June 21, 2013

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

Meet Dr. Anat Gilboa

June 21, 2013 13 Tammuz 5773 Vol. 93 | No. 40

This Week

by DR. MOSHE GERSHOVICH Director of The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies “Gender, Sexuality and ‘Otherness’ in Israeli Art” and “Jewish & Israeli Culture and Art” are the titles of two exciting new courses to be offered this fall by the University of Nebraska at Omaha through its Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies. Dr. Anat Gilboa will be the instructor of these classes, joining the center’s faculty as its first Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor.

Dr. Gilboa is an art historian, specializing in early modern art, Jewish and Israeli visual culture. She earned her PhD at Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Her dissertation, that examined Images of the Feminine in Rembrandt’s Work, was published in 2003. She has taught at various universities in Israel, Canada and the US, including Salem State College in Massachusetts, Washington College in Maryland, Georgia State University, and Portland State University. Her most recent teaching position has been at the Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA. Dr. Gilboa’s expertise in the visual representation of Israeli and Jewish

Balloons for Lucille Page 8

Healthy eating for seniors Page 9

culture will add a new dimension to the curriculum offered by UNO faculty affiliated with The Schwalb Center. Going beyond politics, religion,

of how we view and learn about Israel today. While there is great value in learning Israel’s history and politics, we must also embrace new aspects of

Dr. Anat Gilboa and the headlines that typically shape our perceptions, she will challenge us to “Rethink Israel” in new ways. As Hannah Schwalb, co- founder of the Schwalb Center puts it, “Anat’s approach will bring a fresh perspective

A visit to the Jews of Surinam

teaching, which she will offer.” Adds Avery Mazor, Assistant Professor of Art and Art History: “I think Anat is going to make an excellent addition to our department’s offerings. We are so lucky to have her point of view.”

Ahead of her move in the fall, Anat will be visiting Omaha from June 2730. The Schwalb Center is organizing a getting-to-know-you breakfast in her honor, Friday, June 28, 8:30 a.m., at UNO’s Arts and Science Hall, Room 202. This will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the Jewish Community to meet with her in person, and you are all invited to do so. If you plan to attend the breakfast, RSVP by June 25 to Beth BrownGershovich at 402.660.4084.

The Schwalb Center is able to bring Anat Gilboa to Omaha thanks to a generous grant from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Implemented by the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE), the Schusterman Visiting Israel Professors program places approximately 20 scholars annually at various U.S. universities with the goal of presenting American students with a broad understanding of Israel’s history, society, politics, culture and relations with its neighbors and the broader international community. UNO is honored to be included among these elite institutions. It is our hope that hosting our first Schusterman VIP will greatly enhance the Continued on page 2

Stan Silverman’s regimen for success

To be a mensch Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Real Estate See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

The ruins of the Jodensavanne still draw visitors, but there’s little left.

by RICH JURO only one with Dutch as the official Some questions you may have language. Actually, the official name about Surinam: Where is it? What’s is Suriname (with an “e” on the end) special about it? Are there Jews there? and it is pronounced differently in What’s their history? What’s their fu- Dutch. Here’s a little-known fact for ture? Fran and I set out to find the trivia buffs: the only countries in answers during our recent journey to South America where Spanish is Guyana, Surinam, and French NOT the official language are Guiana, three countries on the Guyana (English), Surinam (Dutch), northeast coast of South America.

Brazil (Portuguese), and French Surinam is the smallest sovereign Guiana (yes, they speak French there country in South America, and the as it’s actually an overseas department of France). Surinam is considered a Caribbean country even though it is not an island.

Suriname was colonized by the English and the Dutch in the 17th century. Known as Dutch Guiana for 300 years, the country achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1975.

When and how did Jews arrive in Surinam? The Jewish community of Continued on page 2

Stan Silverman

by LYNN BATTEN Jewish Federation Of Omaha Publicity Manager Before most people are even out of bed for the day, Stan Silverman, a 20-year member of the JCC, is working out. Most days Stan arrives by 5:45 a.m. and begins his 60minute cardio routine. He completes this program five days a week, alternating between the treadmill, NUSTEP, strength training and stretching exercises.

At the age 90, Stan has no plans of slowing down. He remains ded-

credit: Seldin Company icated to leading a dynamic life.

When asked about his unwavering motivation, Stan is quick to reply.

“Working out helps me remain active and stay healthy,” he said.

One would be remiss to not ask Stan for his advice. At 90 years old, this man’s got a lot of experience under his belt. When it comes to fitness advice, Stan has plenty to say.

“Starting back in 1968, I used to only walk and jog as my main fitness routine,” he said. “I did that during all the seasons. Over the Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

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Dr. Anat Gilboa Continued from page 1 visibility of Israel Studies in Omaha.

An additional gift making this professorship possible was made by the generous support of Dr. Larry and Silvia Roffman and the Deborah and Arthur M. Greene Trust. The Roffmans are respected in the community for their life-long commitment to Jewish causes. Dr. Roffman passed away last week.

This gift was made in memory of Mrs. Roffman’s parents, Deborah and Arthur Greene. In honoring her parents, Mrs. Roffman said that “Both my father and I were graduates of UNO where we received an excellent education. I knew that my parents would be proud to play a role in bringing Dr. Gilboa to UNO for the benefit of our community.”

Beyond her teaching at UNO, Dr. Gilboa will also be involved with the Jewish Community of Omaha by offering community classes and activities, coordinated through the

Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Center for Jewish Life.

Beth Cohen, Director of the CJL, states: “The Federation is fortunate to have such a strong partnership with the Schwalb Center. Dr. Gilboa’s expertise will add an exciting new element to our community’s adult education opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming her to Omaha.”

Looking forward to her upcoming visit next week, Dr. Gilboa emphasizes “how pleased and honored I am to be invited to teach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Dear friends, I would like to thank you all, and especially Dr. Moshe Gershovich for his guidance and support and for giving me the privilege to join the team. I am looking forward to meeting all of you soon.”

Editor Note: Members of the Omaha Jewish Community who are interested in enhancing their understanding of Israeli history, culture, and society, are encouraged to enroll as auditors in Anat Gilboa’s classes at UNO. For further information, call the Schwalb Center, 402.554.3175 or e-mail Dr. Gershovich at mgershovich@unomaha.edu.

A visit to the Jews of Surinam Continued from page 1 Surinam is one of the oldest in the Americas. During the Inquisition in Portugal and Spain around 1500, many Jews fled to Holland and the Dutch colonies (including Brazil) to escape torture and condemnation to the stake. Some Sephardic Jews left Brazil or Holland and, with British permission, settled in Surinam as early as 1639. There is even an existing ketubbah, marriage contract, signed by a rabbi in 1643. A second group of Jewish settlers arrived from England in 1652, settling in a new place they named Jodensavanne, which means ‘Jewish Savanna’ in Dutch.

Surprisingly, it was an attempt to establish an autonomous Jewish territory within Surinam. After the Portuguese took over Brazil in 1654, many Jews left that country, some moving to Surinam. Experienced traders and agriculturists, they set up many sugarcane plantations, which were a valuable asset to the British colony.

Here’s another wonderful trivia fact: The English traded Surinam for New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1667, and Surinam became a Dutch colony. We were always taught that the Dutch acquired Manhattan from the local Native Americans in an uneven trade involving trinkets and beads, but now we know that in 1667 the Dutch made a bad bargain themselves (I’m making the rash assumption that New York is more valuable real estate than Surinam).

In the late 17th century, the two small Jewish communities already in existence in Surinam moved to Jodensavanne and more plantations were started. Eventually, the settlement became known as “Jerusalem on the River,” and was for some time the largest Jewish agricultural community in the world. Much of Surinam’s economy was built on the fruits of the Jodensavanne plantations and the Jews grew wealthy.

Not publicized but also true is that much of the trading done was in slaves.

Congregation Beracha ve Shalom What was the first synagogue in Surinam that we know of for sure? Probably the Congregation Beracha ve Shalom (“Blessings and Peace”), a wooden synagogue in Jodensavanne built between 1665 and 1671. It was the third synagogue built in South America. A second one, made of imported brick, was constructed in 1685, along with a ritual bath and a cemetery. The synagogue was built on a hill, in accordance with Talmudic interpretation, making it the tallest building in the Jodensavanne town. It was adjacent to the Suriname River, convenient for accessing naturally flowing water for purification rituals.

The synagogue was 90 feet long, 40 feet wide and 33 feet tall, built from bricks imported from Europe, and was considered an architectural marvel. The floor was covered with sand, just as in the existing synagogues in Paramaribo.

Jodensavanne declined during the mid-18th century, and most of its population moved to Paramaribo, the capital of Surinam. The colony strived to survive until it was destroyed in 1832 by a slave revolt and resulting fire. Due to its isolated location, the site was neglected and deteriorated over the years. Thanks to the Jodensavanne Foundation, a non-profit organization, this unique site is well maintained today, although there are no existing buildings.

The Darchei Yesharim Place of Worship In the late 18th century, the black and mulatto Jewish community in Paramaribo had their own place of worship, called Darchei Yesharim (Way of the Righteous in Hebrew).

The place was torn down in 1800 and the Jewish mulatto congregation ceased to exist 25 years later.

Paramaribo Synagogues In Paramaribo, differences arose between the Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jewish communities. (What a surprise!) The synagogue Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace), built in 1719 in Paramaribo, was sold to the Ashkenazim in 1735. In the same year, the Sephardim started to build their own synagogue in Paramaribo called Sedek Ve Shalom (Justice and Peace).

The Sedek v’ Shalom Synagogue The synagogue was active until the Ashkenazi and Sephardic congregations merged in 1999. The building went through extensive renovation and is now leased by the community to a business enterprise. All the contents of the synagogue were leased to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which built a replica of the synagogue using all the original contents including six Torah scrolls, silver Rimonim, silver Torah pointers (Yads), Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark), Bimah and benches.

The Neve Shalom Synagogue The original Neve Shalom Synagogue building was constructed in 1719 by Ashkenazi Jews. The synagogue was rebuilt and enlarged to its current size between 1835 and 1837.This magnificent wooden synagogue is the only active synagogue today in Surinam, serving the whole Jewish community. The Synagogue is a striking landmark of downtown Paramaribo.

The Aron Kodesh (holy ark), Bimah (dais) and the benches are all made of beautiful woodwork. The synagogue boasts several beautiful Torahs, hundreds of years old. A very unique characteristic of the Neve Shalom Synagogue is its sandy floor. According to tradition, the sand is: • A reminder of the Hebrews’ 40 years in the desert after the exodus from Egypt.

• A reminder of the days of the Inquisition when practicing Judaism was punishable by death. At the time, marranos (secret Jews) met in cellars to practice their Judaism. They covered the floor with sand to muffle the sounds of their prayers.

• All the furnishings were made of wood. The sand was a practical way to prevent devastating fires.

The Neve Shalom Synagogue compound consists of the synagogue; the Mahmad (a wooden community center) used for meetings after the weekly service; the Shamash (office) serves also as a small museum and library. In addition, there is also the 148-year-old Mikvah, the old Rabbi’s house and many of the 18th century gravestones from the old Sephardic cemetery. Right next door is a large, attractive mosque!

We did make arrangements to see this remarkable center of Jewish life. A very pleasant lady, I believe named Maria de la Costa, proudly showed us around the well-maintained synagogue and other structures.

Unfortunately, there are only 100-200 Jews left in Paramaribo, and the synagogue is not in weekly use. Most of the young people have moved to Israel or elsewhere. Señora de la Costa has a son in Israel, a daughter in Perth, Australia, and two 40-something sons still in town. However, the sons are unmarried. It is hard to find a Jewish single woman here, and even harder to find one elsewhere who will move here.

Our guide keeps kosher, and her food is flown in from a Miami distributor.

