July 22, 2005

Vol. LXXXIV No. 45 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

15 Tamuz, 5765 July 22, 2005

Former Omahan Honors Late Husband Omaha’s Ben Jacobson with Fund to Provide Reduced Child Care Fees Puts USA Men’s Team

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN to Omaha, because “all six Foundation Public girls needed to meet Jewish Relations Coordinator men to marry,” explained Claire. Jacob owned a grocery In the mid-1930s, 16store at 22nd and Howard year-old Claire Kaplan was Streets in Omaha and, at first, singing and dancing with the family lived above the other children as they store. Claire attended Webster rehearsed for a show at Beth Elementary School and then El Synagogue. Harold Tech High School. After Tuchman, a University of graduation, she worked at Nebraska college student, Bloch Nogg Paper Company. came to watch the rehearsal.

Harold grew up in Omaha “And that was it!“ laughed with one sister. His father, Claire. About two years Michael Tuchman, owned later, Aug. 15, 1937, the Tuchman Brothers Food two were married at the Stores with his brother Omaha Women’s Club by The Tuchman family in California in 1962: Gary, left, Harold, Frank. Their mother, Cecil, Rabbi David Goldstein. was a “homemaker par Claire is the daughter of Claire, and Terry.

Edith and Jacob, immigrants from Minsk, Russia. They excellence,“ according to Claire. After graduating from settled in Missouri Valley, Iowa, where Jacob owned a Central High School, Harold attended the University of Nebraska. After marrying, Claire and Harold lived in a general store.

“We were the only Jewish family in Missouri Valley at little house across from North High School and then first,” said Claire who was born in the small town about built a house near Miller Park.

Harold went into business with his father in the gro20 miles northeast of Omaha. “We lived right across the street from the school. It was wonderful living there,” cery store. When Michael Tuchman retired, Harold she recalled. Along with her five sisters and two broth- took over the business. Claire and Harold had two sons, ers, the Kaplan kids spent carefree hours sledding in the Terry and Gary. About 1950, the family moved to winter, roller skating, and sliding down the school fire California after a vacation there. Harold sold his grocery escapes in the summer. Claire remembers picking cher- store in Omaha.

After both sons were married, Harold went back to ries right off the tree from her bedroom window.

“It was very healthy and fun living,” described Claire. school in California to study architecture, his dream. “He “We weren’t exposed to all the sadness and tragedy that was artistic, very creative, innovative, a math whiz, and loved his work,” pointed out Claire who had gone back to exist today.”

Jacob Kaplan taught all eight of his children Yiddish, school to become a nurse. At about the age of 48, Harold some Hebrew, and some Russian, according to Claire. became an architect and specialized in bank interiors. He Edith kept a kosher home, buying meat in Omaha. During was also a Scoutmaster, wrote music, played the saxophone the holidays, the entire family squished into one car and and clarinet, and entertained as part of a trio with two members of his congregation’s Brotherhood. went to Omaha to attend services at the Kapulier Shul.

After 15 to 18 years of country life, the Kaplans moved Continued on page 4

Federation Focuses on “Next Steps” in Strategic Planning Process

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Since September 2004, the Strategic Planning Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha has been immersed in collecting, processing and analyzing information gathered from a broad representation of the entire Omaha Jewish community. The Federation’s Strategic Plan is an enormous undertaking involving a significant commitment of time and energy from the hundreds of community members involved.

Now the Committee is preparing for the second phase of this complex process.

“The scope of developing and implementing a vision with clear priorities for the Federation is immense,” explained Zoë Riekes, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “However, the future of our Jewish community relies heavily on the Federation’s ability to stay ahead of the curve and proceed in a proactive manner, rather than responding reactively.”

The five beneficiary agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha are: the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services; the Jewish Press operates as a Constitutional Committee under the Federation. The Strategic Plan outlines a vision for each of the Agencies

as well as for the Federation. Each agency will develop their own unique mission along with innovative programming that supports the overall vision of the Federation.

At its May 23rd board meeting, the following concepts and vision for the future presented by the Strategic Planning Committee were approved: The Jewish Community of Omaha is a vibrant, engaged Jewish community that: • Fosters a culture of collaboration and communication within a strong and responsible network of agencies and synagogues providing high quality Jewish social and educational services for all ages; • Expresses core Jewish values of Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam and Jewish learning to strengthen Jewish life in Omaha, Israel and throughout the world; and • Provides multiple warm and welcoming points of engagement for all current and future residents to connect and increase involvement in Jewish life.

Norm Sheldon, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee explained, “What’s important to remember about any strategic planning process is that it’s a process that’s fluid, on-going and ever-changing. It’s inevitable that some of our priorities may diminish in importance and others will grow.”

Continued on page 4

A

Vision for Our Future

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Next Week: Press Announces Historical Exhibit Omaha Represented at Nuremberg Conference: Page 2

17th of Tammuz Explored in “Staying in Touch”: Page 3

in Contention for Gold

Thanks to the prowess of Omaha’s Ben Jacobson last week at the 17th Maccabiah Games in Israel, the USA Men’s Basketball Team is “golden”. In this game, Jacobson, wearing jersey #13, helped Team USA beat Moldova, 113-45. He’s the son of David and Nancy Jacobson and graduated from Tennessee Tech University in May; he plans to attend graduate school this fall.

Credit: Edgar Asher of ISRANET

2005-06 College Scholarship Awards Announced by Jewish Educational and Library Services

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator The Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational & Library Services (JELS) announced the scholarships awarded for undergraduate and graduate studies for the 2005-06 academic year. After considering many factors including academic achievement, financial need and committed participation in Jewish activities while in high school and college, awards were made from 25 funds to 33 undergraduate students and eight graduate students. The Financial Aid Committee expressed its sincere appreciation to the many individuals in the community who, through their generosity, make it possible to support so many young adults in the community in continuing their education.

All scholarship funds are managed by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. In addition to college scholarships, assistance is also available for Jewish summer camps, the Child Development Center preschool, Friedel Jewish Academy, Israel trips, and youth group activities. A Financial Aid Guide which outlines scholarship opportunities is distributed each December as an insert in the Jewish Press.

For more information, please call me at 402.334.6445 or e-mail inquiries to scholarships@jewishomaha.org.

Information is also available on the Jewish Education and Library Services page on the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org.

Those interested in contributing to existing scholarship and loan funds or endowing new funds should contact Marty Ricks, Endowment Director, Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or call 402.334.6440.

Continued on pages 6-7

Coming Next Month: Fall Home & Garden Special Countries Turn to Israel for Terror Advice: Page 8

Changing of the Guard at Boys & Girls Town: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

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Omaha Represented at Nuremberg Conference 60 Years After Trials

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Three years ago, former Omahan Larry Raful sat in the Wannsee Villa in Germany. At the time he was a professor at Creighton Law School and its former dean.

He was in Germany to participate in the 2002 Touro Law School program about the role of lawyers and judges prior to World War II Larry Raful and the rise of National Socialism. He sat in the very room where the hierarchy of the Third Reich made its infamous decision that lead to the Final solution of six million Jews of Europe.

Since that successful conference, Raful was named Dean of the Touro Law School and went back to Nuremberg this past week for “Judging Nuremberg: The Laws, the Rallies, the Trials,” a conference that returns to the courtroom on the 60th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials. And this year, as the chairman of the conference, he invited Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the Great Plains States Region of the AntiDefamation League.

“There are many different methods of studying this important event in the history of war, law and retribution” Raful wrote in the conference’s program book, “but there is no better place to do it than Nuremberg.

