Vol. LXXXVIII No. 44 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 88 Years ofService to Nebraska and Western Iowa
18 Tammuz 5769
July 10, 2009
Franken recount victory leaves Senate without Jewish GOPers
Life of Academy Award nominee highlighted with biographer’s appearance
by ERIC FINGERHUT More specifically, for the first time WASHINGTON (JTA) -in decades, a moderate GOP Jewish With its decision in favor of voice -- embodied over the years not comedian Al Franken, the only by Specter but also Rudy Minnesota Supreme Court Boschwitz of Minnesota, Warren has given the U.S. Senate its Rudman of New Hampshire and the first veteran of “Saturday late Jacob Javits of New York -- will Night Live” -- and left the be absent from the Senate. chamber with no Jewish During the court battle over the Republican members. Minnesota vote, Coleman has been In a unanimous, unsigned serving as a paid consultant to the decision -- after eight Republican Jewish Coalition, an months of recounts and organization for which he often legal challenges -- the stumped during his years in the Minnesota Supreme Court Senate. A former Democratic mayor ruled June 30 that Franken, of St. Paul who switched parties after a Jewish Democrat, two years in City Hall, Coleman “received the highest numserved as a Republican poster child for ber of votes legally cast” and efforts to recruit Jews to the GOP. is entitled “to receive the Matt Brooks, the RJC’s executive certificate of election as The Minnesota Supreme Court issued a ruling director, said his organization has an United States senator from June 30 clearing the way for comedian Al “open-ended agreement” with the state of Minnesota,” Franken to become the state’s second U.S. Coleman and “we’re going to continCredit: Al Franken ue together for the foreseeable according to media reports. Senator. His Republican opponent, the incumbent Norm future,” with Coleman serving either “as an ongoing Coleman, then ended his legal battle, officially conced- consultant or as a leader involved in a volunteer capaciing the race. Coleman, who also is Jewish, said further ty.” litigation “would damage the unity of our state.” “He has been extremely helpful to us and will continWith Coleman’s defeat and the decision by ue to be going forward,” Brooks said. “Americans, and Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter to join the Democratic cau- certainly those in the Jewish community, have lost a cus, the Senate now has no Jewish Republican members. great friend and a great leader by not having Norm The House of Representatives has one Jewish GOPer, Coleman in the U.S. Senate.” Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia. Continued on page 2
by GARY KATZ Library Director On Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library will host Tighe Zimmers, the author of Tin Pan Alley Girl, A Biography of Ann Ronell. Zimmers a Chicago physician has been researching and collecting memorabilia about American popular song composers for more than two decades. Zimmers did a bulk of his research on Ronell during a previous trip to the NJHS in Omaha. Ann Ronell (Ann Rosenblatt) was born in 1905 in Omaha and graduated Central High School in 1923. She was one of the first women to have a successful career as a composer and lyricist of film in Hollywood. One of her earliest compositions was “Willow Weep for Me”, a jazz and pop standard. In 1933 Ronell cowrote “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf”, one of Disney’s first hit songs. She also composed background music for other Disney animated short films. She went on to write full musical scores. Ronnel penned her most famous song for the classic 1945 movie, The Story of G.I. Joe, which earned her two Academy Award nominations for best musical score and best song. Continued on page 2
The new American Girl doll: She’s Jewish, her name is Rebecca and the Kripke Library is hosting a tea in her honor! by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- It’s official: The newest American Girl doll is 9year-old Rebecca Rubin, a JewishAmerican girl who lives with her family on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1914. The much-anticipated latest addition to the American Girl series of historical characters, Rebecca went on sale May 31 along with six books about her life. No cheap date, she costs $95 with one book, or $118 if accompanied by the complete set. But the Kripke Jewish Federation Library already has obtained a set of books. And to introduce her, the Library is hosting a tea on Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m. (See more details on page 2.) Rebecca joins 14 other historical dolls in the series -- from Kaya, a Nez Perce girl set in 1764, to African-American Addy, a Civil War doll, to World War IIera Molly, part of an Irish immigrant family. Her unveiling will include a tie-in at the Tenement Museum in New York City and a harbor cruise with “kosher-style” food, according to USA Today. She’s a feisty girl, our Rebecca. In one book she rescues her cousin Anna from the top of a stalled Ferris wheel. In another she marches in a garment workers’ strike and gives an impassioned speech about labor rights. But she also cooks,
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
crochets and dreams of becoming a movie star, just like a proper lass. Rebecca lives with her Russian-immigrant parents, siblings and grandparents in a Lower East Side row house, just a step up from the tenements of Orchard Street, and they struggle mightily to save boat fare to bring more family over from the Old Country. The Jewish blogosphere has been floating guesses about her name, release date and details of her life for more than a year with an intensity that belied her insensate status. She is, after all, just a doll, albeit a soft-bodied, large and quite beautiful one. But Jews love history, especially their own, and Jewish parents hip to the American Girl formula of nicely made dolls and well-written books about the period of American history they represent wanted a piece of their own people’s story to give their daughters. “This is our history, right here in this doll,” says author Meredith Jacobs of Rockville, Md., host of “The Modern Jewish Mom” on The Jewish Channel. Jacobs’ family is also from Eastern Europe, and her Uncle Saul’s dreams of becoming an actor were dashed by family pressure to enter the cantorate. Jacobs plans to buy Rebecca and her books for her 13-year-old daughter, Sophie, even though she’s just beyond
The newest American Girl doll -- nine-yearold Rebecca Rubin, a Jewish-American girl -- will make her appearance at a tea at the Credit: American Girl Kripke Library. the target demographic. “I want her to read the books and talk to my parents about our history,” Jacobs says. “I don’t think people who aren’t Jewish think about how big a deal it is for a mainstream doll company to make something Jewish.” Rebecca confronts many of the same
This Week: Jewish Press wins two Rockowers: Page 12 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
ARTZA ‘09 now in Israel: Page 3
dilemmas faced by today’s American Jewish children as they navigate between tradition and modernity. In “Candlelight for Rebecca,” her teacher asks the class to make Christmas centerpieces, and Rebecca agonizes over what to tell her parents. In “Meet Rebecca,” she asks her father, an observant Jew who keeps kosher, why he opens his shoe store on Shabbat. (They need the money, he explains). Children’s author Jacqueline Dembar Greene penned the six books about Rebecca’s life, basing some of the stories on her own family’s history. She quizzed her mother-in-law about the correct usage of certain Yiddish words and her 92-year-old father about his memories of riding the Ferris wheel at Coney Island. Greene’s mother worked as a stitcher in a garment factory in Hartford, Conn., much like the one where Rebecca’s uncle and cousin suffered two decades earlier. “Nothing had changed,” Greene says. “She told me about the bosses walking up and down yelling at the workers, about being locked in even though it was totally illegal. They weren’t allowed to talk or hum; they were timed when they went to the bathroom.” Even the Christmas story came out of her own experience. Greene was in third Continued on page 2
Coming Next Week: Sports & Recreation Special Issue Special Report on Jewish Extremism: Pages 6-7
Swine flu closes several Jewish camps: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 10, 2009
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Franken recount victory Continued from page 1 Brooks added that “we haven’t seen the end of Norm Coleman on the public stage.” Others who know Coleman agreed that he was likely to re-enter the political fray. United Jewish Communities director of public policy William Daroff, who also knew Coleman in his previous position with the RJC, suggested that the Republican might be interested in running for Minnesota governor next year, having enjoyed his eight years as an executive running the city of St. Paul. Jewish GOP activist Fred Zeidman also noted the possibility of a run for the governorship or heading the Republican National Committee. “There are a lot of positions where his leadership could do the party well,” Zeidman said. Coleman is a valuable strategist who “can focus the party on what’s most important to the Republican agenda and get us back on what’s important.” Ira Forman, the National Jewish Democratic Council’s CEO, called June 30 “the end of an era” because for the first time in decades there is no Jewish Republican in the Senate. He said that’s partly a reflection of the poor “state of the national GOP.” Daroff believed that having so few federal Republican officeholders in heavily Jewish areas like the Northeast was a key factor in the disappearance of Jewish Republicans from the Senate for the first time in more than 50 years. Coleman’s decision to concede immediately was “wise” if he wants to run for future office in the state, Forman said, because polls showed “he was a dead man” in Minnesota if he had continued to fight in court. The Jewish Democratic group, which had Franken as a featured speaker at its national conference last September, is “really Sen. Norm Coleman excited” to have the Democrat in Washington, Forman said. Daroff -- who noted that Coleman had been “very helpful” to the Jewish federation system, including his work on securing homeland security grants for nonprofits -- said he was anticipating a good relationship with Franken as well. “We see eye to eye on a great deal of social service
issues,” he said, and “I look forward to him also being a champion of the priorities of the federation system going forward.” Israel was not an issue in the Franken-Coleman campaign, but both candidates appeared at a pro-Israel rally at a Minneapolis Jewish community center in January during the Gaza operation. Franken said then that the U.S. relationship with Israel is a “pillar of our foreign policy” and that he would continue to uphold that commitment “as a United States senator.” “Let us stand together to send a clear message to the Israeli people,” he said. “In this complex and dangerous world, you do not stand alone.” In a February 2008 interview with the Twin Cities’ American Jewish World newspaper, Franken talked of his hopes that the U.S. would get more involved in peace efforts in the region, which President Obama has already done in his first six months in office. “We’re sort of the indispensable power in the Middle East, and in the world, and we have to play a much more active role than we’ve been playing,” said Franken. “We kind of know what a two-state solution would look like, we just got to get there.” Franken added, “We need patient diplomacy and that requires two things: patience and diplomacy. The bottom line is, Israel deserves to exist with neighbors that recognize its right to exist and who have renounced terrorism as a way of achieving political objectives. With Hamas in Gaza, that’s very, very hard right now.” Back then, Franken also encouraged continued talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as talks with the leaders of Syria and Iran. “As Yitzhak Rabin said, ‘You don’t make peace with your friends, you make peace with your enemies,’ ” Franken said. “And I liked Yitzhak Rabin a lot.” Franken’s victory gives Democrats a 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Franken, a former writer and performer on “Saturday Night Live,” is expected to be sworn in this week. He brings to 13 the number of Jewish Democrats in the Senate. Franken said June 30 that he was not going to Washington as the “60th Democratic senator” but as the “second senator from the state of Minnesota.” He emphasized health care, education, renewable energy and renewing America’s “standing in the world” as issues he was looking forward to working on after he takes his seat. Franken was ahead by 312 votes after a statewide recount, but Coleman had sued, arguing that the recount applied differing standards to ballots depending on the county.
