May 27, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

A great tribute to Friedel The vote

May 27, 2011 23 Iyar 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 38

This Week

is in!

Bea Karp at Creighton University Page 10

Friedel honorees Bob Eisenberg and Shami Jacobs.

Shavuot with a French accent Page 10

National Nursing Home Week comes to the Blumkin Home Page 20

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Salute to Graduates See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

16 18 19

by DEBBIE KRICSFELD for Friedel Jewish Academy Friedel Jewish Academy celebrated its fourth annual tribute dinner last Sunday evening at Beth El Synagogue. The dinner featured three honorees who contributed to Friedel’s success and made our community Jewish day school an essential part of their lives. Jody K. and Ray Goldstein, Bob Eisenberg and Shami Jacobs gave three perspectives about the importance of an excellent Jewish education. This year’s theme was “Building on the Past, Building for the Future.”

The energized crowd cocktailed in the lovely Beth El courtyard as

Friedel children staffed the event.

The décor and food this year was Middle Eastern, and the 180 guests enjoyed a feast from baba ghanoush to baklava, produced by Mike Aparo of Star Catering with volunteer Chef Ben Shapiro. The room was decorated in great swathes of festive fabrics.

Six year old Ivan Senik opened the program, standing on a chair to be seen. In his public speaking debut, he welcomed the crowd in fluent Russian. Four other Friedel students repeated the message: Isabella Wright in Dutch, Eliana Schuller in Spanish, Mika Kaplan in Hebrew, and Josh Polack in English. “Welcome to the most diverse school in all of

Nebraska,” said emcee Debbie Denenberg. “Friedel’s growing student body of 57 includes children who speak these languages at home.”

Special recognition was given to Ms. Eadie Tsabari, recipient of the sixth annual Phil and Ruth Sokolof Outstanding Jewish Teacher Award.

Friedel Judaic studies teacher Naama Artzi is a prior recipient.

Tsabari, Artzi and “Morah Mor” Steinbein teach the children Hebrew in a total immersion program.

“Israelis are floored to hear our young children from Omaha, with their perfect Israeli accents,” Denenberg said.

Continued on page 3

A century of memories

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Leo Meyerson was a musician, radio pioneer and successful businessman. He passed away in Palm Springs on April 13, at the age of 100. He was born in Omaha to parents Sam and May, in a city that looked much different than it does today.

Leo was joined by three siblings: Yale, Judy, and Lorraine; eventually, the family moved to Council Bluffs, where the youngest child, Owen, was born.

Leo was known internationally for his love for and contributions to radio. What started as a hobby became Leo’s business after he built

Leo Meyerson a one-tube receiver, and heard the first national broadcast from KDKA: a description of a Jack Dempsey fight. After that, he borrowed $1000 from his father and started Wholesale Radio Laboratories in the 1930s, which later became World Radio Laboratories.

During World War II, Leo’s company ground crystals for U.S. military radios, for which his company later received the Army-Navy E Award.

Leo was a National Director for the Quarter Century Wireless

Association from 1977 to 1987, was named QCWA Amateur Member of the Year, and was inducted into the QCWA Hall of Fame. He was elected a fellow of the Radio Club of America, among many other accolades.

However, in addition to the world of radio and electronics, Leo had another great passion: music. Before movies had sound, Leo’s piano music accompanied the silent movies. Another place where Leo was eager to share his music was the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Lois Wine, Director of Volunteer Services, remembers him well: “When I started at the Home, Leo would play for the residents during our weekly sing-a-long program. He simply loved entertaining the residents, and they loved him. Every Tuesday, he delighted everybody with his wonderful spirit.”

Leo’s other passions included his family, his friends, Husker football, and philanthropy. In March of this year, Leo celebrated his 100th birthday, and received nearly 2,000 birthday cards from friends around the world. Recently, the Mayor of Continued on page 19

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s 140th annual meeting was called to order before a sanctuary of several hundred on May 13 by John L e h r, president of the Board of Trustees. “ To d a y we are looking for w ard and makHarley Schrager ing history,” said Lehr who was reelected president. He and the o t h e r newly elected John Waldbaum Board members and trustees were installed during the meeting.

“Standing on the parted shores of history, we still believe what we were taught before ever we stood at Sinai’s foot; that wherever we go, it is eternally Egypt, that there is a better place, a promised land; that the winding way to that promise passes through the wilderness.”

Conceding that it has not been 40 years, but instead nine, “we are here today, if not to move to the Promised Land, then to move a whole lot closer!” He pointed out that Temple Israel, Nebraska’s oldest and largest synagogue, has “arrived at the precipice of an unquestionably spectacular opportunity for the continued life of our congregation” as he laid the foundation for the historic display of support by the congregation to move from its third home at 70th and Cass Streets to a new one on the grounds of the former Ironwood Golf & Country Club, the descendant of Highland Country Club, opened in 1924 by Jews who were not welcome to join other country clubs.

Leading up to the vote, Lehr explained that the 14-acre site on which Temple Israel’s Board of Trustees had already voted to build may well be near the home of the Tri-Faith Initiative and its two other founding members, the American Islamic Institute for Studies and Culture and the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.

“A work in progress,” he described, “the nature and extent of Temple’s participation will be up to congregants and boards...”

Lehr was followed by Building Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

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Obama to AIPAC: Israelis, Palestinians should negotiate a new border

by JTA NEWS STAFF harder for Israel to defend itself in the absence of peace and WASHINGTON (JTA) -- President Obama said his call about how the so-called Arab Spring makes it imperative to for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations based on the pre-1967 demonstrate to the Arab world that peace is possible. lines did not mean the future state of Palestine would have “There is a reason why the Palestinians are pursuing their those exact borders. interests at the United Nations: They recognize that there is “By definition, it means that the parties themselves -- an impatience with the peace process -- or the absence of Israelis and Palestinians -- will negotiate a border that is dif- one,” the president said. “That impatience is growing, and is ferent than the one that existalready manifesting itself in ed on June 4, 1967,” Obama capitals around the world. said Sunday morning to the Those are the facts. annual policy conference of He added, “I believe the curthe American Israel Public rent situation in the Middle Affairs Committee. “It is a East does not allow for prowell-known formula to all crastination.” who have worked on this Netanyahu, who watched issue for a generation. It Obama’s speech to AIPAC allows the parties themselves from the Blair House, where to account for the changes he is staying while in that have taken place over the Washington, released a statelast 44 years, including the ment saying that “I would like new demographic realities on to express my appreciation of the ground and the needs of President Obama’s speech President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin before the AIPAC conference. both sides.”

Last week, Obama said Netanyahu talk with reporters in the Oval Office after their I am a partner to President Credit: Ron Kampeas Obama’s wish to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace talks meeting, May 20, 2011. should be based on the pre-’67 lines, with mutually agreed peace, and I appreciate his efforts in the past and present to swaps. He also said that the difficult issues of Jerusalem and achieve this goal. I am determined to work with President the right of return for Palestinian refugees should be Obama to find ways to renew peace talks.” deferred. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “I join in the president’s desire to advance peace, and I Netanyahu called such borders “indefensible.” appreciate his past and present efforts to achieve this goal,” “If there is a controversy, it’s not based on substance,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued after Obama Obama said Sunday. “What I did on Thursday was to say addressed the annual American Israel Public Affairs publicly what has long been acknowledged privately.”

Committee policy conference.

At AIPAC, the U.S. president did not address the refugee Hamas condemned President Obama’s AIPAC speech, issue or Jerusalem. At a previous AIPAC conference, Obama saying it will not recognize Israel despite the U.S. president’s had called for Jerusalem to remain the united capital of the demand.

Jewish state, though he backed away from that remark in a The Obama administration is “not a friend to the people television interview shortly afterward. of the region,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the In a panel discussion after the speech, former U.S. ambas- Ma’an Palestinian news service. sador to Israel Martin Indyk, now a vice president at the Abu Zuhri said Obama’s continued support of Israel Brookings Institution, said Obama didn’t talk about Jerusalem showed that the United States is biased and will “support the because the AIPAC audience would not have been happy to occupation at the expense of the freedom of the Palestinian hear what the president thinks about the city’s future. people.” He went to say that “The U.S. administration will In his speech Sunday, Obama said he told Netanyahu at fail, just as all others have in the past, in forcing Hamas to their White House meeting two days earlier that “The recognize the occupation.” march to isolate Israel internationally -- and the impulse of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in his the Palestinians to abandon negotiations -- will continue to response to Obama’s speech told journalists in Jordan, gain momentum in the absence of a credible peace process where he is on a diplomatic visit, that “Hamas is part of and alternative.”

Palestinian society and will take part in the democratic Obama said he talked to Netanyahu about the demograph- game as opposition.” ic threat that Palestinian growth poses for Israel’s identity as Abbas said the new Palestinian unity government, whose a Jewish and democratic state if it continues to hold onto the composition still has not been announced, will conduct West Bank, about how technological advances are making it future peace negotiations with Israel.

The vote is in Continued from page 1 Coordinating Committee Chair John Waldbaum who described the experience over the past nine years like “wandering around the desert between Dodge and Pacific Street looking for the best home for Temple... each year, we diligently pursued each new opportunity that we found, but none of them was perfect. Now, however, we realize the wait has been well worth it. We now have the opportunity to buy the best site in West Omaha for our synagogue.”

Waldbaum narrated a slide presentation, spiced with golf jokes, that portrayed the master plan of the Sterling Ridge development project where the new synagogue will be built as well as the process in which numerous congregants have participated to determine the needs and design the dream that the congregation voted to support. The first schematic images of the proposed 58,500 square foot building were revealed. The architects describe the new synagogue, which for the first time would be not be located on a main street, as a “beacon in the forest.” Waldbaum added that the new building is expected to be ready for occupancy close to Rosh Hashanah in 2013 “in the best case scenario.”

Harley Schrager thanked his co-chair Stacey Rockman and Jeff Schrager, who have been working on the Capital and Endowment Campaign. The goal is $25 million which includes establishing a permanent endowment fund.

Schrager spoke of his brother, the late Phil Schrager who died in 2010, who was “adamant about the need for a new Reform Temple and had pledged a large sum of money toward the purchase of the site on which the building will be constructed. He also promised to lead the effort in cre-

ating a new Temple once he recovered from his illness.” In agreeing to chair the fund raising effort, Harley Schrager said he was looking to “pick up the mantel” for his brother.

“It is my fervent hope,” he continued, “that each and every congregant will participate in this project. The smallest donation is every bit as important as the largest. I ask each of you to look into your hearts and your pocketbooks.

Give what you can without changing your standard of life and without jeopardizing your financial future. Just remember that others created this Temple for you, and we should create the next Temple not only for ourselves, but just as importantly, for those who will follow.”

A teary-eyed inspiring video (now available on Temple Israel’s website at www.templeisrael-ne.org), featuring members of the congregation from those who attended the Park Avenue synagogue to high school student Jordan Jensen, followed. They spoke of how Temple Israel had impacted their lives and nurtured their connections to the congregational community and Judaism.

Sarah and Dan Gilbert and Andrea and Mike Siegel have volunteered to be general campaign chairs to raise the additional dollars to complete the fund raising effort. Sally Kaplan and Jane Rips were chairs of the May 15 event.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel declared, “We are on the move again.

This is the time. This is the hour. This is the moment. May God look upon us with kindness and bless the work of our hands.” After an overwhelming vote approved the acceptance of the funds pledged to date and to build a new synagogue at Sterling Ridge, he led the crowded sanctuary in singing Simen Tov Mazel Tov.

May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Another well-deserved succes for the annual Friedel Tribute Dinner Continued from page 1 Debbie Denenberg introduced the second honoree: “Robert Eisenberg was born in Omaha and was raised here by his parents, Bella and Erwin, and his grandmother, whom we affectionately called Baki, who taught him Yiddish. A lifelong investor and journalist, he has taught at Creighton and UNO. He has written briefs for the Nebraska Court of Appeals and articles for The Forward, the Village Voice, and the Chicago Tribune Book Review.

Entrepreneur Bob created the most popular nightclub in the Old Market, 415.

Bob has also served as Chair of the Jewish Press, Vice-Chair of Friedel, cohead of the Federation Campaign and Treasurer of the Federation. Currently involved in helping less fortunate Jews in New York, where he resides, Bob has also taught non-religious subjects at a yeshiva in Brooklyn.

