June 29, 2007

Vol. LXXXVI No. 41 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

West Bank Palestinians agree: Don’t let Gaza chaos in our backyard

by DAN BARON said they viewed JERUSALEM (JTA) – Gaza’s Palestinians As violence between as undesirable Hamas and Fatah engulfs refugees, virtually the Gaza Strip, indistinct from the Palestinians in the West violent, impoverBank are watching the ished Palestinians chaos unfold with a comin refugee camps bination of concern, diselsewhere in the gust and resignation.

Middle East, such Alternately blaming as those currently Israel, the Palestinian leadembroiled in ership, Arab autocrats and internecine fightWestern governments for ing in the camps of the violence, Palestinians Lebanon. in the West Bank at least “There are too seem to agree on one many Palestinian thing: They do not want refugees all over the turmoil -- or Gaza’s the world,” said Israel, intent on keeping the chaos in Gaza contained, is closely monitorPalestinians -- to spill over Yaser Barakat, an ing the fences surrounding Gaza, including this one on the Gaza-Israel into their backyard. antiques dealer Credit: Uriel Heilman/JTA border that extends into the sea.

“I want all the people in from eastern Gaza to stay in Gaza,” Maher Abu-Gaidh, a Palestinian Jerusalem. “If they come to the West Bank, where are from Ramallah, told JTA. “If Israel allowed people in they going to stay? It’s better to leave them there.”

Gaza to come here to the West Bank, this would bring For all their distress with how things are turning out more violence, less job opportunities and I think more in Gaza, there is little expectation that a similar civil war crimes to the West Bank.” between Fatah and Hamas will spread to the West Bank.

This sentiment betrays the deep gulf that separates For one thing, Israel’s military presence in the West Gaza’s 1.4 million Palestinians from the West Bank’s 2.5 Bank prevents the anarchy that has overtaken Gaza from million Palestinians. Gazans tend to be more impover- taking root in the West Bank. Ongoing military operaished, more violent and more religiously fanatical than tions, myriad checkpoints and collaboration with their West Bank counterparts.

Palestinian informants and authorities help Israel keep Six decades after Palestine’s Arabs were split apart by any violence between Fatah and Hamas in the West the war that followed Israel’s founding in 1948, the divi- Bank from spiraling out of control. sions among geographically disparate Palestinians have “In the West Bank there won’t be a war because they grown deeper. know the Israelis can go in and out anytime,” Barakat said.

Palestinians from the West Bank interviewed by JTA Continued on page 2

13 Tamuz, 5767 June 29, 2007

Omaha teacher gets second chance for a trip to Israel

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Jennifer Stastny, an English teacher at Central High School, was supposed to go to Israel last summer.

She and Beth Seldin Dotan, director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, were part of a group scheduled to take a course on teaching the Holocaust at YadVashem in Jerusalem. But last summer’s war changed everything.

Hamas captured Gilad Shalit after a cross border raid from Gaza and Hezbollah killed eight members of an IDF tank brigade and kidnapped Ehud Goldwasser and Elad Regev. War raged on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and with Gaza for much of the summer.

Man plans and G-d laughs goes the old Yiddish saying; the two women wound up attending a quickly improvised conference in Rye, New York, instead.

But Stastny is getting a second chance. She’s leaving mid-July for the Yad Vashem educator’s conference, the follow-up to the Echoes and Reflections curriculum course developed by the museum’s education department.

Stastny, who was named a Buffett award winner last Continued on page 2

Jennifer Stastny, left, confers with other OPS teachers about incorporating the Holocaust into their classrooms.

They’re not just any soldiers -- these are ours

by JIM BAKER I first heard about the Jewish Federation’s family mission trip to Israel at a Sunday brunch in January, at my brother’s home, celebrating the bar mitzvah of my nephew, Jonathan Baker.

Tom, my brother, told me that Stacey Rockman was helping to organize a trip for Omaha families to visit Israel, and he asked me if I would be interested in going.

“Keep me posted,” I told him.

As the next few months went by, Tom updated me on the trip’s progress and said that his family would indeed be going. Would I like to join them?

With barely a moment’s hesitation, I said, “Yes.” I saw the trip foremost as a way to spend time with Jonathan and his sister, Olivia. I’m close to them, and it’s important to me for them to have good memories of doing things with Uncle Jimmy.

That we would be going to Israel together would simply be icing on the cake.

Both the invitation to join my brother’s family on this trip, and my quickly reached decision to go, surprised me.

Because Israel, for me, was always kind of a fairy-tale, far-away land that you’ve heard about all your life, but don’t expect to ever really visit — like, say, Polynesia, or Greenland. You know, a place that

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

exists only in textbooks, on maps and in National Geographic. Exotic and impossibly distant.

Would I really be going there? It didn’t seem quite possible.

It also didn’t seem entirely safe. Isn’t the Middle East a region of constant conflict and terrorism, much of it directed

toward Israelis and Americans?

As the trip approached, I grew nervous, watching the news on TV about violence in Lebanon, rising tensions in Gaza, missiles fired here and there into Israel.

I looked for reasons to back out, emailing the Federation’s Sharon Kirshenbaum, the trip leader, to express

Members of an Israel Defense Force troop walk away from the Omaha mission bus with goodie bags distributed by the children participating in the mission.

This Week: Monthly Calendar for July: Pages 8-9 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Final deal with Abbas raises old concerns: Page 3

fears about our safety.

She reassured me that no one had ever been hurt on a Federation trip, that we would have an armed guard with us at all times, that we wouldn’t be going near anywhere there was trouble.

I finally decided that if families with children were going on the trip, I -- a single, childless man of 42 -- had no excuse for chickening out.

Also, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Israel with my brother, my sister-in-law, Amber, and their children. To go to Israel -- for the first time, no less -is one thing. But to do so with family, that’s incredibly meaningful.

An added incentive, for me, would be the presence of Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, of Temple Israel, the congregation in which I grew up. My family has been close to him for a long time, and I’d always said that if I ever went to Israel, I’d want it to be with him.

So, bearing all these things in mind, I went.

Continued on page 6

Don’t forget to enter the Jewish Press contest at: www.jewishomaha.org (click on ‘Jewish Press’) for a chance to win a Grandparents’ membership to the Omaha Children’s Museum!

Coming Next Month: Health & Wellness on July 13 Mobile shelters provide protection for Sderot residents: Page 5

Beth Israel Synagogue releases new CD: Page 16

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Omaha teacher gets a second chance for trip Independently Owned and Operated

Celebrate your special event whether Honeymoon,Special Anniversary or Birthday on a cruise with your family Call today for information on our special event cruises!

Ralph and Laura Williams

402-334-4120 Toll Free: 866-334-4190 rwilliams@cornerstoneglobalcruising.com • www.cornerstoneglobalcruising.com

KUKLIN GROUP Parents

Tired of paying for Student housing?

Buy investment property for your kids to live in generating a better return on your money!

We can assist you wherever your kids need to live.

Gary

Kimberly

402.880.1887 402.214.5955 gary@garykuklin.com kimberly@kimberlykuklin.com

Think of it as insurance to

HELP PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT. Long-Term Care and Medicare Supplement Insurance can help protect your retirement savings. Call your State Farm® agent today to learn more.

Amy M Huck, Agent 11533 South 36th Street Bellevue, NE 68123-1207 Bus: 402-682-9334 amy.huck.hlc1@statefarm.com

Continued from page 1 month, was granted permission by the Omaha Public Schools to teach the first-ever literature course at Central High on the Holocaust. Some of the materials she’ll be using in her class starting the fall of 2008 include Night by Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, an anthology, Images from the Holocaust, and Simon Wiesenthal’s book, The Sunflower.

“It’s a short book,” explained Stastny. “Wiesenthal tells a story of a dying SS officer who calls him to his bedside and asks for forgiveness for his crimes against humanity. Wiesenthal doesn’t answer and is called back the following day. He still doesn’t respond and poses this question to the reader, ‘What would you do?’”

At the back of The Sunflower are 38 essays written by prominent men and women from around the world and of different faiths and backgrounds, explaining their position. “It’s very powerful,” Stastny added. “His greatest fear, however, was that people would stop teaching the Holocaust.”

There’s no fear of that with the success of the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) however. Stastny’s first class revolving around the teaching of the Holocaust was one night a week in the fall of 2005, thanks to the IHE. Just in 2006 alone, Beth Seldin Dotan, its director, and her team (including Stastny) have conducted workshops around Nebraska for more than 300 teachers.

Earlier this month, 13 teachers from OPS met at the Jewish Community Center with Dotan for a two-week Masters level course, “Cooperative Approach to Teaching the Holocaust.” With a grant from Teaching American History through OPS and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the middle and high school teachers of English, history and social studies learned from Stastny how she has incorporated the Holocaust into her literature classes. Central now has even more of an opportunity to work on Holocaust studies through cross-curricular methods. And Stastny will certainly be a mentor as these teachers work the material into their curriculum.

With so much to choose from, it’s not easy for a teacher creating a brand new curriculum to narrow down the field. “Trying to design a one-semester class is difficult,” Stastny noted. “It’s a literature class, so how much time do I spend on history?”

How do teachers set novels in the context of what was happening? How do they give students the freedom to ask the questions they’re burning to ask?

Sometimes, lesson plans just go out the window,

Stastny said. By the way, she was supposed to teach just one section of 30 students. So far 80 have signed up.

The commitment of teachers like Stastny is evident in the grassroots organization they’ve formed: the Nebraska Holocaust Education Consortium. Working with an advisory committee from OPS, Millard, Lincoln and Westside Public Schools, as well as the Catholic Schools and Omaha Archdiocese, this group assists educational institutions throughout the state by training teachers using Holocaust materials that meet the state’s standards and by providing resources.

And of course, Dotan and the IHE have become instrumental in conducting workshops, providing materials (including Echoes and Reflections) and resources.

One of those “resources” includes teachers like Stastny. In addition to the hastily rearranged Holocaust conference last summer, she’s been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., for training. But it’s next month’s trip about which she’s most excited.

Stastny won’t be the only one going either.

Beth Katz, director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Project Interfaith, will be part of a delegation to Israel next month as well. In July, Katz will attend the National Bearing Witness Advanced Summer Institute for Catholic School Educators. The Institute takes 30 Catholic school educators from across the United States who have taken part in the three-day Bearing Witness Conference to a three-day conference in Baltimore, MD, and then on to Israel for six days to visit sacred and historical Jewish and Christian sites.

In October, Katz will travel to Rome to participate in the First Lay Leadership Conference on Catholic-Jewish Relations to be held at the Vatican. At this conference, Catholic and Jewish lay persons from 25 U.S. cities, representing their local Jewish and Catholic communities, will meet with high-ranking church officials at the Vatican to create a greater understanding of issues between the two faiths.

“So frequently Midwestern communities are under represented or not represented at all,” Katz said.

“Considering the rich relationships that have been forged between the Jewish and Catholic communities here, we have a wonderful opportunity to share the innovative work we are doing and learn from others.”

Financial support is being sought to enable her to participate in the Vatican conference. To donate, contact Katz at the ADL, 402.333.1303 or e-mail bkatz@adl.org.

Don’t let Gaza chaos in my backyard Call your State Farm agent for details on coverage, costs, restrictions and renewability.

The Long-Term Care Insurance policy series 97058 and the Medicare Supplement Insurance policy series 97037, 97038, and 97039 are underwritten by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. These policies are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the Federal Medicare Program.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company • Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com ® LTCMS-04 P064016 11/06

relax...

we’ve got your summer covered A

L I F E

M O R E

P L E A S A N T

now carrying Brighton | Naot Sandals | Hobo Bags Jane Yoo Hand Painted Bags Lodis Leather Wallets

384-2603 Regency Court

www.bluewillisomaha.com

Continued from page 1 For another thing, Palestinians say, the violence in Gaza has more to do with economic desperation than ideology.

“I don’t think it will happen in the West Bank,” said Nazeeh Al-Shalabi, a Palestinian from the West Bank village of Mascha, not far from Kalkilya. “Gaza is one of the most overcrowded places on earth. It’s a small place, with 1.5 million people, closed in from all sides, with no money and no place to go. It’s a pressure cooker,” AlShalabi said, and a breeding ground for violence.

“If I lived in Gaza and had eight kids and no job and nowhere to go, it puts me under pressure,” he said.

“It’s possible that I’d easily get into a fight with my neighbor. This is what is happening in Gaza.”

In the West Bank, he said, Fatah and Hamas have enough space to keep their distance from each other.

Palestinians trace the chasm separating West Bank Arabs from those of Gaza back to the 1948 war. After the war, the Gaza Strip fell under Egyptian control and Palestinians in Jerusalem, today.

Egypt resisted integrating the local population into Egyptian society. Mired in poverty, many of Gaza’s Palestinians turned to Islam and, later, radical Islam.

