said. Of the 750,000 pensioners in Israel, some 150,000 are below the poverty line, with some living on as little as $260 a month. In the early days of the state, most of the country was made up of young immigrants working to create a new society, Ben-Yizri said. “These same people built the country, helped shape its economy, security, culture, education and higher learning, and today they are between 70 and 75. As the life span increases, so does the state’s responsibility for the older generation,” he said. Ben-Yizri doesn’t think the party is a one-hit wonder, but says they’ll go on to fight for a social agenda not just for senior citizens but for single mothers, the handicapped and others struggling for a political voice. “We plan to blossom,’’ he said.
May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Celebrating Senior Life
Senior Living...Just What It Says
BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
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Many moons ago, there wasn’t a special designation for our elders and their living arrangements. There was a time when a grandparent or a parent-inlaw couldn’t live alone, or remain in a private residence. When that happened, he or she (or even they) often moved in with a married daughter or son. That’s how the three generation household came into being. It didn’t always work out harmoniously, but most of the time it was okay. Lots of folks who are now middle-aged remember how it was to have Bobie living with us, or Zadie on the porch in a rocker, waiting for us to come home from school. For many it must have been sad, and for others it might have been not perfection, but managable. I suppose it depended on the health of the oldster, and/or how Americanized she was or wasn’t. One thing is, I believe, a given: a three generation household required patience and understanding on the parts of both the hosts and the “guests.� How different it is today, when good health care and better nutrition have contributed to longer life spans and the need for better understanding of geriatric citizens. Between the above mentioned time and now, there was an interim when many were “warehoused,� to use an ugly phrase. Thankfully, we have gotten well past that place, for the most part. Now, an entire industry has evolved in building special apartments and what are known as “assisted living� facilities-places for the single elderly who no longer want household responsibilities or
who are unable to cope with them. There are places for the well elderly and for the other kind, and they’re wonderful. They furnish the necessities of life, but also many of the extras, such as the opportunity to socialize with their peers who are their neighbors. The presence of dining rooms and prepared meals relieves the burden of cooking for oneself, which too often turns out to be “toast and a cup of instant,� already a big plus. In my view however, one of the biggest blessings of such places is the choice a person has of as much or as little privacy as desired. There are many different places everywhere in the country, where seniors can enjoy life and not be left to the company of a tv. Places where day trips are planned to interesting locations, where classes are conducted for everything from pottery making to painting, where people who like to sing can join a chorus, where card games are always available. How far is that from Bobie sitting in a chair and watching her daughter-in-law peel potatoes for dinner--no doubt thinking (oy, she peels away half the potato!). Which brings to mind one of the other fringe benefits of seniors living on their own...better family relations all the way around! The bottom line may be simply this: seniors today are like they always were in many ways, except one of the most important: WHERE they live and how much socializing they do. The proof of that may lie in the fact that in restaurants, theaters and shopping malls (as well as gambling casinos!) there are always numbers of oldsters. Senior Living? A far cry from what it used to be! Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.
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...behind every great stove is a great chef and behind every great chef there is a mother. In our mother’s kitchens is where we first taste, discover and learn to cook. Fifty American women chefs share their heirloom recipes from their mothers and grandmothers and their food experiences and memories... could be a cure for whatever ails you, cultural and culinary heritage and traditions, and celebrations and rituals. The recipes are woven with family stories, secret tips and techniques and are presented to provide comfort, satiety and pleasure. Peek into these chefs’ memories...of grinding nuts and chocolate in an oldfashioned grinder (before the days of Cuisinarts) and tasting Manischewitz...in the notes of each of the chapters: Mothers & Grandmothers, Daughters, Families, Motherlands, Celebrations, Indulgences, Remedies & Preserves and Legacies, headnotes, Kitchen Memories and Mom’s Secret sidebars and old treasured photographs. An array of recipes as diverse as the 50 chefs who shared them. The recipes include the name of the chef, the name of their restaurants and city where it is located (an index lists addresses and phone numbers) and numerical instructions. A delightful read...make that 50 delightful reads. Among the recipes are Belle’s Chicken Noodle Soup, Kreplach, Matzo Cake,
Orange and Apple Noodle Kugel, Matzo Balls, Chopped Liver and this recipe from Rozanne Gold with memories of her Hungarian mother. MY MOTHER’S CABBAGE AND NOODLES Serves 4 1 very large head green cabbage Kosher salt 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 12 ounces medium-wide egg noodles Freshly ground black pepper to taste Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. With a sharp knife, shred the cabbage into 1/4-inch-wide slices. Place in a large colander and sprinkle heavily with kosher salt, using your hands to toss. Put a heavy object on top (a water-filled teakettle is perfect) to weight the cabbage down. Put the colander in a pan to collect any liquid or set it in the sink. Let it sit for 3-4 hours. Press down hard on the cabbage and squeeze with your fists to extract as much water as possible. In a very large nonstick skillet, melt the butter and add the cabbage. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes, until the cabbage is deep golden brown; it will shrink considerably. Lower the heat so that the cabbage doesn’t burn. Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water, until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the noodles thoroughly and place in a warm bowl. Add the hot cabbage and toss together so that the noodles are completely integrated with the cabbage. Add salt, if needed, and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.
May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
Leave the Driving to Us for Worry-Free, All-Inclusive Seniors’ Travel by JUDITH BRODER SELLNER “It’s a matter of age,” says Leila Weinberg, a retired children’s clothing sales representative and now a selfproclaimed “tour goer.” Explaining her change from doit-yourself and drive-yourself to leave-the-driving-tothem, she continues, “When you get older, it’s more difficult to go on your own. The package tours include everything. They take care of your luggage, get you from the airport to the hotel, have a guide waiting for you, make arrangements for tours, museum admissions, theater tickets… . They even help you get a better room if yours isn’t right.” She also feels that she learns a lot and sees more on an escorted bus tour than she used to when she and friends traveled on their own. Bus tours come in many forms. Weinberg recently returned from a trip to Ireland, operated by Theatre Development Fund (TDF) in New York. The not-forprofit organization supports the performing arts in New York and, no surprise, operates tours that include theatre performances while exploring the cultural heritage of areas they visit. Tours attract travelers between ages 40 and 70, according to Terry Erikkila, head of the organization’s travel arm. TDF strives to find quality hotels in central locations that give tourists nearby options on unscheduled evenings. “Older people don’t want to rough it,” he observed. Visit Theatre Development Fund online at: www.TDF.org or call 212.221.0013 Linda and Morris Shamah have taken two tours with Inland Services, specializing in hands-on, one-week, Jewish culinary tours, working with local chefs. “Morris (a physician) actually helped in the kitchen,” says Linda, an art educator and curator. “You don’t have to cook if you’re not interested,” she adds. The food is all kosher, and the touring, an integral part of the trip, focuses on the many points of Jewish interest in the region. With a limit of eight passengers, travel is by minivan. The Shamahs have been to Tuscany and Provence and are looking forward to the company’s addition of Umbria. Contact Inland Services at: 212-687-9898 or
www.cookeuro.com. Florida-based Margaret Morse Tours, a leading specialist in deluxe motorcoach travel to Israel, offers a variety of tours including a 17-day trip for seniors. “Tours are essential for first-time visitors,” says David Leviatan, of Morse’s staff. “They don’t know where they’re going or what to look for.” The worry-free tours include lots of personal attention--a highly trained, English-speaking guide and a member of Margaret Morse’s family escort all tours. Hotel stays are usually at least two days with most sightseeing departures at a leisurely 9 to 9:30 a.m. Passengers who don’t want to walk around the sites can remain on the air-conditioned bus. Margaret Morse Tours can be reached at: 800.327.3191 or on line at: w w w. m a rg a r e t morsetours.com. Kesher Kosher Tours, traveling to and Eastern Western Europe, Russia, U. S. National Parks, and the Canadian Rockies, caters to the observant Jewish traveler, serving glatt kosher meals exclusively. Travellers learn kosher cooking on a While covering each Inland Services tour to Tuscany. area’s major points of interest, and specifically Jewish sites. They don’t travel on Shabbat; instead, tourists worship at local synagogues. Guides’ commentary is only English during comprehensive touring days. “You get up early and spend the whole day away from the hotel,” says Nachman Kaidar, owner. “If you are used to a siesta, it’s not for you.” Call Kesher Kosher Tours, 212.481.3721 or toll-free: 800.847.0700 or online at: www.keshertours.com.