He shared his story of growing up in Omaha during the 60’s. He was asked to attend a day school that went up to the 2nd grade. To satisfy the begging of his parents, Bob tried the school for only a day. Having missed the day school experience, Bob educated his children, Talia and Zev Eisenberg, at Friedel. Now young adults, they flew in from Boulder and New York City to see their father being honored.

In the midst of the evening, Jerry and Linda Gordman were thanked through a light-hearted video presentation, featuring Dave Wingert, a local Omaha radio host.

“It is my job to stay-up-to-date on what is happening, who is hot, not just in the local community but coast-to-coast. And the name that keeps popping up is Jerry Gordman,” Dave said.

The video cut to New York City where a Broadway producer thanked Jerry for his

Clockwise from top left: Honorees Jody K. and Ray Goldstein address the crowd; many community members came to show support for the school, including Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross; Friedel parents and volunteers Karen Cohen, Erica Lucoff, and Joy SchwartzMason helped get Beth El’s dining room ready; Shirley Goldstein with daughter Kathy Helm. work at Friedel. From Frontier Denver cockpit pilots to students of Stanford University, to a group of Chinese tourists, thank-yous and praise for dedication and hard work were issued. Mike Silverman closed the video by thanking Jerry and Linda for their enormous generosity and support for Friedel.

The final honoree of the evening, Shami Jacobs, was introduced by Rabbi Eric Linder, Associate Rabbi of Temple Israel and friend of Shami’s. Shami’s father Paul Jacobs flew in from Toronto for the event.

Shami completed his undergraduate degree at Yeshiva University and earned an MBA at Columbia University. While at

graduate school, he wrote an extraordinary letter that got the attention of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, and a summer internship ensued. After completing his MBA in 2003, Shami returned to Berkshire Headquarters in Omaha to work directly for Mr. Buffett. In 2009, Shami left Berkshire Hathaway to head his own fund, 402 Fund LP. Shami was President of Beth Israel Synagogue while still in his 20’s, Board Member of Friedel, and is currently Treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and a Board Member of the Institute for Holocaust Education.

Shami brought comic relief to the dinner when he said: “Gee, the coveted eleventh speaker spot!” He spoke of how it is quintessential for a Jewish community like Omaha to have a day school.

He feels it is paramount that the Jewish community support the school in order to guarantee the future of our Jewish youth.

The event co-chairs who put months of work, dedication and creativity into the program are: Beth Cohen and Harry Berman, Tippi and Steve Denenberg, Bruce and Linda Potash, Sherry and Jeffrey Taxman, and Susan and Isaac Witkowski.

With the support of generous donors, committed families, excellent teachers, along with the Omaha Jewish community, Friedel Jewish Academy will continue to grow and thrive.

If you or someone you know would like to get involved with the school, please call the office at 402.334.0517.

“People don’t realize, and I was one of them, how much you need them, until you need them.

And boy, did I need them!”

- Linda Mann

Linda Mann can’t speak highly enough about the physical and occupational therapy she received at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home after a recent knee replacement. She said the therapists were the most kind, professional and thoughtful people.

And now . . . “My leg is perfect,” she said.

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4 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Organizations

BESTT announces changes in school schedule

by JILL BELMONT two age groups: grades three to five will learn together, as Beth El Publicity Coordinator will grades six and seven. Titled the “Monday Moadon” Acknowledging the increasingly hectic lives of its families (“club”), classes will celebrate all aspects of Jewish life, such and wishing to accommodate students’ needs, Beth El as Jewish ethics, art, cooking, and Jewish stories.

Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) has made several “We are very excited about the Monday Moadon (prochanges to its religious-school schedule. Starting this fall, nounced “moe-ah-doan”), Hebrew for “Monday Lounge” or students will attend twice a week – Wednesday and Sunday “club,” Rubin said. “It will afford us the opportunity to teach – as opposed to the past Judaic subjects that we were three-day-a-week schedule. not able to teach before.

This alteration reflects a 10Monday Moadon is for all year trend among ConservJewish children in the Omaha ative synagogues around the community, regardless of syncountry, and, after putting a agogue affiliation. It is survey online to gain empiridesigned for those families cal data, “the results were who want their children to overwhelmingly in favor of delve a little deeper into changing to a two-day-aJudaism, along with those week program,” according to who enjoy the arts.

BESTT Education Director Classes will be organized Judy Rubin. into three 10-week sessions, “For some people, change is she explained, adding that the Joel Rich, BESTT school committee chairman, and Judy always difficult, but it also cost for non-BESTT students Rubin BESTT education director, go over plans for next brings excitement for the will be $25 for the entire year, year’s revamped school schedule. unknown which lies ahead,” regardless of the number of she said. Our outstanding staff has been loyal and for that classes taken. The school schedule has not yet been finalwe are very grateful so that we may continue to offer an ized, but when the courses are announced, families may sign excellent Jewish education to our membership.” up for the entire year or for the trimester of their choice.

The start and end times for each day will also change: on BESTT School Committee Chairman Joel Rich expressed Wednesdays, sessions will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. enthusiasm with the new Monday afternoon schedule, say(a change necessitated by OPS’s later dismissal time); and ing, “Each trimester will give students more opportunities to Sunday classes will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. explore a variety of elective topics in a more concentrated Rubin pointed out that each Sunday morning will begin time. Using the excellent group of teachers we have, we’re with a special family assembly, complete with a morning allowing children to learn beyond the core curriculum and service, and alternating song sessions with Cantor Beth giving them another opportunity to interact with other Schlossberg, and story times with Rabbi Mordechai Levin or Jewish children.”

Rabbi Steven Abraham.

For more information about the new BESTT schedule and In an unprecedented move, a new, optional Monday after- course offerings, contact Rubin in the school office, noon session of enrichment classes will be offered to all chil- 402.498.0994, or at eddir@bethel-omaha.org. dren in the Jewish community; students will be divided into

Births Lisa Coren Green and Lt. Col. Brad Green of Springfield, VA, announce the April 21 birth of their daughter, Mia Pearl.

Her middle name honors her late maternal great-grandfather, Paul Grossman.

She has twin brothers, Eli and Seth.

Grandparents are Fran and Mickey Coren, and Ruth and Lester Green of Bethesda, MD.

Ariela and Rabbi Baruch HaLevi of Swampscott, MA, announce the April 7 birth of their son, Aviv Yehoshua.

He has a brother, Yehuda and sisters, Maya and Shoshana.

Grandparents are Jan and Howard Goldstein, the late Sheldon Perelman, Linda and Rob Kaufman of Los Angeles, and Gail and Jim Kelch of Los Angeles.

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LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday in the board room, at 1 p.m., to reap “The Joys of Yiddish!” For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

MAINSTREETERS Balance Class on Mondays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (Simon Chapel) with instructor Sharon Rowe from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Designed to help reduce the risk of falls. Sharon is a certified exercise leader and Pilates coach and has been teaching a variety of exercise, wellness and health classes for thirty years in her business Body by Rowe. The cost is $20 per series which includes four 45 minute sessions. Send reservation form with check to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. For information call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

EXEL Computer Training on Wednesdays, June 15, 22 and 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Pennie Z. Davis Learning Center at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home with instructor Phyllis Gentry, Jewish Social Services Executive Assistant.

Our “hands-on” beginning EXEL training shows you the fundamentals of EXCEL like entering data, formatting, copying and pasting, basic formula construction, auto summing and more. The cost is $10 per series which includes three 11/2 hour classes. Send reservation form to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services.

For information call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Lunch and Movie on Monday, June 20 at the Jewish Community Center. Come for lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium – you can bring your own lunch or order a box lunch through Star Catering. At 1 p.m. the Oscar winning movie The King’s Speech will be shown in the JCC Theater and popcorn will be served warm and delicious (no charge for movie and popcorn). Call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 for reservations. For those who want to order a box lunch send reservation form with payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day, and Wednesday and Thursday, June 8 and 9 for Shavuot. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker yet to be announced for Wednesday, June 1, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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Cross-Country Torah reader to chant at Beth El

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Torah readers are not an easy lot to recruit: they’re not exactly falling from the sky like, shall we say, manna from heaven. And then there’s Marshall Schwartz. Schwartz, a 63year-old father of four from Oakland, CA, who is currently traveling cross-country to bring his son home from college in New York City, is using several of his stop-overs along the way to visit synagogues and read Torah.

So it was an unexpected gift for Cantor Beth Schlossberg when she received the call from Schwartz -- a total stranger -- with his request to chant a Torah portion at Beth El during May 28 Shabbat services.

“Marshall contacted me just about two weeks before he Marshall Schwartz expressed interest to read,” Cantor Schlossberg recalled. “I was, as you can imagine, pleasantly surprised! It’s very rare to get a call out of the blue like that especially from so far away.”

The cantor added that she wasn’t worried that this was some sort of prank phone call, but noted that, “There’s always the concern that while a person may be sincere in their passion and want to read, the skills needed to leyn (read Torah) are not as strong as need be, and the time frame is too short to learn the material. However given enough time and preparation I know almost anyone is capable of reading from the Torah!

“Before I could even ask,” she continued, “Marshall was speaking about some of the synagogues he read at on a regular basis in California. He took the question right out of my mouth. It’s a very simple matter to check in with a fellow colleague and just make sure that everyone will be comfortable come Shabbat.”

At home in Oakland, Schwartz belongs to both Beth Jacob Congregation, a Modern Orthodox synagogue, and Congregation Beth Sholom, a Conservative synagogue in San Francisco. His dedication to the Jewish community is apparent when learning of his involvement over the years: at Beth Sholom he served on its board of directors, chaired the youth education and adult education committees, which included organizing Torah readers (“110 to 130 individuals reading at least one aliyah – full kriah – each year,” he said), and for 22 years has cooked and delivered meals and goodie bags to clients of San Francisco’s Jewish Family and Children’s Services with AIDS and long-term disabilities; he has served as mashgiach, shomer and Chevra Kadisha team leader; and is on the steering committee of San Francisco Voice for Israel – the Bay area’s chapter of “Stand With Us.” And then there’s the Torah reading.

“I leyn about 10 shabbatot at each shul every year (two parshiot for each book of the Torah),” Schwartz said, “plus assorted chaggim and minyanim, perhaps 35 times a year overall.”

Over the years, Schwartz has read Torah at 19 different congregations across the country, and during his eastward journey, “I thought I should take this opportunity to add to the total.”

Beth El in Omaha will be his first synagogue stop; then, after picking up his son, Avi, a student at the Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies, they’ll visit Suburban JCC B’nai Aaron, a Conservative synagogue in Havertown, PA. During the trek home, plans include spending Shavuot in St. Louis, and a possible visit to a congregation in Denver. He estimates the entire trip to take almost three weeks.

“I may read at as many as three other shuls on this trip,” he said, adding, “This will be the first time I’ve leyned at a synagogue both east of Las Vegas and west of Nashville.

During his first cross-country trip two years ago (when he took Avi to college), Schwartz said he chanted Torah at three synagogues, a Modern Orthodox shul in Riverdale, NY, at B’nai Aaron in Havertown, PA, and with a Chabad congregation in Nashville.

Saying that he had no favorites, Schwartz noted that each congregation “had its own flavor and style. At the Conservative minyan, everyone was relaxed and friendly; at the M.O. shul, the services, including kriah, were conducted at high speed, so that everyone could get to the kiddush as soon as possible, to schmooze and eat; and the Chabad minyan was relaxed and pleasant.”

The highlight of these cross-country excursions has been re-connecting with old acquaintances, Schwartz said – some whom he hadn’t seen for 20 or 35 years. In the next few weeks he plans to touch base with friends in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Virginia and St. Louis.

But first comes the stop in Omaha, and a warm welcome from the clergy and congregants at Beth El. Cantor Schlossberg said she looks forward to meeting Schwartz, and is appreciative of his enthusiasm and passion for Torah

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Got Chocolate?

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is hosting The Great Omaha Chocolate Festival on Sunday, Sept.

25 at the UNO Field house. Vendors are wanted to participate by giving out samples and/or selling chocolate products on-site.

We need bakeries, restaurants, candy stores, etc. If you know of a local business who might like to participate, please email event chair, Holly Weill at hollyweill@ yahoo.com.