The Jews here are quite prosperous. The congregation was collecting donations, not for themselves but to make gifts to Continued on page 3

June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

A visit to the Jews of Surinam Continued from page 2 needy non-Jews. The most surprising thing is that a new rabbi was due to arrive soon from Ireland(!), the first resident rabbi they have had in quite a while. Our guide was concerned, however, that the new rabbi would be too Orthodox for what is both a combined SephardicAshkenazic and an Orthodox-Reform congregation.

So what’s the future? Due to the non-profit foundations, both the Jodensavanne historical site and the Paramaribo synagogue will be maintained, but whether there will still be a viable Jewish community in Surinam is questionable.

A visit to Surinam, especially when combined with tours of neighboring Guyana and French Guiana, is quite interesting. All three have multi-cultural populations made up of varying combinations of Amerindians, Chinese, Javanese, Indians, Creoles (originally African slaves), mulattoes, Portuguese and some Western Europeans.

There is an accompanying mix of religions: Christians, Hindus, Moslems, with some Amerindian and African spirituality thrown in. The food, too, is varied and good, with different restaurants featuring the specialties of the heritage of their owners.

In Guyana, a highlight is a visit to Kaieteur, which the locals claim to be the highest single-drop waterfall in the

pilot dips and circles the fantastic natural wonder, then lands at a clearing in the tropical forest. After a long walk on a wet jungle trail, seeing Venus flytraps and rare golden frogs, we arrive at the top of the 751 foot high falls, with a magnificent overlook of the wide, thundering cascade.

Unforgettably spectacular!

We then flew to the beautiful secluded resort of Baganara on the banks of a wide river. From there we took an outboard motorboat to visit the gold-mining boomtown of Bartika.

In French Guiana we toured the French and European Aerospace Center near the town of Kourou. The center was built in French Guiana because of the large tract of available land, the lack of tornadoes, hurricanes or other weather problems, and the location near the Equator. Apparently, the closer the launch pads are to the Equator, the better thrust the rockets have after blastoff. We looked at the Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega rockets, and the facilities to launch them.

Although the tour was in French, there was also a large, well-done air-space museum with bilingual signage.

Another highlight was an excursion to a huge outdoor zoo. We strolled on a non-skid walkway through an actual rainforest with spacious enclosures for all the local animals from jaguars to macaws to sloths (the animals are, of course, separated to prevent, for example, the pumas from eating the jungle deer).

After a long drive back, including crossing the border river on an ancient car ferry, we arrived back in Surinam, and flew back to Omaha the next morning. It was a memorable journey.

great way to make new friends,” he said. “I’ve made too many to list! Every morning after I work out, I meet a group of my JCC friends over at Boystown for breakfast. It’s a nice start to my day before I head off to the office.”

While he gains motivation from his peers, Stan’s presence is also motivating others. Ed Heller, JCC Director of Health and Fitness, notes that Stan is an inspiration for people of all ages.

“It’s remarkable,” Heller said, “His dedication and work ethic are something that everyone should aspire to. Stan’s the real deal. I hope people are inspired by his story and realize that it doesn’t matter how old you are, or what you believe you can or can’t do. Everyone can do something.

You have to start somewhere.”

The JCC Fitness Center Staff is available to assist members in developing a safe workout routine. JCC Members receive a free fitness assessment every 6 months. JCC also offers Group Exercise classes that can be modified to accommodate senior fitness levels. Masters Fitness, Tai Chi, and Water Fitness are all lower impact programs that are popular with aging individuals. Those interested in getting more information about current Membership specials can contact Member Services at 402.334.6426.

Regardless of what you are looking to do: starting a fitness routine or challenging yourself in another way, remember Stan’s advice. Try something new. Believe in yourself. Work with a purpose and don’t ever give up. Do this and just imagine all the things you could accomplish by the time you are 90.

world (another trivia factoid, but this one is disputable). You get there in a small plane flying over the jungle. It looks like you are looking down on endless heads of broccoli! The

The Synagogue in Paramaribo, Surinam

Stan Silverman Continued from page 1 course of the years, however, I found that weight training, as well as a variety of cardio machines, kept my body more balanced. I’ve found this varied fitness routine helps keep my weight in check, as well as maintain my muscle mass.”

Exercise can be intimidating, especially when trying something new, but persistence leads to contentment. Stan recommends starting small, keeping yourself accountable, and believing in yourself. “Just take the time out of your day and make it become a habit,” he said. “Also, don’t give up. Work through those minor aches and pains.”

In addition to physical benefits, being a gym regular can have social perks as well. Stan notes the early morning group of regulars at the “J” motivate him to get to the gym. “It’s a

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4 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

Pastime, not past time

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life Perhaps it is because it was a simpler time. Perhaps it is because the frenzy of the gridiron had not begun. Perhaps it is because there was pleasure in imagining the action in the park by fixing oneself on the brown, crackly radio at home.

Perhaps it is because heroes arose from humble lives.

Perhaps it is because it was a sport played nearly every day by kids in the neighborhood who sauntered home when it got dark. For whatever reasons, baseball was crowned as “the national pastime.” The sport has never been stripped of this honor. Matt Snyder, baseball writer for CBS Sports reported in January of this year that while second in revenue to the NFL - $7.5 billion in 2012 – Major League Baseball ranked second as America’s favorite sport, and attendance continues to boom. Nearly 110 million people watched, attended, or listened to a MLB game during the 2012 season.

Beyond that, the appeal of baseball is not only in the majors.

June is a special time for baseball in Omaha. The city has hosted the College World Series since 1950, an event that excites and entertains fans from around the country. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the general atmosphere bring back memories of an earlier time and create new memories for thousands. And of particular interest to the Jewish community, baseball represents the struggles and triumphs of many Jews. Jews have been integral to the development of baseball through players, managers, business executives and owners. There are fascinating baseball stories, celebrations and failures that have been told. Most recently, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library has added several new works to its nearly 50 item collection on the topic of “Jews in Baseball.” Grab your mitt, bat and ball, fold some bubble gum in your mouth, stuff a package of overlysalted peanuts into your pocket and visit the library to see what’s new. Just don’t throw the shells on the floor.

American Jews & America’s Game: Voices of a Growing Legacy in Baseball is Larry Ruttman’s compilation of nearly fifty interviews with players, owners, labor leaders, sports writers, and fans who tell the stories – both on and off the field – of Jews associated with baseball. In his foreword to the book, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig writes, “In Larry’s telling, the history of baseball and many of its bright lights are recounted as well. This is a book that celebrates family – baseball’s, yours, and mine.”

John Rosengren engaged in diligent research into the life and career of Hank Greenberg in writing the biography, Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes. Greenberg played in the

The price of growing old 1930’s when baseball was more than the national pastime; it was a cultural touchstone that gave a struggling country its heroes amidst the woes of the Depression. Hank Greenberg gave the people of Detroit a reason to be proud. As Hitler’s agenda heightened the persecution of Jews abroad and anti-Semitism intensified social and political pressures in the U.S., Greenberg – perhaps the nation’s most prominent Jew - became an iconic ballplayer and an important and sometimes controversial symbol of Jewish identity.

The Golem’s Mighty Swing, a graphic novel by James Sturm, presents the engaging story of The Stars of David, a Jewish baseball team that travels throughout the country taking on local teams. When the team’s season is threatened, they bring to life a golem, a legendary Jewish creature they hope will deliver them from their trials.

That’s a quick look at new baseball related offerings to the Kripke Jewish Federation Library collection. Other works are equally intriguing, entertaining and enlightening: The Baseball Talmud: The Definitive Position-By-Position Ranking of Baseball’s Chosen Players by Howard Megdal looks at the Jewish icons of the game who got their break to enter the sport but never really broke through to those who did.

Did you know that the Israelite House of David, founded as a religious colony in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1903, assembled a baseball team that traveled throughout the country? The House of David Baseball Team by Joel Hawkins and Terry Bertolino tells the story.

Pitching in the Promised Land by Aaron Pribble is a story of the first and only season of the Israel Baseball League.

Jews in Baseball, Volume 2 by Burton A. Boxerman and Benita W. Boxerman continues with the chronology with the post-Greenberg Years, 1949 – 2008.

The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, an Aviva Kemper film tells a true success story.

There’s a little bit of something for everyone to be found in these new additions. Isn’t it time for you to step up to the plate and take advantage of the free Kripke Jewish Federation Library and be informed and entertained while learning about Jews in baseball? The library is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday. For additional information contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org.

The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is administered by the Center for Jewish Life as part of its mission to bring imaginative, compelling, and meaningful Jewish experiences to the Jewish community. For questions about CJL, please contact Beth Cohen at 402.334.6446 or bcohen@jewishomaha.org.

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June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

Beth El teens get a taste of the Big Apple

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator What a great way to end the school year, rambling around New York City for four days. And what a memorable trip it was for

ented the actors and actresses were.”

The play was also a highlight for Maddison, who called the production “phenomenal.” The recent Burke High School graduate also “loved finding out about and seeing the history of this country and of the Jewish people.”

The Friday night Shabbat dinner and “just being together, enjoying great food, laughing and celebrating Shabbat,” was memorable for Naomi, who also graduated from Burke High last month, along with brother, Aaron. “I got to spend an entire weekend with some of my closest friends and we all got to experience our roots together.”

The Shabbat dinner at a kosher restaurant, where “you The United Nations building was among the many New York pay beforehand so you can eat City landmarks visited by Beth El’s ‘Roots’ trip participants, there once Shabbat has startMaddison Skolkin, left, Naomi Zipursky, Aaron Zipursky and ed,” proved to be a unique Alyssa Cohen. experience for Aaron.

Beth El teens Naomi Zipursky, Maddison “When I went inside, all the men were Skolkin, Alyssa Cohen, and Aaron Zipursky wearing kippot, and literally everyone eating - having the opportunity to explore histori- there was Jewish,” he recalled. “This was cal, contemporary, religious and cultural something I had never experienced in the facets of Jewish America.

U.S., and it was really cool.”

The four students were participating in The Tenement Museum also struck a BethEl’s “Roots” trip, the culmination of chord with Aaron. their religious-school class, “Roots: The “We got a perspective of what it would Jewish Immigration Experience,” which have been like to live as a new immigrant focuses on Jewish immigration to the during the big waves of immigration before United States during different time periods. and after the turn of the century,”he said. “It Rabbi Steven Abraham, who teaches the was pretty eye-opening, and also put an course, served as a chaperone during the interesting perspective on the current May trip, along with Eadie Tsabari, the syn- debate about immigration. I found that very agogue’s Director of Congregational interesting.”

Learning.

Overall, the trip to New York was valuable This was the first visit to The Big Apple to the participants for several reasons, Rabbi for Aaron, Naomi and Alyssa, and a return Abraham said. trip for Maddison. The group toured muse“First, the students took a class during the ums, and visited Ground Zero, Columbia school year about Jewish immigration to the University, the High Line and kosher food United States, as well as, and more specifiestablishments, among other sites. They also cally, Jewish immigration to Omaha. It was took in a Broadway show, and experienced important for them to see the lower east special Shabbat celebrations at B’nai side, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, etc.

Jeshurun synagogue and Kehilat Hadar.

These are the landmarks that many of our For Alyssa, the Jewish Heritage Museum families saw as they came to this country. In was a special highlight of the trip. The addition, the students were able to see a museum brought back memories of her thriving Jewish community. To grow up in USY Pilgrimage in 2012, which “made it Omaha is to know a wonderful Jewish comeven more meaningful to me,” she said. munity, but it’s important to see and learn Getting to know Rabbi Abraham and about other communities, especially one as Tsabari on a more personal level was also a vibrant as New York.” bonus, she said, as was spending time with The next BESTT Roots trip will take place her Hebrew school friends. in the spring of 2015, and the rabbi Another favorite for the Millard West sen- announced that because of popular demand, ior was experiencing the Broadway musical, a New York “Roots” trip for adults is being Once. planned for next spring.