Kripke Library summer reading program celebrates book launch with a tea party by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education Earlier this summer, the American Girl Company introduced their latest doll, Rebecca Rubin, a nine-yearold Jewish American girl growing up on New York City’s lower east side in 1914. Along with Rebecca, American Girl launched six historical books that chronicle Rebecca’s childhood during the height of America’s immigration period. The Kripke Library will host a special MotherDaughter Tea Party on Sunday, July 19, 2 p.m. in the library to introduce not only Rebecca, but the wonderful series of books published in her honor. Mothers and daughters, ages five to 12 will enjoy a reading, crafts, and afternoon tea and lemonade served in tiny tea cups. Girls (and boys!) are invited to bring along their favorite doll for tea -- just like they would in American Girl stores across the country. The six book series is now a part of the Library’s collection and will be available for check-out. The books tell Rebecca’s tale of growing up at a time
when streams of immigrant families landed at Ellis Island every day. As the daughter of Russian-Jewish immigrants, Rebecca is a first-generation American who sees before her a world of opportunity and struggles to blend her family’s deeply held Jewish traditions with the customs of a new country. According to Rabbi Jacqueline Koch Ellenson, Director of the Women’s Rabbinic Network at Hebrew Union College, “Rebecca is proud of who she is and expresses her Jewish identity in a way that will make every Jewish girl feel the same pride in her heritage. Rebecca’s positive attitude, caring nature and deep appreciation of her family and traditions make her a role model for young Jewish girls everywhere.” In addition, participants of the Kripke Library Summer Reading Program can turn in their reading logs for prizes and check out new books. The Tea Party is a free program open to the community. Registration for afternoon tea is kindly requested by calling 334.6462.
Academy Award nominee
New American Girl doll
Continued from page 1 “Ronell’s life and music is still very attached to Omaha. She still has friends and family here. It should be a wonderful night filled with memories and music,” said Renee Corcoran, executive director of Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Following Zimmers’ presentation, Tuffy Epstein and Emily Meyer will entertain with music composed by Ronell. An exhibit of Ronell memorabilia, which includes personal music sheets, photos, and more, will also be on display in the auditorium.
Continued from page 1 grade in the 1950s when her teacher asked the class to make Christmas decorations. “I brought mine home and burst into tears,” she recalls. “My wise, wise mother said, ‘I bet Mrs. Crocker would love it.’” Mrs. Crocker was a widowed neighbor, much like the widower Mr. Rossi in Rebecca’s book, to whom the fictional character gives her own Christmas decoration. “I gave it to her,” Greene says, “and walked home feeling proud as punch.”
July 10, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Schools grateful for Temple’s Ike and Roz Friedman Fund’s generosity
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For years, Roz Friedman donated funds from the Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation to Temple Israel to support an incentive program at Lothrop School. With a lengthy history of contributing to Jewish causes such as Jewish Family Service’s Project Dreidel, the Friedmans have also made donations to museums, art and cultural programs, higher education, and health and human services organizaRoz Friedman tions. Among the numerous community agencies that have benefited from the Friedman’s generosity are the Sienna/Francis House, the National Conference for Community & Justice, State of Israel Bonds, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the Ike Friedman Community Health Plaza. For their outstanding service to humanity, Roz Friedman, who died in 2008, and the Friedman family were named Humanitarians of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha in 2003. This year, at Lothrop Magnet Center, on North 22nd Street, and also at Chandler View Elementary School in Bellevue, the Ike and Roz Friedman Fund at Temple Israel has been able to provide achievement incentives for students at the two elementary schools. “It costs so very little to buy these rewards and gifts for the children when they achieve their goals,” commented Roz Friedman, when she was interviewed for the story in the Jewish Press announcing her selection as Humanitarian of the Year. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather spend my money on! To see the look on the children’s faces when they reach their goals, and then when they get an educational game or a book as a reward, well, it’s just wonderful!” she said. Susie Cohn, Ike and Roz’s daughter who is president of the Friedman Family Foundation, confers each year with Shari Hess, who has been energetically involved in Temple’s Social Justice activities over the years. Hess works at Chandler View School supporting teachers in reading and math.
Greg Eversoll, principal at Chandler View, wrote thanking Cohn for “the tremendous support this year of our children. Our students have enjoyed their many and varied learning opportunities. AND they have really appreciated the fun and meaningful ways our teachers have provided to reinforce their success through your generous commitment and support.” Patti Anderson, a second-grade teacher at Chandler View, purchased incentives for her take-home reading program and homework bingo that “were especially helpful in motivating my students to participate in daily reading and completing weekly homework.” Fourth-grade teacher Larry Chandler set aside the donation “to buy books for all 25 of my students to keep and take home. They were so excited to know that they were getting their own books and that they could choose what they wanted. Some students were even more excited...for the simple fact that they have no books of their own to read at home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” he wrote. “Sometimes we accomplish more when children are
!
rewarded for their achievements,” pointed out Hess. “And this program gives us the opportunity to do that. In this day and age, it’s remarkable to find this overwhelming generosity. You put so many smiles on the faces of Chandler View students,” Hess told Cohn. “We saw gains in writing, math, reading, homework, and attendance.” Children added their own appreciation. “Thank you for the contribution to our school. My teacher used it to make a pizza party and homework bingo. I got many prizes from it. I got two pens, bubbles, and a coloring book. From, Chloe.” “Thank you for the pizza party and the clown. He was funny. Our class earned the pizza because we did a good job. I liked the clown. I hope we have another test in 4th grade so we can get more pizza parties. See you in 4th grade. Your friend, Cruz. P.S. Come again.” Cohn, who has been enjoying thank you notes from the schools for years, said, “We’re happy to sponsor this project through Temple.” (Information from the June 6, 2003, issue of the Jewish Press was used in this article.)
ARTZA ’09 now in Israel Two staff and 21 teens departed Omaha on June 17 on their long awaited, much anticipated Community Teen Trip to Israel, ARTZA ’09. The one-month journey began in the heart of Israel, in Jerusalem where they celebrated their first Shabbat at the Western Wall, shopped Ben Yehuda Street, and toured several key historical museums and sites such as the City of David, the Knesset, and archeological excavations. After several days, they moved south through the Negev, and experienced Bedouin hospitality, camped under the stars, hiked Masada at dawn, visited the Ein Gedi Waterfalls, and took a dip in the Dead Sea. With less than a week remaining, community members are encouraged to dial into the ARTZA Hotline at 334.6471 to listen to daily voicemail updates from the Artza teens and staff. The ARTZA group will return to Omaha on Thursday, July 16. Pictured above is a group shot taken on the day of their departure, standing: Corey Kirshenbaum, Artza director, left, community shlicha Tamar Halevy, Sam Monsky, Jonathan Gill, Mitch Raznick, Alex Kirshenbaum, Ryan Kirshenbaum, Sam Kohll, Jesse Reno, middle row: Lindsey Thomas, left, Anna Grossman, Haley Gordman, Talia Simon, Rachel Meyer, Sam Burrell, Sam Weinstine, Jeff Libov, sitting: Laura Gilinsky, Molly Gilinsky, Rachel Saferstein, Marlee Skolkin, Chloe Heyman, Michelle Elkin. Not pictured, Jodi Lerner, chaperone.