Sitting in Courtroom 600, inspecting the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, touring the documentation center and listening to international scholars discuss what happened in these places.”

Among the presenters are Whitney R. Harris, a member of the prosecuting team at the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg; Israeli Justice Gabriel Bach, a member of the Supreme Court and former assistant prosecutor at the Eichmann trial; and Dr. Hans Otto Brautigam, chairman of the Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future” Fund.

“Between Nov. 20, 1945, and April 14, 1949, 13 of the Nuremberg Trials were held,” Dr. Brautigam wrote in the program book.

“Today, 60 years after the war, the Nuremberg Trials have largely disappeared from the memories of the generation alive today. This conference, to primarily show the most important developments since World War II, will help us rememBob Wolfson ber.”

Wolfson spoke on Wednesday about the “Dachau Concentration Camp: The Story of a Photograph,” and assisted in leading a tour to the infamous camp when the conference closed. He and Raful also visited the synagogue in Munich and were hosted at a dinner at the Jewish Community Center there.

Raful’s mother--Susie Raful, originally from Hungary-is a survivor of the Holocaust. For Larry and his family, the war years have always had held a personal interest.

The conference, he added, is “a tremendous opportunity for lawyer and non-lawyer, Christian and Jew, American and European to join together to remember and learn.”

With ADL’s emphasis on teaching about the war years through its Institute for Holocaust Education, Wolfson was excited to be a part of this prestigious group of presenters. “I’m humbled by the stature of the presenters at this conference,” Wolfson told the Press before he left for Europe last week. “and I expect to learn from them as well. Of course, it’s always a privilege to be associated with any project in which Larry Raful is involved. His knowledge of this time period as well as his expertise in the law gives this conference a personal touch.”

Wolfson will report on his trip to Nuremberg and the conference later this summer; excerpts from his speech will be published in an upcoming issue of the Jewish Press.

CLIP & SAVE

by Israeli President, CALENDAR OF EVENTS Summoned Jewish Leaders Consider New Forum FRIDAY, JULY 22 JELS - Introduction to Rabbinic Literature, 11 a.m.

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, JULY 24 Yachad, 1 p.m. at Royal’s Baseball Game at Rosenblatt Art Reception, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 25 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

JSS Senior Exercise, 10 a.m.

NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, JULY 26 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Visions Dinner Cruise, 6 p.m. on River City Star JELS Conversational Hebrew Class Level 1, 7 p.m. and Level 2, 8 p.m.

C L I P &

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 28 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

JELS Conversational Hebrew Class Level 1, 7 p.m. and Level 2, 8 p.m.

S A V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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by DINA KRAFT Last month’s meeting follows a conference of Jewish JERUSALEM (JTA)--Under the light of Chagall win- intellectuals from outside the organizational world in dows, dozens of senior Diaspora and Israeli leaders took late May in Washington. At that gathering, Powerhouses their seats in the main hall of the Israeli president’s offi- like Harvard University President Lawrence Summers, cial residence to discuss the creation of a forum for the U.S. philanthropist Michael Steinhardt and Brandeis Jewish people.

University President Jehuda Reinharz met to discuss It was decided at last month’s meeting that an annual how to stem the tide of declining Jewish affiliation in the gathering--to be called Beit Yisrael: World Jewish Forum Diaspora.

Continued on page 3 --will be convened for the first time next year as an advisory body helping the Jewish world coordinate responses to the challenges of contemporary Jewish life.

The forum is envisioned as a central meeting place for the top echelon of leadership in the Jewish world, modeled after the World Economic Forum at Davos. All sectors of the Jewish world, from across religious and political lines, could meet there for an intensive gathering to discuss and establish action plans on issues ranging from battling assimilation and antiSemitism to forging stronger IsraelDiaspora ties.

This would be the first unified body for the Jewish people at large that would develop long-term strategies for dealing with the most pressing issues of the day.

Jewish leaders take part in a conference hosted by Israeli President Moshe Those who attended the two-day session in Katsav, third from left, last month in Jerusalem. The heads of major Israeli Jerusalem said no such forum currently exists and Diaspora groups who came together decided to establish a World Jewish for a cross-section of the Jewish people to Forum to tackle the challenges facing world Jewry. gather and address the issues of the day.

Credit: Office of President Moshe Katsav

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July 22, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

The 17th of Tammuz

STAYING IN TOUCH

by OZZIE NOGG If the way to a man’s heart is through food, might the way to God’s heart be through fasting? Jewish history and practice seem to shout, Yes! Besides Yom Kippur, Tisha B’Av and four minor fast days on the calendar, Jews have throughout history used private and community fasts in an effort to get something from God. A child. Rain. Bountiful crops. We fasted to avert locust and pestilence, to prevent mildew and the withering of crops, to fend off the collapse of buildings and counteract the frightening effects of nightmares.

Jews fasted to end oppression and war but (sad to say) these fasts rarely worked, so then we fasted in remembrance of defeats, subjugations, annihilations and other calamities. Which gets us back to the above-mentioned minor fasts. Specifically, the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz which falls this year on Sunday, July 24.

According to tradition, these minor fasts are associated with events that ended in the destruction of the Temple, each fast commemorating a different stage in that catastrophe. The Jerusalem Talmud says the 17th of Tammuz (or the Fast of the Fourth Month, as Zechariah called it) marks both the date when Nebuchadnezzar’s troops breached the walls of the First Temple in 586 BCE and the date when the Romans stormed the Second Temple almost 600 years later in 70 CE. (A coincidence of cosmic proportions, if you ask me.)

The Fast of the 17th of Tammuz commemorates other disasters in Jewish history, too. It is said that on this date (in different years, of course) Moses came down from Sinai, found the Israelites cavorting around the Golden Calf and proceeded to smash the Tablets of the Law; the daily Temple sacrifice was abolished; Jerusalem’s walls

were breached by the Babylonians; Apostomos, a Greek general, put idols in the Temple and burned the Torah.

(This Torah, thought to be handwritten by Ezra the Scribe, was used to check the accuracy of all other scrolls. Its destruction was particularly significant.)

Besides holding the record for multiple disasters, 17 Tammuz has the distinction of ushering in the period known as Between the Straits--also called, The Three Weeks.) During this period of mourning for the destruction of the Second Temple, dozens of prohibitions go into effect (no weddings, no celebrations, no new clothes, etc.) and we are taken to task by Jeremiah and Isaiah (those prophets of doom) in Haftarahs filled with dire warnings of destruction, retribution and wall-towall chaos. The three-week period increases in gloom, and the fasting customs escalate until (finally) we observe Tisha B’Av when (according to the Mishnah) joy is totally eliminated and full-blown mourning over the loss of the Temple and of Jerusalem has everyone in a state of total, abject grief.

The rabbis, however, made sure that the mourning went only so far. Normal life must go on, they said.

“Not to mourn at all is impossible,” declared Rabbi Joshua, “because so much devastation has befallen us.

But to mourn too much is also impossible, because the majority of the community cannot live this way.” The same can be said about fasting.

Despite a Talmudic tractate devoted to its laws, and despite mystics, kabbalists and ascetic groups who carried fasting to a high art, Judaism does not prize obsessive denial or self-abnegation. In fact, the Talmud warns that we have no right to afflict ourselves by fasting lest we become a burden to the community. Furthermore, said the sages, fasting is not an end in itself. Alone, it has no value. A fast, to be meaningful, must be partnered with a sincere effort to change our ways.