“I’ve always wanted to see a Broadway (To see more trip photos, visit Beth El’s play,” she said, “and I was amazed at how tal- photo gallery at www.bethel-omaha.org.)

Room to stretch at Bloomfield Forum

by JANELLE LINDBURG Bloomfield Forum is a fully independent living community for seniors, providing security, social opportunities, 700 SF to 1,800 SF floor plans and a complement of amenities -- located in the heart of Omaha, just northeast of Westroads Mall.

Choosing to move to a retirement community is one of the most exciting choices a person can make as they grow older. If you are considering a change, it’s important to make a selection that offers the lifestyle you desire -along with a financial plan that will fit your needs. Not unlike the fabled Goldilocks who tested the porridge, chairs and beds of the three bears, finding the perfect community can take some time, but is well worth the effort.

One of the hardest obstacles to overcome when looking at a community is figuring out

how to fit a lifetime of living into an apartmentsized home. You’ll be glad to know that the over-stuffed chair you love has an honored place with space to spare in your new home at Bloomfield. The big walk in closets are a dream come true. A fully enclosed storage unit goes with every apartment at no additional fee.

There are eleven roomy floor plans to select from so major down-sizing isn’t necessary.

Even picky Goldilocks would find “just the right size of everything” at Bloomfield.

So remember, if a large apartment is on your wish list, we have the answer. The special armoire, grandma’s china cabinet and the volumes of family vacation photos will have a home at Bloomfield Forum -- after all, retirement is about enjoying your easy new lifestyle.

An appointment can take as little as an hour.

Please call today at 402.390.9991.

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6 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

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Two faiths, One mission

by SOLOMON KLEINSMITH doctrinal changes in the decades following the war (in parMarketing and Communications Coordinator, IHE ticular, the Nostra Aetate proclamation which was passed Catholic middle and high school teachers of history, reli- into doctrine in October of 1965 by Pope Paul VI). gion, fine arts and English, came to Omaha June 9-13 for an Fr. McManus stressed that, given this doctrine, one cannot award-winning educational opportunity. The four-day be a Catholic and be antisemitic. Christine Jacobsen of St. intensive professional development workshop was aimed at Peter Catholic School in Lincoln, NE participated and found helping Catholic school what she learned enlightening teachers better teach the lesand useful. “We learned about sons of the Holocaust, as well Catholic teachings which I as wider issues surrounding think should be a part of Judaism and relations every Catholic school religion between the Jewish and class, and which I will defiCatholic communities. nitely be using in my own The Bearing Witness™ proclassroom.” gram (created by the AntiParticipants also had the Defamation League and hostbenefit of studying with ed locally by the Plains States renowned scholar Rabbi Elliot ADL and the Institute for Dorff, professor of Jewish theHolocaust Education) drew ology at the American Jewish teachers from as near as University. Each of the four Monsignor Gilg, Superintendent of Omaha Catholic Schools, Omaha and Lincoln, days was hosted at a different interacting with teachers during an exercise on Day 2.

Nebraska – and as far as location, including the JCC, Wisconsin, Missouri and Louisiana. the Archdiocesan Retreat and They delved into historical relations Conference Center, the College of between the Jewish and Catholic comSaint Mary, and the Strategic Air and munities, the history of antisemitism, Space Museum. changes in Catholic doctrine relating The Bearing Witness Conference is to Jews, Jewish traditions, prejudice in a joint effort with the National modern times, teaching strategies and Catholic Educational Association and guidelines for dealing with sensitive the United States Conference of subjects like the Holocaust.

Catholic Bishops. The Institute for One particularly interesting lesson Holocaust Education and Antiwas led by Father Dennis McManus, Visiting Associate Defamation League Plain States Region were joined in sponProfessor in the Program for Jewish Civilization at soring the event by the Alan & Marcia Baer Family Georgetown University. He spoke about the conflict within Charitable Trust, the Catholic Schools Office of the the Catholic Church hierarchy during the WWII era, where Archdiocese of Omaha and various other local Catholic and some cooperated with the Nazis, and how the Church made Jewish philanthropies.

Temple Israel’s moving day inches closer

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer For many Temple Israel congregants, the journey from Cass Street to Sterling Ridge existed mostly in the abstract until last April when ground was broken at the new site. But for members of the Building Coordinating Committee, the journey began about a decade ago when the initial discussions were held to determine the physical future of Temple Israel.

“We’d been having the conversation [about whether to renovate, rebuild or relocate] at the Board level and at the congregation level since 2003,” Committee Member Jon Meyers said. “And this is the most intense and the most nerve-wracking of the whole process, because plans are being made and you hope everything comes together, you hope nothing happens to delay it, so by the time dedication comes around those of us on our committee will finally be able to sit back and take a deep breath and relax, have a nice glass of wine at the dedication and really celebrate it.”

Fellow Committee Member Ted Zetzman, who has developed many projects in and around Omaha, knows how stressful it can be when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The last few months of every new building project I have ever worked on are the most demanding as we get into those final details and finish work with very little extra time,” Zetzman said. “At this point the schedule is always tight and most of the budget spent.”

For Committee Chair John Waldbaum, who, along with the rest of the Committee, has worked tirelessly to bring the Sterling Ridge building to life, being this close to Moving Day “is almost hard to believe it’s real.”

“A large number of people have put a great deal of time into the decision to move, the search for a site, the design of a building, the fund raising and most recently the construction process,” Waldbaum said. “It took years to arrive at this point and now as we walk through the building and see all the things we dreamed about, coupled with the very basic items like bathrooms, closets and hallways, it still is hard to believe.”

And with Moving Day inching ever closer, the Building Coordinating Committee still has a lot of work to do, according to Waldbaum.

“Over the next two months we will be working on the detailed finish items in the building,” Waldbaum said. “The painting, the woodwork, the lighting, the pews, the hard surface flooring and finally the carpet will be installed as we finish each area. It will be a relief when we move the Torahs on August 25, but our work will not be done.”

Added Jon Meyers: “Until we’re in [the new building], our committee will still be worried about all that stuff.”

When asked what they were looking forward to in the new building, each member of the Committee mentioned the excitement they feel about the congregation utilizing the

building to its full potential, from hosting parties after lifecycle events like weddings and B’nai Mitzvot to being able to simply hang out and feel comfortable in the community court, which is the type of space Temple Israel hasn’t really had before, according to Committee Member Katherine Finnegan.

“The new space is going to give people opportunities during their simchas to use the space,” Finnegan said. “It will take away the stress of coordination of different venues if you’re able to have both your wedding and your reception under one roof.”

“I hope that the building, which is still only a building, becomes the medium or the tool that allows us to do the really cool stuff that we as a community want to do,” Meyers said. “I think there’s been less dreaming and less innovation in the current building, and with no restraints in physical space at Sterling Ridge, hopefully that will bring us closer as a Jewish community, being able to do all the things we’ve ever dreamed of doing but couldn’t.”

Katherine Finnegan is especially looking forward to the High Holidays, and not needing to make room in the social hall for overflow from the sanctuary.

“I feel like we’re going to be in a much more intimate space for High Holy Day services,” she said. “People come to services who maybe don’t come to services as frequently, and I hope the intimacy of the space in the sanctuary will help people connect to Temple maybe a little more than when they were sitting in the back of the social hall.”

Waldbaum cautioned that not everything will be perfect when the congregation moves in, and that it may take some time for everyone to get used to the new building.

“There will be minor touch-up items and things we may have forgotten,” Waldbaum said. “Everything will be different. Everything will be new. We must learn how to use the building to enhance the experience of our congregation.

And as we begin to build new family memories in this facility, everything will become special. I just have a head start.”

Temple Israel’s Moving Day is scheduled for Aug. 25. The celebration will begin with a prayer service at the Cass Street building at 10 a.m., followed by a procession of the Torahs to Sterling Ridge, where the celebration will continue.

Birth Marissa and Bradley Abramson announce the May 31 birth of their son, Dayton Shane.

Grandparents are Sheri and Michael Abramson, and Debbie and Don Wiseman of San Diego.

Great-grandparents are Alvin Abramson, Roberta Weissman of St. Louis, and Harriette Schall of Los Angeles.

June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

WHAT is Partnership? THIS is Partnership!

by BETH COHEN Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Life Omaha will be hosting the Partnership 2GETHER (P2G) Steering Committee Meeting from July 21-23, 2013. About 50 people, including a dozen Israelis, will converge on our Federation Campus to spend three days discussing the business of running our unique Partnership.

So, what is Partnership?

The mission of Partnership2GETHER, a platform of the Jewish Agency for Israel, is to promote mutually beneficial endeavors between the people of the Central Area Consortium and the Western Galilee, forging the relationships through programs that build Jewish identity in the United States and Israel, and strengthen ties and connections among and between Israel and the United States.

Locally, P2G is a program of the Center for Jewish Life, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The Central Area Consortium is made up of 12 stateside Jewish communities: Austin, Canton, Dayton, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Louisville, NW Indiana, Omaha, San Antonio, South Bend, Toledo, Youngstown.

Each of the 12 communities will have lay and professional representation at the meeting in Omaha. From Israel, in addition to two members of our Partnership staff, 10 leaders from Akko and Matte Asher will travel to Omaha. In addition, our Partnership stretches to Budapest, Hungary, and we expect participation from at least one member of the Hungarian lay leadership.

Our Partnership is unique in that most Partnerships are built with one Israeli community and one diaspora community, such as Boston and Haifa, New Jersey and Nahariya or Cincinnati and Netanya. Our Partnership, made up of twelve stateside

communities and two Israeli municipalities, presents interesting challenges but also greater opportunity for collaboration.

What is this big meeting all about?

The Consortium meets twice per year in business meetings, once in Israel and once stateside. The meeting each July is the budget meeting, giving the opportunity for each of the program Task Forces to give a presentation and request funding for upcoming projects. The winter meeting provides for evaluation of the programs and includes financial updates at a mid-point of the fiscal year.

What are the different program Task Forces?

Each Task Force has a stateside and an Israeli chairperson who work closely with a Partnership staff member in our Israel office.

The Arts & Community Task Force focuses on developing relationships between people through creative collaboration, experiences, and professional connections. Programs include people from creative and professional disciplines including, but not limited to: Theater, Performance Art, Fine Art, Music, Dance, Art Therapy, Photography, Design, Architecture, Film, History, Entrepreneurship, Archeology, Anthropology, Ethnography, Business, and more.

The Medical Task Force creates opportunities for medical personnel from the Consortium communities and the Western Galilee to connect on a professional level, gives

the Western Galilee Hospital international exposure and provides learning and sharing opportunities to doctors on both sides.

The Education Task Force runs a wide variety of programs that connect people in the Western Galilee and the U.S. Central Area Consortium communities in formal and informal educational settings. From preschool through college, teachers, children, teens, and students can connect both virtually and in person through the many P2G educational opportunities.

Made up of four subcommittees, the Resource Development Task Force focuses on volunteer engagement, donor development in Israel, planning for mission visits,

and marketing needs for P2G. How can you find out more about Partnership?

The community is invited to attend the opening session of the Steering Committee Meeting, “THIS is Partnership,” on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to noon in the JCC Auditorium. At this session, each of the Task Forces will present an overview of their goals and accomplishments. Following the session, community members are invited to join Steering Committee participants at lunch.

Reservations are required to attend “THIS is Partnership” and for lunch (although you are welcome to attend the session and opt not to stay for lunch). “THIS is Partnership” is free of charge, and the cost of the lunch is $15. To make your reservation, contact Mark at the Center for Jewish Life, 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org.