By contrast, Jordan annexed the West Bank. Strong ties developed between Arabs in the West Bank and those in largely secular Jordan, and there were Palestinians on both banks of the Jordan River who were able to grow relatively prosperous.

While Gaza’s Palestinians languished in refugee camps, boxed in by Egypt to the South and Israel to the North and East, Palestinians in the West Bank built

commercial, political and social ties with their neighbors in Jordan and Israel.

Today, Palestinians on the West Bank do not want to see their gains spoiled by refugees from Gaza.

As they watch the chaos unfold on their TV screens, Palestinians in the West Bank find no shortage of parties to blame -- including their fellow Arabs, whose support for the Palestinians they lament as paltry.

“What did the Arab world do for us in the last 60 years?” asked Barakat, the antiques dealer. “Let’s face it; they put us in misery. The Arab world put us in this position -- especially the Syrians, Jordanians and Egyptians,” by fighting wars with the Israelis rather than aiding the Palestinian cause.

Bader Rashid, of eastern Jerusalem, blamed the Israelis both for encouraging Palestinian infighting and for supporting the corrupt Yasser Arafat, whose Fatah faction pocketed much of the Western aid money intended for the Palestinians. “The rich enrich themselves and the little people get screwed,” Rashid said. “Now we are Credit: Uriel Heilman/JTA all suffering.”

Abu-Gaidh said he was hopeful that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ new emergency government -- which Israel and the United States announced they would support as soon as it was sworn in this week -- will succeed. “This moment is different from a year ago when Hamas won the election,” AbuGaidh said. “Now, after a year of Hamas rule, people are very tired and need money and jobs and to pass freely through Israeli checkpoints, and I think this is going to be better with a new government led by Salam Fayyad,” the new Palestinian Authority prime minister.

June 29, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Renewed talk of final deal with Abbas raises old concern: How to get there? in the abstract, but has focused on immeby RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- It’s an old diate concerns in his dealings with Abbas: conundrum, made urgent by a sudden easing conditions for Palestinians and convergence of interests of the Bush, getting Abbas to crack down on terrorOlmert and Abbas administrations. ism.

The desired destination, a two-state That changed last week after Hamas solution for the Israelis and Palestinians, forces routed forces loyal to Abbas, a relis something almost everyone can look ative moderate, from the Gaza Strip. forward to. It’s getting there that’s the That prompted Abbas to fire the hard and scary part.

Jewish leaders and congressional overseers across the political spectrum were skeptical of the latest acceleration toward final-status talks between Israel and the Palestinians, precipitated by last week’s takeover of the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the terrorist group.

“I don’t think anyone can force Israel to go into final status unless we see some courage from Abu Mazen,” Abraham Foxman, the national director of the AntiIsraeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert meets with President Bush Defamation League, told at the White House, June 18. Credit: Eric Draper/White House JTA, using the popular name for Palestinian Authority President Hamas-led government and to name a Mahmoud Abbas. new Cabinet led by Salam Fayyad as prime Seated in the Oval Office with President minister. Fayyad is trusted in the West for Bush smiling approvingly, Prime Minister the transparency he has brought to his Ehud Olmert committed on Tuesday to two earlier stints as finance minister. taking steps toward negotiating a final-staCutting off Hamas paved the way for tus arrangement with Abbas.

Abbas’ full embrace by the West, Bush Olmert said he and Bush would “talk said, placing it in the broader context of about the groundwork that needs to be his administration’s backing for moderdone in order to allow us rapidly to talk ates in the region. about the creation of a Palestinian state.”

“I’m looking forward to sharing with It’s a dramatic shift for Olmert who, the prime minister the results of a phone until now, has spoken of final-status issues call I had (June 17) with President

Abbas,” Bush said in the Oval Office, surrounded by the symbols of American democracy: paintings of Washington and Lincoln and texts chronicling the Civil War. “He is the president of all the Palestinians. He has spoken out for moderation. He is a voice that is a reasonable voice amongst the extremists in your neighborhood.”

Accelerating the long-stalled peace process is not expedient just for Bush, who has barely 18 months to show results from a Middle East policy whose centerpiece is the chaos in Iraq.

Olmert, too, is bottoming out in the polls in the aftermath of a botched war against Hezbollah in Lebanon last summer and several scandals swirling around his administration. He needs a reason to keep the Labor Party in the coalition, which is led by his Kadima Party. And Abbas needs to rally Palestinians behind him after his humiliating defeat in Gaza.

Some Jewish observers wondered whether the parties fully understood what they were getting into.

“The president went overboard in his praise of Abu Mazen,” Foxman said, citing the Palestinian leader’s failure until now to crack down on Hamas or end rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

“He hasn’t done one thing since day one to prove he’s taking action to match his words.”

Still, Foxman said: “I don’t think Israel has a choice but to invest in him.”

Israel is considering releasing close to $600 million it owes to the Palestinian Authority now that Abbas has unhooked himself from Hamas. Olmert said after his meeting with Bush that he would make a decision on the money in the next few days. Some of it, he said, would go to

paying Israeli utility companies that provide basic needs to Palestinian areas.

The January 2006 election of Hamas, a terrorist group that rejects Israel’s existence, led much of the world to isolate the Palestinian Authority. That isolation ended this week with pledges of support from the United States and the European Union.

Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. secretary of state, said Monday that she would work with Congress to “restructure” $86 million in funds that had been earmarked for forces loyal to Abbas to confront Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip. Rice said Hamas would remain off limits for Western assistance, although she was ready to funnel $40 million to Gazans through the U.N. Relief and Works Agency.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobby, is likely to closely monitor such assistance, predicating it on Abbas’ continued rejection of Hamas and terrorism as well as on reforms he introduces to a government that has until now been plagued by corruption.

A senior Democratic staffer in Congress said some of the unknowns were out of Abbas’ control. For instance, the staffer said, the Palestinian constitution seems to require that the Hamas-dominated legislature confirm the new government within 60 days.

“What happens then? Does this whole thing turn into a pumpkin?” said the staffer, who asked not to be identified.

Members of Congress “are going to be skeptical that the administration has grasped the dynamics at hand,” he said.

Those elections brought Hamas to power. “They didn’t understand the dynamics of Palestinian elections before setting that in motion,” he said.

EMPLOYEE OWNED

Celebrate the Fourth!

We’ve got everything you need to have a great Fourth of July celebration.

• Meats • Vegetables • Refreshments • Cool Desserts • Grilling Supplies

5150 Center St.• 553-2664 • 50th & Center | 10808 Fort St. • 493-2089 • 108th & Fort | 3505 L St. • 731-6107 • Stockyards Plaza 3404 Oak View Dr. • 697-0811 • Oakview | 7910 Cass St. • 384-8668 • Peony Park | 9707 Q St. • 339-3047 • Applewood | 156th & Maple • 493-0390 747 North 132nd St. • 493-2911 • Westridge | 8809 West Center Rd. • 384-9072 • 90th & Center | 180th & Q St. • 896-4168 • Welch Plaza 1706 North 16th St., Council Bluffs • 328-9762 • North 16th Street | 1745 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs • 322-9260 • Mall of the Bluffs 11650 South 73rd St., Papillion • 597-5790 • Shadow Lake Towne Center

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Beth El continues to roll out the welcome mat for interfaith families

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator For years, intermarried families have found a comfortable and welcoming home at Beth El Synagogue, attending religious services and participating in its educational and social programs. Rabbi Mordechai Levin takes pride in the synagogue’s diverse membership, which includes couples with one spouse who has converted to Judaism, plus interfaith families who have chosen to raise their children as Jews and have actively participated in the synagogue’s religious school.

“We want intermarried couples who don’t have children, as well as intermarried couples who decide to raise their children as Jews, to know there is always a place for them within our synagogue family,” Rabbi Levin said.

“We invite them to join us and experience the warmth of our congregation.” Omaha native Ali Lerner and her husband Mark Doyle did just that, and ended up not only studying at Beth El, but exchanging wedding nuptials there in 2004. The couple, third-year medical students at Ross University School of Medicine, recently moved to New York City to complete their clinical rotations; they recently spoke about their time in Omaha and their experience with Beth El. “From the moment we moved back to Omaha, Beth El seemed like the perfect place for us as a young couple,” said Lerner, who was raised in the Reform Movement, but said she began to relate more to Conservative Judaism during college. “Everyone was so nice and they made both Mark and me feel so welcome.

It was different for me especially, because at the time, my parents, Martha and Dick Lerner, were still members of Temple Israel.

“Once we met with Rabbi Levin and began going to services and classes on a regular basis, we felt so at home. Eventually my parents starting coming to services with us and then they also became members of Beth El.” Doyle, who was born into an Irish Catholic family in South Glens Falls, New York, was first introduced to Judaism when he met Lerner in 2000, when both were working at the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch, a Newman’s Own Foundation-sponsored summer camp for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

“The Jewish community in my area was not large at all.

Through Ali, my introduction to Judaism was a real eyeopening experience,” Doyle recalled.

“I say that because instantly, I knew what the religion meant to her; she didn’t even have to say anything to me. Judaism is not just a religion, it’s family, it’s loving life, it’s all about being a good person,” he added. “All of these things were very appealing to me, as these are values that I hold dearly myself. I continue to have a strong faith in God, but to me, Judaism is so much more than this. Judaism inspires me to be a better per-

son and a better husband each day.”

Following their graduation from college, Lerner and Doyle moved to Omaha; when Doyle made his decision to convert to Judaism, the couple began their involvement at Beth El. “Immediately, we felt welcome -- it was as if I had been Jewish my whole life!” Doyle said.

“Both Rabbi and Cantor have been very helpful in both my conversion to Judaism and in the years following.

Rabbi stressed the importance of being an active member in the community, and we have tried our best to do just that.

As part of my conversion process, I participated in the Rabbi’s Introduction to Judaism class, which was a wonderful experience, and it allowed me to integrate myself a little into the community.”

Doyle’s conversion studies began in late 2002, and culminated in his conversion in June of 2004. He credited his positive experience to Rabbi Levin’s warmth and teaching expertise. “The experience of studying and conversing with Rabbi Levin was great,” he remarked.

“It was a huge decision to convert, and the Rabbi made a difficult decision easier through his gentle nature and

Mark Doyle and Ali Lerner, with their pups, Matzo Ball and Potato Latka. excitement for Judaism. He was an excellent teacher, and not only asked the tough questions, but also made me ask myself some tough questions. He gave me a profound appreciation for the religion, its history and customs. I don’t believe I would have had as good of an experience anywhere else. Everyone at Beth El was encouraging and supportive, and I felt at home there.”

Lerner said that since joining the synagogue several years ago, “Beth El has become a very significant part of our lives. Instantly when we walk through the doors of the synagogue, we feel as though we are home. The rabbi and cantor are none like we have ever met. They welcome us with open arms and always have an ear whenever we need them. They are the Rabbi and

D.A. the DJ

We’ll come to you with custom design and products to fit your style and budget.

From concept to completion, we do it all!

Music & Entertainment for All Occasions Weddings | Parties | Benefits Big Band to Top 40

Call for your complimentary consultation – you’ll love us!

Jane Joyce

Performed at the July 4th JCC Pool Party for the last three years

Owner/Decorator

402.916.9884 www.decdens.com/janejoyce

Reasonably Priced | www.dathedj.com | Ask for Denny

BERNINA #

341-1270

S

J

H

I

U

J

E

F

/

B

Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina

BERNINA 180 Pre-Owned

for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast Now available with Artlink/CPS Software Computer Hookup at no cost.

• LCD Touchscreen • 250 Stitches, 45 CPS Stitches • Maximum stitch width 9/45mm • Maximum stitch length 5mm • 7 alphabets

NO INTEREST NO PAYMENT FOR 6 MONTHS

BERNINA SEWING CENTERS WITH APPROVED CREDIT

3407 S. 84th (Westgate Plaza) 392-0430 • 10144 Maple (Maple Village) 572-1212 Mon & Thur: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

F

X

T

www.DecoratingDen.com

Cantor we have always wanted to have. Through all of our travels, we have never met any pair like them, and we have met some great people. Also, the congregation is like family. It is so nice to go to services whenever we are home and be greeted with open arms.”

Longtime Beth El members Paul and Kelli Sadofsky have also found a home at Beth El for themselves and their daughters, Natasha, 22, Marissa, 20, and Brianna, 15.

Paul, a native Omahan who was raised at Beth El, and Kelli, a Council Bluffs native raised in the Baptist faith, decided before their marriage to raise their children Jewish.

