Vol. LXXXIX No. 43 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
5 Av 5770
July 16, 2010
Host Families prepare for arrival of 2010 JCC Maccabi Athletes by EMILY GILLER said. A lot of time and effort has gone Also helping to prepare families into preparing for the 2010 JCC for the Games is the JCC Maccabi Maccabi Games in Omah, which Host Family Open House at will be here between August 1 and Costco. On July 19 from 5 p.m. 6. Food preparations have been until 7:30 p.m. Costco will host made, venues have been booked, a night filled with games, prizes and evening events have been and food samples for all host famplanned. No task has been more ilies. According to Diane intricate or crucial than the pairMalashock, the Maccabi program ing up of athletes to host families. director and Delegation Head, Without host families, the families don’t have to be Costco Games would not be possible. members to attend, and by Host families provide the care and attending this event, families can experience that make the Games purchase snack items for their athsuch an amazing event. letes. According to Jessica Reed, the Families should have received an JCC Maccabi Games e-mail about this event and need Administrative Coordinator, to RSVP through that e-mail. For Omaha has about 300 housing any questions about how to Maccabi housing staff: Corey Kirshenbaum, left, Rosie Zweiback, Sally Zipursky, and Jessica Reed. Not picfamilies; ranging anywhere from RSVP, contact Diane Malashock tured: Danielle Gordman. two-ten athletes per home during at 590.2143. instance, if an athlete keeps kosher, then been holding several Host Family orienthe week of the Games. Within the next two weeks refrigera“There were some people who were that athlete will be put into a kosher tations to prepare families for all the tors will be stocked, beds will be made excited to take a lot of kids because they household. Or, if a host family knows a events and procedures that will be taking and towels will be laid out. Air mattresshosted last time for the 2002 Games and specific athlete is coming to the Games, place the week of the Games. es will be borrowed and schedules will they may request to house that athlete. “The orientations provide families be made all in preparation for the arrival enjoyed it,” Reed said. “We try to honor roommate requests with all they need to know about the of the 2010 JCC Maccabi athBoth Reed and Corey Kirshenbaum are the housing staff for the Games and and host family requests as best we can,” athletes and their responsibilities as host letes.Thank you to all the families who families. It’s a way to make sure every- are hosting athletes during the Maccabi are trying to make the best fit possible Reed said. The Housing Committee has also one is on the same page,” Kirshenbaum Games! when pairing up athletes to a home. For
Educator Named to Lead New Chapter in Omaha Jewish Education by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education With the new Omaha Jewish Community High School set to open its doors on September 1, of paramount importance was the hiring of a school director with the skills and knowledge to lead the education of Omaha’s Jewish teens. As many Jewish educators, rabbis and community leaders can attest, inspiring, stimulating, and engaging Jewish teenagers – or any teenagers for that matter – certainly poses a unique set of challenges. That the Community Miriam Gross High School Search Committee found its perfect candidate right here in town is truly beshert – meant to be. Miriam Gross began her new position as Community High School Director on Monday, July 5. She holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey and a Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew College in Boston. In addition to her academic credentials, the search committee was very impressed with Ms. Gross’s work and teaching experience in all three major branches of Judaism as well as pluralistic institutions. “Miriam’s experience teaching in school settings ranging from Orthodox to Conservative to Reform, is a huge asset for Continued on page 2
Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8
Wings of Freedom
The ‘Wings of Freedom Tour’ is coming to Eppley Airfield July 16-19. The aircraft featured will be the P-51 Mustang ‘Betty Jane’, back, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber, middle, and the B-24 Liberator ‘Witchcraft’ Heavy Bomber. See full story on page 3
Next Week: Health and Wellness Issue See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Mary Waugh Taylor: Much more than a fabulous teacher Page 4
Coming Next Month: The Learning Curve Riding the countryside in the Jewish-Muslim friedship bus Page 5
Jolt Page 6
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
Obama-Netanyahu meeting looks good, but what did they talk about?
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by RON KAMPEAS Israeli officials, speaking on and off the record, made WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The optics were perfect, but it clear that they were not confident the Palestinians the meaning was elusive. were ready for direct talks and would not commit to a President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin deadline. Netanyahu sat together Tuesday, joshing and smiling, The sides also spoke of confidence-building measures. trying to project a clear message: The rift was over. Israel Pressed for specifics, Obama cited the need for the and the United States are on the same track again. Palestinians to further inhibit incitement, and called on “In terms of my relationship with Prime Minister Israel to “widen the scope” of Palestinian security Netanyahu, I know the press, both in Israel and state- responsibilities in the West Bank, given the advances that side, enjoys seeing if there’s news there,” Obama said. a U.S.-led team has had in training Palestinian security “But the fact of the matter is that I’ve trusted Prime forces. Minister Netanyahu since I met him before I was electIn the meetings before and after lunch, however, ed president, and have Netanyahu and his team said so both publicly and suggested that the privately.” Israelis were not confiThe meeting capped dent enough in the months of tensions Palestinians to assume sparked by Israel’s greater security control announcement in March in areas outside their curof a major housing start rent purview of a handful in eastern Jerusalem durof cities. ing an official visit to Most tellingly, Obama Israel by Vice President administration officials Joe Biden. said the peace process The image of a friendly and moving to direct encounter between the talks was reason No. 1 two leaders was almost for the Obamatainted in the lead-up to Netanyahu meeting. the meeting when it was Israeli officials placed President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaked that Israel’s it a distant third behind meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. ambassador to the delivering assurances to Credit: Amos BenGershom/GPO United States, Michael Israel that the United Oren, had warned in a private conversation of a “tec- States would not press Israel for nuclear transparency, tonic rift” between the two countries. Oren later and U.S. assistance in shepherding Israel past the crisis explained that he had been misquoted: “Shift,” he said. sparked by Israel’s deadly May 31 raid on an aid flotilla In any case, U.S. officials said in a rare on-the-record that aimed to breach Israel’s embargo of the Gaza Strip. call last Friday, there is no fissure. Still, the Israeli team emerged from the meetings reas“There’s absolutely no rift between the United States sured and even jovial. The nuclear issue was key. and Israel,” Ben Rhodes, the deputy national security “The United States will never ask Israel to take any adviser, said in the conference call. steps that would undermine its security interests,” Dan Shapiro, the senior National Security Council Obama said, referring to his administration’s efforts to official who runs the Israel desk, said he “can certainly get more countries to abide by the Nuclear Nonunderscore the incredible richness and intensity and Proliferation Treaty. quality of the exchange between our governments in Israeli officials had raised concerns after a U.S.-hosted military channels, in political channels, in intelligence conference in May concluded with an agreement to conchannels.” sider the issue of Israel. U.S. officials said later that the Officials were brimming with superlatives. Details, issue should only be considered subsequent to a comhowever, were lacking, and in some areas there was evi- prehensive, permanent peace, which is Israel’s position. dent disagreement. The United States and Israel have a longstanding The leaders agreed, for instance, on the need to go to agreement to maintain ambiguity on Israel’s nuclear direct talks with the Palestinians; the Palestinian capacity. Israel is believed to maintain an arsenal of up to Authority has resisted pending a full settlement freeze. 200 nuclear warheads. Obama, however, set a deadline of sorts when he made Netanyahu thanked Obama for “reaffirming the longclear that he wanted such talks to start before standing U.S. commitments to Israel on matters of vital September, when Netanyahu’s self-imposed 10-month strategic importance.” settlement freeze lapses. Especially impressive to the Israelis, and to pro-Israel “My hope is that once direct talks have begun, well lobbyists that have fretted about the ostensible rift, was before the moratorium has expired, that that will create how Obama framed the announcement. a climate in which everybody feels a greater investment “We strongly believe that given its size, its history, the Continued on page 3 in success,” Obama said.
Educator Named to Lead New Chapter in Omaha Jewish Education
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Continued from page 1 our community,” said Sharon Comisar-Langdon, chair of the Community High School board. “She really has the breadth of experience needed to blend together the religious schools of three very different Omaha synagogues. We are confident she will create a school where all Omaha Jewish teens are excited to attend,” she added. Prior to beginning her Masters program, Ms. Gross taught at the Prozdor High School in Newton, MA, recognized as one of the most successful supplementary community high schools in the country. Prozdor is the high school arm of Hebrew College of Newton Centre, home to both the first transdenominational rabbinical school and a masters program in Pluralistic Jewish Education. Miriam also served as the United Synagogue Youth (USY) director at Temple Aliyah in Needham MA for two years and taught at both reform and conservative Hebrew schools in the greater Boston area. Miriam’s surname does ring familiar to most of the community. She is the wife of Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Beth Israel Synagogue. She met Rabbi Gross while teaching in Phoenix, AZ. They married and she moved to Omaha in June, 2009. Ms. Gross is very much a self starter and the type of person who prefers to be busy, productive and active in
the community in which she lives. Since making her home in Omaha she has taught at the Center for Jewish Education’s Limmud Omaha and at Friedel Jewish Academy. She is also an accomplished cook and caterer, owning her own catering company in Cambridge, MA and teaching a professional chef series at the Omaha Whole Foods entitled, “Secrets from the Catering Kitchen.” So while it is apparent she has a passion for both education and cooking, teaching Jewish teens has always been her preference and priority. “The Omaha community has embraced the increasingly popular model of a pluralistic community Jewish High School and I am so excited to be a part of it. For teens, Jewish identity can mean so many different things and to explore, question and discover as a cohesive community is very beneficial and stimulating for them,” said Ms. Gross. “It is a challenge to truly work together and honor all aspects of who we are as a community. However, it is one that will prepare our teens for a lifetime of Jewish communal work,” she added. Ms. Gross’s office is located in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. She welcomes community input and looks forward to meeting both students and parents. Stop by or set up an appointment by phone at 509.2147 or email mgross@jewishomaha.org.