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“Blessed, is how I feel about receiving a gift such as this,” the cantor said. “It’s rewarding and at the same time aweinspiring to realize that our greater Jewish community throughout the country can feel at home in any synagogue or smaller community around the globe.

“I recently read an amusing article about what holds the Jewish people together in today’s world,” she shared. “The article described argument, and the art of arguing as one of the foundations which allow us to continually create dialogue and communication throughout the Jewish world. As true as that might be, as the truth is most often said in jest, I would have to say our rituals and traditions, our music and our liturgy could give argument a run for its money any day!

Wherever you go, and whatever synagogue you find yourself in, you know there will always be something familiar and comforting just past the front doors.”

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Pauline Landman has many reasons to get up every day

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN the basement of a home paying $10 a month rent.

Temple Israel Communications Coordinator While stationed in Colorado, “Morey got very sick and Like the title of one of the musical selections she plays on would have died if they hadn’t just invented penicillin. By her organ, Enjoy Yourself. It’s Later than You Think, Pauline the time he recovered, the war was over, and he was disLandman continues to take advantage of what life has to charged.” It was 1945, and the Landmans returned to offer her.

Omaha. Morey landed a job Born in Omaha in 1920, at Mutual of Omaha where he she grew up during the heart worked for 39 years and evenof the Great Depression. “I tually rose to assistant vice knew it was the Depression, president. because my father said to me, Daughter Jackie was born in ‘What do you mean you want 1950 and Jennifer in 1953. a toy? Don’t you know it’s a “We built a house at 59th and Depression?’” So Pauline and Blondo and then another at her sisters made up stories 58th and Charles” in 1955. and played with paper dolls, When Jennifer was in high and “we had a lot of fun,” school, Pauline returned to Pauline recalled. the workforce. She was the Her parents, Sam and executive secretary at NESU Jennie Rifkin, Russian immi(Nebraska Educational Sergrants, “were very, very vice Unit) #3 where she Orthodox,” she continued. stayed for seven years and “They kept kosher, followed then at Boys Town for two all the rituals, and celebrated and a half years before she all the holidays. On Passover, retired in 1977. my father had to read every “I belonged to Hadassah for single word.” She described a long time and Temple Israel how hungry and tired she and Sisterhood.” She especially her sisters were as the seder enjoyed participating in skits. proceeded well into the mid“I had a lot of fun doing that.” night hour. Her favorite She was also a member of the Jewish holiday was Purim.

National Council of Jewish “We would go to the synaWomen; Mamaloshen, the gogue. It was a happy, joyous predecessor of Lomir Redn occasion. We dressed up in Yiddish; and was one of the costumes. I always had to be first members of the YES Queen Esther,” she smiled. group serving with Sylvia Pauline and her sisters, Davis as the group’s reporters.

Maxine Simons and the late “Now I’ve joined MainHarriett Lobel, attended Park Streeters.”

Elementary School near 32nd As a member of Temple and Woolworth. Pauline went Israel since 1985, Pauline to Central High School for finds the people “friendly. I one year and then transferred feel a lot in common with to Tech High. them when I’m there.” She At 16, she met Morey likes the worship service, Landman at a house party. He because “it’s in English. I can was 17. “We were dancing Top picture: Pauline and Morey Landman on their wedding understand what’s going on. and getting along just fine, day. They were married for 70 years.

And I just love Rabbi Azriel. and then he had to leave for an accordion performance. He’s a sweetheart,” she insisted.

When Morey came back to the party, I was with his best She was also a Camp Fire leader, helped establish the PTA friend who had kind of taken me over. Morey became very and served in it as an officer for the Nebraska School for the morose, sullen. I dated the guy for awhile, but there was just Deaf (now closed), and still volunteers at the Omaha no chemistry. Months later, I saw Morey at the Jewish Hearing School. “I took sign language classes and became an Community Center and invited him and his friends to my advisor to the deaf community. They came to me to write house. We turned on the radio, and Morey and I danced all job resumes,” she added. afternoon. That was the start” of a 70-year marriage that Morey kept active, too, volunteering at the Durham came to an end when Morey died last December.

Museum, Radio Talking Book, and the Omaha Community Also a child of the Great Depression, Morey was born in Playhouse which awarded him and Pauline outstanding Chicago but grew up in Omaha. His parents, Dora and service awards for 50 years as ushers. They enjoyed square Louis, were originally from Europe but spent most of their dancing, and Pauline was a member of The Dancing lives in Omaha. Morey sold newspapers for five cents each Grannies for 12 years. Even through knee replacement surgiving four cents of every nickel to his mother to buy milk gery, this grandmother of seven and great grandmother of and bread.

14 was still dancing at 82.

“We dated until we were 19 and 20,” Pauline continued, Activities were limited when Morey became ill with “when we got engaged.” Morey’s mother was anxious for the Alzheimer’s about ten years ago. Pauline took care of him for young couple to be married, Pauline explained, hoping that several years until she felt forced to put him in a nursing as a married man Morey wouldn’t have to go to the war if the home. “That was the hardest thing I ever did,” she lamented.

United States was drawn into it. So they were married by a After she moved Morey into a nursing home in 2006, judge in July 1940 followed by a Jewish wedding ceremony Pauline moved to Bloomfield Forum, a retirement center three months later, “and I got to wear a wedding dress,” she just north of Westroads Mall. “This is a wonderful place to reminisced. live!” she emphasized. “I join everything that’s available!”

“Morey knew there were aircraft factories in Wichita, and The active 90-year-old enjoys playing BINGO, Mah Jongg, he wanted a better job.” So the newlyweds spent three years Rummikub, participating in aerobics, and volunteering at there, and Morey eventually became an instructor training the Bloomfield country store. “There’s always something people to work in the factory. The trainees were “older than going on here,” and she goes to most of the concerts, speakhe was so he grew a mustache to look older,” said Pauline ers, dinners, and entertainment events. Once a week, she who worked at Cardwell Manufacturing Company as secre- goes to a group organ lesson at Critchetts Lowrey Organ tary to the vice president. While pregnant with her son, Center and then out to lunch with the group.

Lawrence, Pauline was infected with German measles. It “I’m busy all the time,” she said. “I have a reason to get up wasn’t until he was two years old that “we knew he couldn’t every day.” hear,” a side affect of the measles.

After Lawrence was born, Morey joined the Army Air To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Corps. It was 1944. Pauline moved back to Omaha while Send a check for $25, made out to the Jewish Press Morey went to Texas for basic training. He eventually transand prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, ferred to a base near Denver where Pauline and the baby NE 68154. For more information on how to connect joined him. She lived at first in a rooming house while Morey your out-of-town relatives and friends, call resided at the barracks on the base, then shared a house with 402.334.6448. a Jewish woman she met at the USO, and finally ended up in

May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Mainstreeters: Let the good times roll

by OZZIE NOGG Just as Waldo hits the road without revealing his destination, Harry Alloy -- the Mainstreeters Mystery Trip Maven -- arranges bus tours for the group while keeping mum as to exactly what location they’ll visit. “I’ll never forget the day we toured the Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs,” Alloy said. “When it was time to get back on the bus, we took a count and found we were one person short.

Where was he, became the mystery on this tour. We retraced our steps and found that one of our group was accidentally locked in a Jail cell. The rescue was very dramatic.”

Each Mainstreeters Mystery Trip is planned with a specific (albeit secret) destination and theme in mind. “Not every tour includes the nail-biting drama that unfolded at the Squirrel Cage Jail,” Alloy said. “However, the sites we visit are always interesting and educational, the coach buses we take are very comfortable, and the places we stop for lunch and snacks are usually off-the-wall and fun.” And that’s the mission of Mainstreeters -- the ever-energetic organization for Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 and older. “We want to socialize, learn, and have a good time,” Alloy said.

According to Maggie Conti, RBJH Activities Director, “I’m what you call Harry Alloy’s little helper on these very successful Mystery Trips. It’s a pleasure working with Harry because he thinks of everything and won’t let the smallest detail go unnoticed. Each and every trip has been a unique adventure and a guaranteed fun-filled day.”

To date, Mainstreeter Mystery Trip participants have seen the Lewis and Clark Monument Park Lookout Point, Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Mormon Historic Museum in Council Bluffs; viewed the dorms on the UNO Campus, visited Central High’s football stadium, the Korean War Memorial in Memorial Park, and were treated to a private tour of the Holland Center before it opened to the public. They also paid their respects at the the Wyuka

CDC graduation

Cemetery in Lincoln -- home of the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial -- and ooohed and aaahed over the magnificent Quilt Museum on UNL’s East Campus. “On our Mystery Trip to Lincoln we stopped for lunch at the Ag School Dairy Building,” Alloy said. “We watched the ice cream makingoperation and had samples of the product. On our way back home we toured the Baker’s Candy Factory in Greenwood.

We had samples there, too, and chocolate purchases were abundant.” (Sweet, in the current vernacular, describes those Mainstreeters Mystery Trips . . .)

Jim Wax, left, Harry Alloy, Doris Alloy and Rosalee Greenspan enjoy a Mystery Trip wagon ride.

The highlights of a recent Mystery Trip to Nebraska City included stops at the Native American Earth Lodge at the Lewis and Clark Center and the Tree Adventure Apple House Market. “The step-on guide was very informative and gave us details we’d never otherwise have known,” said tour participant Dick Rochman. “Then we boarded a wagon for a guided tour of apple trees and grape vines, and finished up with apple pie a la mode. The weather cooperated, the temperature was pleasant, and the trip was a huge success. I love to travel, even to near-by places, but it’s certainly more relaxing when someone else does the driving.”

We’ve all heard the latest theories regarding age: Sixty is the new 40. Seventy is the new 50. One hundred is the new 90. Mainstreeters -- whatever their age -- are too busy dancing to let any grass grow under their feet.

For more information on Mainstreeters activities, see page 4, or call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Graduation for the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center was held on May 13, 2011 in the JCC theater. The 48 Graduates gave a rousing performance to the delight of the crowd.

We strolled down memory lane watching the year's events through a slide show presentation. A reception was held following the ceremony. Everyone received a "key" to the CDC, which is our way of saying: “Please come and visit, you are always welcome here.”

Teachers pictured: Lisa Cooper and Deborah Kronick (top); Julie Shelburne and Cindy Salkin (middle); Jean Beckman and Pam Kutler (bottom).

8 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Bea Karp at Creighton University

by LEONARD GREENSPOON “Through Bea’s presentations, others come to understand As Creighton’s graduation ceremony began, at 9:30 am on the escalation of hate: how at first, religious observances May 14, there was a procession that consisted primarily of were banned and then later, how victims of prejudice were academicians and theologians -- exactly what you’d expect taunted; how families were made to feel like outcasts in their at the commencement exercises of a Jesuit Catholic institu- own country and how they grew increasingly frightened; tion. And there was one person in the procession whose and finally, how Jewish citizens were brutalized, imprisoned presence, while not unexpected by those in attendance, is and extinguished. quite surprising: Beatrice (Bea) Karp, a Holocaust survivor “Through Bea’s presentations, audiences begin to compreand long-term resident of Omaha. hend what it meant to endure an existence in which ideals, How Bea came to be part of this year’s Creighton gradua- morals, laws and lives were shattered and reason eclipsed by tion is an interesting story. Father John P. Schlegel, who is atrocities both large and small. stepping down as Creighton’s “Bea Karp is among roughly president after eleven years of 200 Holocaust survivors who service, wanted to do somefound their way to Omaha in thing to honor Holocaust surthe years following World vivors in the Omaha area. In War II. Bea, and others like consultation with Dr. her, are dedicated to examiLeonard Greenspoon, holder nation of the past for the of Creighton’s Klutznick preservation of the future and Chair in Jewish Civilization, the ultimate benefit of future Father Schlegel decided to generations. Survivors’ lives give a Presidential Medallion provide heartening evidence to Bea, both for her own that the human spirit can surcourage and dedication and vive unfathomable circumfor all of the other survivors stances and persevere. who settled in Omaha.

“Creighton University, aspirLeonard Greeenspoon, left, Bea Karp, and Father Schlegel.