Exercise to a healthy lifestyle One reason you may not engage in routine

by JEDD LEHMAN PT, DPT physical activity or even prolonged walking is a and KURT HARTE PT fear of falling. If you use a cane, walker, or Nannen & Harte Physical Therapy As we age there are many things that we can crutches, this makes you two and half times do to promote our overall health and improve more likely to fall. Other contributing factors function. Did you know that more Americans that predispose aging individuals to falling sit more than they sleep? It equates to roughly include: taking more than 4 medications, history of falls, as well as gait and balance disor10 hours each day.

Sitting for prolonged periods of time has ders. The number one reason people fall is been correlated with an increased risk for obe- lower extremety weakness.

If you would like to learn how to progress sity, diabetes, cancer, and early death, Even for people who exercise daily. You might be exer- towards a better, more balanced lifestyle, cising on a daily basis, but you still may not be please call and reserve your spot for a free lunch and learn with balance screens on July doing enough to ward off the effects of aging.

If you take 5,000 steps per day this still cat- 11. Numbers are limited, so start improving egorizes you as being “sedentary” and you your overall health and regain confidence in would not achieve all the health benefits from your abilities! To reserve a spot, call Kurt your workout. You have to reach 10,000 steps Harte, PT or Jedd Lehman PT, DPT of Nannen and Harte Physical Therapy at 402.426.3488. before you are considered “active.”

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8 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

What’s in a name

Balloons for Lucille

by KAREN M. GUSTAFSON, MS, NCC, LIMHP Executive Director, JFS The well-known parenting program -- Becoming a Love and Logic Parent -- underwent a make-over in the last year.

Program founders Jim Fay and Dr. Charles Fay, with special thanks to Dr. Foster Cline, have renamed the program Parenting the Love and Logic Way. Jewish Family Service has invested in the new and improved workshops, including up-to-date video to supplement the teaching strategies.

I’m proud to tell you that JFS is now the ‘go to’ agency for facilitating this effective parenting program. We continue to sponsor two series of yearly classes, every Spring and Fall here on Campus, and we’re called on time and time again to facilitate classes in various venues around Omaha.

Most recently, Creighton University’s Child Care Center (The James R. Russell Child Development Center at Creighton University) hired JFS to facilitate two half-day sessions for the child care center teachers and parents. The first session took place on April 8 with approximately forty people in attendance. Our next half-day session for Creighton is scheduled for Nov. 20, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, we have two additional classes coming up. The first is open to the public on two consecutive Sundays -- July 14 and 21 -- from noon to 4 p.m. at Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More, in the Shoppes of Legacy at 16939, Wright Plaza #129.

You can register by calling 402.502.9772 or go to their website at www.MindBodyPrograms.com. Our second class, contracted by a Montessori Parent Co-op, is scheduled for September and October. These sessions are still in the planning stages, but we anticipate at least forty-five parents will

attend, with sixty-five students positively impacted.

I would be remiss to not take advantage of this opportunity to once again thank Judy Vann who set up The Howard and Judy Vann Family Education Fund to assist those organizations (synagogues, schools and parents groups) and individuals who may need financial assistance or scholarships. Judy created a Matching Grant program that allows interested parties to invest in their own education, while at the same time helping them defray the cost of the sessions. With this Matching Program, now in its 6th year, Judy and her family have provided JFS with the opportunity to facilitate classes at our local synagogues as well as at Friedel Jewish Academy and the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center on our Campus. JFS has also provided parenting classes at Liberty, Hartman and Kellom Elementary Schools and Northwest High School in OPS; St. Vincent de Paul, St. Wenceslaus and St. Bernadette Catholic Schools; Presbyterian Church of the Master; and three Montessori locations. We’ve earned an impressive reputation for facilitating the Love and Logic class in Omaha, and as a result, our professional staff is sought after for parenting consultation as well as individual and family therapy, with the focus on parenting.

My husband and I have raised our own two boys with the Love and Logic philosophy, and would not have wanted to do it any other way. Parenting isn’t easy, but with effective parenting skills you can enjoy your children while they’re under your roof, knowing that you’re preparing them to leave home and be on their own. I’m sending my first child off to college in a few short months, and although I’ll be sentimental when he leaves the nest, I’m confident that I’ve done my job and laid a solid foundation for him to build on.

Now it’s up to him. One particular skill that Love and Logic teaches -- and that I have to remind myself of repeatedly -is to learn when to let go. I’m still working on that one!

Short-term rehab stay speeds up recovery

by STACY ASHLEY MURPHY RehabVisions When Harold Mann had his knee replaced in 2012, there was no question where he would go for rehab: a short-term stay at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. His wife had been in the same situation a year prior and the rehab staff there had done wonders for her, according to Harold.

So after his surgery, Harold spent 12 days at the home and went to Physical Therapy twice a day. He was treated by the PT staff led by Jill Gregg, PT. “Jill runs a tight ship. She’s like a legend out there,” Harold said. “She knows what she’s doing, and so does everyone else.”

Besides the therapy being topnotch, Harold said the staff’s bedside manner was terrific. He had been to other rehab facilities after surgeries and said the staff at RBJH made him feel comfortable the minute he walked in the door. “At other places, it was just business,” he said. “Here, they treated everyone like

they were their own mother or father.”

Patients are presented with many options for their care after surgeries-some go home and rely on home health care for their rehab. Some do outpatient therapy at a clinic.

“Not everyone chooses a short-term stay,” says Jill Gregg, PT. “But concentrated time in a nursing home greatly reduces recovery time.”

Harold continued to go to therapy at Rose Blumkin Home for six weeks following his release. In the department, they have the equipment you need and can change it when you need something different. “You don’t get that at home,” Harold said.

Harold is still a great supporter of the rehab team. In fact he purchased them automated window blinds when they needed it.

He still stops in to visit the department and continues to praise its services.

“They are consistently good,” he said. “And that’s just what you need.”

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by SANDRA MARTIN My mother, Lucille Katelman, always loved balloons, especially in the last few years of her life. It seemed to me that, the older she got, the more she became like a little girl, getting so much delight from such a small thing as a balloon. She would even say, “goody,” when something pleased her, just as a child would. So, as she grew older, and especially once she moved first into Remington Heights, and then into the Blumkin Home, I always made sure to bring her one, usually on special occasions and sometimes for no reason at all. The best scenario would be if it was early in the day and her door was still closed, because then I could tie it to her doorknob and sneak away, so that she had the added fun of being surprised. But either way, she was always delighted at the sight of a big colorful balloon greeting her when she opened her door.

My mom passed away last year in February, at the age of 99 and 8 months, and as that first Mother’s Day approached, I found myself struggling to come up with a plan for the day. Nothing seemed right. Just getting together with my two daughters and their families, as we have so often done, seemed insensitive to our new reality and not special enough, yet going to the cemetary or dwelling only on her death (and not the wonderful celebration of her life) seemed too depressing (and I don’t really believe that’s where she is, anyway). Then, it hit me! Balloons, of course!

What better way to acknowledge her passing and connect with her than to continue our tradition and send something she loved to her, straight up to heaven?

So after our Sunday morning bagels on Mother’s Day, (another ritual which she loved), my family and I stood in my backyard with a huge balloon bouquet, in all her favorite colors. As each of us released a balloon to her, we each said aloud what our favorite memory of her was, or what we missed the most about her. And even as the memories brought tears of grief for what was, they also brought joy for all that we had with her, for such a long time. As I watched each balloon soaring up to greet her, I realized my spirits were lifting, too. Suddenly, I could see her smile and clearly hear her saying “goody,” as she watched our little ritual, knowing that she was still very much a part of our lives.

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June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Healthy eating for seniors

by SILVIA HERSZKOPF, MS, RD, LMNT, LD JCC Nutritionist Have you noticed lately any changes in smell or taste? Maybe you have lost your appetite? Or on the other hand, you may feel bored or lonely and have found food very entertaining? You are not alone! Whatever you are experiencing is part of the aging process. Your physical appearance is changing as well as your emotions and metabolism.

Everybody may face these changes differently but it is a fact that your metabolism is

slowing down. You have to find the way to keep getting all the nutrients that your body needs with less amount of calories. Now more than ever you should try to keep as active as possible to maintain or increase your lean body mass (muscles) that may help you balance your metabolism. The calorie needs of a woman over 50 vary between 1600 and 2000 calories a day and between 2000 and 2800 calories a day for a man over 50.

The lowest calories are for people who are not physically active and the highest calories are for those who are very active. One of the best things you can do to eat more nutrientdense foods is to learn how to read the nutrition facts in labels. Some helpful tips include starting looking at the serving size to determine an appropriate portion. Then, read how many calories and nutrients that serving contains. The daily values (DV) are based on a 2000-calorie diet. The percent daily value (%DV) will tell how the nutrients in one serving of the food contribute to your total daily diet. It can help you determine if a food is high or low in a nutrient: 5% or less is low and 20% or more is high. In order to control your weight and prevent chronic diseases, you should choose foods that are high (20% DV or more) in fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamins A & C, and low (5% DV or less) in sodium and total fats, especially saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Continue reading this article to find other useful tips to maintain adequate nutrition and stay healthy.

Nutrition Tips • Eat your breakfast every day! Try some whole grain cereals or oatmeal with low-fat milk, whole grain toast with low fat cottage cheese, or low fat yogurts with fruit. • When eating your main meals, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Try to eat 1.5-2 servings of fruits/day (equivalents to one serving: 1 small banana, 1 cup berries, 17 small grapes) and 2-2.5 cups of veggies/day (broccoli, carrots, cucumber, spinach, tomato, lettuce). • Increase fiber intake choosing whole grain products (brown rice, whole wheat breads and pastas, whole grain cereals) instead of refined grains (white rice and

pasta, sweetened cold cereals). Older adults need 6-7 servings of grains/day (equivalents to one serving: 1 slice of bread, 1/3 cup cooked pasta, rice, quinoa, or couscous, 1/2 cup oatmeal). Try to get 25-35 grams of fiber a day. • Decrease empty calories from sweets like cookies, candy, regular sodas and fruit juices. • Choose low fat dairy products (low fat milk, part skim or low fat cheeses, low fat yogurts). If lactose intolerant, try lactosefree milk, or other calcium and vitamin D enriched products like soy, rice, or almond beverages. Aim for 3 servings of dairy products a day (equivalents to one serving: 8 oz. milk, 6 oz. yogurt, 1 oz. cheese).

Older adults need 1200 mg of calcium a day. • If you are unable to get enough calcium from dairy products, increase your intake of green leafy vegetables (collard greens, kales), tofu, almonds, and canned fish with soft bones (salmon or sardines). • Bake, roast, broil, grill, or oven fry chicken and fish and season it with herbs, spices, lemon, lime or vinegar to decrease your fat and sodium intake. • Try to choose fresh foods instead of processed, prepared, or canned products to reduce sodium in your diet. Avoid having the saltshaker on the table. People who are 51 or older should try to limit sodium intake to 1500 mg a day. You may flavor your food with paprika, onion and garlic powders, cilantro, parsley, oregano, pepper, chili powder, and other seasonings like Mrs. Dash. • Select lean meats like skinless chicken or turkey, fish, sirloin, tenderloin or round beef to decrease saturated fats and to meet your protein needs. Eat 5-7 oz. of protein foods a day. One ounce of meat is equivalent to: 1 egg, 1/4 cup cooked beans or tofu, 1/2 oz. nuts or seeds, or 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. • Some people do not drink enough fluids as they age, increasing their risk for dehydration. Drink plenty of water or unsweetened beverages during the day even if you do not feel thirsty. Try to drink a minimum of 1500 ml (48 oz.) of fluids/day. However, always follow your physicians’ recommendations if you are on fluid restrictions for some specific health condition. • Some vitamins and minerals that may be compromised with aging include vitamins B12, B6, D, folic acid, and calcium. Consult your health care provider about supplementing your diet if needed. • Make eating a nice social event with family and friends. If you are homebound or disabled, you may qualify for Meals on Wheels that delivers nutritious meals. • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intense physical activity every day, for example, brisk walking or dancing. You may start with 10-minute sessions three times a day and increase the time or the intensity gradually. The goal is to achieve a total of 150 minutes of moderate intense physical activity spread over the week. Check with your health care provider before you increase your physical activity.