Isramworld offers tours for Jewish travelers to 40 countries on all continents. Experienced Tour Managers on each trip ensure that travelers see the world and get a glimpse of Jewish life overseas. Although not designated as senior tours, they see older tourists because they have more Participants celebrated simcahs togather time and on a recent Margaret Morse Tour. because many are in search of their Jewish roots. Tourists to Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America find the Jewish Heritage Tours, run in conjunction with American Jewish Congress, filled with historical, emotional, and cultural content. There are fish and vegetarian menu choices and no strictly prohibited foods are served. There is no travel on Saturdays. Visit Isramworld’s webiste www.isram.com or call 800.223.7460. Momentum Tours, operating out of Miami, FL, specializes in travel that touches on aspects of Jewish life. The clientele represents a large segment of the Jewish population, and the trips often focus on the influences of music, crafts, art, and study in Jewish life. Tours are not kosher, and they occasionally travel on Saturday. These are just a few of the escorted motorcoach tours available, and the special attractions they cover. There are many more, which your travel agent can recommend or which you can find on the Internet. A wonderful, carefree experience awaits you when the bus starts to roll. Momentum Tours and Travel is on the web at: www.momentumtours. com or call 800.868.7108. Judith Broder Sellner, a freelance writer in New York, writes about Jewish lifestyle subjects, including travel. She can be reached at: JBSwriter@aol.com.
Cusine: Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional dining room setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery. Simplicity: Don’t come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; CruiseOne will handle all of the details. New Horizons: Destinations are limitless and you only have to pack and unpack once! Family: Families love cruising. Programs designed for every age group and offer something for every child. Family Reunion Cruises are a great way for far-flung families to reconnect.
(Family reunion cruises may qualify for group rates.) Senior Discounts: Just one passenger in a stateroom, 55 & older can qualify for senior discounts. Value: One price buys your on-board accommodations, entertainment, dining, and more. Satisfaction: It’s a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied, repeat customers than any other vacation experience. Service: That’s what sets us apart. Personalized Service: from planning to booking and follow-up when you return home. Whether you want a quick trip to the Caribbean, a summer vacation to Alaska or an exotic cruise experience to South America, I can help you every step of the way.
Cruising at Any Age by CHRIS PELMAN Forty-eight percent of all Americans want to take a cruise. Think about some of the reasons Americans are coming aboard. Variety: With over 1800 ports of call that offer activities from helicopter rides to beach breaks or dog sledding, there is a perfect cruise for you. Extend your vacation with a pre or post cruise tour. Activities: Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, Broadway style shows, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.
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Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Long Term Care Insurance Today…What You Don’t Know May Hurt You by BOB NELSON V.P. Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Inc. Ten or fifteen years ago, nursing home insurance was a relatively simple product written by only a handful of companies. Today, hundreds of companies are offering this insurance. Today we have forms of care that did not even exist when people bought policies 15 years ago. And to the surprise of many, today some insurance companies are raising premiums on existing policies that policy owners thought could never be changed. How do you deal with all of this change? Here are a dozen tips for a common sense approach to this ever-changing market: 1. Start with an agent you trust…this should be an educational process, not a sales process. 2. Look at policies from more than one company…there is no “one best company.” 3. Consider only financially strong companies. 4. Check out how benefits would be paid by to the nursing home in your own community. 5. Understand that benefits do not need to be the same for both you and your spouse. 6. Understand your policy definitions, i.e., assisted living, home health care, respite care, bed reservation, etc. 7. Understand when your premiums will be waived (stopped). There is a wide variance among policies. 8. Include “cost of living” increases in your policy to help keep up with inflation. 9. Know how to reduce costs if the policy is too expensive for your budget. Some coverage is better than none! 10. Try to decide before your next birthday, prices go up each time your age changes. 11. Understand what “guaranteed renewable” means. It means the company cannot cancel your policy but they can increase your premiums! Premiums will probably increase on all policies in the future. 12. Be deliberate, take your time, make an informed/common sense decision, not a quick, emotional decision. PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
Listen Up! by LINDA FITZGERALD Assitant Director RBJH Activity Department Four concerts have been scheduled for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, beginning next week. All concerts are free and open to friends and family--in fact, to the entire community. And all take place in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. The line-up includes: June 1, 2 p.m.: Ken & Trudy Lee with Big Band standards; Ira and George Gershwin; Rogers and Hart and Rogers and Hammerstein favorites. June 27, 7 p.m.: Pre-Fourth of July Spectacular with the Iowa Western Community Band. Aug. 17, 7 p.m.: The Omaha Chorus of Sweet Adelines International featuring Summer Sensations. Nov. 6, 11 a.m.: Opera Omaha Italian Extravaganza with an Italian luncheon. For more information, call 334.6521.
Several members of the Omaha Men’s Chorus/Sarpy Serenaders--Kevin Schwery, left, Mark Erikson, David Adler and Bill Lamme performed at a concert in the JCC Auditorium and included the Home’s own DeeDee Sorintino.
Did You Miss the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Deadline? by DAVID KOHLL Pharmacist Although the deadline to sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage, or Medicare Part D, was May 15th, those over 65 years old should still sign up for the coverage. If you have not already signed up for coverage, you should still consider joining a Medicare drug plan in 2006. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. If you didn’t join a plan by May 15, 2006, and you don’t currently have a drug plan that, on average, covers at least as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you will have to wait until Nov. 15 to join. When you do join, your premium cost will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you wait to join. Like other insurance, you will have to pay this penalty as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. However, legislation has been pending since May 18 to possibly waive the penalty fee for 2007 drug coverage. If you join during the next open enrollment period between Nov. 15-Dec. 31, coverage will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2007. Here are some basic rules to remember: • The premium penalty does not apply to beneficiaries who
have comparable coverage from another source (such as retirement health plans) which have certified in writing as “credible coverage” or coverage that is at least “as good as Medicare” (this includes VA and FEHB beneficiaries). Beneficiaries with a group health plan which includes prescription drug coverage should receive a letter from their plan administrator. • Although there are some drug plans with no annual deductible, most drug plans require that beneficiaries pay an annual deductible before Medicare pays anything • Beneficiaries pay 25% of the costs up to a certain amount. Some drug plans charge less than 25%. • The beneficiary pays the full amount for most drug plans once a beneficiary has reached the “donut hole” (out of pocket spend between $2,500-$5,100). Again, there are some plans which cover drugs in this “donut hole.” • The beneficiary pays up to five percent of the drug costs after the annual drug costs have exceeded $5,100. Should you need further explanation or help regarding Medicare Part D, contact the staff at Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare at 408-1990.
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May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
VNA Addresses Older Americans’ Needs with In-Home Assistance and Personal Care by ROBERT PRUCHA VNA Home Aide Manager America’s aging population reached a turning point in 2006. One of the nation’s largest generations, the baby boomers, started turning 60. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, more than 36.3 million Americans are aged 65 and older. Over the next 40 years, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double, while the number of people aged 85 and older is expected to triple. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) supports the desire of older adults to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, and has launched a new supportive service, HomeAide, to address the needs of older Americans. The VNA HomeAide program provides homemaker/companion and personal care assistance for individuals who may not require extended medical care at home, but who can benefit from assis-
tance with daily living activities. HomeAide allows you or your loved one to remain safe and well at home by providing that extra help needed in order to maintain an independent lifestyle. Clients are matched with qualified caregivers who tailor a service plan to meet your individual needs. You determine the services needed and the days and times for each visit. Robert Prucha, HomeAide Manager, states, “when individuals are considering hiring an in-home personal care provider, they want the assurance that they will receive the highest quality services. HomeAide is backed by the same standards of quality that VNA has been known for since 1896.” Prucha continues, “Baby boomers are among the millions of mid-life and older adults who are continuing to redefine how we age, and seek new alternatives for long-term care. HomeAide is one way to help provide peace of mind, quality of life, and independence for these individuals.”