July 16, 2010
Obama-Netanyahu meeting looks good, but what did they talk about? Continued from page 2 region that it’s in and the threats that are leveled against us -- against it -- that Israel has unique security requirements,” Obama said. “It’s got to be able to respond to threats or any combination of threats in the region. And that’s why we remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security.” The remark spoke to the “kishkes” factor -- the concern among some pro-Israel groups about whether or not Obama has an intuitive, gut understanding of Israel’s security needs. “This recognition by the United States of Israel’s security needs is a testament to the common understanding of the complexities of the Middle East situation,” B’nai B’rith International said in a statement. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee applauded the remark. “For over 60 years Israel has offered its hand in peace, demonstrating again and
again its willingness to make real and heartrending sacrifices -- altering borders, relinquishing territory, uprooting families and entire communities -- in the pursuit of peace,” the organization noted. Israeli officials said they were especially pleased with U.S. efforts to push back pressure for an international inquiry into the flotilla raid, which left nine Turks dead -- including one Turkish-American citizen -- and which has disrupted ties among Turkey, the United States and Israel. Netanyahu also said he was pleased by the Iran sanctions Obama helped shepherd through the United Nations Security Council, as well as congressional sanctions that became law last week. “I think the latest sanctions adopted by the U.N. create illegitimacy or create delegitimization for Iran’s nuclear program, and that is important,” Netanyahu said. “I think the sanctions the president signed the other day actually have teeth. They bite.”
B’nai Israel Event Toni Goodman was the featured guest speaker at Shabbat Services on June 25 at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs. She spoke about the topic Charity and Loving kindness, and she discussed the Jewish tradition of giving. The levels of giving were explained and served as a reminder that we should not forget the mitzvah of donationg our time and money to help others. After the services, Steve and Toni Goodman sponsored the oneg.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Wings of Freedom by HUNTER CHANEY displays are: 2-5 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.From July 16 until July 19, the 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 9 ‘Wings of Freedom Tour’ is visiting a.m. – noon on Monday. Visitors are Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. Several invited to experience the aircraft inside extremely rare bomber and fighter air- and out: a $12 donation for adults, and a craft constitute a local ‘living history’ display, which is part of a 110 city nationwide tour. Participating in the Colling’s Foundation tour are the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber, the B-24 Liberator ‘Witchcraft’ Heavy Bomber, and the P51 Mustang ‘Betty Jane’. The B-17 and the B-24 were the backbone of the American effort from 1942 until 1945, and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17’s and B-24’s safely brought their crews home. At each location that is visited nowadays, local veterans and their families are encouraged to visit, and P-51 Mustang ‘Betty Jane’ share their experiences and stories with the public. $6 donation for kids is requested for upThis is a rare opportunity to learn more close viewing, as well as tours through about some unique treasures of aviation the inside of the aircraft. Visitors may also history. The tour will arrive at Eppley experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportuAirfield at 2 p.m. on July 16, and will be nity to actually take a 30-minute flight. on display until the aircraft departs July For flight reservations and additional 19 at noon. Hours of ground tours and information, call 1.800.568.8924
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
Tisha B’Av observance at Beth Israel
Mary Waugh Taylor: Much more than a fabulous teacher
by BETH COHEN Executive Director of Beth Israel Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. “For me, this is one of the saddest days,” said Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “On this day, you fast and observe the customs of one in mourning. In effect, you’re sitting Shiva.” On Erev Tisha B’Av, Monday, July 19, Mincha is at 7:45 p.m., followed by The Last Jew, a classic NCSY program imagining a world where Jews are an endangered species on the verge of extinction. The fast begins at 8:53 p.m. Ma’ariv will also begin at 8:53 p.m., and will be followed by Eicha. There will be a class, prayers, discussions and a series of films offered throughout the day on Tisha B’Av, Tuesday, July 20. Shacharit is at 7 a.m., followed by Kinnot. Gross emphasized the importance of Kinnot. “The prayers, called ‘Kinnot,’ are poems that were composed over the ages,” explained Gross. “They were written to commemorate many tragedies that have happened, including the destruction of the Temples. The Holocaust, the Chmielnicki Massacres of Eastern Europe in the 17th century, and the Jewish expulsions from England and Spain, in the 13th and 15th centuries, respectively, all are included in the Kinnot.” “The idea of reading all these Kinnot is to commemorate and feel as if these tragedies have happened to us,” continued Gross. “We’re trying to identify with our ancestors so that their pain, as well as their memories, is not forgotten.” At 8:15 a.m., Beth Israel will participate in a webcast with the Orthodox Union which will include Rabbis Stephen Weil, Tzvi Hersch Weinreb and Jonathan Rosenberg. At 1 p.m., two classic Jewish stories will be told with the showing of the movies The Chosen and Fiddler on the Roof. “I think movies are good for Tisha B’Av,” said Gross. “What better way to relive historic events than to watch movies about historic periods. This year, the movies all have the theme of assimilation and how to maintain Jewish identity in an open society.” Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi will lead a discussion following the second movie. Mincha will be after the discussion, at 6:30 p.m. The showing of Keeping the Faith will begin at 7 p.m. Keeping the Faith is a story about two friends, a priest (Edward Norton) and a rabbi (Ben Stiller), who fall in love with the same beauty. What would a real priest and a rabbi say about Hollywood’s portrayal of clergy, Judaism, and Catholicism? After the movie a panel of Rabbi Gross and Rev. Ryan Lewis will discuss their perspectives on the movie. In 2009, Rev. Ryan P. Lewis, JCL, STL, was appointed the fifth pastor of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Omaha. He also serves as a judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal and as Ecumenical Officer of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Ma’ariv will be held at 9:30 p.m., followed by a Break-the-Fast dinner. The cost for the dinner is $12 for adults and $6 for kids. The fast ends at 9:42 p.m. To make a reservation for the Break-the-Fast dinner, or for more information about observing Tisha B’Av at Beth Israel, contact the synagogue office at 556.6288.
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press In May of 2010, Mary Waugh-Taylor celebrated her tenth anniversary as a JCC dance instructor. “Although she has been around much longer than that,” Esther Katz, JCC Dance Director, says. “Mary has been a familiar face around the building, doing various different things since she moved to Omaha in 1986.” Mary received her BFA in dance from the University of Utah, where she performed with Ballet West. After coming to Omaha, she started her own dance studio, the Dance Centre. She also taught and choreographed for the UNO Moving Company, and the Omaha Academy of Ballet, among other things. “No matter what age group she taught, from 3-year-olds to adults,” Katz says, “she related to them all. Some of those relationships were long lasting, where former students would, years later, bring their own children to her.”
To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $18, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.
ADL reports increase in anti-Semitic, anti-Israel fallout after flotilla affair by THERESE VAUGHN-WEINER Anti-Defamation League Plains States Region Ever since the global community rushed to judgment against Israel after last month’s Gaza flotilla incident, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been busy responding to biased attacks in the press and public square. In the wake of international fallout, ADL has coordinated media commentary, backgrounders and regular briefings about the situation, including an ad in the New York Times. “Before you make up your mind about the “Free Gaza” flotilla affair, think about this,” the ad says, outlining critical points that have gone unreported in the mainstream press: • A major organizer and funder of the “humanitarian” Free Gaza flotilla, the Turkish group Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), is a significant fundraiser for Hamas—the terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip and is committed by charter to Israel’s destruction. • IHH maintains direct contacts with senior Hamas officials and has been implicated in providing logistical support for global terror plots—including the Dec. 31, 1999 plot against the Los Angeles International Airport. • Activists on the flotilla ship Mavi Marmara were committed to a violent confrontation with the Israeli Navy. As one IHH official put it, “Everybody wanted and was ready to become a martyr.” • The governments of Israel and Egypt made repeated attempts, both before the flotilla sailed and while it was at sea, to avoid confrontation with the ships and deliver their cargo to Gaza through the Israeli port of Ashdod or the Egyptian port of El-Arish. Israel sought assistance from the government of Turkey, which refused to cooperate with efforts to have the cargo offloaded at the alternative ports.