In the news Joel Z. Passer, M.D., son of Dr. Jeffrey and Sandra Passer, graduated with Distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine on May 4, 2013. He received the 2013 Avicenna Award, which is presented to a senior medical student who has “excelled in basic and clinical neurosciences and has shown evidence of being a compassionate and caring individual.�

Joel had previously been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and was a recipient of the F. Miles Skultety Fellowship Fund in Neurosurgery.

In 2010 he was awarded the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Merit Scholarship for Health Care.

Joel has been accepted into a Neurosurgery residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and will be moving there in June.

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Community Assessment Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie Counties

Your Voice Matters

Our community is a complex place. It is filled with needs, opportunities and challenges as diverse as the people who live here. Caring for our community and its people requires the work and dedication of us all. We ask ourselves, what does it take to make this the best possible place to live? Where do we see potential, problems and promise? How do we make this a better place for future generations?

To help find the answers, United Way of the Midlands, Iowa West Foundation and the Omaha Community Foundation are joining forces in a unique and important initiative. We’re calling on the people of Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties to share their thoughts and concerns through an online survey. The valuable insight gathered through this survey will be an integral part of planning and finding solutions that best serve us all.

Help us identify our community’s most pressing needs. Take our online survey and share your opinions at www.your-voice-matters.org.

Participating Organizations:

IOWA WEST F O U N D A T I O N

10 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

Omaha educators participate in Partnership Educator’s Seminar

Saving Lives!

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life Jeanine Huntoon, Director of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center and Pam Cohn, Principal of Friedel Jewish Academy, arrived in Israel on Sunday, June 9 to participate in an educator’s seminar, called “Partnership2Gesher.”

Presented through Partnership2Gether, the program’s goal is to build a stronger bridge – “gesher” - for educators involved in Partnership’s educational programs.

In addition to Omaha’s representatives, educators from Indianapolis, San Antonio, and Budapest are participating in the ten day program. Providing the opportunity to learn, experience and observe the Israeli educational system, Israeli teachers are also a part of the seminar. With Israeli schools still in session, the chance to visit Israeli classrooms is a wonderful bonus to the program. The packed itinerary also includes presentations and workshops by Israeli educators, visits to several Partnership programs, a day at the Ghetto Fighters Museum and tours of the area. Home hospitality will be provided on Shabbat. The program concludes with optional time in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Friedel Jewish Academy has been involved in the Partnership “twinning” program for several years, partnering with Ma’aynot school. Pam will have the opportunity to visit Ma’aynot and meet the teachers and students. The Child

Development Center is newly involved with Hava Nagila Gan, a Partnership early education program in which Friedel’s kindergarten also participates. Jeanine will see the program in action in Israeli preschool settings. Participants will also have planning time with Israeli counterparts, developing projects and programs for the coming school year.

In a phone conversation on the third day of the program, the excitement of Omaha’s participants was obvious. “Wonderful”, “amazing” and “great” were frequently repeated as they described their experience. They added their thanks for “giving us this fabulous opportunity.” Watch for an article by Pam and Jeanine in July describing their experience and the impact they expect their participation will have on their respective schools.

A generous grant from the Philip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation covered travel expenses for the Omaha participants. All other program costs were covered as a part of the Partnership2Gether Central Area Consortium budget which is funded by allocations from the 12 participating communities.

Partnership2Gether, a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel and coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life promotes people-to-people relationships between Israel and communities throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the U.S. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher region in northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, educational and economic programs. For more information on Partnership, please call the Center for Jewish Life at 402.334.6445.

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by LYNN BATTEN JFO Publicity Manager There is a lot of wisdom that swirls through the waters of JCC swimming pool, and Fran Howard is no exception.

When she turned 70 years old, she made a resolution to herself. Every year she would try, learn, or obtain something she had never experienced before. The only requirement was that each item had to be “indulgent” for Fran. It needed to be something she had always wanted to do, but never had.

Today, eight years later, Fran continues to check items off of her list. “This year I realized I was the only one in my family who didn’t know how to swim, so I figured it was a good time to learn.” Fran said.

“It’s funny. I made sure all of my children learned how to swim when they were growing up because I figured one day one of them might need to save me!” she laughed.

Fran started the journey towards achieving her goal by purchasing a series of private swimming lesson at the JCC. Once a week Fran met with Deb Johnson, JCC Group Exercise Coordinator & Swim Instructor.

“Fran really inspires me.” Deb said, “It’s her desire to learn new things. She didn’t let anything stop her from trying a physically demanding sport and achieving her goal.”

Not only was Fran facing the normal obstacles that come along with learning a new skill, but she was also overcoming an illness at the time of her lessons.

“For me,” Fran said, “the biggest challenge was having enough strength and energy to keep at it. Swimming is good exercise.”

Fran kept at it. She would never boast or brag about her accomplishments. Her silent determination was inspiring other people, including Deb, to reach just a little bit further.

“I’ve always loved trying things that I’ve never done before and working with Fran has renewed this in me.” Deb said.

Deb’s most recent challenge was hiking the Grand

Canyon. “It was 22 miles, rim to rim!” she said, smiling. “My next challenge might be to try kayaking.”

Over the years, Deb has taught several adults to learn how to swim, the oldest being an 83 year old Holocaust Survivor.

She has also worked with individuals who struggle with a fear of water. In all of these people, Deb finds a connection.

“It is so great to see,” Deb said. “All of the people who swim at the JCC are really dedicated to their workout and motivate each other. We are like a family that continuously grows. Plus, they hold so much life-knowledge and wisdom!

I like to say, ‘Anything you ever needed to know can be learned in the JCC pool’. It’s true!” Deb says with a grin.

In working with all of her clients, Deb has seen the importance that fitness has on people’s lives. Learning new exercises not only strengthens the body, but also the mind. Deb specifically notes the benefits of water workouts for older individuals.

“Water exercise is ideal for seniors because there is less impact on the joints. This is especially useful if someone has had joint replacement surgery or is rehabilitating from an injury,” she said. “The water acts as resistance, so it is similar to weight lifting, without all of the wear and tear. Also, depending on what you are doing, the water is generally cooling, so it can also keep the heart rate down.”

When Fran is asked what the next goal on her list is, she answers without hesitation. “We hope to make a trip soon and I want to try snorkeling. I’ve never been able to do that before, but now that I know how to swim, I can.”

When asked what pointers she would give people who are looking to tackle new challenges, Fran dispenses her advice in one word. “Relax!” she says.

“I’m 78 and I learned how to swim. I think I’ve proven that it is never too late to do something new. People should remember that. I’m happy I made it.” she says with unwavering confidence in her voice. “Every day is a victory.”

Advocate Nurses, LLC

by KELLI M HANSEN RN, BSN, CMCN, LNC Chief Nursing Officer/Founder, Advocat Nurses, LLC Advocate Nurses, LLC offers patient advocacy services to seniors and their families. Their focus is providing a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) to be the advocate and voice for clients and their families. The healthcare system can be complicated to navigate without someone on your side assisting with the various aspects of your healthcare. Kelli Hansen RN, BSN, CMCN, LNC is the Chief Nursing Officer and Founder of Advocate Nurses, LLC and has a diverse background in healthcare including acute care, home health care, long-term care insurance and utilization management along with 16 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. Advocate Nurses, LLC was founded on the hope of helping more patients and families in need to improve communication among their providers, improve the client’s wellbeing and health, and ease the stress and burden on families.

Hansen has completed several certificate courses in Patient

Advocacy and Legal Nurse Consulting to better serve her clients. She is actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Science focusing on HealthCare Operations Management. Hansen is also very active with the Professional Patient Advocate Institute as a member and has recently joined the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce to help service clients in that community.

Advocate Nurses provides referral assistance, attendance in care conferences, coordination of services to improve communication among providers, attendance with physician appointments to act as a nurse liaison, education of available community services, health coaching, safety/wellness checks in the home when family is away, hospital visits to act as a surrogate family member to oversee care, and assistance with long-term care insurance coordination. Advocate Nurses, LLC is actively working with another company, ‘A Voice 4 U’ set to launch in the next month to offer medical I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) cards and advocacy focused healthcare concierge services in the very near future.

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June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Employee recognition

by OZZIE NOGG In last week’s Jewish Press, editor Annette van de Kamp-Wright tipped her eye-shade to Barbara Kirkpatrick -- Federation bookkeeper -- who was among the employees honored during a campus-wide recognition event on June 6 in the Jewish Community Center Theater. Kirkpatrick marked 45 years on the job, during which time (and here I’m quoting Richard Goedeken, Federation Controller) “Barb outlasted and tolerated numerous controllers, executive directors and organization changes and lived to tell about them.”

Congratulations again, B.K. In addition to Kirkpatrick, fifty-seven Federation employees were recognized for their service. “Before we came together as One Campus One Community,” explained Federation Chief Executive Officer Mike Silverman, “the JCC honored years of service during their Board meeting in early summer and the Home honored its staff during National Nursing Home Week held in May. This year, we decided to honor everyone at the same time. As in years past, all employees who achieved a five year milestone received a gift and a certificate presented by Federation agency executive directors and department managers.”

The number of long-time employees is a testament to the fact that, to paraphrase van de Kamp, Federation must be doing more than a few things right. Those recognized for five years of service were: Lynne Tibke, Sherrie Saag, Bob Goldberg and Tammy Johnson -- JFO; Rosa Burrel, Courtney Baker, Lynne Nevin, Jessica Reed, Lisa Cooper, Carrie Fingold, Mark Geselschap, Joe Hocij, Shelley Smith and Matt Chadek -- JCC; Mary Heiman,

Adrienne Shiverdecker, James Opoku, Kenny Waytes, Noreen Drown, Antoinette Baxter, Julie Claassen, Terri Dolezal, Senely Eliwise and Mark Jones -- RBJH; Nathan Bock, Mark Kazor, Janet McCarthy and Sandy Nogg -- JFS; Shirley Banner -CJL; Mary Bort -- The Foundation.

Honored for ten years of employment were Jordana Glazer, Jennifer TompkinsKirshenbaum, Maxine Hedquist and Margie Utesch -- Jewish Federation of Omaha; Ellen Jackson, Hayley Cleaveland, Marco Bautista, Kurt Jacobs and Ana Motley -JCC; Shelly Fox, Niann McCormick, Natalie Osborne, Donna Russell and Phyllis Gentry -- RBJH; Sally Kaplan -- JFS; Lori KooperSchwarz -- Jewish Press.

Fifteen year honorees were Julee Katzman, Marty Ricks and Susie Shyken -JFO; Julie Roan -- JCC; Diane Burke, Shelly Spencer and Rose Stock -- Blumkin Home.

Recognized for twenty years of service were Eileen Clignett -- CJL; Susan Gann -JCC; Lisa Nasim -- RBJH. William Sullivan was honored for his twenty-five years of dedication to the Jewish Community Center.

“Our campus and community depends on these individuals who are being recognized, and those who will be recognized for their future years of service, in order to meet our collective missions,” said Mike Silverman, who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the Employee Recognition Day. “I’m extremely proud of our staff because they work very hard and accomplish incredible things each and every day.”

