June 1, 2007

Vol. LXXXVI No. 37 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Army’s performance in 1967 shows what motivation can do

15 Sivan, 5767 June 1, 2007

NCJW Board to be installed at Project Harmony

by MARTIN VAN CREVELD JERUSALEM (JTA) -Nearly a year has passed since Israel’s 2006 war in Lebanon, and 40 since the June 1967 war.

Those familiar with last summer’s war might well rub their eyes in disbelief.

Given how badly the Israel Defense Forces performed in Lebanon, where it was stymied by a guerrilla organization numbering just a few thousand fighters, is it really true that once upon a time the IDF routed four Arab armies in just six days?

Indeed it did.

There was a time when the Israeli people, to Wednesday, June 7, 1967, 10 a.m.: Members of the Israeli Defense Force hoist the blue and Credit: GPO quote Moshe Dayan, was white national flag on the Temple Mount. “small but brave.” The IDF was the only thing keeping yet -- who were clear-headed and determined to win Israel from death at the hands of its much larger and even at a high cost in casualties.

The ever-present fear of the future generated national supposedly more powerful neighbors.

The outcome of the 1967 war was a feeling of “ein unity, and national unity generated truly tremendous brera” -- no choice -- that used to permeate all layers of fighting power. In June 1967 the IDF may not have Israeli society, resulting in extremely high motivation. possessed the world’s best doctrine or weapons. The forThat motivation meant the IDF was able to attract the mer lagged behind the times and did not yet fully country’s best manpower. Though pay was meager and embrace the concept of combined arms that other conditions often difficult, people were eager to serve in armies had developed.

Some of the latter -- including many tanks, fighting the IDF, and did so proudly.

That motivation made possible training, selection and vehicles and artillery pieces, communication equipment promotion procedures that were, or at least were widely and even small arms -- dated to World War II. Of the perceived as, just and fair. The final outcome was the three services, the worst equipped was the Navy. creation of a general staff made up of men -- no women Continued on page 2

by LISA LIEB NCJW Co-Vice President of Public Relations The Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will install the 2007-08 slate of officers on Tuesday, June 12, 5:30 p.m., at Project Harmony, located at 7110 “F” St. The theme for this year’s event is “The Past Presents the Future.” Past NCJW presidents will be honored for their contributions to NCJW. “These women have truly been pillars of strength for this section and this community,” said Deb Marburg, Section President. “I am honored and humbled to be counted among them, and very thankful for their example and strong foundation, upon which we can build new success and new tradition.”

These officers will be installed: Co-Presidents: Tina Meyers and Shelly Pichik; Co-Community Service Vice Presidents: Andee Scioli and Jaime Nogg; Co-Public Affairs/Education Vice Presidents: Nancy Jacobson and Continued on page 2

Award winners Nikki Kirshenbaum and Harriet Epstein to be honored Nikki Kirshenbaum and Harriet Epstein will be presented with special awards at the June 12 installation ceremony.

Kirshenbaum will receive the NCJW Award for Emerging Section Leaders, in recognition of her potential for assuming future section leadership, understanding and support of the NCJW purpose and programs, and demonstrated commitment to the Omaha Section.

For her years of outstanding service and impact on the Omaha Section, Epstein will receive the NCJW Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes dedicated members who volunteer with a willingness to work at any level.

Among their many contributions, Kirshenbaum has most recently served as Co-Vice President of Membership, and Epstein has spearheaded the AdoptA-School program with Jackson Elementary School.

“The Fonz” wows Omaha fans on book tour

by GARY JAVITCH Special to the Jewish Press Last month’s appearance in Omaha was not the first time Henry Winkler has been here. “I came years ago to help open the Children’s Museum, the former “Happy Days” TV star stated.

In that series, Winkler played a popular high school student warmly known as “The Fonz” and won two Emmys for those efforts. In that era (1974-84), his persona seemed to define the essence of being ‘cool.’

That show, which had an 11-season run, “was a true gift to me,” he observed.

“I received the contract on my birthday. I was 28 years old.”

“Over the years, I have kept in contact with the actors on the show,” he said.

“Ron Howard and I did a project together,” he mentioned, referring to the critically acclaimed TV series called “Arrested Development.”

For this visit to Nebraska, the Golden Globe-winning actor, director, and producer came for another reason and in a different role-- as an author.

At 61, the multi-talented Winkler shows no sign of slowing down. On May 17, “The Fonz” landed in Omaha, traveled to the Maxey Elementary School in Lincoln and then returned to the River

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

City to speak to adults about his books.

He appeared at UNO’s Thompson Center under the aegis of the Bookworm (Countryside Village) to promote the Hank Zipzer books which he co-wrote with Lin Oliver. The series is aimed at third through fifth graders, the ‘tween age. His newest, the 11th in the series, is called The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down.

Helping Kids Although he has appeared in numerous funny shows, and weaves humor throughout his collection, he is very serious about why he has authored so many ‘tween books. “As a kid, I had dyslexia,” he told me in phone interview from his Chicago hotel. I wanted to lend support to kids who may have learning difficulties. I wanted them to know that “No matter how you learn you have greatness in you.”

He added, “My main goal in creating the series was to make readers laugh. I get unbelievable mail. One letter from a kid said ‘I laughed so hard my funny bone fell out of my body.’”

Winkler uses his own life experiences in his writings. His main character, Hank World’s Greatest Zipzer (The Underachiever!), gets involved in stories that took place in the actual New York

Henry Winkler City apartment in which Winkler grew up, the neighborhood he played in, and the elementary school he attended.

“The tales describe the honest struggle of one particular kid,” interacting with other kids in the neighborhood,” he commented.

Following Winkler’s remarks heard by more than 200 people at UNO, more

This Week: Remembering the Six-Day War: Pages 2, 3 & 7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

MySpace, Our Space: Press Makes Room for Blumkin Home: Page 7

than half stood in an autograph line with books purchased onsite. Some bought the entire series and Winkler patiently sat and signed them all.

Besides putting his signature in each book, the obliging actor took photos with adoring fans, including many adult females who sat on his lap for the pictures.

He was especially kind, warm, patient, and friendly to all the little kids, each of whom he went out of his way to make feel special.

A large number of Friedel Jewish Academy students attended the presentation, too, including Max Polack who remarked that “Henry was funny,” while his brother Josh thought that “[the Fonz] was cool.” (They are the sons of Jim and Susan Polack.)

Despite his dyslexia, Henry enjoys reading to the kids. “I have to really take my time and concentrate to do it.

Spelling is very difficult for me and math is out of the question.”

Continued on page 2

Coming Next Week: Father’s Day/Graduation Issue Beth El Kids, Staff Take a Bite out of the Big Apple: Page 11

Beth Israel’s Jr. NCSY Wins Chapter of the Year: Page 12

R if k a’ s Em b r o i de r y

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 1, 2007

What motivation can do ed, but the outcome was always a decisive Israeli victory.

Continued from page 1 As usual, the fog of war prevailed and there was much Not one of its vessels was modern. It did not even have a radar apparatus of its own, a fact that probably chaos on the battlefield. Entire brigades got lost, while contributed to the mistaken attack during the war on other units ran out of fuel and had to improvise.

No matter: Making up for those problems the Israelis, the USS Liberty.

Only the Air Force, with its French-built Mirage III regulars and reservists, fought like demons. In the words fighters, was up to date. However, the Mirages formed of the Prophet Joel: “Their faces gathered blackness; only about half the stock of warplanes, much of which they ran like mighty men; they climbed the walls and did not break rank; the earth quaked before them; and the was also antiquated.

Relying on surprise and taking a tremendous risk by Lord made His voice heard in front of His army.”

The 1967 war gave Israel what it considered “defensileaving the homeland almost without air cover, Israel opened the war on June 5, 1967 with a devastating air ble borders,” but it did not lead to security, let alone attack on the Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian air forces. peace. Less than two years after the war ended, in March All three enemy air forces essentially were knocked out 1969, massive fighting known as the War of Attrition broke out along the Suez within a few hours.

Canal; it lasted until the Israel’s small size and the summer of 1970. Then fact that it was positioned came the October 1973 between its main enemies Yom Kippur War, then the meant it was operating on 1982 invasion of Lebanon, internal lines. Making full then the first and second use of them, the IDF shifted Palestinian intifadas. formations from one front In 1973 the IDF fought as to another, probably increaswell as in 1967, if not better. ing the available forces by Since then, however, its per25-30 percent.

The IDF launched a classic An Israeli soldier prays on top of a supply truck in Gaza, June formance has steadily deteriBlitzkrieg campaign: The 6, 1967, during the Six-Day War. Credit: Moshe Milner/GPO orated.

Forty years after June 1967, the point remains that an enemy’s defenses were smashed, its rear penetrated, its forces surrounded and annihilated. All this was achieved in army is only as good as its opponent. A force that beginthe war’s first three days and at a relatively low cost of fewer ning with the 1982 invasion of Lebanon has fought only opponents much weaker than itself has become weak; a than 800 troops killed.

The best-known military critic of the time was an sword, thrust into salt water, will rust.

If the 2006 war in Lebanon proved anything, it was Englishman, Basil Liddell Hart. In an article he wrote for the now defunct journal Encounter, Hart claimed just how rusty Israel’s “Swift, Terrible Sword” -- the title that the Israeli operations represented “a superb applica- of one of the countless books written about the 1967 tion of the strategy of indirect approach” -- by which he war -- has become. It also proved that as long as the meant going around the enemy’s main stronghold -- Israelis go on fighting the weak, they risk leaving themselves unprepared to resist the strong who may still that he had championed for decades.

But there was nothing subtle about the Israeli tactics. At come at them.

Rafa in the northeastern Sinai, at Ammunition Hill north of Jerusalem and along the handful of difficult roads leadMartin van Creveld, of Jerusalem, is one of the ing up the Golan Heights, the Israelis attacked head-on. world’s leading experts on military history and strategy.