This May, we celebrate Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, Choices for Independence, reflects the continued commitment of the U.S. Administration on Aging and the VNA to help our nation prepare for a larger aging population. Independence for adults as they age relies on a balance of important elements: empowerment in consumer choice; healthy lifestyles that emphasize nutrition, physical activity, prevention, and active participation in one’s health care; and access to the supportive services needed maintain their quality of life. The VNA is proud to be a part of this effort, and is one of many organizations working with U.S. Administration on Aging to help older Americans remain vibrant in their communities. If you would like information about HomeAide for yourself or someone you care about, please call VNA at 402.930.4240 or visit our website at www.vnaomaha.org.
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Leaving Secrets: How to Create a Personal Instruction Manual for Life by JOE VITALE Imagine if your great, great grandfather or grandmother had left you a book with their secrets for living. Maybe it contained nuggets of wisdom, yummy recipes, favorite jokes, or just insights for how to lead a good life. Ever since people learned of my next book, Life’s Missing Instruction Manual, people are curious how to create their own “manual” for life. You can leave such a book for your own family. What are the key lessons you’ve learned in your life? Are you ready to share them with your children and grandchildren--or with your friend, siblings, parents, and grandparents? What you’ve gleaned from your life experiences can make things easier for your children or your relatives. In fact, the lessons you’ve learned from trial and error can be the perfect gift for everyone in your life--or for one person who matters to you. Here’s how to commit your insights to writing and share them with your fellow life travelers. • Carry a pad of paper around with you everywhere for a week. • Jot down your thoughts and observations as they occur to you. Don’t judge them. Just make note of them. • Add personal stories and memories, as they come to mind. Again, don’t edit your thoughts. Just commit them to paper. • Take a few days to go through your notes, and underline the most important passages, and make additional comments in the margins. • From this, distill the lessons you most want to share with others: your perspective, your values, what matters most to you, and your reactions to the world around you. • Find a beautiful journal or blank book – one that you feel a strong connection with. You might find it at a bookstore, an antique store, an online auction site, a craft store, or even a flea market. Where you find it doesn’t matter. How you feel about it does. • Fill the journal with your own instruction manual for life. Make sure to include a title and your name. • Find a special person to share it with, and turn the presentation of the journal into a celebration. If you don’t feel comfortable writing your notes and stories, you can dictate them into a portable tape recorder, and later, you can transcribe them into a journal. You don’t have to be a bestselling author, academic, Joe Vitale or philosopher to create an instruction manual that can help your loved ones every day of their lives... and be passed on to future generations as well. Joe Vitale is the author of Life’s Missing Instruction Manual (Wiley, March 2006). Read more about it at www.missingmanual.blogspot.com.
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Page 24
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
A Toast to Health? Raise a Cup of Hot Cocoa Is A Trust Right for your Estate? by SORIYA DANIELS Hot cocoa may be more than just a sweet treat to warm you up during these frigid winter months; it may actually be good for you. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society, hot cocoa has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea. Antioxidants neutralize and help eliminate damage-causing free radicals, agents that are harmful to the body’s cells and which have been linked to aging and the development of serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Although researchers were already aware that chocolate contains antioxidants, no one knew how cocoa compared to other beverages. Research revealed that the chocolaty drink has a high number of compounds called phenolic phytochemicals, also known as flavenoids, which indicate the presence of antioxidants. This study, touted as the most complete comparison to date, examined the total antioxidant content of four popular beverages: hot cocoa, green tea, black tea and red wine. “Before our study, I didn’t expect to find that cocoa had such a high antioxidant capacity,� says Chang Yong Lee, the lead researcher. “It has more than red wine and much more than tea on a per serving basis.� A total of 611 milligrams of the phenolic compound gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and 564 milligrams of the flavenoid epicatechin equivalents (ECE) were found in a one-cup serving of cocoa. By comparison, red wine was only found to have 340 milligrams of GAE and 163 milligrams of ECE per serving,
while one cup of green tea contained 165 milligrams of GAE and 47 milligrams of ECE. “Since antioxidants are known to be associated with good health, we should pay more attention when selecting our foods,� says Lee. “And beverages are a major component in the American diet.� Just how much hot cocoa should we drink? Scientists do not yet know the amount of antioxidants a person needs per day, so they have been reluctant to make recommendations. Even a good thing can be detrimental in the wrong the dose. But Lee says he does not hesitate to recommend drinking a cup of hot cocoa each day. While chocolate bars also have a high antioxidant activity, Lee does not recommend substituting a standard-size chocolate bar for the beverage since it contains three times as many grams of saturated fat than a one-cup serving of cocoa. He also notes that the hot version of cocoa tends to trigger the release of more antioxidants than when the drink is consumed cold. Despite its clear advantage, Lee does not suggest foregoing red wine and green tea for a cup of cocoa. Instead, he recommends that people include each in their diet. Given the flavenoid fervor, not to mention flavor, Omahans, Lincolnites and other Jewish Press readers might just keep warm and stay healthy with a cup of hot cocoa with breakfast, green tea with lunch, and red wine with dinner. How’s that for good news! “It has more than red wine and much more than tea on a per serving basis.� --Chang Yong Lee, lead researcher Soriya Daniels is a freelance writer living in Miami Beach, FL; she can be reached at: soriyadaniels@excite.com.
Financial Planning for Seniors by JAMIE L. URBAN Marketing Specialist First National Bank Wealth Management Group Trusts have long enjoyed the reputation for saving federal estate taxes for wealthy people. But, in 2006, there is hope that this tax may impact fewer people in the future. If so, are trusts still a necessary tool for estate planners? “Yes,� says Tom Gaughen, a Vice President in the Wealth Management Group at First National Bank. Gaughen lists his top 10 reasons to consider a trust: (1) Protection of wealth from future predators and creditors of the trust beneficiaries-this can only be accomplished when the trust becomes irrevocable. (2) Avoidance of probate resulting in possible savings of time, expense, and privacy. (3) Continuity of financial affairs in case of incapacity. (4) Facilitation of a second marriage for the surviving spouse in a manner that protects the assets according to the decedent’s wishes. (5) Access to nearly 20 financial services rendered by a Corporate Trustee--these servic-
es are designed to assist with every financial need. (6) Flexibility in establishing the rules of the trust—Family members can be involved as advisors or Co-Trustees. (7) Accomplishment of charitable giving in a tax advantaged manner--trusts can allow someone with highly appreciated property (i.e. Berkshire shares) to ultimately benefit a charity while increasing current income and reducing capital gains taxes. (8) Coordination of the overall estate plan-the trust is part of the overall set of documents which includes a simplified will, power of attorney, living will, and power of attorney for health care. (9) Savings of federal estate taxes for wealthy families--that advantage is still around. (10) Free information from a corporate trustee even before the trust is created--a bank trustee does not charge a fee to evaluate whether a trust may be right for you. Gaughen concludes that trusts are not for everyone. But, he adds, “it takes a lifetime to accumulate wealth and only a short time to lose it if your affairs are in poor order.�
Join the Embassy Park Community by BETTY PRICE “Embassy Park has been comfortable and secure living for me. During my time here they have done a terrific job maintaining the property and the buildings,� Sheila Rosen, 25-year resident of Embassy Park said. Longtime resident, Merriam Friedman agrees. “The maintenance at Embassy Park is always extremely helpful. I’m very happy here -when I ask for something I get it.� Getting older, but still too young at heart to consider a retirement home? If so, consider Embassy Park Apartments, just north of 90th and Dodge. Instead of worrying about mowing your lawn, cleaning gutters, replacing your furnace or paying steep monthly gym membership or condo fees, spend your retirement carefree at Embassy. Continuing its tradition as Omaha’s finest apartment community, Embassy Park has a new look to match its high standards of luxury and service. The newly remodeled homes
boast an incredible 41 feet of open living space, in-unit washers and dryers, fully equipped kitchens with side-by-side refrigerators and prep islands, all with the convenience of elevators, underground parking and controlled access video entry. The community is just that--a community: join other residents for weekly bridge games, tennis and other community outings. Julia Schapiro added, “I like the staff here at Embassy, and my wonderful neighbors too. Whenever my friends come to visit, they always comment on how terrific the grounds look.� Maybe you’re fortunate enough to enjoy your retirement by heading south during the winter months. Embassy’s snowbirds are not burdened with house maintenance, snow removal or worrying about the security of their houses and prized possessions while they’re away. The incredible service staff is on hand to take care of the details, with offices open seven days a week. To schedule your tour, call 397.7788.
