June 30, 2006

Vol. LXXXV No. 42 Omaha, NE

Rabbi Eric Linder to Join Temple Israel Clergy

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator The rabbi’s study, formerly occupied by Rabbi Craig Marantz, at Temple Israel is empty now but not for long.

Rabbi Eric Linder has accepted the position of assistant rabbi at Temple filling the position left by Rabbi Marantz who has taken a new position to lead the congregation of Kol Haverim in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

Rabbi Linder was just ordained in May at Hebrew Union College (HUC) in New York City. He will officially begin at Temple Israel on July 11.

Growing up in South Florida, Rabbi Linder said, “My mother had to bribe me to go to my first youth group meeting” at Temple Kol Ami. The only child of Lois and Michael Linder, who still live in South Florida, young Eric spent many summers at Camp Coleman in Georgia. He also liked to collect baseball cards and tried his hand at magic tricks.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet welcome Rabbi Eric Linder (far right) to the Temple Israel team at an informal get-together earlier in June.

Prior to becoming a rabbi, Linder pictured himself as a saxophonist in James Brown’s horn section. Music has always been part of Rabbi Linder’s life. He also plays the piano, guitar and is thinking about taking up drums. “I also thought about law school, becoming a therapist, and a comedian,” Rabbi Linder said. “A rabbi combines a lot of those,” he smiled.

It was when he was a junior at the University of Florida in Gainesville that Linder decided he wanted to be a rabbi. After graduating in 1997, he pursued graduate work in philosophy at the University.

“My uncle, John Linder, who lives in Chicago, became a rabbi in his forties,” Rabbi Linder said. “We had some classes together at HUC.” Rabbi Linder considers his Uncle John as well as Rabbi Sheldon Harr, the rabbi at Temple Kol Ami who has known Rabbi Linder since he was in the third grade, and Rabbi Larry Hoffman, a teacher at HUC, to have influenced the Continued on page 2

ARTZA Leaves for Israel

Nineteen Omaha teens and three chaperones left for Israel on Sunday morning. Several ARTZA participants met up with the group in New York. For names, visit the website.

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

For Israelis, Kidnapping of Soldiers is Especially Traumatic -- and Costly

by DINA KRAFT border by Hezbollah guerillas. Three years of TEL AVIV, Israel (JTA)--Israeli tanks and negotiations mediated by troops are back in Gaza, less than a year after a Germany led to an agreelandmark withdrawal from the coastal strip ment to return their billed as breaking a diplomatic deadlock with remains to Israel, along the Palestinians. with kidnapped Israeli Under pressure to keep his West Bank pullout Elhanan businessman plan on track, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tannenbaum in exchange the sweep launched Wednesday was aimed at for the release of hunrecovering an abducted Israeli soldier . dreds of Arab prisoners.

“The objective is bringing Gilad Shalit home • October, 1994--Cpl. alive, healthy and in one piece,” Olmert said in Nachshon Wachsman, 19, a speech. “We have no intention of recapturing is captured by a Hamas Gaza. Neither do we intend to stay there.” cell in the West Bank But with no sign of life from Shalit, a 19-yearwhich asks for the release old armored corps corporal captured Sunday in a cross-border raid by Hamas and other Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 19, was captured by of Palestinian prisoners. A Palestinian gunmen, there was fear of a major Hamas militants in a border raid Sunday botched commando raid leaves Wachsman, a comflare-up in fighting. Two other soldiers in his against an IDF military base.

Courtesy of the IDF manding officer, and sevtank unit were killed in the battle.

Raising the stakes further, Palestinian terrorists in the eral hostage-takers dead.

• October,1986--Capt. Ron Arad, an Israeli air force West Bank announced they had abducted a young settler, Eliyahu Asheri, 18, and would kill him unless Israel navigator, parachutes out of his damaged warplane over calls off its Gaza offensive. As of Wednesday morning, Lebanon and is taken hostage. Israel says Arad is capIsraeli forces had taken up positions around the defunct tured by Lebanese militiamen connected to Iran, but no PA airport near the southern Gaza town of Rafah, effec- information is available on his whereabouts or his condition and years later he remains unaccounted for. tively cutting off access to neighboring Egypt.

Raphael Israeli, a Hebrew University history professor The specter of soldiers being kidnapped is one of the greatest fears in Israeli society, reminding the country of its who specializes in Islamic history and its fundamentalist own vulnerability. Shalit, described as a kind and shy movements, said kidnappings strike deeply at the Israeli teenager by his family, has joined the ranks of Israeli sol- psyche. A soldier killed in battle is not unexpected, he diers captured in battle in recent years. Other cases include: said, “but when one is captured and helpless it immedi• October, 2000-Benny Avraham, Adi Avitan and ately brings up the image of the Holocaust, where Jews Omar Souad, three soldiers patrolling the Lebanese bor- did not have the opportunity to fight or resist,” he said. der by jeep, are ambushed, killed and dragged across the Continued on page 3

U.S. Doctors Using Methods Learned in Israel in Emergencies Back Home designed to build a reserve of American medical profesby LISA LIEB sionals to staff the hospital in times of crisis, should Federation Communications Specialist Air-tight panic rooms that protect against chemical Israeli staff be called upon for military duty. ERG parwarfare. An underground transit system that accommo- ticipants agreed to return to Israel within 72 hours, dates ambulances. More than 600 hospital beds located should their services be needed.

“In the aftermath of 9-11 and recent natural disasters, beneath the surface. Mass casualty drills throughout the year. While this sounds like a page from a Robert the ERG has become a much broader, mutually benefiLudlum thriller, these are genuine features at the cial experience,” shared Jochnowitz. “In addition to receiving CME credits, real connections are made, joint Western Galilee Hospital.

In November, health care professionals from Omaha research projects are underway, and U.S. health care and throughout the United States will have the opportu- workers share their new-found techniques with their home communities. nity to learn about emerFor example, Mark gency preparedness at this an ERG5 Merrill, world-class facility, by parattendee from Dallas, utiticipating in the Sixth lized his new knowledge Emergency Response immediately. While still Group Course (ERG). in Israel, Merrill relayed Judy Jochnowitz, the the triage methods he International Liaison for learned via phone to Western Galilee Hospital, health care professionals came to Omaha recently in the U.S. preparing for to promote ERG6. She Hurricane Rita. presented information Located just six miles about the hospital and from the Lebanon borabout the Emergency der, Western Galilee Response Group program Hospital has 22,000 to several members of the employees and is the Maimonides Society, a group of local Jewish Judy Jochnowitz, International Liaison for Western Galilee area’s largest employee. health care professionals. Hospital, came to Omaha to share information about November’s The hospital serves the The first ERG took Emergency Response Group. In the background, the now famous 400,000 residents of the place in 2002, as an off- photo of billionaire financial guru Warren Buffet with Iscar CEO Western Galilee. Unlike spring of Partnership with Eitan Wetheimer. Nahariya-based Iscar is located in the Western any other part of Israel, Continued on page 2 Israel. ERG was originally Galilee, Omaha’s Partnership with Israel region.

This Week: Monthly Calendar for July: pages 6-7 See Front Page Stories at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

4 Tamuz, 5766 June 30, 2006

Y.U. Prez Says “Judaism is Option Today, Not Condition”: Page 3

Coming Next Month: Health & Wellness Issue: July 14 Opposing Op-eds on Jewish Women and Leadership: Page 9

My Nephew, the Filmmaker, a Movie Review: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

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

KUKLIN GROUP Featured Listings 5721 N 166th – Stone Creek on the Golf Course 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths spacious Ranch style with lots of upgrades. $409.900 2241 Windridge LN – Incredible 6 Acres, 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths with large outbuilding and horse ready! Min to downtown. $439,000 19769 Bellbrook Blvd – New Construction Ranch. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Many upgrades. Walkout lot backing up to trees. $197,100 19803 Bellbrook Blvd – New Construction 2 Story. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths. Side Walkout lot backing up to trees. $202,000

Please contact us for more information.

Gary Kimberly

402.880.1887

402.214.5955

Continued from page 1 young rabbi’s decision to become a member of the Reform rabbinate.

As a rabbinical student at HUC, Linder wrote his thesis on “Baruch Dayan HaEmet: Between Despair and Comfort; an Exploration of Suffering, Death and the Truth of God’s Judgment(s).” In contrast to the title, he found working on his thesis to be “very uplifting. How do we construct meaning from the story of our lives? Do things happen for a reason? It’s important to pray whether there’s a reason or not, because it gives us hope and meaning,” he said.