Elsewhere, particularly along the southern part of the He is the author most recently of The Changing Face of frontier with Egypt, things were a little more complicat- War (Random House, 2007).

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“The Fonz” wows Omaha fans

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Summer Fun Days, 9 a.m. at JCC Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at JCC SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Pledge Night, 7 at JCC Pool

C L I P &

SUNDAY, JUNE 3 Yachad at Royals Baseball Game The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim Trip to Mahoney State Park, noon Volunteer Recognition & LOVE Installation, 1:30 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Irene Blecher Art Reception, 3 p.m. at JCC Basketball Camp Coaches Meeting,5 p.m. at JCC BILU USY’s Mystery Bus Ride - CMT 2007, 5 p.m. at Beth El

S MONDAY, JUNE 4 A Camp Staff Orientation, 7:30 a.m. at JCC V ADL Holocaust Education Class, 8 a.m. at JCC E Summer Fun Days, 9 a.m. at JCC

C L I P & S A V E

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 at JCC Theology 354: Judaism with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, 5:45 p.m. at JCC Jewish Family Service Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at JCC TUESDAY, JUNE 5 Camp Staff Orientation, 7:30 a.m. at JCC ADL Holocaust Education Class, 8 a.m. at JCC WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Summer Fun Days, 9 a.m. at JCC Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m. at JCC RBJH Medicare Meeting, 1 p.m. at JCC BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House JCC Final Board Meeting of the Year, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6

C Camp Staff Orientation, 7:30 a.m. at JCC L Summer Fun Days, 9 a.m. at JCC I Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House P THURSDAY, JUNE 7 Camp Staff Orientation, 7:30 a.m. at JCC ADL Holocaust Education Class, 8 a.m. at JCC

& Summer Fun Days, 9 a.m. at JCC

Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Theology 354: Judaism with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, 5:45 p.m. at JCC Hebrew Classes, 6 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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Continued from page 1 he replied.

Leading a Jewish Life Winkler received a Bachelor’s degree from Emerson Henry Franklin Winkler considers himself very lucky. College in Boston in 1967, and earned a Master’s “My parents were Holocaust survivors. I learned quite a degree in Theater at Yale three years later. Not too long lot from them,” he told me during the 20-minute inter- ago, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Hebrew view. The most important Letters from his underlesson I received can be graduate alma mater. summed up in one word: While he would not call himself an “observant ‘Tenacity.’ And the most Jew,” he remarked that he important phrase in my does call himself a proud life was sent to me by a fan, who quoted one. “I love Passover,” he Theodore Herzl and it noted. “I enjoy sitting guides my life. Herzl’s around, talking and famous phrase is “If you answering questions. It’s will it, it is no dream.” my favorite holiday.” He He told me this early in has also traveled the the interview. And to Students of Friedel Jewish Academy and their principal, Cookie country speaking at develop more of a con- Katskee, met Henry Winkler during his book tour in Omaha. Jewish Federations. nection with him, I men- Among the students: Hannah Leff, left, Isabella Wright, Max So what is the diminutioned that my daughter Weiner, Max Polack, Rebecca Novak, Ethan Shrago, Gabby tive actor really like? will be working at the Witkowski, Josh Polack, and Noa Kipnis.

When he closed the interMinneapolis JCC’S Herzl Camp this summer and the view nearly 20 minutes later, I told him I would get his JCC uses that phase in their advertising. I added that she picture when he got to Omaha and thanked him for his was graduating from college [last] weekend. time. He said good-bye and “Mazel tov to your daugh“That phrase has served as a cornerstone of my life,” ter and your family on her graduation.”

NCJW Board to be installed Continued from page 1 Barbara Rennard; Co-Membership Vice Presidents: Nikki Kirshenbaum and Denise Meyers; Co-Fundraising Vice Presidents: Jill Goldstein and Dana Kaufman; CoPublic Relations Vice Presidents: Melissa Shapiro and Sherry Shapiro; Treasurer: Wendy Raffel; Financial Secretary: Lori Kooper-Schwarz; Corresponding Secretary: Carrie Fingold; Recording Secretary: Bonnie Pfrenger; and Parliamentarian and Bylaws: Beth Friedman and Deb Marburg. Directors are: Mimi Silverman, Julie Martin, Tracy Grinstead Everely, Iris Ricks, Carole Greenberg, Laurie Epstein; and the Nominating Chairman is Roxanne Kahn.

Project Harmony is a non-profit organization that provides help to children who are victims of abuse and neglect. NCJW has been a strong supporter of Project Harmony, donating 40 pack-n-plays to them this year to

help prevent infant co-sleeping deaths among families who don’t have cribs. There were five such deaths in Douglas and Sarpy Counties last year and eighteen cosleeping deaths in 2005. Those attending the June 12th event will have the opportunity to tour the Project Harmony facility preceding the installation ceremony.

Patty Nogg is chairing the Installations Ceremony.

“Susan Rothholz and Shelly Pichik have been a tremendous help organizing this event,” Nogg said, “along with Anne Weitz, Development Director of Project Harmony.”

In lieu of admission, attendees are invited to bring a cash donation or a gift from Project Harmony’s Target Gift Registry to support their important work. RSVPs are requested by June 4 to Patty Nogg at 290.1385 or patty_nogg@csgsystems.com, or Shelly Pichik at 965.9575 or pichik@cox.net.

June 1, 2007

The Six-Day War: facts and background

by JTA STAFF Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, bent on NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Six-Day War in June 1967 avenging Arab losses, pressing the Palestinian cause and was the culmination of hostilities between Israel and asserting his own claim to be the Arab world’s pre-emineighboring Arab nations that started with the Jewish nent leader, assembled an alliance of Arab states surstate’s founding two decades earlier. rounding Israel, forced U.N. peacekeepers out of the Palestinian Arabs had claimed the area as their home- Sinai and moved Egyptian troops there, and mobilized land, and the Arab nations refused to acknowledge for war. For nearly a month, Israelis quaked in fear of Israel’s legitimacy. annihilation while the government exhausted diplomatSeveral Arab states and ic alternatives to war.

Palestinian groups attacked When it became clear that Israel when it declared statethe international community hood in 1948, but the naswould not prevent the comcent Jewish state repelled ing Arab attack, Israel prethe attackers and survived, empted the invasion with its even claiming land beyond own air attacks early on the the boundaries assigned to it morning of June 5, 1967. by the U.N. Partition Plan.

From June 5 to 10, Israel Similarly in 1956, Israel drove Arab armies from the overran Egypt and occupied Sinai Desert, Gaza Strip, the Sinai Peninsula for West Bank and Golan months after Egypt closed Heights, and occupied those the Straits of Tiran and the territories. Israel also reunitSuez Canal to Israeli shiped Jerusalem, claiming the ping. eastern half of the city, Israel withdrew after a including the Old City and United Nations peacekeepthe Jewish Quarter, which Israeli girls with Stars of David and Jerusalem written in ing force was placed in the Jordan had seized in the Hebrew on their faces take part in a march in downtown Sinai and the United States 1948-49 war.

Jerusalem, May 16, 2007, in celebration of the 40th anniverguaranteed the right of pasThe Six-Day War was seen sary of the reunification of Jerusalem since the Six Day War sage for Israeli ships through as a mighty victory for Israel, in 1967.

Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA the Straits of Tiran. The and showed its antagonists Suez Canal that they couldn’t expect to destroy the Jewish state milwas reopenitarily. But the newly lost territories now became the ed in March Arab rallying cry and allowed the Arab world, with the 1957. support of their Soviet backers, to portray tiny Israel as Years of the aggressor who was occupying their land, changing confrontainternational perceptions of the Jewish state. tion ensued The peace process that began in the late 1970s and has between continued in one form or another until today mostly has Israel and its been about resolving the land disputes created by Arab neighIsrael’s military conquest in 1967. b o r s , notably Egypt and EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Syria. The The Jewish Press office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, F a t a h for Independence Day. The deadline for the June 29 issue is organizaWednesday, June 20, 9 a.m., for all ads, articles and photos. tion and the Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Palestine CORRECTIONS Liberation Members of an Israeli tank crew carry a In the May 11 issue, Cantor Gaston Bogomolni’s name O r g a n i z a - wounded soldier to receive first aid at the inadvertantly omitted from the Friedel article about Yom was tion, both Rafa junction June 6, 1967, during the Six-Day Ha’Atzmaut.

Credit: GPO with the War. In the May 25 issue, the JCC Gallery article was incorexpressed goal of destroying Israel, were founded in the rectly submitted with Irene Blecher’s byline. interim and began launching terrorist attacks.

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Booming Israeli biotech business is on the hunt for investors

by PENNY SCHWARTZ BOSTON (JTA) -- Israel’s life-sciences field is growing so rapidly that even industry trackers are having a tough time keeping up with the number of startups.

Of the approximately 750 Israeli companies in the field, nearly three-quarters were founded in the past 10 years, Yael Rogel-Fuchs, executive director of Israel Life Sciences Industry, or ILSI, told JTA. The non-profit organization was formed about three years ago to promote the country’s emerging biotechnology field.

Rogel-Fuchs added that nearly half of the companies were established in the past five years, and 60 companies have been created in the past year or two.

There may be more, she said, since companies register daily on the industry’s tracking database.

In Israel they call the field “bio med,” said Raphael Hofstein, president and CEO of Hadasit Ltd., a subsidiary of the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem that takes the organization’s technologies to market.

“Bio med is, in our minds, a new trademark which represents the strength of Israel as being a place for the convergence of biotechnology and the medical device arena,” Hofstein said.

Hofstein and Rogel-Fuchs spoke with JTA about Israel’s place in the life-sciences industry at the 2007 BIO International Convention, the world’s largest biotechnology gathering and exhibition, which was held May 6-9 at the Boston Convention Center.