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CORRECTIONS In the May 12 issue of the Jewish Press, Iris Varkony’s name was misspelled under the caption of the Beth El team, winners of the B’nai B’rith Trivia Contest during Yom HaAtzmaut. Also, services for Anne German were held in St. Louis, MO, where she was interred, not in Seattle, WA. The Press regrets the errors.
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May 26, 2006
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Giving Heart to Cardiac Patients by ALLISON KAPLAN SOMMER A revolutionary new Israeli genetic treatment could bring new hope to patients suffering with severe coronary heart disease. The procedure, which involves implanting a gene that causes new blood vessels to grow in the damaged section of the heart, is showing promise in experimental trials at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva. According to the American Heart Association, some seven million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease, which is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. The condition is the biggest killer of both men and women in the US, with more than 500,000 Americans each year dying of heart attacks caused by some form of the disease. A year ago, a 69-year-old Israeli patient named Amos Ben-Yosef was the first person to undergo the procedure, which is being supervised by the Rabin Center’s Prof. Ron Kornovsky. Ben-Yosef had previously undergone two heart bypass surgeries and a number of angioplasties, and the medication generally prescribed for heart conditions was no longer effective on him. The smallest daily effort caused him severe chest pain, and his quality of life was extremely low. He therefore volunteered to have his heart injected with a gene that encourages the growth of new blood vessels. Following the procedure, his condition improved and he was eventually released and continues to recover at home. “While there have been some genetic trials involving the naked DNA, this is the first procedure I am aware of that attempts to apply gene therapy to repair the heart,” Kornovsky told ISRAEL21c. “And so far, we are encouraged by the progress of the research.” In the year-long study that is currently underway, additional heart patients have had their hearts injected with the gene in a double-blind study. In addition to the Israeli patients, the procedure is also being conducted in Denmark and Germany as a Phase II study to examine its safety and efficacy. Two-thirds of all of the patients are having the gene implant and one-third are receiving a placebo.
While the study is still in progress and therefore there smallest efforts, because their heart is incapable of are no definitive results, anecdotal evidence shows that pumping enough blood to support that activity, and some of the patients participating in the study are expe- simple tasks, even within their homes, can upset their riencing improvement in their condition and their abili- heart rhythm and endanger their lives. ty to function. The Rabin Center pioneering technology begins when Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of the doctors take a gene that is created in the laboratory oxygen and nutrients that are carried to it by the blood designed to encourage blood vessel growth. That gene in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries is implanted into a virus. Once the virus has the gene become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough inside it, it is injected into the patient’s heart in 12 difblood to the ferent locations, targeting points where the blood heart, the supply is the weakest, and the most blood vessels result is are blocked. heart disThe purpose of the procedure is to help the ease. If not patients’ heart grow new blood vessels to carry enough oxyblood from the healthy parts of the heart to the gen-carrying impaired locations. In order to prevent unconblood reachtrolled blood vessel growth that could cause dames the heart, age, the gene is programmed to wither away and the heart disappear after a certain amount of time. may respond The gene that is being used in the procedure is with pain called BioBypass, and is manufactured by called angiGenVec, a biotechnology company in na. The pain Gaithersburg, Maryland. The catheters that are is usually felt being used are produced by Johnson and in the chest Johnson. or someWhile Kornovsky is cautious to represent the times in the current information as a “progress report” - it was left arm and published with the goal of recruiting additional s h o u l d e r. patients to the study - the research team is When the encouraged by the anecdotal evidence of some of blood supthe participants, whose ability to function has ply is cut off improved, in some cases significantly. completely, Anecdotal evidence shows that some of the patients “We don’t want to misrepresent this as a magic the result is participating in the study are experiencing improve- cure: the research is still underway and we need to a heart ment in their condition and their ability to function. keep following the patients until the ‘blinders’ are attack. The part of the heart that does not receive oxy- lifted before we can reach definite conclusions as to how gen begins to die, and some of the heart muscle may be effective the treatment is,” he said. permanently damaged. “But our significant achievement at this point is the A significant percentage of patients who have suffered fact that we have demonstrated that this course of therfrom heart conditions for a long time, reach a point, like apy is safe - none of the patients who underwent the Ben-Yosef, where they no longer respond to conven- procedure have suffered any adverse effects.” tional treatment, and may not be candidates for a transAllison Kaplan Sommer is ISRAEL21c’s Associate plant. They generally suffer from chest pains from the Editor
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Six Omaha Chapter Hadassah Members Attend Northwest Regional Conference by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES by Student Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus. Dr. Reinharz, a Persistent cloudy, rainy weather failed to dampen the proponent of women’s issues spoke about Hadassah’s spirits of approximately 100 Hadassah members from a historical background as part of her overall presentation. five-state area, who convened for the Upper Midwest On Saturday morning, the hardier souls took a walkRegional Hadassah Spring Conference and Shabbaton, ing tour of historic downtown Sioux Falls, where rain hosted by the Sioux Falls Chapter, the last weekend of continued steadily. Later in the day, we enjoyed a conApril. tinuation of Dr. Reinharz’s engaging speech and a panel The theme of this event, held at Sioux Falls Holiday discussion on the subject of “Living Jewishly in a Small Inn City Centre, was “A Contemporary Kaleidoscope: Town”, moderated by Marsha Eisenberg. The panelists Women on the Move”, and in keeping with the kaleido- were Judy Freidson, Deborah Peterson-Perlman and scopic image, everything from the invitations and Bea Premack. brochures to the table décor, was in brilliant color. “South Dakota is Close to Home: Advocating for Our Along with this writer, the other members from Rights”, was a symposium on women’s reproductive Omaha who attended were our Chapter President rights. The subject addressed was “Choice: How Judaism Georgia Ann Steinberg, Carole Lainof, Maxine Noodell, Informs Our Thinking”, presented by Stephanie Sargent, Harriet Klopper and Sandy Kohll. Region Leadership, Education and Training Coordinator; After registration, the Kate Looby, South Dakota group assembled to State Director for Planned receive welcoming Parenthood Minnesota, addresses from Debby North Dakota, and South Jewett, Regional Dakota; and Joy E. President; Carole Lebow, Pollock, Esq., Hadassah Conference CoNational American Chairman; and Gail Affairs/Domestic Policy Klein, Sioux Falls Chapter Chair. President. Dave Munson, Saturday night’s proMayor of Sioux Falls, and gram began with a recepMike Rounds, Governor tion honoring Hadassah of South Dakota, gave Associates, followed by welcoming speeches. the banquet, and presenJune Walker, National tation of the Janet Bailin Hadassah President, who Memorial Lifetime Carol Rosenthal, new President of the Upper Midwest Region of was unable to attend, Achievement Award to Hadassah, of Sioux Falls, SD, back row left, meets with the Omaha gave her address via Dorothy Hurwitz, and Chapter delegates and Gail Klein, Sioux Falls Chapter President, video. the Installation of Georgia Ann Steinberg, Sandy Kohll; front row: Gloria Jones, Paula Jarnicki, ConferHadassah Region Officers Maxine Noodell, Harriet Klopper and Carole Lainof. ence Advisor, and Sandy and new Region Einberg, National Liaison to the Upper Midwest President Carol Rosenthal, who succeeds Debby Jewett. Region, presented the 2006-07 slate of officers and elecThe highlight of Sunday’s activities included concurtion. Other Hadassah updates were given by Sarene rent sessions. These hour-long sessions repeated, so Silver, Past Region President and Nominating every attendee had an opportunity to attend at least two. Committee Chair. Julia Gordon, Region Nurses’ The weekend concluded with lunch and the conference Council Chair, and Carole Lainof, Omaha Chapter wrap up. Nurses’ Mission, spoke as well. Participants had a great time learning, attending to Keynote speaker, Shulamit Reinharz, PhD., Scholar- our spiritual needs, renewing old friendships and making in-Residence and Graduate Admissions Head at new friends. There was a lot of kibbitzing in between Brandeis University, gave an introduction on “American planned sessions, and in spite of the rain, much warmth Jewish Women and the Zionist Experience.” For all and good cheer prevailed throughout the conference. those impressive titles, Dr. Reinharz is down-to-earth, And though we didn’t get a lot of sleep due to all the friendly and a captivating speaker. activities, everyone returned home with energy and Friday night, we had dinner at Mt. Zion renewed appreciation for Hadassah, and all it has to offer Congregation, followed by Shabbat services conducted in the way of Jewish values and life-enhancing pursuits.