Thus it was that Bea, ing not only to educate, but to dressed in full academic regalia, was called to the podium, be a crafter of society, seeks to create a more just and peacebefore a packed crowd at the Quest Center, as the first order ful world. In recognition of the resiliency of the human spirof business at the Commencement. Greenspoon was given it, it honors Omaha area survivors of the Holocaust with the the honor of reading the citation that accompanied the Creighton University Presidential Medallion.” medallion. It reads as follows: That evening, Bea was a guest of honor at a dinner given “For more than six decades, historians, political scientists by Father Schlegel. In addition to Greenspoon, she was and religious scholars have struggled to recount the details accompanied by members of her family -- two daughters, of one of the most horrendous chapters in the history of the Debby Pappenheimer and Nancy Kutler, son-in-law world – the Holocaust. That the passing of the years could Howard Kutler, granddaughter Sarah Kutler -- and also by ever render the Holocaust forgotten, prompts many sur- Beth Seldin Dotan, Executive Director of the Institute for vivors to share their stories in compelling ways.

Holocaust Education, and her husband Amnon.

“Beatrice Karp was only eight years old when she was This Medallion will be placed in a prominent spot at the taken by Nazis. Seventy-five years later, she can still recount Jewish Community Center as a reminder not only of the in vivid detail how she threw rocks at soldiers in the street Holocaust and its survivors, but also of the continuing warm and crushed the face of her porcelain doll rather than hand relations that exist between Omaha’s Jewish Community it over to her captors. and Creighton University.

Guy Matalon offers Israeli perspective

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Associate Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Education Join Dr. Guy Matalon and the Center for Jewish Education for Eye on Israel, each Tuesday in June from noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Dr. Matalon, the Jewish Federation Scholar-in-Residence, has just returned from Israel. His visit, coupled with the recent speeches by President Obama and Israeli Prime

Minister Netanyahu, in addition to the continued unrest in the Middle East, will offer many items of interest during these interactive discussions. “These sessions will be an excellent opportunity for the community to hear the Israeli perspective of what is happening” states Dr. Bonnie Bloch, president of the Center for Jewish Education. “We hope to have a full house on Tuesdays in June.”

For more information, please call 402.334.6463.

Theatrical upgrades at the JCC

by OZZIE NOGG A recent construction project in the Jewish Community Center Theater created more wheelchair accessibility and, as a result, opened up the space to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home residents and other members of the community who need handicapped seating. “We want the residents to feel comfortable and at home in all our facilities,” said Matt Chadek, JCC Campus Manager.

“In the past, we were only able to accommodate a few wheelchairs in the Theater, which really limited the seating for residents of the Blumkin Home. Providing residents with a place from which to view the variety of events in the JCC Theater is very important to us.”

According to Chadek, there were approximately 350 fixed seats in the old configuration, with space for about six wheelchairs. “The theater now has 288 permanent seats and room for about 25 wheelchairs. And the design is flexible, so when we’re not using the platform for wheelchairs, the space is large enough to hold about fifty stack chairs.” In addition to the removal of fixed seating and adding the platform, the theater upgrades include the installation of some new carpet, additional safety rails and lighting.

The Theater construction was a joint effort by the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the JCC staff. “The idea to add more wheelchair space was brought to me by Federation CEO Mike Silverman and RBJH Facilities Coordinator Josh Gurock,” Chadek explained. In addition to Silverman, Gurock and Chadek, the planning process -- and manpower -- involved Dave Beecham, Jim McCrea and Mark Geselschap. “Dave is in Maintenance at the Home, Jim is the JCC Building Superintendent and Mark is in Maintenance at the JCC. Bill Sullivan, another JCC Maintenance person, also took part in the construction. The cooperation between the staff of the Blumkin Home and the JCC maintenance people was great,” Chadek said. “I really appreciate the teamwork.”

Since wheelchair accessibility has been increased, more RBJH residents have been able to enjoy recitals by the JCC Dance Department, performances by the JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group, as well as the recent Child Development Center Graduation.

“I feel these changes really show that we’re truly trying to unify the Campus by making sure all of our facilities meet the demands of all the members and the community,” Chadek continued. “I also appreciate the nice comments we received after the project was completed. I hope this is the first of many projects that people can be proud of when they mention what fine facilities we have on Campus.”

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Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

No rocking and napping

Bert’s eye view BERT LEWIS When the subject of age arises, I often think of the line that says “old is 15 years older than you are, no matter your age.” And you know what? That’s really the case, and if you don’t believe it, try it. Having said that, I have to add my feeling that I don’t think old age means the same as it once did.

When I was a youngster, we didn’t have senior citizens. We had old people, or at least that’s what folks of a certain generation were called. Nor did they live in places called retirement facilities. Usually, they lived at home, or in some cases, with adult children. This would create a three generation household and provide many of us with fond memories, and/or family stories to exchange around the dining room table.

No, today things are very different for many of our elders, starting with the term senior citizen. We also don’t say “old people’s homes” anymore, and in addition, where folks live out their (so called) golden years has greatly changed. Many moons ago, when I was a kid, the rocking chair was often associated with grandparents. Or sitting quietly reading, or maybe doing some handwork like mending or knitting perhaps. Or maybe just day-dreaming, with little naps off and on. In other words, we don’t remember them as being busy.

Well, that certainly has changed, hasn’t it?

Today’s older folks, or senior citizens if you will, aren’t necessarily rocking and napping.

Many are too busy for that, because whether they live at home or in a retirement apartment, there’s lots to do. There are meetings of organized groups, there are day trips to take, there are exercise classes to attend,

there are card or bingo games, or maybe just making dates to meet an old friend (or a young one) for lunch someplace.

We’re very busy and much more socialized than our grandparents’ generation was.

While there’s always the argument about things being better in “the old days”, I say not necessarily, and the treatment of mature people today is one of those exceptions.

People who specialize in studying such things know that activity is healthier and socializing is too. No arguments there, but I do remember fondly some of the stories I once heard, about the days when “my Boba lived with us”.

They were usually connected with goodies that appeared when Boba got into the kitchen and would make her special cinnamon rolls or maybe a pan of apple strudel.

Nobody will ever match the welcoming aromas that filled the house on such occasions.

Just like we remember sitting with Zada and asking questions and listening to his answers and maybe learning a little yiddish in the process!

While I believe all the improvements made for people of my generation are wonderful, I think it’s too bad that in some ways, the three generation household is nearly extinct today. I’m sure it wasn’t always a wonderful arrangement, but for the most part, there was an opportunity for a closeness between generations that was natural.

I know, I know....people today could have the same connections, but it’s more likely to occur when all are under the same roof.

I’m sure this isn’t a theory subscribed to by many, but it’s something I believe. Don’t worry - I don’t think things will turn around and go back to that old way, but hey, remembering those times isn’t all bad.

Today’s gerontologists have taught us a lot, and seniors today are a different breed altogether, but what can I say? I’m still the queen of nostalgia!

Bert Lewis can be reached at Bert Lewis39@aol.com.

Gershovich and Matalon to address Middle East issues

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Middle East Changes and Its Implications for Israel and the U.S. will be the topic of the day on Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m., as Hazak sponsors a special lunch ‘n learn program at the synagogue. The morning’s guest speakers will be Dr. Moshe Gershovich, director of the Middle East Project Fund and professor Dr. Moshe Gershovich of history at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and Dr. Guy Matalon, the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s scholar-in-residence. Jim Wax is serving as chairman of the program.

Gershovich, who is currently in Israel, plans to share his perspective about current

happenings there, as well as in surrounding countries.

“The Middle East is in the midst of a tremendous turmoil,” he said. “Virtually every Arab country is experiencing a popular revolution, some more violently than others.

What’s been happening there in the past few months is bound to have an impact on Israel too.”

Everyone in Dr. Guy Matalon the community is invited to attend this thought-provoking presentation. Cost to attend is $6; to RSVP, send a check to Wax, at 118 S. 88th St., Omaha NE 68114. For more information, contact him at zehde@cox.net, or 402.393.4442.

Arts+Entertainment The Omaha Chamber Music Society will open its 10th Anniversary Summer Concert Series on Sunday, June 5, at 3 p.m., in Saint Margaret Mary Church, 6116 Dodge. The concert spotlights works by Rheinberger, Walter, Handel and Shostakovich. A preconcert talk will start at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the concert. General admission is $18, reduced to $5 for students. For more information: 402.960.6943 or www. omahachambermusic.org.

For the second year, Omaha Performing Arts presents the summer series Jazz on the Green at Turner Park, in Midtown Crossing.

The outdoor series will run six consecutive Thursdays following the Fourth of July, from July 7 through Aug. 11. The concerts will feature a variety of music, from Latin Jazz to big band swing to the blues, and are free to the public. The venue opens at 5 p.m., and performances start at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.midtowncrossing.com.

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10 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Shavuot with a French accent

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA) -- Joan Nathan says she’s always had a particular fascination with French Jews and their food.

For Nathan, author of Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France (Knopf, 2010), the love affair with French cuisine started as a teenager when she made her first trip to France in the 1950s.

The prolific cookbook author says the simple pleasure of sampling a slightly melted bar of chocolate sandwiched into a crackly baguette transformed her life.

Believing a girl’s education should include fluency in other languages, her father approached a cousin in France who opened his home, immersing Nathan in his culture.

“Because I have relatives and friends who are French, I’m

always curious what they’re doing for holidays,” said Nathan, who relishes visiting people’s homes to see what they eat and how they celebrate.

Falling seven weeks after Passover, Shavuot is a minor holiday with major importance, as it commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

It is traditional to eat dairy foods on Shavuot, which this year falls on June 8, because of the purity of the Torah.

Nathan has vivid memories of the holiday in France from the past few decades.

Many French Jews attend synagogue in the morning and come home for a well-rounded meal at lunch -- more like a dinner -- as opposed to a typical American bagels-and-lox brunch.

While the French often incorporate dairy products into

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recipes, they don’t go overboard on Shavuot the way Americans do by eating a meal composed almost entirely of blintzes, kugels and cream cheese. The French, however, do enjoy a good cheesecake.

The most important element at French holiday celebrations is a sense of style, with elegant table settings and presentation of food. Even the least affluent Jews serve food with great care for its appeal.

Some 600,000 Jews are living in France, making it the third largest Jewish population in the world after Israel and the United States. French Jewish history goes back 2,000 years.

Many cultures have seasoned French Jewish cuisine. Over the centuries, Jews have come to France from Spain, Portugal, the Balkans, Eastern Europe and North Africa.

Moving back to their original countries with French recipes, some Jews later returned to France, bringing back variations of dishes they had taken with them.

“Food has never been static,” Nathan said. “Even old recipes are in a constant state of flux and refinement, subject to outside influences and improvements.”

French Jews tend to be discreet about their religion, mostly in response to centuries of anti-Semitism. This is why Nathan, as the title of her cookbook indicates, had to search for Jewish cooking in France.

In recent decades, North African Jews have built a vibrant life in France. From Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, they revel in their Jewishness. Fragrant with spices, such as harissa (hot red chili sauce), their foods are easy to find in French markets. Their tasty salads, sumptuous stews, hummus and couscous have great appeal for French Jewish families.

Recent decades have seen intermarriage between Ashkenazim and Sephardim in France. With cross-cultural menus becoming the norm, Sephardic food is overtaking traditional Ashenazi cuisine.

Aware of this reality, a friend of Nathan’s pleaded with her, “Please find the old Ashkenazi recipes before they die out in France and it’s too late.”

“My whole life has been about guarding the legacy of Jewish food,” said Nathan, whose research in France found many traditional Jewish foods can be traced to other countries.

“I love French cooking,” said Nathan, marveling at its variety. “The recipes in my cookbook are easy, and I use as many of them as possible on Shavuot.”

The following recipes are by Nathan from Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France.

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FRENCH COLD BEET SOUP (BORSCHT)(DAIRY) Russian immigrants before World War I brought Borscht recipes to France.

Ingredients: 2 pounds raw beets (about 4) 1 pound onions (2 medium sized) 2 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole 1 tablespoon sugar Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup sour cream 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chervil, or mint cut into chiffonade Preparation: Peel the beets and onions. Cut them into chunks and toss them together in a large soup pot. Pour in about 2 quarts of water, or enough to cover the vegetables by an inch or so. Add the garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, skimming the surface of any impurities that rise. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about an hour, or until the beets are cooked. Stir in the vinegar and let cool.

When the soup has cooled off, ladle the vegetables and some of their broth into a blender and puree to the consistency of a thick soup. Adjust the thickness and seasoning of the soup to your taste, adding more beet broth for a thinner soup.