Representatives from 16 Israeli life-sciences companies and industry groups were among the 1,800 exhibitors. More than 20,000 people attended the event.

In an interview with JTA on the exhibition floor, Hofstein attributed the tremendous growth of the field in Israel to several factors. Among them are extensive academic research in life sciences, significant government support of early-stage research and Israeli entrepreneurs who want to create marketable products.

He points to the huge number of patents developed in Israel; the tiny Jewish state is No. 7 in the world in terms of patents, according to ILSI. In medical devices -- which account for 53 percent of the life-sciences industry, according to figures published by ILSI -- Israel is No. 1 per capita.

“We have coined a notion that there is a mountain of intellectual property coming out of Israel,” Hofstein said.

In 2005, an estimated 25,000 people were employed Continued on page 4

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Israeli biotech business Continued from page 3 financing tools are needed, he said. in the life-sciences field, led by the pharmaceutical secHofstein suggested that an example could be a tor.

Hadasit Ltd. subsidiary called Hadasit Bio-Holdings, In a competitive industry that makes great promises nine companies that spun off from Hadasit in of medical cures and treatments but is known for los- December 2005 and now trade on the Tel Aviv Stock ing money, more than one-third of Israel’s life-sciences Exchange. companies are producing revenue, according to ILSI. Hofstein said Boston was a prelude to Israel’s life-sciAbout a third of the remaining firms are at the seed ences landmark convention, Bio Med 2007, scheduled stage. for June in Haifa. The convention, co-chaired by One notable success story is the multiple sclerosis Hofstein and Arnon, will run in conjunction with an drug developed by professors Ruth Arnon and Michael annual gathering on stem cell research.

Sela of the Weizmann Institute and brought to market The convention is expected to attract 5,000 people to

by Teva under the trademark name Copaxone. the exhibit hall and lectures, with representatives from Copaxone sales in 2006 reached $1.4 billion, accord- companies in Asia, India and Europe. ing to an article by Arnon, former vice president of the Israel’s contributions to the field are recognized Weizmann Institute. Sales around the world, Hofstein are expected to total $46.1 said. billion for 2002-2007.

At the end of April, the Another sign of the indusMichael J. Fox Foundation try’s growth is the rising for Parkinson’s Disease sinnumber of buyouts, mergers gled out two Israeli compaacquisitions, said and nies, ProNeuron BiotechShimon Eckhouse, chairnologies and Cell Cure man of Syneron Medical, Neurosciences, for grants who has founded eight totaling just above $1 milcompanies since 1992. lion to spur research aimed In 2005-06, mergers and at new treatments for generated acquisitions Parkinson’s patients. about $1.5 billion, Fox, an actor who suffers Eckhouse said. Initial public from Parkinson’s, has taken offerings on the Tel Aviv up the cause of raising Stock Exchange generated Israeli biotech executive Raphael Hofstein, left, attends the awareness and funds for its the same amount, he wrote 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston. treatment.

Credit: Penny Schwartz/JTA In a May 7 keynote address in an e-mail.

“It’s a wonderful place to be for investment,” at the Boston convention, Fox prodded industry leadEckhouse said. ers to do more to bring new treatments to market.

That investment is coming mostly from foreigners “I’ve been reasonably well treated for 15 years using because of insufficient venture capital in Israel. Some a drug that’s been around for 40 years,” he said. are wary about the many acquisitions by foreign Cell Cure, which is partially owned by a Hadasit subinvestors. sidiary, is using embryonic stem cells to develop treat“It could be viewed as problematic,” Hofstein ment to replace damaged Parkinson’s cells, Hofstein acknowledged. “There is a dilemma. But this is the said. nature of the beast. The only way to change that is to The issue of embryonic stem cell research, so controgenerate sufficient funds from Israeli sources.” versial in the United States, poses no such problem in Eli Opper, chief scientist for Israel’s Ministry of Israel, says Nadav Tamir, Israel’s consul general to New Industry, Trade and Labor, told JTA that the amount of England. capital needed for even one drug is enormous, and it In published reports following the announcement of takes a long period to bring a product to market. the grants, Benjamin Reubinoff, Cell Cure’s chief sci“The combination of these two factors is a real hur- entist, said the Knesset has authorized embryonic stemdle,” Opper said. cell research.

Opper, who moderated Israel’s panel presentation at “The Jewish religion and Orthodox rabbis support the Boston convention, said a small country like Israel human embryonic stem-cell research,” Reubinoff is must connect with large international companies to quoted as saying in Financial Times Information. finance its emerging life-science companies. New “Their priority is to save a human life.”

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by ANDREA BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH The residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home celebrated National Nursing Home Week in true Hollywood fashion last month with a theme for the week of “Lights, Camera, Action: Taking Center Stage”.

Staff and volunteers organized daily activities including special tea time permusical formances and treats including chocolate fondue. Highlights from the week of activities included a performance by the D a n c i n g Grannies and a grand fashion show, organized by Joanie Bernstein and the week’s special committee members; Laura Bair, Shelley Spencer, Angela Jones, Natalie Osborne, Janet Herman, Shane Kotok, Lois Wine, Mary Cederstrand, Nakia Martin, Stand-outs at the fashion show included Darlene Golbitz, Mike Silverman, JSS/RBJH executive direcPhyllis Gentry tor, as Popeye, and Laura Kirshenbaum and, as always, performing as Shirley Temple. the entire activity staff!

The fashion show featured staff members as personalities from the stage and silver screen and a special performance of “The Good Ship Lollipop” by Laura Kirshenbaum (attending with her mother, Jenn Kirshenbaum) dressed as Shirley Temple. Residents enjoyed the performances and the pageantry!

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Yachad coordinator shepherds group for JFS

by LISA LIEB those affected,� Denenberg Program director; family explained. resource; community advo“I’m trying to reach as cate -- these are some of the many people as possible who many ways that Yachad have feedback to share,�

Coordinator Duane Pieper Pieper added. “We know has made an impact on there are people in need we haven’t identified yet, and we members of the Omaha hope they will come forward Jewish community with special needs. so their voices can be heard.�

A department of Jewish People can be assured that these interviews will be conFamily Service (JFS), Yachad ducted in strict confidence. provides social, cultural and religious programs to people Yachad participants enjoy a hay ride at Vallas Pumpkin The data gathered will be with developmental disabili- Patch: Duane and Kathie Pieper, left, Gail Friedman, Jeremy critical to the decisions made ties. Pieper has been work- Friedman, Nancy Isler, Jillian Salomon, Deb Saloman, Jeff about the types of services Yachad will offer. ing with the Yachad group Steinberg, Lisa Saloman, Ben Friedman, Beth Friedman.

The Yachad group can be seen periodically at each of for the past two-and-a-half years. “Duane has not only been our coordinator, he has the synagogues, in addition to other Jewish and secular been a true friend to our Yachad families,� said Eunie venues. One of their recent projects involved the Yom Denenberg, Yachad task force Chair.

Ha’atzmaut celebration at the JCC, where the group The Yachad task force was established in March by sold hand-made items with an Israeli theme to the comJewish Federation President Norman Sheldon. Its mis- munity. “This program was successful on many levels,� sion is to study current and prospective programs and Pieper said. “We were able to interact with the public, services, and make recommendations to the Federation and it really helped to raise the awareness of the Yachad board of directors based on their findings. The task force group.�

Yachad is also reaching out to people with special has made great progress in assessing current services and needs in Israel, Pieper explained. “The money we raised identifying new program needs.

Pieper has been instrumental in obtaining grant from the Yom Ha’atzmaut booth went to Wings, a promoney for new Yachad programs. These programs cover gram for disabled young adults in Israel. Our members such areas as mentoring, social skills, vocational initia- have such generous hearts, and it’s important to them to tives, caregiver education, an overnight camp, and a par- be able to give to others in need.� ent support group. “It’s exciting and a huge step forPieper says that the best part of his job has been getward that we are able to grow the Yachad program ting to know the Yachad members and their families. through the generosity of these grants,� Pieper said. “This is such a positive group of people, with a real After holding several productive meetings, including appreciation for life. The members really care about each an open forum to gather community input, the Task other, and are always quick to extend their hand in force has called upon Pieper to conduct personal inter- friendship to others.� views with those who have feedback to share. “From the To learn more about Yachad or provide feedback for beginning, the Task force has been committed to seeing the Yachad task force, contact Duane Pieper via e-mail at that the direction we take will be based on the input of kdjpieper@yahoo.com, or by phone at 334.6491.

ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Helmut Lotti Goes Classic -- a concert on the big screen -- will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the JCC auditorium on Thursday, June 14. The concert is recorded live from Belgium featuring traditional and contemporary

BIRTH Miki and Gregg Herman of Westwood Hills, KS announce the May 2 birth of their daughter, Sophia Rose Herman.

Grandparents are Ellie Penner of Overland Park, KS, Stephen Penner of Tucson, AZ, and Marsha and Ed Herman of Overland Park, KS.

Visions get a glimpse of Playhouse’s Peter Pan

Visions members, including Harry Alloy, left, and Ethel Goldston enjoyed a treat from Jim Boggess, Musical Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, as he previewed highlights of the upcoming musical Peter Pan at the May luncheon meeting held at the Venice Inn.

favorites. Please join us for a dessert reception at 2:30 p.m. There is no admission fee. This event is sponsored

by Bernie Altsuler. For questions, please call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

Join us for sensational summer sounds by the Iowa Western Community Band on Wednesday, June 20, 7 p.m., at the JCC. There is no charge. The band has performed in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for over 25 years. This concert is sponsored by Iowa Western Community College and the city of Council Bluffs.