“Paul and I decided to raise the children in the Jewish faith when we became engaged,” said Kelli, who was introduced to Judaism when she met her future husband. “It was not a difficult decision for me. My mother raised me to be open-minded about religion and encouraged all her children to experience other people’s religious practices. I would say that I was brought up to believe that we all worship and believe in the same God, but that there are many different ways that the world practices their faith in God.” She continued: “Judaism, to me, teaches goodness, kindness, good deeds, and helping others. I am pleased with the education and values that Judaism has given our daughters.”

According to Paul, “Beth El was a natural fit for us, as this was the synagogue of my childhood.” He added that “Beth El has become significant because we have shared worshipping at the synagogue, not only with our daughters but also with my mother, Selma Sadofsky. We have celebrated all three of our daughters’ B’not Mitzvah, and my mother and I were in the synagogue’s first adult B’nai Mitzvah class.”

The Sadofsky family’s involvement at Beth El has been vast and varied: Kelli has volunteered her sewing expertise for a religious school class project and for a musical performance, she participated in this year’s Mothers Circle class, for non-Jewish mothers who are raising Jewish children, she is a regular synagogue attendee and, along with her husband, has helped bake for special synagogue occasions; Paul has assisted with maintenance issues at Beth El and has been a regular in several adult-education classes and programs.

Their youngest daughter, Brianna, 15, is currently active in Hebrew High School and the USY group, and plans to attend Camp Ramah (the camping branch of the Conservative Movement) this summer for the third consecutive year. “I would encourage interfaith families to attend Beth El because I believe that the children get a fantastic education,” Kelli remarked, adding that regular service attendance provides familiarity with the liturgy and makes the service more enjoyable.

Continued on page 5

June 29, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Rocket-proof mobile shelters provide protection for Sderot residents

by MICHAEL BERKOWITZ dren play every day with no shelters near(IPS) It’s a perfect, sunny day in May in by. Seven people in Sderot -- including Israel, lovely in every way but for the three children -- were killed as a result of Kassam rocket warnings that come spo- missile attacks, and we fear for the lives of radically, sending the residents of Sderot many more due to the lack of shelters.” on the Gaza border dashing madly for The LifeShield solution allows life to cover. There is no such thing as business go on during wartime, providing quickly as usual here -- once the alarm sounds, available shelter in open spaces. The shelthere are between 15-30 seconds before ters weigh 42 tons and measure 3.8 x 3.4 the rocket hits -- so passers-by head for meters -- small but able to fit 30 adults the nearest building entrance, cower standing upright comfortably and more under cars or give up and stay indoors. in a pinch -- and the 30 cm thick steel The same happened last summer on reinforced concrete walls are built Israel’s northern border, when 43 civil- according to IDF Home Front ians were killed and 4,262 were wounded Command specifications. in less than 30 days as thousands of misFive shelters have already been donated siles rained downed on populated areas. to different locales in Israel with 20 more The 293 rocket attacks on Sderot in May manufactured and ready for immediate of this year left two deployment. Once a dead and hundreds donation is received wounded. and an order placed, it “The Kassam is every takes only a few days much an instrument of for delivery to the terror as an explosive or desired location. The a suicide bomber’s shelters can be also belt,” says Josh Adler, moved from one locaco-founder of Operation to another within tion LifeShield, a nona municipality, as secugovernmental organizarity needs change. tion facilitating the The shelters, notes donation of pre-fabriSafed city council cated, transportable, member Ilan Shochat, rocket-proof shelters, to demonstrate the new Israel’s Home Front. urban warfare paraOperation LifeShield digm perfectly. was founded by Israeli- A truck delivers a mobile shelter to the “During the war we Americans Josh Adler parking lot adjacent to the Kalanit had to conduct a norCredit: IPS mal routine under and Shep Alster after kindergarten in Sderot. the two became aware that municipalities abnormal circumstances. We learned that were suffering a lack of readily available wars can take months at a time and we shelter at schools, play areas, hospitals, have to know how to continue functionshopping districts and bus stops. ing under fire,” he said.

The situation is an unrecognized emerThe principle was taken one step furgency, maintains Adler. “We’re looking at ther this month, with the launching of a a new paradigm of warfare in which bat- new model shelter, the first of its kind. tles are conducted not in the field, but in The LifeShield Bus Stop is designed for any city or town within missile range. deployment along bus and pedestrian Today it’s Sderot, tomorrow it’s Tel Aviv. routes and is also intended to help people More shelters are needed -- and fast.” lead a normal life by being able to go out, The sentiment was echoed by Sderot shop, walk to school or work and comMayor Eli Moyal in May upon the deliv- mute as needed, knowing that shelter is ery of a LifeShield to a local kinder- close at hand. garten. “Just days ago, a rocket struck a Visit Operation LifeShield’s website at: home near the Kalanit school, where chil- www.operationlifeshield.com.

Interfaith families Continued from page 4 “Attending services is meaningful in many ways,” she said. “The first is that the synagogue is a house of God -- I’ve always found great comfort in being in a sanctuary, whether it be at a synagogue or a church. Second, it is important for Paul and me to be a family unit -- especially in the synagogue -- to show our daughters that our family is united in our beliefs. Lastly, the teachings that we receive in the synagogue from the D’vrei Torah are invaluable and quite often apply to something current in our lives.”

The Sadofsky family, 2003: Paul and Kelli, row: Marissa, Brianna and Natasha.

Describing the ambience at Beth El as “a feeling of ‘coming home,’” Ali Lerner said that, “We would encourage anyone

we know to become members of Beth El. We feel that at Beth El, you can be yourself without being judged, engage in as many or few activities as you want, but not feel guilty for doing too much or too little. “Picking Beth El was the easiest and best decision we made,” she continued.

“The people are wonderful and its leaders are gems in this world. The rabbi and cantor have the most amazing ability to reach you, the individual, inside of this fabulous congregation. They have pure joy and love in their hearts and it radiates throughout the entire congregation. We are so lucky to know them and have them in our lives.”

With this recent move to the East Coast, Lerner vowed that, “We will take the love we feel from the community and the CDs that Cantor Gastón has made, with us to New York.

After being a part of such a fabulous community and synagogue, it is tough to find the ‘Beth El’ in other places. We have lived in in front; back Saratoga Springs, NY, Dominica, West Indies, South Glens Falls, NY, Miami, FL, and now New York, and Dorothy was right, ‘There’s no place like home!’”

T HE ROSE B LUMKIN J EWISH H OME

A

S K S

Y

O U

T

O

ANSWER THE CALL Today in the Omaha Jewish community our goal is to build a warm and welcoming place that will offer personal attention and quality care for those who can no longer care for themselves.

The goal is a New Beginning for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

We have already raised $13 million in seed money.

We need to raise $5 million more.

For this, we need the help of the entire Omaha Jewish community.

We need you.

The New Beginning Telethon will run July 2, 5, 10 and 11.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home needs your gift.

Please answer the call.

If you prefer to make your gift before the Telethon, please fill out the coupon and mail it to The Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Your contribution is payable over three years.

We can do it.

We will do it.

Thanks to you.

T HE ROSE B LUMKIN J EWISH H OME N

E E D S

Y

O U

T

O

ANSWER THE CALL THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME BUILDING CAMPAIGN To help us make a New Beginning for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, send your pledge today. Donations will be payable over three years.

I hereby pledge to pay the sum of $___________ _____________________________|___________________|______________________ Name Phone Number Email _____________________________________|_______________|_______|____________ Address City State Zip Code ____________________________________________________|____________________ Signature Date May we publish your name? Yes___| No___| Donations can be made by check or credit card* Please send your check to: Jewish Federation of Omaha | 333 South 132nd Street | Omaha, NE 68154 *Credit card payments can be made online at www.jewishomaha.org or by calling 402/334-6436

Jewish Senior Services TH E RO S E BL U M K I N J E W I S H H O M E

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Location Location 19500 Pacific St. $650,000 Unique home on 5 Acres Visit: 19500pacific.com

Kathy Miller 319-1600 Associate Broker

Local to Global Internet Marketplace

TERRECOM.COM The Do Business Internet

Learn how being part of the Terrecom community can provide your company with unlimited sales and marketing opportunities through www.terrecom.com. See how buyers/purchasing agents can use the system FREE to research and communicate with new suppliers in order to lower purchasing costs.

Contact Ron Kennedy

639-2789 Last week, Sderot residents won their case in the Israeli High Court of Law, resulting in a court order to protect all classrooms in Sderot.

In forthcoming legal actions for Sderot residents, the new “SDEROT LEGAL AID SOCIETY” will demand that the government...

• Repair all shelters.

• Build Protected Rooms for all public housing units.

• Expedite the Tax Authority to repair damages to homes and • businesses.

• Extend help to all victims of these missile attacks.

• Silence all missile launchers, even if fired from Arab population • centers.

Support the new “SDEROT LEGAL AID SOCIETY”, POB 472, Sderot 87014 Israel Further information:Tel. 03-636-4017

SderotMedia@aol.com

Speakers Available

www.SderotMedia.com

Residential Mortgage Services Lowest fixed rates in Omaha guaranteed!

• Home Purchase Financing • Consolidate Debts • 100% Financing, Equity Lines, Bridge • Loans, Construction Loans • We’ll make getting your mortgage • “pointless.”

• Apply for your mortgage and check • rates at: www.residentialmortgages.com Omaha Bellevue Council Bluffs

333-7900 292-7900 322-7900

A mission of hopes and dreams

by LISA LIEB peace surrounded me … I was in Jerusalem on Shabbat Federation Communications Director with my son.

At JFK airport in New York just before departing on One highlight of the trip was a stop at the Bet Elzarki our El Al flight, a group of Omahans gathered for a Children’s Home in Netanya, a home which offers a moment of prayer. “This is not just a trip,” said Rabbi nurturing environment for children whose parents are Aryeh Azriel, the group’s spiritual leader. “This is the unable to raise them. The group spent time with the beginning of a pilgrimage.” And so fourteen families kids, working on art projects, seeing their rooms, learnembarked on an unforgettable journey, a mission filled ing about each other. Omaha supports Bet Elzarki with hopes and dreams. through campaign dollars, and everybody was moved by What brought these forty-six people together on this the words of the home’s director. “We are not alone particular trip? Some mission participants had been to because Omaha is with us. Every child who doesn’t have Israel before while others were first-time visitors, but their parents has you and we want to thank the Omaha each parent shared a single dream. “We want to see Jewish community.”

Israel through the eyes of our children.” As Oliver Throughout the ten days, the group would experience Rockman said, “While I was learning about Israel in reli- the hopes and dreams of the Jewish people, a people gious school, I never thought I’d get a chance to come who would have to fight for their very survival, and fight and see it for myself.” for their dream of a Jewish homeland. We learned about The group started out in some of the stories of the Western Galilee, the children of the Omaha’s Partnership with Holocaust, and were Israel region. Partnership led through Yad staff member Heidi Benish Vashem (the Holocaust joined the group and gave Museum) by Holocaust some background about survivor Eliezer Ayalon. the Partnership program.

In one of the most She explained that poignant moments of Partnership was designed to the trip Ayalon prohelp Jews abroad gain a claimed at the end of stronger connection with his tour, “I survived! I Israel. Some Partnership have children and programs are designed to Kids on the mission included: Ethan Potash, kneeling left, Lauren grandchildren and a strengthen the Western Kirshenbaum, Abbey Schondelmeyer, Sammy Lieb, Jake Baron, great-grandchild. I am a Galilee, while others bring Rachel Sullivan; standing: Aaron Murow, Yaniv Azriel, Cameron living testament to Israel to Omaha. “Eighty Davis, Jacob Lehr, Jonathan Baker, Oliver Rockman, Josh Sullivan, Hitler’s defeat. Am percent of American Jews Olivia Baker, Sydney Robinson, Avery Lehr, Brett Robinson, Brenna Yisrael Chai (the people never get to see Israel,” Robinson, Madison Baron, Alyssa Kirshenbaum, Caroline of Israel live)!

Benish explained. “So we Rockman, Lauren Davis, and Noah Kohll.

On the last day of the bring Israel to you.” Some Partnership highlights mission participants shared their thoughts about their include sending Israeli teens to join the Maccabi games, Israel experience, and the words of the children spoke school twinning programs, and our upcoming perform- volumes about the mission’s success: ing arts series. The group was able to spend time with Caroline Rockman: “I can see why my mom likes Israel some of the kids from Maayanot, the school that twins so much. She always talks about it, and now that I’m here, with Friedel Jewish Academy, and to meet two girls who I get it.”

Avery Lehr: “I had no idea what to expect, and now I are headed to Omaha next month to join the Maccabi games team. “Partnership has been a wonderful pro- can’t wait to come back.”

Sydney Robinson: “Before the trip my friends asked me if gram, and my hope is that it will continue to grow,” I was scared to come. I had a really good time here, and I Benish said.

Arriving in Jerusalem in time to usher in Shabbat, always felt safe.”