What we did THAT summer
Where were you when the Israel Air Force rescued the hostages from the Palestinian hijackers in Entebbe in July of 1976? Maybe you recall when Israeli and Jordanian officials signed the Washington Declaration in the desert between the two countries in the summer of 1994?
Did you get married one summer? Become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Maybe your son or daughter was born during the summer and you celebrated a bris or baby naming -Or maybe you recall summers at Camp JCC, Herzl, Sabra, or Beber? Were you on a Federation or synagogue mission to Israel one summer? Or did you go first as a teen — with ARTZA, NFTY, NCSY or USY? If your most memorable Jewish events occurred during the summer — any summer —THAT summer — we’ll publish your stories and photos in our Sept. 18, 2009, Jewish New Year’s issue:“What we did THAT summer!”
Israel a trip to g in r u d ll n Wa ’s Wester m le a s u r at Je ren prays r a W y t r a mahan M Former Oof 2005. t in Augus
Even it’s just a photo and caption from camp,Israel,a wedding or a car trip across the United States for a family reunion -- we need it no later than Aug.1.Send all articles and photos to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or e-mail them to ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. If you need more information — or want help putting together your story, call editor Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450 Or e-mail her at ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 10, 2009
Beth El welcomes new youth director
IN THE NEWS
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Saying he is “excited and honored to be the next link in a long chain of youth directors at Beth El,” Jason Rich will be welcomed on August 1 as the synagogue’s newest staff member. Rich, a 2008 Tulane University graduate, will be responsible for youth programming, overseeing Beth El’s youth groups, including USY (high school), Kadima (middle school), and BESTT Chaverim (grades 4 to 6). He will also teach thirdgrade Hebrew, as well as Jason Rich courses in the synagogue's High School for Jewish Studies, and will direct college outreach programming. As a lifelong Beth El member who was an active Kadimanik and USYer, Rich brings a very personal perspective to the job. “The Jewish community in Omaha raised me,” he said. “That influence was not only apparent while living here, but it continued to impact the work I did and the person I tried to be while at Tulane University in New Orleans, living abroad in Austria, and traveling around the world. My goal is to be an effective component of an overall wonderful Omaha Jewish youth experience.” Rich added, “As I look back on my own youth experience at this great synagogue, I think about all the mentors, tutors, directors, and teachers who impacted my life immeasurably,” he continued. “It is my goal to follow their lead by fostering an environment of Jewish connection, unbiased education, open and honest conversation, social interaction and active participation throughout the year and across all age levels.” Steve Pitlor, president of Beth El’s Board of Trustees, welcomed Rich, saying, “Jason’s deep connection to the synagogue, as well as his personal experiences as a youth here, will undoubtedly serve him well as our new youth director. He brings an enthusiasm that he’s excited to share with kids of all ages in the congregation, and we look forward to a terrific new year with him at the helm of our youth programming.”
To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $20, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.
The Governor of Nebraska, Dave Heineman recently reappointed Steve Danon the Director of Risk Control & Safety Services for the Marcotte Insurance Agency, to the Nebraska State Emergency Response Commission. Gov. Heinemam thanked Steve for his continuing service saying, “Your knowledge and input are valuable and your service to the citizens of Nebraska is appreciated.” The appointment was confirmed by the Government, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee of the Nebraska State Legislature and forwarded to the full Legislature for confirmation. The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) is a federally mandated advisory commission that consists of 19 members from state and local government, including fire, law, public health, schools, industry, transportation, and the public. LEPCs are groups of representatives from local communities that participate in the planning and or response to Hazardous Materials incidents in a community. They identify potential risks from hazardous chemicals, minimize those risks, prevent accidents, develop effective plans to deal with a chemical emergency, and provide the public with information about events that affect them. Thomas M. Baker has joined Aon Risk Services
Central, Inc. as a Sales Executive. In his role at Aon, he is responsible for driving growth by identifying new and existing client opportunities and developing new client relationships and the implementation of insurance and risk management programs, as well as bringing the best of Aon’s vast array of resources to our clients. He has experience in human resources and property and casualty insurance applications. Baker previously worked with another Omaha agency and prior to that was Director of Associate Support (Human Relations), Corporate Communications and Consumer Affairs at Baker's Supermarkets, Inc., where he worked from 1984 through 2001. He attended The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He is a member of the Westside Community Schools Board of Education as well as The Westside Community Schools Foundation Board of Directors and has been actively involved with many other civic organizations. Aon is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human capital consulting. The company was voted best insurance intermediary, best reinsurance intermediary and best employee benefits consulting firm in 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Business Insurance.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Tim Schmad, Executive Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, will give us the lowdown on the recent controversy that threatened the very existence of the Playhouse, on Wednesday, July 15, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Rich Juro, chairman. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Jenny Gordon at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Chocolate Moose Café in Plattsmouth, please meet in the JCC by 9:45 a.m. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
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VISIONS Reminder: Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, July17, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. The cost of $11 per person includes lunch, beverage, tax and gratuity. Join special guest speaker Jeff Koterba, Omaha WorldHerald editorial cartoonist. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by July 10. For questions, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. For transportation, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583. Make check payable to Visions.
VISIONS AND 39 FOREVER Join us for the annual dinner and baseball game at Rosenblatt Stadium on Thursday, July 30, 5:45 p.m., in the Stadium View Club. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. as the Omaha Royals plays the Iowa Cubs. Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plz. Cir., Omaha, NE 68154. For questions, call Judy Katskee at 493.8875.
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July 10, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
OTYG members’ acts of loving kindness light up campers’ summer
ers, police, the St. Louis Cardinals or Rams, scuba divers, local theatre guild representatives, and support dogs. There is no cost to any Camp Rainbow camper or to their families. The entire staff of youth counselors, unit heads, professional adult supervisors, child life specialists, pediatric oncology nurses, and physicians are volunteers. Emily and her camper, Vanya, seven, especially enjoyed swimming. After passing a swimming test to prove she was capable of going into “the deep end...Vanya was incredibly proud of herself,” said Emily. “It was adorable. “We were really good together,” Emily added. “We had a ton of fun together, and a lot of the people at camp thought that we looked like we could be sisters!” “Molly and Emily were wonderful counselors,” said Ronnie Brockman, the camp’s program director. “Every day, they had smiles on their faces and could not wait to be with their campers. They each were responsible for one camper for the whole week. Both Molly and Emily devoted time and energy to making sure their campers had an experience of a lifetime, laughed a lot, made new friends, and participated in all the camp activities.” “I loved every aspect of this experience,” said Emily. “Vanya became my Emily Katz, left, and Molly Goldberg, right, have returned from volunteering at Camp Rainbow ‘little sister,’ and I loved where they paired with seriously ill children for a week of forgetting about doctors and hospitals. seeing her come out of Society, Rainbows for Kids, AMC Cancer Research her seemingly shy personality and make new friends and Center as well as more than 60 businesses and private have a blast. I knew I had done a good job when she said donors, Camp Rainbow opened in 1988. Since then, it that she didn’t want to leave camp and that she wanted has served almost 2000 children from four to 18 years to stay there forever.” old. In addition to learning that “six-year-old boys have an Emily was a counselor at Camp Rainbow last year and insane amount of energy,” Molly believes “Camp returned this summer, because “being a volunteer at Rainbow is the most magical place on Earth. Campers, Camp Rainbow was one of the most rewarding experi- whose lives are normally filled with chemotherapy, radiences of my life,” she declared. ation, and daily hospital visits, got to experience the fun This was Molly’s first time at Camp Rainbow which that goes along with being a kid. Truthfully, you forget she described before she went there as “an excellent they are sick. There are so many activities, friendships, project in terms of tikkun olam and social action.” Both treats, and laughs that the cancer no longer phased me.” Emily and Molly are active members of OTYG and stuCamp Rainbow -- an extraordinary place for some dents at Westside High School. extraordinary kids -- the campers and the counselors. Each counselor is matched with an individual camper for the week. “When we applied in March,” Molly explained, “we wrote down if we wanted a boy or a girl camper and an age preference. There were a lot more boy campers at camp and more girl counselors so quite a few had boy campers.” Molly was matched with Brandon, a six-year-old boy from St. Louis and a patient at St. John’s hospital. “Brandon was an awesome match for me,” she said. “He was super energetic (we enjoyed racing to each activity) and academic (he had questions for every guest at camp from the Harley motor cycle riders to the NASA representative).” Except for showering and sleeping, Molly and Brandon were constantly together. “Camp Rainbow is jam packed with activities,” Molly pointed out. “Each day had a theme and the activities corresponded with the theme. For example, Monday was Pioneer Day so Brandon and I made a teepee out of The Omaha Section of National Council of Jewish Women leather.” Square dancers and colonial games were part of sponsored an advocacy training on the selection of judges the Western day program. Molly added that other activlast month. Co-chairing the event were Jan ities included kite flying, hockey, a ropes course, singing, Schneiderman, left, and Carol Bloch. Training experts and swimming. In addition, campers participate in included Robin Kurland, back row left, Phil Sparks and archery, arts and crafts, drama, fishing, and nature activElissa Froman, from the NCJW Washington office. ities. Camp visitors include magicians, clowns, firefight-