In addition to the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, there were many who became victims of persecution and murder in the Nazis’ campaign to cleanse German society of individuals viewed as threats to the “health” of the nation. This exhibit focuses on the less known medical persecution of the Holocaust. On loan from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. “This exhibit should be a part of every citizen’s experience.” New York Times On display until August 9th
When Mary became seriously ill, she asked Esther Katz to keep it quiet. “The fact that many people didn’t even know she was that sick is such a testament to her strength,” Katz says. “Instead of slowing down, she told me to take it easy, since I’m pregnant. She was teaching the day before she heard she would have to go on hospice. That is very inspiring.” Besides a fabulous friend (Mary once came and packed up all Katz’s belongings when Katz’s son was sick on moving day), she was also mother to 4 daughters, who she supported in every way. A celebration of Mary’s life was held Saturday July 10; Mary left behind detailed instructions on how to celebrate. “The outpouring of positive reflections and memories of nearly 450 who attended clearly demonstrated the love Mary gave to all and the love everyone had for Mary,” Katz said. For information on how to contribute to the Mary Waugh-Taylor Memorial Fund: contact Esther Katz at 402.334.6406.
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• The Israeli soldiers who boarded the Mavi Marmara were violently attacked by passengers with knives, metal rods, clubs and guns, and needed to react quickly to save their own lives. • To date, Hamas has refused to allow the humanitarian aid from the flotilla ships to be delivered to Gaza. The civil rights organization also has been urging the U.S. to reaffirm its support for Israel, which as a democratic and sovereign nation, has the right to defend itself. “America should assert a moral voice and declare that it will not join the global community in a cynical, doublestandard, hypocritical and expedient effort to condemn Israel,” a letter posted on ADL’s homepage to President Barack Obama reads. Additionally, ADL has been addressing anti-Israel, anti-Semitic incidents, including verbal attacks, calls for boycotts and divestment campaigns and open protests. Recalling the rallies held during the 2008-2009 Gaza war, many of the signs and speeches at these rallies employ Holocaust imagery and support for terrorist groups. At a recent protest in Los Angeles, a man donned a Hitler costume and held a flag with swastikas replacing the Star of David. Editorial cartoonists across the Arab and Muslim world have used the flotilla incident as an opportunity to print “deeply offensive and hateful caricatures of Israelis and Jews.” ADL, which monitors the world media for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel invective, issued a new online report of its findings. “Efforts to demonize and delegitimize Israel continue to shroud the flotilla incident in misleading information,” ADL Regional Director Alan Potash said. “We encourage people to check out ADL’s online resources for the facts.”
July 16, 2010
Riding the French countryside in the Jewish-Muslim friendship bus by SUE FISHKOFF work to the streets. BESANCON, France (JTA) -- On a hot afternoon in “That’s where the trouble was, and that’s where we early June, an unusual looking bus is parked in the cen- had to be,” he said. tral square of this historic city in eastern France. In the summer of 2005, he teamed with Azizi, a law Passers-by cast sidelong glances at the brightly colored professor as well as an imam who had moved from portraits on its side accompanied by such slogans as Morocco to France two years earlier. The two clerics “Jews and Muslims say no to discrimination” and “We took 15 Jewish and Muslim teenagers from the Paris are more alike than you think.” suburbs, all young men, on a six-week bus tour through It is the friendship bus, a project of the French Jewish- the French countryside. Everyone slept in the bus and Muslim Friendship group, known by the acronym spent their days talking to young people and elected AJMF. officials about tolerance and diversity. Led by a rabbi and imam, the bus and its team spend After three summers, Serfaty and Azizi decided to five weeks every summer traveling through the French limit the summer tour to adults while continuing to countryside hosting panel discussions, chatting with work with troubled Parisian youths the rest of the year. pedestrians, promoting dialogue, and holding out the The boys, Serfaty said, were a bit “unpredictable” on the hope of mutual respect and cooperation between two road. Serfaty says his goal is to create a cadre of young communities more often found at odds. Muslim activists committed to peaceful relations who “This is our sixth summer touring France,” said Rabbi are not afraid to reach out to the AJMF when problems Michel Serfaty, AJMF’s founder and co-leader of the bus arise. project with Imam Mohamed Azizi. “We fight discrimiThat has already happened. nation and stereotypes, and try to break down the walls Last November in Evry, a volatile Paris suburb, a between our young people.” Muslim activist who runs an afterschool program for Tensions run high underachieving Muslim between France’s estichildren invited Serfaty mated 6 million Muslims to speak to her charges. and 600,000 Jews. In “She told me, ‘These addition to reverberachildren stink of Jew tions from the Israelihatred,’ “Serfaty said. “I Arab conflict, the relatold her that’s true tionship between the everywhere, but I was two communities in glad to work with her.” France has been exacerA Muslim community bated by a rise in relicenter in another Paris gious extremism among suburb invited him to its Muslims and their talk to a group of poor economic status. Muslim women who Many French Muslims, wanted a Jewish perspecparticularly the young tive on the violence in people, are unemployed Gaza. or working menial jobs. “I went because this is The Jewish-Muslim Friendship bus team talks to a Muslim activist They are living in crowdwhat we want, the in the central square of Besancon, France. Credit: Sue Fishkoff ed suburbs like the one Muslim base reaching where a 23-year-old French Jew, Ilan Halimi, was kid- out to us,” Serfaty said. “It’s not the mayor calling us napped, tortured and murdered by a gang of young in.” Muslims in 2006. But it’s slow going. Elia Ktourza, AMJF’s program “We have done a bad job teaching our children the director, says some French towns don’t want to work importance of getting along with each other while main- with them. taining their own identities,” said Morgi Madini, a “They’re afraid, they’d rather hide their problems,” Muslim and linguistics professor in Besancon who she said. showed up for an AJMF discussion of Jewish and And many religious Muslims in particular are wary of Muslim dietary practices. “We need this kind of rap- the colorful bus, which has the word “Jew” emblazoned prochement; we need to listen to each other.” all over it. Few such initiatives exist in France; none besides this In the town square in Besancon, young women in one is led by a rabbi and imam. Their partnering, and hijabs, the headscarves worn by religious Muslim the fact that the work takes place on the streets and in women, scurry past without stopping to take the Jewishschools, gives the AJMF project great access to France’s Muslim cooperation literature spread out on tables or Muslim population, say Serfaty and Azizi. AJMF works bothering to speak with the program volunteers. with the Grand Mosque of Paris and the CRIF, the “They are afraid,” Azizi said. “They see the words French Jewish umbrella organization. ‘Jewish-Muslim friendship’ and they are wary.” Most Jews and Muslims in France have roots in the The only Muslims who pause to find out what’s going same region: the former French colonies of Algeria, on that afternoon are men like 38-year-old Nordine Morocco and Tunisia. They share a similar culture and Nemer, who says he works for an organization trying to history, and many speak the same language, Arabic. That end violence against children. Nemer stays for more helps launch the dialogue, although it does not guaran- than an hour, discussing the finer points of group psytee accord. chology with Priska Tirouvanzian, an intercultural psy“There is a rupture between the third and fourth gen- chologist who is traveling with the bus to study the erations,” said Serfaty, who grew up in pre-independ- impact of this kind of dialogue. ence Morocco speaking French and Arabic and interact“This is good, but it’s not enough,” Nemer said, smiling with his Muslim neighbors -- something few young ing carefully. “Talking is fine, but for things to change in Jews and Muslims in France do today. “Jews have left this country, we need to take serious action.” the suburbs, and this young generation of Muslims doesn’t know any Jews. They have forgotten that their grandparents used to live together.” “We do this work because no one else dares,” said Algerian-born Marc Dahan, a professor of applied mechanics and volunteer director of the AJMF branch in B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Besancon. Rabbi Eric Linder has some insightful thoughts and Serfaty, who moved to France in 1963, has a bache- stories on the theme: “Will there be a Jewish people in lor’s degree in Arabic and is a professor of Jewish law, the year 2050?” on Wednesday, July 21, noon at the Hebrew philology and mesorah -- the transmission of Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; Jewish tradition. A longtime activist in Jewish-Catholic beverage service only is $3. For more information or to dialogue, Serfaty in 2001 organized France’s first high- be placed on the email list call 334.6443 or bnaiblevel meeting between Jewish and Muslim leaders on rith@jewishomaha.org. behalf of the Consistoire, the governing body of French Orthodox Jewry. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH As the intifada worsened, so did Jewish-Muslim relaYiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us tions across Europe in the early 2000s, including in every Thursday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in the social France. Serfaty continued organizing such meetings hall of the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at until, in November 2004, he decided he had to take his 343.1638.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
JOLT focuses on young Jewish leadership
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by BOB GOLDBERG Federation and Young Leadership Director “We’re young, we’re Jewish, and we want to make a difference.”Those are the words we hear often from the participants of the Jewish Omaha Leadership Training program (JOLT). Our young leaders want to connect to the community, meet other Jews, have fun, and truly make a difference. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is making that happen; we have an outstanding group of 25 participants, including Wendy Raffel, Patrick Jensen and James Blasingame, who make up our steering committee. Our Federation community is a collaboration of people doing good, translating Jewish values into action. All of us, young and old, have a role to play in fulfilling our Federation’s mission of taking care of Jews in need, building Jewish identity and community. Toward this end, we have established JOLT 2010 to provide future leaders for the Federation, its agencies, the synagogues and other local Jewish organizations We must be prepared with strong leadership to guide us as we face challenges in areas of volunteerism, fundraising, shrinking numbers and resources. Participants from the first two JOLT programs in 2000 and 2003 are currently in top leadership positions across the landscape of Jewish Omaha. Participants were selected from nominations submit-
ted by Federation agencies, area synagogues and Jewish organizations with a shared goal of connecting them throughout the Jewish community to work together for the benefit of the Jewish people locally, nationally, in Israel and around the world. JOLT monthly sessions focus on unique areas of Jewish life including tzedakah, tikkun olam, conflict management, roles and boundaries of lay and professional leaders, defining Jewish leadership, and finding creative solutions to our current challenges. JOLT gives these individuals the opportunity to share their personal stories, their passion and develop their leadership skills. We are grateful to the Jewish Federations of North America who awarded us a consulting grant that allows us to provide speakers and resources for this program. Our national organization told us that, “Omaha is a community worth investing in.” We are providing our young leaders the opportunities to get involved, get their hands dirty, and be a part of the decision making process. Whether through the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Jewish Family Service, through the Center for Jewish Education or the ADL/CRC, the JCC, the Federation, the synagogues or other local organizations, our JOLT members are preparing to play an active role in the future of our Jewish community.