After these inspiring thoughts, Rabbi Azriel led us in a everybody headed to the Western Wall. Here each family would follow the tradition of placing notes with prayer for peace in Israel, and a heartfelt rendition of prayers and wishes in the cracks of the wall. In addition Hatikvah. Then we headed back home, charged with to their own messages, they carefully placed the notes becoming ambassadors of Israel…to share what we entrusted to them by the children of the Penne Z. Davis experienced with others, to bring Israel into our lives, Child Development Center. Looking at the countless and to encourage others to visit our homeland. I can’t people united in prayer and the notes stuffed in every think of a more capable group of people to help fulfill nook and cranny of the wall, an overwhelming sense of Israel’s hopes and dreams.

These are our soldiers Continued from page 1 armored vehicles, from behind earthen berms, emerging Our schedule for the 10-day trip was packed -- a rou- straight out of the dust, it seemed -- coming over to coltine of early-morning wake-ups, busy afternoons filled lect their gift bags from the Omaha Jews. with sightseeing, lots of walking and bus rides here and Soon there were 14 or 15 young soldiers crowded there, followed by late nights eating dinner with friends around our bus (which had now half emptied out), smiland family. I often returned to my hotel room shell ing, shaking hands and letting us take pictures with shocked with fatigue. them.

But it was, as they say, “the It was such an amazing moment good kind of tired.”

-- the way it all happened, running It’s all too much to recount in into them in the middle of detail here, so I’ll only convey nowhere, the instant bond that one indelible impression from sprang up between us. the trip that capsulized the Good timing, I marveled aloud whole experience for me. to Rabbi Azriel.

One afternoon, our tour bus “No,” he said, “there are no came upon a group of Israeli solcoincidences.” diers in the hot, dusty Golan Why has the image of these doing some kind of military young soldiers stayed with me? exercise -- maneuvers involving I guess it’s because of the way armored personnel carriers, the encounter tugged at my heart Hummers and trucks. unexpectedly. I felt so proud of We quickly decided that this these rugged — dashing, really — would be the perfect time to young men in their olive unihand out the gift bags, filled with forms, guns slung casually over various goodies, that families on their shoulders. the trip had put together to I resisted the urge to reach out share with soldiers just like these. and hug them, thank them for The trip’s leaders invited a few Kimberly Robinson greets an Israeli soldier. what they were doing — protectof the children on the bus to get out, representing all of ing Israel, for our group on the bus, for all Jews everyus, and share some of the bags with a few of the soldiers where. standing by the road.

These weren’t just any soldiers. They were OUR solThen a funny thing happened. diers.

Soldiers started coming out from everywhere -- out of And I couldn’t stop smiling.

June 29, 2007

On the bus again …

by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director On a trip jam-packed with one adventure after another, one might be surprised to discover just how much learning and fun took place on the bus.

Each morning Rabbi Aryeh Azriel shared some news from an Israeli newspaper. This featured both Israeli and American items (including daily updates about Paris Hilton).

In addition to the news of the day, throughout the trip each family took the time to share something about one of the areas we were scheduled to visit. Often

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel shares the day’s news. these presentations took place on the bus and had a creative twist, such as when Cameron and Lauren Davis donned mustaches to play their roles of Palmach soldiers.

Children’s guide and former Omaha shlicha Uri Levin was the ideal bus companion. His Hebrew words of the day and Israel true-false quiz are below. He also organized games (why did the orange team fall so far behind the blue team on the pass-the-ball relay race), and turned up the volume with some popular Israeli tunes. By the end of the trip, the

group was singing and dancing in the aisles.

Uri’s Words of the Day Sabbaba: Cool; Toda Rabbah: Thank you very much; Bevakasha: Please; Osher: Happiness; Mastik: Gum; Shuk: Market; Kees: Pocket; Ir: City.

True or False 1. Israel was established in 1948.

2. Most Israeli TV is commercial-free.

3. Most people in Israel live in their own 3. houses.

4. Most Israeli schools end at 1 p.m.

5. Going to a movie in Israel costs 5. approximately $2.

6. Tel Aviv is known as the Blue City.

Answers: 1: True 2: True 3: False -90% of Israelis live in apartments 4: True -- The school day is then followed by a variety of extra-curricular activities 5: False -- Going to a movie costs approximately $10 in Israel 6: False -- Tel Aviv is called the White City, because of the large number of white or light-colored buildings.

Did you know?

The words kibbutz and moshav are used quite a bit in Israel and mission participants wanted to know what the difference was between the two. Here’s what we learned. A moshav is a co-op settlement, with the people who live there all sharing in both the expenses and the profits. A kibbutz is also a group of people living together. The philosophy of a kibbutz is for each person to contribute as much as you can to the group, while taking only as much as you need.

Grandparents You can win a Grandparent Membership for a year to the Omaha Children’s Museum!

Learning & Fun Wrapped Up In One.

Answer a question about a story in this week’s paper and win!

Enter by going online at jewishomaha.org and click on the Jewish Press. Email us the correct answer at jpress@jewishomaha.org along with your name, address and phone number. There will be drawing from all the winning answers.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Israel in action!

by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director Anyone who’s been on a mission will recall being on the go from morning till night. But add twenty-three kids to the mix, and the itin-

erary takes on a whole new level of action and fun. Family mission participants were able to see a different side of Israel as they hiked, kayaked, climbed, bounced, splashed, zip lined and rode camels throughout the land.

Clockwise from top left: Jill, Jake, Madison and Bruce Baron ride camels; Sammy Lieb navigates the ropes course at Kfar Blum, where mission participants also had the opportunity to kayak, climb a rock wall, practice archery and ride zip lines; Hiking in Gamla; Noah Kohll, left, Yaniv Azriel, Brett Robinson, Madison Baron, Jake Baron, Abbey Schondelmeyer take a Jeep ride; Olivia Baker is flying high.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Your Look...

Your Lifestyle Hairstyling Manicuring Pedicuring Waxing

A Full Service Salon for Men+Women

Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 392-2039

Feet

Hurt?

MXcgXb ;\c`m\ij :ljkfd\ij%

ENTERTAIN

“Best Mexican Food”

FIRST CLASS for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE 5213 Leavenworth

Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

2301 Lincoln Rd.

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place

4963 So. 155th St.

214 N. 114th St.

8728 Pacific

4028 N. 132nd St.

10910 ‘Q’ St.

2214 N. 90th St.

1810 N. 144th St.

108th & Center

5624 Ames

2541 S. 174th Plz.

14430 W. Center Rd.

WITH

• Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

11226 Wright Circle

5102 N. 156th St. Our Visit room w o h S

4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969

100 Off First Mailer $

FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US?

(1 Block South of 114th & Center)

333-2882

www.martinizing.com/omaha

8Zk`m\ Zfejld\ij i\cp fe k_\ ]Xd`c`Xi Ycl\ MXcgXb \em\cfg\ ]fi mXcl\j k_Xk dXb\ c`]\ \Xj`\i Æ Xe[ dfi\ ]le

Wed Di ding & S splays upp lies

:Xcc MXcgXb Xk +') **'$',.. ]fi [`i\Zk dXib\k`e^ jfclk`fej

Dundeal

✘ Foot Trauma ✘ Congenital ✘ Deformities

SHOE CENTER

SPECIALIZING IN HARD TO FIT SIZES

On the North Side of Pacific at 74th

Page 9

Call

Comfortplus

1010 S.74th Plaza Omaha • 392-2952

EL ALAMO

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

FOR A

The solution to your foot problems is Xtra Depth® shoes, only by P.W. Minor. ✘ Arthritis ✘ Hammertoes ✘ Diabetes ✘ Prolonged Standing ✘ Geriatric Conditions ✘ Narrow/Wide Feet

P.W. Minor Caress

June 29, 2007

6450 O Street Lincoln • 466-7463

Dundee Realty Co.

July

All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.

North Side of O Street

Come in today for a free professional shoe fitting.

Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-4:30 • Phone orders welcome

• Debt Consolidation • Purchase Loans • Interest Rate • Reduction Loans

Brent Rasmussen 402-991-5153 | 800-519-1870 831 N. 98th St. Omaha, NE 68114 brent@mtg-specialists.com

Sandra R.Nogg,Inc. Personal Bookkeeping Service

392-0645 Caring, Confidential, Committed

This spot could have your name on it.

Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.

334-6451

SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Hazak Lunch and Learn, noon at Beth El SUNDAY, JULY 1 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El 20s and 30s Social Event, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 2 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m.

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 at JCC JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 3 WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Mah Jongg Players, 12:30 p.m.

RBJH Medicare Meeting, 1 p.m. at JCC BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 JCC Open 9-5 Family Carnival and Picnic, 10 a.m. at Chabad Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Annual 4th of July Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Hazak Fireworks, 8:45 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JULY 5 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Camp Overnight, 4 p.m. at JCC Children’s Lounge Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Online with Eye on Israel, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 12 Camp Talent Show Rehearsals, 8 a.m.

RBJH Project Construction Meeting, 9 a.m.

Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel JFS Programming Committee Mtg, 10:30 a.m.

Federation Campaign Leadership Meeting, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Visions Baseball Game & “39 Forever,” 6 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Online with Eye on Israel, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 7 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JULY 8 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 9 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m.

Camp Talent Show Rehearsals, 8 a.m.

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at JCC NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

Looking at Ecclesiastes, 7:30 p.m. at Kripke Library

FRIDAY, JULY 13 Camp Talent Show, 2 p.m. at JCC Camp Talent Show Reception & Slide Show, 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 14 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

TUESDAY, JULY 10 Camp Talent Show Rehearsals, 8 a.m.

WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, noon Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

SUNDAY, JULY 15 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Visions Ralston Theater and Dinner, 1 p.m.

Kripke Library “Summer Shorts” Lecture, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 Camp Talent Show Rehearsals, 8 a.m.

“Day of Dance- Sleeping Beauty,” 9 a.m.

“Day of Dance-Art Project,” 9 a.m.

“Day of Dance” Lunch, 11:30 a.m.

Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

• Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests • On-site planning and catering professionals For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 JCC Aquatics Swim Team Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m.

Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, JULY 19 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Camp Overnight, 4 p.m. at JCC NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, JULY 20 Visions Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to Remington Heights, 4 p.m.

nal o i t sa

n e

S

CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you!

12800 West Center Road

330-0200

MONDAY, JULY 23 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m.

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at JCC Looking at Ecclesiastes, 7:30 p.m. at Kripke Library Tisha B’Av: Minchah/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m., followed by Eicha at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JULY 24 Tisha B’Av: Shacharit, 7 a.m., followed by class and Kinnot; Tisha B’Av topics and short films, 10 a.m.-noon; watch the film Conspiracy, noon; The House on Garibaldi Street, 4 p.m. and The Remains of the Day, 7 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 9:30 p.m., followed by a break-the-fast dinner, all at Beth Israel WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad RBJH Board Meeting, 11 a.m.

Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 “Day of Dance- Cinderella,” 9 a.m.

“Day of Dance- Art Project, “ 9 a.m.

“Day of Dance” Lunch, 11:30 a.m.

Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets

Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions

392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C.

12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770

Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121

THURSDAY, JULY 26 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Beth El USY Israeli Water Wars & BBQ, 5 p.m. at the JCC RBJH LOVE Meeting, 7 p.m. at JCC Advanced Parshah Study, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

SUNDAY, JULY 22 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El LOVE Game Day, noon 39 Forever, 8 p.m. at Papillion Community Theatre

210 Regency Parkway

Crowne Plaza® Omaha Old Mill 655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154

TUESDAY, JULY 17 WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Mah Jongg Players, 12:30 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JCC Maccabi Games Parent/Athlete Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

SATURDAY, JULY 21 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

FRIDAY, JULY 27 Beth El - Shabbat comes to the RBJH, 2:30 p.m.

Beth El B-B-Q and Barchu, 5 p.m. at Zorinsky Lake SATURDAY, JULY 28 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JULY 29 JCC “Three on Three Basketball Tournament,” 8 a.m.

The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad House Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazak Installation, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 30 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m.

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at JCC Visions Lauritzen Gardens Tour and Lunch, 10 a.m.

Looking at Ecclesiastes, 7:30 p.m. at Kripke Library Jewish Press meeting, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 WOW Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Senior Card Players, 11:30 a.m.

Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

FOR A LIMITED TIME!

CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS We believe that special occasions deserve special attention.

Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations

MONDAY, JULY 16 JSS Nurse, 8 a.m.

Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m. at JCC JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Jewish Book Club, 11 a.m.

Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

Looking at Ecclesiastes, 7:30 p.m. at Kripke Library

SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT

The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery!