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Emily Katz, 16, and Molly Goldberg, 17, were volunteer counselors at Camp Rainbow in June. The oneweek sleep-over camp located near St. Louis gives children seriously ill with cancer and blood related disorders a chance to grow, discover, thrive, and have a camping experience for a week. Relying on donations for financial support, Camp Rainbow is a beneficiary of Omaha Temple Youth Group’s (OTYG) annual spaghetti dinner which donates a percentage of the proceeds every year to the camp. Co-sponsored by the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, the North American Federation of Temple Youth - Missouri Valley Region, ProHunt Charities, St. Louis Feed Club, the Dream Factory, the National Children’s Cancer Society Inc., American Cancer
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Israel wrestles with settler challenge
by DINA KRAFT money into building outposts. TEL AVIV (JTA) -- When two top Defense Ministry spokesman Shlomo Israeli army commanders in the West Dror said things have changed recently on Bank received threatening letters in early that issue. “Today, where we can stop such June, the suspects weren’t the army’s tra- actions we are doing our best to do so,” he ditional enemies in the territory. Instead, said. “There was a lack of oversight in Israeli Jews angry about the army’s recent some places in the past, but in the past demolition of several illegal settlement three years it has improved.” Until recentoutposts appeared to have sent the letters. ly, high-ranking police officials blamed a One compared the soldiers to Nazis, dearth of resources for the lack of law calling the officers “a gang of Jews with enforcement. But police now say they are wretched souls, reminisbetter equipped: Last year cent of the Judenrat.” the police established a Another said, “We know headquarters in the West where you live. We will Bank for the first time, and get to both you and your there are more vehicles family.” The threats, and personnel to effect along with the violence rapid responses. that has accompanied Yesh Din, an Israeli attempts to evacuate illehuman rights group that gal settlement outposts, focuses on the West Bank, represent a growing consays one major problem of cern for Israeli authorities. law enforcement is the Rampages by settlers rarity with which settlers against Palestinians, private who use violence against property and Israeli securi- A poster that reads "We are all Palestinians or Israeli solty forces have brought into Coming Together; The Frontline of diers are prosecuted. stark focus the problem Defense for the Settlements" calls “Failing to stand firm and Israel is likely to face as it for protests against the evacuation severely stem the growing moves to evacuate more of illegal outposts. Credit: Dina Kraft stream of Jews and Israelis illegal West Bank outposts and confront who have adopted violent modes of operJewish extremists. The challenge may ation directed at innocents as a way to become more acute in the months ahead achieve political goals morally stains the due to new pressure from Washington to State of Israel and constitutes a legal viofreeze Jewish settlement growth. lation of the duties incumbent on us,” Though the radical settlers are small in Michael Sfard, Yesh Din’s attorney, said number, cracking down on them has in a letter sent in early June to the defense proven a difficult task for successive Israeli minister and top army officials. governments. In recent years, the Israel Sfard blamed a lack of police resources Defense Forces’ demolitions of illegal out- for investigations. There’s also a problem posts have been met at times with settler of intelligence gathering, say former offiviolence. More often than not, settlers have cials of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency returned to rebuild their illegal outposts. and Defense Ministry officials. Close knit, The conundrum for Israel is how to wary of outsiders and young -- the perpebring the lawlessness of radical settlers trators of violence often are teenagers -under control and end the cat-and-mouse the radical settlers are difficult to infiltrate. game with settlers who return almost as Sometimes, when radical youths are soon as they’re evacuated by force. arrested, they refuse even to give their Yizhar Beer, director of a watchdog national identification numbers to group on extremism called Keshev, says authorities. “Theirs is an insular and the problem for authorities is that radical inherently suspicious society,” Dror said. settlers use guerrilla tactics, spreading out “Because they are driven by a fanatic ideand exhausting traditional forces. “Being ology, it’s extremely difficult to convince in many places necessitates facing off with members to pass on information.” them with a large amount of forces,” he About 280,000 Jews live in the West said. “That’s very difficult.” Some blame Bank, many for reasons of convenience a lack of political will. Successive Israeli and economics rather than ideology. The prime ministers have failed to follow largest settlements are filled with comthrough on promises to demolish illegal muters to Israel, and the settlements offer outposts, and a 2005 government report the advantages of suburban life at a cost by former state prosecutor Talia Sasson far cheaper than in Israel proper, thanks found that some $18 million in govern- in large part to government subsidies. ment funds had been directed toward illeThe settlements are widely considered gal settlement building between 1996 illegal under international law because and 2004. they are built on land Israel captured Sasson found that regional councils in from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day the West Bank were able to use funds from War. Though Israel never annexed the the Ministry of Housing and Construction territory, aside from eastern Jerusalem, to pave roads, connect water lines and Israel maintains that settlements authorhook up the outposts to local electricity ized by its government are legal. grids by misleadingly earmarking the Israel views the West Bank as unasfunds as infrastructure for new neighbor- signed territory left over from the British hoods within existing settlements. Sasson Mandatory period whose final status has held responsible the World Zionist yet to be determined. The outposts, Organization’s settlement division and which are built without government government bodies, including the Defense authorization, are considered illegal by Ministry, which has overall responsibility the government. Israelis who live in the for Israel’s West Bank presence. West Bank are subject to Israeli law. West A 2006 report by Peace Now found Bank Palestinians come under Israeli that 40 percent of Jewish settlement ter- jurisdiction for criminal or security matritory was built on privately owned ters, and mostly are under Palestinian Palestinian land. “When people see there jurisdiction for civil matters. is no enforcement of law,” Sasson said, Despite tough talk by Israeli politicians “they can take land that is not theirs and past and present, action against the outestablish new settlements without gov- posts has been sporadic. When the government approval and build houses on ernment decided to aggressively confront them, and no one does anything after- the outposts by enforcing a Supreme ward. They can come and hit and shoot Court order to demolish the Amona outPalestinians, and they see no one does post in February 2006, the confrontation anything about it.” Sasson’s report between settlers and police turned viodetailed how settlement supporters lent. Afterward, settlers launched a public helped surreptitiously funnel government Continued on page 7
July 10, 2009
Settler challenge Continued from page 6 campaign decrying police violence, and the Knesset formed a special committee to investigate the event. Since Amona, no wide-scale evacuation of a larger outpost has taken place. “We are talking about people who can be violent, so it’s the job of the security service and intelligence community to make sure these people are watched closely and that they cannot take law into their own hands,” said Mark Regev, a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office. Regev noted that the police and army presence in the West Bank has been increased and authorities more commonly issue temporary restraining orders barring those deemed dangerous from the West Bank. “We cannot underestimate the threat posed by vigilante extremism,” Regev said. “We lost a prime minister to a bullet fired by an extremist Jew, and the threat has not subsided.” Most mainstream settler leaders take pains to distance themselves from radicalism. They say young violent settlers, known as hilltop youth, are beyond their control. Pinchas Wallerstein, director of the Yesha Council settler umbrella group, said settler leaders are trying to be proactive about reining in the extremists by reaching out to young people, holding meetings and trying to draft a set of guidelines for behavior that would be endorsed by settler rabbis. The message Yesha is trying to convey to youths, Wallerstein said, is that even though Israel carried out the 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, “the State of Israel is important and we should try to fix mistakes from the inside and not become outsiders.” He added, “Even though the state is not always right, breaking the rules is not going to change things.” Critics of Israel’s 42-year presence in the West Bank say the occupation has fostered a Wild West, anythinggoes approach to the law, with the result apparent in land grabs and physical assaults on Palestinians by both soldiers and civilians. This, they say, makes a crackdown against Israeli lawbreakers in the territories a challenge. “When a society gets used to lawlessness being the norm, the abnormal becomes the norm,” said Dror Etkes of Yesh Din. “It’s very hard to wake up from that and say let’s change things now.” Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, a member of the Likud Party, headed the Knesset’s investigative committee on Amona’s evacuation. “I think we are too liberal and we are ready to suffer what other democratic countries are not ready to tolerate,” he said. “If in the United States someone threw a stone on a policeman, he would be put in jail,” Steinitz said. “Those who are beating IDF soldiers are beating up on the Jewish state, and we cannot accept any violent anarchic approach from either right or left.” To read the rest of the three-part series, visit www.jewishomaha.org, and click on Jewish Press.