Serve cold in soup bowls with a dollop of the sour cream and a sprinkle of one of the herbs.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings Continued on page 11

May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Shavuot with a French accent 1 tablespoon salt

Continued from page 10

1/4 cup honey

SWEET COUSCOUS (DAIRY OR PAREVE) Popular year-round among North African Jews in France, for Shavuot this dish is made with butter and served with yogurt.

Ingredients: 4 pounds onions (about 8 medium sized), peeled and thinly sliced in rings 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter 1 tablespoon sugar Pinch of saffron 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 cup sliced or roughly chopped blanched almonds 1 pound (about 2 cups) uncooked couscous Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Optional accompaniment: yogurt Preparation: In a frying pan, saute the onions in the butter or oil over medium heat until translucent. Add the sugar and saffron, and continue to cook until caramelized and jam like. Add the raisins and almonds, cooking until the almonds are golden.

Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Mound the couscous in the middle of a plate and surround with the onions, raisins, and almonds. Accompany with yogurt, if using.

Yield: 6-8 servings FOUGASSE (DAIRY) A traditional Sabbath and holiday bread usually made with oil but at Shavuot is prepared with milk.

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1/2 cup softened butter 1 1/2 cups milk, heated to lukewarm 6-8 cups all-purpose flour

Semolina for scattering Olive oil for brushing Preparation: Put the yeast, butter, and lukewarm milk in the bowl of a standing mixer and blend. Gradually add 6 cups of flour, the salt, and honey to the yeast mixture, stirring with the dough hook and adding more flour as necessary until the dough comes together.

Form the dough into a ball and let it rise in a bowl, covered, for 1 hour. Then divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Roll out each into an oval about 1/4-inch thick.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, scatter some semolina on a cookie sheet, and transfer the dough onto the prepared sheet.

Let rise for 30 minutes.

Brush each loaf with olive oil and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Eat when warm, if possible.

Yield: 2 loaves of Fougasse TARTE AU FROMAGE (CRUSTLESS POLISH CHEESECAKE) (DAIRY) This cheesecake, quite different from its American counterpart, reminds Joan Nathan of many she has eaten throughout France, including the one at Finkelsztajn’s Delicatessen in Paris.

Ingredients: Butter for greasing the pan 1/2 cup milk 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 cup creme fraiche 5 large eggs,separated 2/3 cup sugar Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup raisins (optional) Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 10-inch springform pan.

Beat together the milk, ricotta cheese, creme fraiche, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer or another large bowl.

Toss the flour with the raisins, if using, and beat into the cheese batter.

In a clean bowl with clean beaters, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the cheese batter in three batches. Pour into the greased pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and firm in the center. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before unmolding.

Yield: 8-10 servings

Celebrate Shabbat outdoors at Beth El

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The snow is gone, the sky is blue, and the weather is warm: what better time to celebrate Shabbat outdoors?

Pack up the kids, lawn chairs and blankets, Frisbees, balls and gloves, and head to Beth El on Friday, June 10, for Shabbat on the Green, a special celebration on the back lawn of the synagogue. Dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m., complete with hotdogs and all the fixin’s (vegetarian meals will also be available); then Kabbalat Shabbat services will be held outside at 6:45 p.m.

Last year’s Shabbat on the Green celebration saw children busy with hula hoops, Frisbees, ball gloves and games of tag, and adults relaxing on blankets or lawn chairs, enjoying family and friends. Beth El’s next outdoor Shabbat picnic is planned for Friday, June 10, on the synagogue’s back lawn.

All new Beth El members who have joined over the past year, and all graduating high school seniors, are invited to this event at no charge. Cost for Beth El members is $7 for adults ($9, non-members); $4.50 for children 6-12 ($6.50, non-members); no charge for children 5 and younger. Reservations are needed by June 6, and may be made by sending a check to “Shabbat on the Green,” Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, Omaha NE 68154. Vegetarian dinners will be available upon request. For more information about the event, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 402.492.8550, or at programming@beth el-omaha.org.

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12 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Skits and study mark Beth El’s Shavuot celebration

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Shavuot has traditionally been a time for learning, but the learning doesn’t always have to be traditional. Means of study can take different forms, and Beth El’s upcoming Shavuot celebration will feature several avenues for learning for congregants of all ages, including an entertaining, holiday-related skit performed by children and adults from the congregation, and a study session about Jewish law.

The Tuesday, June 7, Shavuot celebration will begin with 5:30 p.m. services, followed by a dairy dinner. Then, a special family program, featuring “The Beth El Players” -Jordan Feinstein, Eliana Schuller, Dina Saltzman, Sarah Kutler, Marcie Spivack, Chaeli Spivack, Caryn Scheer, Joanna Hochfelder and Emma Hochfelder – will participate in an entertaining, holiday-related performance.

“The Players of Beth El will present a funny skit -designed for all ages -- which goes through all the trials and tribulations the Israelites faced on their quest to receive the Torah,” said Cantor Beth Schlossberg. “Come see children and adults of all ages entertain you with the story of our birth as a Jewish nation! Bring your families and friends to add to our beautiful Shavuot celebration.”

After the skit, those wishing to participate in a more indepth study session are invited to stay for “Shavuot University,” a panel discussion which will explore Jewish law and American legal structures. Attorneys Howard Epstein, Juliana Reno and David Herzog will serve as the panel’s guest speakers, and Rabbi Mordechai Levin will serve as moderator. Prior to the presentation, the rabbi will offer a brief explanation about the importance and meaning of Shavuot.

Epstein explained that, “This Shavuot program will give those in attendance an opportunity to compare and contrast

the development and implementation of Jewish/biblical law to our American legal system; it will also give everyone an opportunity to explore the impact that the Torah, especially the commandments, have had on American federal and state constitutions, statutes, common law, and even official holidays.

As examples of that influence, he noted that, “Each year the President of the United States proclaims that we Americans celebrate Father's Day as an official holiday in accordance with joint resolutions of Congress (thus fulfilling the commandment to honor our fathers and mothers). Of course, there are statutes making murder and robbery criminal acts (thou shall not kill, thou shall not steal) as well as alienation of affection laws (thou shall not commit adultery). And, let's not forget that the federal constitution, most state constitutions, and many state laws promote, encourage and codify our right to freely worship God (‘I am the lord your God’).”

The speakers will also explore how American history has been influenced by the Torah, Epstein said. For example, he pointed out that “the inscription on the Liberty Bell comes straight from the Book of Leviticus (‘Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof ’).

During the evening, the congregation will also take time to honor its “minyannaires -- those who have attended at least 24 daily services during the past year, and whose contributions of time have made possible the synagogue’s daily minyanim.

Cost for dinner is $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for children.

(Note: Minyannaires being honored are invited to dinner at no charge.) Reservations are needed by Friday, June 3, and may be made by sending a check to Beth El, “Attention: Shavuot Dinner.” For more information about the evening, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik, at 402.492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Israel continues to help Japan

by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- In northeastern Japan, the area hardest hit by the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, a team of Israeli post-trauma experts guided local teachers and officials through their lingering pain.

“People were not aware how much the disaster affected them,” said Shachar Zahavi, the founder and executive director of IsraAid, a Tel Aviv-based nonprofit that is running post-trauma courses in the town of Watari.

More than two months after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resultant tsunami destroyed thousands of homes, entire towns and countless lives in Japan, Jewish groups from North America and Israel continue to offer a helping hand to the Asian island nation.

Israel’s lengthy experience with war and terrorism makes it particularly qualified to offer the fruits of that knowledge to others. In Japan, where emotions are not typically displayed publicly, the teachers seemed grateful for the help,

and the organization is receiving much support from the local community and government officials.

“It’s the first time these people have gone through posttrauma sessions where they could share their individual experiences and talk about their feelings,” Zahavi said.

“There was a lot of crying, a lot of emotion.

“But it’s not just about talking -- we teach how to express feelings through touch, drawing and writing as well. That was new for them.”

What’s noteworthy is the partnership between Israeli and North American Jewish communities. IsraAid’s emergency relief program in Japan is supported and funded by the Jewish federations of Toronto, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as well as the JFNA, the American Jewish Committee and B’nai B'rith International.

“This is something that the Jewish people are giving, not just Israel,” Zahavi said.

Long term investment

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Current interest rates are historically low, which means you are getting much less income than you were getting in the past. The rates on bonds and other fixed rate investments are historically very low, which is causing seniors to have to eat into their principal. Also, as rates go up, which I think they will, it means the value of your fixed incomes will go down.

Over time, the best performing investment has been stocks so don't ignore this in your golden years. Why not make an appointment for a free evaluation of your current investments?

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May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Won Jeopardy! (What did the rabbi do on Monday?)

by JASON MILLER rabbis had been around and if there were any female WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (JTA) -- Jews have a reputa- Orthodox rabbis. (Newmark was not the first female rabbi tion for answering a question with a question. That might to appear on Jeopardy! -- that distinction belongs to a young help explain Rabbi Joyce Newmark’s big news -- she is now Reform spiritual leader from several years ago who didn’t a Jeopardy! champion. have much luck on the show.)

In the episode of the television game show that aired Once the cameras started rolling, Trebek introduced Monday, Newmark had no problem defeating two other Newmark as a rabbi, but then went on to ask her about her contestants and finishing with $29,200. experience at Woodstock, where she stayed at a motel rather The 63-year-old Conservative rabbi hosted a viewing than camp out. party Monday night at the Teaneck synagogue CongreBefore the episode aired, Newmark wasn’t able to divulge gation Beth Sholom, where she much about what happened on is a member. the show, though she did insist The episode, which was that being a rabbi did not give her recorded Feb. 2 in Culver City, a leg up on any of the questions.

CA, aired 20 years to the day of Well, maybe one -- about which Newmark’s graduation from figure in the Bible succeeded the Jewish Theological Moses as the leader of the Seminary.

Israelites. Newmark certainly A member of the first class knew the correct response of Wexner Graduate Fellows, (“Who is Joshua?”), but wasn’t she has served congregations able to buzz in early enough. in Lancaster, Pa., and Leonia, She did, however, nail the Final N.J., but currently writes and Jeopardy question: “From the lectures.

Latin for ‘Free,’ this 2-word term Rabbi Joyce Newmark has added a new title: Jeopardy!

Prior to rabbinical school, for a type of College refers to the champion.

Credit: Jeopardy Productions, Inc. Newmark spent more than 15 old belief of what a free man years in management consulting and banking. should be taught.” ... “What is liberal arts?”

As is her general custom, Newmark wore a yarmulke durNewmark was set to return Tuesday night to defend her ing the taping of the show. The head covering has been part Jeopardy! title. of her garb since 1987.

At her audition, she was asked to fill out a form informing “The interesting thing is that nobody said a thing about the producers if there were specific dates when she would the kipah,” she said. “Since I was introduced as a rabbi, they not be available to tape. She wrote “Jewish holidays.” may have just thought it was normal.”

Upon receiving the congratulatory call from the show Newmark had auditioned unsuccessfully for Jeopardy! in about her selection, Newmark expressed surprise, explain2006 before her successful tryout in 2010. ing that she had never expected to be picked.

While her profession was not a main focus of her appear“We actually were going to call you two months ago,” the ance, it did not go unnoticed. show official told Newmark, “but it was during Chanukah, “As soon as I sat down in the makeup chair -- the worst so we figured you couldn’t come.” part of the entire experience -- the makeup lady immediateRabbi Jason Miller is the director of Kosher Michigan, a ly began telling me why she had decided to take her son out kosher certification agency, and president of Access of Jewish day school,” Newmark recalled.

Computer Technology, an information technology consultAlex Trebek, the show’s longtime host, was interested in ing and social media marketing firm in West Bloomfield, her profession, asking off-camera about how long female MI. He blogs at http://blog.rabbijason.com.

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Not a Nobel Prize

Gypsy chicks JOEY HOFFMAN The night I became a mother, she slept in her new cage on the floor. She was now a New York City chick, rescued from Tennessee. The second she saw her red rubber crab, she knew she was home. Sadie, our sweet, silver-haired Shepherd-Husky provided my foray into motherhood: Sleep-free nights (she vomited ad nauseum from Pneumonia that first evening), agida (before mastering “come” I red-knuckled and reluctantly let her run free on a Martha’s Vineyard beach) and patience (Barkbarkbark.