We are told that God took pity on Ninevah not because the people fasted but because they truly repented. Prophets urge, “Get up early and improve your deeds. Seclude yourself in your chambers and search

your ways.” Saddiah Gaon was more succinct. “Rather than fast,” he suggested, “don’t sin.”

So, having said all that, where does the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz fit into our agendas today?

In the words of the Encyclopedia Judaica, “Except for Yom Kippur and Tisha B’ Av, fasting seems to lack general appeal.” (A statement with which all but the most pious and observant among us would tend to agree.)

Going a step farther, some argue that the minor fast days have lost all significance and should be done away with, especially since the establishment of the State of Israel makes the whole idea of mourning for the Temple unnecessary.

But other scholars and philosophers make a case for not throwing the baby out with the bath water. Even though the catastrophes associated with the 17th of Tammuz are far removed from us--even though the custom of fasting and mourning (so strictly observed by our ancestors) is irrelevant to many Jews--none the less, these ancient practices are rooted deep within our consciousness and help us stay connected to the land of Israel and to our people.

To paraphrase Rabbi Irving Greenberg, fast days help us remember past sorrows even while we enjoy happiness in our lives. Fast days make us more sensitive to those who still suffer and need help.

This July 24, long after the Independence Day fireworks are finished and we’ve eaten our fill of barbecued beans--let’s remember that the true fast of God is one that eliminates evil and frees the oppressed. It feeds the hungry, helps the poor, shelters the homeless and clothes the naked.

We can remember this during the Three Weeks and on Tisha B’Av, too (which falls on Sunday, Aug. 14).

And during all the days and weeks to come, may they be many.

Omaha’s own Ozzie Nogg is a freelance writer and the author of Joseph’s Bones. She can be reached at: ozmom@cox.net or visit her website at: www.rabbisdaughter.com.

Jewish Leaders Consider New Forum Continued from page 2 Aides to President Moshe Katsav, who initiated the forum idea, stress that it is not intended as a new Jewish organization. The idea is to have a forum for discussion and planning, where the most critical problems facing the Jews as a people can be grappled with.

The Davos model was chosen because it brings top leaders together in a closed, impartial setting where they candidly try to tackle current challenges.

On the first day of the meeting, for example, those invited by Katsav heard from experts about assimilation and intermarriage, Jewish education in the Diaspora and anti-Semitism worldwide.

The president wants “high-caliber” leadership at the forum to deal with real substance, spokesman Akiva Tor said.

“He feels there is a need for coordination at the highest levels, with fresh voices focusing on major issues.”

Participant Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the

If you need to take a

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, said the forum responds to the need for a more pragmatic and pro-active approach to key issues. “We will target how we will make a difference,” he said.

Colette Avital, a Labor member of Knesset and former Israeli consul in New York, said the idea of the forum reflects the changing times.

With globalization, she told JTA, many Jews feel less of a need to associate as a group. “You want them to be part of the new world, but we have to give them new reasons to be part of the family,” she said.

Bobby Brown, the World Jewish Congress’ Director in Israel, said globalization is one thing that makes such a forum important.

“There is no table of the Jewish people, and as we get more into globalization and as the Jewish community, especially the smaller Jewish communities, become more bereft of basic needs to maintain themselves...there is no U.N., no neutral

Detour

ground where issues can be discussed,” he said.

“The problems have been global. Now the funding has to be.”

Brown and others also cited the forum as a way to keep the next generation of Diaspora and Israeli Jews united and connected.

“We’re becoming two different peoples, both called Jews, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, second from left, head of the Union of Reform and we need a common Judaism, and Dr. Yossi Beilin, right, former member of Knesset forum to work together,” were among the participants at a forum hosted by Israeli President Moshe Katsav. Credit: Office of President Moshe Katsav he said.

Stephen Savitsky, President of the In his comments to the group, YahadMeretz politician Yossi Beilin said he Orthodox Union, suggested that promifound it disturbing that since the estab- nent Jews such as computer mogul lishment of the Jewish state in 1948, Michael Dell, comedian Jerry Seinfeld and film director Steven Spielberg should there had been no such forum.

Addressing concerns that such a gather- be included.

“Everyone has to buy into the fact that ing would only be a meeting of talking heads, he said, “My big question is: Will it’s important to come,” he said. “The Jewish world,” he said, is in “a crisis.” it succeed or not?”

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

Strategic Planning Process Fund to Provide Reduced Child Care Fees Continued from page 1 In order to accomplish the vision for the future, the Federation Board approved five priority areas.

Subcommittees were formed for each of the priorities to develop initiatives pertinent to achieving the priorities.

The five priorities are: • JEWISH LEARNING: To provide significantly improved support to the community in its effort to implement quality Jewish educational programming.

• OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT: To assure the continuity and vitality of Jewish life in Omaha by connecting individuals to our community through outreach and engagement. To be successful in connecting people we must provide multiple gateways for entry into the community, by the entire community.

• VOLUNTEER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: To engage more people in high quality volunteer and leadership experiences throughout the Jewish community.

• FINANCIAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: To enhance the financial resources of the Jewish Federation of Omaha for its current ongoing needs and for its long-term future and survival.

• FEDERATION STRUCTURE: To maintain our unique position as one of the strongest intermediate communities in the UJC system, to preserve our high standards of services and programming and to remain stable and viable for the next 20 years.

Phase two of the process involves the Planning and Implementation Committee, which will continue to gather information in greater detail. This Committee will specifically focus on reviewing the initiatives for each priority and develop strategies for successfully achieving the vision.

“The Federation leadership as well as numerous community volunteers realize that a proactive approach is the key to overcoming the challenges our Jewish community will face in the future,” Riekes added.

“Fortunately, our community is already starting from a position of strength and vitality.”

CORRECTION In last week’s article about the Maccabiah Games in Israel, it incorrectly stated that Laynie Ginsburg graduated from KU; she is a graduate of the University of Arizona. The Press regrets the error.

Continued from page 1 Marty Ricks, Executive In Santa Monica, where Director of the Omaha the Tuchmans lived, they Jewish Federation enjoyed playing golf and Foundation, met Claire and taking classes at the her family when they travUniversity of Judaism. Claire eled here for their “roots” volunteered at their Temple, trip. and Harold was involved in “We had a great time as I Brotherhood. Their sons, acted as their tour guide for who are married, live in part of a day in Missouri California too. Terry and his Valley and Omaha. My wife wife Gloria have two grown Iris and I have since become sons, and Gary and his wife very close friends of Claire Susan have two daughters. and her family and have visThe family also boasts four ited them on several of our great grandchildren: two trips to Los Angeles,” Ricks boys who are six and two mentioned. “The visit to and twin girls who are five.

Missouri Valley brought After 35 years of marriageback many memories includ-“the most wonderful, ing the tube-shaped fire unbelievable marriage you escape at the grammar Harold Tuchman could have,” Claire emphaschool there that I also sized-- Harold died in 1972 of an aneurysm. “He was attended from kindergarten through sixth grade. such a very special person,” Claire said. Many who knew Hopefully, Claire, who has become an avid devotee of him described him as “kind, gentle, gregarious, bright, the Jewish Press, will return again soon with her grandand fun loving. He lit up the place when he came children this time,” he added.

In response to a letter from Ricks, Claire established home,” she added. “He had the ability to work with bank owners and the laborers who worked for him -he an endowment fund last year in memory of Harold. The got along with everyone. I really feel that whatever I am endowment’s income will be used to provide reduced as a person I owe to him. We grew up together,” she fees for child care services for Jewish children enrolled at the Jewish Community Center’s Pennie Z. Davis Child explained. Losing him was “a lot to live without.”