UNMC Pharmacy Professor to Head NIH Study Section by TOM O’CONNOR UNMC Public Affairs Alexander Kabanov, Ph. D., professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has been named chairman of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study section. The NIH is the world’s leading provider of financial support for medical and health research. On July 1, Dr. Kabanov will begin his duties as chairman of the NIH Center for Scientific Review Biomaterials and Biointerfaces study section, a position he will hold for two years. Dr. Kabanov is an expert in polymer delivery who has done peer reviews for various government agencies. Dr. Kabanov will lead the study section of 19 other scien- Dr. Alexander Kabanov tists who represent institutions like Yale University, Stanford University and the University of Michigan. It is the responsibility of the study section to review nearly 4,500 grant proposals and attend three meetings throughout the year. The grants focus on the innovative materials used in medicines and biotechnology to improve health, Dr. Kabanov said. He is intent on making a difference while serving as chairman. “We must discuss the grant proposals in good faith by making sure that they are fair and objective,” Dr. Kabanov said. “It is essential that grant feedback assists the development of stronger proposals for better science. It is the chair’s job to keep it professional.” Clarence Ueda, Pharm.D., Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy, said Dr. Kabanov’s appointment as chairman is a prestigious and coveted honor. “It is a significant recognition to have a faculty member chair an NIH study section, not only good for the individual, but also for UNMC and the College of Pharmacy,” Dr. Ueda said. “Dr. Kabanov is considered by his peers to be an exceptionally creative and gifted biomaterials scientist, and that is why he has been chosen as chairman to the study section. Dr. Kabanov is at the top of his game scientifically, and is still rising.” UNMC is the only public health science center in the state. Its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers in cancer, transplantation biology, bioterrorism preparedness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, biomedical technology, ophthalmology and arthritis. UNMC’s research funding from external sources is now more than $72 million annually and has resulted in the creation of nearly 2,400 highly skilled jobs in the state. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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The Evil Empire and its Satellites: Borsht, Cholent and Slivovitz or ‘If you can’t think of a plot, write a cookbook’
THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Lesley Chamberlain earned two university degrees in Russian and went to Moscow as a Reuter correspondent in 1978. Ruminating about travel and food, in a society where Western professionals had abundance and the citizenry were deprived, led to two cookbooks. In 1982 Lesley Chamberlain published The Food and Cooking of Russia and in 1989, The Food and Cooking of Eastern Europe. Each contained 200 recipes. The University of Nebraska Press has reprinted these books with a new Introduction in its “At Table” series. Does the fall of the Soviet Union and the reconfiguration of Eastern Europe into Central Europe change cooking and eating habits? Yes and Yes. Store shelves have gone from shortages and limited selection to greater abundance. Traditional food ways have been joined by the likes of McDonalds and other processed foods. When she wrote this book Russia was one country and Eastern Europe eight countries. The numbers have changed radically with the collapse of the Eastern Bloc Satellites and the emergence of the several nations of the former Soviet Union. The Russian analogue of America’s Betty Crocker Cookbook, Joy of Cooking, and Good Housekeeping Cookbook is the Book of Tasty and Healthy Food, The National Cuisines of Our People, and A Gift to Young Housewives. Mrs. Elizabeth Beeton’s match mate in Russia was Elena Molokhovets, in Poland Lucyna Cwierciakiewiczowa, and in Bohemia--Magdalena Dobromila Rettigova. The Westernizing Tsar, Peter the Great, traveling in Europe, acquired a taste for western food. Hence Russian contains the words kotlety (cutlet), sosiski (sausage), omlety (omlette), muss (mousse) and kompot (compote). Peter also brought to Russia the Dutch habit of drinking coffee. The region exported vodka, plum based slivovica, and caviar. Jews migrating from Russia and
Eastern Europe brought to America the blini or blintz, compoted stewed vegetables, gefilte fish and horseradish, latkes, challah and borsht, which knows no political boundaries. Several observations emerge from these two books. Jews comprised a significant minority in these lands. Most recipes and rituals were organized around Lent and Christmas. Jewish social life flourished in Romanian coffee houses. Goulash isn’t only in Hungary. Scandinavian smorgasbord’s equivalent is Polish zakaski and Russian zakuski. Yugoslavia probably offers the best fish cookery in Eastern Europe. The standard work on BohemianAmerican cooking was published by Mary Rosicky in Omaha in 1915. Berlin is the pea-soup capital. Sorrel soup was particularly favored by Transylvanian Jews. German has two words for potato, erdapfel (earth apple) and kartoffel (little truffle). Russians, Lithuanians, Ukrainians and Jews all lay claim to beetroot soup. Many traditional Polish recipes, other than bacon and pork, overlap with and have influenced Jewish cooking. Bulgaria probably brought paprika to the Turks who gave it to Hungary. Thirty years ago, despite consumer shortages, whole grains, fresh vegetables and herbs, seeds and sunflower oil, yogurt and sour cream were available under the communists at the grocers while in London they were purchased in special or whole-food shops. Chamberlain recalls that in 1986 there was a food and fuel shortage in Bucharest and lemons and walnuts were unavailable. There were unpredictable shortages in everything except cabbage. Incidentally, Dutch for cabbage salad is koolsla. Both books are replete with literary references including Saul Bellow, Alfred Döblin, Günter Grass and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Similar dishes appeared with similar names. Cholent, the traditional Jewish Sabbath dish was modified by Transylvanian Christians and Hungarians into solet and included pork. Kugel--firm savory pudding--may have contributed to Gugelhupf. Chamberlain concludes that these two reprinted volumes are “at heart a diary devoted to” her “sensual response to traveling in mentally difficult places,” “rather than a collection of recipes.” Author, historian and attorney Oliver B. Pollak can be reached at OBPOmni@aol.com.