Refreshments followed the program which was planned and coordinated by Silverman along with Lindsey Kass, Andrea Siegel and Jennifer Tompkins-Kirshenbaum of the Federation’s Human Resources department.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Professor Ernie Goss, Economics Faculty Creighton University, will discuss the state of the economy and what should be done to improve it on Wednesday, June 26, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish has been called the Robin Hood of languages. The vocabulary of Yiddish is

drawn from German (mostly), Hebrew, Slavic Tongues, Romance languages, and English. Yiddish bears the marks of our expulsions from land to land, it has absorbed the laments of generations, the poisons and the bitterness of history, the language whose precious jewels are undried Jewish tears. Yiddish stresses the humor in every situation because the reality for Jews is most often too difficult to bear. That is what we offer-fun and laughter. Come join us at the Blumkin Home’s Boardroom every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Weekend Food Program

by ADRIELLE GRIFFIN Communications Manager, Completely KIDS The Weekend Food Program at Completely KIDS was created to combat childhood hunger in our community and is driven by dedicated volunteers.

Completely KIDS provides food to elementary children who receive little or no food on the weekends. Volunteers fill bags each week with food that is both nutritious and childfriendly. The backpacks are handed out on Fridays to sustain the children through the weekend.

Staff and teachers at four Completely KIDS locations have identified 385 children as being in need of food for the weekend. These children are eligible to receive weekend food because of their involvement with our Out-ofSchool Time programs; however, there is a waiting list of children who need the program.

The majority of the children to which we provide weekend food come from families whose incomes are 200 percent below the poverty level. Many of our parents are overemployed

(families who work multiple jobs but still do not break the poverty line), which creates circumstances that produce hunger and child care issues because children may be self-supervised.

Childhood hunger affects many children in our community and because they are hungry when they come to school, these children have a difficult time concentrating on their work and, consequently, cannot perform well.

In order to continue the Weekend Food Program, Completely KIDS needs your help! A contribution of $7 funds one child’s backpack for one weekend. A donation of $364 sponsors one child for an entire year.

Food drives through businesses, churches, and schools provide the program with the opportunity to bring that cost down.

Completely KIDS will work with you toward a successful drive, whatever your goal!

For more information about the Weekend Food Program at Completely KIDS, please contact Ann Lawless at 402.397.5809, ext. 207, or alawless@completelykids.org.

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12 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Fresh voices welcome

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Monday June 9, Courtney Bierman, the Jewish Press summer intern, joined us for her first day. She introduces herself to you on the next page, and I recommend you check out what she has to say.

I am incredibly grateful to Sharee and Murray Newman, who through their Supporting Foundation each year give us the opportunity to bring in a fresh voice for the duration of the summer. This time, however, we’re hoping the summer voice will turn into something more: we’d like to increase the presence of Omaha Jewish teens in our paper permanently.

And we can’t do that by simply writing about them. They need to speak for themselves.

I think I remember what I was like when I was 16, but the truth is: I don’t. I’m only in my forties, and already too much time has passed, and too many things have happened. If I want to include stories in our paper that are interesting and relevant for teenage readers, teenage writers must generate those stories.

And: the idea that, in the near future, teens will have a reason to pick up the Jewish Press and find something that represents them is very attractive. The Jewish Press belongs to all of us, and no matter your age, you should find yourself in these pages.

When young people, regardless of their age, do something for themselves, it is much more powerful an experience than when their elders do it for them. That is true from the moment they can tie their own shoes. When this past year’s sixth graders graduated from Friedel Jewish Academy, they presented principal Pam Cohn with a check. During the school year, they had raised money, on their own, so they could leave the school with a goodbye present. They came up with the idea without parents telling them to, and they exe-

cuted it independently, including committee meetings on the playground. It’s meaningful, not just because of the real dollars they raised, but because of the initiative and ownership.

At the age of 12, they made it clear to the rest of us: they are our future leaders. Who knows what they will do by the time they are in middle and high school? By themselves, without interference from us?

Yet, we still don’t get it. A 2013 study offered tips, according to Gil Shefler of JTA. The Jim Joseph Foundation commissioned two consulting firms to carry out a two-year study to figure out how to engage Jewish teens.

“Trying to interest teenagers in activities is difficult,” he writes, “parents and teachers know well, especially given what technology has done to the attention spans of young people.”

To be honest, I am not sure what “technology has done to the attention spans of young people,” because Shefler does not include any specific research. Sure, younger people are usually more tech savvy. That does not mean they can’t be engaged and involved. And I know a certain rabbi who tweets constantly and yet no one would accuse him of having a short attention span.

The article continues with the short-butsweet conclusion of the study: “Hire good staff, be flexible on attendance and target teens through social media. As a teen might say, Duh!” Does Shefler think all teens say “duh” a lot? I think if he bothered to listen, he would be surprised at what he would hear.

When teenagers are not involved, that can

cause real problems, and you will never hear me say otherwise. But until we step aside, and invite the teens themselves to become part of the solution, nothing will change.

And so I’ve charged Courtney with putting together a task force of young, enthusiastic writers from all corners of our Jewish community, and figure out how to make this happen.

It’s exciting, and it’s time. I know there are many young people in our community who are ready to speak out, about a variety of issues that move them. I know they care, I know they are passionate, and I know they can write. I, for one, can’t wait to hear what they have to say.

If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, and you are interested in being a part of this, you can contact Courtney at cbierman@jewishomaha.org or call her at 402.334.6451.

Pluralism in Hillel must extend to Israel

Focus on issues LEX ROFES and SIMONE ZIMMERMAN (JTA) -- Throughout our four years in college, Hillel has been our home on campus. We have been involved extensively, with one of us serving as president on campus and on the Hillel international board.

While we both found in Hillel a supportive community, when it came to our relationship to Israel, Hillel was not always so welcoming. One of us often avoided expressing political views in Hillel board meetings for fear of losing credibility. The other openly expressed her political views, which was met at times with harsh criticism.

We both remained committed to working in Hillel through moments of challenge, but we know many others who, meeting such obstacles, simply stepped away.

In past decades, Hillel faced a similar challenge concerning religious observance. Hillel now strives to ensure that religious practice and background is no barrier to entry, actively working to involve LGBT voices, students from interfaith families, Jewish atheists and others. Yet on Israel, the same pluralism is lacking. Students who express ambivalence toward Zionism or support boycotts of Israeli products often feel they are not welcome in their campus Jewish community.

Hillel International’s Israel guidelines contribute to the problem. We know they were carefully crafted by many Hillel leaders, and we can appreciate the necessity and challenge of setting boundaries. While the guidelines appear reasonable on paper, in practice they often restrict meaningful discussion and send a strong signal to some Jewish students that they do not belong.

One issue is how the guidelines are interpreted. For example, while they state that Hillel will not host programs that deny Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state

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with secure borders, some Hillels have hosted speakers that reject the possibility of compromise with the Palestinians, rendering that future unfeasible.

Meanwhile, proposed events with former Israeli combatants critical of their service are often met with requests to keep the event “private,” requirements that a less critical voice “balance” the presentation or outright refusals to host the discussion.

Such requests are rarely made of more right-leaning speakers.

Further, the guidelines prohibit co-sponsorship with groups that delegitimize, demonize or apply a double standard to Israel -- terms that are highly subjective. For instance, does B’Tselem’s documentation of human rights abuses in the territories constitute a “double standard” against Israel? Do the soldiers of Breaking the Silence, in describing their service in the West Bank, “demonize” Israel?

Such terms are used frequently to slander both organizations. The wide room for interpretation is evidenced by the fact that while some Hillel directors welcome those groups, others cite the guidelines in denying those same voices a platform.

Lastly, while we both have campaigned actively against divestment efforts on our campuses, the guidelines’ restrictions on events with any groups supportive of the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, or BDS, prohibit much-needed discussions. Though Hillel professes support for dialogue, the guidelines effectively eliminate any possibility of co-sponsorship with Palestinian student organizations, as most support BDS. Our community cannot champion intellectual rigor and inclusivity while avoiding public conversations with those with whom we disagree.

Moreover, the guidelines strongly imply that Jewish students who support BDS are not full members of our community.

When we have raised this concern with Hillel leadership, we often hear that while some student groups are not welcome, all students as individuals have a home in Hillel. We would reject

this logic when applied to an issue like LGBT rights, and it is flawed here as well. Students who are told their organizations are not welcome understandably feel unwelcome.

Too many of our friends left Hillel because they felt alienated and stifled in raising questions or voicing their views on Israel. Too many have opted to disengage entirely rather than conforming to a community that tells them they do not fully belong.

As many Jewish organizations frantically try to attract more young Jews into their buildings, it is counterproductive, counterintuitive and, frankly, un-Jewish to deny full participation to any Jews simply because of their political beliefs.

Earlier this year, the Progressive Student Alliance at Harvard University launched an effort, Open Hillel, to challenge Hillel’s guidelines. Its petition was signed by more than 800 Jewish students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who believe that all Jewish students deserve a home in Hillel.

At the recent Hillel International board meeting, the signatures were presented to Hillel leadership. While we did not initiate this effort, we believe the Israel guidelines must be reevaluated based on feedback from students across the political spectrum.

If Hillel fails to make political pluralism a priority, we fear the ominous vision some have about the Jewish community’s future will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those alienated will choose to build their families and communities outside of what they see as outmoded institutions or, worse, simply check out of Judaism entirely. This is not a price anyone who cares about Hillel and Jewish life on campus should be willing to pay.

Lex Rofes is a senior at Brown University and a student representative on the board of Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Simone Zimmerman is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, and president of the J Street U National Student Board.

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June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 13

First flirting, then religion

Focus on issues DINA GACHMAN (JTA) -- The year I unwittingly decided to become Christian started innocently enough.

“There’s a sleepover at First Methodist on Friday and everyone is going,” I said to my parents. I was in the sixth grade, one of three Jews in the class at our Texas public school. We lived in an area where there was at least one church on every block. It took us 45 minutes to get across town to temple, where we attended Hebrew school once a week.

“So, can I go? Please?! I’ll die if I don’t go!” I begged, neglecting to mention that missing a social event where Chad Williams was holding court was the real reason.

In this very non-Jewish area of Texas, where we devoured jalapeno poppers and matzah ball soup with equal gusto, my mother always understood the social dynamics we were up against. Her general motto for her four daughters (I was the oldest) was, “I’d rather you girls be social than sit at home like wallflowers,” so her immediate response was, “Sure!”

“Well, I don’t know,” my dad drawled. Whenever we complained about the long trek to synagogue, my father was the one who reminded us, “There just aren’t that many of us Jews anymore.”

When I was young, I hadn’t noticed that everyone headed to St. Anne’s on Sunday while we ate gefilte fish and listened to dinner table stories about ruthless Cossacks. But now I’d come to realize that nearly every social event involved some sort of church sleepover or church youth group, and I wanted in.

“It’s at the church?” my dad asked me. “What do you do all night?”

I wasn’t sure what they did all night at a church, but I answered, “Play games and watch movies and eat pizza.”

After some thought, he relented. “Well, OK. Just be careful,” he said.

That sleepover at church was pretty much as I’d imagined: We really did eat pizza and sit around and ogle Chad Williams before they separated the girls and the boys and we rolled out our sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep.

There was nothing religious about it – except the fact that we were sleeping in a church.

After a few more church sleepovers, it started to feel pretty normal. Of course, my sisters and I still made the drive on Wednesday nights to Hebrew school, but I was most excited to do the church-related things that were the heartbeat of our preteen social scene.

Eventually I started going to church with friends. It’s what everyone I knew did on Sundays. I didn’t catch much of the service since my friends usually found excuses for us to “go to the bathroom,” i.e., loiter in the halls chewing gum trying to seem cool.

Since I wasn’t coming home holding rosary beads or handing out The Watchtower pamphlets at the dinner table, my parents saw this as a harmless social diversion. And it was. Until Jesus entered the picture.