Wendy Goldberg, president of Temple’s Board of Trustees, in announcing that Rabbi Linder will become part of the clergy team at Temple Israel, said, “He brings with him a wealth of experience in youth and adult education and social justice as well as talents in music and writing.”

Susie Norton, who headed the Rabbi Search Committee, added that “everyone on the committeerecognized the significance and importance of our responsibility of interviewing candidates and determining who would be the best fit for Temple Israel. With many qualified candidates to consider, the Search Committee worked diligently but with a sense of fun and humor. After speaking with many wonderful rabbis, it was clear to the entire committee that Rabbi Linder would be an excellent addition to our clergy team and to our whole congregation.”

Rabbi Linder comes to Temple Israel with a broad range of congregational experience including serving as a student rabbi at Temple B’nai Abraham in Decatur, Illinois, where he led Shabbat and havdalah services, facilitated adult education discussions, helped run the Sunday School, and was the youth group advisor.

Prior to that, he was a student rabbi at Temple B’nai Israel in Natchez, Mississipp, where he led monthly Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, and adult education classes. He also planned interfaith and community activities most notably on Yom HaShoah.

His background in youth education goes back to Camp Coleman where he served in several capacities and leadership roles during nine summers as a staff member.

He also was an outdoor educator at Camp Wahsega in Georgia. At Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland, Rabbi Linder taught prayer, Torah and Jewish music to 820 children.

At the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), he was the Jewish education director of the Urban Mitzvah Corps

developing and implementing an experiential curriculum focusing on mitzvot and interpretations of tikkun olam for eleventh and twelfth graders. He also led a fiveday trip to the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C. He has been teaching introduction to Judaism to adults under the auspices of URJ and a 30-week introduction to Judaism at the 92nd Street YMHA. Over the past year, Rabbi Linder has been teaching high school students from ten Reform congregations on topics such as “Do Things Happen for a Reason?” life cycle events, prayer, denominational differences, and personal theology.

In the area of social justice, Rabbi Linder was enrolled in the class, “Jewish Funds for Justice” with students from four other rabbinical seminaries. He also participated in American Jewish World Service as a rabbinical delegate in El Salvador in 2005. Working alongside rabbinical students from eight seminaries, he helped local farmers develop a personal understanding of global economics and the dynamics of developing countries. At the Religious Action Center, Linder served as a rabbinic legislative assistant lobbying on issues including separation of church and state, education, moderating religious extremism, and women’s rights.

He has also been a rabbinic intern at Jewish Home and Hospital in New York City and was a spiritual awareness group facilitator at Jewish Family Services in Brooklyn, New York, where he facilitated and counseled HIV-positive clients. While studying in Jerusalem, Rabbi Linder participated in a rabbinical student seminar at the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel thanked Susie Norton and the entire Search Committee “for a painstaking operation that arrived at the right decision for the future of Temple Israel. I’m looking forward to having an excellent rabbi join our outstanding staff and a partnership that will help Rabbi Linder and strengthen our congregation.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the (Omaha) community,” said Rabbi Linder. “I like to make people smile,” he added as he described his experience as a comedian with a comedy group at the University of Florida. “That will come in handy as Judaism is all about relationships and living with happiness and hope while improving and appreciating relationships with God, others, and one’s self.”a student rabbi at Temple B’nai Abraham in Decatur, IL, where he led Shabbat and havdalah services, facilitated adult education discussions, helped run the Sunday School, and was the youth group advisor.

U.S. Doctors Using Methods Learned in Israel Dr. Alan Kricsfeld, an ERG5 participant is very enthuContinued from page 1 only 50% of the residents are Jewish, with the other 50% siastic about the ERG program. “The Western Galilee Hospital is one of a kind,” he said. “ERG is definitely comprised of Christians, Muslims and Druze. worth your time, and it’s a The ERG program great way to support our includes lectures by Western Partnership with Israel. The Galilee Hospital staff and program keeps evolving, the outside experts, time in clinhospital keeps evolving, and ical departments, familiarizaI can’t wait to go back.” tion with northern border Other local participants in IDF bases, and plenty of past ERG programs include drills. “Drills are a vital comSam Cemaj, Wayne Lainof, ponent of emergency preand Dan Schuller. The ERG paredness,” explained program is open to physiJochnowitz. “All kinds of cians, nurses, hospital drills take place here, includadministrators/trauma cooring chemical disaster drills, dinators, paramedics, psysmall group trauma drills and chologists and social workmass casualty drills. Every ers. ERG6 will take place situation has written protoDr. David Kohll, left, Dr. Dan Schuller, and Stacey Rockman, Nov. 2-10. For information, cols to follow, and a thorPartnership with Israel Chairman, at Maimonides Society contact Mary Sue Grossman ough debriefing follows each dinner for ERG6. at 334.6446. exercise.”

Public Relations Enjoy writing stories? Write for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home! We are looking for a parttime Public Relations person to develop, write and edit a variety of communication materials including articles, newsletters, brochures and web pages.

Microsoft Word is helpful. E-mail Mike Silverman at msilverman@rbjh.com or call him at 334-6599.

Leann Kholousi at 402-504-4229 Emma at 1-800-736-1760 (Toll Free)

June 30, 2006

Kidnapped IDF Solider Continued from page 1 The Shalit family has been sequestered in its village in the Western Galilee since the news of their son’s capture. Gilad’s father made his first comments to the media on Monday to Israel’s Army Radio, choking back tears as he pleaded for his son’s life.

Industrialist Eitan Wertheimer visited the home of Noam Shavit, the soldier’s father, who works for Iscar, the company recently sold by Wertheimer to Warren Buffet.

“It is important for me that he is treated well medically and that they treat him fairly, that they remember he is a human being,” Noam Shalit said. “We believe whoever holds him has a famiand ly k n o w s what we are feeling.”

Shalit, f r o m Mitzpeh The parents of missing IDF soldier, Cpl. Gilad Hila, was Shalit, have appealed to their son's captors to w o u n d e d release him unharmed. This appeal comes at a at the time time when large IDF forces are converging on of his capthe Israel/Gaza border to show that if negotia- ture and tions fail, Israel will enter the Gaza strip with a was said to huge army in search of Shalit. Family members be in stable and friends have been at the Shalit’s Western condition.

Galilee home.

Copyright: ISRANET Palestinian sources said Shalit had stomach and chest wounds.

Israel began the military operation after weeks of incessant shelling by Hamas against Israeli communities, like Sderot, and after diplomatic efforts to secure Shalit’s release failed. Shalit, whose father was born in France, also has French citizenship. The Foreign Ministry in Paris also joined the efforts to help Israel recover the kidnapped Israeli soldier.

Aaron Lerner of Independent Media Review and Analysis also contributed to this article.

Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.

Take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates!

• Consolidate Debts

• We’ll make getting your mortgage “pointless.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

YU President Says “Jewish Life Today is an Option, Not a Condition”

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press For centuries, Jews had no choice about being Jewish.

Without access to the mainstream population, without rights and with a constant battle against anti-Semitism, Jewish life was “a condition,” according to Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University.

Today, however, “it’s an Natasha Kraft, left, Uri Levin, Jodi Lerner, speech at Beth Israel; right: Rabbi Jonathan option that should be Esther and Phil Katz were among the 75 peo- Gross presents Joel with Husker paraphanasought after,” he added. ple who attended YU President Richard Joel’s lia. For more photos, go to the website.

Noting that the world has So the question now becomes, how do parents transbecome a tough place and that globalization has actually made life more anonymous, Joel asked the audience, mit that to their children, especially since most of today’s parents have never experienced anti-Semitism, “If I’m reduced to a number, do I matter?”

His answer: “What Judaism offers is a wonderful anti- view the Holocaust as history and have never been to dote to the ills of the world...a life of value, and values.” Israel. The lawyer-turned non-profit CEO and now uniCo-sponsored by Beth Israel Synagogue and the versity president said the path is through the home.

“You are their library,” Joel stated. “By doing Jewishly Jewish Federation’s Young Jewish Omaha group, the event offered Omahans an opportunity to meet Joel, the you have to be involved as a Jew. Create virtual neighfirst non-rabbi to lead Yeshiva University. Coming to YU borhoods through the synagogue, the JCC, and your with 14 years of success at Hillel, the college group home so you can create a Jewish background for your aimed at Jewish students, Joel brought greetings to children through a Jewish playground.”

Joel emphasized the importance of Jewish education, Omahans from Rabbi Zevulon Harlop, Dean of YU’s Rabbinical Assembly. Harlop’s father not only was a “whether is supplementary or day school,” Jewish camprabbi in Omaha--he was installed by one of Omaha’s ing experiences and youth groups, to allow children to experience what he called “wow moments.” most famous citizens, Henry Monsky.