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Age Gracefully At Home with Help from VNA’s HomeAide Program by ROBERT PRUCHA VNA HomeAide Manager In 2006, America’s aging population reached a turning point -baby boomer’s started turning 60. According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, over 36.3 million Americans are aged 65 or older. Over the next 40 years, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double, while the number of people aged 85 and older is expected to triple. Baby boomers are among the millions of mid-life and older adults who are continuing to redefine how we age, and seek new alternatives for long-term care. Relying on someone else to help with simple tasks, such as cooking, doing laundry, or cleaning up around the house can be a sobering thought. But it is fast becoming reality every day for millions of Americans. Independence for aging adults relies on a balance of important elements, such as empowerment in consumer choice, as well as healthy lifestyles that emphasize nutri-
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May 26, 2006
Irony of Ironies While Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stands before the United States Congress making the case for Israel’s security, Hamas and Fatah are fighting it out in Gaza. While Hamas operatives are attempting to smuggle Euros across the Rafah border station between Israel and Gaza, Warren Buffett buys not one, but two Israeli companies. And while the Israeli economy grows at an astounding 6.8% this year, British academicians once again attempt a boycott of Israeli universities. Is this a Kafka-esque world or what? In his speech to a joint session of Congress, Olmert reminds the world that it is Israel that took matters into its own hands and evacuated thousands of Jews from Gaza. In the wake of the “disengagement,” Palestinians trashed greenhouses--potential businesses--left standing by the Jews of Gaza. Though Olmert has offered to “exhaust every option” in negotiating a peaceful settlement with the Palestinians, he still is talking of more evacuations (see the front page story). The possibility now exists of not the 9000 Jews being forced out of their homes and businesses as occurred in Gaza, but maybe 10 times as many from the West Bank. Is Israel rewarded for this? No, the world media continues to berate the tiny country for its lack of negotiations with a terrorist entity that pledges to wipe Israel off the map. To compound matters, Presbyterians USA
has continued its drive for divestment. The group, which meets next month in Birmingham, AL, passed a resolution in 2004 calling for “phased, selective divestment in multinational corporations operating in Israel,” according to JTA. Several other Protestant groups considered divestment as an option. “The Methodists decided to study their options; the United Church of Christ, also known as the Congregationalists, endorsed divestment but did not create a process to enact it; the Episcopalians considered but rejected divestment; and the Lutherans rejected a divestment resolution, and instead passed a resolution to invest in cooperative ventures between Israelis and Palestinians,” wrote Rachel Pomerance in the JTA piece earlier this month. Warren Buffett must be shaking his head with disbelief. The world’s second wealthiest man knows something that Palestinians and their backers, British academics and Presbyterians don’t: investing in Israel is a good--no, make that
a great idea. Only the United States ranks above Israel in the number of IPOs issued last year; Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, has the highest number of personal computers and university degrees per capita in the world and produces more scientific papers per capita than any other country; both Microsoft and Cisco built their first foreign-based plants in Israel-and Intel just announced an expansion of its Israel-based facility. If you were betting on Warren Buffet’s ideas or the loonies (Hamas, Iran, British academics, ad nauseum)...do we even have to ask?
Groups Mobilize as British Teachers Consider Another Boycott of Israelis
FOCUS ON ISSUES by CHANAN TIGAY NEW YORK (JTA) -- Jewish groups are mobilizing to defeat another potential boycott of Israeli academics, this time by Britain’s largest union for college teachers. The 65,000-member National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education meets May 27-29. Barring procedural stumbling blocks, NATFHE will vote on an “emergency motion” to blacklist Israeli lecturers and academic institutions that don’t publicly declare their opposition to Israel’s presence in the West Bank. The motion accuses Israel of “apartheid policies” and asks NATFHE members to boycott Israeli educational institutions and individuals who don’t publicly distance themselves from Israeli policy. The move comes a year after another British union, the Association of University Teachers, passed a similar Israeli boycott. The AUT later rescinded the decision in the face of international criticism. “Once again, a group of British academics is targeting Israel, only this time their goals are even more insidious,” said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. “Members of this union are being told that it’s acceptable to boycott Israeli scholars on the basis of their nationality and to question them about their political views. By singling out Israel, these activists are once again demonstrating the anti-Semitic agenda which lies at the heart of the boycott movement.” NATFHE Resolution 198C, a copy of which was obtained by JTA, cites “continuing Israeli apartheid policies, including construction of the exclusion wall, and discriminatory educational practices. It recalls its motion of solidarity last year for the AUT resolution to exercise moral and professional responsibility.” The resolution further “invites members to consider their own responsibility for ensuring equity and non-discrimination in contacts with Israeli educational institutions or individuals and to consider the appropriateness of a boycott of those that do not publicly dissociate
themselves from such policies.” It is one of two resolutions relating to Israel. The other asks British academics to support Palestinian colleagues in the face of “the continual attacks by Israel’s government” and to reaffirm that support by contacting the Palestinian Authority government. The United States and European Union have cut off contact with the Palestinian Authority now that it is run by the terrorist group Hamas.
Letters to NATFHE and AUT can be sent through www.ajcongress.org/ Action-Alert.asp. The Scholars for Peace in the Middle East petition is available at www.spme.net/cgibin/display_ petitions.cgi?ID=2 The American Jewish Committee has reupped on its anti-boycott fund, launched last year to help combat the AUT resolution. The group last week pledged an additional $10,000 to the fund. “The track record from the experience with the AUT showed that a variety of tools need to be used to combat this type of boycott, and one of them is that people have the ability to sue or at least assert their legal rights,” said Kenneth Stern, a specialist on anti-Semitism and extremism at the AJCommittee. “We’re raising funds to help whoever is impacted by this to fight it in any way possible. They shouldn’t have to bear the cost.” The teachers association, which is planning a summer merger with the AUT, won’t comment on the motion “unless and until it is certain that it will be discussed at the conference.” “It’s an emergency motion,” NATFHE spokesman Trevor Phillips told JTA. “Not all emergency motions are discussed. This one is in some doubt because of procedural issues.” The American Jewish Congress has made it possible for those who oppose the boycott to automatically generate e-mail letters to NATFHE and AUT leaders. So far, 1,500 emails have been sent. “NATFHE’s proposed resolutions are indefensible,” said AJCongress’ executive director, Neil Goldstein. “One resolution advocates support of the Palestinian government run by Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist
organization that proudly takes credit for the murder of innocent Israeli civilians. This support of terrorism reveals the one-sided political nature of the NATFHE resolutions and the moral blindness of its statements on the tragic Middle East conflict.” In Britain, efforts are under way among some anti-boycott members of NATFHE to lobby against the motion, a model based on the effort that overturned last year’s AUT measure. “The important grass-roots work has to be done by people who are members of the union,” said Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. “We are certainly keeping a close eye on what’s going on and providing whatever assistance we can in terms of logistical help.” He added, “It’s like bush fires: You think you’ve put it out and then it pops up somewhere else. It’s going to be a constant thing.” The World Jewish Congress said it was “deeply upset” by the NATFHE motion. So did other institutions. “Any boycott call that is based on whether Israeli academics support their government’s policy is like the AUT call last year--discriminatory, and effectively an anti-Semitic act,” Ronnie Fraser of Academic Friends of Israel said in a letter posted on the Bar-Ilan University Web site. Bar-Ilan was one of two Israeli universities specifically targeted by last year’s AUT resolution, while this year’s NATFHE motion would affect all Israeli academic institutions. Meanwhile, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East launched an online petition to oppose the resolution. “Academic boycott actions are antithetical not only to the principles of academic freedom, but also to the quest for peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict,” the petition said. “Those who perpetuate and participate in such boycotts are separating themselves from the academic community as opposed to bringing it together to work for peace and support academic freedom.’’ To contribute to the AJCommittee fund, checks made payable to the AJC Anti-Boycott Fund, can be sent to AJC, 165 E. 56 St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or donations can be made online at www.ajc.org.