“Shhh, it’s just FedEx…” Barkbarkbark. “Shhh, it’s just FedEx…”). Sadie’s nine now, still scared of cats, has developed an irrational carrot obsession and in the most soulful way, she teaches me, moment-to-moment, about humanity.

A week before Sadie arrived, an astrologer predicted that I would not get pregnant – my girlhood dream - for at least six months; something about my moon and mars and other baby-making planets squaring off, not allowing the baby to come through. “If you got pregnant,” she said, “it would be a miracle.”

I was pregnant and didn’t know it.

February 2003 I gave birth to my grandmother. Daisy is a clone of Mama Paula, my straight-talking, yoga-posing, lifeof-the-party love who grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and somehow, in between marrying her boss and moving to the ‘burbs, developed a British accent. Daisy (muse #1) and MP (#2) have a penchant for: 1. Posh: Mama Paula click-clacked daily in 2-inch heels which permanently molded her feet; Dais: “Mom, can I paint my room hot pink, gold and black?”

2. Paris: Mama Paula was French-fluent, had piles of nonpareils (daisy’s fave) brimming from a lucite box on her glass dining table and reigned at her eightieth soiree in the city d’amour; Dais has studied French since pre-school, considers croissants a staple and happily blasted Mama Paula’s Parisian chansons from an old boom box at her transplant anniversary party last July.

3. Poodles: Mama Paula’s little grey poodle Gaby had poor eyesight which earned her – I swear - black-rimmed ‘50s glasses; Dais, who squeals at the sight of one, stood in her crib at 2, begging me for a white poodle she could spray paint pink.

Every once in a while, I’ll knock on Daisy’s head and ask, “Mama Paula, are you in there?” I know she is. At the end of her life, I helped usher Mama Paula out, while when Daisy was ready, I helped escort her in. Despite clear external, citygirl similarities, the two are inextricably linked at their cores.

Mama Paula’s husband Joe, eighteen years her senior, died suddenly when she was fifty-two. Her son Ben unexpectedly died at 48. “I live with half a heart,” she used to say. Given her grace, her light, no one would believe her darkness. In the ‘40s she beat breast cancer and endured a mastectomy. I imagine she survived far more aches of the heart, yet I did not have the privilege of knowing them as I started to bloom when she began to wither.

Like her great-grandmother - who, of course, refused that title, shortening it to “GG” - Daisy’s shoulder-shrug attitude and indomitable life force propels her. At 3 1/2, she received a small bowel, liver and pancreas transplant, the enormity of which she is not yet aware as she’s too busy, thank God, being 8: Making movies with her friends, discovering fine cuisine like the 100 Grand Bar and spooning with Nala, our naughty Greyhound puppy who’s got a major crush on her big sister.

I imagine that if Mama Paula was in Elementary French, she’d have the exact response as her great-granddaughter did about a recent class skit: Dais: I was the last one picked at my table to use the phone.

Me: How did you feel about that?

Dais: It’s fine. It’s a phone, not a Nobel Prize.

My teachers…

Joey Hoffman is a New York-born freelance writer and embarrassingly proud mother of Daisy---a singer, kosher ham, and liver, small bowel, pancreas transplant survivor.

They live in Omaha with Sadie, a carrot-obsessed Shepherd-Husky, and Nala, a kleptomaniac Greyhound.

Call your local newspaper for more information* or 800-369-2850 www.nebpress.com

402/676-9533 jokopecky@gmail.com

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Oasis in Time Class, 7 p.m. at Chabad TUESDAY, MAY 31 Friedel Jewish Academy Teacher In-Service Days 31 -2 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JFO Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel JFO Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 JCC Final Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

NCJW Installations, 7 p.m. at One Pacific Place Apartments Clubhouse Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Psalms with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JUNE 5 Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Capital Campaign Donor Meeting, 2 p.m. at Friedel MONDAY, JUNE 6 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

JFStival 100th Anniversary Celebration, 6 p.m.

Oasis in Time Class, 7 p.m. at Chabad TUESDAY, JUNE 7 JCC Closes at 6p.m. for Erve Shavuot Grade 10 Confirmation, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Shavuot Class with Rabbi Mizrahi, 8:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Tikun Leil Shavuot, 10 p.m. at Beth Israel

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 JCC Closed for Shavuot Veshinantam, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 9 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Shavuot Dairy Lunch, 12:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

Ask the Rabbi, 1:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Let’s Do Lunch with Rabbi Levin, noon at the Blumkin Home Shabbat on the Green, 5:45 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Yoga, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El LOVE Game Day, noon MONDAY, JUNE 13 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Oasis in Time Class, 7 p.m. at Chabad Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Iowa Western Community Band Concert, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Community High School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel School Directors Committee Meeting, 10 a.m.

Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

MONDAY, JUNE 20 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

Mainstreeters Luncheon Program, 12:30 p.m.

Mainstreeters Movie The King’s Speech, 1 p.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 23 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El S’mores and Songs, 7 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JUNE 27 Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m. at Chabad Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m. at Chabad B’nai B’rith Annual Awards Lunch & Farewell for Outgoing President Gary Javitch, noon at Blumkin Home Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JUNE 30 Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m. at Chabad Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

THL 354: Introduction to Judaism, 5:45 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El

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 above events.

May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

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He said: “It’s okay, Betty, we all need help from time to time.”

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) knows this, of course. It was first created by a woman, Anna Millard Rogers in 1896, who heard and responded to calls for help in the home. We still do that, every day, but so are many others.

Home care options for seniors have become so plentiful it’s hard to know who’s doing what. So I’ll point out some of the ways we help seniors stay safe at home.

HomeAide HomeAide is an assistance program providing uniquely personalized in-home care. We come to your home to understand your need(s) and then we develop a care plan that's compatible with your schedule.

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VNA HomMed Health Monitor HomMed is a small monitoring device that helps patients selfassess things such as heart rate, blood pressure, weight, Oxygen saturation, temperature, and more. Assessment results are transmitted to the VNA for prompt evaluation by a skilled nursing staff. In-home monitors like HomMed help the VNA detect potential health complications early on—improving intervention and reducing the rate of unexpected emergency room visits and re-hospitalization.

Lifeline The VNA offers the Philips brand Lifeline solution as its medical alert device, designed to reduce the risk of living alone.

Lifeline provides emergency response with a touch of a button, 24 hours a day.

For more information about how the Omaha or Council Bluffs VNA offices help seniors maintain independence at home, safely, call 800-456-8869 or go online to http://www.thevna cares.org.

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by MARY GROSSERODE Director of Marketing and Sales, Remington Heights Senior Living Community Dad needed to get to dialysis three days a week. He does not drive anymore; how were his children going to get him there as they all work. He moved to Remington Heights where our staff took him to dialysis. Mom does not drive as her husband always drove for her, but now he is at The Rose Blumkin home. How is mom going to get to visit him? She moved to Remington Heights and we took her over to visit as we know how important staying connected to family is. Mom and daughter have lived together all her life. Now mom needs more care but what about her daughter. Both were able to move to Remington Heights where mom was able to receive the care she needed and her daughter was still able to live with her mom and maintain a separate lifestyle. The couple who decided they did not want to spend their days caring for their house but wanted to spend their time enjoying family, friends and each other; they moved to Remington Heights and did just that.

Senior Living is about giving up something and enjoying more.

It is about letting go of a house of 40 years and gaining a sense of security and independence.

It is about reconnecting with some of your friends and activities you “used to enjoy”. It is about letting your child be your child again; not your care giver.

Each resident who comes to Remington Heights has his or her own story and making ‘their story’ work for them is what an experienced staff does. A staff that makes a senior living community work includes a maintenance manager, a housekeeping manager, a registered nurse, business office manager, activities director, the chef, sales director and general manager. It is a team; a team with experience and dedication to make your deci-

sion work for you. The community is not just the beautiful building; it is the people who work there and the people who live there. It is the activities that are shared there. It is the games, the entertainment and the celebration of your faith. It is a family of friends and staff. The opportunity to share your life experience with other people your age over a wonderful meal in our formal dining room because you do not need to plan and cook your meals anymore. It is the opportunity to dance, play bridge, read a great book or be cared for.

Most often one does not want to leave their present home.

There just comes a time in our life where we have to make compromises. What is important to you? Do you want your independence but want to feel more secure in your home? Do you want your independence but want to maintain your dignity?

Consider the benefits of senior living. It not only offers you your own apartment home, it offers you a renewed lifestyle.

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16 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Playing nice

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Anybody who has survived the awkward years in middle school knows: making friends is tough. You’re wearing the wrong clothes, laugh at the wrong jokes, your hair is too long or too short. The harder you try, the worse it gets; you’re starting to think that at the end of the tunnel there’s no lightjust more tunnel.

Keeping friends is even harder. One day they are nice to you, the next day they give you the cold shoulder. Half the time, you don’t even know what terrible thing you did, what it is about you that causes everybody to whisper behind your back.

Apparently, it is no different when you are the Prime Minister of Israel. In fact, it is a whole lot worse: lately, it seems the entire classroom is ganging up on Bibi. If international politics were a popularity contest, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

This is probably why there was an excess of hand wringing in the land when President Obama mentioned those 1967 borders last week. Here was Bibi, thinking to himself how nice it was to at least have one true friend left, and suddenly he had to worry about being truly alone. Et tu, Obama.

The idea of an Israel without America’s unconditional support is frightening and disturbing, and so Netanyahu countered with an icy comeback, quickly followed by warm words. This is a move we have seen before: bickering politicians, who in the end grudgingly have to admit they still like each other. Then, they kiss and make up, and all goes back to the way it was. Hamas, eat your heart out.

“I am determined to act together with President Obama in order to find ways to resume negotiations for peace,” Netanyahu said to the AIPAC audience on Monday. And: “America, we’re with you, on this day, and every day. Israel is America’s indispensable ally,” followed by mention of “vast similarities” and “support for Israel that unites America.”

The next day, in front of a sympathetic Congress, he repeated most of those phrases, and threw in a congratula-

tory remark about Osama Bin Laden for good measure. Did he lay it on a little thick? Maybe; but it was for a good cause.

Why is it so important for Bibi and Obama to play nice?

Why is it that, in addition to monetary and military support, we need friendly verbiage between these two nations?

Because everybody needs friends, that’s why. And Israel, as I said before, doesn’t seem to have many these days. Boycotts, lies, accusations, yes, but friends? In most places, the popular kids like to make fun of Israel, look down on it, or disagree with it. Israel’s popularity in the world is low, and that would wear anybody down. That’s why many American supporters of Israel may have panicked a little last week.

So what, after this latest kerfuffle, has changed? Not much, I’m afraid. Those borders are still a bad idea, we are no closer to a peace deal, and Bibi is still stuck in middle school.

However, with just one friend, he can make it through.

Especially if that friend is bigger and stronger than most of the other kids.

What we need to see next, is a demonstration of that strength. In international politics, America has a lot of sway. So let’s show our support, let’s continue to show the world the right thing to do.

Let’s grab Bibi’s outreached hand and pull him in for a hug, and make no secret of which side

we’re on. Let’s stop being so careful, and so politically correct: Israel has the right to exist, grow, and blossom, period.

If the past week has taught us anything, it is that we have two problems: one, the explosive situation surrounding the peace process, and two: the bickering that goes on between politicians. And so we often end up spending more time complaining about who said what, and what they meant by it, rather than thinking about how to actually move forward.

And if we don’t move forward soon, we’ll never graduate from the awkward stage.

Editor’s note: it is time for the Jewish Press staff to start working on the New Year’s issue. We would love some input from readers about what topic we should select this year. If you have a great idea, please email it to us at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Entebbe and bin Laden raids underscore U.S.-Israel alliance

Behind the headlines MICHAEL OREN WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Nearly 35 years ago, on July 4, 1976, the streets of America were aglow. The nation was celebrating the bicentennial -- the 200th anniversary of its independence. In Israel, too, the streets were radiant. Israel Defense Forces commandos had rescued some 100 hostages held captive by Palestinian terrorists at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport.

This was one of history’s most audacious raids, combining precision intelligence and operations well inside hostile territory. The commandos had only minutes to penetrate a heavily guarded building, complete their mission and return safely to base.