Everyone in school seemed to be whispering and laughing about this secret Christian youth group that had weekly meetings at people’s houses. It was starting to become the center of our school’s social life.

“What do you guys do at the meetings?” I asked my friend Lisa, who had hosted a few get-togethers with her sisters.

“We hang out and eat and pretty much just talk,” Lisa said. “It’s nondenominational, you should totally come!” Of course I wanted to go. It was the thing to do. I could also hang out with Chad. In the sixth grade, that’s about as glamorous as it gets.

The next week I went to the meeting with Lisa, and at first I felt right at home. We had cookies and orange juice and sat around talking about important sixth-grade topics: what clothes we loved and what classes we hated. There was some covert, subtle flirting, too, along the lines of: Chad Williams: “You’re tan.”

Me: “You’re tan, too.”

The end.

Then it happened.

“OK, everyone! Let’s gather around and hold hands!” said Lisa’s older sister, who was running the meeting. We gathered around and held hands. Everyone bowed their head.

They started singing a song about Jesus. Suddenly I imagined my dad’s head floating above our prayer circle, looking down at me and saying, “There just aren’t that many of us anymore.”

I bowed my head but kept my eyes wide open, as if by closing my eyes I would get sucked into a vortex of baptisms and confessional booths. My stomach cramped in guilt. As they passionately belted out the Doobie Brothers song Jesus Is Just Alright, I imagined my grandparents looking down at me, reminding me of the Cossacks. I could just see my grandfather, Big Papa, wearing the powder blue suit that he refused to throw away, saying, “My parents escaped Russia and fought for their lives so their great-granddaughter could sing about Jesus?”

Maybe hanging out at a church youth group wasn’t just about talking to Chad about his amazing tan.

When they finally finished singing, I exhaled. I hadn’t realized I had been holding my breath for so long. Everyone around me was clapping and smiling, as if they’d just experienced the best concert of their lives. They ate more cookies, and settled around on chairs and on the floor like a cozy little tribe. I sat, too, but instead of looking elated, I looked a little stricken. No one seemed to notice. I watched these people I loved and understood that no matter how hard I tried I wouldn’t be the same as them – and I didn’t want to be. I was different. I clenched my smile and nodded along until I could finally leave and go home.

The next week at school, Lisa walked up to me in the hall after class. “Are you coming to the meeting tonight?” she asked. “It’s at Ashley’s house and her mom’s making s’mores, plus they have a pool.”

I loved s’mores, and I knew Chad would be doing perfect cannonballs off the diving board in his swimsuit. But I’d have to see him and the rest of my friends at the mall, at the movies, at McDonald’s, because I wasn’t going to go to any church activities again.

“I don’t think so,” I said. “Have fun though.”

Deep down I knew my dad was right: There just aren’t that many of us anymore.

Dina Gachman’s writing has been featured in Glamour, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times. She lives in Los Angeles and can be found on Twitter @TheElf26.

Game of (Orthodox) Thrones

Focus on issues AMI EDEN The third season of Games of Thrones has come to an end, but the Orthodox version is heating up in Manhattan.

Over on the Upper West Side, America’s oldest Jewish congregation -- the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue -has a new rabbi: Meir Soloveichik.

That’s not quite a Lannister becoming King of the North, but still. We’re talking about the country’s most prominent Sephardic synagogue hiring a Litvak. And not just any old Litvak, but a Soloveitchik.

For decades the synagogue, formally Congregation Shearith Israel, was led by Rabbi Marc Angel and then his son, Hayyim Angel. In truth, the ideological shift is much more interesting than the ethnic one.

The father-son team are now dedicating much of their efforts to the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, the liberal Orthodox think tank founded by the senior Angel.

Soloveichik, grandson of Ahron Soloveichik and greatnephew of the Rav, Joseph Soloveitchik, falls more to the right, both politically and religiously.

Does the shift from House Angel to House Soloveitchik reflect a serious ideological shift at the congregation?

I haven’t done any deep reporting on this, but as someone

who bounces around the Upper West Side’s Orthodox community, my hunch is no. These days, at least on the UWS, it’s mostly the opposite. Ideology is less and less important, with size, style and the draw being the main thing as folks decide which shul/s to go to.

And, whether you agree or disagree with Soloveichik, there’s no denying that he’s a popular speaker who can put people in the seats.

I was sad to see him leave the neighborhood almost a decade ago, when he moved across the park to become the assistant rabbi at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun.

Conventional wisdom back then was that he would eventually take over for Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.

So now the question is what will happen at KJ, where House Lookstein has led the posh congregation (and Ramaz, its affiliated Orthodox prep school) for nearly a century?

Rabbi Josh Lookstein (Haskel’s son) made clear nearly a decade ago that the job wasn’t for him. And he’s stuck to his guns, recently becoming head of Westchester Day School, the Modern Orthodox school in Mamaroneck, N.Y. (Not wanting to be the rabbi of a big, glitzy synagogue, I can understand... but moving out to the burbs!?)

OK, but enough of all this. Let’s get to more pressing matters, like whether the Khaleesi will be able to dislodge Joffrey from the Iron Throne.

Pleased to meet you

From our intern COURTNEY BIERMAN My name is Courtney Bierman. I am sixteen years old, and a soon-to-be junior at Millard South High School. Most importantly, I am the summer intern here at the Jewish Press; that means a few articles will appear here in the next few months that were penned by me. I have been given an awesome opportunity: My material will be printed in a real publication under my name. This is a big deal for me. Very few kids my age get jobs like this one. Some of my friends work long hours at restaurants and grocery stores, cleaning tables and dealing with rude customers. I get to brag to them about having my own desk complete with phone and computer.

I am Jewish. That much should be obvious. Judaism means community more than religion to me, as I am not particularly religious. However, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Temple Israel. It was there that I met some of the smartest, funniest, sweetest people I know: Rabbi Azriel and his wife Elyce, Rabbi Brown, Cantor Shermet, and many more. They’re some of my favorite people in the world.

Much of the person I am today was shaped by them.

My hobbies are nothing out of the ordinary. I have always loved to read (I’m a Potterhead), I have an excellent relationship with the television in our basement, and I really love movies as well. Like, really love them. Although I do not have a very clear idea of what I want to do when I grow up, I have given a lot of thought to becoming a film critic. I volunteer at Film Streams on weekends when I have time. At school I am a student ambassador, someone who shows new students around the building. I am also a Patriot Mentor, someone who helps freshmen adjust to high school. I am a member of the jazz choir and the environmental club. My favorite extracurricular activity is the Millard South GayStraight Alliance (of which I am president). I’m an animal lover, so much so that I do not eat meat. I enjoy the music of Regina Spektor, Florence + the Machine, Mumford and Sons, and Lady Gaga. My heroes include (but are not limited to) Jane Goodall, Audrey Hepburn, Atticus Finch, Barak Obama, and Lady Gaga; the last one seems like an outlier, I know, but I love everything she stands for. Listening to her music is a major boost in self-esteem.

I have a twin sister named Madison (she’s thirteen minutes older than I am). My parents are Mary Wampler and Phil Bierman. My dad works at UNMC as an oncologist, and my mom works at the VA as its director of employee health. My family has a dog named Cassi. She was adopted almost four years ago from the Nebraska Humane Society. It was the best decision we ever made; we all love her to pieces.

Our pet corn snake, Popcorn, occupies a large aquarium in our basement. My family has also played host on several occasions to baby birds and baby squirrels that either my sister or I found in our backyard and decided were in distress. Usually our rescue missions were not appreciated by our parents.

In the months to come, I’m going to be spending a lot of time at the very desk I am using to type this. I want this summer to be a learning experience for me; I want my writing to improve, and I want to learn the ropes of a real office.

Journalism as a career is not out of the picture for me. If that ends up being the path I choose, this will be excellent training. If I go down a different path, that’s great too, as writing is a wonderful skill to have in any profession. I am grateful beyond words for this opportunity, so I am going to work hard to make sure that my articles will be enjoyed by those who read them. You will not be let down.

The Jewish Press Summer Internship is generously sponsored by the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.

To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai b’rith mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

There will be no Jewish Press on July 5. Questions?

Call 402.334.6448.

14 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; We celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of Hannah and Josh Stein, children of Julie and David Stein, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:45 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Day, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (two shifts).

Join Beth El’s volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity; no construction/painting experience necessary. Registration is required; visit www.bethel-omaha.org.

THURSDAY: Dames ‘n’ Drinks, 7 p.m. All women of Beth El are invited.

B’nai Mitzvah, Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m., we celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of Hannah and Josh Stein, children of Julie and David Stein.

Storm Chasers Game, Sunday, June 30, 2:05 p.m., Beth El’s YAC group heads to Werner Park for a Storm Chasers baseball game. Cost: $7 per person; no charge for children under three. Reservation deadline is June 26. Visit Beth El’s website for details and to register.

USY on Wheels, a six-and-a-half week, cross-country bus trip led by the Conservative Judaism’s Youth Movement (USY), will stop in Omaha on July 2 and 3. Teens from all across North America and Israel take part in the program.

For more information, contact Eadie Tsabari at etsabari@ bethel-omaha.org, or 402.498.0904.

Sisterhood Honey Sale orders are now being taken (through July 2) for kosher, OU certified honey as holiday gifts, $10 per bottle with delivery in time for Rosh Hashanah. Anyone may place an order and pay online at www.bethel-omaha.org. For more information, contact Andrea Grossman, 402.390.3673 or 402.680.9095.

Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, Monday, July 8, 7 p.m., we will meet at Project Harmony for a tour and to participate in a service project for the children. RSVP to co-hosts, Shira Abraham, Shira.Abraham@gmail.com, or Diane Malashock, at DMalashock@projectharmony.com.

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

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 6:25 p.m.; The Laws of Shabbat, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha/Seuda Shlishit, 8:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.

TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy and Harry Weiner.

WEDNESDAY: Coffee and Your Jewish News with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch in honor of the birthday of Mr. Harold Siporin will follow.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. Please reserve by calling 402.330.1800.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. Contact Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu to receive updates.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Lori and Mark Schwartz.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parsahat Balak.

SUNDAY: Board of Trustees, 1 p.m.

THURSDAY: High Holiday Day Choir Rehearsal begins, 7:30-9 p.m. For more information please contact Elaine Monnier at 402.327.9212 or emonnier@windstream.net, or Holly Heffelbower at hheffel@inebraska.com.

Camp Israel 2013, July 8-12 and 15-19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Contact Andrea at ahalpern1386@gmail.com or Tracy at

Beth El annual meeting

Bat Mitzvah Ilana McNamara, daughter of Aviva Segall and Patrick McNamara, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 29, at Beth Israel.

Ilana graduated last month from Friedel Jewish Academy.

Her interests include playing the viola, reading, studying torah and playing Lego.

In advance of her bat mitzvah, Illana has studied with the rabbis of all of the congregations in addition to her weekly study with Rabbi Gross.

For her mitzvah project, Ilana asked each of the rabbis to study with other bar or bat mitzvah students in the community before their simchas. She will present a class before Mincha entitled “A smart girls guide to questioning authority: the daughters of Zelophehad.”

She has a sister, Leora.

Grandparents are Doris and Hervey Segall, and Joan and Frank McNamara. In addition, Illana is blessed to have “Omaha grandparents,” Helen and Tuffy Epstein.

tgordongjc@yahoo.com to register you child(ren).

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

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

CHABAD CENTER

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Torah for your Shabbat Table with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:15 p.m.

Candlelighting Friday, June 21, 8:43 p.m.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Around 200 congregants gathered at Beth El on June 7 for the synagogue’s annual meeting, a picnic dinner, and special outdoor Shabbat service.