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Page 7
MACCABIAH GAMES
Survivors’ grandkids kickin’ it for U.S. soccer
by MARC BRODSKY prior to leaving for Israel that she didn’t know what NEW YORK (JTA) -- As the grandchildren of position she would play for the Maccabiah team. Holocaust survivors, Tracy and Josh Bienenfeld may be Her 2005 U.S. squad won a silver medal in a field with taking a little added pride to Israel from suburban only three teams. The field has doubled this year. Philadelphia for the 18th Maccabiah Games. Tracy says she missed a lot on the first trip and wants “If they had not survived the Holocaust, I would not to “take it all in” this time -- the country of Israel and be here today,” says Josh, 21, a member of the U.S. the people. men’s soccer team. “It’s unbelievable that I can say that But the best part about the second time around? because of their survival, I “I’m really excited to be can play in Israel, a Jewish sharing the experience with free state.” my brother,” she says. The Tracy Bienenfeld, 24, who two haven’t seen each other is making her second much in the past couple of Maccabiah appearance on years, what with Tracy studythe U.S. women’s soccer ing in Washington and Josh squad, says her grandparplaying for Duke University ents’ tribulations made her in North Carolina. Josh, a realize the importance of midfielder and defender, will being Jewish when she was captain the Blue Devils in growing up. the fall. The trip to Israel, she says, “As we’ve gotten older, we allows her to combine “the haven’t had much time two most important things Tracy Bienenfeld will be making her second Maccabiah together,” Josh says. “It’s a in my life” -- her Jewish her- Games appearance, while brother Josh is making his debut good opportunity to hang Credit: Jewish Exponent out. I haven’t seen her play in the Games. itage and soccer. Their grandfather, Henry Bienenfeld, lost his father competitively in a long time.” Participating in the and two siblings in the Holocaust, Tracy says. He spent Maccabiah Games, he says, is “almost surreal.” some time in Auschwitz. His wife, Helen, spent the war “Just the experience of playing in Israel alongside all in Siberia. these great players and fellow Jews is awesome,” he says. Tracy, a former captain of the University of Josh says he can never understand what his grandparPennsylvania women’s soccer team, will be returning to ents had to endure. competition after studying for her master’s degree. A “I have a tremendous amount of respect for what midfielder for Penn, Tracy said in a phone interview just they’ve been through,” he says.
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to late 20s. The auditions will be on Sunday, July 26, 1 pm and Monday, July 27, 7 p.m. at the SNAP!/Shelterbelt Theater, 3225 California St. The audition will consist of one prepared song preferably in a rock ballad style and you may be asked to sing from the score. There will be an accompanist provided. There will be no accapella singing; please have sheet music. Rehearsals begin in September and the run dates will be Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 19- Dec. 13. Please contact the director, Todd Brooks, at 402.968.5543 or Brooks1965@aol.com or the music director, D. Laureen Pickle at 402.391.2414 or laureen. pickle@cox.net. Information can also be found at www.snapproductions.com.
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Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 10, 2009
Seeking freedom A recent report from the United Nations Office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs announces that “some 15,000 mainly African asylum-seekers in Israel have put the regulatory, security and welfare response under strain.” Other agencies put the figure closer to 17,000 because the U.N. report does not include asylum-seekers who are no longer in touch with the U.N. agency in Israel. The report, released July 2, added that about 200 to 300 refugees seek asylum in Israel each month. “Some nationalities such as Liberians, Ivorians and Congolese have been given ‘group protection’ under UNHCR. In addition, 452 people fleeing Darfur in Sudan were granted temporary residency in Israel.” Most of the Africans come through Egypt’s border with Israel. It is a dangerous path, and they risk Egyptian border guards shooting at them. Apparently, hundreds of these freedom seekers have been wounded over the last few years, others have been detained or deported back to their home countries. Some Sudanese, who were jailed in Egypt, escaped, snuck through the border into Israel and begged to stay -- returning to Egypt, they said, meant jail, and even torture. Several have died. “In November 2008, Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleged 33 deaths of asylumseekers at the hands of Egyptian soldiers,” according to the U.N. report. Why would men and women, Africans who are not Jewish, pay hundreds of dollars to Bedoin guides to sneak them into Israel? Why would they risk their lives? It’s probably the same reason that so many Mexicans are willing to crowd into hot, windowless trucks, travelling for days with few breaks, risking dehydration and even heatstroke to cross the border into the United States: freedom. Often arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs, sometimes sick, surely exhausted and in need of medical attention, these Africans attempting to get into Israel and the
(mostly) Mexican undocumented in this country want what many Americans take for granted -- the opportunity to raise their families in a safe environment, to seek higher paying jobs (regardless of the downturn in the eonomy), a better education, and yes, a higher standard of health care. While we grilled our hotdogs, some illegal immigrant on the border of the Negev or the desert Southwest was trying to avoid arrest and make a new life in a free country for himself and his family. How come we don’t hear about this happening on China’s borders, or on Iran’s or North Korea’s or Venezuela’s or Cuba’s? In fact, you’re more likely to hear about citizens of those countries trying to get out, and, once again, seeking asylum in the U.S. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that members of the (former) Soviet Union’s elite gymnastic or ballet troupes, not to mention musicians and writers, sought the protection of the U.S. government. So why is it, Americans and Israelis spend more of our time complaining about our respective countries than praising them? One reason is: because we can! Complaining in Iran -- as we saw (until Michael Jackson’s death booted the Iranian protests from the top of the news) can get you beaten, jailed or shot. Reports now say that more than 200 protesters were killed during the massive marches in the streets of Tehran. Protesting in America may get you a blurb in the news, though the anti-Stimulus “tea parties” which drew thousands to their rallies, barely got a photo and caption. And in Israel, not a day passes when some individual or group isn’t protesting -- from Shabbat traffic to
the government’s release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners to marching for cheaper apartments and striking teachers and baggage handlers. Again -- why do we complain? Because speaking out against whatever policy we find onerous or odious is a tradition of freedomloving peoples and the countries in which they live. So, go ahead and complain, protest, march and write your congressional delegation! But remember, these freedoms are denied to most peoples of the world, and regardless of your disgust over any current issue, there’s someone out there who would gladly give a limb (and sometimes does) to be in your place. Hope you had a Happy 4th!
sympathetic to their cause. The President, moreover, was explicit to his Muslim audience about “America’s strong bonds with Israel,” which he declared “unbreakable.” The issues are well known. What borders should a Palestinian state have? Should it be independent or confederated with an existing Arab country? Should it be armed or demilitarized? Should it be at all?
in principle the idea of a demilitarized Palestinian state. What is arguably the most important issue, though, is something else. It is something President Obama actually broached in his Cairo speech, when he called Holocaust denial “ignorant” and “hateful,” and said that “repeating vile stereotypes about Jews” is “deeply wrong.” He was even more explicit in an interview after meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, in which he recounted telling the Arab leader “that it was very important to continue to make progress in reducing the incitement and anti-Israel sentiments that are sometimes expressed in schools and mosques and in the public square,” that “all those things are impediments to peace.” The President spoke, as always, diplomatically. “Those things,” in fact, are more than impediments; they are nail-packed bombs under the possibility of peace. As long as television programming for Arab children features puppets spewing hatred for Israel and cheerfully committing themselves to jihad; as long as streets in Palestinian-controlled areas are named in honor of vicious murderers of Jews; as long as Palestinian schools teach canards about Israel and use maps of the region that do not indicate the existence of a Jewish State -- issues of states and borders and settlements are purely academic. The Talmud teaches (Shabbat 21b) that “the learning of youth” is the most strongly absorbed, remaining indelible into later years. Continued on page 9
My daily commute often puts me in the presence of one or another ear bud-wearing young person whose music device’s volume is turned up sufficiently high to be audible (and annoying) to others many feet away. The experience makes me think about the Middle East. No, really. The tinny noise, surely astoundingly loud to the eardrums mere millimeters away, makes me envision a world 20 years hence in which millions of middle-aged are unable to hear. And unlike the congenitally deaf, the newly hardof-hearing will find it hard to manage. I wonder about the toll a chronically cranky chunk of the populace might take on society. And that is what brings me to wonder about a different toll, on Palestinians. President Obama received much criticism from some Jewish circles for elements of his Cairo speech last month. His every turn of phrase, his juxtaposition of topics, what he said and what he didn’t say -- all were subjected to great scrutiny, and found wanting by some. Others noted that, for goodness’ sake, he was speaking to an Arab audience, seeking to seize an opportunity to win some trust on America’s behalf. If peace between Israel and Palestinian Arabs is possible (a big “if,” they concede), it will require a United States President who is seen by most Palestinians as
Whatever one’s views on a “two state solution,” on “settlements” or on a “right of return” for Palestinian Arabs and their descendants, it should be clear that the President was on target about the need for Arab incitement to cease. Should some or all Israeli communities built on land captured in 1967 be dismantled? Limited in growth? Left alone to grow and thrive as part of the Jewish State? Should Hamas and other murderous groups be included in any peace process directly or indirectly or shunned as incorrigible? Should Arab refugees and their children and grandchildren be permitted to return to lands where they or their forebears once lived? Compensated in some way? Or absorbed by one of the dozen or so Arab countries? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his own recent speech at Bar Ilan University, addressed some of those issues, rejecting limitations on existing communities and accepting
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Deaf to peace
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN
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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 it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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 information, call the Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 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.