Kim Novak, whose daughter Rebecca attends Friedel Though Joel’s talk was billed as “How to Raise Jewish Kids,” he noted that it really was “How to Raise Kids Jewish academy, liked Joel’s message. “He emphasized Jewishly.” Having come to America in great numbers, consistency,” she said. “I agree that it’s important to Jews, he said, learned how to melt into the melting pot. reinforce our observances at home.”

Phil Katz agreed. “The Western ideal has roots in “We brought America the bagel, the knish, and a disproportionate number of Nobel laureates,” he said. Judaism,” he noted. “The idea that every purpose has a “We’ve had a good run. So maybe we should build a purpose wouldn’t be the same without Judaism.”

“Jewish life should be more about participation,” Joel museum; we’re good at that.” Instead, Joel insisted, said, “than just affiliation.”

“Judaism is valuable” and Jews “have a purpose.”

Businesss Thru Barter ITEX America’s leading barter exchange

The ITEX Barter Exchange is a membership of 460 businesses 402/592-2918 in Nebraska along with 100 barter broker offices worldwide agreeing Independent Licensed Broker www.itex.com to trade goods and services 20 Years of Industry Experience among its members.

“MOUNTAINS OF MULCH” Largest Selection of Landscape Mulches in the Area!

FREE Dump Trailer Use with Every 3 or More Yards Mulch Purchase 85th & Maple St. • Omaha, NE

402-397-8278 LANDSCAPE MULCH CENTER

www.maple85.com

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

333-7900 292-7900 322-7900 423-8885

Lexus Of Of Omaha Omaha Would Would Like Like To To Say Say “Thank “Thank You” You” To To Our Our Clients Clients Who Lexus Who Have Have Helped Helped Us Us In In Winning Winning The The “Elite “Elite Of Of Lexus” Award Award For For Customer Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction 15 Lexus” 14 Years Years In In A A Row. Row. Lexus Lexus Of Of Omaha Omaha Is Is 11 Of Of 43 Dealerships Dealerships In In The The Country, Out Out Of Of 213 213 That That Have Have Won Won This This Prestigious Prestigious Award Country, Award Every Every Year Year It It Has Has Been Been Available.

Available.

You In The The “Best “Best Of Of Omaha” Omaha” Poll.

Poll.

You Have Have Also Also Voted Voted Us Us Best Best New New Auto Auto And And Best Best Used Used Car Car Dealer Dealer In

Once Again, Thank You You! Omaha!

Once Again, Thank

14-Time “Elite of Lexus” Winner For Customer Satisfaction 13025 W. Dodge Road • 333-6400 • 1-800-632-5398 VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE: www.lexusofomaha.com

2004

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

Progressive Dinner Planned for Temple Interfaith Couples

ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC for music with Jim Johnson’s One Man Band. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations to Bunch to Lunch to Louie M’s on July 13 and Ameristar on July 20.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Reminder: Visions Board Meeting is Friday, July 7, 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Blumkin Home. Visions Baseball Night is Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m., at the Rosenblatt Stadium starting with dinner at the Stadium View Club (dinner is on your own). Cost is $5 per person. Game starts at 7:05 p.m. Send reservations with full payment to Jim Wax, 118 So. 88 St., Omaha, NE 68114 by July 5.

Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, July 21, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Musical entertainment is provided by Jon Rathsam with accompanist Esther Wax. Cost is $10 per person. Send reservations with full pay-

ment to: Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by July 14.

Bring donated items to help support the Nebraska Humane Society, such as used blankets and towels, to the luncheon or deliver to the Blumkin Home in care of Maggie Conti. For more information, call Betty Kolnick (Mitzvah) at 553.4748.

Brownville Concert Series presents Maude Maggart on Sunday, Aug. 20. Dinner follows at Farmer B’s Steak House. Cost is $40 per person. Depart from the JCC at noon. Return by approximately at 7 p.m. Send reservations to Rose Pitlor, 827 Dillon Dr., Omaha, NE 68132 by Aug. 1. For information call Ethel Goldston at 393.7358. Make all checks payable to Visions.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS A parents’ nightmare: After graduation, our kids move away for a job. The Jewish Federation tackles that dilemma with a first-of-its kind program in the country: an extremely unique, paid summer internship program.

Hear the details; learn how businesses are being contacted. See how your kids can get involved. Janie Murow and others will tell all on Wednesday, July 5, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. All men and women in the community are invited. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Fine dining, friendly people, and strolling in the Old Market will be the bill of fare on the evening of Thursday, July 13, 5:30 p.m., for Temple Israel’s evergrowing interfaith couples group.

“We’ll start at the Upstream Brewing Company (514 So 11 St.),” said Nikki Kirshenbaum who chairs the interfaith couples group with her husband Adam. Then, at 6:30 p.m., they’ll head over to the new Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen at 15th and Farnam, featuring Cajun cuisine and the taste, sights, and sounds of New Orleans.

Dessert will top off the evening at Delice European Bakery, 1206 Howard, or Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream, 1120 Jackson, about 8:30 p.m.

Jeff Nogg and his wife Kelley attended a previous interfaith couples event. “We enjoy Temple’s interfaith group events, because it’s nice to spend time with people who you have something in common with,” commented Jeff. “We can share experiences that only people in the group can fully understand. It’s also just another nice social outlet to have since moving back into Omaha.”

“We’re anticipating a good turnout so please RSVP to me at nrkirshe@cox.net or call me at 965.8935,” said Nikki. All interfaith couples in the community are invited to attend. Jewish couples who are just interested in a fun night out to meet new people are also welcome.

BIRTHS Sam and Cori Passer of Overland Park, KS, announce the June 12 birth of their daughter, Harper Jacklyn.

Grandparents are Claire and Pierre Flatowicz, Jeff and Sandy Passer, and Cissy and Errol Copilevitz of Kansas City, MO. Great-grandparents are Stanley Passer, and Maury and Rose Copilevitz of St. Louis.

Avraham and Jillian Myers. Great-grandparents are Cantor Leo and Annette Fettman and Sam and Babs Kantor.

Fannie Chunovic is the great-great-grandmother.

Chavi and Yoni Myers of Neve Yerusalyim, Israel announce the May 17 birth of their son, Nassan Tzvi.

Grand parents are Dr. Chaim and Rachel Heifetz and

Didi and Jeffrey Turkel announce the June 12 birth of their daughter, Ella.

She has a three-year-old sister, Olivia.

Grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Richard Fitzgerald, and Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Turkel.

Great-grandmother is Peg Gallager.

Lakeside

EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITIES

We Pay Top Dollar for Car Bodies and Scrap Metals Call 712-347-6561 We Pay Cash Today!

Franchise opportunities available for senior and middle level executives who require bigger opportunities.

Call for free consultation.

AUTO RECYCLERS

402-330-7306

2813 N.9th St • Carter Lake,IA 51510

FREE SINK & Field Measure Valued at $490 w/Countertop Purchase

Yosi and Aviva Applebaum of Chicago, IL announce the June 14 birth of their son, Ephraim Nuta.

Ephraim has two brothers, Dov, 3, and Shlomo, 18 months.

Grandparents are Walter and Harriet Richtman of Chicago, IL and Rabbi Martin and Rosalie Applebaum of Little Rock, AK. He is the great-grandson of former Omahan Rosa Richtman and the late Dave Richtman.

We Have Countertops & Kitchen Cabinets

Formica Solid Surface Staron Solid Surface

• LEADERSHIP • VISION • COMMITMENT • • COMMUNICATION • TEAM WORK • RESPECT •

Avonite Solid Surface

UNION PACIFIC North America's largest railroad is a high tech, Fortune 200 company in a growth mode. This makes us an excellent place to start and grow your career.

Granite & Quartz Available

Train Service Personnel South Morrill, NE - Bill, WY (Career path to Locomotive Engineer) Earn up to $40,000 first year and $75,000 in future years.

Union Pacific offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Premier Countertops C O U N T E R T O P S

O F

We have numerous opportunities: • Operations Management Training Program • Train Dispatching • Diesel Mechanic & Electricians • Truck Drivers/Hostlers

• Information Technology • Special Agents/Police • Track Maintenance • Train Service

To start or grow your career, apply online at:

www.up.com Select “Jobs at UP” then “View Positions”

D I S T I N C T I O N

991-7258 • 4362 S. 87th St. www. premiercountertops.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer

June 30, 2006

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SNAP! Productions has announced the audition dates for its next production Harold and Maude on July 10 and 11, 7 p.m.