• North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices •

• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist Serving Our Community

For Home Delivery, Call Me Directly

968-4574 • www.phexpress.com

Quality Water ® TM

- Water Softeners

- Whole-House Filtration

- Bottleless Coolers

- Reverse Osmosis

- Chlorine Removal Systems

- Service All Makes and Models

I

P

INTEGRITY

Call Dave at 991-1414 or 440-1074 www.HagueWaterNE.com

Plumbing

Integrity Plumbing is a Family-Oriented, Full Service Plumbing Contractor

Serving the Entire Metro Area Residential • Commercial • Industrial Emergency Service Licensed • Bonded • Insured Service & Repair • Kitchens • Baths • Water Heaters • Remodel Drain Cleaning • Licensed BackFlow Testing & Repair Licensed Journeyman & Master Plumbers Phone: 402.763.9916 www.integrityplumbingomaha.com

Park Your Ad Here

Call Allan Handleman for more information about this opportunity.

334-6451

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK

3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050

Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards

Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S. 9202 West Dodge Road Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68114 402.884.1607 www.thesmiledesignstudio.com

Omaha Chapter of Hadassah board hosts brunch for Upper Midwest Region officers

by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Rosenthal, regarding suggestions for community-wide Earlier this month, the board members of Omaha activities and social events to encourage membership in Chapter of Hadassah hosted a combined brunch and Hadassah, and also to focus on women’s health issues, as meeting at the Security well as Hadassah’s ongoing National Bank Building, promotion of stem-cell research and other goals.

101st and Pacific Streets.

It was announced that a Carol Rosenthal, President of the Upper Midwest bequest was awarded to the Omaha Chapter from the Region, was guest speaker, estate of the late Theonne accompanied by Gail Klein, Klotz.

Regional Vice-President, Board members present at both from Sioux Falls, SD, this meeting were: Georgia and Laurie Rosenwasser, Ann Steinberg, President of Executive Director, from the the Omaha Chapter, Harriet Region Office in Attending a recent Hadassah board meeting were: Maxine Klopper, Charlotte Kaplan, Minneapolis, MN. Following a delicious dairy Noodell, left, Regional Vice President Gail Klein, Omaha Bette Kozlen, Sandy Kohll, brunch, the group was invit- Chapter President Georgia Ann Steinberg, Upper Midwest Maxine Noodell, Esther ed to participate in an infor- Region Executive Director Laurie Rosenwasser, and Region Wax, Faye Ruback, Beth Ginsberg and this writer. mal discussion, led by President Carol Rosenthal.

Lynne M. Popp Educational Therapy, Inc.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Board Certified Educational Therapist, B.C.E.T. 10152

Maxine Noodell and Marvin Parilman will be appearing in an upcoming production of Fiddler on the Roof. Papillion La-Vista Community Theatre’s inaugural production will be performed at the newly dedicated Sumtur Amphitheater at Walnut Creek. This new outdoor facility, located south of Highway 370 on 108 St., has a covered stage, tiered reserved seating as well as a grassy hill for the audience to bring their own lawn chairs.

The show will have six performances July 13-15 and July 20-22. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on performance nights; the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and half-price Senior Sundays at $5. Call 201.6962 to leave a message to reserve tickets.

• Educational Assessments • Workshop Presenter • Dyslexia • Teacher Trainer • Educational Therapy

4405 North 156th Ave. Circle Phone: 402/498-8708 FAX: 445-0433

MEMBER

E-mail: slpopp1@cox.net

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

NORM’S DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS

Register NOW

(Nebraska’s fastest growing car show)

July 20-22, 2007 Norfolk Airport South Hwy 81, Norfolk NE 30 vehicle & 10 motorcycle classes Featuring Special Guest American Hot Rod’s

SALES AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington

Omaha, Nebraska

402/331-8920

BOYD CODDINGTON & Annual NEBRASKA ROCKS Concert Other features: Car Corral, Burnout, Cruise Night & Movie, Bikini Contest & Diamond Dig Plus assorted vendors Call: Robb Thomas at (402) 841-7622 Terry Mather at (402) 649-0138

Register today at: http://www.visitnorfolkne.com

During the Bemis Center’s ArtTalk on Thursday, July 5, 7 p.m., current artists-in-residence Lori Larusso and Cody Vanderkaay and visiting artist Gerd Stern examine the everyday in new and provocative ways.

Stern is a poet and multi-media artist.

He co-founded the arts/technology cooperative USCO, an influential artists’ collective in Garnerville, N.Y., and has served as a consultant for the Rockefeller Foundation arts program, the NEA and NYSCA. Stern has published several books of poems and creates visual collages and kinetic pieces.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 12th and Leavenworth.

BroadStreet Theatre Company will make its home at the Bellevue Little Theatre for the third straight summer, this time with the smart, sophisticated, and sassy all-woman musical A...My Name Is Alice to be staged July 6-22.

Winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, A...My Name Is Alice is a critically acclaimed song and dance revue that celebrates women and explores the many facets of women’s lives. Through a series of vignettes ranging from hilarious and eccentric to serious and insightful, the cast depicts women of all ages and walks of life – friends, rivals, sisters, and even members of an all-woman basketball team.

Conceived by Omaha native Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd, A...My Name Is Alice is the result of contributions by 28 comedy writers, composers, and lyricists. It was originally produced by the Women’s Project at the American Place Theatre in New York.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. at the Bellevue Little Theatre, located at 203 W. Mission Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 402.344.3257 or purchase online at www.BroadStreet Theatre.com.

Surf the Wind, a look into the exciting world of kites will be ending soon at the Strategic Air and Space Museum, located at I-80, Exit 426.The exhibit, which features interactive activities, kites test-drive and a kite design station is only here until July 8. Surf the Wind also includes the history of the kite, unique kite aerial photography and a look into kites of today and the future.

The Platte River Team Triathlon, Freedom Run 10K and Fun Run are now open for registration. The annual event, this year on Sunday, Sept. 30, now includes a Fun Run around Mahoney State Park, so the whole family can participate no matter your athletic ability. Come out and celebrate summer with a day of sport and sun.

For more information please visit the Museum’s website, at: www.strategicairandspace.com and click on events or contact us with any questions at 402.827.3100 ext.

204 or e-mail: triathlon@strategicairandspace.com.

Season Tickets on Sale Now! A Joy in Our Community for 116 Years

Jonathon Biss Jonathan

How About A Little Italian Tonight?

Pasta • Chicken • Veal • Seafood Full Bar • Great Wine List Lunch – M-F • Dinner – 7 Nights Michael Frank, proprietor WEST OMAHA

Old Market

LINCOLN

1818 N. 144 498-3889

1207 Harney 342-4010

808 P Street 435-3889

Piano Tue., October 30, 2007

Eliot Fisk William deRosa Guitar and Cello Tue., November 13, 2007

4 Concerts only $10200 July 15, if purchased before June 30, 2007 Gabriella Montero Nicole Cabell Gabriela Montero Piano Tue., February 26, 2008

All Concerts Begin at 7:30 PM Witherspoon Hall - Joslyn Art Museum - 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE Tuesday Musical • P.O. Box 6132 • Omaha, NE 68106-0132

(402) 551-2234 or (402) 553-0153

tuesdaymusicalomaha.org

Soprano Tue., April 1, 2008

June 29, 2007

IN THE NEWS

ORGANIZATIONS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Fearless Chef

by Andy Husbands & Joe Yonan (Adams, $16.95)

Mayor Mike Fahey has appointed Nancy Rips to a three year term on the Omaha Public Library Board.

She is currently a board member of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Omaha Public Library, and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, of which she is a past president.

Rips is a bookseller at the Bookworm in Countryside Village and has a regular segment on KMTV, Omaha's CBS affiliate, reviewing new books. She can also be heard on KGOR-FM discussing books with Dave Wingert on Wednesday mornings.

Dave Bonicatto of Hague Quality Water received the #1 salesperson award for the Great Plains Region and #8 nationally for the months of February and March. Hague Quality Water International has over 300 dealers and more than 1000 sales people across the country.

Hague Quality Water of NE is owned and operated by Jeff and Kris White, who started the company in May of 2001. Hague provides service and sales of residential and commercial water conditioning equipment; water softeners, reverse osmosis drinking systems and bottleless water coolers for the Southeast Nebraska area. For more information, please contact Hague at 466.6800 (Lincoln) or 991.1414 (Omaha).

Former Omahan, Judy Epstein, was selected for a 20day study tour of China. She joined 16 other educators June 25 from across the nation in the study program which is conducted by the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA) from the University of Colorado, Boulder. During the program the group will visit 5 Chinese cities and study China's transformations on the eve of the Olympics. Epstein will pursue an independent study project to develop curriculum for her classroom in Las Vegas, Nevada.

BIRTH Rabbi Joshua and Dr. Eva Gonsher of Flushing, Queens, NY, announce the June 6 birth of twins, Ella Tehilla and Ephraim Mordechai, named for two of their great-grandfathers.

Grandparents are former Omahans Rini and Rabbi Allan Gonsher of Overland Park, KS, and Dr. Peter and Rosemary Warschawski of Baltimore, MD. Great-grandmothers are Juanita Egherman of Cincinnati, OH, and Dorothy Furman, of Phoenix, AZ.

D e s i g n H o m e s , Inc.

Before you build, see www.designhomes.com about our discounted !Ask Stock & Display Models! !Ask about our new

Sold Factory-Direct In 9 States!

2-Bedroom “Cottage” home for $49,960!

Call For A Free Brochure & DVD!

800-627-9443

designhomes.com

ANNUAL FREMONT CONSIGNMENT AUCTION Saturday, June 30th, 11:00 a.m.

West of Fremont, NE, just off of U.S. Hwy. 30 (Please follow the signs.) z Acreage Tractors:Yanmar compact DSL 4X4 w/loader, Ford 8N, 9N. z Lawn and Garden: JD 318, (2) JD 345, JD F525, JD LX 278, JD GT 245, Ariens tractor with loader and rear tiller, walk behind tiller, MANY MORE TO COME! z Vehicles: 01’ Chevy 4X4 pickup, 92’ Ford DSL utility truck 4X4, 94’ Chevy 1 ton crew cab DSL dually 4X4, 02’ Chevy Cavalier. z Recreational: Yamaha Blaster ATV, 94’ Yamaha Warrior w/ many add ons, Cosair 29’ 5th wheel camper, 03’ Arctic Kat jet ski, Sea Doo jet ski on trailer. z Hand Tools and Shop Equip: Lincoln Arc welder, wood working tools, power tools, socket sets, metal steer and rooler, drill press, grinders, MANY MORE, TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST! z 3 Point Attachments: Rear mounted tiller, Box Blades, (2) rear mounted disks.

CONSIGNMENTS STILL WELCOME TO CONSIGN CALL

C-R MENN AUCTIONS z 402-719-7286

YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC with the musical group called Been There. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. Join us for Bingo with Eileen or Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

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

VISIONS Reminder: Visions Board Meeting is Friday, July 6, 9:30 a.m. in the social hall of the JCC.

“Summer Shorts” features award-winning Jewish film shorts

by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education It’s hot outside. Time for summer shorts and the Center for Jewish Education has got them: one size fits all! We’re talking about film shorts, of course, and you can try them all on Sunday, July 15, 7 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Theatre.

“Summer Shorts” will feature four award winning Jewish film shorts, ranging from seven to 24 minutes in length. These include: West Bank Story (which won this year’s Academy Award for Best Short), The Tribe, 180 Degrees to Jerusalem, and The Art of Farewell. It’s free, open to the public and sponsored by the CJE. Following the screening there will be a panel discussion led by Dr. Guy Matalon and Dr. William Blizek.

Dr. Matalon is director of the CJE and Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Dr. Blizek is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at UNO, and founding editor of The Journal of Religion and Film.

For those who like full length films, be watching for, “Cool Nights, Hot Films” in the late fall at the Sixth Annual Jewish Film festival. For information, please call Gary Katz at the Kripke Federation Library, 334.6462.

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Guess what’s back in style...iceberg lettuce wedges with buttermilk or blue cheese dressing! Husbands, an award winning chef/owner of four Boston restaurants, and Yonan, a writer for the Boston Globe, “bring boldly flavored American cuisine with inventive global influences” recipes...from Achiote Caesar Salad to Za’tar Spiced Pita and Iceberg Wedge with Buttermilk Dressing.

An adventure in “breaking the rules and finding shortcuts that work,” the cookbook includes 11 chapters: Prep Work, First Things First, A Toss-Up, Bowled Over, Made for Each Other, Going Green, Deep Thoughts, Carnivores Galore, On the Rise, Sweet Nothings and With a Twist packed full of fun, perky introductions, headnotes and sidebars.

Think gutsy, intoxicating flavors, spice it up and zing!

More than 250 one-to-a-page recipes. Contains the authors award-winning barbecue team’s recipe for UFO Social Club Coleslaw, Vichyssoise using sweet potatoes, chicken soup influenced by grandparents smearing schmaltz on toast, pan seared chicken livers with sunflower seeds and balsamic vinegar upgrades, and “Going Kosher” exalting the merits of Kosher salt.