The Ultimate Everything Kids’ Gross Out Book by B. BLAIR &J. ERICSSON (ADAMS MEDIA, $15.95)
READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN This fun, juvenile book is actually 3 books in 1. There are puzzles, jokes, and recipes, and it is packed with back-to-school activities. Eeew! That’s gross… kids’ll love the 28 nasty chapters. The first nineteen chapters contain puzzles and jokes in the forms of word scrambles, dot-to-dot, true/false, knock-knock, math, crossword, and more. The “Officially Bad Breath Puzzle” solves scientists’ special word for stinky breath. “Foul Language” has definitions of words like Annelid (kinds of worms). Answers are given at the end of first two sections. Kids’ll love all the bathroom humor (there is a recipe for making you own Anti-gross Air Freshener To Get the Stink Out) and nasty, smelly, stinky, and putrid titles. And there’s more: Part 3 (9 chapters) opens with “An Icky Introduction to Cooking” which includes important terms, tools and rules kids need to know to make these kid friendly (with adult supervision and help) recipes. “Gear & Gadgets” are icons/drawings of key widgets and cool tools used in the recipes. “Lingo” explains cooking terms, amd instructions for measuring ingredients are explained so “you won’t end up with a mess like cow caca”. “Eat, Drink & Be Healthy!” offers advice for making good eating choices. Bizarre Breakfast, What’s for Lunch?, Wacky Snacks, Digging Up Dinner, Sick Salads & Sides, Disgusting Desserts, Burps & Slurps and Gross Gags & Fun Stuff are other chapters. Over 85 recipes...like Fish-Eye Tacos, Upchuckola (a granola concoction), Chunky Crud Cakes, Oozing Pimples (cherry tomatoes and cream cheese creations), Ghoul Fingers and more nauseating recipe titles. The following is a medium difficulty recipe. Store any leftover clumps of armpit hair in the ‘frig! Kids’ll love’em!! ARMPIT HAIR (serves 8-10) 3 large Shredded Wheat cereal bundles 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 (6-ounce) bag chocolate chips 2 tablespoons butter or margarine Waxed paper In a rectangular baking pan (9x13-inch), unravel the Shredded Wheat into long strands, so they look like armpit hairs. Set aside. In a medium-size microwaveable bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and butter. Heat on low in the microwave, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until melted.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the Shredded Wheat. Use a rubber spatula to gently turn over the cereal until it is coated with the gooey chocolate mixture. Line the bottom of a cookie sheet (or flat tray) with waxed paper. Spoon the chocolate-coated Shredded Wheat onto the waxed paper, making 8 to 10 clumps of equal sizes. Use a fork to gently rake the wheat strands (hairs) in one direction. Put the “hairy” candy in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes before serving. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@ yahoo.com
ENGAGEMENT GUTNIK/ARYAL Margie and Bruce Gutnik announce the engagement of their daughter Allison Rachel Gutnik to Ashish Mani Aryal, son of Usha and Shakti Aryal of Oxford, MS. The bride-to-be graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Psychology. She lived and worked in Chicago for several years where she and Ashish met. Allison just finished her second year of law school at Creighton University School of Law. She is the granddaughter of the late Charles and Evelyn Eisenkramer and the late Sam and Florence Gutnik. Her fiancé earned his BS in Biology from the University of Mississippi and his MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee. He is currently an advanced bio-systems imaging specialist with Nikon Instruments in Dallas, TX. He is the grandson of the late Sunder Nath and Komal Kumari Aryal and Urmila Devi Ghimire and the late Chintamani Sharma Ghimire. In August a Hindu blessing ceremony will be held at the Hindu Temple in Omaha and a traditional Jewish wedding is planned at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha.
BIRTH Robyn and Chad Menin announce the June 25 birth of their son, Kooper David. He is named for both his grandfathers. Grandparents are Sharon and Howard Kooper, and Rhonda and Ira Menin of Sioux City, IA.
July 16, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Three Temple teens make a difference at Camp Rainbow by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Emily Katz, Haley Burns, and Jordan Jensen are only in high school. But in June, they found out what it was like to be “a mother for a week.” All three volunteered to be one-on-one counselors at Camp Rainbow in St. Louis. Since 1988, Camp Rainbow has given seriously ill children the opportunity to enjoy a week of camp where they can grow, discover, thrive, and be “normal.” “My camper’s name was Hannah, and she is nine years old,” Emily said. This was the second year at camp for the little girl from O’Fallon, Illinois. “We got along very well,” added Emily, 17. “We had similar personalities and had a really good time together.” Emily explained that at Camp Rainbow, “you do everything with your camper. You do all of the same activities, you eat together, and you sleep in the same cabin. Hannah’s favorite activity was swimming, and we looked forward to it every day. She also loved arts and crafts and told me her favorite memory of the week was when we made friendship bracelets for each other.” This was Emily’s third summer as a counselor at Camp Rainbow. The high
school senior enjoys seeing the campers grow in an environment that gives them “a week to be a normal kid away from hospitals and medicine. Although it’s only a week, it’s r e a l l y great to see them grow and change,” she pointed out. “ T h e y achieve a new level of confidence that they don’t nor mally have. It Emily Katz, at right, and her means so summer camper brought much to smiles to each others’ faces at them, and Camp Rainbow. to be able to be a part of that is so awesome.” Jordan’s camper, Taylor, from St. Louis, is seven years old and this was her first year at Camp Rainbow. “We were a perfect match,” according to Jordan.
“…as the week went on, the things that she did that made me frustrated, were things I would do when I was little, and I would just end up laughing.” Being a counselor “was way different from anything I had ever done before, because my camper never left my side for the whole week. In the morning, we would wake up and get dressed and go to breakfast. After that, we would have three group activities like sports, arts and crafts or ropes course, and then free time before lunch. After lunch, we had an hour of rest time and then a choice of activity and swimming. Then we showered and went to dinner. After dinner, there was a night activity and then a cabins-in program. The night activities -- like a dance party or a carnival -- were always really fun. Taylor really loved the carnival.” A first-timer herself, 16-year-old Jordan, a junior in high school, said, “the biggest thing I learned is how to always think about another person’s needs before mine. I didn’t expect to bond so much with my camper, but at the end of the week when she left, I was bawling, because I already wanted her to come back.” For six-year-old Heidi, Haley’s camper, Camp Rainbow was her first overnight
camp. “They base the match (of camper and counselor) off of your personality and the camper’s personality,” explained Haley, 16. “I think my camper was a great match for me; she sort of reminded me of myself when I was her age. We got along really well.” Heidi, also from St. Louis, loved arts and crafts “so we spent a large amount of time coloring side-by-side in the art tent. I was basically a mother for a week, helping her in the morning and tucking her in at night. We did regular activities throughout the week like sports, ropes, arts and crafts, and swimming, but some of the choice activities we did included learning to juggle, fishing, and tie-dying.” NFTY (the North American Federation of Temple Youth) Missouri Valley Region to which Omaha Temple Youth Group belongs, is one of the sponsors of Camp Rainbow. OTYG hosts an annual spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the camp. “I’ve been hearing about the camp ever since seventh grade,” noted Haley, now a senior. The experience helped her realize that “my stressors in life are nothing in comparison to what these children have been battling.” She was glad she could go “to make a difference in a child’s life.”
to the patrolman and stopped our playing. Then it was the Israelis’ turn to get the bad news. I said to myself: I have no idea what those guys will say to the patrolman, but one thing I do know: They will not stop
the issue for the pair was their kavod, their honor. They were upholding the principle that their honor demanded they be allowed to play matkot wherever and whenever they wanted. Later, my friend Neal explained that the patrolman was rebuffed due to his obvious inability to enforce the law. He pointed out: laws are obeyed only if they are enforced. My friend Anat opted for the “freyer” factor to explain the situation. To be a freyer is to be a sucker, and many Israelis will go to great lengths to avoid being a sucker. I was not particularly satisfied with the above explanations. After all, I imagine that no one, whatever their nationality, enjoys having to put away a favorite beach game, especially on a day in which bathing is prohibited. What is there in the Israeli psyche to make Israelis particularly resistant to a beach patrolman’s pleas? Luckily, my friend Ehud came to the rescue. Ehud himself is very much a classic Israeli (I imagine that were he to find himself in similar circumstances, only Israel’s Chief of Police could have convinced Ehud to stop playing). Here is Ehud’s reading of the situation: “We Israelis think that we
know everything, that we are smarter than everyone. I’m sure that those two guys playing matkot were able to offer the patrolman 101 explanations for why they should be allowed to continue playing, why the law did not pertain to their special case.” Ehud’s explanation offers a particular Israeli character trait—chutzpa--as a key component to the beach drama. It is an endearing interpretation because we can look upon those two matkot players as (in their minds at least) good, law-abiding citizens. The problem is that this country is chock-full of people each of whom is able to tell you why any given law does not apply to them. Yes, nation building is certainly a challenge for Israeli society. Happy Summer Solstice! Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest two, Nathan and Rebecca, recently completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces; their daughter Ruthie is still serving in the IDF. Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.