The auditions will be at North Side Christian Church located at 5555 Larimore Ave. The show will be performed Thursday thru Sunday from Aug. 24-Sept. 17 and requires eight performers, four female and four male. The female age ranges are: two in early 20s, one in early 40s, one to play a zest for life woman who is 80.

The male roles are in their late 20s to early 50s. One male needs to be in his early 20s. There will be cold readings from the script. If you have any questions, please contact Todd Brooks at Brooks1965@aol.com or 402.968.5543.

The 2006-07 season of Opera Omaha, running from September through April, will include popular favorites and a much-anticipated world premiere event. The company’s 49th consecutive season opens with Puccini’s Tosca, closes with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and has, as its centerpiece, the world premiere of Anthony Davis and Yusef Komunyakaa’s Wakonda’s Dream, a new opera inspired by the trial of Chief Standing Bear.

Along the way, the public is invited to two free “Evenings with Stewart Robertson”, lead by Robertson, Opera Omaha’s Artistic Director.

Tosca will be performed Sept. 27, 29 and Oct. 1, 2006; Wakonda’s Dream will premiere March 7, 9 and 11, 2007; and The Barber of Seville will be staged April 25, 27 and 29, 2007. All performances are at the Orpheum Theater, Slosburg Hall.

Tickets range from $19 to $221, if purchased by today--June 30. Subscribers also receive a discount on additional single tickets. Visit www.opera omaha.org; call 34-OPERA; or visit the Opera Omaha Box Office at 17th and Farnam Streets.

The Strategic Air & Space Museum is home to the traveling gallery exhibit “Jewish Omaha’s Service to the U.S. Armed Forces,” a tribute to the Jewish men and women who served the United States in the Armed Forces. The exhibit is at the Museum through July 23.

The project was started in 2005 as a part of the national celebration of Jewish life in America by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Plains States Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League, and synagogues: Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel. Funding was provided by the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

The exhibit also includes photographs and portraits by David Radler. The interviews, which were filmed, were sent to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the U.S. Library of Congress archives. The Museum fee, located at Exit 426 off I-80, is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors/military, $3 for children ages six-12, and children under five are admitted free.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Dining Out Asian Fusion Menu Take Out Available Open 7 Days a Week 11 am to 1 am Serving Lunch and Dinner

Now Open!

8029 W Dodge Rd. | Suite C | Omaha, NE 68114 | 402.502.7888

MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE APPETIZER WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE.*

A Vision of a Rousing Musical

1207 HARNEY ST. • OMAHA, NE

342-4010 FREE PARKING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET. *ONE PER TABLE.

Entertainers Jim Boggess, left, and Seth Fox of the Omaha Community Playhouse performed highlights from Ragtime for Visions members, among them, Ethel Goldston.

li e D e Th at

Spirit World

IN THE NEWS Former Omahan Jason Hoberman was recently hired as Vice President, National Deposit Business Development for First Horizon National Corporation based in Memphis, TN. He, his wife Michelle and their daughter Lily currently live in St. Louis, MO, but are relocating to the Memphis area in July.

The “What’s for Dinner Beef Cook-Off” will be held in conjunction with River City Roundup in Omaha at the Qwest Center on Saturday, Sept. 30. Amateur cooks from Nebraska will compete on the “What’s for Dinner” cooking stage sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council.

A stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave will be awarded to the contest winner. Cash prizes of $300, $200, $100 and $50 will be awarded to the second through fifth place finalists as well.

The basic recipe guidelines are as follows: All recipes must use beef that is either fresh, frozen or pre-cooked.

No more than eight ingredients may be used not including salt, pepper, cooking spray and water. The recipe preparation and cooking time must be done in 45 minutes or less. Complete contest rules are available at www.nebeef.org or calling the Nebraska Beef Council at 800.421.5326.

Recipe entries should be mailed to: What’s for Dinner Beef Cook-Off, Nebraska Beef Council, PO Box 2108, Kearney, NE 68848. Recipes may also be submitted via e-mail to info@nebeef.org. All entries must be received by the end of business on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

If hate is the question, then ANYTOWN is the answer! “In just six days, stereotypes are broken, friendships are built, and leaders are created,” says Amy Cotton, NCCJ Program Volunteer.

On July 23-28, NCCJ (The National Conference for

CALL 1-800-7-PARENT

Page 5

7517 Pacific Omaha, NE 68114 391-8680

Community and Justice) of the Midlands will present ANYTOWN, an award winning, nationally acclaimed leadership program for high school students at the Carol Joy Holling Retreat and Conference Center in Ashland, NE. Cotton reflects on her ANYTOWN experience: “ANYTOWN gave the knowledge and confidence to realistically become more proactive in making positive changes within my personal and community life.”

In a safe and respectful environment, ANYTOWN participants are unconditionally accepted for who they are, and are encouraged to speak openly and honestly about their feelings and perspectives in regards to race, culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender, ability, age and class.

ANYTOWN is open to high school students entering grades 10-12 this fall. For program details, or to request an application, please contact the NCCJ office at 402.391.4460 or e-mail at bangelil@nccj.org. A limited amount of scholarships are available.

The third annual Sand in the City proved to be another success as the event raised more than $76,000 for Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation. An estimated 12,000-15,000 people visited the sand sculptures from June 9-11 for a weekend full of family fun.

The money raised from Sand in the City will help fund the programs of Nebraska Children’s Home, which include statewide adoption services and education, unplanned pregnancy services, medically fragile foster care and child care programs.

Sand in the City is an annual event and is scheduled next year for June 8-10, 2007 at Miller’s Landing on the Riverfront. If you would like to sponsor a team or volunteer at the event, please contact Laura Schabloske, NCHS Foundation Director at 402.451.0787 or foundationdirector@nchsfoundation.org.

Bring in this ad and receive a

Free Fountain Drink with the purchase of any Sandwich or Entre – Eat in only – One coupon per person. Not valid with any other offers.

EL ALAMO

“Best Mexican Food”

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

4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969

Teammates

At the Todd C Johnson Agency Inc rely on teammate Robyn J. Kooper Licensed Rep to handle any questions or concerns you may have.

Call today.

Todd C Johnson Agency Inc. 155 N 72nd St Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 561-8633 Bus tjohnso7@amfam.com www.toddjohnsonagency.com

©2005American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries Home Office – Madison, WI 53783 www.amfam.com

NA-07496 Rev. 11/05

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

June 30, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

Page 7

Your Look...

Your Lifestyle

ENTERTAIN

FIRST CLASS

Hairstyling Manicuring Pedicuring Waxing

100 Off First Mailer $

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

A Full Service Salon for Men+Women

Countryside Village Pacific at 87th | 392-2039

• Purchase Loans

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

• Interest Rate • Reduction Loans

• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards

Sandra R.Nogg,Inc. Personal Bookkeeping Service

Brent Rasmussen

Serving Our Community

402-991-5153 | 800-519-1870 831 N. 98th St. Omaha, NE 68114

For Home Delivery, call

brent@mtg-specialists.com

BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist

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

WITH

• Debt Consolidation

The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery!

Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com

392-0645 Caring, Confidential, Committed

for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE 5213 Leavenworth

2301 Lincoln Rd.

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. 5102 N. 156th St.

14430 W. Center Rd.

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 210 Regency Parkway

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

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

Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations • 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

This spot could have your name on it.

Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.

334-6451

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

Our Visit room w o h S

11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

333-2882

Wed Di ding & S splays upp lies

Panini Salads • Soups

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.

SUNDAY, JULY 2 Artza 06 June 25th thru July 23 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 11 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 3 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 4 JCC & FED OFFICES CLOSED/ H & PE OPEN 9-5/ INDEPENDENCE DAY BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JULY 6 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel CJE Class “Duties of the Heart,” 10:30 a.m. by Dr. Guy Matalon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 7 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, JULY 9 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions Ralston Theatre and Dinner, 12:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 10 Gan Israel Day Camp July 10 thru July 21, 9 a.m. at Chabad House Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 11 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel CJE Class “Israel Now,” 11 a.m.

BBYO Council Rush Pool Party & BBQ, 6 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12 Gan Israel Day Camp July 10 thru July 21, 9 a.m. at Chabad House Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JULY 13 Gan Israel Day Camp July 10 thru July 21, 9 a.m. at Chabad House Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 14 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, JULY 16 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 11 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 17 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

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

The Party Place

Artisan Italian Ice Cream European Desserts

www.martinizing.com/omaha FOR A LIMITED TIME!

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL

“Pst. Have you heard?

There’s a new dentist in town.”

Kirk J. Davis D.D.S., P.C. 15615 W. Dodge Rd. • Omaha, NE (Southwest Corner of West Dodge Road)

402/614-WEST (9378)

TUESDAY, JULY 18 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel CJE Class “Israel Now,” 11 a.m.