Instructions are detailed in numerical sequence and created by these innovative authors for home cooks. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this cookbook goes to Share our Strength.

Mix yourself up a “Best of Boston” winning summertime drink, pull up a yard chair and thumb through this delightful cookbook while you relax and enjoy a summer day.

GRAND MARGARITA 2 ounces Sauza Gold Tequila 1/4 ounce Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur 1/4 cup sour mix Salt for rimming glass (optional) 1 lime slice, for garnish Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, and sour mix; shake vigorously. Pour into a margarita or old-fashioned glass, rimmed with salt if desired and garnished with lime. Makes one drink.

Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for just $20 for weekly issues for the rest of 2007, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

If the Customer is Always #1, Things are Being Done Right. euman

inancial

Uncovering Opportunities®

991-2894 • WWW.NEUMANFINANCIAL.COM Life, Health, Fixed Annuities, Disability, Long Term Care Member of National Ethics Bureau and Better Business Bureau

Children’s Museum Omaha Children’s Museum seeks an energetic, outgoing, not afraid to be creative individual to interact with museum visitors and make their museum experience memorable. Are you this person? Then we want you to apply for our imagination crew. Must still be a kid at heart.

Apply in person at 500 South 20th Street or fax to 402-342-6165.

Helping you save money at the pump.

If E-10 Unleaded isn’t priced less than ordinary gasoline today, ask your retailer why.

Two executive sales opportunities currently available.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Vining State Sales Coordinator 11123 Mockingbird Dr Omaha, NE 68137 402.592.4991 Look for the new ethanol label at the pump.

Or email resume/brief work history to kvining@afl-nebraskastateoffice.com Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac.

American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus (Aflac) MMC06391

8/06

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Giving credence to the “other side” There’s a point to having fair and balanced coverage -- and then there’s plain stupidity to giving thugs and terrorists access to America’s news media. It’s bad enough that cable news and the three network news stations have run repeated clips provided by Hamas (and before that, Fatah) as well as from Hezbollah. (Oh the crying and weeping over dead martyrs by mothers who rejoice at their sons’ deaths.)

Only Anderson Cooper of CNN was honest enough last summer to include a disclaimer of his trip through “Hezbollah-land,” the southern portion of Lebanon and the area controlled by the Iranian-backed terrorists. At least viewers knew that Cooper’s access was being managed and the outcome was obviously biased.

But now, newspapers like the News York Times and the Washington Post are giving editorial space to spokesmen from Hamas!

What’s next -- op-eds from Kim Jong-il or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Will Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez be far behind?

According to HonestReporting.com, a non-profit organization that tracks bias in the media (and makes it very easy for those who log on to its website to then respond to media outlets), “American newspapers would not give Osama bin Laden op-ed space. So why would they give the oxygen of publicity to a Hamas terrorist whose organization is responsible for the murder of U.S. citizens in Israel and whose charter calls for Israel’s destruction and is filled with unadulterated antiSemitism? This is the question being asked following the appearance of op-eds by Ahmed

Yousef, advisor to former Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, on the same day in both the New York Times and Washington Post.”

And of course, these big national papers were not the only ones who, in the name of “fairness”, published these paeans to the virtues of Hamas. The International Herald Tribune, Sacramento Bee and Salt Lake Tribune republished them as well.

Of course freedom of speech is one of the major tenets of American civic life. And whether we like the content or not is irrelevant.

However, it’s one thing for U.S. citizens to be accorded this basic constitutional right; it’s not acceptable however, for the Times and the Post to casually hand this right over to men who have publicly called for Israel’s destruction and violence against America!

This coming Wednesday is the Fourth of July, and America’s 231st anniversary of the birth of democracy in the Western Hemisphere. But when America’s newspapers give editorial license to those bent on a world-wide Islamic revolution, it sets a very bad precedent.

What’s to prevent representatives of NAMBLA, the national man-boy love association, from asking for space? Or proponents of polygamy?

Or neo-Nazis?

It’s one thing to allow groups like

these (repugnant as they are) to march in our streets or pay for ads in our press. It’s quite another to give them free editorial space.

That’s a slap in the face to the veterans of U.S. wars since the American Revolution who died protecting our freedoms. And we’re fools when we give credence to those who would destroy us.

Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

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

The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Two Palestines, anyone?

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DANIEL PIPES The Hamas victory over Fatah in Gaza on June 14 has great importance for Palestinians, for the Islamist movement, and for the United States. It has rather less significance for Israel.

Tensions between Fatah and Hamas are likely to endure and with them, the split between the West Bank and Gaza. The emergence of two rival entities, “Hamastan” and “Fatahland,” culminates a long-submerged conflict; noting the two regions’ fissiparous tendencies in 2001, Jonathan Schanzer predicted it “would not be all that surprising” were the Palestinian Authority (PA) to divide geographically. Subsequent events did indeed pull them apart: • The anarchy that began in early 2004 spewed forth Palestinian clan chieftains and criminal warlords.

• Yasir Arafat’s death in November 2004 removed the transcendentally evil figure who alone could bridge the two regions.

• Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in mid2005 deprived Gaza of its one stabilizing element.

• Hamas’s victory in the PA elections of January 2006 provided a strong base from which to challenge Fatah.

Assuming Fatah remains in charge on the West Bank (where it is arresting 1,500 Hamas operatives), two rival factions have replaced the single Palestinian Authority. Given the expedient nature of Palestinian nationalism and its recent origins (it dates specifically to 1920), this bifurcation has potentially great import. As I have noted, Palestinianism being so superficial, it could “come to an end, perhaps as quickly as it got started.” Alternate affiliations include pan-Islam, pan-Arab

nationalism, Egypt, Jordan, or their own tribes and clans.

Internationally, Fatah and Hamas engaging in war crimes against each other punctures a supreme myth of modern politics -- Palestinian victimization. Further, as two “Palestines” squabble over control of, say, the United Nations seat granted in 1974 to the Palestine Liberation Organization, they damage a second myth -- of a Palestinian state.

“The Palestinians have come close to putting, by themselves, the last nail in the coffin of the Palestinian cause,” the foreign minister Saudi Arabia Saud al-Faisal observes. A Palestinian journalist notes sarcastically, “The two-state solution has finally worked.”

The “moderate” terrorists of Fatah and the bad terrorists of Hamas equally inculcate children with a barbaric creed of “martyrdom.” Both agree on eliminating the Jewish state. Neither shows a map with Israel present, or even Tel Aviv.

In contrast, the Islamist movement gains.

Establishing a bulwark in the Gaza Strip gives it a beachhead at the heart of the Middle East from which to infiltrate Egypt, Israel, and the West Bank. The Hamas triumph also offers a psychological boost for Islamists globally. By the same token, it represents a signal Western defeat in the “war on terror,” brutally exposing Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s shortsighted, feckless unilateral-withdrawal policy from Gaza as well as the Bush administration’s heedless rush to elections.

As for Israel, it faces the same existential threat as before. It gains from Hamas’s near isolation from the West, from the fractured Palestinian movement, and from its having a single address in Gaza. Also, it benefits from having an enemy, Hamas, overt in its intention to eliminate the Jewish state, rather than dis-

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

simulating, like Fatah. (Fatah talks to Jerusalem while killing Israelis, Hamas kills Israelis without negotiations; Fatah is not moderate, but crafty; Hamas is quite purely ideological.) But Israel loses when the fervor, discipline, and stern consistency of totalitarian Islam replace Fatah’s incoherent, Arafatian mish-mash.

The Fatah-Hamas differences concern personnel, approaches, and tactics. They share allies and goals. Tehran arms both Hamas and Fatah. The “moderate” terrorists of Fatah and the bad terrorists of Hamas equally inculcate children with a barbaric creed of “martyrdom.” Both agree on eliminating the Jewish state. Neither shows a map with Israel present, or even Tel Aviv.

Fatah’s willingness to play a fraudulent diplomatic game has lured woolly-minded and gullible Westerners, including Israelis, to invest in it. The most recent folly was Washington’s decision to listen to its security coordinator in the region, Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, and send Fatah $59 million in military aid to fight Hamas -- a policy that proved even more bone-headed when Hamas promptly seized those shipments for its own use.

One of these days, maybe, the idiot-savant “peace processors” will note the trail of disasters their handiwork has achieved. Instead of mulishly working to return Fatah and Jerusalem to the bargaining table, they might try focusing on gaining a change of heart among the roughly 80 percent of Palestinians, those still seeking to undo the outcome of the 1948-49 war by defeating Zionism and constructing a 22nd Arab state atop Israel’s carcass.

Ehud Barak, Israel’s new defense minister, reportedly plans to attack Hamas within weeks; but if Jerusalem continues to buoy a corrupt and irredentist Fatah (which Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has just called his “partner”), it only increases the possibility that Hamastan eventually will incorporate the West Bank.

Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum; read more at: www.DanielPipes.org.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org..

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written.

Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing.

All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request.

No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $40 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

Award Winner 2006

Nebraska Press Association

National Newspaper Association

June 29, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

A Pyrrhic victory for Hamas? Perhaps, if Israel plays its cards right

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by GIDI GRINSTEIN TEL AVIV (JTA) -- The Hamas coup in Gaza last week may seem like a victory for Iran and its followers, who now have a foothold on Israel’s doorstep. But if Israel plays its cards wisely, it may turn things around.

Since the 1979 Israel-Egypt Camp David Accords, Israel has been on a quest to end its responsibility over the Palestinian population. This quest is rooted in the need to preserve the delicate balance among four of Zionism’s basic values and visions: individual and collective security for Jews; humanism, liberalism and democracy; the Jewishness of the State of Israel and the Jewish majority in it; and the desire for sovereignty in the areas where Hebrew civilization was conceived.

The Six-Day War destabilized Zionism as Israel assumed responsibility for millions of Palestinians.

Indeed, the Israeli-Palestinian political process may be framed as a painful journey to restore Zionist equilibrium through territorial compromise.

Many strategies to do so have been tested since 1979.

They include the “Jordanian Option,� “Interim Agreements,� “Permanent-Status Agreement,� “SelfGoverning Palestinian Authority� and “Unilateral Disengagement.� Every prime minister since Yitzhak Shamir has taken a significant step in this direction: Shamir’s Madrid Summit of 1991, Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres’ Oslo Accords of 1993-95, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Wye River Memorandum of 1998, Ehud Barak’s Camp David 2000 and Ariel Sharon’s Gaza Disengagement of 2005.

Against this backdrop, the current Israeli government intended to bring this process to a close by “converging� from the West Bank. However, these plans were aborted due to the election of Hamas in January 2006, the Second Lebanon War last summer and the constant firing of Kassam rockets from Gaza to Israel.

Hence, it has been nearly 18 months that Israel has been at a political impasse facing a double-headed Palestinian entity. Hamas controlled the Palestinian Legislative Council and therefore the government of the Palestinian Authority. Fatah’s Mahmoud Abbas was its chairman. The Palestinian ideological and political stalemate was compounded by a constitutional and structural deadlock. No one could move.

Israel has not been able to come up with an adequate response. We were not able to fight Hamas properly because of Fatah, nor were we able to engage Fatah politically because of Hamas. We have been at a standstill with no agenda to serve our own existential interests.

Last week we were suddenly unstuck. Whereas our military dilemma has not changed, we now face a Hamas-controlled Gaza and a Fatah-dominated -- or so we hope -- West Bank.

On the military side, the dilemma surrounding an Israeli ground operation in Gaza has not changed. The military logic is to stop Kassams and prevent Hamas’ military buildup by seizing territory and engaging its armed forces. But Israel’s national security logic is to never again assume responsibility for the 1.3 million Palestinians in Gaza.

... our policy should be to empower Abbas and the new Palestinian government, to transfer to them attributes of statehood and to stabilize their economy. We now have the opportunity to engage them in a political process with the purpose of establishing a Palestinian state in provisional borders or to agree on terms of reference for a permanent status.

This is a clash of logics that has no resolution. So far the latter national security logic has been “winning� and Israel has been avoiding a large-scale military operation.

At the moment, Hamas’ victory doesn’t change that fundamental equation.

But what should be the new political logic? The answer is rooted in our fundamental interest in ending our control over the Palestinians. However, in the new reality, Gaza and the West Bank merit separate approaches.

While the Hamas victory is a potential setback for this goal, in certain respects, if forced to face the Islamic fundamentalist group, Israel now has it where it wants it.

First, Hamas for the first time assumes full control and responsibility over the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Finally it is fully exposed to the tensions between its ideology and the needs of the population, with no Fatah to blame for its failures, although Israel is always there to serve as a scapegoat.