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July 10, 2009
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor: In your editorial on health care reform you stated, “It’s easy to make figures fit the facts -- and facts fit the figures of an agenda.” You also said “a little sloppy research,” “some help from viewpoints in your corner,” and “glossing over opposing points of view” can usually make the case for nearly anything one wishes to promote. And you spent the rest of the editorial proving it. You noted that although the U.S. Census Bureau says 45.7 million Americans are uninsured, you have taken a “closer look” and discovered some “additional facts” that render the Census number inaccurate. You implied these additional facts come from the Kaiser Commission, quoted by you in a previous paragraph, but true to your “sloppy research” premise, you do not cite your source. That is likely because it is a Wall Street Journal columnist (Bialik, 2009), not exactly an unbiased third party, which fits nicely with your idea of getting help from “viewpoints in your corner.” And you got an additional boost on this front by quoting a six-year-old study by Blue Cross/Blue Shield -- hardly impartial regarding health care reform. Finally, to demonstrate “glossing over” inconvenient facts, you said that “nine to 11 million” of the 45.7 million uninsured are “undocumented,” meaning living in the United States illegally. Really? The Census Bureau does not ask foreign born interviewees if they are here legally (U.S. Census Bureau, Table HI09), so there is no way of knowing how many uninsured are undocumented. Paul Landow Editor’s note: The Kaiser Comission provided background information on health reform, the uninsured and a variety of other issues important to this debate; read more at: http://www.kff.org/.
To the Editor: Your help is needed in contacting your U.S. Congressman and asking him to co-sign H.R. 2727, a bill recently introduced by Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) that will reinstate public financial reporting through newspaper public notice. Since the 1920s, national banks were required by Congress, and state banks by legislatures, to publish statements of condition in the newspapers in communities where they did business. “Call reports” ran periodically in newspapers; they provided information about a bank’s solvency, indebtedness and reserves. The reports are still required by the Comptroller of the Currency, but in 1994, Congress eliminated publication. In Washington, D.C., the repeal occurred with no public hearing and little explanation. Most state legislatures quickly followed, repealing their own requirements. Since then, the public has faced substantial challenges determining whether their banks are sound. Ask your Congressman to support H.R. 2727 and to sign as a co-sponsor. The bill would require the Treasury Department to create new regulations defining the information that must be disclosed by banks in a public notice. Urge Congress to restore transparency. Allan J. Beerman Executive Director, Nebraska Press Association
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BEHIND THE HEADLINES by GILA ORKIN JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The gains made by far-right parties across Europe in the recent European parliamentary elections are certainly cause for concern. But Europe is not the only place Jews should be concerned about the far right rising. It’s happening in Israel, too. In Europe, analysts have commentated on the interplay of factors that contributed to the success of overtly racist and ultranationalist parties such as the British National Party in Britain and the Freedom Party in the Netherlands. There is the public mood of fear, frustration and uncertainty fueled by the global economic downturn. There is the prevalence of anti-Islamic sentiment and skepticism of the European Union. There was low voter turnout and a protest vote by those disenchanted with the mainstream left in the wake of the economic crisis, political scandals, and fears over rising immigration and unemployment. In such a turbulent climate, far-right parties with platforms based on fear-mongering and extremism were well-positioned to pull in votes. Rightfully, Jewish leaders across the world have been quick to express their consternation over the alarming election results. The European Jewish Congress, for example, decried the “use of racist, xenophobic and antiSemitic campaigns” and insisted that there “be no tolerance for any elected officials or political parties to espouse racism or anti-Semitism in any form or under any circumstance.” Israel also has seen the far right rise to prominence and power in recent months. The sweeping popularity of Avigdor Lieberman’s antiArab ideology and rhetoric in the campaign leading up to the national elections in February won his Yisrael Beiteinu Party 15 seats in the Knesset. It is now the second-largest party in the governing coalition, and Lieberman has assumed the coveted post of foreign minister. Lieberman’s ultra-right-wing party campaigned on a racist platform that fanned the flames of fear and hostility toward Israel's Arab minority. Propelled by the slogan “No loyalty, no citizenship,” Lieberman’s key policy proposal was to make Israeli citizenship contingent on pledging a loyalty oath to Israel as a Jewish state and was directed primarily against Israel’s Arab citizens. The other campaign slogan, “Only Lieberman understands Arabic,” was steeped in demagoguery and unbridled racism. Staying true to campaign promises, Yisrael Beiteinu already has played an instrumental role in pushing forward a slew of anti-democratic legislative proposals mainly targeting the Arab minority. These bills include the Nakba bill, which would make it a criminal offense to hold a public event commemorating Israel’s Independence Day as a “Nakba” or catastrophe, for the Palestinian people; and the loyalty oath bill, which
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Continued from page 8 Decades, even centuries, of hatred do not preclude peace. But neither can peace be built on a foundation of hatred. Whatever one’s views on a “two state solution,” on “settlements” or on a “right of return” for Palestinian Arabs and their descendants, it should be clear that the President was on target about the need for Arab incitement to cease. If I had his and Mr. Netanyahu’s ears, I would respectfully suggest that they move that issue to the very front and center of the “peace process,” where it belongs; that nothing else even be contemplated until it is fully resolved. Because a loud, lewd and relentless stream of antiIsrael, anti-Jewish noise pumped into impressionable young Arabs’ brains today will only render yet another generation of adults down the road stone-deaf to any possibility of peace. Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America and can be reached at Shafran@agudathisrael.org. This article is courtesy of Am Echad Resources.
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would require new immigrants and 16-year-old Israelis to swear allegiance to the "State of Israel as a Jewish, Zionist and democratic state" as a precondition for obtaining an Israeli identity card. Lieberman, like his far-right counterparts in Europe, scored significant electoral success in a time of crisis and uncertainty. The election took place in the immediate aftermath of the war in Gaza, when militarism and extreme nationalism were at an all-time high among Jewish Israelis, and against the backdrop of security threats, economic instability and dwindling public faith in democratic politics. Like his European counterparts, Lieberman constructed an ultranationalist campaign that tapped into the public’s fears while feeding on and fueling the growing atmosphere of racism and intolerance in Israel. And, like his European counterparts, Lieberman deserves unequivocal condemnation for his racist and anti-democratic messages and policy proposals. It is the duty of the Jewish leadership around the world to speak out against racism in any form, even when it emanates from Israel. There can be no tolerance for elected officials who incite against minorities and propagate racism anywhere and under any circumstance. Out of a sense of moral responsibility and credibility, Jewish leaders across the globe must take a strong and consistent stand against racist policies and values promoted by the far right in Israel. The disturbing trends that we are witnessing in Israel threaten to undermine Israel’s democratic foundations and are contrary to universal human rights values and basic Jewish principles. For those who care deeply about Israel, about Jewish values, and about democracy and equality for all, now is the time to unite around a common message that says no to racism, wherever it arises. Gila Orkin is the director of international relations at the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
Out of a sense of moral responsibility and credibility, Jewish leaders across the globe must take a strong and consistent stand against racist policies ...
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Camp Creek Antique Machinery & Threshing Show Sat. & Sun. July 18-19
Featuring: The Big Prairie Tractors & Steam Engines & Nelson Bros. Gas Engines Waverly, NE - 2 Miles East of Waverly Middle School On Bluff Rd.
Admission $6 per day
(under 12 years old FREE w/adult)
Parade, Pancakes & Tractor Pulls Both Days • Good Food All Day
Show Info: 402-217-9090• Flea Market 402-726-2487 www.ccthreshers.org
A majority of the events are free to the public to enjoy! Produced in part by a grant from the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism. 877-NEBRASKA • www.VisitNebraska.org O u ts ta 2 0 0 8 n A w a d in g E v e N e b ra rd e d b y th e n t sk a D i v is T ra v e l & T o u r io n o f is m !