Entebbe revolutionized the very concept of special forces operations. The raid is studied at U.S. service academies and command colleges. It deeply influenced the thinking of American commanders such as Vice Adm. William McRaven.

A veteran Navy SEAL and head of Joint Special Operations command, McRaven is a longtime friend of Israel who visited our country many times and worked closely with our special forces. His classic book, "Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare," contains an entire chapter on the Entebbe raid. It was Bill McRaven who commanded the stunning raid against Osama bin Laden.

Israelis exuberantly praised the operation. We shared the

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Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press.

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pain that Americans had suffered at bin Laden’s hands. We, too, have known that pain. America’s success in ridding the world of bin Laden’s scourge was our victory, too.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, however, the reaction was radically different. The Iranian regime claimed that America had exploited bin Laden as a pretext for invading Afghanistan and had eliminated him in order to prevent him from leaking valuable intelligence.

Hamas, in the Gaza Strip, condemned the operation as “another example of America’s desire to spill Arab blood” and hailed bin Laden as a “holy warrior” and a “martyr.”

The contrast between Israel’s response to the operation and that of many of our neighbors underscores the essence of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Your enemies are our enemies.

Those who seek to kill Americans also threaten us. Your security is our security, just as our security is yours.

Just as American commanders once studied Entebbe, Israeli officers will now study the raid on bin Laden. We will learn from the similarities between the two operations, but also from their differences. Israel sought to rescue the victims of terrorism, while America sought justice for past victims and security against further terrorism in the future.

Thankfully, no American troops were killed in bin Laden’s compound. But at Entebbe one Israeli soldier did fall -- the commander, Yoni Netanyahu.

Yoni was the older brother of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recent CNN interview, the prime minister said that Yoni’s death profoundly impacted him.

“I think of my brother,” he said, “I think of our children; I

think of the Palestinian children. We could have a better world … a world of peace.”

The vision of a better world was in the minds of both Americans and Israelis on that Fourth of July in 1976. Not surprisingly, Israelis immediately associated Entebbe with the bicentennial. Cartoons appeared in the Israeli press showing a battle-soiled Israeli soldier standing beside the Statue of Liberty. Together they held aloft the torch of freedom.

Beyond their conceptual and tactical similarities, further even than the ways both will influence future special ops, the Entebbe and bin Laden raids reveal the fundamental bonds between Israel and America.

We share the commitment to defending our citizens from dangers both near and far. We share the determination to defend our democracies from those who seek to destroy them. We know that freedom is not inherently free, that it comes at a cost and must always be protected, sometimes at considerable risk.

Shortly before his death, Yoni Netanyahu wrote of his belief in “the eternity of the striving for freedom and the idea of freedom in Israel.” That same belief permeates the American people.

Israel and America: We stand together against common threats, we strive together for common ideals, for security and peace. Together we uphold the biblical injunction “justice, justice, you shall pursue.”

Michael B. Oren is Israel’s ambassador to the United States.

ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 17

Digesting Obama’s speech -- some goes down easy, some hard

Focus on issues RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) – Within hours of President Obama’s Middle East policy speech, Israeli leaders and Jewish groups on the left and right were picking through his remarks on Israel, alternately praising, fretting and criticizing.

The big news was that Obama called for negotiations based on the pre-1967 borders, with land swaps.

“We believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states,” he said.

That prompted a round of fretting in Israel and among some American Jewish groups: Why did he say 1967 instead of 1949, when Israel’s armistice lines were established?

Those were the lines that formed the basis for Israel’s borders from 1949 to 1967. Why did Obama bring up borders at all? Is there a difference between “lines” and “borders?”

Obama also said negotiations should start by focusing on territory and security; the status of Jerusalem and the question of Palestinian refugees would come later. That prompted another round of fretting about those two issues.

But there was also relief. Israel and Jewish groups were pleased Obama said he’s not happy about Fatah’s pact with Hamas. He talked about Israel as a Jewish state, and rejected “delegitimization.” He talked about a demilitarized Palestine.

What was missing in all the Thursday afternoon quarterbacking was the bigger picture: Obama talked about IsraeliPalestinian peace as part of his larger speech on U.S. policy in the region because he believes consideration of the Middle East is impossible without advancing IsraeliPalestinian peace.

“At a time when the people of the Middle East and North Africa are casting off the burdens of the past, the drive for a lasting peace that ends the conflict and resolves all claims is more urgent than ever,” Obama said. “That’s certainly true for the two parties involved.”

Obama believes U.S. interests in the region will be advanced through democratization and development, but that it won’t happen unless the Israelis and the Palestinians get it together.

The rebuke to Israelis and Palestinians for failing to reach accord was implicit but unmistakable at a time when the Palestinians and Israelis appear determined to go divergent ways. Israel’s government would prefer incremental advances to an interim solution, while the Palestinians appear to be seeking unilateral statehood by September.

The rebuke is all the sharper on the eve of a visit to Washington by Benjamin Netanyahu; the Israeli prime minister had hoped the meeting would help restore the focus to the threat of Iran.

Netanyahu’s statement in response to Obama’s speech knocked back the president’s key demands, point by point.

“The viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state,”

Netanyahu said, a direct reference to Obama’s call for a “viable Palestine, a secure Israel.”

The Israeli leader went on to make it clear that the speech did not go far enough in extending reassurances that the Obama administration would protect Israel’s interests during negotiations.

Netanyahu wanted Obama to go as far as President George W. Bush did in 2004.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004, which were overwhelmingly supported by both Houses of Congress,” the statement said.

In his letter that year, Bush called it “unrealistic” to expect Israel to return major population centers, although he, like Obama, said the final-status negotiations should include mutually agreed land swaps. Netanyahu apparently wants to hear the same moral support for retaining some settlements that his predecessor, Ariel Sharon, extracted from Bush.

Also of concern for Netanyahu was how Obama left out Bush’s rejection of a Palestinian “right of return.” All Obama would say was that the issues of refugees and Jerusalem were “wrenching and emotional” and should be left for later.

Abraham Foxman, the Anti-Defamation League national director, praised the speech as a “strong outline of principles” but said Obama didn’t get what the stakes of the refugee issue are for Israel.

“Jerusalem is emotional, yes,” he said. “Refugees is not emotional – it’s strategic.”

scenes) are there which we may not be able to see?

they asked to remain or did you prefer to have new people in those positions?

A: There has been a lot of change happening with key personnel over the last few months. Since I have been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, the CDC Director resigned.

The other resignations were received before I took office so I am not comfortable explaining what happened in those situations (primarily because I was not involved and can’t speak with any expertise). Regarding the CDC Director leaving, the timing could not have been worse. He gave proper notice and fulfilled his responsibilities appropriately and to the best of his ability up until his last day and for that I am very grateful.

When someone hands me a resignation letter, I assume that they have taken the time necessary to make such an important decision – especially an employee of 20+ years. I would have preferred to not be searching for a replacement for this position, but I did not attempt to retain the former Director.

Thank you.

Stan Mitchell

Ask Mike MIKE SILVERMAN, CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha Dear Mike: • With the new flow chart do you have the power and/or responsibility to hire and fire agency heads?

• In addition to no longer developing their own budgets, what other major changes should agencies see?

• Five major staff people have resigned this spring - JCC Executive Director, JCC Assistant Director, CDC Director, Library Director, Head of Building and Grounds). Were they asked to remain or did you prefer to have new people in those positions?

• With two major professional positions being added CEO and CFO - how are we paying for them?

• Can you give us some specific examples (no vision statements or boilerplate) related to changes we can expect to actually see?

• Similarly, what specific changes (perhaps behind the

Q: With the new flow chart, do you have the power and/or responsibility to hire and fire agency heads?

A: Stan, the power to hire and fire agency heads requires enormous communication and buy-in from many people before action can be taken. For example, we have just hired a new JCC Executive Director (who I am very excited about by the way). A Search Committee comprised of primarily JCC Board members was put together to identify the very best candidate. I participated on the Search Committee and there were thoughtful and purposeful deliberations about each candidate. Once we identified our selection, the JCC Board was informed and voted to support the recommendation. The process continued to the Federation Executive Committee for final approval of the Search Committee and JCC Board’s recommendation. Only after receiving these approvals was I able to offer the position.

Q: Five major staff people have resigned this spring – JCC Executive Director, JCC Assistant Director, CDC Director, Library Director, Head of Buildings and Grounds. Were

Editor’s note: Because of the scope of Mr. Mitchells’s questions, we will be spreading Mike’s answers out over several weeks. Do you have a question? Send it to askmike@jewish omaha.org.

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18 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Lauren Kirshenbaum, daughter of Sharon and Jeffrey Kirshenbaum, will become a Bat Mitzvah; Evening Services, 8:40 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Will meet on Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m., at the synagogue, for a special program, Tuning up the Middle-Aged Brain. (see full story below on page 18.)

LET’S DO LUNCH: Join Rabbi Levin for lunch at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli on Friday, June 3, noon, for a delicious meal and some casual conversation. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated so the rabbi can reserve seats. Contact him at rabbilevin@bethel-omaha.org.

BESTT GRADUATION: Friday, June 3, 6 p.m., BESTT Seventh and 12th grade students will help lead Shabbat services as they celebrate graduation. A congregational dinner will follow, honoring the graduates. For reservations received

by May 20, dinner cost is $12.50 for adults, $8.50 for children ages 5-12; $4 for children four and younger. After that date, cost is $16, $12, and $7.50, respectively. No charge for graduating students and their families. For more information, contact Judy Rubin in the office or at eddir@bethel-omaha.org.

SHABBAT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: Join Cantor Schlossberg as she leads the Shabbat Learner’s Service on Saturday, June 4, 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m., in Room ‘B.’ The cantor will also lead Shabbat Is For Study, on June 4, from 12:20 p.m.–12:50 p.m.

HAZAK LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: On Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m., a special program exploring Middle East Changes and Its Implications for Israel and the U.S. (see full story on page 9.)

SHAVUOT CELEBRATION: On Tuesday, June 7, 5:30 p.m. services. A dairy dinner will follow, accompanied by a family program featuring holiday-related skits. (see full story on page 12.)

SHABBAT ON THE GREEN: Come to a special, outdoor Shabbat celebration on the synagogue’s back lawn, on Friday, June 10. (see full story on page 11.)

All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:38 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Synagogue office is closed; Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code.

TUESDAY: NCSY Bike Ride and BBQ, 4 p.m.; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: JLI class, Oasis in Time, 7 p.m. Register at www.myjli.com or call 402.330.1800. To request your first class free or for questions, contact JLI@OChabad.com or call 402.330.1800.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, celebrating the conversion of Rich Lombardi, following the service, members are invited to a special farewell potluck dessert reception honoring Ilan Emanuel and his family; please bring your favorite dessert for sharing.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

MONDAY: Temple office is closed for Memorial Day. LJCS Camp Israel, June 13-24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. A light kosher lunch will be provided. Campers must be kindergarten age to enroll. Please let us know if you are interested by emailing Tracy Gordon at tgordonjc@ yahoo.com or Andrea Halpern at halperns@inebraska.com.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by the Mack, Bresel and Gurock families in honor of Leah Gurock’s birthday; The Laws of

SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:39 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

Beth El primed to Tune Up the Middle-Aged Brain

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If you’ve ever walked into a room and then forgotten why; if, in general, your memory’s just not what it used to be (but who remembers?), if stress is a frequent issue, mark Thursday, June 2, on the calendar and head to Beth El for Tuning Up the Middle-Aged Brain, an informative Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting.

The 7 p.m. get-together will be led by clinical psychologist Aveva Shukert, and Carol Parsow, who has a long-held interest in fitness and nutrition. The hostesses will discuss what happens to the middle-aged brain and various ways to keep it sharp through games, exercise and healthy eating habits. Comfortable attire is recommended; healthy snacks will be served.

“We certainly don’t have all the answers,” said Parsow,

“but one day I was ‘complaining’ to Aveva about some of the stressors in my life and what they were doing to my brain, and she told me I might like to read the book The Secret Life of the Grown- Up Brain. When I thought about doing a Rosh Hodesh meeting, I thought this topic might be of interest to many of us. Knowing that Aveva is a clinical psychologist, she was the perfect co-host. We just wanted to share some information and discuss the positive side of growing older and how we can be our own advocates.