Israeli Beach Drama
JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER A few weeks ago, Sarah and I went with Nathan, Ruthie and Ezra to the beach in Rishon LeZion. It was a very windy day, and, unfortunately, we could see the black (no bathing) flags even from the parking lot. We decided to make the best of things and got settled. Ezra and I began to play matkot by the sea’s edge (in matkot, each player has a wooden paddleboard and hits a small rubber ball back and forth). Two classic Israeli guys were also playing (by “classic,” I mean that they were gorgeous and Sephardic). A few minutes into our game, a young man wearing an orange beach-patrol shirt came over to Ezra and me and told us that we were in a no matkot-playing area (in truth, if you are not one of the players, the pac-pac-pac of the matkot can be very annoying, as can a wayward rubber projectile into one’s ribs). Ezra and I listened
playing. Here is what happened: The Israelis argued with the patrolman, he took out his cellphone and put them on with his supervisor, but they were still not convinced. Ezra and I walked a few yards away to the relatively empty segregated beach (which thankfully was for men-only that day), where we could continue playing matkot. Occasionally, Ezra peeked through the beach divider and reported back to me about the goings-on. The patrolman returned every few minutes, but the guys only put away their matkot when two bona fide policemen arrived. Why were the chances so high that I would be right in predicting the Israelis’ refusal to obey the patrolman? I conducted a small survey and here are some answers. On the spot, Ezra told me that
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
Would you like a dose of politics with your soccer?
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press During times of international athletic competition, the media would like us to believe sports transcends politics. Old grievances are temporarily forgotten, feuds are put to the side, to be picked up later when the excitement is over. All would be well on the world stage, if only we could have some type of tournament last until the end of days. It sounds too good to be true, and (as always) it is. Sports and politics go together very well, in fact; something the head honchos at FIFA, the international soccer league, understand perfectly. Those of you who have caught any of the recent World Cup games may have noticed the players of opposing teams getting positively cozy before the match, holding a large banner that exclaims how the sport of soccer is against racism. Only after they pose for the journalists do they get to run on the field and kick each other in the shins whenever the opportunity presents itself (but always by accident). “An initiative of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Ambassadors against Racism are a multi-racial “team” of current and former distinguished football players and coaches, led by Thierry Henry, whose task is to help disseminate a strong and unified message against racism worldwide,” fifa.com tells us. A worthy cause, for sure; besides, you have to start somewhere. These ambassadors-against-racism promote the good fight, both on and off the soccer field. The list of ambassadors is impressive (it includes Mia Hamm and Pele), but whether this initiative will actually make a dent is anybody’s guess. On the positive side, doing something is better than nothing; if one child changes his thinking because he watches his favorite striker shake hands with an opponent of a different ethnic background, they have done their job. “The ambassadorship is a two-way street”, the website further states, “as not only do Ambassadors represent FIFA’s position at special events, but they can also act as an active conduit of good ideas, proposals and concerns from the events back to FIFA.” I have to say it: anybody who knows anything about FIFA, knows they can use all the good proposals they can get their hands on. Then there are those who don’t think friendship between the nations is ‘all that’, and would rather throw some grade-A gasoline on the fire. Cue Fidel Castro, who once upon a time was President of Cuba, and who misses the limelight so much, he shares his unique views (about anything) whenever there’s an open mike nearby. And the media always listens, because if nothing else, his comments are
amusing. Leading up to the semi final between Holland and Uruguay, Castro (dressed in an electric blue Puma training suit) mouthed off about the current crop of referees. Apparently, he was a bit irritated that so many South American teams had fallen by the wayside, and decided this was due to the referees not having any sympathy for the entire continent. “The vast majority of football fans do not even know what continent Uruguay is in but it seems to me that the referees are biased against the South American sides. It happened when Brazil lost to Holland, when all the decisions went against them and they were sent down to 10 men at a crucial time, which should never have been done.” (Goal.com) (Wait; did he mean that red card Felipe Melo earned by stomping on Arjen Robben’s leg? Does Castro even know how much that hurts? Those guys wear cleats!) By the way, in case you’re wondering: Cuba did not make it to the World Cup. They haven’t since 1938, maybe that’s what’s really bothering Castro. The fact that most Cubans don’t care that much about soccer doesn’t stop Fidel from putting in his two cents. That nobody likes to lose was also evident when Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan threatened to suspend the entire national team for its poor performance; a threat he dropped after FIFA intervened. Then there was I r a n i a n F o r e i g n Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, who said the U.S., France, and England were all eliminated from the World Cup as some sort of cosmic punishment for imposing sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities. Luckily, Brazil, which voted against
those same sanctions, also lost, and Mottaki stopped talking. It’s a pity we won’t see a final between Germany and Holland; if anybody ever needed proof that sports is political, that would do it. Although the Dutch are more than willing to admit that the German players alive today were simply not born during the Nazi era, the minute they become opponents on the field, memories resurface, WW II was yesterday, and nothing is forgiven. “The Germans are alright, as long as they don’t beat us” is the message. Being invaded, deported, and murdered in overwhelming numbers was traumatizing; nowadays even losing so much as a soccer match is a painful reminder. Knowing how deep old wounds run, it suddenly doesn’t seem so odd to read about African countries seeing a defeat by any European nation as a replay of colonial times, and understand the Brazilians’ happiness when their team beat the Portuguese. FIFA’s message may be that we need to get along, and it is a good message. However, it has been difficult to watch the proceedings on and off the field, and not come to this conclusion: it will be a long time before we all play nice, and there’s no amount of red cards that will change that.