Nowadays, Claire volunteers at the Center for Healthy Development Center.

That felt like a natural extension of the Tuchman famAging in Santa Monica. She interviews seniors to help them locate resources to provide necessities of life. “I ily’s involvement with children to Claire. Her grandlove every minute of it,” she insisted. Close to her fam- daughter Julie is studying early childhood development ily, she sees them regularly and enjoys “a lot of friends. and another granddaughter, Lisa, is a high school counI don’t have enough time in the day to get it all done!” selor. Son Terry is an educator and so is his wife Gloria.

She was married again to Harry Hartstein from 1975 Susan, the wife of Gary Tuchman, a landscape designer, until his death in 1998. They traveled “all over the is a former teacher.

“It was very kind and generous of Claire to establish world,” she said.

Two years ago, Claire came back to Omaha with her this fund in memory of her late husband,” said Ricks. two sons and their wives. She showed them the hospital “We never seem to have enough available scholarship where they were born, the houses where Claire and funds for our Child Development Center, so this new Harold lived and where the boys had first lived, and the fund will certainly help.”

“I wanted to do something for Harold,” Claire deterschools their parents attended. “We felt so connected,” Claire emphasized. She described the trip back to their mined. “I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner.”

Omaha roots as “very meaningful” to her family.

ORGANIZATIONS NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The annual meeting of the NJHS will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center.

The meeting will include the installation of new officers and board members followed by the showing of a new oral history documentary. The event, open to the entire community, will be followed by a dessert reception.

BREADBREAKERS Paul Williams will will be the guest speaker at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, July 27, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Williams is a professor of Religion at UNO; he will answer the question, “Is Islam an Evil Religion?” Cost is $11 for a full lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us at the JCC on Monday as the Pat and Pat

Show dazzle you with all your favorite classic songs. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer, senior exercise at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. in the social hall. Lunch will be served at noon at $6 per person. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272.

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

VISIONS Reminder: Cruise down the river on the River City Star on Tuesday, July 26, 6:30-8 p.m. (meet at the dock at 6 p.m.)

Our Summer Picnic is Sunday, Aug. 21, 12:30-4 p.m., at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Join the festivities and summer fun with a Las Vegas Show; Terry Edwards will perform. Cost is $7 per person. Main

course and drinks provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Make check payable to Visions. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Aug. 12. For information, call Jean Elkon at 551.6656.

Visions Annual Baseball and Dinner is Monday, Aug. 29. Dinner is on your own at the Stadium View Club at 6 p.m. Game starts at 7:05 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.

Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Visions.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW, Omaha Section’s monthly board meeting is Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m., in the Commons Area of the Friedel Jewish Academy. For more information, call President Roxanne Kahn at 493.4551.

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July 22, 2005

IN THE NEWS The Omaha-based Kingswood Cobras once again play in the USA World Series baseball playoffs in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fifty-three teams from 14 states competed in this weeklong competition on July 10.

Twelve-year old Josh Danon is the team’s shortstop and a power hitter. He has played with the Cobras for three years and this is the third year the Cobra’s are playing in the league World Series. The team is sponsored by the Marcotte Insurance Agency, where Josh’s dad, Steve Danon is employed as the Director of their Risk Services.

The Omaha Council of B’nai B’rith Girls held their annual beau dance “Sweet Dreams� based on the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory� on May 21 at Ironwood Country Club, David Sukiennik, Ediar’s new beau, is the 16 year old son of Hyman and Marlene Sukiennik and will be a junior at Millard North. Alex Krutik, MZ Yoshanah’s new beau, is the 17 year old son of Viatscheslev and Natalia Krutik. He will be a senior at Burke. Both are members of AZA #1.

Rabbi Daniel Joshua Fellman was recently ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, the flagship seminary of the Reform movement. Rabbi Fellman, a native Omahan, has begun work as the Assistant Rabbi at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He and his wife Melissa are living in East Brunswick, NJ. A former contributor to the Press’s “Sparks From the Word� column, Rabbi Fellman served student pulpits in LaSalle, IL, Joplin, MO, Petoskey, MI, and Natchez, MS. He also completed internships at Beth El Synagogue and Temple Israel, both in Omaha. “Along the way, I have been fortunate to find many mentors, and all of them have become trusted friends,�

Rabbi Fellman noted. “I was particularly pleased that Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen of Minneapolis were able to attend my ordination in Cincinnati,� he continued.

During his schooling, Rabbi Fellman also taught at the Yavneh Day School in Cincinnati, worked as an assistant to the director of the Hillel at the University of Cincinnati, and taught at Isaac M. Wise Temple’s religious school.

Rabbi Fellman’s rabbinic thesis, “An American Friendship�, looked at President Harry S. Truman and Eddie Jacobson, a Jewish friend of Truman’s who was instrumental in America’s swift and significant support of the new Jewish State of Israel in 1948. Fellman spent time doing research at the Truman Library and Museum in Independence, MO, and conducted oral history interviews with Jacobson’s daughters, now retired and living in Florida.

While at HUC-JIR, Rabbi Fellman served as editor of the student publication, The Monthly, and served on the Academic Affairs committee. He also served on the steering committee of the American Jewish Committee’s Catholic-Jewish Educators Dialogue.

Rabbi Fellman earned his Master of Arts in Jewish Letters at HUC-JIR in 2004, and his BA in Political Science at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. He is the son of Bev and Dick Fellman and grandson of the late Dina and Harold Bloom, and the late Frances and Leonard Fellman.

Nikki Romanik has been elected vice president of her class at American University of Antigua School of Medicine. She graduated from Indiana University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Nikki is the daughter of Susie and Marc Romanik and the granddaughter of Marcia Gallner of Omaha and Gerry and Dave Romanik, former Omahans now of Dallas.

The Omaha Community Playhouse recently honored its top volunteers at Award Night. The Florence Young Medalion Award for Outstanding Contribution to season membership for 2005 has been awarded to Ethel Goldston, who has been number one seller for many years.

Brent Saltzman, son of Lynne and Errol Saltzman, recently completed Level 3 of the Future Astronaut Training Program at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, KS. Saltzman is a junior at Burke High School. The week-long camp, for which students may apply after successfully completing Levels 1 and 2, included a trip to Houston, TX, to tour NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group To Explore Future of American Judaism

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The month of Av will be welcomed by the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group on Monday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m., at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle; Sherry Shapiro will serve as co-host. A social hour will begin at 7 p.m., with the formal meeting following at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to a discussion about the solemn holiday of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, Wees said the evening will focus on a recent B’nai B’rith Magazine article, which speculates where American Judaism will be in 350 years.