Second, being associated with the Egyptian opposition movement of Islamic Brotherhood and under sponsorship of Iran, Hamas is now more clearly an adversary of Egypt and not just of Israel. Hence, incentives for Egypt

to act decisively against the smuggling of weapons have dramatically increased.

Third, the slow process of international recognition of Hamas now will be frozen.

Finally, Israel now has solid political and legal ground to further disassociate itself from Gaza. The new Gaza situation calls for further decisive actions such as cutting off any formal or practical ties except for acute humanitarian needs. This should include the dismantling of the shared customs role and a freeze on the trafficing of goods to and from Israel.

At the same time, we can now re-engage Fatah in the West Bank. The new Palestinian government headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is the most moderate for which one could ask. Alleviating the economic and political boycott and fostering negotiations may open the way for Israel to end our responsibility over the Palestinian population in the West Bank as well.

Concerns that the West Bank may become a platform for military activity against Israel are valid. No one and nothing can guarantee that this will not happen. But there are a few noteworthy differences from Gaza.

For one, Jordan has consistently been more aggressive than Egypt in fighting Islamic terrorism in all its forms.

Also, Fatah is stronger in the West Bank. Finally, the West Bank is simply different in its demographic, economic and social makeup.

Therefore, our policy should be to empower Abbas and the new Palestinian government, to transfer to them attributes of statehood and to stabilize their economy.

We now have the opportunity to engage them in a political process with the purpose of establishing a Palestinian state in provisional borders or to agree on terms of reference for a permanent status.

In this context, one should keep in mind that the infrastructure for separation between Israel and the West Bank Palestinians, i.e. the security fence, is inching its way to completion. At that point, more than 95 percent of the settlers will live west of the fence and a similar percentage of Palestinians will live on its eastern side. This is a piece of real estate that constitutes transformative politics.

Israel’s challenges have not been made easier by last week’s developments in Gaza. But its flexibility to serve its interests has increased dramatically. The Hamas victory can be turned into a Pyrrhic one.

Gidi Grinstein is founder and president of the Re’ut Institute, a Tel Aviv-based think tank.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Thirty-two senators have signed a letter calling upon Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge Egypt to take action against weapons smuggling across its border with Gaza and to insist that Hamas stop firing rockets into Israel. Authored by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Norm Coleman (R-MN), the letter comes as Hamas took control of Gaza, the base for Palestinian rocket fire on towns and communities in southern Israel. “With the escalation of violence and the increasingly untenable arms buildup in Gaza, this is a critical moment for all of our allies to curb the proliferation of weapons and the launching of rockets in the region," the letter reads. “The consequences of inaction can only result in greater death and destruction.�

Josh Block Communications Director American Israel Public Affairs Committee To the Editor: Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, today expressed profound disappointment at Presidents Bush’s decision to veto legislation that would have advanced stem-cell research.

This is the second time President Bush has vetoed this legislation, despite strong bi-partisan majority support in both houses of Congress.

“We are deeply discouraged by the presidential veto today of this critical legislation. The millions of Americans with chronic, intractable diseases deserve a more activist approach from our government in pursuit of potential cures,� said Hadassah’s National President June Walker. “It is immoral to place limits on potentially life-saving scientific research in order to safeguard ‘potential life.’ However, we are greatly encouraged by recent published research that indicates that skin cells in laboratory mice can be engineered to behave as stem cells, vastly widening the possibilities of seeking cures and relief for disease.�

Hadassah, with 300,000 members in the U.S., is a powerful grassroots voice for Israel, health, and women’s issues, and is the founder and supporter of the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Scientists at its Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy were among the first in the world to derive embryonic stem cell lines.

Roberta Elliott Hadassah Communications Director To the Editor: Conference of Presidents’ leaders condemned the British public service workers’ union, UNISON, for passing a resolution that calls for “an economic, cultural, academic and sporting boycott� of Israel. The reso5HFHLYH D

6FKRODUVKLS

6SULQJ (QUROOPHQW %RQXV WKUX -XQH WK ‡ &ODVVHV 6WDUW (YHU\ 0RQWK ‡ )LQDQFLDO $LG IRU WKRVH :KR 4XDOLI\ ‡ ,QGLYLGXDO ,QVWUXFWLRQ &DOO IRU 6FKRODUVKLS ,QIR )5(( %URFKXUH

/LQFROQ &RVPHWRORJ\ %DUEHULQJ &RVPHWRORJ\ +DVWLQJV‡*UDQG ,VODQG‡.HDUQH\‡1RUWK 3ODWWH‡1RUIRON‡%HDWULFH 2PDKD %DUEHULQJ

lution also called for an end to the financial boycott of the terrorist group Hamas and for millions of Palestinian refugees to settle inside Israel, effectively ending the Jewish character of the State of Israel. They denounced the move, which is, in essence, a declaration of economic war against the one true democracy in the region.

This obscene and shameful resolution can only be understood as an expression of anti-Semitism. There can be no other rationale to explain why the Jewish State is the only country singled out for a total boycott. All of the major violators of human rights, totalitarian and oppressive regimes escape scrutiny and sanction.

UNISON also called for unconditional financial support to Hamas, which continues to terrorize Israeli civilians, as well as Palestinians, and calls for Israel’s destruction. Hamas is an integral part of the global terror network, financed and supported by Iran. UNISON also supports the demographic destruction of the Jewish State by calling for all Palestinian refugees to settle in Israel rather than in a Palestinian state, a position rejected by the United States, most European countries, and even Arab leaders and intellectuals.

June Walker, Chairperson Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, June 29, 8:44 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

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

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

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

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

by Beth El; D’var Torah by Andrew Greenberg; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:55 p.m.

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

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

SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.

LUNCH ’N LEARN: Saturday, June 30, following Shabbat services; the community is welcome. “The Righteous Gentiles of Italy and Other Holocaust Messages” features Ben Nachman, Michelle Simon, and Dr. Diana Brown of Dana College. Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5.50 for children 6-12; and free for children five and younger. For information, call Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

HAZAK FOURTH OF JULY: Bring your lawn chair and join Hazak members in the Beth El parking lot on the 4th of July, 8:45 p.m., to watch the spectacular Boys and Girls Town fireworks display. Cold drinks will be provided during the evening. There is no charge, but please RSVP to Natalie Rubin at 334.5893 so we have enough beverages for everyone. Questions, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Jordana Kurtzman in honor of Isaac’s sixth birthday and by Beth Israel in honor of Ari Dembitzer and the release of our new CD featuring the music of the High Holiday services; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Suedat Shlishit is sponsored by Rabbi Jonathan Gross to send off a group of boys attending NCSY’s Camp Nageelah; Enjoy a musical Havdalah, 9:53 p.m., with Ari Dembitzer.

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

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

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Synagogue office is closed.

4th of July Dinner (by reservation), 7 p.m.

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

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

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

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

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

M O N D AY - T H U R S D AY : Camp Gan Israel Day Camp, Kiddie Camp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Camp Gan Israel Day Camp, Older Division, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Camp Gan Israel, Pioneers, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m.

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

Portion Class, 7 p.m.

Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m.; A Peek Through the Lens of Kabbalah, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

For information or to register call the office or visit the website.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following provided by Dottie Shapiro.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Richard E. Pocras Memorial Park Grand ReOpening, 3 p.m., at the newly renovated Pocras Park, located at Bradfield Drive and Sewell St. Dick Pocras, a past president of South street Temple, died in 1984, and his wife Barbara established the park in his memory.

WEDNESDAY: Temple Office Closed for 4th of July.

THURSDAY: Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m.

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

For more information, call the synagogue office.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: David Swenson.

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

Sorry, no facilities for infants.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY, Minyan, 9 a.m. Please contact the office if you want to make arrangements for a Minyan at another time.

FRIDAY: Light Nosh, 6:15 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. with Bat Mitzvah of Courtney Brockman followed by Shabbat lunch; Talmud class is on break for the summer.

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

TREE OF LIFE CENTER OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Tami Field will lead the service.

D’var Torah: Ellen Platt, “Adventures in Identity.”

Services conducted by Rabbi Michael Weisser.

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

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

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

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

GOP writes AIPAC to explain abortion-related ‘no’ vote on Israel aid

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON, D.C. (JTA) -Congressional Republican leaders are reaching out to the pro-Israel lobby after anti-abortion politics led GOP lawmakers to oppose a bill that included $2.4 billion for the Jewish state.

The money for Israel was approved last Thursday night by the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives in a 241-178 vote. It was part of a $34.2 billion foreign operations bill.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobbied hard for the $2.4 billion in defense assistance for Israel, as well as another $40 million in refugee assistance that was included in the measure. Most Republicans in the House voted against the overall bill because it restored some funding for contraception aid to overseas groups that provide abortions -- a Republican

red line for more than two decades.

President Bush has sworn to veto the bill if it reaches his desk with funding for abortion providers.

The House vote and the potential presidential veto of a bill containing Israel aid come after years of efforts

by Republicans to present themselves as Jerusalem's most reliable allies in Washington.

In a memo urging a “no” vote on the foreign aid bill, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) went of his way to assure fellow Republican lawmakers that the GOP leadership was taking steps to reach out to AIPAC. “Members are advised that the Leadership has drafted a letter to AIPAC affirming Republican support for Israel funding, not withstanding final passage of this bill,” Boehner wrote in a P.S. attached to the memo, which was sent to House Republicans. “This letter

will be available for Members to sign at the Leadership Desk on the floor tonight. A copy of that letter is attached.”

In addition to Boehner’s comments, Republicans attached mostly symbolic pro-Israel amendments to the bill. One by Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana that reaffirmed an existing policy banning assistance to groups

that reject Israel’s existence passed 390-30.

Another amendment that passed, moved by Rep. Ileana RosLehtinen (R-Fla.), cuts funding to the U.N. Human Rights Council and to Saudi Arabia. The United States does not participate in the council, and aid to Saudi Arabia has never surpassed $100,000.

HOLIDAY CLOSING The Jewish Press will be closed for Independence Day this Wednesday, July 4. Photos used in the March 30 Passover issue and earlier special issues must be picked up at the Press office by June 30; any remaining photos will be turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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

June 29, 2007

The Bible’s talking ass

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Balak The mere mention of our Sidra brings to mind the famous story included in it, and the words of the anonymous quipster, who said, “It is no more strange that an ass should talk like a man than a man like you should talk like an ass.”

According to the Sidra, Balak, king of Moab, was fearful that the approaching Israelite assembly on the way to the Promised Land, would consume all of the produce of the fields and the fruits of the trees as their only source of food. He therefore hires a world famous soothsayer, Balaam, to come and curse Israel.

Balaam defends himself, saying that he must say only what the Lord puts into his mouth. But what he says has become part of a standard opening of our Shaharit (morning) daily service: “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places O Israel!”

We are no longer able to grasp the significance and power of the words of soothsayers and utterers of blessings and curses that our ancient ancestors took seriously. But Balak was not fooling when he hired Balaam to

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Be a role model; the person you want your kid to be.

curse Israel and Balaam came willingly, assuming that the king would reward him handsomely. It was not his fault, he said, that the Lord put only blessings in his mouth, not curses.

The incident of the talking ass is amusing, since the put-upon animal bruised Balaam’s foot by brushing him repeatedly against the sides of the narrow path that they had taken. The ass responds to Balaam’s beating by saying something like, “You cannot kill me even with your sword and hope to discombobulate the Israelites with words only!” The ass, a female no less, proved that she was smarter than Balaam and told him where to get off (not physically).

The whole story is one of the amusing incidents as told in our Humash. Our Sidra makes for more than simply pleasant reading.

The Sidra implies that Israel’s history is not the history of a usual people. The discomfited Balak, king of Moab, is left to consider what he may do as the Israelites approach his territory, before they turned away to cross the Jordan at another point.

Israel’s history is thus guided by the Lord, who brought Israel to the bank of the Jordan River before the fateful crossing, into the Land where our ancient ancestors produced the Bible, considered holy scripture

by Jews and Christians and others the world over for many, many centuries, and into the limitless future.

What stronger anti-drug message is there?

For more information call: 1-800-648-4444 http://www.prevlink.org

Pet/House Sitter Responsible and mature healthcare professional will pet/house sit to take care of your needs. Reasonable rates with 20 years of experience.

References available on request.

Contact Linda at 639-1149.

Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

AD vertise in over 170 Nebraska Newspapers for only $195...

It's easy with the...

N

EBRASKA CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISING NETWORK

Contact your local newspaper or

1439 So. 13th

341-2452

800-369-2850 www.nebpress.com

Statewide Classified CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $195/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

DEATH

BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

BERNICE MORRIS CROUNSE Former Omahan Bernice Crounse died June 19 in Palm Springs, CA, at the age of 85. Services were held June 25 at Beth Israel Synagogue, with burial at Beth Israel Cemetery.