Visions Baseball Game & Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Rosenblatt Stadium BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JULY 20 ADL Teacher Workshop for Echoes and Relections, 8:30 a.m.

Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 21 Summer Hebrew Class, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn

TUESDAY, JULY 25 CJE Class “Israel Now,” 11 a.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Maccabi Parent/Athlete Meeting, 7 p.m.

CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 27 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Federation Internship Dinner, 5:30 p.m.

CJE Conversational Hebrew - Level 2, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 30 Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel/JFS “Asset Building” Parent Workshop, 10 a.m.

Adult Education, 11 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JULY 31 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Our Resources Give You Access to All Properties on the Market TM

invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets - Water Softeners

- Whole-House Filtration

- Bottleless Coolers

- Reverse Osmosis

- Chlorine Removal Systems

- Service All Makes and Models

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

Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions

Commercial Sales & Leasing Retail • Office • Medical • Industrial

Landlord or Tenant Representation Investment Real Estate

Nancy Klauschie 11717 Burt St. Omaha, NE

402/333-3333 Cell: 402/578-2463

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

445-4460

SUNDAY, JULY 23 ARTZA Returns, 8 a.m.

Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 11 a.m.-noon at Beth El

MOVING OR EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS?

Quality Water ®

Pepperwood Village 156 th & Dodge

email: nklauschie@rebcomaha.com • www.rebcomaha.com

Adult Day Center Trust your loved one with our experienced care team in a nurturing, home-like environment 3615 North 129th Street • Omaha,NE 68164 Eagle Run Square Monday - Friday,7 am to 6 pm

FOR A

402-496-3379

Dundeal Call

Dundee Realty Co.

SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Park Your Ad Here

Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121

Call Allan Handleman for more information about this opportunity.

334-6451

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

Women and Leadership Can Be Found in Small Communities Much is being made about the Jewish People’s Policy Planning Institute and the perceived lack of women aprticipating in the conference. Avinoam Bar-Yosef says many women have been invited, but were unable to participate; Deborah Lipstadt responds that there were other outstanding women who could have been invited and weren’t.

We’re not going to take sides in this debate because it’s unlikely that a Jewish woman from Nebraska is going to be invited. And that’s a shame. The small and intermediate sized Jewish communities in North America boast a slew of prominent women in leadership positions who could contribute much to the debate about the future of the Jewish people.

Why? Because we don’t have the depth in choices--and therefore must take the best person for the job, regardless of gender.

Just look at the number of women in leadership positions on our Jewish community campus: Jan Goldstein has lead the Federation for the last nine years--the first woman to do so and the first from Omaha to chair the group of executives from those cities. In fact, with the exception of the comptroller David Kampscheider and one accountant/IT manager Richard Goedeken, the entire Federation staff is female.

Other executives on this campus include Lisa Shkolnick, JCC Assistant Director; Karen Gustafson, Interim Director of Jewish Family Service (and her predecessor, JFS Executive

Director Becki Brenner); Renee Corcoran heads the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and Carol Katzman is Editor of this newspaper.

In our synagogues, Beth Cohen is Executive Director of Beth Israel and for many years, Dorothy Spizman held the same important position at Temple Israel.

Not bad for small Jewish community!

Across the country, quite a few women hold positions of authority; at the American Jewish Press Conference last week in Baltimore, it was evident that women have succeeded as editors, publishers, advertising and business managers at dozens of papers, large and small, across North America. The same can be said of synagogues, agencies like the JCC, JFS and Jewish homes for the aging (only four years ago Barbara Gottlieb served as the director of Jewish Senior Services).

Bar-Yosef says in his op-ed on the opposite page, “We are making every effort to recruit the best professional and creative Jewish minds to fulfill these expectations.”

Without getting into the details of who was asked and who wasn’t, we agree with his statement. Regardless of gender, we think the Jewish community should hire the best professionals available for the job. And that’s when we’ll know that men and women have achieved equal sta-

tus, and equal pay for equal work. We’re not talking about equality here--frankly we do think men and women have different talents to offer and different roles to play that contribute to a healthy collaboration of ideas and tactics.

As we celebrate our country’s independence this Tuesday, we’d like to think we’ve progressed beyond head counts.

Using Old Numbers, Forecasts Offer Wrong Predictions for Arab Growth

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by BENNETT ZIMMERMAN, ROBERTA SEID AND MICHAEL L. WISE LOS ANGELES (JTA)--“Arab demographic momentum” has become part of the Israeli lexicon.

Under this theory, the Arab sector, with its rapid population growth, will soon overwhelm the Jewish population, as “baby boom” generations of Arabs give birth to an even greater number of children. Arab births will accelerate even if birth rates remain stable or drop slightly because such a large number of women will enter their childbearing years.

But the evidence is now in, and it shows something surprising: Demographic momentum indeed exists--but among Jews, not Arabs.

Jewish births grew rapidly, from 80,000 per year in 1995 to 96,000 in 2000 and to more than 103,000 in 2003. The demographic outlook for Jews has been improving because the Jews’ total fertility rate, or the number of children a woman is likely to bear over her lifetime, has been rising.

In 2005, the Jewish fertility rate reached 2.7, the highest of any advanced industrial nation.

While the fervently Orthodox contributed to this rise, secular Israelis and immigrants from the former Soviet Union also experienced increasing fertility.

When returning Israelis who have lived abroad --an average of 20,000 per year from 2001 to 2004 -and aliyah are added to the mix, the demographic weight of the Jewish sector grows even further.

In contrast, the absolute number of births in the Israeli Arab sector grew from 36,500 in 1995 to 40,800 in 2000. After rising slightly to a record 41,400 births in 2003, the number of Israeli Arab births fell in 2004 for the first time, back to 40,800.

The overall Israeli Arab fertility figure--which includes Muslim and Christian Arabs and Druse -- declined from 4.4 in 2000 to 4.0 in 2004.

Israel recently enacted policies that are impacting the highest fertility sectors of the Arab population. In 2004, the government stopped granting stipends for every child born

to a family, restricting them to the first two children. There was an immediate drop in Bedouin pregnancies.

The problem with demographic predictions is that they apply yesterday’s or today’s fertility rates to tomorrow’s forecast. However, earlier childbearing patterns may have little relationship to the number of children the next generation will have.

Applying Muslim fertility rates from the 1960s --nine to 10 births per woman--Israeli demographers had projected that Israeli Arabs would overtake Israeli Jews by 1990.

When the fertility rate dropped to 5.4 in the early 1980s and 4.7 in the second half of the decade, demographers applied this rate to their next series of forecasts. However, by 2005, the Arab fertility rate had dropped even further,

lation growth from yesterday’s rates is a common mistake. The United Nations’ Population Division predicted in 2000 that the world’s population would balloon to 12 billion people by 2050. Four years later they dramatically revised the forecast, and now predict that today’s global population of 6.3 billion will plateau at 9 billion by 2050.

With constantly changing birth patterns, what’s a forecaster to do? To have any relevance, a forecast must constantly be updated with the most current information and to reflect any changes in trend. The Gallup organization recently published the results of a survey that showed a convergence in desired family size among Jews and Arabs west of the Jordan River.

The ideal family size has fallen to 5.1 for Arabs in Gaza and 4.5 in the West Bank. The desired family size among both Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs is now 3.7.

While Gallup found no difference in the preferred number of children among younger Israelis, younger West Bankers, 15 to 19, believe an ideal family should have 4.1 children, compared to relatives over 50 years old, who believe the ideal family should have 5.0 children.

The convergence in desired birth activity among Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs, and particularly among younger West Bankers, is likely to further impact the future demographic outlook for Israel and the West Bank, where Jews now form a two-thirds majority.

Credit: Courtesy of Bennett Zimmerman, Roberta Demographers who concentrated on past patSeid and Michael L. Wise terns in the Arab population missed the eviechoing dramatic drops reported throughout dence of a slowdown in the Arab sector and the the Middle East, where most nations display fer- demographic revolution occurring among Jews. tility levels of about three births per woman.

By focusing on the past, forecasters anticipated Furthermore, Israeli Arab women now in demographic momentum in the wrong sector their 20s won’t necessarily repeat the childbear- and produced an outlook that couldn’t even get ing characteristics of their older counterparts. the present correct, let alone the future.

Israeli Arab women who are having fewer chilBennett Zimmerman, Roberta Seid and dren in their late teens and 20s might also have Michael L. Wise are authors of “Arab fewer children in their 30s than do today’s 30- Population in the West Bank and Gaza: The year-olds, who still display the fertility character- Million Person Gap,” recently published by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in istics of earlier generations.