She noted that everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to look down the road and share their hopes, dreams and concerns about the Jewish community, as well as discuss how far American Jews have progressed during the past 350 years.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

JELS Announces 2005-06 College Scholarship Awards

Sarah Abrahamson Metropolitan Community College Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund

Yevgeniy Ayol University of NebraskaLincoln Don & Nancy Greenberg Scholarship Fund

Janet Baack University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine Lois Jeanne Shrager Memorial Fund

Daniel Bukenholts University of Pennsylvania Lois Jeanne Shrager Memorial Fund

Ashley Corcoran Creighton University Carl Frohm Educational Fund

Lauren Feigin Colorado State University Livingston Scholarship

Angela Friedman Bradley University Harris Family Endowment Fund

Betsy Goodman Northern Arizona University Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund

Daniel Gutman American University Carl Frohm Educational Fund

Jessica Hasslinger Colorado State University Livingston Scholarship

Batsheva Katzman Heichal Lubavitch Teacher’s Seminary Rebecca Friedman Scholarship Fund, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund

Roman Kilishek University of Nebraska Omaha Joe & Ruth Rice Scholarship Fund

Alana Kinarsky Loyola University Nate H. & Beatrice Sherman Scholarship Fund

Shayna Kurland Iowa State University Jerold I. & Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund

Robert Mosenkis University of Nebraska Omaha Livingston Scholarship

Yuri Paskar University of Nebraska Omaha Jerold I. & Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund

Alex Raksin University of Pennsylvania Livingston Scholarship

Michelle Simon Dana College Burton L. Robinson Student Athletic Scholarship Fund

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

Emily Sternberg University of MissouriColumbia Maxine & Joe Kirshenbaum Scholarship Fund

Rebecca Sternberg University of MissouriColumbia David W. & Minnie Frank Memorial Fund Carl Frohm Educational Fund Albert M. & Jeanette Nepomnick

Continued from previous page NOT PICTURED: Nicole Flatowicz, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law, Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship Fund; Claire Fredricks, Creighton University Law School, Leo & Aileen Eisenstatt Scholarship Fund, Albert M. & Jeanette Nepomnick; Victoria Mashinson, University of Nebraska Omaha, Lois Jeanne Shrager Memorial Fund; Adam Nichols, George Washington University, Livingston Scholarship; Ella Patkovsky, Concordia University, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship, Aaron Pilley, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Joe and Ruth Rice Scholarship

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Rabbi Inducted Into Nebraska Navy

LINCOLN CENTER Lincoln Federation Shows Israeli Film

In Omaha to lecture at a conference on disaster preparedness, Rabbi Manis Friedman of St. Paul, MN, left, was inducted into the Nebraska Navy by Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy. This is the rabbi’s second appearance in Nebraska, assisting with the state’s disaster planning.

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A special showing of Nina’s Tragedies, a coming-ofage story about a young boy and his experiences growing up in Israel, will be shown at the Mary Riepma Ross Theater in Lincoln, Sunday, July 24, 5 p.m., at a discounted price. The film, winner of the Israeli Best Picture Award, is in Hebrew with English subtitles.

For those who cannot join the Federation Sunday night, the film will be shown through Aug. 4 and more information is available at www.theross.org. To reserve your tickets for the showing on Aug. 24, call Marcia Kushner, 423.5959. For those interested in dinner following the film, a group is gathering at the Cornhusker.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

(Founded in 1920)

In the Causes of Terrorism, Myths Abound London joins the list with Falluja, Baghdad, Madrid, New York, Washington, D.C., Bali, Istanbul, and a host of other places which now face the same situation with which Israel has has dealt since its inception 57 years ago.

One of those killed in the July 7 attack in London was an Israeli woman. She had moved there to escape the terrorist attacks in her native country, to no avail. Is there nowhere safe? Even France, whose whiny leaders think they can appease terrorists by giving in to every demand (and thereby keep lucrative contracts safe), tightened their borders.

Does terrorism succeed? On the surface, it doesn’t appear to be a worthwhile tactic. Even though London was beset by terrorists’ bombs during the height of the Irish Republican Army threats in the 1970s, the British went about their business and didn’t let a few pipe bombs or shootings scare them. Perhaps it was because the IRA aimed most of their terror at government officials--and gave warnings in advance. Guess the Irish breed of terrorist was more courteous than the current crop.

When was the last time you remember a terrorist attack or fighting in Northern Ireland?

Eventually, Gerry Adams and the Sinn Fein were brought to the table and a truce was hammered out. Some might say it was because the Protestants and the Catholics were fed up with the despicable actions of a few whose bombs cause death and injury to hundreds.

But was it their weariness that ended the violence or the realization that the two sides had more to gain by sitting down and talking?

The Muslims in Britain have almost univer-

sally decried the suicide bombings that killed 55 just a few weeks ago (yes, there were a few radical exceptions who insisted the bombings of the “infidels” were justified--too bad that Muslims were among those murdered).

Apologists for terrorists--be they these home-grown British ones of the July 7 attack in London--or al Qaeda--point to poverty and disenfranchisement as root causes. As this latest attack shows, the four (and fifth--a chemist safely ensconced in Egypt) all came from middle class homes and and some even had or were pursuing university degrees. Nearly four years after the Sept. 11 attacks, we know that the murderous plane hijackers also did not come from poverty-stricken backgrounds.

The truth is--these terrorists really are anarchists, plain and simple.

For those of you who remember the history of the early 20th century, you’ll recall the many treatises--from Pierre Proudhon to Mikhail Bakunin, who insisted that society had to be demolished to make way for the new utopia.

Bakunin even joined Proudhon in saying that voting rights were counterrevolutionary. And what better way to do that than to create chaos--especially through terrorism.

Their goal is to create a fearful society where citizens never know from which direction the next attack will come. One never hears terrorists-anarchists--making plans of what institutions they will replace when they

achieve power; their only goal seems to be destroying existing ones.

Therefore, the real goal of terrorism is...to terrorize. Explaining it away but insisting terrorists are from economically deprived backgrounds is hogwash. Insisting they feel like second class citizens in Western countries and must resort to violence to attain a higher stature belongs in the same mythical category.

Every terrorist wants to destroy, not build.

Eliminating the terrorists--and their flow of funds, while building free, democratic institutions--be they in Iraq or Gaza--is the only realistic way to refute the terrorists’ claims.

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

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

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

A Grim Expertise: Countries Turn to Israel for Advice on Handling Terror

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--When Charles Ramsey, chief of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, visited Israel last year, he was impressed with the number of cops he saw on Jerusalem’s streets.

Mickey Levy, then chief of Jerusalem’s police force, told Ramsey that the force actually was understaffed. But each police cruiser had its blue lights swirling, making them auspicious and giving the impression of police on every corner.

Now, blue and red lights swirl from police cars in the American capital as well, even when they’re just on regular patrol.

“Unfortunately we have a great experience of terrorism in a small arena,” said Levy, now police attache at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. “We don’t have the attitude that we want to teach people, but to prevent the bloodshed we suffered.”

With terrorism increasingly becoming a worldwide threat--as evidenced by the July 7 bombings on London’s public transport system as well as the July 12 suicide bombing at a shopping mall in Netanya--numerous American police forces are turning to Israeli law enforcement leaders to learn best practices from cops who have been facing the threat of terrorism for decades.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, law enforcement officers from Israel and America have been sharing information on how each force prevents, investigates and restores order after terrorist attacks. Several American Jewish groups have facilitated these educational travel exchanges, aiding police who protect everything from the U.S. Capitol to Disneyland.

The Israeli-aided preparation helped

American law enforcement departments ratchet up security in the hours after the London bombings.

While American cooperation with Israeli law enforcement officials is advanced, it’s just getting under way in Europe, partly because of negative attitudes there toward Israel. But British officials are expected to utilize Israeli knowledge of Muslim terrorist groups in its investigation of last week’s attacks.

“What’s important to the United Kingdom is how these operations are organized, whether it’s British-based or whether the training, information and materials were brought from abroad,” said David Capitanchick, a terrorism expert from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

Israeli children are taught, starting in kindergarten, to look out for suspicious packages. Six car bombs in the past four years were prevented in Israel because members of the public alerted police to suspicious vehicles.

In the wake of the London bombings, more European countries may consider Israeli tactics.