Born in Scranton, PA, she moved to Omaha in 1942 where she worked at the Jewish Community Center resettling survivors of the Holocaust. She served twice as President of Beth Israel’s Sisterhood and was active in local Democratic Party politics.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years,

Paul Crounse.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Patsy Crounse of Alexandria, VA, and Bill Crounse and Karen Kreider of Pasadena, CA; daughter and sonin-law, Joni Crounse and Richard Moline of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Sara Crounse of Pasadena, Noah Moline of Chicago; and sister, Marcia Morris Blacker of Lexington, KY. Memorials to the Virginia Frank Child Development Center, 3033 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL 60645 or a charity of choice.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

NEBRASKA’S JUNK Jaunt(c) - 250+ mile garage sale. Shopper guides $5 (400 vendors in 35 towns listed). Outside vendors welcome. September 28-30, 2007.

308-346-4815, 308-728-3393, www.junkjaunt.com.

MISSOURI LAKE lots from only $26,900! Ready to build, paved roads. Pool/clubhouse, direct lake access. Price includes a PWC slip. Call today! 1-866-696-5263 x2673.

CONTRACTORS! DON’T pay retail for hardwood flooring. Call for confidential price and color brochure. Minneapolis, MN, 1-800-800-2053.

STEEL BUILDINGS: custom pricing. What size do you want? Limited offer. www.scggrp.com, 888-898-3091, source # C008.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet new & used: new 2 door cooler, true, glass door$2,236, S/S door- $2,390; new bottle slide top cooler- $1,325; used ice cream display/dipping cabinet- $1,050; used 60 qt mixers- $4,000. 1-800-526-7105.

Aid continues to pour into Gaza

ATTEND COLLEGE Online from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Financial aid and computer provided if qualified. Call 866-858-2121, www.OnlineTidewaterTech.com.

HOT TUB buyers. $1,000 off internet sale prices in July. 12 styles $995-$4,995. For $1,000 rebate certificate, call 1-800-869-0406, Spas - 2645 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE. goodlifespa.com.

ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route.

Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356.

AVAILABLE BUSINESSES #1 sign franchise and #1 embroidery franchise have new and existing locations available. Also home-based outdoor ad agency franchise-new opportunity. Excellent training & ongoing support. 1-888-810-3173, www.unitedfranchisegroup.com.

Despite continuing skirmishes with armed terrorists in the Gaza Strip, as well as the firing of Kassam rockets, Israel continues to ensure that basic necessities, medicine, and medical equipment were transferred from Israel into the Gaza Strip. Meat, milk, flour and cooking oil have been unloaded from Israeli trucks and transferred at the Erez

and Kerem Shalom crossings on to Palestinian vehicles from Gaza. Palestinians in need of urgent medical attention have been allowed to cross the border to attend Israeli hospitals. The transfer is also continuing of foreign citizens who reside in Gaza and wish to travel on to Egypt or Jordan.

Credit ISRANET

Yes, for only $25 your ad runs until SOLD!!!

www.midwestclassiccars.com Daws Inc. needs OTR Drivers for newer Peterbilt 379·s & up-to-date flatbed equip. Paid by miles, great benefits package. Need current CDL-A, 2 yr. experience, clean MVR, drug/alcohol testing req·d.

O/O Welcome.

Contact Ann 800-372-4801

M-F 8am – 4pm E.O.E.

SALES REPS: tired of cold calling? Qualified appointments daily, $50-80K first year! $2,000 sign-on bonus, $50 per presentation guarantee, statewide opportunity. 1-800471-5136.

A COOL travel job!! Now hiring 18-24 guys/gals to work and travel entire USA. Paid training. Transportation and lodging furnished. Call today, start today. 1-877-646-5050.

FREE YOUR MIND. FREE YOUR BODY. FREE YOUR WALLET. Let’s talk fun. Let’s talk getting away. Let’s talk Colorado.

Enter today for your chance to win 1 of 5 amazing vacations at COLORADO.COM.

Your connection to classic car buyers throughout the Midwest.

DRIVERS NEEDED

HEALTH INSURANCE agents & managers. National organization expanding in Nebraska. We furnish high quality leads, weekly advances, bonuses, vesting, trips.

Excellent income opportunity. 402-672-5672 or 800-498-7646, www.byoib.com.

PART-TIME, HOME-BASED Internet business. Earn $500-$1,000/month or more.

Flexible hours. Training provided. No investment required. Free details. www.K348.com.

Buy or Sell a Classic Car at midwestclassiccars.com Just call this newspaper today to place your classic car, truck or motorcycle for sale ad and photo on the midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25. Or go to the site to find your dream car. It·s your connection to classic vehicles for sale throughout the Midwest.

AIRLINES ARE hiring. Train for high paying aviation maintenance career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-349-5387.

CAREER TRAINING Check out the nation’s largest residential education and career technical training program, right here in Nebraska!

• Earn a high school diploma or GED • Choose from 10 different career areas • Hands-on training in your chosen field • Job search assistance • Housing and medical benefits Job Corps is open to income-eligible young adults ages 16 through 24 who are U.S. citizens or legal residents.

To enroll or learn more, call today.

(800) 733-JOBS http://jcnebraska.jobcorps.gov

EXPERIENCED FOREMAN for earthmoving company needed immediately.

Responsibilities include managing job sites, employees, etc. Room for advancement.

Excellent wage/benefits, pickup provided. Call 800-421-4698, EOE. GET CRANE trained! National certification prep. Placement assistance. Financial assistance. $12-$30/hour starting pay. Oklahoma College of Construction. www.Heavy9.com, use code “NECNH” or call 1-888-798-0685.

WANTED: FARMHAND, fulltime, row crop, feedlot. Benefits, possible housing.

References preferred. West of Ord, NE. Call Keith at 308-728-7920 and leave message.

LINEMAN OR a lineman apprentice. Preferred qualifications: Associate degree from accredited line school, four years distribution line experience, or any combination.

Contact City of Gothenburg office, 308-537-3668, or bclymer@cityofgothenburg.org.

EOE. LICENSED AND experienced plumbers and HVAC installers and technicians needed for established plumbing and heating business. Fax resumes to 308-632-7280 or call 866-377-3545.

DRIVERS: WE are looking for you! Excellent compensation package. Terminals in Grand Island, NE and Rensselaer, IN. Class A-CDL/1 year OTR experience required.

GICC 877-367-4422, www.gicc.chiefind.com.

ACT NOW! Sign on bonus, 36 to 45 cpm/$1,000 + weekly, $0 lease/$1.20pm, CDLA + 3 months OTR, 800-635-8669.

DRIVERS NEEDED: expanding our fleet. G.F. Lacaeyse, midwest/west coast operation. 800-645-3748.

OTR FLATBED drivers wanted. Good miles, good home time, nice equipment, $.40/mile. Also need OTR drivers to haul cattle. 507-240-1080.

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 29, 2007

Beth Israel releases new CD

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue “In Your Mouth and in Your Heart.” These words, found on the artwork in Beth Israel Synagogue’s sanctuary, make an appropriate title for Beth Israel’s new musical CD. The CD includes ten tracks featuring Beth Israel’s renowned chazzan, Ari Dembitzer, singing the music of the High Holiday service. Accompanying Dembitzer are a number of Beth Israel congregants who sang with him.

According to Rabbi Jonathan Gross, “Every year during the high holidays, we are blessed to have Ari Dembitzer join us at Beth Israel as our chazzan. He is extremely talented and everyone is so moved by his singing.

He blends the traditional melodies with contemporary ones, and combined with his amazing energy and enthusiasm, he touches the hearts of our entire community.”

Since they first began working together, Gross and Dembitzer dreamed of a way to package the power and inspiration of the Beth Israel Rosh Hashanah experience. “We wanted the community to have access to this inspirational davening, year round, and make their prayer experience even more meaningful,” explained Gross. “That’s what led to the CD.” With Gross and Dembitzer at the helm of the CD project, a number of individuals became involved in seeing the idea of a CD become a reality. Dembitzer, who resides in New York, flew to Omaha several times in order to complete the recording. Also featured are a number of musicians from the community, including Donald Gerber, Joshua Follick, Rabbi Seth Nadel, Duke Riggs, “Chicago” Joe Roth, Jeffrey Taxman, Dik Weiner and a Children’s Choir. Members of the Children’s Choir include Sam Kricsfeld, Rachel Kricsfeld, Shalom Yisrael Nadel, Max Polack, Joshua Polack and Rebecca Novak. Rabbi Nadel, as producer of the CD, was integral in creating such a high quality recording.

“The songs are all from the liturgy of the High

Holiday service,” said Gross. “The CD starts with the introduction to the Mussaf service on Rosh Hashanah, and ends with the last track, track ten - the very end of Yom Kippur at the conclusion of the Ne’ilah service, when we all sing ‘Next Year, in Jerusalem.’ The second, third and fourth tracks are Ari’s heartfelt petition to God on behalf of the congregation, that literally moves you to tears. There’s such a broad range of emotions on the CD, with the heartfelt, slow songs and others that move you to dance - such as the crowd favorite, “Ein Kitzvah,” that gets people dancing in the aisles.”

Dembitzer is also enthusiastic about “In Your Mouth and In Your Heart.” “We’re very excited about the album, which will hopefully infuse the listeners with some of the amazing energy felt at Beth Israel during the High Holidays. We hope that the spiritual energy felt during the High Holidays permeates our entire year with energy. The CD is a taste of that, and one can feel it in the comfort of their living room or their car.”

On Saturday, June 30, the community will have the opportunity to meet Dembitzer. He will lead a musical Havdalah, and there will be time afterwards to visit with friends and listen to music from the CD. Minchah, followed by Suedat Shlishit, is at 8:30 p.m. on June 30.

Havdalah is at 9:53 p.m.

Gross acknowledged that producing a CD is a rather expensive undertaking. “We couldn’t do this project if it weren’t for the generosity of those who are donating to the CD project,” emphasized Gross. “I can’t express in words how grateful I am, that we all are, to those who understand what we’re trying to accomplish by making the CD available to the community.”

Gross noted, “We are sending the CD to everyone in the Beth Israel family. I want them to listen to the CD and enjoy and pray and learn the songs. I really want people to know the songs so they can get even more out of the High Holiday services. This year’s Rosh Hashanah will be an absolutely amazing experience, with all of us being able to join in with Ari when he sings. We will all open our mouths and penetrate our hearts as we daven together.”

CD’s are available for sale in the Beth Israel Synagogue office for a cost of $18 per CD. For more information, call the office at 556.6288

Opportunity Omaha back for summer reruns

by DENA RENNARD Federation Intern This summer, the Jewish Federation is once again sponsoring the college student program “Opportunity Omaha, It’s More Than Just a Job.” The program works to help find college students internship opportunities for the summer (application is during spring semester) as well as network opportunities throughout the Omaha business and Jewish community. Weekly program events are open to all Jewish college students in the area. Events rangefrom Israel advocacy to business etiquette to career development.

The program started with an opening dinner where Janie Murow, Federation Community Development Director, introduced the program and explained what events and opportunities we can expect this summer.

The next event featured Rabbi Jonathan Gross who talked about Israel advocacy. The group discussed challenging questions, such as “Why is there a need for a state of Israel?” and also looked at propaganda and the validity of such advertisements.

Rabbi Gross encouraged the group to take a stand in university settings and to learn about the conflicts in Israel. By obtaining more information, Jewish college students can advocate for the Jewish State and be sure that other students have accurate information. The program left students with thoughts and questions about how to best support Israel. A follow-up program featured Jan Goldstein and Marty Ricks who talked about their roles at the Jewish Federation and the Foundation.

They both stressed the importance of Federation within the community and how vital it is for young people to get involved.

Coming up, a group of students will see observant Jewish rap artist Matisyahu in concert on July 1. All Jewish college-aged students, including recent high school graduates, will meet at the JCC to volunteer on Sunday, July 8, 9:30 a.m., at City Sprouts. Later that day, a group of students will attend Love’s Labour Lost at Omaha’s Shakespeare on the Green.

For information, call 334.6429 or e-mail drennard@ jewishomaha.org or through Facebook, “Opportunity Omaha, It’s More Than Just a Job.”

COMING JULY

Health+Wellness Publishing Date » 07.13.07 | Space Reservation » 06.28.07 | Camera Ready Deadline » 07.02.07

COMING AUGUST

The Learning Curve Education for Everyone Publishing Date » 08.10.07 | Space Reservation » 07.26.07 | Camera Ready Deadline » 07.30.07

COMING SEPTEMBER

Rosh Hashanah Making a Difference in an Indifferent World

Publishing Date » 09.07.07 | Space Reservation » 08.06.07 | Camera Ready Deadline » 08.13.07

Contact your advertising representative to advertise in any of these special editions.

Call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

Call Terri Greenwood at 402.334.6559 or email: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org