During the evening, congregational awards were presented, and new officers and board members were elected. Rabbi Abraham thanks members of the Board of Trustees for their service to the synagogue; Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman offer a blessing to the Beth El youth who will be leaving soon to attend summer camps.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet; Summer Speaker: Andie Gordman “Life is Divided Into: Before and After.”

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah and Haftarah Reader: Ann Osborne.

SUNDAY AND TUESDAY: Hard Hat Tours, Sunday, 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. We are excited to show off our new building at 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive. Please remember this is a construction site and you need to wear closedtoe sturdy shoes. These tours are scheduled with the construction schedule in mind. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536 to schedule your tour.

For your safety and to avoid disturbing the activity of the construction site, Temple Israel members are asked not to enter the new building without a member of the staff or building committee. Thank you for your cooperation.

Summer Speaker, Friday, June 28, 6 p.m.: Larry Kavich “From Father to Business Partner to Grandfather all in Six Minutes.”

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. followed by a discussion of timely news topics pertaining to the Jewish world.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon.

WEDNESDAY: Torah Trope Class, 7:15 p.m.

Pulverent e

June 21, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 15

The power of the Word

In memoriam LARRY E. ROFFMAN, M.D.

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Balak Most of our Sidrah deals with the famous “prophecies” about Israel by Balaam, a Midianite prophet.

He had been commissioned by the Moabite King, Balak, to curse Israel. But only blessings poured forth from his mouth. he maintained (as Hebrew prophets did!) that none of this was his own doing; all that he spoke was the Lord’s own message.

The Midrash offers a significant insight: In the first place, the rabbis say, Moab and Midian, traditional enemies, united together in a common fear of Israel. We are reminded of traditional enemies, Syria and Iraq, Syria and Jordan, Iraq and Iran, etc., all united in happy hatred of modern Israel.

But the Midrash also points out its understanding of where Judaism and Jews excel.

Why did not Moab send its army against the ragtag refugees in the desert? Why this extraordinary hocus-pocus of cursing them?

The elders of Midian understood that Israel’s strength lay in the Word. So only a man of the Word, Balaam, they concluded, could really harm them.

The rabbis have a point: Israel’s real strength is not numbers. not hordes of armed men, not horses and chariots. Its might lies in a fearless proclamation of religious truth, in a faithfulness to moral duty, in a devotion to human values.

Armies become obsolete, tanks rust, planes fail. Nations rise and fall. But the Word of the Lord, as the prophet told us, endures forever.

Yaalon: Israeli intervention in Syria would be counterproductive

by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Israel will not intervene in Syria in part because any such intervention would harm the side Israel favors, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said.

“We don’t intervene, we do not interfere,” Yaalon said Friday in Washington prior to a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. “Any Israel intervention might affect the side we support, and not for its benefit.”

It’s not clear what side Israel would favor. Israel has said it backs the American demand that Syrian President Bashar Assad step down, a move that would wound Israel’s most dangerous rival in the region, Iran, as well as Hezbollah, the potent terrorist force in Lebanon.

On the other hand, Israel appreciates the quiet that successive generations of Assads have ensured on its border, and fears the rise of Islamists among rebels in that country.

Yaalon’s remarks come as the Obama administration says it is ready to increase military support for the rebels.

Yaalon said the red lines that would trigger Israeli actions in Syria are cross-border fire and the transfer of chemical and strategic weapons.

Yaalon said the worst possible outcome in Syria would be “a chaotic situation, but we can manage it.”

He called for increased western and U.S. support of Jordan, which has absorbed most of the refugees fleeing bloodshed in Syria.

Yaalon was bluntly dismissive of Obama administration efforts to restart the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, blaming the Palestinian insistence on a settlement freeze before talks start again for the failure of the process.

He also dismissed as “just spin” the recently revived 2002 Arab peace initiative favored by the Obama administration.

Yaalon said U.S.-Israel defense and intelligence cooperation was close and that he believed it was still possible to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons through peaceful means.

Larry E. Roffman, M.D. passed away on June 14 at age 82.

Services were held June 17 at Temple Israel, 7023 Cass St. He was preceded in death by parents, Sam and Ruth Roffman.

He is survived by loving wife, Silvia; daughters and sonsin-law, Susie and Mike Norton, and Julie and Thor Rosenquist; six grandsons: Justin, Seth, Aaron and Leo Norton, and Asher and Eitan Rosenquist; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Blaine and Judy Roffman, all of Omaha, and brother-in-law and sister-inlaw, Larry Greene and Jillian Hopkins of Friday Harbor, WA. Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Dr. Roffman received his B.A. from the State University of Iowa and M.D. from the University of Iowa Carver School of Medicine. Dr. Roffman served as Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959, attaining the rank of Captain. As an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Omaha from 1962 to 1998, Dr. Roffman delivered thousands of babies, including three generations in a number of families. He practiced medicine primarily at Clarkson Hospital, where he served as President of the Medical Staff and also as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Dr. Roffman also served as a clinical instructor for OB/GYN medical students at the Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Roffman was active in the Omaha community, serving as President of Temple Israel and on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Jewish Senior Services, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Douglas County Hospital Foundation. He was recently honored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha as its Humanitarian of the Year.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Douglas County Hospital Foundation or charity of your choice.

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L.A.’s anti-BDS resolution

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution to continue awarding city contracts without regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The resolution passed Wednesday was intended as a rebuttal to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS, which aims to bring economic pressure to bear on Israel, the Los Angeles Jewish Journal reported.

The resolution comes less than a year after BDS activists called on the city to not renew a bus contract with the French company Veolia Transportation, which also has business holdings in the West Bank.

The resolution states “that the City of Los Angeles will continue to make contracting decisions based on the best interests of the City, its residents, businesses and taxpayers and in accordance with the City Charter and applicable State and Federal law and hereby affirms that issues related to the Arab-Israeli conflict will not be considered and will have no impact on the awarding of contracts with the City of Los Angeles.”

Council members Paul Koretz and Mitchell Englander sponsored the resolution. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles helped draft the resolution.

‘Price tag’ attackers labeled as illegal organization

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel’s security Cabinet labeled “price tag” attackers as an illegal organization but stopped short of calling them terrorists.

The new classification, approved at a meeting Sunday night, will make it easier for the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators of such attacks, according to reports.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich voted against the new classification, according to reports. Last month, they had proposed legislation that would classify price tag attacks as acts of terrorism and their perpetrators as terrorists.

“Price tag” refers to the strategy that extremist settlers and their supporters have adopted to avenge Palestinian attacks on Jews and for settlement freezes and demolitions. Several price tag attacks in recent months also have targeted Christian sites.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press:

CORRECTION

Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

On page 16 of our June 14 edition, we stated that Debbie Kricsfeld was married to Aaron, when, in reality, her husband’s name is Alan. Also, the correct abbreviation for the flying Pentagon is NCEAP. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.

DIESEL TECHNICIANS Great Opportunities for Technicians to work in the Agricultural Industry!

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QUALITY STRUCTURES, Inc. is hiring building crew positions. Contact Kevin Glassburn at 712-527-4117 for a job description and application or send resume to kevin.glassburn@qualitystructures.com.

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16 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2013

To be a mensch, part2

by JULIANNE DUNN HERZOG This is part two in a two-part series about Dr. Harold Maurer, Chancellor Emeritus of UNMC. Part one was published in our June 14 edition. You can find the complete story on our website at www.jewishomaha.org.

After 25 years at MCV, Dr. Maurer began exploring deanships, the next logical step for an academic physician who has been chair of a department of medicine.

UNMC was looking for a dean of medicine as were several other medical schools. Although UNMC at that time was a regional, practice-centered medical center providing practitioners in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions to Nebraska and other states in the region, Dr. Maurer could see opportunities for growth and untapped resources to make that growth happen, and accepted the position.

Dr. Maurer’s activity as dean of medicine drew upon his experiences at MCV. One of his challenges was creating trust in the medical faculty. He worked with the faculty to develop a faculty practice plan, a 501 (c) (3) which covered education, research and patient care. He drew upon the faculty for ideas and opinions. The surgeons were opposed because the meetings were always inconvenient for them. So he held meetings at 6 a.m. so they could get to their first surgeries of the day at 7 a.m. After several of these 6 a.m. wake-up meetings, the surgeons got together and told him they didn’t need any more meetings.

They trusted him to do what was best. And he did. He formed a practice plan which met and overcame objections from the faculty. In the process, he developed a trusting relationship with his faculty.

Then, in 1996, he called upon the faculty again. He formed several committees and gave them each a task to investigate which of the various merger options would be best for UNMC. He gave each committee two weeks to investigate and submit a report. All completed their assignments. Based upon those reports and additional investigation, Dr. Maurer sought out Dr. Lou Burgher, then head of Clarkson Hospital. They got together and formed a 40-year agreement between University of Nebraska and Clarkson which created the entity now known as The Nebraska Medical Center. No ownership changed hands and physician prerogatives were protected. Again, the faculty and

physicians trusted Dr. Maurer and got on board with the agreement.

That piece of the puzzle opened Dr. Maurer’s access to the board and physicians of Clarkson Hospital, who were

UNMC Durham Research Center among the most respected in the city and he quickly forged relationships with them.

In 1998, Harold Maurer was appointed chancellor of UNMC and hit the ground running. He formed a kitchen cabinet, which included several of Omaha’s top business leaders, to vet ideas for the future of UNMC. In the nearly 15 years thereafter, Dr. Maurer and the group with whom he worked achieved great things for UNMC. The Omaha community recognized his success with award after award: Midlander of the Year by the Omaha World Herald; King of Ak-Sar-Ben by the Knights of Ak-SarBen; “Men of Honor” by the 100 Black Men of Omaha, Inc.; Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame; Omaha Press Club “Face on the Barroom Floor;” Citizen of the Year Award from the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2011, he was granted the Distinguished Alumni Award from his medical school. Although he did not say so, one can imagine his satisfaction at this award. Starting out working his way through med school as a short order cook and

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ending his career as its distinguished alumni could, if nothing else, tell him that others thought his hard work was worthwhile.

According to Dr. Maurer, the fund-raising portion of his job as chancellor of UNMC is all a matter of forming and nurturing relationships and never forgetting a donor or a friend. He and Beverly are good at that.

They like and enjoy people and are appreciative of nice things done for them. They, in turn, do nice things for others. One of Dr. Maurer’s donors was admitted to the hospital and, when Dr. Maurer went to visit, asked for hot dogs, which the staff would not give him. Dr. Maurer got him his hot dogs then and several times thereafter.

Hot dogs are unusual as tender in the relationships which the Maurers developed. The exchanges were more often measured in donor dollars. With that donated money, Dr. Maurer was able to achieve the greatest physical growth of any chancellor in the history of the University of Nebraska. During his tenure, his team added new or remodeled construction with a value approaching $1 billion. Although that billion dollar figure includes government funding, operational revenues and grants, the greater portion by far comes from donors nurtured by Dr. and Mrs. Maurer during countless dinners, vacations, holidays, and other get-togethers.

In addition, Dr. Maurer has brought in some of the best physician/scientists from all over the world to fill those buildings, to achieve the cures, to find the answers to the most perplexing problems in medicine. He set goals to double research funding in five years and triple it in 10 years.

UNMC met those goals and has greatly enhanced its status among leading academic medical centers in the country.

At the international level, Dr. Maurer and Gang Pei, Ph.D, president of Tongji University in Shanghai, China, are the the chief architects of a collaborative agreement which will, among other things, establish cooperation in clinical research, practice and education between the two universities. Gov. Dave Heineman, who formalized the agreement in Aug. 2012, in Shanghai, said, “This is truly a momentous occasion. To be a competitive force in today’s world, it is absolutely vital to have global partnerships. This initiative will pay tremendous dividends for generations to come.”

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