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Communal Restitution Drags on in Poland, to Jewish Groups’ Chagrin Only 16 percent of the 5,000 claims have been reviewed so far by the government panel on Jewish communal restitution. Of those, 456 were judged to have merit, in which case restitution must be by DINAH SPRITZER made or compensation must be paid WARSAW (JTA)--Monika Krawczyk based on the value of the property right has been haggling for several years with after World War II. “At the rate things are going, the the municipal government of Brzeziny in central Poland. The town council, she claims will not be solved for 30 years,” says, includes several members who grew Krawczyk said. The slow pace could have a devastating up next to a synagogue that they now effect on restoration of the country’s pretend never existed. “They tell me to show them more monuments and 1,300 cemeteries, she papers that the synagogue was there, added, since that is how the foundation, even though as children they played right which has jurisdiction over restitution on next to it,” said Krawczyk, a lawyer and 60 percent of Polish territory, uses the CEO of the Foundation for the restitution money. The Union of Religious Jewish Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland. She has been trying to wrest the Communities and its local branches oversynagogue plot from Brzeziny on the see restituted property in the other 40 percent of the country. foundation’s behalf. Rough estimates have put the current The case of Brzeziny, about 12 miles east of Lodz, illustrates how difficult it is value of communal Jewish property at $30 million to $50 million, according to Andrzej Zozula, the union’s executive director. “I think that everyone had hoped the restitution process would move faster,” Herbert Block, assistant executive vice president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and a member of the board of the World Jewish Restitution Organization, told JTA Above: Monika Krawczyk, a lawyer and CEO of the Foundation earlier this year. for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage, points to a wall of for- Faster may be just what mer synagogues and Jewish cemeteries that the foundation is the government has in trying to reclaim, March 2006 in her Warsaw offices. mind as well. Credit: Dinah A. Spritzer/JTA At an April meeting Below: A former Jewish home in Krakow, Poland, finally with the Interior reclaimed by the family after a lengthy court battle. Ministry, government Credit: Carolyn Slutsky/JTA officials agreed that the pace of return was unacceptable. They decided to replace the sixmember commission responsible for judging restitution claims and said the easiest cases should be given priority. The government’s stance is a sea change from previous administrations, according to many Polish Jews. Krawczyk said both changes should greatly increase the speed at which cases to reclaim properties that belonged to the are decided. But she said municipal communal organizations that oversaw authorities remain reluctant to return Jewish life in Poland before World War II. Jewish property. “It’s really hard to understand the mentalMore than half the population of the nearly 12,000-person town was Jewish in ity of a place like this,” she said of Brzeziny, 1939. Brzeziny’s Jews were nearly all where the synagogue was destroyed by the exterminated by the Nazis, but--as in Communist regime in 1957. “There were no Jews left, so the other Polish cities and towns--there is land there, if not actual buildings, that Communists also took the sand from the once belonged to the Jewish community. Jewish cemetery and made a sand mine, “It’s a complex matter of ownership and then used the sand, mixed in with rights. The disputed plot is owned by bones, to build pre-fabricated housing someone else now,” Iwona Urban, a for the town’s residents,” she claimed. In the wake of this history, Krawczyk lawyer for the municipality, told JTA. “We tried to agree on a compensation said she found it depressing that town package with the foundation but it didn’t authorities keep asking her for additional documents for the synagogue--which is work, so the court will decide.” Years could pass before a decision is mentioned in the town’s Web site--even though she says she has found evidence handed down. Krawczyk’s struggle -- fruitless meet- of its registration in the relevant property ings with resentful municipal officials, office. Last October, a plaque commemoratbottomless paperwork and even encounters with anti-Semitic graffiti -- is part of ing the rabbi’s house, across from the fora wider attempt to deal with some 5,000 mer synagogue, was destroyed. Anticlaims that have been filed since 1997, Semitic graffiti, which the city still hasn’t when the Polish government agreed to a cleaned up, was scrawled in its place. Krawczyk said she’s running out of process that would allow for the restitupatience. tion of Jewish communal property. “I worry that when we finally do get Most claims are for former synagogue plots, hospitals and even orphanages that properties back and can make money off are now parking lots, police stations, of them, it will be too late, because the parks and apartment buildings in small buildings or headstones are falling apart in front of our eyes,” she said. towns across Poland.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 29
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to urge him to schedule a Senate vote on HR 810, a Stem Cell funding bill. Under current law, research on embryonic stem cells is hampered by federal restrictions. These restrictions frequently prevent embryonic stem cell specialists from even sharing lab equipment with scientists receiving federal funding. Congress must act to reverse these roadblocks. Last year, the House of Representatives passed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (HR 810), which would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Companion legislation has been languishing before the Senate for more than a year. Senate Majority Leader Frist has stated publicly that he supports expanding federal funding for stem cell research, but has prevented the issue from going before the Senate for a vote. According to recent survey data, 70% of Americans support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. It has been a full year since the House passed HR 810. It’s time for a vote in the Senate. Remember to take action now; together we can make a difference. Alan F. Levin, Chairman Center for Senior Services Kent E. Schiner, Chairman Senior Advocacy Initiative Mark D. Olshan, Ph.D. Assoc. Executive VP B’nai B’rith International Rachel E. Goldberg, Ph.D. Director of Senior Advocacy
To the Editor: With so much going on in the media, it isn’t always possible to fit everything into our regular communiques. However, if you want to know what’s happening in real time and the chance to comment on the issues of the day, head to Backspin, HonestReporting’s very own blog site, which also covers some of the less reported stories of the day. The tragic death of Daniel Wultz, the Florida teen critically injured in last month’s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv is reported on Backspin, along with a powerful piece by the New York Times, which attended the funeral of newly-married Lior Anidzar, who has also succumbed to his injuries. Backspin also relays the boasts of Islamic Jihad which did not appear in most mainstream media. As Israel finishes celebrating its 58th birthday, so too the Palestinians commemorate the events of 1947-48 by promoting their own narrative, some of which has been used to distort the history of Israel’s creation in order to demonize the Jewish state. To respond to some of the articles that are likely to appear in media outlets, visit Honest Reporting’s website at: www.honestreporting.com for information about how you can subscribe and link to useful resources. Ephraim Shore Israel Director To the Editor: This is an Action Alert from the Center for Senior Services, asking you to Take Action by writing to Senate Majority
GAUCHER DISEASE Approximately 1 out of every 450 within the Ashkenazi Jewish population has Gaucher disease
The symptoms may become apparent at any age and they include:
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The consequences of this disorder can be debilitating. For more information on Gaucher disease, treatment, and testing, contact your doctor or please call and ask for Information Packet 9. RGD/US/P145/01/04
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Page 30
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
Candlelighting Friday, May 26, 8:28 p.m.
Synagogue Listings
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by a kid-friendly dinner. $5 for adults, free for children ages six and younger. Last Tot Shabbat until the fall. RSVP to Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@ bethel-omaha.org. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sylvia Jess in honor of her birthday; Evening Service, 8:40 p.m. SERVICES: SHAVUOT Thursday, June 1, 5:30 pm; Friday, June 2, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. SHAVUOT STUDY NIGHT THURSDAY, June 1, 5:30 p.m. Minha/Ma’ariv services, followed by 6 p.m. dinner and two study sessions at 6:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. During a 20-minute break, Cantor Bogomolni will lead participants in songs related to the holiday. Adult education participants will also be recognized. Dinner is $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children ages six-12; free for children five and younger. For reservations, contact Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Thursday, June 1, From Your Heart to God’s Ears make-up class, 4:45 p.m. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Tuesday, May 30, 7 p.m. at the home of Ann Goldstein, 9856 Devonshire Dr. to explore women’s journeys through the life cycle. RSVP with Goldstein at 391.1050 or akgoldstein@gmail. com; or Cheryl Cooper, at 850.4220 or coopsrandc@cox.net. SALUTE TO MINYANNAIRES: Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m., Beth El will pay tribute to those congregants who have regularly attended daily serv-
ices during the past year. BETH EL ANNUAL MEETING: Sunday, June 4, 12:30 p.m. (See page 31 for full story.) K’TANTAN PLUS Our summertime program, led by Daniel Christensen, meets in the chapel from 10:45-11:45 a.m. on Saturday mornings, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, and Aug. 12 and 26. This program is open to children in grades K-6, and offers them opportunities to take active roles in leading Shabbat services, as well as the parasha discussion. For information, call Judy Rubin at 498.0904.