FOCUS ON ISSUES by LEE ROSENBERG AND ALAN SOLOW CHICAGO (JTA) -- Like the people and governments of Israel, the pro-Israel community in the United States has long sought a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through direct negotiations between the parties that would lead to a lasting peace agreement and Israel’s acceptance by all its neighbors. The Israeli people dream of peace, and their governments have worked and sacrificed for it. As American supporters of Israel, we are committed to helping them make it a reality. Since assuming office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pursued peace with Israel’s neighbors. Netanyahu declared his vision for peace -- for two states -- last June in a landmark speech at Bar-Ilan University, saying he supported the establishment of a demil-
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. 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: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Only Israel making the effort toward peace itarized Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state of Israel. Underscoring Israel’s sincerity and willingness to make the most difficult choices in the pursuit of peace, a few months after his speech Netanyahu took another bold step, declaring a 10-month moratorium on all Israeli construction in the West Bank -- a concession that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called “unprecedented” in advance of negotiations. Alongside political gestures, Israel also has taken significant steps to ensure that life improves for Palestinians in the West Bank, such as dismantling hundreds of West Bank roadblocks and checkpoints, and enabling greater freedom of movement between Palestinian cities. Israel’s cooperation also helped produce double-digit economic growth at a time of global recession. While the current Israeli government, like its predecessors, has proven its desire for peace, the leader of the Palestinian Authority refuses
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to meet or even speak on the phone with his Israeli counterpart. Given Mahmoud Abbas’ refusal to even sit down to speak face to face about a shared future, how can there be a chance for peace? During his recent visit to the United States, President Abbas made several public appearances in which he expressed his desire for peace. Many of his comments were significant and noted as such. But words alone are not enough. Abbas still refuses to talk peace directly with Israel’s prime minister, despite American demands that he do so. Abbas has said that his strategy is not to make concessions in negotiations but to encourage the United States, and even more the international community, to pressure Israel for unilateral concessions. Abbas rebuffed then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s sweeping offer in 2008, and like Yasser Arafat before him, refused to even engage in more serious deeper discussions Continued on page 9
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: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press 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 email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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July 16, 2010
Overcome denial in Israel advocacy moderate Palestinian leaders who genuinely support the two-state solution and are working to establish order FOCUS ON ISSUES and security in the West Bank. The looming threat of by JEREMY BEN-AMI & DEBRA DELEE WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Some people see the world not as it is but as they would like it to be. Psychologists have a term for this: They call it living in denial. Sadly, denial colors the way too many leaders of established institutions in the American Jewish community look at Israel when it comes to matters of peace and security. Decades of telling and retelling a comfortable narrative in which Israel is always extending its hand in peace, only to have it rejected by the Palestinians, understandably makes it hard to accept when the facts show otherwise. Yet when it comes to the state of the peace process in the Middle East today, the facts do show otherwise. Granted, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, Israel has spoken about freezing settlements. But in reality, construction continues unabated on the West Bank. Granted, the prime minister has spoken about pursuing a two-state solution. Yet Israel’s foreign minister tells the world that there is “no chance” for a Palestinian state in the foreseeable future and, in East Jerusalem, barely a week passes without provocative Israeli actions that directly undermine peace efforts and destabilize the city. Similarly, facts don’t support the charge that the present Palestinian leadership is not a partner for peace. Israel today does have a partner for peace: pragmatic,
more extreme alternatives to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad only underscores the urgency of taking advantage of the opportunity that exists today for peace and the peril of failure. The real issue, however, is not the existence or quality of a Palestinian partner, it’s what course of action best advances shared U.S. and Israeli interests, including securing Israel’s future as a democratic home for the Jewish people. No matter who leads the Palestinians, Israel needs permanent, secure and recognized borders. Israel has to make clear both in word and in deed that it is ready to end the occupation, not with a verbal nod to the twostate solution but with a solid commitment to a Palestinian state on territory equivalent to 100 percent of the pre-1967 land with East Jerusalem as its capital. Of course, Palestinians and the broader Arab world both could be doing far more to advance solutions rather than pointing fingers, and we are not saying only Israel bears responsibility for the present state of affairs. But the reality is that, partner or no, the status quo is unsustainable and the long-term outlook for Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic homeland is bleak without an immediate change of course. The United States and Israel do not benefit from making excuses for maintaining a self-destructive status quo. American pro-Israel advocates owe it to the Israel they love to stop hiding behind the latest incarnation of the “no partner” excuse for inaction.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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No matter what you think of Abbas and Fayyad, there is no justification for expanding settlements, blockading Gaza (a point we have long argued and that now has been belatedly recognized by the Israeli government) or systematically planning the expansion of the Jewish presence in Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem. Americans -- Jews and non-Jews -- can see with their own eyes what is happening in Gaza, in Jerusalem and in the West Bank. It is clear to any objective observer that the actions of the present Israeli government have yet to match the promise of the rhetoric. Pretending otherwise does not help Israel; it risks further alienating the American and American Jewish publics. Many Israelis, too, are asking us to break out of this mode of Israel advocacy. In a poll commissioned by B’nai B’rith, half of Israeli Jews recently said that it was essential that America pressure both sides to make progress toward peace. Those living in denial seem to be deaf to this plea. It is tempting to let ourselves fall under the spell of the siren song that Israel is today extending its hand in peace, and that if there is no peace it is not for lack of effort. We may badly want it to be true. We may want to believe that Israel -- the country that we love, support and defend -- is living up to our hopes and dreams. But siren songs have a tendency to leave ships wrecked on rocky shores. Those of us who care about Israel must be courageous enough to see things as they are and act accordingly. Jeremy Ben-Ami is the president of J Street. Debra DeLee is the president of Americans for Peace Now.
A plea for inclusion and religious liberty on LGBT rights
FOCUS ON ISSUES by DAVID ELLENSON NEW YORK (JTA) -- As a Reform rabbi and president of an institution passionately committed to the religious position that Judaism demands full rights for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender Jews, I read with great interest Lynn Schusterman’s call on Jewish organizations to adopt policies that would foster greater inclusion of LGBT Jews in our Jewish community and the counter argument from the Orthodox Union’s Nathan Diament. It should come as no surprise when I assert that I agree completely with the positions expressed by Schusterman regarding discrimination against LGBT persons, and that my own religious standpoint does not allow me to agree with Diament when he asserts that the “clear and firm teachings of Jewish law and tradition going back to the Bible” “cannot embrace or validate homosexual activity as legitimate.” Instead, I hold that the values and principles of empathy and justice contained in our tradition demand an alternative Jewish religious standpoint that would require that the LGBT community receives the same privileges and entitlements enjoyed by heterosexuals as Jews seek to realize the moral obligations that the narrative and principles of our Torah impose upon our community. I have publicly diverged with Orthodox spokesmen such as Rabbi Tzvi Weinreb and Rabbi Avi Shafran on this matter in the past, and it is clear that Mr. Diament and I disagree on this topic now. Further rehearsals of our respective religious positions on this matter would only be redundant, though those interested in my approach to this question from a Jewish religious standpoint should see my commentary on Parashat Mishpatim in the recently published book “Torah Queeries: Weekly Commentaries on the Hebrew Bible.” In this response to Mr. Diament, I would like to focus -- as a historian of Orthodox Judaism -- on his statement: “While the value of including all Jews within the community is important, Schusterman’s proposal, if fully implemented, would include some Jews by virtue of excluding others and trample upon a value that is at least as important to American Jewry -- religious liberty.” By framing his objections to the Schusterman position within a context of “religious liberty,” Diament has placed himself within a long line of Orthodox forebears who have employed the principles of “religious liberty” and “freedom of conscience” to defend Orthodox standpoints and attack non-Orthodox postures on matters of public policy during the past 200 years. Examples of such stances abound and are too numerous to enumerate here in an opinion piece.
However, the late historian Jacob Katz, former rector of the Hebrew University and an Orthodox Jew, asserted that this argument on the part of these Orthodox leaders in the 19th century often did not embody a genuine commitment to the principle of religious freedom on their part. Rather, Katz held, it was primarily a prudential tactic designed to gain secular governmental support for Orthodox positions whenever possible against liberal and Reform opponents. He wrote that “as the conflict between the two Jewish groups was fought out before a non-Jewish forum, ideas current in the non-Jewish world became the terms of reference in the fight. It was the doctrines of liberalism, widely accepted in the sixties and seventies [in central Europe] through which, paradoxically, the Orthodox prevailed against their more modern adversaries.” In making his argument against Lynn Schusterman, I cannot say whether Mr. Diament is employing a prudential tactic as his Orthodox predecessors often did more than a century ago or whether his commitment to religious liberty is absolute and principled. It surely appears principled from the argument he constructs. Mr. Diament maintains that the Orthodox Union supports “carefully crafted initiatives that seek to ensure principles of tolerance, anti-discrimination and the fair treatment of all citizens.” Indeed, “A hallmark of such initiatives is that they are balanced and do not expand some civil rights at the expense of others.” Furthermore, this is done “in the name of religious liberty.”