In contrast, Israeli Jewish women in their 20s Israel. “Forecast for Israel and West Bank who are having more kids might carry that 2025’’ debuted at the Herzliya Policy choice into their 30s at rates above those of cur- Conference in Israel and at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. The studies rent 30-year-olds.

The practice of forecasting tomorrow’s popu- can be found at www.pademographics.com.

(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 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 Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $36 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

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

Award Winner 2006

Nebraska Press Association

National Newspaper Association

June 30, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Gender Imbalance at Institute Calls its Planning into Question

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DEBORAH E. LIPSTADT ATLANTA (JTA)--The Jewish Agency for Israel founded the Jewish People’s Policy Planning Institute in 2002, and mandated it, as the name suggests, to conduct policy planning for the Jewish people.

Though its task was worthy, there was a certain imbalance in the institute’s composition: There was only one woman on the board. Out of a staff of 15 people, there were just two women, and they were pretty low on the totem pole.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, therefore, that of the many research projects the institute has conducted, none, according to its Web site, was directed by a woman. The institute held conferences at which, according to its Web site, not one woman gave a speech or presentation.

Perhaps some women spoke, but the leaders of the institute did not think their contributions significant enough to post on the site.

Last year the institute held a conference on the future of the Jewish people. One American woman was in attendance. She is smart and brave, but hardly representative of the totality of American Jewish women.

There were two other women at the

meeting, but the picture on the institute’s Web site, which lists many of the participants, doesn’t bother to identify them. As the sage Hillel said, “The rest is commentary.”

Another meeting of the institute was scheduled for this month. Again the gender imbalance is staggering.

Avinoam Bar-Yosef, the institute’s director general, responded to a barrage of critics by protesting that he believes in “gender equality” and that “two women were invited but one could not attend.”

This is something of which he’s proud?

Ambassador Dennis Ross, lay chairman of the organization and someone who devoted countless hours to trying to bring peace to the Middle East, says the institute “is governed by a principle of inclusiveness and that women should take part in all its events.” He regrets that more women were not included in the meeting.

But this is not a new problem. The institute is four years old and, according to its own Web site, the number of women involved in any of its activities can be counted on one hand--without using all of the fingers.

The organizers are now trying to offer rationalizations as to why this happened.

They claim that they only invited CEOs and people with policy-planning experience, hence the imbalance. They also are scrambling to invite some women.

How can those planning for the Jewish future be unaware of Ruth Messinger,

CEO of the American Jewish World Service, who was one of those most responsible for bringing 100,000 people to Washington recently to protest genocide in Darfur?

Did they not know of Morlie Levin, CEO of Hadassah, whose organization has 300,000 members?

They were aware, it should be noted, of the male CEO of the American Jewish Congress, an organization whose membership is, I would venture to guess, far less than Hadassah’s.

What about Lynn Schusterman, one of our most “out-of-the-box’’ creative philanthropists; Edith Everett, a famed philanthropist and former CEO of Grunthal & Co.; and Phyllis Cook, executive director of the San Francisco Jewish endowment fund?

They did not include Judge Ellen Heller, president of the board of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, an organization that does crucial policy planning. They ignored or did not know of Susie Gelman, chairwoman of birthright israel; Elisa Bildner, former chairwoman of the Jewish Funders Network; and Susie Stern, campaign vice chairwoman for the United Jewish Communities federation umbrella group and campaign chairwoman for N.Y.-UJA Federation.

There’s no dearth of women who would have brought much to the table.

Some of them, it’s true, are not CEOs of major Jewish organizations, but that’s

not by chance. As Drs. Steven M. Cohen, Sherry Israel, Shaul Kelner and Didi Goldenhar have documented in their research, women are systematically under-represented in communal positions, lay and professional, with the highest levels of prestige and influence.

In addition, Jewish women communal professionals consistently earn less than their male colleagues in similar positions, despite having similar qualifications.

Shifra Bronznick, founding president of Advancing Women Professionals and the Jewish Community, the organization which sponsored the aforementioned research, has astutely recommended that when categories produce only men, the categories should be changed.

If these men did not know about these talented women, then they’re so out of touch that their deliberations are worthless.

If they knew about them but chose not to invite them, then their judgment is bankrupt and their deliberations equally so.

In either case, the policies they propose for the future will be--at best--irrelevant.

The meeting is at the Wye Conference Center. Until recently it was called Wye Plantation. Holding such a meeting on a plantation may be the only appropriate thing about it.

Deborah Lipstadt is professor of Holocaust Studies at Emory University and author of History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving.

Institute Intent on Hiring Women Because of Their Merits, not Gender

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by AVINOAM BAR-YOSEF JERUSALEM (JTA)--The epic and incredible survival of Jewish civilization throughout history owes a great deal to the legendary Jewish mother.

Women have been incredibly effective in keeping the Jewish people alive and in ensuring their future in every field of American endeavor. They have not only educated this generation of prominent Jewish personalities but have taken part in shaping the standing of the Jewish community.

Those facts have never been ignored by the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute.

The institute, which has been operational for just three years, is still in its start-up phase. It has always been understood that the institute needs to reflect the diversity of the Jewish community, taking into account pluralism and gender equality. We are making every effort to recruit the best professional and creative

Jewish minds to fulfill these expectations.

Recent criticism of gender imbalance in an upcoming institute event is inaccurate. The Wye River Conference Center brainstorming session of “decision makers” is just one in a series of sessions in the context of a project called “Alternative Futures for the Jewish People 2025.”

The brainstorming process started a year ago, and has called upon men such as Irwin Cotler, Jehuda Reinharz, Stuart Eizenstat, Alan Dershowitz, Michael Steinhardt and Natan Sharansky. We also have called on women such as Hermona Soreq, head of Hebrew University’s Sciences Faculty; Judith Birk, head of Hebrew University’s Agriculture Faculty; and Rachel Fish, a promising young American Jewish scholar and activist.

Immediately after the decision makers’ gathering, we will hold a gathering of “thinkers” for additional brainstorming.

Due to take part in that meeting are Israeli legal scholar Ruth Gavison and Nicole Geudj, a former French Cabinet minister.

If Deborah Lipstadt, who has criticized

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

NORM’S

DOOR SERVICE

SALES AND SERVICE

6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington

Omaha, Nebraska

402/331-8920

of religious-secular relations and North American Jewry, was the first fellow to join the institute. She was hired on her merits, as was Ita Alcalay, our projects coordinator.

Lipstadt mentions a list of women she hints were “ignored.” In fact, none of them was ignored, and at least two--Susie Gelman and Lynn Schusterman--have been invited to take a closer look at our work.

Are these efforts enough? They’re never enough. Gender equality is very important and we will continue to increase the presence of women at the institute. It won’t be based on the fact that they’re women, rather on their merits.

To blame Ambassador Ross--who really should be praised for the time, energy and thought he dedicates to the institute’s issues, all on a voluntary basis--as well as the other lay and professional people involved in the institute, is as unfair as Lipstadt’s final swipe, calling this important gathering of decision makers a “meeting on a plantation.’’

Avinoam Bar-Yosef is director of the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute.

BERNINA

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

GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

our invite list, had bothered to make just one phone call, many of her complaints could have been addressed. This is just a partial list of women who have been invited to our meetings but were unable to attend: British legislator Louise Ellman; Ruth Dreifus of Switzerland; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; economist Orit Gadish; Canadian Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Silverman Abella; Professor Rivka Carmi of Ben-Gurion University; Galia Maor, president of Bank Leumi. None of these women was invited in the name of gender equality, rather on their merits.

As for Lipstadt’s criticism of the composition of our staff, in this start-up stage we need to take advantage of windows of opportunity in our recruitment. In recent months, we have been negotiating with three impressive professionals, who happen to be women. They include a former brigadier general in the IDF, an expert in Jewish sociology, and the other an expert on the Russian Jewish community in North America. Their joining depends on their availability--and their merits.

Ahava Zarembski, an expert in the field

for the Creative Sewing Enthusiast

HELP WANTED PRODUCTION DRAFTSMAN Opening for a full time (4 day work week) person to produce detailed structural drawings of modular homes using a computer. Must be detail oriented and have some construction knowledge. Training will be provide by an experienced staff of professionals. Inquiries call Ryan at 800-759-2782, or send resume to P.O. Box 37, Wayne, NE 68787, Fax 402-375-4770 or e-mail to ryan@heritageind.com

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.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, June 30, 8:43 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 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El Synagogue; Evening Service, 8:55 p.m.

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

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.