BIRTHDAY ESTHER “TIBE� SIEGEL STOLER Esther “Tibe� Siegel Stoler will celebrate her 95th birthday on June 4. She has spent only two of those years outside of Omaha.

She is the only surviving child out of nine children born to Solomon and Etta Siegel. She was married for 58 years to Jay Stoler, who ran the Pacific Fish Company. She worked in her early years at Natelsons department store and was an active volunteer at Beth Israel, including as its Sisterhood President. She also enjoyed bowling in the B’nai B’rith League.

Her birthday will be celebrated at a party given by her children Alan and Kim Stoler, Stuart Stoler, Jerry and Sue Wacks; grandchildren, Madisen, Jordan and Evan Stoler; David Tibe Stoler at age 7 and Katharine Wacks; and great-grandchild, Eitan Wacks. Nieces and nephews coming in from out of town include Bob and Gail Ginsburg from Seattle; Gwen and Walt Stevens, Denver; Neil and Jean Siegel, Ed and Joy Siegel, Sandy Lorkis and Bette Anne Poska, all from from Los Angeles.

She credits her long life to her “family, friends and Omaha air.�

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 1, 2007

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Want to learn more about saving your family and community treasures? Staff and volunteers of museums, historical organizations, and libraries in Nebraska, and members of the general public will have the opportunity to participate in free training on caring for collections this summer. Four distance learning workshops on preventive conservation will be offered as part of the “Saving Nebraska’s Treasures: Preventive Conservation for Families, Museums, and Libraries” project at the Nebraska State Historical Society. The workshops will be delivered via satellite uplinks to numerous locations around the state.

Three of the workshops will be presented by conservators from the Society’s Ford Conservation Center.

Dates and workshop topics include: June 14: Preserving Your Collections: Textiles, Leather, Feather, Hide, Bone, and other Organic Materials; July 12: Preserving Your Collections: Metal, Glass, Ceramic, Stone, and other Inorganic Materials; Aug. 16: Preserving Your Collections: Paper, Photographs, Books and other Paper-based Objects; Sept. 11: A fourth workshop organized by the Nebraska Library Commission with presenters from UNL will focus on care of materials destined to be digitized for the commission’s Nebraska Memories website.

Each workshop is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Workshops will originate from the distance learning facility at NET, 1800 No. 33 St. in Lincoln.

Individuals are welcome to participate on-site.

Individuals interested in participating in the workshops at distance learning sites should register at their earliest convenience so the nearest place to connect to the workshop can be determined.

Call 402.471.3272 or email treasures@nebraskahistory.org for more information and to register.

by TIM KALDAHL Director of UNO University Relations Pictures tell stories. A century’s worth of stories unfold in the new book University of Nebraska at Omaha, authored by Oliver Pollak and Les Valentine.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), inaugurated in 1968, emerged from the Municipal University of Omaha, established in 1931, which grew out of the University of Omaha founded in 1908. The publication of Pollak’s and Valentine’s book has become part of a slate of UNO Centennial happenings, Oliver Pollak events and celebrations. The UNO Centennial Celebration will officially launch in the fall of 2008.

Pollak describes the book as a memory book or a gift book. People who have been at the university will go through it to look for familiar people, places and events.

Pollak, holder of the Martin Chair in History, has taught at UNO since 1974.

“There’s a play between the pictures and the captions,” he said. Those captions, some 20,000 words, put the nearly 130 pages worth of black and white photos into a larger context of time and place, and importance.

“For every photo in there you have 30 or 40 that went unused,” Valentine said. He came to UNO in 1972 as an undergraduate, went on to receive his graduate degree and has served as the university’s archivist since 1986.

Valentine selected the photos while Pollak wrote the text and worked with Arcadia Publishing, the publishers of University of Nebraska at Omaha. Valentine said finding a representative selection of photos across the decades was important. The chapters of the book divide the history of the university into six eras.

“Some of the better photos didn’t make it into the book due to issues of balance,” he said. The format of the photos came in all types, as well. Negatives, photos, slides and digital images were used. Some of the earliest pictures came from private student scrapbooks that are now in the university’s archives.

Much of the material and the history of the institution have gone unrecognized, Pollak said. What is commonly known or part of the oral history of a campus is not often studied. Pollak has authored previous history books on the Jewish community in Omaha and Lincoln, and of Nebraska courthouses.

“So often we ignore the home place, where we work,” he said.

The cover photo of the book, a 1971 jazz concert on the steps of Arts and Sciences Hall, is a piece of iconic recovered history. The sprawling image of a huge crowd was on a small, and mostly forgotten, negative.

Pollak and Valentine spent most of the fall of 2006 putting together the pieces of University of Nebraska at Omaha. The book is now on sale in major and small bookstores in the metropolitan area, on campus and online.

“Lots of good things have happened,” Pollak said.

“We haven’t covered up the bad things -- economic struggle, the suicide of a (university) president, a parking lot that took years to get built.” There was a murder on campus in the 1950s, too.

There are recurring types of photos in the book -groundbreaking and construction, athletics and candid pictures of student life (including registration lines and full parking lots.)

“Everybody who looks at this book will get something out of it,” Valentine said.

Qwest Center Omaha’s premier art project, Illumina,

by Omaha artist Matthew Placzek, will be featured in a special half-hour broadcast on KETV-Channel 7 on Tuesday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., and also on Saturday, June 9, 1 p.m. The show chronicles Placzek’s work during the two-year-long project, as recorded by KETV photojournalist Peter Soby.

Placzek’s Illumina exhibit is centered around a 35-foot clock. It is surrounded by eight bronze figures and several stainless steel spheres.

The bronze figures include a stilts walker, Mardi Gras celebrant, French mime, juggler, Artist Matthew Placzek, jazz saxophonist and jazz surrounded by several of horn player. The figures each his Illumina creations. stand 6 to 8 feet tall, with the exception of the stilts walker which stands 14 feet tall.

The stainless steel spheres are each 5-7 feet in diameter.

South Street Temple member Gerald Shapiro received University-wide recognition at UNL. He is a Professor of English and Judaic Studies and has been honored with a Willa Cather University Professorship.

Author of a highly acclaimed collection of short stories, Bad Jews & Other Stories, and From Hunger: Stories; he also served as editor of American Jewish Fiction: A Century of Stories and is the winner of the Ohio State University Short Fiction Prize for a collection of novellas and stories entitled, Little Men. Earlier this spring, Prof. Shapiro and his wife Prof. Judith Slater both won individual fellowships from the Nebraska Arts Council.

Shapiro won the Distinguished Artist Award, and Slater won the Merit Award.

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Six Days plus 40 years

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by MARK MIETKIEWICZ The war may have only lasted six days but its impact was immediate and its legacy is still felt – and debated forty years later.

For many Jews in the Diaspora, the war meant it was time to help Israel in its time of need. In mid-June Lydia Aisenberg phoned the Israeli embassy in London “to ask if I could do something to help thinking of sticking stamps or answering phones.” Little did she know that days later, she would be disembarking an El Al plane in Israel, teddy bear in hand.

Rather than licking stamps, Lydia found herself working in the fields of Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek. [http://tinyurl. com/363tyz] Ilana Rosen remembers “marching with others down Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester, carrying an Israeli flag, to a Rally at the New Century Hall, and everybody along the route (non-Jews and Jews) were cheering us. (A bit different from now!)” [http://tinyurl.com/yv 77mo] There was certainly pride in Israel’s military prowess. But in the days and weeks following the war, it was not hard to hear the word “miracle” being used to describe what had happened. The Lubavitcher Rebbe is quoted as saying in August 1967, “This was a war won by Torah and mitzvot. There can be no doubt of this. A Jew in Moscow recited Psalms, and a Jew in Buffalo, New York, put on tefillin, and this helped the Jews defeat their enemies in the Land of Israel.” [http://tinyurl.com/2zncbq] And the long-term effects of the war on world’s Jews? In Andrew Furman’s review of the book, The Six-Day War and World Jewry, he cites examples to illustrate that the effect on Jewish communities in the U.S., Canada, France, Mexico and South Africa was less pronounced than one might have expected. “The rates of aliyah in these countries, for example, did not rise dramatically, if at all, in the years after the war. And the public status of the Jews and Jewry in these countries appears to have changed minimally. … Further, as Israel’s perceived ethos shifted in the years subsequent to the war from that of the heroic underdog to the dominant military force in the Middle East (or from David to Goliath…), increasing tensions developed between Israel and the more liberal segments of the Jewish population in the pluralistic-democratic Diaspora.” (To

read the review, register for free access at the following link: [http://tinyurl. com/3xuf48]) For Jews living in Arab countries, the war had a very different effect. SixDayWar.co.uk looks at the repercussions of the war on the members of Jewish communities throughout the Arab world most of whom fled to Israel but also to France and North America. [http://tinyurl. com/258pjy] In June 1967, the UN Security Council passed several resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the area. But it wasn’t until November that it passed a resolution still being quoted four decades later. Security Council Resolution 242 called for “Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict” and recognition that “every State in the area” has the “right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force.” You can read the resolution in full as well as commentary at the Jewish Virtual Library. [http://tinyurl.com/ ywjjwd] One of the longest entries I’ve come across about the war can be found in Wikipedia, the massive online encyclopedia that relies on the public to write and edit its content. [http://tinyurl.com/ e2oyy] Not surprisingly, the entry carries this note: “The neutrality of this article is disputed.” More interesting than the article itself is the area where the cause and legacy of the war are debated. And since this is Wikipedia, you, too, can join the discussion. [http://tinyurl.com/ytgn3k] Michael Oren, author of Six Days of War, suggests another lesson can be learned from the war. He says that that war was not inevitable and points to several events – some of which seemed relatively trivial at the time – that collectively brought the region over the brink. The lesson for observers 40 years later?