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 10, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, July 10, 8:42 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
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
office, programming@bethelomaha.org, or contact Wendy Berenson at Munch765@aol. com or 253.2028.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Join us for Shabbat on the Green, an outdoor celebration on the synagogue’s back lawn. A picnic dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m.; outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat services will be held at 6:45 p.m. Cost: adults, $6.50 (members), $8.50 (nonmembers); kids 6-12, $4 (members), $6 (non-members); no charge for children five and younger. To RSVP or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office, or at programming@bethel-oma ha.org. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Wednesday, July 22, in the synagogue’s West Court. Lourdes Secola and Anna Mosenkis are co-hosts for the gettogether; participants are asked to remember any ‘old remedies’ learned from their bubbes. Social time, 7 p.m.; meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. RSVP to Anna at igormos@yahoo.com or 330.1127 or Lourdes at lsecola@westmapledental.com or 991.0822. YOUNG FAMILIES’ SHABBATON: Aug. 7-9 at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City, open to all families in the Jewish community with children ages eight and younger. To register or for information, contact Margie in the office. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE: Send festively-wrapped bottles of honey for $7.50 each; $7.25 for 15 or more by Friday, Aug. 17. To order, contact the
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 and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.
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.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. FRIDAY, July 17: Service, 7 a.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 79, noon. Please contact Shevi@ochabad. com to receive a guest pass. All events and programs are open to the entire community.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Lori Merliss. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Hebrew, led by Rabbi Emanuel. The Lincoln Jewish Community School is currently seeking additional Judaic and Hebrew teachers for the 2009-10 school year for fifth through seventh grades on Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-noon. If you are interested, contact Andrea Halpern at halperns@inebraska.com or call 402.217.2631. Celebrate the Ruach at OSRUI on July 25 with Debbie Friedman and Rabbi Joe Black! Spend a Shabbat afternoon at camp, followed by dinner and a concert under the stars! Pavilion seats are still available. For ticket prices, registration and more info, visit http://osrui.urjcamps.org/alu mni/celebrate_the_ruach. For questions or to volunteer to help at the event, e-mail osruialumni@gmail.com.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Visions Members. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbinic Intern Nicole Luna and guest soloist Jill Idelman and fol-
lowed by an Outdoor BBQ on the lawn. Cost is $10 per family and $5 for individual; Summer Speaker Series: “My Life of Social Justice and Community Service” with Debbie Finnicum. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: CSA Shareholder Tour of the farm at Blooms’s Farm, 10 a.m.-noon. SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome. WEDNESDAY: New member Happy Hour with Rabbi Linder, 5 p.m. at the Dundee Dell. THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at South entrance.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. The Lincoln Jewish Community School is currently seeking additional Judaic and Hebrew teachers for the 2009-10 school year for fifth through seventh grades on Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-noon. If you are interested, please contact Andrea Halpern at: halperns@ine braska.com or call 402.217.2631.
Outgoing JSS president honored
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, by e-mailing the editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, and complete form.
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 those who need them. A doctor’s note stating necessity is required. To receive a complimentary Machzor, contact our office at 718.338.4999; or fax to: 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.
At the Jewish Social Services Board Meeting on June 23, outgoing president Bob Belgrade, left, was presented a Mordechai Rosenstein print recognizing his four years of exceptional leadership. Presenting the award is Jim Farber, incoming President for JSS. Belgrade served two terms as president, from 2005-2009.
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July 10, 2009
Faithfulness -- and its reward
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Pinhas Our Sidra brings us to an understanding of the relationship between adultery and idolatry. The Israelites had been much tempted to the worship of Ba’al Pe-or by foreign women. Pinhas, seeing a couple in sexual embrace -- an Israelite man and foreign woman, pierces them both with one thrust of a ready spear. For this act of violence, the LORD rewarded Pinhas with an everlasting covenant of peace. Rabbinical midrash, fantastically, quickly called together a Beth Din, which decided that the Israelite man had brought the death penalty upon himself. The rabbis could not consider that one may, in moments of expediency, take the law and its punishments into his own hand. But we can understand, the rabbis did not, that in a moment when delay might bring injustice, a direct action was permissible. So Pinhas is rewarded. We have to understand something deeper in the situation here. What is involved is recognizing that there is something worse than physical attack. The attack against the Israelites was not upon their bodies, nor even their minds, but rather, on their sense of honor and decency. It was one thing to attack the Israelites physically, but it was quite another, and much more powerful, to attack them on their sense of morality. Pinhas, without waiting for the judgment of a Beth Din, acted without the fierceness of morality, and then slew the offending couple in his fury. We are not to assume that each of us may take upon himself the execution of justice. There is almost always time to await the proper decision of a proper court of law -- a Beth Din. We are generally not presented with an emergency situation, as Pinhas was. In our own lives, we are witnesses, rather than agents of the court, who execute its orders. If there is an emergency, we may act like Pinhas, but there is only one time in a million that there is not time for the wheels of justice to grind away. Pinhas was a “hero” but not the kind who we should strive to emulate. There are other ways in which we can earn the blessing of the Good Lord.
DEATH PHILIP A. WRIGHT Philip A. Wright died at the age of 60 on July 5, after a long and courageous battle with emphysema. Services were held at the Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home in Braintree, MA, on July 8. A graduate of Massanutten Military Academy and New England College, he had a long career in banking, financial management and as coordinator of graduate fellowships at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. An accomplished handyman, he served as a volunteer for many years at the Perkins School for the Blind and volunteered at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree. He also was a Life Member of the Massanutten Military Academy Alumni Association and served on its Board of Directors. He is survived by his wife, former Omahan Miriam Brooks of Braintree; two daughters from a previous marriage, Claudia Wright of Centreville, VA, and Luisa Blevins of Bealeton, VA; three grandchildren, Alyssa Blevins, Jonathan Blevins and Christina Pena; and mother-in-law, former Omahan Jane Brooks of Braintree. Memorials to Mt. Auburn Hospital, 330 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138.
• NEW YORK (JTA) -- Empire Kosher poultry is launching lines of organic and antibiotic-free poultry. The Pennsylvania company announced last week that it is ready to roll out both lines nationally. “As we’ve seen demand for ABF and organic products grow in the non-kosher world, we decided to enter these markets with kosher products,” CEO Greg Rosenbaum
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To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: 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 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers 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. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.
BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $35,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap. A 6 Bedroom, 2 bath foreclosure $214/month or $29,750! 5% down, 20 years @ 8%. More homes available. For listings, 800-618-0668 ext. T943. EZ FINANCING for manufactured - modular homes. Land owners zero down. No land okay. Up to $8,000 stimulus. Big screen with purchase. 800-375-3115. Call to pre-qualify. HOT TUBS, walk-in bathtubs, infrared saunas, direct from manufacturer. Call 1-800869-0406 for price list and pictures. We deliver. Good Life Spas, Lincoln, NE. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105. COORDINATOR - INTERNATIONAL Student Program. Motivated self-starter to recruit host families, supervise foreign high school students. Travel perks! P/T, flex hours. 1-800-555-6211 or www.pax.org/coordinators.html. SEEKING PHYSICIAN’S Assistant & LPN for established dermatology practice. Salary commensurate with experience. Cover letter & resume to 1919 S. 40th St., Suite 330, Lincoln, NE 68506.
JTA NEWS BRIEFS • WASHINGTON (JTA) -- U.S. Jewish groups are planning a mass push in September to press for Iran sanctions. The groups are planning a Washington Day on Sept. 10 that would bring together 300 to 500 leaders from across the United States to press for sanctions legislation, as well as a mass protest outside the United Nations in New York City on Sept. 24 -- about the time Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is set to address the General Assembly. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations established a working group last month to examine how the post-June 12 elections crisis in Iran would affect efforts to isolate the hard-line regime as long as it sustained its suspected nuclear weapons program. The elections, widely regarded as rigged, have sparked a major protest movement. “We held off for a little while to see what the outcome would be,” Presidents Conference vice-chairman Malcolm Hoenlein was quoted as telling member groups in a conference call Monday to announce the dates. “While it’s not completely clear, Ahmadinejad announced he was coming to the United Nations and the nuclear program continues.” Alan Solow, the chairman of the Presidents Conference, was quoted as telling those on the call that a huge turnout at the Sept. 24 rally was critical. Hoenlein said groups should reach out to non-Jewish groups as a means of emphasizing the broader threat the Iranian regime poses; he said he would seek Muslim and Christian participation.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
said in a statement. ABF designates poultry that is not injected with any antibiotics or hormones. Organic chicken also adheres to ABF standards, as well as U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for organic poultry. Empire also announced last week that new equipment design would enable the company to increase its peak production volume from 350,000 chickens per week to nearly 800,000. • NEW YORK (JTA) -- Gary Tobin, a prominent Jewish researcher who challenged conventional Jewish wisdom, has died. Tobin, the president of the Institute for Jewish & Community Research in San Francisco, died late Monday following a long illness. He was 59. Tobin, who was known for his provocative research, urged the community to be more open to converts, arguing that it was a viable way to grow Jewish numbers. He also was a fierce critic of the National Jewish Population Survey, claiming that its methodology was Gary Tobin flawed and that it had Credit: A.J. Grands undercounted American Jews by more than one million. His work also addressed Jewish philanthropy and community diversity. “Gary was a visionary about the Jewish community,” said Leonard Saxe, a professor at Brandeis University who succeded Tobin as director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies there. “He identified problems and issues in the community and often developed these really creative analyses, whether it was about the role of synagogues or the makeup of communities and more recently about philanthropy.” The funeral was scheduled for Thursday.