It is in this spirit of “religious liberty” that I would call upon Mr. Diament to promote a legal change in the laws of all states that would no longer tolerate discrimination either against LGBT couples when they desire to marry religiously, or against clergy like me who are proscribed from performing such religious unions with state sanction -- even when we believe that an overarching biblical ethos that teaches us that God loves and affirms the full humanity of each human being calls upon us to perform such weddings. In so doing, I am asking Mr. Diament to emulate Rabbi David Saperstein when, against his own religious views, he asked Congress in the name of religious liberty to provide for an exemption for the Orthodox in the Fair Employment Anti-Discrimination Act. In short, I am asking him to join in an alliance that would ask the states not to discriminate against those of us whose religious beliefs mandate us to perform same-sex religious weddings sanctioned by the government. This stance would allow clergy like me and people like Lynn Schusterman to exercise our own religious conscience, and it would be consistent with the tolerance Mr. Diament calls for in asking the state to privilege the religious position the Orthodox champion as the government permits them to practice Judaism in accord with their own views. As a Reform Jew, I fail to see why I should be entitled to anything less. Rabbi David Ellenson is president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Only Israel making the effort toward peace Continued from page 8 with Israel, which leads us to today, when new preconditions and further refusals to talk with Israel sabotage the dream of peace to which we all aspire. It’s not just Abbas’ refusal to talk that is problematic. In recent months, the PA has intensified its efforts to delegitimize Israel in the international arena and increased the incitement against Israel. By endorsing the Goldstone Report, the PA has pushed for senior Israeli leaders to be charged with war crimes. The PA also lobbied forcefully but unsuccessfully against Israel’s admission to the prestigious Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In addition, the PA continues to name schools and streets after terrorists, including Dalal Mughrabi, who killed 37 civilians, and Yahya Ayyash, a suicide bombmaker who is responsible for hundreds of deaths. The PA media carries outrageous programs portraying Israel and Jews in the most negative ways. Rather than seeking to isolate Israel in the international arena and to incite its population to hatred of Israel, the PA needs to prepare its people for genuine peace. On a topic as complicated and emotional as the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is easy to get caught up in the day’s news cycle and forget the history of Israel’s actual effort, sacrifice and good will in the pursuit of peace. As American friends of Israel we must, and we will, continue to remind our leaders about how badly Israel wants peace -- and how tragically the PA has only increased its demands and pulled away from the negotiating table. In the interim, the United States and Israel are attempting to engage the PA through “proximity talks” -- a significant departure from direct talks of the past 20 years. The Palestinian leadership now is refusing to engage directly unless it gets Israel’s concessions in advance, and the PA pays no price for its obstinate stance. Peace may be a dream, but it takes work and courageous leadership in real life to achieve it. Don’t blame Israel for the lack of progress. Lee Rosenberg is president of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and Alan Solow is chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, July 16, 8:37 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
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Minha/ Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. SHABBAT COMES TO THE BLUMKIN HOME: On Friday, July 23, 2:30 p.m., Rabbi Levin will lead a musical Shabbat celebration for residents of the Home and their guests. BIRTHDAY BLESSING SHABBAT: Friday, July 30, 6 p.m. All birthday celebrants during the month of July are invited to receive a special blessing during Shabbat services at the synagogue. THURSDAY: CSA pick-up for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at the synagogue. TISHA B’AV: The destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of Jewish independence in the land of Israel will be commemorated on Monday, July 19, with the chanting of Eicha, following the 5:30 p.m. service. On Tuesday, July 20, morning service is at 6:50 a.m., and Minha is at 1 p.m. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
The Neighborhood Prayer Group
A favorite Parsha
1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
by ANDY GREENBERG On Shabbat June 26, 2010 (16 Tamuz) I had the pleasure of leading my first service at the new Simon Family Synagogue at the Rose Blumkin Home. Oddly enough (for those that know me, I believe everything happens by design) it was the Shabbat that one of my favorite Parsha’s is readBalak. It tells the story of how God works behind the scenes to protect us, and guides us to happy life. Most of the time we don’t recognize the contributions as the Israeli people of the Torah did not know how God
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
PERSONAL The Alloy family would like to thank everyone that paid their respects, sent their support and condolences in memory of Sam Alloy. It has helped us get through this difficult period. It was nice to see and hear from so many people that Sam knew throughout the years. We would also like to thank the many volunteers that helped us during this time. Most sincerely, Bette, Bill, David and Roxanne
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 by Ann Moskovits in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Sam Moskovits; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:44 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY-Erev Tisha B’Av: Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; The Last Jew, 8 p.m.; Seudah Maphseket, 8:30 p.m.; Fast Begins, 8:53 p.m. TUESDAY-Tisha B’Av: Shacharit/Kinnot, 7 a.m.; Orthodox Union Webcast, 8:15 a.m.-noon; The Chosen, 1 p.m.; Fiddler on the Roof, 3 p.m., followed by a discussion with Rabbi Mizrahi; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Keeping the Faith, 7 p.m. followed by a discussion with Rabbi Gross and Rev. Ryan Lewis of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church; Ma’ariv, 9:30 p.m.; Fast Ends, 9:42 p.m.; A dairy dinner to break the fast is available by reservation. $12 adults/$6 kids. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www.omaha kollel.blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
turned a curse into a blessing by one of our enemies. We only learn of it as a result of the Torah narrative. I decided to deliver my Dvar on how we should recognize the contributions of the many who built the shul, and how we all should do the same for all those people we don’t know to enhance their spiritual and Jewish lives. What you see in front of you, behind you, and on all four corners, is the beauty, the spirit, the inspiration, and the holiness of the Blumkin Home’s new Simon family synagogue.
BAT MITZVAH Tye Chapelle, daughter of Alicia and D a v i d Chapelle, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, July 24, at Congregation B ’ n a i
Jeshurun in Lincoln. Tye is a eighth-grade student at Irving Middle School. She has received 2 Brick (Character) awards. Her interests include art, dance, violin, vocal music. For her mitzvah project, Tye donated 14 inches of hair to Locks of Love.
FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows. Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to receive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.
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 Eleanor and Jeff Kirkland. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. All ages welcome. MONDAY: Camp Israel! Jewish Day Camp, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Hebrew, led by Rabbi Emanuel. Please contact the Temple office, 402.435.8004 if you are interested in attending. There is no charge for the classes, but a $5 donation per session is appreciated to cover the costs of materials. LJCS Camp Israel 2010 co-sponsored by Soul Train on July 19-30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel for children entering Kindergartenfifth grade. Please contact Andrea Halpern at 402.217.2631 or Tracy
The prayer “How beautiful are your tents oh Israel”, also known as Ma Tovoh, comes from this week’s parsha, Balak. It is a very appropriate prayer; a story of God working behind the scenes, protecting us from curses and turning them into blessings. In addition, in this Parsha, our enemies were turned into our friends. This new synagogue is a result of many people working behind the scenes. People with vision, people with funds, people whose hands and ideas labored hard to create the blessing that we are in right now. Think for a moment of all the prayers, promises, happiness and sadness that will be part of this generation and those that follow. Think of the people whose names we don’t even know, the hands that have extended themselves so that we may benefi from their work. They have given us an obligation: to utilize and fill this syna-
Gordon at 402.477.0388 for more information.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Chef’s Demo, 1 p.m. led by Cheryl Kricsfeld for Beth El. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog. THURSDAY: LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Cantor Wendy Shermet; D’var Torah: Beth Katz - How I reconnected wtih Judaism through Interfaith work. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at South entrance.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. LJCS Camp Israel 2010 cosponsored by Soul Train on July 19-30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel for children entering Kindergarten-fifth grade.
gogue with worshipers. Every Shabbat, every holiday, and every time we feel the spirit coming over us, we must walk in, and connect with God and our fellow Jews. There’s another obligation that we need to take seriously. Each one of us should be working behind the scenes for the benefit of others. Each one of us should contribute to the improvement of Yiddishkeit and Judaism among people that we might never even meet. People who might not learn our names, and yet will benefit from the hand that we extend. This includes our immediate and extended families and friends, so that they too, one day, will feel the spirit of the words “How beautiful are your tents oh Israel”. May these words be spoken from the emotional heart of this building, in this Synagogue, from this day forward to all the generations that will come after us. Shabbat Shalom
Coming Soon Back to School Issue on Aug. 13 Questions or Submissions: Call 334.6448.
July 16, 2010
Words are stronger than knives
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Devarim As we open the fifth and last book of the five books of Torah, we become aware of where the children of Israel have been during all the readings from Genesis until this point. Moses now tells them: we have come this far, but there are those who are afraid to go further. Those who are afraid, I have already sent back, and they are on their own. And this includes 10 of the 12 scouts that I sent into the land, for these 10 said it would be too difficult to conquer. Only Caleb and Joshua have come forward now. Now Moses gives precise instructions about where they are supposed to attack. They are not to attack Moabites, nor land occupied by the descendents of Esau. Instead, he directs them to the land of Sihon, King of the Ammonites, and the land of Og, King of Bashan. It happened as Moses directed the Israelites, following carefully the instructions of the Lord. Both the lands of Sihon and Og fell to the Israelites. They fell to two and a half tribes who were delighted in these lands as good grazing lands, for these tribes had cattle. Moses carefully requires of them to build places for their wives and children to stay, and supervise the herds; the armed men were to go with their brother Israelites farther west, where they would encounter strong opposition. This opposition fell to the battling Israelites. Thus after 40 years in the wilderness, they had come to the land and conquered it, the land that had been promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was now the Land of Israel. There are those –we need not hesitate to call them anti-Semites—who said Israelites had conquered the Canaanites who lived there, and taken the land for themselves. But we must understand that there is no place on earth (the United States and the Native Americans are an example of how history proceeds) that is different. Israel went on to establish governments led by military strongmen (Judges) and later by Kings (Saul, David, and Solomon and their issue). What is more important than the governments, is the marvelous procession of Neviim (Prophets) who became teachers to all the world of how civil and moral life was to proceed. Only mention, and savor, the names of Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to see why the Bible, including the Christian Scriptures, has become the Holy Scriptures, cherished by humankind, generation after generation after generation.
Partnership snapshot by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Operations & Programming, Center for Jewish Education
The Partnership with Israel Kefiadah program is in full swing in the Western Galilee. Kefiadah is a month-long program for 19-26 year olds volunteering in Western Galilee summer camps. This photo was taken on the first day of the program - July 4 - at Rosh Hanikra, on the border of Lebanon. That evening, in honor of the 4th of July, the Americans were treated with apple pie and sparklers. Pictured are Rachael Treske of Chicago, left, Alex Hill of Indianapolis, Eshchar Sommerfeld, Kefiadah Program Coordinator, Marielle Harris of New York City, Laura White of Youngstown, OH, Daniel Grossman, Taylor Workman, and Salo Cemaj from Omaha. For information on Kefiadah or other Partnership with Israel programs, please call 334-6445.
DEATHS SAMUEL ALLOY Samuel Alloy was born on Sept. 11, 1925 and passed away on July 6 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Services were held July 8 at Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 N. 42nd St., Omaha. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bette Ruth Alloy; son and daughter-in-law, William R. and Janet Alloy of Greensburg, IN; son and daughter-in-law, David M. and Carol Alloy; daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne F. and Terry McGuan of Mokena, IL; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Doris Alloy; grandchildren, Stephanie A. and Ray Janssen of Buckner, KY; Jason R. and Lyn Alloy of Los Angeles, CA; Sarah A. McGuan of Whitewater, WI; Lee A. Morrison; 4 great-grandchildren, all of Buckner, KY; nieces and nephews. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Rowe (DD564) 1943-1945 Pacific Theatre as a Yeoman 2nd Class. Memorials to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Beth El Synagogue or American Cancer Society.