K’TANTAN PLUS Our summer program, led by Daniel Christensen, meets in the chapel from 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Our next sessions will be held, July 8 and 22. The program is open to children in K-6, and offers opportunities to take roles in leading Shabbat services, as well as the parasha discussion. For information, call Judy Rubin at 498.0904.

HAZAK: Hazak members will meet at Beth El on July 4, 9 p.m., to watch Girls and Boys Town’s fireworks display from the synagogue parking lot. Everyone is asked to BYOC (bring your own chair). Cold drinks will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but for planning purposes, RSVPs are being taken by 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, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (con-

tact the office for class schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Jordana Kurtzman in honor of Isaac’s 5th birthday; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/ Ma’ariv service time.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.

TUESDAY: 4th of July dinner and fireworks, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Intensive Summer Hebrew Class with Professor Sara Kasher begins today and takes place weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon through July 21.

THURSDAY: “Women of the Torah” class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross; Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross.

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: Services, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

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

All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call www.

330.1800 or visit Ochabad.com.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel.

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

The temple office will be closed Monday, July 3 through Wedneday, July 5.

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.; “Shema Temple Israel: Many Stories, One Congregation”; d’var Torah by Louri Sullivan - “Everything has a way of working out.”

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

SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, 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, there are no facilities for infants.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

Friday evening, July 7 at the South Street Temple, and Saturday morning, July 8, at the Tifereth Israel, Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom will be celebrating their aufruf. The community is invited and the couple will be hosting an Oneg Shabbat on Friday evening and a Kiddush luncheon on Saturday.

Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the High Holiday Machzor in large print and in Braille free of charge for all those who need them. Due to the high expense involved a doctor’s note stating necessity is required.

To receive a complimentary Machzor contact our office at 718.338.4999; or fax 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.

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

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

Temple Members Participate in Rebuilding Together

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Larry Gendler is a busy judge by occupation. But for the past six years, he’s used some of his free time as a volunteer in the homebuilding trade with Rebuilding Together.

“I knew some people who were involved” in Rebuilding Together, he explained. As a member of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee, he thought of getting Temple involved in the community project.

To assure that low-income elderly and disabled homeowners and their families live in warmth, safety, and independence is what Rebuilding Together does. The organization’s mission is to preserve and revitalize homes and our community. The Omaha affiliate joined the nationwide organization of the same name in 1995 and began rehabilitating homes in April 1996. The majority of the homeowners are physi-

cally and financially unable to maintain adequate living conditions for themselves and their families.

Each spring, Rebuilding Together sponsors “blitz” days when they gather donated materials and rally hundreds of volunteers to help repair and rehabilitate homes by providing both major and minor repairs and renovations that make a difference in the lives of the homeowners. In 2004, Rebuilding Together rehabbed 34 homes in Omaha with a market value of more than $250,000. They consider themselves a year-round program.

Trade professionals assist 50 families each year with emergency repairs from unplugging drains to replacing furnaces and roofs.

Rebuilding Together also provides home modifications for people who have disabilities to improve movement.

“Most of our team is from Temple,” Gendler said. Temple also makes a monetary contribu-

tion toward the home rehab.

Gendler’s team has painted, repaired windows, ceilings and floors, done caulking, and even remodeled kitchens.

In February, as a team captain, Gendler attended an organizational meeting where leaders discussed safety among other subjects. Then in April, the team spent about ten hours fixing up a home for a married couple who had lived there almost 50 years.

The husband is disabled. Most homes are in north Omaha and east of 42nd Street, Gendler said.

This year’s house needed painting, floors and windows repaired, concrete patching, caulking, bathroom vanity repair, and work on the kitchen sink and counter.

Volunteers from the plumbers’ and electricians’ unions come out to do some of the work, too.

Temple’s team, over the years, has consisted of Len Burrell and his son Sam, Tom Friedman, Jeff Schweid and Sharon Sobel and their daughter Amy, Carol Lloyd,

Jon Meyers, Shari Hess, and David Chait. Most of the 35 to 40 teams are religious-based, from Offutt Air Force Base, or corporations.

Temple team member Tom Friedman said, “Most of the time the people are really, really appreciative of the work we do.” He’s participated in Rebuilding Together for the past three or four years. “It’s just a one-afternoon project, and we do mostly cosmetic, sometimes safety repairs.” A handyman around his own house, Friedman said the experience “made me feel like I helped in some way which is very nice.”

“We can always use skilled volunteers,” according to Gendler, “but we can find something for those who are unskilled too. We could do more homes if there were more volunteers.”

Volunteers for next year can call Temple Israel at 556.6536 or send an e-mail to Gendler at lgendler@aol.com.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

June 30, 2006

What a Thing is Man

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Qorah Revolutions depend on who writes the story--the successful or the failed. Moses (i.e., the Lord) condemns Qorah for his attempt at self-aggrandizement.

But, if Qorah had succeeded, our Sidra would have read differently.

Look, we are busy, months before Election Day, with reading or listening or writing speeches about why I would be better than you as your representative in Congress or wherever. Why? Because I’m more capable than you, and more honest and reliable (and maybe more handsome or prettier) than you. Also, I have more money to spend on the campaign. Besides, Qorah could boast, I’m as much a Levite as you; indeed I’m more Levitical than you, etc., etc., etc.

Look, again look. If you are an American, you will be celebrating Independence Day almost as soon as you read this. Celebrating how? Meditating, writing, thinking about the galaxy of great men who led the fight for

independence? Nah! Celebrating with picnics, hot dogs, mosquitoes, and maybe even fireworks. Maybe even visiting cemeteries, since it’s a convenient day and likely not yet too hot. Visiting graves of your own lost dearest ones (surely I’m not derogating that!). A child I know defined a cemetery as “the place where the dead live.” Live! Also in our hearts and minds.

Qorah failed, but we honor the revolutionary spirit, the fight for independence. Qorah failed because he wasn’t asserting the right to independence, but his personal right, he thought to be the leader instead of Moses.

If Qorah were around in 1776, he would have been in the ranks of Benedict Arnold. Indeed, he would have challenged Arnold for the leadership.

How can we tell Washington from Arnold and Moses from Qorah?

Humility, as opposed to personal wish for honor, is one way. The earnest desire to serve rather than to be praised is another (or is it the same?).

How much the same and how different are the motivations of Arnold and Washington, of Qorah and Moses!

What a thing is Man! So little more than the beast, so little less than the angels!

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

Page 11

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Visit www.mybackhurts.us to learn more about our NEW PATIENT SPECIAL OFFER or call 402/778-1100.

DEATHS SHIRLEY DIAMOND FRANK Former Lincolnite Shirley Diamond Frank died June 7 at the age of 89 in Indianapolis, IN. Services were held there June 11.

She received a BS from University of NE, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She received special training in Public Health Nursing from University of Wisconsin and worked as a public school nurse until she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during WWII. During the 60s and 70s, she worked for the state of Indiana caring for disabled children.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Frank, who died in October of 1994.

She is survived by daughters, Rae Ellen Frank James of Alexandria, VA and Julia Frank Hundman of St. Louis, MO; sister Ruth Diamond Levinson, and niece, Gail Wishnow, both of Lincoln, NE. JANE RICE LEVY Former Omahan Jane Rice Levy died June 16 at the age of 53 in Denver, CO. Services were held June 21 at Temple Sinai in Denver.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rice earned a master’s in special education from the University of Denver.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Osoff Rice.

She is survived by her father, Don Rice, Rancho Mirage, CA; husband, Dr. Hal Levy, sons, Matt and Josh Levy, all of Denver; brother, Jim Rice, brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Jeanne Rice; sister and brotherin-law, Wendy and David Krupp; mother-in-law, Sandy Levy; brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Robyn Levy, of Denver; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Stephanie Levy and Jay Ryan of Alexandria, VA. Memorials to the Ruth and Joe Rice Scholarship

Fund, c/o the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, or the Denver Academy in Denver, CO. ROBERT CIPINKO Former Omahan Robert Cipinko died in Breckinridge, CO, at the age of 54. Services were held June 28 at Golden Hill Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Cipinko.

He is survived by his mother, Marian Abramson; daughter, Carly Cipinko; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Larry Grossman; brother and sister-in-law, Sanford and Dana Cipinko.

Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue or to charity of choice.

College World Series Becomes Meeting Ground

$$CASH$$ IMMEDIATE cash for structured settlements, annuities, law suit, mortgage notes & cash flows. J.G. Wentworth - #1 1-800-794-7310.

FORECLOSED HOMES! From $199/mo, 4% Down 30 years @8% apr. 1-3 bedrooms available now! For listings call 800-385-4006 ext. 0981.