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. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of the anniversary of Anna Kohll’s Bat Mitzvah by David, Janet, Sam, Max, Jack Henry and Leo Kohll; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:37 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv service time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. MONDAY: Synagogue office closed for Memorial Day; Shacharit, 9 a.m. THURSDAY--Erev Yom Tov: office closes at noon for Shavuot. Mincha, 7:45 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner; Tikun Leil Shavuot begins at 9 p.m. FRIDAY – Shavuot: Shacharit, 9 a.m. A dairy Kiddush is sponsored by Dr. Bonnie Bloch in appreciation of the support members gave her as President. At 7 p.m., Advanced Talmud; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. (See page 10 for full story.)
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; New Series--Torah Studies, 10 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champ, 10 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Midnight Madness Shavuot Night Torah Studies, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, June 2, 19th Annual Shavuout Family Celebration, 11 a.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.
FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY, Erev Shavuot: Celebration of Adult Learning, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The holiday worship service will be followed by a dairy Oneg. (See page 14 for full story.) FRIDAY, June 2: Shavuot and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, May 31: Jewish Journey Group, 7-8:30 p.m. Look at how new models can reveal fresh insights with the help from the paperback, Lifting the Veil--Hidden Judaism Revealed by Steven Evans.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Ellen and David Feingold. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY: Erev Shavuot Potluck dinner, 6:30 pm. followed by Tikun Leyl and all-night learning. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. June 1 and 2: Shavout, 8:30 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY, 9 a.m. & THURSDAY, 7 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. MONDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Bat Mitzvah of Sayde Evnen, daughter of Susan Evnen and Richard Evnen. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. THURSDAY: Shavuot services, dairy dinner and all night study session, 6:30 p.m. at B’nai Jeshurun. FRIDAY, June 2: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Services, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY, June 4: Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.
B’NAI MITZVAH 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.tiferethlincoln.org
PERSONAL I wish to thank my family, friends, Rabbis Levin, Azriel, Gross and the wonderful staff at the Rose Blumkin Home. Everyone’s thoughfulness, visits, and donations helped me during my recovery in the hospital and at the home. Lily Kay
Sean Ian Bernstein, son of Rose and Stuart Bernstein, will become Bar Mitzvah on S a t u r d a y, June 3, at Temple Israel. Sean is a recent 12th grade honors graduate from Elkhorn High School. He received honors in math and English. He also is a Ediar Honorary Beau, and Mr. AZA 2006. Other interests include BBYO, OTYG, and Frisbee. For his mitzvah project, Sean volunteered at Ronald McDonald House clean up, was an ADLManhigim Mentor, Veterans
Interview Project, and participated in the No Place for Hate campaign. Sean has two younger sisters, LaShanna and Ashley. Grandparents are Esther Bernstein of Binghampton, NY and the late Irving Bernstein, and Agnes Trick of Binghampton, NY, and the late La Verne Trick. Louis Reuben Schreiber, son of Michelle Schreiber and Allen R. Schreiber, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 3, at Congregation B’nai Jeshuren in Lincoln. Louis is a seventh-grade student at Goodrich Middle School and was selected to participate in the Duke Talent
Identification Program. His interests include Boy Scouts, computers, and Husker football. For his mitzvah project, Louis placed an urn containing stones to place on gravesites in the Mt. Lebanon section of Wyuka Cemetery for use when visitng loved ones buried there. He has a brother, Benjamin, and a sister, Shoshanah. Grandparents are Marlene and Peter T h o m p s o n , Raymond, NE, and Suzanne Goldhammer Schreiber of Lincoln, and Ira Schreiber of Aurora, CO.
Andrew Trenton, son of Debbie and Steve Trenton, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 3, at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, KS. Andrew is a sixth-grade honor roll student at Pembroke Hill School. H i s interests are hockey and lacrosse. Andrew has a sister, Emily. Grandparents are Jan and Les Schneiderman, and Carol and Cliff Trenton of Kansas.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
May 26, 2006
An Ideal World
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat B’huqotai The last chapter of the Book of Leviticus outlines an ideal world. In it humans will follow God’s commandments and nature will respond. The rain will come in its season and at no other time. (Remind New Englanders of this!) In general the Sidra assumes a close relationship between the action of human beings and the response of nature. It assumes a moral world of reward and punishment. “I will be your God, and you will be My people.�
But if not, if you do not follow My commandments-there follow a fearful list of punishments beyond what most of us could imagine even when given free reign. And all of this ends with a suggestion of how all of this is to be maintained financially, the sanctuary and its appurtenances and the payment for the priests, etc. It was to be by the free will offerings of people who gave the value of their own selves, the value of livestock, of property, homes and land. The warning is enunciated clearly: once given none of this can be bought back. It has become Holy, since it is property of the sanctuary. And who is to see to the accomplishment of all the preceding? It is the priest who is to be the economic officer, perhaps because he is incorruptible. And our Sidra ends with a reminder that all of this took place at Sinai.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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DEATHS LEAH KRASNE Former Council Bluffs resident Leah Krasne died in New York City at the age of 103. Born in Oakland, NE, she lived in Council Bluffs until her son Leslie died in 1983. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, who died in 1983. The Krasne family were part owners of the People’s Department Store in Coun cil Bluffs. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rabbi Standley and Marlene Krasne of New York; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. NANCY LAUB Former Omahan Nancy Laub died in San Ramon, CA, May 17 after a long battle with cancer. She would have
been 58 on June 13. Services were held May 18 at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, CA. An accomplished cellist, she performed in a number of ensembles over the years, most recently with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ben Laub, former administrator of the Dr. Sher Home in Omaha (formerunner of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home); daughter, Becky Laub of Los Angeles, CA; son, Danny Laub of Santa Barbara, CA; brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Susan Jacoby Stern of Los Angeles; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Julia and Nigel Minkovitch of Israel. Memorials to Congregation B’nai Shalom or the American Cancer Society.
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Beth El’s Volunteers, Board to Be Saluted at Annual Meeting by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s congregation will gather together as new and returning board members are welcomed and outgoing board members thanked during Beth El’s annual meeting, planned for Sunday, June 4, 12:30 p.m. Scheduled to be installed President: Sally are Zipursky; Vice-Presidents: Steve Pitlor, Allan Noddle and Michael Hoberman; Treasurer: Gary Rifkin; Secretary: Sibby Wolfson. New members serving a two-year term include: Alan Shulewitz, Michael Levine, Jon Jabenis, Ed Schneider and Sharon Brodkey. Returning for a second twoSally Zipursky year term is Andee Scioli. The following out-going board members and officers will be recognized for their service to the synagogue: Dick Fellman, Ron Feldman, Harold Zabin, Ellene Edelstein, Joel Schlessinger, Lloyd Roitstein and Holly Weill. Out-going president Hyman Sukiennik will remain on the executive committee and board in an exofficio capacity. The meeting will also be highlighted by the presentations of the Earl Siegel, Selwyn Roffman and President’s Awards, as well as the Sisterhood Teen Award and recognition of in-coming and out-going Men’s Club board members. Following the meeting, a congregational lunch buffet honoring the synagogue’s new president and incoming and outgoing board members will be sponsored by Charlotte, Morley and Jim Zipursky.
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EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed for Shavuot, Friday, June 2. The deadline for the June 9 issue is Wednesday, May 31, noon. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.�
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 26, 2006
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