“Today, like 1967, the Middle East faces a situation in which a large-scale war could be ignited by a relatively small spark. In these circumstances, rational decision-making, cogent analysis, and logical reactions to events on the ground are, in the end, often subordinate to the vicissitudes of fortune, the vagaries of war, and dumb luck. Chance and randomness had a profound influence on the conduct of the Six Day War and on the war’s impact on the region and the world.

Recognizing the power of chance — then and now — is both humbling and frightening.” [http://tinyurl.com/pnkcl] Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

The Blumkin Home and the Press: MySpace, YourSpace, OurSpace chairs, side-by-side, in a straight shot

by OZZIE NOGG The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and from the Home to activities and prothe Omaha Jewish Press have cooked up grams at the JCC.” During construction, some Blumkin their own version of the on-line community, MySpace. It’s called OurSpace, and Home staffers will use one of the Press’ embodies the give and take (and give) back storage rooms as a temporary office.

“The space we’re loaning is our current between two community agencies during ‘storage closet’ which used to be my office the Home’s construction process.

The protagonists in this story are Mike before the Press office expanded in Silverman, Executive Director of the 2000,” Katzman said. “After looking at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home/Jewish the Home’s plans for this area of the Senior Services, and Carol Katzman, building, and our needs, we determined we could Editor of the Jewish Press. rearrange “Carol understands the large that the New Beginning room that for the Blumkin Home is serves as a community project,” our proSilverman said. “So here duction we are, with plans to cut office and through the middle of the still have Press office to connect space for the Home with the JCC, storage.” and Carol is not territoriThat way, al about the space. She’s been incredibly accom- JSS/RBJH Executive Director Mike Silverman the home modating and wonderful watches as Advertising Manager Allan Handleman can have a removes the Press’ sign in anticipation of the Home temporary to work with.” office for And Katzman’s take on breaking through to the JCC Gallery next year. the OurSpace concept? “When Mike came two bookkeepers, who are losing their to me months ago to tell me the Home offices as the Hawkins crew demolishes would be breaking through the Press the west end of the Home’s south wing to entrance and my office, my first thought construct the new Special Care Unit.

According to Silverman, when conwas ‘This makes total sense.’ It extends the Gallery from the Jewish Community struction is complete the Press will get Center directly into the Home, making it back the same square footage but in a simpler for visitors to walk from the JCC reconfigured way. “The good news,” he to the Home without having to wiggle said, “is that both our needs are met.”

Katzman agreed. “In the end, the Press around the Press office and the dance studio. And it enlarges the Gallery space, giv- will get a new entrance off the expanded JCC/Home Gallery, two new offices, a ing more room for exhibits.”

The new access from the JCC to the remodeled production space and we’ll still Blumkin Home that Katzman described have space for storage. Can’t beat that!”

The editor did express one caveat. “I will trade the existing maze of narrow, angled hallways for a well-marked, direct only made one request of Mike Silverman: route between the two locations. “The ‘Don’t call me on Friday and tell me you’re hallway will be much wider, too,” knocking down walls on Monday!’ We Silverman said. “Now we’ll be able to need a little more advanced warning; after move residents in two or three wheel- all, we publish a newspaper every week!”

B’nai Israel to be on National Register B’nai Israel Synagogue wil lsponsor a celebration for being named to the National

Chevra B’nai Yisroel Congregation: 1930 Original Sanctuary

Register of Historic Places on June 10, 2-4 p.m., with Mayor Tom Hanafan speaking at 3 p.m. Historian Leah Rogers of Tallgrass Historians L.C. researched the origins of the century-old congregation and presented the nomination to the Historical Society of Iowa.

It was then sent to the National Park Service and accepted on the National Register of Historic Places. Fees for research and preparation of the nomination were paid by a grant from the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation. Also, the Special Donor-advised Fund will assist with the expenses for this celebration.

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From

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 1, 2007

Does Israel still have what it takes to win wars?

Following the release of the Winograd Report, a harsh indictment of the performance of both the Israeli government and the military during last summer’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Jews in and out of Israel wonder whether the state that won a war with Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon in six days could do that today.

Judging from political pundits on the left and right, the question is both regrettable and instructive. Obviously, 40 years after that swift and decisive military victory in 1967, last summer’s war appeared weak, confused and in the end, didn’t produce much in the way of results.

Three soldiers: Gilad Shalit (captured on Israel’s border with Gaza), Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev are still being held by Hamas and Hezbollah (both backed by Iran). And even though Hamas has been engaged in internecine fighting with forces from the Palestinian Authority, it has managed to rearm. Last month, Hamas gunmen killed 18 Fatah soldiers and stole weapons supplied by the United States. The U.S. has been backing Fatah (the party of PA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas), even though Fatah has lost nearly every battle with Hamas, according to reports from Independent Media Review and Analysis and WorldNetDaily.

So while millions of dollars are being funneled to the PA through the U.S. Congress ($59 million was approved last month), tribal conflict continues on Israel’s border with Gaza and Qassam rockets rain down on Sdereot and Ashkelon. And what’s the response of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert? He sets up meeting after meeting with Abbas, even going so far as calling him by his diminutive, Abu Mazen. What a cozy pair!

To Israel’s north, fighting continues between Lebanese forces and terrorists hiding

behind women and children in Palestinian refugee camps. We assume the intent is for the battles to flow over into Israel, once again engaging the IDF and allowing Hezbollah to claim victory two summers in a row (regardless of how many innocent Lebanese die).

What can Israel do to reclaim its status as a world-class army? Several steps could be taken: • Olmert should resign, as Golda Meir did following the near-defeat of Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. She, too, bore the brunt of criticism in a report much like the Winograd report, but unlike Olmert, Meir had the decency to resign with dignity instead of pretending that all was right in the Jewish State.

Few remember that Meir resigned; history has been kind to her, but won’t be if Olmert not only loses a second war on Israel’s northern border, but loses badly.

• Following Olmert’s resignation, new elections should be called. Regardless of the outcome, anyone (Barak, Netanyahu, even Tzipi Livni) would be better than Olmert. And the next PM must warn his (or her) neighbors that Israel will not and cannot be defeated.

• One more item is on the list: a proposal by Pensioners Minister Rafi Eitan to have Egyptians patrolling Gaza and the Jordanians the West Bank. His laughable idea should give Israelis

pause as to the quality of Olmert’s current cabinet ministers The Egyptians have shown more than once that they are not interested in Gaza, starting in 1967 when Israel offered to give it back to Egypt after the Six-Day War. In recent months, Egypt withdrew 500 troops from Gaza noting it was “unsafe.” Duh! It is also unlikely that the Palestinians would accept the Jordanians supervising security in the West Bank. After all, the Hashemite kingdom killed 25,000 Palestinian terrorists (and refugees) in 1972, thereby creating the notorious Black September group, a forerunner of many terrorist organizations that populate the PA. Forty years after the Six-Day War, Israel is still fighting the same battles, but with a weaker government and an army with lower morale. Another war could do irreparable damage, not only to Israel reputation, but to its very existence.

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN As complicated as the Israeli-Arab conflict has become for Israel, externally and internally, there has been a tendency to look back at the consequences of the Six Day War through negative prisms. Issues surrounding the moral and political implications of occupation, the impact of settlements, the demographic threats, the critical reactions around the world seem to dominate discussions.

These are all, obviously, serious matters that many inside and outside Israel deal with every day. These concerns, however, should in no way obscure the overriding historic significance and contribution of the Six Day War to the life of Israel and the Jewish people that still resonate until this very day.

For American Jews, 1967 was transformative both for its impact on attitudes toward Israel and for Jewish self-perception. Zionism had been a controversial movement within the American Jewish community from the beginning of the century. American Jews took a long time to feel comfortable with the Zionist movement and after the creation of the state, there still were large numbers of American Jews who remained indifferent to the new state, and even some who made clear that that was not their state.

The Six Day War made us all Zionists, if not literally than psychologically. The American Jewish connection to Israel was sealed. Even today, when one hears a lot about disaffection, the pride and depth of the continuing connection owe many of their roots to 1967.

American Zionism was not the only winner.

As the Jewish people face greater threats than at any time since World War II, in particular the potentially lethal combination of ideological anti-Semitism and weapons of mass destruction, it is the memory of 1967 that gives reason for optimism.

Let us not forget as well the tremendous impact the 1967 war had on Soviet Jews. The movements toward identity and political activism of Soviet Jews can be traced back directly to the inspiration and courage that Israel's miraculous victory provided for the repressed Soviet Jewish population. History here, too, could not be reversed after 1967.

And, of course for Middle East politics, it is not the complexities as a result of 1967 that stand out. Rather it is the beginning of the change in the Arab mindset toward Israel, as slow as it is, that began then. It wasn't the legitimization of Israel that happened (that

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The Six-Day War: 40 years later So too was Jewish self-confidence.

Association with this little country that defeated its enemies so dramatically was something to be proud of.

It was one factor in the maturation of the community.

If today American Jews are more assertive, more active, more comfortable, then the Six Day War ranks as one of several significant influences.

The best indication of the transformation factor is that even though Israel's image has taken many hits over the years, connected to wars in Lebanon or relations with the Palestinians, the self-confidence of the community associated with that period continues to sustain itself.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern

still hasn’t happened.) But the realization that Israel is here to stay that led to peace with Egypt and Jordan, that suffuses much of the Arab world today, that is the basis for future peace, and that is the target for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, who would like to bring the Middle East back to before 1967 when it wasn't clear that Israel is here to stay.

The relevance of the Six Day War to today's challenges is profound. As the Jewish people face greater threats than at any time since World War II, in particular the potentially lethal combination of ideological antiSemitism and weapons of mass destruction, it is the memory of 1967 that gives reason for optimism.