LOG HOME Dealers wanted. Great earning potential, excellent profits. Protected territory, lifetime warranty. American made - honest value. Call Daniel Boone Log Homes, 1888-443-4140. $500 POLICE impounds! Cars, trucks and SUVs from $500. Hondas, Chevys, Jeeps, Acuras and much more! For listings call 800-426-9668 ext. N673.

HOT TUBS, Nebraska’s newest discount hot tub outlet. New, used, name brand hot tubs, $995-$3,995. Delivery to any Nebraska location. 402-475-6767 for prices, current inventory. www.osthottubwarehouse.com.

Gary Katz, Kripke Library Administrator, meets ESPN sports anchor Linda Cohn during a chance encounter at last week’s College World Series in Omaha.

WANTED: TECHNICIANS, all levels to join our team, Sheridan Motors, Sheridan, WY. Great pay, top benefits, moving allowance. Call Shane for more info, 307-672-9074.

RAILROAD JOBS: Train in four to eight weeks to become a Conductor, Welder, Mechanical Locomotive, or Carmen. Average salaries $63,000.00. Tuition loans available. 913-319-2603. www.RailroadTraining.com.

DRIVERS: CIRCLE this ad! It’s the driving opportunity you’ve been looking for! Home weekly - paid on practical miles. Class A-CDL/1 year OTR experience required. Grand Island Contract Carriers, 877-367-4422. www.gicc.chiefind.com.

*

Fee Req. $99.50

REF#P1011

NEBRASKA

For over 170 newspapers

We can also place your advertising message in other states statewide programs. Call for more pricing.

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

NEW TIMPTE Ag-Hopper trailers! Harvest rent for $950/month. Many other trailers for rent, sale or lease. Anderson Bros/Leasing, 701-493-2241 days 701-709-0282 evenings.

DEDICATED EQUIPMENT transfer driver. Driver with lowboy/flatbed experience to move equipment from terminal to terminal. Out & back to Omaha area. Will be home regularly. Class A CDL, 2 years experience required. Pay rate commensurate with experience with good benefits. Must pass physical, drug screen & MVR background check.

All loading and unloading time is paid. Call Darin, 402-850-1320.

When You Advertise with One of Our Statewide Programs!

$195*

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.

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.

SAVE TIME & MONEY Nebraska 2x2 $825 Display Ad For over 170 newspapers Network

Statewide Classified ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $195/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

SKILLED CONSTRUCTION HELP NEEDED Heritage Homes of NE, a custom home manufacturer, has immediate openings in their Colorado Field Services division for construction personnel. Person(s) will be responsible for year round on-site finishing modular homes. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacations and holidays, 401(k), travel pay and over night travel expenses. Good driving record a must.

If interested, contact Jacki at 800-759-2782 or e-mail at jacki@heritageind.com for more information.

DRIVERS: O/OS, company drivers looking for a company with high standards? Get home weekly? Come work in a family environment with Fremont Contract Carriers. 1800-228-9842 ext. 106 or www.fcc-inc.com.

OTR DRIVERS: $.40 per mile to start + benefits, $0 down, owner/operators also available. Hinz Trucking Inc., 800-523-4631, ext. 310.

OTR FLATBED truck drivers wanted. Nice equipment, good miles, good hometime. $.40/mile. 507-240-1080.

DRIVERS NEEDED. Dedicated Midwest lanes, frequent home time, great pay package! Call 1-800-775-2755 or www.dahlsten.com.

GOT TERMITES? Call Bear Termite Co. 29 years in business. We’ve earned the B.B.B. Excellence Award the last 6 years. Phone 800-241-7179.

GUITAR WANTED! Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin, Rickenbaker and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free! 1800-995-1217.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

June 30, 2006

My Nephew, the Movie Maker

THE HISTORIAN’S FOOTPRINT

Temple Seeks Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity Project There are still two more opportunities to help build a home for a family from Sudan who now live in Omaha. Temple Israel is part of a 16-member multi-faith Habitat for

Bring in this ad for an additional $500 OFF and First 2 Oil Changes FREE with purchase Ray Belanger

180th & Dodge • 402/493-7800

Sales/Leasing Consultant

rbelanger@performanceauto.com

2006-2007 Season

©Disney

JAN. 12–FEB. 11, 2007* *Subscriber Performances January 19-21

OCTOBER 10–15, 2006* *Subscriber Performances October 13-15

Photo: Norman Jean Roy

a warm fashion.

Making decisions about alcohol, drugs and sex have life altering consequences.

Convention dictates making

by OLIVER B. POLLAK the right decision and acting responsibly. Life is not conventional. The Conrad Boys The Conrad Boys, a gay ChineseAmerican Jewish film, premiers at voices hope for making the right deciFrameline, San Francisco’s 30th annual sions even after making some horrendous International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and hurting wrong decisions.

Lo started this project at the age of 20.

Transgender Film Festival.

This is the debut production of 24- Two years in the writing, five weeks of year-old writer, star and director, Justin shooting and 11 months in post-production, it is a primer for a driven polymath.

Lo--my nephew!

This budget indie film by Newport Lo, in his first film, asks at least three questions: Who is this film about? Is it Films features grandmother, aunt, cousin, about 19-year-old Southern Californian and companion Jose Ramirez, among the Charlie Conrad, played by Lo, who fol- extras. Chelsea Lo, Justin’s sister, a USC lowing the death of his Chinese Catholic Music and Business graduate, composed mother is confronted with the improbable the accompanying score. Despite family responsibility of raising his eight year old help, the film displays a high degree of brother? Sibling rivalry does not prepare professionalism.

The audience lined up around the block of the Mission district aging Victoria theater. The main floor and balcony were sold out. The size of the audience dwarfed the New York Newfest premier in early June. Audience reaction included deep breaths and applause at the more explicit scenes of emerging identity.

Q & A after the film revealed an appreciative and On the road with Jordan, (Nick Bartzen, background) and responsive audience, some Charlie (Justin Lo).

Credit: Jose V. Ramirez moved to tears, some identiCharlie to parent. Charlie forgoes going to fying with one character or another, all applauding the thoughtful intimacy.

Columbia University to care for Ben. Not all creativity is 100% autobiographMore cogent is the likely anxiety of coming out and exploring his gay identity. ical. In real life, Lo has a loving Jewish Enter Jordan, played by Nick Bartzen, a mother and Chinese father, and a younger misanthropic, predatory plagiarist, who sister who get along just fine.

The story emerges from a creativity provides further angst for the audience.

Is it about his eight-year-old brother, nurtured in acting and writing. He Ben, played by Boo Boo Stewart, devastat- crammed a UCLA Anthropology degree ed by his mother’s death who acts out at with some summer work at USC Film home in Dungeons and Dragons, at- School and diversions to NYU Tisch school tension with filled pictures and School of Drama and Parson’s School of breaking a classmate’s nose, and in the dark Design into the his four year undergraduate education. This sensitive film hours with nightmares about vampires?

Or is it about the alcoholic Jewish father, explores the intertwined dilemmas fatherDoug played by remorseful Barry Shay, a hood, childhood, death, spiritual and sexJew with an unusual character trait, who ual identity.

Lo is working on a Masters degree in returns, dried out, after a six-year absence professional writing at USC. See this film to accept responsibility?

A recovering alcoholic, he goes to and be on the ground floor of more than a Temple, fasts on Yom Kippur, atones and promising career. In the wake of Brokeback seeks redemption and peace by mending Mountain and Transamerica, put The his relationship with his sons, a relation- Conrad Boys on your list of films to see.

You don’t have to be Jewish or gay to ship that included child abuse during Doug’s drunken rages. Charlie is almost appreciate this film.

Author, historian and attorney Oliver intractably opposed to the father’s return and intervention. Ben is more impression- B. Pollak can be reached at able and needy and father and son bond in OBPOmni@aol.com.

MARCH 30–APRIL 1, 2007

already started construction but could use some more help with tasks such as framing, right, which Meyers is doing. Jensen is the coordinator of the Temple team and can use

JUNE 1–3, 2007

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com Humanity coalition building the house at 4221 Himebaugh Ave. Sally Kaplan, left, Gary Kaplan, Dan Marburg, Patrick Jensen, Joe Meyers, and Bruce Goldberg have

both skilled and non-skilled volunteers on Sundays, Aug. 6 and 20, in the afternoon. He can be reached at 680.1104 or at pjensen@aoicorp.com.

800-219-SHOW

(7469)

: 402-345-0606 In planning a season, care is taken to avoid scheduling conflicts or changes of any kind. However, prices, shows, schedules and artists are subject to change.

Presented in Association with