Israeli law enforcement officials have more experience investigating terrorism crime scenes and have shared their knowledge, such as how to distinguish a suicide bomber from his or her victims, in forums throughout the United States. Even veteran cops look stunned when they see video footage from suicidebombing scenes, said David Friedman, Washington regional director of the AntiDefamation League, which sponsors law-

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Amanda Marcuccio Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine.

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

enforcement initiatives.

“These are people that have seen everything in the world--from car accidents to murders,” Friedman said. “But they see a whole family lying on the floor together, and you can tell how deeply affected they are.”

American police want to know how to investigate a terrorist attack while returning life to normal as quickly as possible. Stephen Serrao, the New Jersey State Police’s counterterrorism bureau chief, said U.S. roads likely would be blocked and mass transit shuttered for days or weeks after a terrorist attack, while the streets in Israel are reopened in a matter of hours.

“We needed to have the authority to clean things up and get on with life as quickly as possible,” Serrao said. “We have to learn how to minimize the impact the terrorists have by bombing.”

The New Jersey State Police superintendent, Joseph Fuentes, traveled to Israel last year with the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs and spent nearly two weeks learning methodology and police tactics.

Levy and other Israeli law enforcement officials showed him how the police commander is in total control in an emergency situation and gives instructions to the local government, hospitals and fire officials. That allows a single authority to expedite the investigation, clean up and restore order.

“They go in-depth on how law enforcement can better collect and analyze and disseminate intelligence and how it can better respond to a terrorist incident,” said Steve Pomerantz, a former FBI assistant director who runs JINSA’s counterterrorism program.

Serrao said his force now uses more intelligence-based policing. If a routine traffic stop turns up a person with forged documents or other suspicious details, an intelligence officer will go to the scene to seek terrorism clues.

“We’ve learned we’ve got to have the resources out in the field 24/7,” he said.

Continued on page 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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July 22, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: In the Passover issue of the Jewish Press (Friday, April 15), I was privileged to be profiled as one of those members of the Omaha Jewish community whose origins were far removed from Nebraska.

I was further privileged to have as author of my profile, the redoubtable and talented Ozzie Nogg whose own profile is almost the antithesis of the subject of which she wrote--the rabbi’s daughter born and bred in Omaha, married, brought up her family and continues to live her life within a few miles of where she was born.

While the facts of my life were mine, the presentation, the tone, the words were unquestionably those of Ozzie.

Little did she or I know just how prophetic one of the paragraphs she wrote would become--and then some!

She quoted me as saying “Of course I’d love to find another companion but it can be painful to invest oneself too much in personal relationships when you know you’ll be moving again. In my case, the only unknown is when�.

Exactly one week following publication, a sequence of events was set in motion that, as prophesied, resulted in my relocating from Omaha to New York just 6 weeks later. The speed with which those events unfolded is best described as “breakneck�. A consequence of this is that I was unable to say “thank you� in person to the many friends I made during my relatively short sojourn of two years and two months in Omaha.

Those who read the Passover issue may recall that it was an “Israeli connection� that brought me to Omaha on my first visit a quarter century ago. Ironically--and perhaps poetically--it is an “Israeli connection� of a different nature that now causes my departure.

While the events of recent weeks are a timely reminder of the unpredictability of our lives, I nevertheless hope

that, in the not too distant future, I will return to visit Omaha to say “Thank you Omaha Jewish Community� in person. You are the finest community I have encountered in my many sojourns as a “wandering Jew�.

Alex Hill Bronx, New York To the Editor: We all use the expression “use it or lose it.� Well, pretty soon, the Jewish seniors of Omaha will be asking where did the Y.E.S. group go? When did the Mondays and the Thursdays at the Center close down? Part of the blame can be placed on a few heads, which I can’t go into here.

So wake-up! Where can you go to lunch for $6 and see other people--see a show or some form of entertainment?

Sure your mother and father, maybe your Bubbie and Zayde, went to the ‘J’ on 20th and Dodge, but now you and your friends are in that age group!

So we only have ourselves to blame if on Mondays and Thursdays the JCC campus will only have activities for our grandchildren.

For those who do not drive anymore, there is a van you can arrange for transportation. The price is affordable, so there are no excuses not to attend.

Ilene Pachman To the Editor: The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) strongly condemned the G8 industrialized nations for agreeing to give $9 billion in aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) one day after the London massacre of over 50 people with 700 more injured. (The G8 is composed of the US, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, England, and Russia.) This was decided during the recent summit in

Gleneagles, Scotland.

Uzi Arad, who was an advisor to former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said that the allocation was really “protection money� to terrorists as a means to stop future attacks. This aid will never stop future attacks but will only encourage more murder of Westerners and Israelis and more massacres.

Churchill said it best, ‘those who appease the crocodile will simply be eaten last,’ Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law Professor, said, ‘this clearly sends a powerful message to terrorists and potential terrorists that terrorism works.

There were no grants announced to the Tibetans, who have been brutally occupied for a very long time. But the Tibetans have not resorted to terrorism. The primary cause of terrorism is not occupation, assimilation or desperation. If it was, the Tibetans would be the greatest terrorists...Terrorism will continue as long as potential terrorists believe they will benefit from using that tactic.’ We are appalled by the G8 plan to fund the PA, a regime that has refused to dismantle and disarm the terrorists, end incitement, or arrest terrorists; and they've also released from prison leaders of the KARINE A incident and the killer of an Israeli minister.

Only last week, the PA invited Hamas to be part of their regime and asked the Palestinian terror chiefs to move from Syria to Gaza after Israel leaves. This is a mistaken policy. All the nations of the world should stop rewarding any regime that supports or promotes terrorism and that includes the PA. The PA must be made to understand that there are consequences to enacting policies that promote radical Islamic terrorism.

Morton A. Klein ZOA President

Countries Turn to Israel for Advice on Terror Continued from page 8 The U.S. Capitol Police, which guard Congress’ workplace, also learned to think “outside the box� from their Israeli counterparts. When a suspicious man stood unresponsive next to two suitcases in April, the Capitol Police assumed the worst and blocked off several streets until the man was tackled and apprehended. “The Israelis opened our eyes to other types of incidents that we may not have seen before or may not have been used to,� said Officer Michael Lauer, the Capitol Police’s public information officer.

Ted Sexton, a sheriff in Tuscaloosa, Ala. who is president of the National Sheriff’s Association, said the techniques he learned on a trip last year sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee were “invaluable.� They ranged from a briefing on how much to tell the media--enough to calm the public but not to tip off terrorists as to techniques--bomb dismantlement techniques, and crisis management, which came in handy preparing for the recent hurricane season.

His group is planning another AIPAC-sponsored tour in February, Sexton said. “Homeland security cooperation between the United States and Israel is one of the areas where people are paying more and more attention,� AIPAC spokesman Josh Block said. “In coming years you will see a number of measures out of Congress that will enhance that coopera-

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tion. It is certainly something AIPAC is working on.�

There’s a limit to what tactics American police can replicate from the Israelis. Serrao said Israelis might destroy the house of those responsible for a terrorist attack, but that response wouldn’t work in New Jersey.

And U.S. police can’t operate checkpoints or follow other tactics Israel has developed to prevent attacks.

That’s especially true in New Jersey, where law enforcement has been reprimanded in recent years for using racial profiling tactics in traffic stops.

But there still is much to learn from a country too familiar with fighting terrorism. Levy said Israeli children are taught, starting in kindergarten, to look out for suspicious packages. Six car bombs in the past four years were prevented in Israel because members of the public alerted police to suspicious vehicles.