In the 1930s, the world for its own sake should have stopped Hitler in the Rhineland in 1936. Had it done so, the great Jewish tragedy might not have occurred. Today the world, for its own sake, should stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. If it fails to do so, this time, unlike then, the Jewish people are not powerless. That is the lesson of Never Again, that is the lesson of the Six Day War. This time the Jewish people will have the option to act as it did in 1967.

If Jews are making history today in a new way, in Israel and in America, they are doing so because of the creation of the state of Israel and because what happened 40 years ago was the singular expression of the commitment to survive and thrive no matter what its enemies seek to do.

Abraham H. Foxman is National Director of the Anti-Defamation League and author of Never Again? The Threat of the New AntiSemitism. Information on the Six Day War is available on the League's website at www.adl.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Do the Arabs have an opening for peace? Do they think they have one? Do they want one?

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by GEORGE BAUMGARTEN The United Nations Security Council recently went through its monthly charade on the Middle East. The perennial agenda item, grandiosely entitled “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question,” provided the expected dose of propaganda, invective and plainly pompous political posturing.

But underneath it all, there was just the faintest hint of attitudes changing (or perhaps poised to change), and a recent press conference by the Secretary-General of the Arab League suggests that at least they want the world to think that there may be the makings of a “window of opportunity” here.

The format of this regular debate was a familiar one: The Secretary-General’s representative made his report -- based on field reports and observations from the vast resources of the Secretariat and its specialized agencies. And then the various parties involved, and interested, made statements which supported their viewpoint, outlook or policy on this issue and its various ramifications.

The official reporting on this occasion was the new Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs, Lynn B. Pascoe of the United States. Pascoe, who most recently served as U.S. Ambassador in Jakarta, is a diplomat of vast experience, some of it in the Islamic world.

Pascoe’s report -- one of a continuing series he gives every month, on various parts of the world -- said events in the Middle East “have continued to evolve in a mostly positive fashion.” The Palestinians had formed a new “unity government” in March, but it was still much too early to see how it would govern, as well as relate to the dominating issues before it. This government’s creation had been followed by the re-affirmation of the

“Arab Peace Initiative” at a meeting in Cairo April 18. The various Arab countries have welcomed this initiative -- or at least spoken as though they do.

Pascoe also noted the purely private initiative toward a peace agreement between Israel and Syria. He described the visit to Israel of a Syrian-American businessman, Ibrahim Suleiman, who briefed the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on his efforts.

Pascoe detailed the deaths in the recent outburst of violence: 21 Palestinians killed in encounters with the IDF, and a further 22 in Palestinian factional fighting (69 incidents with the Israelis, and 83 in the “factional fighting or family feuding”).

The Under-Secretary-General also mentioned BBC journalist Alan Johnston, kidnapped in front of his Gaza apartment just a few blocks from Abbas’ office, and Israel Corporal Gilad Shalit, captured in June 2006. Pascoe detailed some episodes with Israeli settlers, but did emphasize the importance of Shalit’s release.

The Palestinian “Observer” Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, stated that “The Palestinian reality is harsh and depressing,” although his leadership “… continues to earnestly pursue peace.” He told how Israel (“the Occupying Power”) “… continues entrenching and fortifying its illegal settlements and its illegal measures of de facto annexation in the Palestinian Territory.” He did think that the new Palestinian national unity government and the efforts of Arab countries were providing “… an historic opportunity” to pursue peace, and to “… negotiate unconditionally final status issues.” One wonders if these are sincere sentiments…or merely the pompous bluster regularly heard in the Security Council. Is there a chance for some peace here, or…

The representative of Lebanon, Caroline Ziade, tried to portray Israel as the “rejectionist party.” Ziade runs the Lebanese Mission as charge d’affaires, since Lebanon’s political deadlock has prevented the appointment of a regular ambassador. She told of the Beirut sum-

mit of 2002, which envisioned the creation of two states -- Israel and Palestineafter which “normal relations with Israel would be established with a full peace.”

However, “Israel rejected this initiative”.

Israel’s Ambassador Dan Gillerman spoke of the reality of history (and the celebration of the 59th anniversary of Israel’s independence), but said that “… it is not only the reality of history that lingers in our minds. It is also the reality of the present day and the challenges ahead. That harrowing reality…was seen yesterday when Hamas, by its own account, launched more than 28 Qassam rockets and 61 mortar shells into Israel.”

This was later shown to be merely a diversion…from the “truly evil plans,” to kidnap another Israeli soldier. He further told the Council that the Gaza ceasefire was now null and void. He also told of efforts to strengthen Security Council Resolution 1701 (which ended last Summer’s war), and called for the release of the two prisoners held by Hizbullah, as well as five others held as long as 25 years!

Several other Council members (Indonesia, South Africa, United Kingdom, France, Qatar, Slovakia et al.) spoke, but all of these were represented by subsidiary ambassadors (“Deputy Permanent Representatives”) or other officials. The regular ambassadors were not present … perhaps an indication of how repetitive and futile these monthly debates have become.

In a related action, the General Assembly recently created a special unit that will “register claims for damage caused by Israel’s construction of a barrier in occupied Palestinian territory.” The unit is to “document damage incurred to Palestinian homes, businesses and agricultural holdings.” The documentation so obtained will be used for “possible future international adjudication, not to settle claims directly.”

Thus, the Palestinians would seem to prefer to bring a further case to the World Court in The Hague, rather than bring

individual actions in Israeli courts.

And an “African Meeting on the Question of Palestine” -- held in South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria -was organized for the purpose of “African Solidarity with the Palestinian People’s Aspirations for Independence and Statehood.”

Ambassador Mansour, “moved to tears”, sent a message identifying with the past tribulations of the South African people, and compared them to the “humiliations” said to be endured by the Palestinians: “The people of South Africa knew that feeling. They had lived it.”

He tried to portray the dawn of some new era: “The Palestinian people had begun to put their house in order. They had established a unity Government, which had put an end to the Palestinian in-fighting…”

But had it? Hamas and Fatah partisans still battle periodically in the streets of Gaza. Are these people really working and hoping for peace? Or are they using these repeated resolutions, their controlled press, and all this inflammatory rhetoric to try and subdue their people, and lull them into a soporific feeling … that something has actually been accomplished.

As this is written, renewed fighting has broken out in Gaza among Palestinian factions. The New York Times had a photo on its front page, showing a young boy just in front of a car engulfed in flames.

Asked by this correspondent what might be done, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon replied “I am gravely concerned about this continuing violence in Gaza, particularly among the Palestinian people, and I was going to talk to President [Mahmoud] Abbas to take the necessary measures…”

George Baumgarten, a correspondent living in New York, was recently elected Treasurer of the United Nations Correspondents’ Association (UNCA). at: He can be reached gabjournalist@aol.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: In a letter published in The Guardian in April, a group of British doctors called for a boycott of the Israeli Medical Association (IMA) and its expulsion from the World Medical Association (WMA) for allegedly failing to uphold international medical ethical standards in the Palestinian territories. We, the representatives of medicine in Israel, categorically deny these accusations and wish to take a stand in support of the IMA and humane medical treatment for all in Israel.

It is all too clear that Dr. Derek Summerfield is once again feeding his own personal, systematic dislike of Israel and will persist in doing so regardless of the truth.

As for Dr. David Halpin, if the best he can do is quote Amira Hass’ “Life Under Israeli Occupation,” published Aug. 26, 2001, in The Independent, at the height of the Intifida, we suggest he undertakes a more up-to-date and thorough study of the situation.

Unfortunately, the other signatories were presumably unaware of the reality of the situation. We would therefore like to clarify some facts and provide an incomplete sampling of health activity aimed at helping the Palestinian population: 2,346 Palestinian children with birth defects were treated last year in Israeli hospitals (up from 1,604 in 2005); 29, 919 Palestinian patients were granted permits to undergo medical treatments in hospitals in Israel (up from 24,076 in 2005); and 1,600 Palestinian emergency patients were transferred by ambulance from the PA to hospitals in Israel (up from 800 in 2005).

The IMA is not, and has never been, the ‘executive arm of the Israeli establishment.’ It is an apolitical organization that, like every other national medical organization, concerns itself with medical and health issues and not the establishment or support of any sort of political policy. The IMA has continuously called for funds to be transferred [to the PA] not in kind but in the form of

food and medicine so that help could be given where it is truly needed.

In addition, hundreds or thousands of Palestinian patients receive medical care in Israel each year, usually at a cost absorbed by the Israeli government. As an example, in 2004, $8,143,446 of PA debts to Israeli hospitals were offset. The IMA has intervened on occasions where a patient was about to be evicted from an Israeli hospital for lack of funds. The IMA has also intervened on many occasions of Palestinian patients, physicians, and medical students who encountered difficulties at Israeli checkpoints, including petitions to the High Court of Justice on certain matters.

Israeli doctors learn and work side by side with their Arab colleagues, treating both Jewish and Arab patients, Israeli and Palestinian. Sometimes these very same dedicated physicians meet their death at the hands of terrorists, leaving their Palestinian patients to wonder who will care for them.

The organization has, at several points in the past, attempted to meet with its Palestinian counterparts in an effort to foster mutual cooperation and better understanding, including the release of a joint statement.

Almost none of these meetings have taken place, because of refusal on the Palestinian side.

The First International Congress on Chronic Disorders in Children was attended in April by 300 Israeli and 100 Palestinian doctors and the First Middle East Symposium on Dental Medicine represented a further expression of the relationship launched between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Al-Quds University.

Under the Israeli program “Save a Child’s Heart,” doctors at Wolfson Hospital repair congenital heart defects for children from the Palestinian territories, Iraq, Jordan and Africa; more than 1,000 children, about half from Gaza and the occupied West Bank, have been

helped so far by the program.

Teams at Bethlehem University and at Tel-Aviv University have worked together to investigate the genetic causes of deafness. A new graduate program will enable Palestinian students to pursue post-graduate research in this field at Tel-Aviv University .

Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital has trained Palestinian physicians and nurses in cancer treatments, and staff from this hospital and Palestinian hospitals exchange ideas and information on an ongoing basis.

It saddens us greatly to see and hear of Palestinian civilians receiving inadequate health care, including in Gaza, from which Israel unilaterally withdrew in 2006.

It saddens us that funds transferred to the Palestinian leadership are often used for guns and bombs instead of for hospitals and medicines. It saddens us that terrorists kill or maim our civilians, kidnap our soldiers, rain missiles on Israeli cities, and then hide among civilians and civilian structures such as hospitals.

And it pains us that terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians (including terrorists posing as ill people in need of medical care) result in security measures that sometimes cause hardship to innocent Palestinians. We do our best to help whenever possible, despite these constraints, and have often called for a separation of political and humane issues, so that no one suffers from the current conflict.

The “facts” expressed in the letter of the Palestinian organizations calling for a boycott of the IMA, are a far cry from reality. It is our hope that readers will form unbiased opinions and recognize the steps that Israeli doctors are taking to improve the health and treatment of all peoples, regardless of race or religion. Those who have preconceived opinions will undoubtedly stick with them. But for those who want the truth, we have attempted to present it.

Dr. Yoram Blachar, President, IMA, and 13 others

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 1, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, June 1, 8:33 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com

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to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 3, 1-5 p.m. :The synagogue is a point of interest in a tour of houses of worship.

Community members will ride buses and stop at various churches and B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored

by Shirley and Samuel Cemaj, in honor of their daugher, Sophie, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:45 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.

BESTT CHAVERIM: Youth group will hold its final program of the year at Mahoney State Park on Sunday, June 3; and all Jewish fourth to sixth grade kids in the community are invited to attend.

Carpools will leave from Beth El at noon and will return at 4:15 p.m. Cost: $10 for Chaverim members; $12 for non-members.

For for information, contact Robert Mosenkis in the office, or at youthdir@ bethel-omaha.org.

CANTOR’S CONCERT: Sunday, June 10, 7:30 p.m., featuring Hazzan Alberto Mizrachi of Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago.

Cantors Gastón Bogomolni and Wendy Shermet will also perform. Tickets are on sale now for the gala event; for information, contact the office.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with

Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Harry Wolfson in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Louis I. Wolfson; Mincha, 8:15 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class; Havdalah, 9:42 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m.

Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

For more information or to register call 330.1800 or visit our website www.Ochabad.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel -- Bar Mitzvah of Erez Trainin, son of Sarah and Guy Trainin; Snacks, 6:15 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Barb Straus.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Sara Friedman; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rick Kohn; Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel -- Bar Mitzvah of Erez Trainin.

THURSDAY: Board of Trustees

Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Emanuel will be out of the office through June 11.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS this summer, 7 p.m. Beginner Hebrew: A Crash Course, led by Rabbi Emanuel during July and August, beginning Tuesday, July 10.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Abbey Giller, daughter of Barbara and Stuart Giller, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated.

Sorry, no facilities for infants.

WRJ ANNUAL USED BOOKSALE: Sunday, June 10, 1-4 p.m.; Monday, June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, June 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. and Minyan, MONDAY THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. -- Bar Mitzvah of Erez Trainin, son of Sarah and Guy Trainin.

SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m. -- Bar Mitzvah of Erez Trainin, followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Rabbi Michael Weisser.

FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS: Havdalah: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; following Havdalah Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; following Drumming Social Time until 10 p.m.

MONDAYS: Sitting/Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m.

Sitting/ WEDNESDAYS: Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed for Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4. The deadline for the July 6 issue is 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27.

Photos from the March 30 Passover issue must be picked up by June 30 at the Press office during regular business hours. After June 30, all photos will be turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

You can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

B’NAI MITZVAH Sophie Cemaj, daughter of Shirley and Samuel Cemaj, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 2, at Beth El. Sophie is a seventhgrade Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. She is a Presidential Fitness Award winner.

Her interests include piano and swimming.

She has two brothers, Alex and Salo.

Her grandparents are Rosa and Jose Cemaj of Mexico City.

David Isaac Schlessinger, son of Nancy and Joel Schlessinger, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 9, at Beth El. Daniel is an eighth-grade Superior Honor Roll student and Presidential Scholar at Peter Kiewit Middle School. He plays

first trombone in the school jazz band and was selected for the Nebraska eighth grade All State Band. He is a Duke Grand Scholar and enjoys participating in Johns Hopkins summer classes.

Daniel represented the Millard School district in the Midwest Spelling Bee and finished in the top five. He is a second degree brown belt in karate and is part of the school cross country and track teams

His interests include chemistry, traveling, and acting.

For his mitzvah project, Daniel played his trombone at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

He has a sister, Claire.

His grandparents are June and Bernie Schlessinger, and Maurice Gordon of St. Louis and the late Bernice Gordon.

June 1, 2007

A light unto the nations

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Beha’alotekha There is a charming Midrashic comment to the opening verse of our Sidra. In the previous Sidra, much space at the end is given to the gifts each of the 12 tribes brought to the dedication ceremonies of the Tabernacle of the Wilderness. Each tribe was given a separate day.

Each tribe’ gifts are carefully listed, even though the gifts of each are identical. Each takes six verses -- 72 in all! The gifts consisted of pans, basins and dishes of silver and gold, fine flour and oil, and animals for the sacrifices. And so the Sidra ends.

Our new Sidra opens with instructions to Aaron on how to light the lights of the lamp stand, the Menorah of the Tabernacle. Now Aaron’s tribe, the priests and Levites, were not counted among the 12 tribes and brought no gifts to the dedication ceremonies.

So now the Midrash comments: All through the 12 days of the dedication, with the solemn procession of tribal representatives bearing their gifts of sacred paraphernalia, Aaron’s face became more troubled. He was the High Priest, yet his tribe of Levites and he himself were clearly upstaged. He had come to the celebration with no present in hand. By the 12th day, he was sullen and embarrassed and crestfallen.

But the Lord, so the Midrash continues, now told him, “For you I have reserved a far more important privilege. It is you and your family who will light the lights of the Tabernacle. All that is good and true and meaningful in the Tabernacle worship will depend on you.”

And Aaron was pleased.

Pet/House Sitter Jews have always taken seriously what is implied in the symbolism of the lights of the sanctuary. There was not only the physical light; light was also the inner light of the spirit, the illumination of religious truth. Isaiah of the Exile, in fact, called for Israel to be a “Light unto the Nations.”

It is not hard to see that human history has been permanently and ineradicably influenced by the Torah that came from Zion. It is no exaggeration to say that the two main distinctive influences on Western civilization are classic Greek culture on our scientific and aesthetic selves, and Hebrew civilization on our moral insights. In this sense what is illuminating in Christianity and Islam rises from Judaism; the two are “daughter religions of Judaism.”

It was our ancestors who first saw man as his brother's keeper and first identified the connection between love of God and love of man: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself: I am the Lord.” We have kept this symbolism -- every synagogue has an “Eternal Light.” But the world has turned its back -- except for lip service -on the illumination that came from Zion. Our world is a world of mankind’s belligerence and brotherly hatred.

Jews ought not give up their insistence on human values. Rather they must stress these ancient insights and keep the inner lights of morality ablaze.

(Editor’s note: this originally appeared in Rabbi Kripke’s Insight and Interpretation, published in 1988.)

DEATH PHYLLIS (FEDMAN) TEJRAL Phyllis Tejral died May 3 at the age of 58.

She is survived by her father, Sam Fedman; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Mark Abrahamson; nieces, Amy Roseland and Julie Kestner; and great-nephew, Max Roseland.

Beth El teacher, students ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator If you think a pat on the back is sufficient reward for doing well in school, what would you think about being rewarded with a trip? And to New York City, no less! A group of Beth El teens has their sights set on the Big Apple, readying for a trip that marks the culmination of their “Roots: The Jewish Immigration Experience,” class, offered by the synagogue’s High School of Eitan and Eadie Tsabari Jewish Studies.

The course, based largely on historical themes of European and Russian anti-Semitism, was developed several years ago by former Omahan (and Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah teacher) Francee Altman and BESTT teacher Margo Riekes, with input from course instructor Eadie Tsabari. “One goal of the course is to recreate the hardships, hopes, failures and triumphs experienced by many of our ancestors,” Tsabari explained. “Toward this end, guest speakers offered insights on what our ancestors brought to the New World and what they left behind; how they coped with learning a new language, earning a living and maintaining their religious beliefs and customs.”

Tsabari will lead the June 7-10 trip along with her husband, Eitan. “Eitan and I enjoy taking the kids on this trip,” Eadie said. “I have had many of them in my kindergarten class and have watched them grow up. For me, it’s just the icing on the cake, being lucky enough to be part of their Jewish education!”

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teens, including Liatte Dotan, Macklin Emas, Ygal Schuller, Jessica Morris, Talia Tene and Effie Tsabari, will explore New York City, the place most symbolic of the immigrant experience in the U.S. Their itinerary will include such significant landmarks as Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum, plus the lower East Side, the Jewish Heritage Museum, and a Shabbat celebration at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. The group will also spend time walking throughout the city and will be treated to a Broadway show.

This trip will be significant to the teens for a number of reasons, and they’re sure to take away a new appreciation of what previous generations of American Jews experienced, Tsabari said. “I think the landing in Ellis Island is really impressive,” she remarked.

“We have a very diverse group of teens going on this trip, with several first-generation Americans at least on one side. It may also be the first time some of these kids have been to New York. To see Jewish New York is a real treat, and to be surrounded by so many Jewish things that are available in the city is a real eye opener.”