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ARTHUR G. EPSTIEN Arthur G. Epstien passed away on June 13 at the Grand Island Veteran’s Home in Grand Island, NE. Private services were held at Westlawn-Hillcrest on June 22. He was preceded in death by parents, David and Libby Epstein; and brother Bernard. He is survived by son, Lee Epstien and son and daughter-in-law, David and Teresa Epstein; granddaughter, Lindsey; former wife and friend Lucille Epstien; family and friends. He was in the restaurant and food service business for many years; he also managed over 60 Air Force Officer’s Clubs. Never one to be idle, while a resident at the Grand Island Veteran’s Home he was on the food committee. Art was a great story teller. His zest for life will be truly missed. BRANDON MICHAEL THOMAS Brandon was born May 8, 1989 in Boston, MA and graduated from Millard North High School. He was a student at the Institute for Culinary Arts at Metro Community College. Brandon had a passion for food from the time he was a child. He was the head cook for the family’s annual Thanksgiving dinners. He passed away on July 12. Services were held on Thursday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at Temple Israel, 7023 Cass Street with burial at Temple Israel Cemetery. Brandon was an organ donor. His generosity will help others live, but his spirit will be with us forever. He is survived by parents, Andrea Gordman, Daniel Fitzgerald and Paul Thomas; sister Lindsey Thomas, grandparents, Ellen and Robert Gordman, Breckenridge, CO, and Bonnie and Dennis Thomas, Cherokee, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the Brandon Thomas Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund at the MCC Foundation, Fort Omaha Campus, Box 3777 Omaha, Nebraska 68103-0777.
Beth El Sisterhood honey sale: a sweet start to the New Year by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The High Holidays are just around the corner (Rosh Hashanah begins Sept. 8), and Beth El Sisterhood’s annual honey sale is the perfect way to wish friends and family a sweet new year. According to Wendy Berenson, the fundraiser’s chairman, the sale is in full swing, with orders being taken through Aug. 13. Cost of the festively-wrapped six-ounce bottles: one to 14 bottles, $7.50 each; 15 or more, $7.25. Every order will include a special New Year’s greeting for the recipients; both in-town and out-of-town orders are welcome. During the sale, Berenson explained, only one bottle of honey will be delivered to a recipient, even if multiple bottles are purchased by different senders; however, separate greetings will be sent to each recipient for each bottle purchased. Extra bottles will be donated to Jewish Family Service. She added that supplies are limited, so it’s best to order early; all orders are shipped to ensure delivery by Rosh Hashanah. All proceeds from the sale benefit Beth El Sisterhood, which helps to fund the synagogue’s youth activities, education, and community/social services. Honey order forms are available in the synagogue office, and online at www.bethel-omaha. org. For more information, contact Berenson at 253.2028, or at Munch765@aol.com.
Statewide Classified ADOPT: WE are a caring couple wishing to adopt newborn baby to love and cherish. Happy, stable home, much love, expenses paid. Walter/Gina: 1-800-315-6957. ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $210/25 word classified ad. Over 170 newspapers with circulation of more than 365,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment 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. FOR SALE at Auction: 1966 Corvette, 1937 Cord 812, 1955 T-Bird, 300 cars at “The Branson Car Auction”, Sept. 10-11. Consign your car! 800-335-3063, BransonAuction.com. 2004 GEORGETOWN RV. 32’. One slide. V10 Engine with 22,000 miles. Selling due to health. Very clean and well maintained. Asking $38,000. Call 308-284-6311 or 308289-5668. 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! FROM $33,500 - New factory-built homes. No Money Down with FHA & VA loans. Magnolia Modular Homes, 303-573-0067, call for Free price sheet & floor plans. www.coloradofactorymodulars.com. HASSLE FREE home buying hotline. 3 and 4 bedroom singlewides and doublewides. Move to your land. 800-375-3115. ************* Used 16’ wide 3 bedroom, 785-8620321. THE CITY of Ogallala is accepting applications for the position of Fire Chief. Interested persons call 308-284-2024 or e-mail bwilson@kc911.net. The deadline for receiving completed applications is Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at 4 p.m. MT. HELP WANTED: Aventine Renewable Energy is accepting applications for Operations/Team Leaders and Industrial Maintenance positions for the Aurora West plant in Aurora, NE. Applications can be obtained at www.aventinerei.com or by e-mailing a request to heather.boyd@aventinerei.com. Positions offer competitive wages; 401K program; medical, dental and life insurance; and paid vacations. Qualified applicants must have high school diploma or GED, be drug-free, dependable, motivated, team oriented and able to work various shifts. Company requests no direct contact at plant site. Job Fair July 21 at Grand Island Unemployment Office. MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN job opportunity with Lindsay Corporation, a leading provider of irrigation systems and infrastructure products. Minimum 5 years electrical maintenance experience in manufacturing facility with strong PLC, electrical and robotic troubleshooting skills. Candidates with leadership experience could be considered for group leader position. E-mail resume to noe.delara@lindsay.com or mail to Human Resources, Lindsay Manufacturing, 214 East 2nd Street, Lindsay, NE 68644. DRIVERS: WE will train you for a Flatbed Career!! Grand Island Contract Carriers. Enjoy great benefits, solid pay package and generous home time. Terminals in Grand Island, NE, & Rensselaer, IN, 1-866-483-5318 or www.gicc.chiefind.com. HELP WANTED! Dinklage Feed Yard in Broadwater, NE, has a position available. Competitive wages & excellent benefits. 308-377-2515, e-mail: Lisa@DinklageFeedYards.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 16, 2010
Netanyahu hints at flexibility on Jerusalem by URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- It was an otherwise wholly unremarkable stump speech before a friendly audience in New York. On Wednesday evening at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel, the Israeli prime minister addressed a roomful of about 200 Jews on the subjects of Iran, his government’s eagerness for direct peace talks with the Palestinians and the swell meeting he had just had with President Obama at the White House. But then, in an off-the-cuff remark to a question on Jerusalem from the audience, Benjamin Netanyahu dropped a hint that his government’s insistence on Israeli sovereignty over all of Jerusalem might not be ironclad. “Everybody knows that there are Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem that under any peace plan will remain where they are,” Netanyahu said in response to the question read by the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein. The implication of Netanyahu’s remark -- that other neighborhoods of Jerusalem may not remain “where they are,” becoming part of an eventual Palestinian state -- was the first hint that the Israeli leader may be flexible on the subject of Jerusalem. Until now, Netanyahu has insisted that Jerusalem is not up for negotiation. While the prime minister surely did not intend the gathering under the aegis of
the Presidents Conference to serve as his conversation, he once again reaffirmed forum for opening up negotiations over his willingness to engage in serious negoJerusalem, the impromptu remark before tiations with the Palestinians around what an audience of prominent New York Jews I think should be the goal not just of the and a handful of elected officials cast a two principals involved but the entire slim ray of light on what Netanyahu world, and that is two states living side by thinks might be the Israeli capital’s ultimate fate. It was significant as well because Netanyahu’s true intentions regarding the peace process remain largely opaque, the subject of much debate from Washington to Ramallah. Netanyahu was a latecomer to the two-state position -endorsing the idea of an eventual Palestinian state only a year ago, after much prodding by the United States -- and the governing coalition he has assembled is comprised largely of right-wing parties that do Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a not believe in the current Jewish gathering in New York. Palestinian Authority as a Credit: Michael Priest Photography partner for negotiations. In public, President Obama declared side in peace and security.” Tuesday that he believes Netanyahu is Privately, however, some U.S. adminisgenuinely committed to seeking a two- tration officials have expressed doubts state solution. about Netanyahu’s ability to make good “I believe that Prime Minister on that vision. Other Obama supporters Netanyahu wants peace. I think he’s will- have questioned Netanyahu’s commiting to take risks for peace,” Obama told ment to that goal, and the Palestinian reporters following his Oval Office meet- Authority leadership says Netanyahu’s ing with Netanyahu. “And during our interest in negotiations is not serious.
“Words, not deeds,” was the assessment of chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, who dismissed Netanyahu’s lip service to the peace process in an interview Tuesday with The New York Times. “We need to see deeds.” Netanyahu insists he is serious about peace talks, and that it is the Palestinians who are playing games. “You either put up excuses or you lead,” the Israeli leader said in his New York speech. “I want to enter direct talks with the Palestinian leadership now,” “I think we can defy the skeptics,” he said, recalling the doubters that abounded when Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin began talking to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in the lead-up to the Camp David Accords, and when Richard Nixon visited China. “This is a challenge I’m up to.” Was it hyperbole or a sign of the legacy Netanyahu hopes for himself? If Netanyahu is interested in following Begin and Nixon’s model, leading a conservative government to a historic rapprochement with a longtime foe, eventually he will have to include Jerusalem in negotiations with the Palestinians; they won’t sign a peace deal without it. If not, Netanyahu is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the skeptics. “This is going to be a very, very tough negotiation, but I’m prepared to negotiate,” Netanyahu insisted Wednesday. “But I cannot engage someone who won’t sit at the table.”
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