In the wake of the London bombings, more European countries may consider Israeli tactics. An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Tuesday that intelligence ties with Britain will be “tightened� after the London attacks, which killed at least 52 people and injured some 700.

England historically is familiar with terrorism because of the Irish Republican Army attacks in the 1980s. In fact, Israeli intelligence on Libya, a major supporter of the IRA and Palestinian terrorist groups, was used at that time.

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But the lessons learned from IRA terror attacks were not necessarily helpful in dealing with the threat of Islamic extremism.

In the 1990s, the U.K. became a haven for Muslim radicals seeking refuge from hostile regimes, including those in Algeria and Saudi Arabia. “The U.K. treated them with a great deal of tolerance and didn’t interfere, provided they weren’t carrying out attacks in this country,’’ Capitanchick said.

That allowed extremist Islamists such as Abu Hamza Al-Masri -the one-eyed, hook-handed cleric whose trial on multiple charges including soliciting the murder of Jews began last week--to recruit and indoctrinate young Muslims in Britain.

Intelligence sharing was heightened again in 2003 when two young British Muslims attacked Mike’s Place, a Tel Aviv bar. At least one of the Mike’s Place bombers was known to have attended the Finsbury Park mosque in London where Al-Masri preached.

German media have suggested that forensic investigators have found that the same explosive materials were used in both the July 7 London attacks and the Mike’s Place bombing, but the Israeli military chief of staff, Lt.Gen. Dan Halutz, told the Knesset last week that the two attacks were unrelated.

(Ron Kampeas in Washington and Daniella Peled in London contributed to this report.)

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, July 22, 8:32 p.m.

Synagogue Listings

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

B’nai Israel Synagogue

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stone Setting for Leona Eveloff is Sunday, July 31, 11 a.m. in Council Bluffs at Bikhor Cholom Cemetery.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. with a d’var Torah from Dr. Leponard Greenspoon; Summer K’tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by children and grandchildren of Ruthie and Merle Potash and Phyllis and Jerry Wasserman, in honor of their 50th wedding anniversaries; Evening Service, 8:45 p.m.

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

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

BIBLE STUDY CLASS: Sundays, 10 a.m., led by Prof.

Leonard Greenspoon; in the synagogue library.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: The month of Av will be welcomed by the group on Monday, Aug. 8 (see full story on page 5).

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM “WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT SUMMER?” On Friday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.noon, Beth El will present a creative, educational activity geared to Jewish parents and their preschoolers in our community.

Led by Helen and Tuffy Epstein and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, “What’s Jewish About Summer?” will offer children (ages two to five) the opportunity to create art projects and enjoy music in a kidsized, kid-friendly atmosphere.

Hands-on activities include paint-

ing ceramic mezzuzot and other Judaica, making challah, crafting musical instruments and creating a Judaica collage. There is no charge to attend; for information, call Harriet Einziger in the office.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Kids’ Kiddush is sponsored by Jonathan and Olga Kipnis in honor of Noa’s birthp.m.; day; Mincha, 8:30 Havdalah, 9:38 p.m.

SUNDAY-Fast of the 17th of Tammuz: Fast begins at 5 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Fast ends at 9:28 p.m.

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

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

SATURDAY, July 23: Potluck dinner and Havdalah at the home of the Schlossman/Ferber’s, 6 p.m. Come join us for good food, conversation, and singing.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Gan Israel Summer Camp-Kiddee Camp, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Gan Israel Summer Camp–Older Division, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Gan Israel Family Shabbat Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m., fol-

lowed by a Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Rabbi & Shani Katzman in honor of the birthday of their son, Yossi.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.; Medicine in The Jewish Tradition, a study group for Jewish physicians to learn and discuss various interesting aspects, 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY:Torah for Teens, 4:15 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought class led by Rabbi Katzman, 12:45 p.m.; Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat-50 miles north of Omaha.

FRIDAY, July 29: Camp Gan Israel Weekend Retreat-50 miles north of Omaha.

Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call the office or visit: www.nebraskajudaism.com.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Congregation B’nai Jeshurun welcomes Rabbi Ilan Emanuel starting Aug. 1.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Alicia Chapelle, with oneg provided by Deborah Swearingen.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by John Dacey.

MONDAY: Religious School Merger Committee, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Sam Edelstein.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Summer worship-study discussion: “Praying in the 21st Century.”

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SITTER SERVICE will not be available during summer worship times. Check the Temple website, www.templeisrael-ne.org, for the fall schedule.

CHINESE FOOD FOR THE JEWISH GLBT BROOD Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews, their partners and families are invited to a no-host dinner on Sunday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.

Call Hollis Glaser, 553.5106, for more information, location and to RSVP.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Kabbalas Shabbos, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharis, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.

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

Israel’s #1 box office smash Nina’s Tragedies, is showing at the Ross Theater from July 22-Aug. 4. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for Friends of the Ross and for everyone before 6 p.m.

Beth Israel’s Intensive Hebrew Class is “Challenging and Rewarding”

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Summer is a time typically known for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. But for one particular group of hard-working people--comprised of middle school and high school students, a college student, working professionals and a grandparent--the month of July has been spent in a classroom learning Hebrew for three hours a day.

From July 6-22, Beth Israel has offered an intensive Hebrew language course taught by Sara Kasher, a faculty member of Yeshiva University in New York City. Kasher, a native of Israel who worked as a professional Hebrew grammarian and editor, teaches Hebrew in Israel and across the U.S. Teaching any foreign language can be a challenge, but teaching a language such as Hebrew has additional hurdles.

Kasher explained, “First, you are dealing with reading from right to left, which is the opposite of how you read English. And second, the Hebrew alphabet is different. You have a completely different set of symbols.”

The class must also contend with covering a large amount of material in a short, but intense, period of time. While students appreciate the convenience of committing to a Hebrew language course for only a few weeks, they must also then immerse themselves into the language. “My goal is to build infrastructure,” said Kasher. “This course is foundation-based so students Left: Instructor, Sara Kasher, left, reviews with students Ben Gerber, Audrey Gerber, leave being able to continue and Emily Friedman. Right: Beth Katz and Sandy Kohll also took the class. learning Hebrew and build sons for studying the language people. For example, grandmothupon their acquired skills.” this summer. Westside Middle er Sandy Kohll was another stuBen Gerber, a sophomore at School students Samantha Juster, dent in the class. Kohll, who hasIndiana University, acknowledged and her sister Caroline, were n’t studied Hebrew since she was that studying Hebrew isn’t an motivated by a desire to increase a girl, said she took the course easy past-time. “There is a two- their vocabulary.

Samantha because, “I want to be able to year language requirement at explained, “I only knew a few ran- speak in Hebrew.” Kohll was Indiana University, so I took dom words. We have lots of rela- happy with her decision to take Hebrew last year and will take it tives in Israel and I’d like to be the course adding, “I’m learning. again this coming year. It’s my able to actually communicate the It’s a very hard class, but I’m most difficult subject.” In order next time I go there.” learning.” to “keep his brain in it” for next High-schooler Emily Friedman, Beth Katz, who earned two year, he took the summer Hebrew who attends American Hebrew Masters degrees from the class at Beth Israel. He said the Academy in North Carolina, said University of Michigan and is curclass has helped him better under- the class helped her remember the rently working at the Antistand the language, which will be Hebrew she had already learned. Defamation League, found it very useful in his college studies as well “It’s a review and it’s helpful,” worthwhile to learn Hebrew from as future trips to Israel. said Friedman. a language instructor who is a Students in Beth Israel’s The intensive Hebrew language native speaker.