TEHRANI MOTOR Co. of Valentine, Nebraska, is actively seeking a full-time, experienced automotive technician, ASE certified, GM, Ford or Chrysler. Contact Rowdy, 1-800672-3007. WANTED: SELF-MOTIVATED individuals to work in central Nebraska water well business. Valid CDL, welding and mechanical skills. Pre-employment drug testing. Average 50 hours week year round. Competitive wages and benefits. Serious inquiries. Downey Well Co. Inc., PO Box 37, Merna, NE 68856 or call 308-643-2463. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $210/25 word classified you can advertise in over 175 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 3346448 or call 1-800-369-2850. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. GOVERNMENT FINANCING available. Up to $8,000 stimulus money back. Manufactured-Modular homes. Damaged credit, no land okay. Land owners zero down. 800-375-3115. Call to pre-qualify. HOT TUBS, walk-in bathtubs, infrared saunas, direct from manufacturer. Call 1-800869-0406 for price list and pictures. We deliver. Good Life Spas, Lincoln, NE. JOHN DEERE Tractor auction, July 8-9th, LeMars, Iowa. 35+ new generation & 2-cyl tractors, JD saddle, signs, toys & memorabilia. See www.girardauction.com or call 1866-531-6186. WANT TO buy seed wheat for fall. Will pay over market for right variety. Call 308-4408240. WANTED: OLD auto dealership parts inventories. Also pre-1960 jukeboxes and parts and old radio station electronics. Call Tim, 1-800-772-5158, Colorado. FRESH OUT of school? Now hiring independent, reliable, self starters looking to learn, earn and travel for the summer. $500 sign-on bonus. Call Riane, 888-285-1347. HIRING 18-24 fun-loving guys and gals to work & travel with sales. These positions are for sharp, enthusiastic individuals only. Paid training and transportation provided. Call Stacy, 1-877-240-1058. LOOMIX FEED supplements is seeking Dealers. Motivated individuals with cattle knowledge and community ties. Contact Allison @ 800-870-0356/ aingram@loomix.com to find out if there is a Dealership opportunity in your area. TEHRANI MOTOR Co. of Valentine, Nebraska, is actively seeking a full-time, experienced automotive technician, ASE certified, GM, Ford or Chrysler. Contact Rowdy, 1-800672-3007.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 10, 2009
Press picks up two Rockower Awards at annual conference
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press At last month’s American Jewish Press Association conference, the Jewish Press won two second place awards. Freelance writer Gary Javitch won in the News Writing category for last summer’s story about the tornado at Little Sioux Ranch which killed four Boy Scouts. Javitch interviewed two Jewish Scouts, who were eyewitnesses to the tragedy, as well as Lloyd Roitstein, executive director of the Midlands Boy Scout Council -- and an active member of the Jewish community.
This is Javitch’s first Rockower award. The Press and this writer also won in the Feature Writing category for “Refusenik: How it all began,” which detailed the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the documentary, Refusenik. Produced by former Omahan Stephanie Seldin Howard, and featuring major Soviet Jewry activist Shirley Goldstein, the film details the groundswell of “students and housewives” whose advocacy efforts eventually forced the former Soviet Union to throw open its doors and allow a million Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel and North America. “We’re so proud of our Press staff,” said Bobbi Leibowitz, president of the Press board of directors. “Whether it’s writing an informative story, putting together a fabulous special issue, or creating a unique ad, the talented Press staff is able to compete on a state and national level with larger newspapers. It proves, once again, that Omaha’s Jewish community is a force to be reckoned with!” Since 1996, the Press has earned nine of the prestigious Rockower awards, and 17 awards in the Better Newspaper Contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Press Association.
Make plans to attend this Summer Event! July 10-12, 2009 • Fremont, NE ®
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As Jewish camp season starts, swine flu threat looms
by BEN HARRIS New York City fatality from the virus was a Jewish pubNEW YORK (JTA) -- Though no longer leading lic school principal from Queens. evening news reports, the swine flu -- which recently was Last month, the Foundation for Jewish Camp organupgraded to a pandemic -- has gradually but persistently ized a series of conference calls with camp directors to been making its way into the Jewish community. discuss preventive measures. With the Jewish summer camp season underway, Rabbi Eve Rudin, who directs the foundation's departcamps across the country are reporting outbreaks of the ment of camp excellence and advancement, said that virus. Nine cases in total have been confirmed at two approximately 10 Jewish camps have been affected by Jewish camps in Texas, and a Georgia camp has two. the virus, though she stressed that camps do not report Many more cases are suspected, as well. to the foundation and that her information was gleaned Two Reform movement camps delayed the start of the entirely from media reports. summer session due to concerns about the virus. A third “I think that currently swine flu is the exception, it's movement camp has one confirmed case but is operating not the rule,” Rudin said. normally. Camp Newman-Swig, a Union for Reform Judaism “The protocols we have camp in Santa Rosa, Calif., for isolation have actually delayed the start of the worked,” said Rabbi Elliott camping season until June Kleinman, the Union for 25 because 25 staff members Reform Judaism's chief proexhibited flu-like symptoms gram officer. and were quarantined for In Baltimore, the Ner seven days. Israel Rabbinical College, Another Reform camp, one of the largest Orthodox Camp Coleman in yeshivas in the country, Cleveland, GA, canceled its reported five cases of the first session and will open virus earlier this month. That July 12 after 45 of 160 staff outbreak followed news that members reported flu and four Brooklyn yeshivas were flu-like symptoms. A third closing temporarily over Campers from Camp Sabra in Missouri arriving back at the camp, Greene Family Camp concerns about high absen- Jewish Community Campus in Overland Park, Kan., on June in Bruceville, Tex., has one 23, after the camp was shut down for a seven-day cleanup confirmed swine flu case but teeism due to the virus. At least 10 participants in a due to an outbreak of the swine flu virus. The camp reopened is operating normally, acCredit: Edmee Rodriguez cording to Kleinman. recent Birthright Israel trip June 30. came down with swine flu and were quarantined -- after “We are planning and are excited to begin camp June they had infected 18 Israeli soldiers, according to the 25th, and proceed with a sensational summer,” said a Jerusalem Post. The Birthright group also had met with notice posted on Newman-Swig’s Web site. “Even if Israeli President Shimon Peres, but he was tested and more staff and campers get sick, we are prepared to care not infected. for them and others. This situation is not unique to our Israel has had more than 130 confirmed cases of the camp.” virus, and a young girl became the first confirmed Editor’s note: there has been no report of swine flu at Palestinian case in the West Bank two weeks ago. the Jewish Community Center’s summer day camps. For Two months after the outbreak was first identified, the information about symptoms, or to report cases of swine swine flu virus -- a variant of influenza that is fatal in a flu, contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/H1N1tiny fraction of cases -- continues to spread. Though seasonal flu outbreaks tend to drop off dra- Flu/ or call your physician. To prevent the spread of swine flu: avoid close contact; matically when warmer weather hits in May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported higher-than-usual avoid close contact with people who are sick; when you levels of influenza rates through the second week in are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay home when you are sick. If June. The disease mostly affects younger people, according possible, stay home from work, school, and errands to the CDC. During the academic year, schools were when you are sick. You will help prevent others from seen as a major breeding ground for the virus. The first catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose.
Soon, the renovations and additions to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will be complete. At the entrance to the new Home, a menorah-shaped Donor Wall will be affixed. The names of those who contributed to the Home’s New Beginning will be engraved on this tribute wall. Modest gifts and large gifts, each is of value and all will be recognized. If you have not yet joined the more than 800 supporters of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s New Beginning, please make a pledge before August 15, 2009. By so doing, your name will be part of the menorah’s eternal light that represents our community’s never ending commitment to those who need us. Call Howard Kooper, 392-1800, for more details. It’s never to late to give.