“We hope our discussion will encourage the women in our group to continue to stimulate their minds and bodies to lead full and healthy lives,” she added.

All women in the Jewish community are welcome to attend; to RSVP, please contact Parsow, at cparsow@ aol.com, or Shukert, at avevas@aol.com.

Candlelighting Friday, May 27, 8:29 p.m.

led by Beth Israel Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog and Jim Polack.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet; Midrash Keit: Master Storyteller, Rita Paskowitz.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m.

SHAVUOT - FEAST OF WEEKS Worship Service and 10th Grade Confirmation, Tuesday, June 7, 6 p.m.; Shavuot Service and Yizkor, Wednesday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. At Shavuot Worship services, the clergy will read the Book of Ruth about a young Moabite woman who left her land to go with her Jewish mother-in-law to the Land of Israel. In observance of Shavuot, the office will be closed on Wednesday, June 8. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, by Friday, June 3, with the names of your loved ones to be read.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Join us at South Street Temple for Shabbat service, 7:45 p.m. followed by a special farewell potluck dessert reception honoring Ilan Emanuel and his family.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon in honor of Judah Kohen’s first birthday and Sara Kohen’s graduation from Law School sponsored by the Kohen family.

Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 5 at 4 p.m.

LJCS Camp Israel, June 13-24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. A light kosher lunch will be provided. Campers must be kindergarten age to enroll. Please let us know if you are interested by emailing Tracy Gordon at tgordonjc@ yahoo.com or Andrea Halpern at halperns@inebraska.com.

Petition filed for anti-circumcision measure in Santa Monica

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- An anti-circumcision group will circulate a petition in Santa Monica, Calif., to place a measure seeking to ban male circumcision on an upcoming ballot.

A Notice of Intent to Circulate a Petition, proposing a ballot initiative prohibiting “Genital Cutting of Male Minors” for the November ballot in Santa Monica, was filed with the city, the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles reported. The filing comes on the heels of an anti-circumcision measure approved for the November ballot by San Francisco city officials last week.

The text of Santa Monica’s proposed initiative is identical to the one that will appear on the San Francisco ballot, according to the Jewish Journal.

The measure makes it a misdemeanor crime to circumcise a boy in Santa Monica before he is 18 years old.

The maximum penalty would be a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Circumcisions would be permitted only for medical reasons, with no religious exemptions.

Santa Monica, which has a population of 90,000, has two hospitals and six synagogues, according to the Firedoglake online news site.

The group MGMBill.org, which stands for Male Genital Mutilation, reportedly is behind the initiative.

Unveilings A stone setting for the grave of Phil Schrager will take place on Sunday, May 29, 1:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Cemetery.

A stone setting for the grave of Arthur F. Fishkin will take place on Sunday, May 29, 5 p.m., at Mount Sinai Cemetery, North 78th St. and Crown Point Ave., followed by a reception at Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Circle.

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May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 19

Disciplined wandering

BLUE RIBBON

In memoriam LEO MEYERSON

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Bamidbar It comes as somewhat of a shock to realize that the latter part of the Book of Exodus and all of Leviticus have taken place while the Israelites were still at Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were delivered to them.

It is called the “Wilderness” of Sinai. We are not to assume that this is desert, with sand up to the knees of anyone taking a step. It is a “wilderness” only in the sense that it is trackless, there are no roads, there are no paths. The assumption is that no one had passed through there in the history of humanity. But now, the Israelites are commanded to leave Sinai and make their way to Canaan.

It took 40 years. These years are sometimes referred to as “40 years of wandering in the wilderness.”

It was not, however, “wandering.” The Israelites moved as a disciplined and carefully arranged band of travelers. That whole period of 40 years was necessary. It was one thing to get the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt, where they had suffered for so long. It was quite another thing to get the mindset of slavery out of the Israelites themselves, and be able to set forth to Canaan as free men.

They are told to present themselves as a carefully arranged band of travelers. Indeed, a rough census of each tribe is taken before the journey begins.

And now they moved from place to place to place at the command of the Lord Himself. I don’t know if geographers could identify these places now, but they are carefully designated in the Sacred Text.

The phrase “40 years,” to repeat, was not a description of the length of the journey on foot. Rather, it was a time necessary to shake out the sense of being slaves, to allow the Israelites to recognize themselves as free men.

As free men, now they were to set forth toward the land of Canaan. Not as a chaotic crowd, stumbling and rubbing up against each other; now they were as carefully arranged as an army for military action against enemies.

The “wilderness” was before them. At its end, the land of Canaan. This band of former slaves were now to be Israelites. Indeed, these were the great, great, great-grandfathers of ourselves, the Jewish people.

‘House’ stars arrive in Israel

by JTA NEWS STAFF

Lisa Edelstein, a star of the hit television show House, jokingly comforts a dummy used in medical simulations at the Sheba Medical Center, an Israeli hospital outside of Tel Aviv alongside fellow cast members and the series’ creator.

Credit: Jorge Novominsky

Continued from page 1 Council Bluffs officially proclaimed March seventh as “Leo Meyerson Day.” Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen P. Meyerson and grandson Bruce Fellman.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Darlynn and Tom Fellman; son and daughter-in-law Larry and Deenie Meyerson; grandchildren, Louri and Charlie Sullivan, Ted and Estee Fellman, Lance Meyerson, Heidi and Scott Schneiderman, Scott and Jenny Meyerson, Troy and Jamie Meyerson, as well as 16 great-grandchildren, and beloved caregiver Abigail Engquist.

Memorials may be sent to the Bruce M. Fellman Charitable Foundation, 809 N. 96th Street, Omaha, NE 68114, or to Temple Israel.

MARVIN TAXMAN Marvin Taxman passed away May 18 at age 90. Services were held Thursday, May 19 at the Beth El Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Taxman; sons and daugthers-in-law, Sherry and Jeff Taxman, Tonya and Tom Taxman; seven grandchildren, two great-grandsons; and sister, Barbara Rips.

He served in World War II in the 101st Airborne and received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was a graduate of Central High School, and of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Marvin worked in the Wholesale Optical Business until age 90. He loved the arts and served on the Board of the Joslyn Chamber Music Society as well as on the Boards of Temple Israel and the National Board of Temple Brotherhoods.

Memorials may be made to the Tuesday Musical Concert Series, c/o Janet Cockle, 109 S. 53rd St., Omaha, NE 68132 or to your favorite charity.

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EU expands Syria and Iran sanctions

Nebraska

by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The European Union expanded its sanctions against Syria and Iran.

The new sanctions imposed Monday target Syrian leader Bashar Assad and other top Syrian officials, and designate an additional 100 Iranian individuals and entities believed to be fronting for Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

There has been a push to isolate Syria in the wake of its brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. The Obama administration last week expanded its sanctions to include Assad, his top deputies and entities owned by the Syrian government.

The White House and Jewish groups praised the EU’s new sanctions.

“So long as Iran refuses to fulfill its international obligations, the international community will respond by continuing to hold Iran accountable, implement fully all U.N. Security Council resolutions, and aggressively counter Iranian proliferation activities,” a White House statement said.

The American Jewish Committee said the new sanctions show “that stopping Iran’s nuclear program remains of paramount importance.”

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Sophie Goldberg’s position on the Omaha Temple Youth Group Board was incomplete in the May 13th issue of the Jewish Press. She will be the special projects coordinator/social action vice president for 2011-2012. The Press regrets the error.

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20 | The Jewish Press | May 27, 2011

National Nursing Home Week comes to Blumkin Home

by OZZIE NOGG tured special treats -- beef knishes and chicken skewers -Show biz met red carpet met award ceremonies as resiand gave Federation CEO Mike Silverman the opportunidents and staff of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home celety to hand out awards of appreciation to RBJH employees brated a Broadway-themed National Nursing Home of long-standing. Five-Year Awards went to Mary Ann Week, May 8 through May 13. During the week, Main Blair, Rick France, Kangni Kpodar, Eugene Kriebs, Sha Street in the RBJH was transformed into a glittery Great Roh, Si Si, Sarkapru Soe and Winnie Tamura-Lis. Blumkin White Way while Blumkin Home staffers dressed as stars Home employees honored with Ten Years of Service of their favorite Broadway shows.

Awards were Pauline Cullins, Dan Frady, Gary Larsen, JSS Director of Activities and Outreach Programs Laurie Pearson and Jennifer Stoneking. Fifteen Years of Maggie Conti, (decked out in a glamorous Evita costume) Service honorees were Ron Dacanay and Clarence Moxey. said, “Spider Man (aka Josh Gurock), Marilyn Monroe In keeping with the Broadway theme, the Friday Star (aka Shelly Fox), the Phantom of the Opera (aka John Deli lunch featured Phantom of the Opera Chicken (a McKinney) and the Music Man (aka Bob Goldberg) all put white phantom mask garnished each plate) and diners in an appearance at the Salute to Broadway Fashion Show could view the musical on the big screen in the dining on May 12. It was 5-star, 4-thumbs all the way.” Other room. “The Deli was really hopping,” Conti said, “with celebrities on the runway were Renee Corcoran (Wicked), what looked like our biggest crowd to date. The staff wore Shelley Cash and Eileen Schellhardt (Cats), Lois Wine sparkly Chorus Line vests, but of course the Blumkin (Cabaret), Natalie Osborne (Stomp), Nakia Martin Home staff sparkles every day.”

(Singing in the Rain), Mike Silverman (Joseph and the In anticipation of National Nursing Home Week, Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Linda Tederman and Blumkin residents used their ceramics class time to make her dogs Hudson and Colgan (Fiddler on the Roof), Terry stress stones for the RBJH staff. Karen Menagh, the Bernstein (Guys and Dolls), Shana Hester, Stephanie Home’s new Activities Director and Rick France, Betkie, Teresa Lebahn and Merriam Gross (The Wizard of Activities Assistant, supervised the project. “The purpose Oz Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow and Glinda the Witch), of a stress stone is not to bring stress, but relieve it,” Mitzi Klimek (My Fair Lady), Joe Boin (Captain Von Menagh explained. “The residents at the Blumkin Home Trapp from The Sound of Music), Camri Roesler (The Lion understand that the staff works really hard, and someKing), and Shelley Spencer (Mae West). Karen Menagh times it’s difficult for them to stay upbeat, so we decided was costumed as a Newspaper Reviewer, and also to give these stones to the staff to help them unwind and sashayed down the cat walk, turning in a boffo performas a token of appreciation.” ance. Joe Chereck played background music on the keyThe Activities Department set up what Menagh board, and accompanied the Western-garbed RBJH described as a Lazy-Susan Factory. “It was really cute. We Top: Sing-a-long volunteers Joanie Bernstein, Florence Brody, Therapy Department while they sang tunes from put stones on some turntables and it took the residents Bernie Altsuler, Tootie Simon, Kathy Weiner and Bea Karp; Ron Oklahoma. about two weeks to paint 200 stones in bright colors. They Dacanay, pictured here with Mike Silverman, was honored for 15 “I could not do my job without Joanie Bernstein,” Conti were very receptive to the project and really got into it.” years of service with the Home; Teresa Lebahn shows off one of the said. “She put in countless hours as the host of the Fashion Each stone is engraved with a positive, inspirational messtress stones made by Rose Blumkin Home residents.

Show -- in fact she was the show -- acting as emcee and sage -- mazel tov, peace, Shalom, to life, passion, rainbow, having the chutzpah to get some of the staff to model as Conti said. As a bonus, Natalie Osborne used the loud- bliss, dream, faith. “The theory is that holding the stone or Broadway characters. I’m so grateful to her. People can speaker to play Broadway Trivia several times a day, and looking at the word helps them think of the Residents who never say no to Joanie. She’s the gem of the Blumkin Home.” residents and staff won chocolate prizes. “The entire week took the time to show their appreciation,” Menagh said.

In addition to the style show, staffers were encouraged to was fun for all of us, and the residents got a kick out of the “Blumkin Home staff members got to choose the stone with wear costumes on other days during Nursing Home Week. almost non-stop entertainment.” the message that appealed to them most. One staff person In addition to a special Mother’s Day Tea Time hosted by told me that he likes his stress stone so much, he’s going to “In honor of La Cage aux Folles, we dressed in drag or as the opposite sex. And on Hair day we wore hippie threads,” L.O.V.E., other tea times during Nursing Home Week fea- drill a hole in it and wear it around his neck.”

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