Tsabari sees the ‘Roots’ program as a valuable part of the students’ education, and she encourages all of Beth El’s teens to take part in the experience. “This is a chance to go with your Hebrew school friends and see one of the most important cities in the country,” she said. “Beth El has provided a beautiful opportunity to experience Jewish life today in New York, as well as learn about the history of our people and how we came to be part of the American fiber. Visiting the synagogue on Shabbat also lets the kids see how their training at Beth El will make them feel comfortable being Jewish anywhere they go.”

“Roots: The Jewish Immigration Experience,” is made possible by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, the Herbert H. Goldsten Trust, the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation, and the Beth El Men’s Club.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 1, 2007

Beth Israel’s Jr. NCSY wins Chapter of the Year

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue What is the result of hard work, plenty of participation and lots of energy? For 16 young people who spent a weekend at a Shabbaton, the result was the receipt of a special award. Beth Israel’s Junior National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) attended the Junior NCSY Regional Shabbaton at Camp Chi last month, where they received the Junior NCSY Chapter of the Year Award.

According to Rabbi Jonathan Gross, who accompanied the young people to Camp Chi, “The winners in recent years have been from much larger chapters in St. Louis, Minneapolis and Indianapolis.

For the Omaha chapter to win this means a great deal. It says so much about how our chapter has grown and all the great things we’re doing. The kids were thrilled to receive this recognition.”

Among the participants: Kevin Adler, Noah Kohll, Sam Kohll, Aaron Kurtzman, Ben Lohman, Lee Lohman, Noam Margalit, Tal Margalit, Eva Phillips, Lilly Phillips, Max Pollack, Michael Popkov, Sarah Potash, Sophie Semaj, Nathaniel Teetzel and Uriah Wertheim. Beth Israel member Joey Shyken also went with the group, providing additional adult supervision.

Omaha’s Jr. NCSY Co-Presidents are Kevin Adler and Lilly Phillips. Rabbi Gross asked them their thoughts on winning the Chapter of the Year (COTY) Award. According to Adler, “The Shabbaton was a huge success. This is the first time that the Omaha Junior chapter has ever won COTY. I’m very proud of the whole chapter and we plan to make this the first of many achievements.”

Phillips added, “I can’t believe we really won COTY. It’s so exciting. We hope to grow the chapter in Omaha and bring even more people next year.”

The Shabbaton began with davening, breakfast and an assembly. “The NCSY staff surprised us by breaking out a ‘color war,’” stated Gross. “We were divided into two teams, Blue and Yellow, with a choice of playing basketball, football, soccer or kickball.” After lunch, there was free time to prepare for Shabbat. Then kids assembled for pre-Shabbat ruach.

“The band played and we sang and danced to get us pumped up for an exciting Shabbat,” said Gross.

Uriah Wertheim added, “As a drummer myself, I have to say that the drummer they had was great. I never saw a rabbi play drums like that.” When Shabbat started, the girls lit candles and everyone went to the shul for an energetic Kabbalat Shabbat service with singing and dancing.

During the Shabbaton, meals are followed by a “circle,” where everyone puts their chairs in a large circle, sings songs and hears divrei Torah from representatives of the different chapters. After the circle following Friday night’s dinner, the

NCSY staff announced there would be a the winning ticket was drawn in the raffle. Chi?” The kids had a wide range of raffle on Sunday for a chance to win a According to Gross, “Despite all the tick- responses. Lilly Phillips mentioned seeing Nintendo Wii. The first opportunity to ets we had accumulated over Shabbat, we old friends from past Shabbatons. Max win tickets was a program where the kids didn’t win. But we won something else -- Pollack said, “I enjoyed color war and could win tickets by answering Torah Chapter of the Year. This prestigious Shalosh Shudes.” questions. was honor Noam Margalit said her favorite was, Many of the given to us “Meeting new people, and the singing par ticipants because of the and dancing.” told Gross growth we “There was so much fun stuff crammed much how have experi- into such a short time,” noted Sophie they enjoyed enced as a Semaj. “I met so many friends, and the food. “I chapter, our enjoyed hanging out with them during loved the activities, and free time.” donuts at our participaFriends, food and sports were common breakfast,” tion in the as favorites. Michael Popkov said, “Sports said Lee events at the were my favorites. I liked playing basketLohman. “I two annual ball. I also enjoyed making friends with gained five Shabbatons.” kids from other cities.” Lee Lohman’s pounds,” Many of the favorite was playing soccer, and the food. q u i p p e d Beth Israel Jr. NCSY chapter members show off their kids indicated Sam Kohll also chose sports as his favorite Kevin Adler. Chapter of the Year trophy, back row: Kevin Adler, left, Joey they were activity, “The kids from Omaha were the A f t e r Shyken, Moshe Isenberg (Midwest NCSY Ass’t Dir.) Rabbi thrilled. “We best basketball players.”

Kiddush on Jonathan Gross; second row: Lee Lohman, Noah Kohll, deserved it.

“I liked it all,” commented Aaron Shabbat, the Sarah Potash (hidden), Eva and Lilly Phillips, Noam We are awe- Kurtzman. “It’s so hard to decide. I kids per- Margalit; front row: Aaron Kurtzman (hidden), Michael some,” said guess the dancing and the songs and the formed “color Popkov, Uriah Wertheim, Max Polack (holding certificate), Eva Phillips. carnival.” Uriah Wertheim picked the war” skits. Sophie Cemaj and Tal Margalit.

“The trophy shtick contest and Havdallah. Noah Kohll After lunch, there was more free time to is amazing,” stated Michael Popkov. said, “I loved inciting a ‘revolution’ prepare shticks for a contest.

Kevin Adler noted, “It’s just a preview of against Cuba. I also liked the counselors The Omaha group prepared three skits; things to come.” who hung out with us.” two of the skits won second and third “It is great to see how much the chap“From start to finish, we had a fantastic place out of more than 20 skits that were ter has grown over the year,” noted Joey time at the Shabbaton,” emphasized presented. Gross stated, “One skit was Shyken. “The kids really earned this Gross. “All the kids, Joey and I enjoyed entitled ‘Larry’ and was a parody of how award with all of their hard work.” fantastic activities and wonderful experithe other chapters view Omaha. The kids Rabbi Gross asked the young people, ences. We can hardly wait to attend our staged an Omaha Bar Mitzvah on a farm “What was your favorite part of Camp next Junior NCSY Shabbaton in the fall.” where the boy was presented with ‘chew grass.’ All the characters’ names were some deviation of the name Larry. It was very funny. Another skit had Noah and Sam Kohll incite the entire audience of 200 to join them in a revolution against communist Cuba.” rs, of changing Dear Reade the pleasure smiles. Now s, I’ve had ul ar tif After the shtick contest, everyone davye e au th be r ting For more information please visit our website help. Ove which has area by crea I need your community aha Metro is m th ened Mincha. During Shalosh Shudes O to e th ck in ng ba hi et www.thesmiledesignstudio.com m so many lives ve e time to gi they sang slow songs, representing the I feel it’s th e.

CHANGING LIVES hange ortive of m pp su so annual “C en be sadness that Shabbat was ebbing away. for our first sire is to THROUGH HEALTHY SMILES... ns io at in m de y king no 1, 2007. M ill begin ta EVERYDAY! After Ma’ariv, there was an assembly in ent on May g person! ev My office w ” ife L a hange deservin a Smile, C life of one the gym for Havdallah. The band played s change the self-consciou d dramatically ways been ul and the kids sang and danced. Many of may have al serves a smile they co ho w ne eo of som who de inations the kids indicated to Gross that If you know ile – perhaps someone You can submit nom u! sm e at about their I want to hear from yo g our websit Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS Havdallah was one of their best experi– ” by visitin never afford Smile, Change a Life a e 9202 West Dodge Road • Suite 201 ences at Camp Chi for “Chang dio.com. iledesignstu ns as Omaha, NE 68114 www.thesm y nominatio an “Havdallah was my favorite part,” said m as g in their smile! ard to receiv ng rw 402.884.1607 gi fo an g ch in look life by Lilly Phillips. According to Sarah Potash, I am truly someone’s d changing an le ib ss po “Well, everything was my favorite. But Sincerely, my favorite favorite was Havdallah. I loved the enthusiasm.”

Havdallah was also a favorite activity for ck, DDS her Stanoshe r. Christop D Eva Phillips, who said, “Havdallah was so much fun,with all the singing and dancing.” “I loved the dancing,” Tal Margalit concurred.

Following Havdallah and dinner, there was an entertaining carnival.

Ben Lohman told Gross, “Saturday night carwith Elvis Presley impersonator Kevin Bartholomew nival was great. I played all sorts of fun games and won tickets for prizes.”

The Memories Of Elvis Show is back Southern Style Sunday Brunch Nathaniel Teetzel said, “The carnival was on tour for a limited time as a Special Sunday, June 3 30th Anniversary Edition. my favorite. I loved the different games.”

On Sunday, everyone davened. Then

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“Amazing array” of books on sale at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Thousands of books are for sale, popular and hard-to-find titles -- all at modest prices. It’s a book lover’s paradise, according to Cindy Goldberg and Rosie Zweiback, co-chairs of Women of Reform Judaism’s Book Sale at Temple Israel.

The Book Sale is open to the public.

This year’s sale includes fiction, nonfiction, hard and paperback, self-help topics, books on art, business, travel, for children, reference books, new titles as well as old ones, and the biggest category -- cookbooks. “It’s an amazing array!” emphasized Zweiback. “And so many of

them are only one or two dollars.”

Hours are: Sunday, June 10, 1-4 p.m.; Monday/Tuesday, June 11-12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to being “a great opportunity for our members to volunteer and shop,” Goldberg pointed out that the book sale “also turns out to be a great community service project, because whatever we don’t sell goes to the public library for their sale. This is our biggest fundraiser along with our annual Donor Tea.” The book sale is held only every two or three years and supports the work that Women of Reform Judaism contribute to Temple Israel.

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