Hebrew class had a variety of rea- course didn’t only include young Continued on page 11

July 22, 2005

The Frailty of Faithfulness

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Pinhas (Editor’s note: last week’s Parasha was mistakenly labeled Pinhas when it should have been called Balak.)

One who reads the Sacred Text faithfully is constantly depressed by the frailty of the faithfulness of our ancient ancestors. They constantly affirm their faith in the Lord, but they quickly go off on side affairs with other gods.

In our Sidra, they are punished with a dreadful plague because of idolatry at Baal-Peor. This time the idolatry was triggered by sexual seduction of Midianite women.

And now the Lord (mind you, the Lord Himself) demands military destruction of the Midianites for it was Midianite women who seduced the Israelite men.

The Bible now turns to a census of the people following the plague by which they were punished for the idolatry cum adultery at Baal-Peor. The tribes are counted individually and the total comes to six hundred thousand. Indeed, the generation of the wilderness all died out before entering the Promised Land.

And now comes possibly the first case in human history of women’s rights. Five sisters approached Moses, insisting that their father’s property and legal rights in the new Land ought to come to them since they had no brothers. The ordinary practice at the time would have been to transfer the deceased father’s rights to his brothers, uncles of the girls.

Moses takes the case to the Lord Himself, Who instructs Moses that indeed the sisters should inherit their father’s property. Indeed, Moses is instructed that this case is a precedent for all time. Where there is no male heir, daughters will inherit, changing forever the former practice of leaving a man’s property to his brothers rather than his daughters. In later times, a very careful code of legal practice is developed for successors to property of deceased persons.

Moses is now told to mount the heights overlooking the Promised Land. Then he is to be “gathered to his kin,” just as his brother Aaron had been. The text makes no comment as we are want to do, that the leadership of the people for 40 years did not win entrance to the Land

for Moses. Thus leadership, properly considered, is necessarily multi-generational. Indeed, Moses begs the Lord for a successor and the Lord tells him to prepare Joshua as the next leader, investing him with authority before the whole Israelite community.

The end of the Sidra deals with sacrifices to be brought on various holy days, beginning with the Sabbath, continuing with the first day of the month, and then Passover, Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), and then, rather shocking to us, the first day of the seventh month--without the name Rosh Hashanah--ending with Yom Kippur.

Especially emphasized is Sukkot, which apparently, together with its eighth day (Shemini Azeret) was the major holiday of our ancient ancestors.

We who have had the long experience of the Jewish people, especially the development of our practices under rabbinic interpretation, are somewhat astonished to see that our practice of the festivals of the year is not exactly according to the biblical practices.

This is surely a lesson in human development: attempting to go back origins is not necessarily the way to perfection. Nor is the latest necessarily the best. Human institutions may develop for the better and then be polluted. We must recognize that neither the first nor the last in a course of development is necessarily the best.

Honest social study may indicate where the best lies.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Hebrew Class is “Challenging” Continued from page 10 “This is a great opportunity to learn more about a culture, and to build upon my rudimentary Hebrew skills,” said Katz. She also appreciated Kasher’s excellent teaching skills.

Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross also had great things to say about the class. “Sara is a master teacher,” he said. “Her techniques are engaging and innovative, so students remain attentive and involved.

“Even though I have adequate Hebrew skills, I truly gained from my time in the class. It was great to brush up on grammatical rules,” he added, “and I also learned a great deal about the origins of the Hebrew language. Sara provided enrichment, explaining the roots and influences of words.”

Based on the success of this summer’s class, Beth Israel will look into the possibility of offering an intensive Hebrew program again next summer.

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DEATHS SARAH GREENFIELD Sarah Greenfield died July 12, in Lincoln, NE. Services were held at Golden Hill Cemetery on July 14.

A long time resident of Omaha, she moved to Lincoln after the death of her husband, Max Greenfield. She was a lifelong member of Beth Israel Synagogue in Omaha and Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln.

She is survived by children and spouses, Gerry and Sandford Schuchman of Lincoln and Stanley and Karen Greenfield of Overland Park, KS; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials to Beth Israel, Tifereth Israel or the American Cancer Fund.

DIANA (DINA) BLOOM Dina Bloom died July 17. Funeral services were held July 19, at Fisher Farm Cemetery.

Bloom used her second career as a librarian to become the “offical reader” to preschoolers while she was a resident of the Blumkin Home.

She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Bloom, M.D., and her husband of 66 years, Harold Bloom.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Bernard and Naomi Bloom, Dallas, TX, and Brent and Rebecca Bloom; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Richard Fellman; 11 grandchildren, Susan Fellman Witkowski, M.D., Deborah Fellman, Jonathan Fellman, Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Lisa Bloom, Adam Bloom, Jason Bloom, Evan Bloom, Staci Bloom, Alex and Eli Bloom; five great-grandchildren; and her brother, Yale Himelbloom, Richmond VA. Memorials to the Dr. Bruce Bloom Memorial Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the charity of choice.

EDWIN ESAR SEGALL Former Omahan Edwin Segall died in Washington, D.C., on July 4 at the age of 81. A memorial service was held at Washington Hebrew Synagogue on July 10.

A graduate of Creighton University, Segall received a masters in economics from University of Chicago, following his service during World War II, where he rose to

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A member of the U.S. Foreign Service since 1948, he servied in Sweden, Romania, Yugoslavia and Indonesia, rising to Deputy Chief of Mission before retiring in the 1980s. He spoke seven languages and volunteered for Common Cause and Youth for understanding. In 1975, he joined the U.S. Agency for International Development and lived in Mali where he worked on projects to improve living conditions in Africa.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, JoAnn Butters Segall, who died in 2003.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Teresa Segall of New Rochelle, NY, and Lewis and Molly Segall of Berkeley, CA; daughter Becky Segall of Chevy Chase, MD; five grandchildren, and sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Bob Endelman.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.4.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114.

Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of great-grandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. The cause of death may be included, if authorized by the immediate family.

In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state non-profit organizations, if provided.

Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages and commitment ceremonies-, can be submitted at the Jewish Federation’s website.

Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Sumbit Announcements.”

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 22, 2005

A Park For All Seasons

The Changing of the Guard at Girls and Boys Town give the invocation at their 51st Annual

by GARY JAVITCH After more than 20 years in office, the B’nai B’rith Charity Sports Banquet, the executive director of Girls and Boys Town largest dinner of its kind in Omaha, announced his retirement and members attended by the governor, the mayor and of the B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge the major college head coaches and athwere there for his farewell address and the letic directors in the community.

In the long history of the banquet, no installation of his successor.

In a manner of speaking, the Lodge was one outside the Jewish faith had ever present also 88 years earlier when the now presided over the prayer before. It was the world-famed Boys Town was founded in Lodge’s way of recognizing Fr. Peter for his outstanding 1917.

Henry role as an advocate Monsky, for whom for abused, abanthe Omaha B’nai doned, or neglectB’rith lodge is ed youngsters, for gained named, his success in fame and recognithe expanding tion as the man range and scope of who lent a young services provided Father Flanagan children from a $90 to launch an level to local effort to save national one, and homeless and abused boys of all Rabbi Mendel Katzman, left, congratulates Girls for his friendship and Boys Town new Executive Director Father with the Jewish religions. community and its While Monsky Steven Boes, as does Rabbi Jonathan Gross. went on to become the International JCC across the street.

During the installation ceremony, held President of B’nai B’rith, the Irish priest became famous for his groundbreaking at the Hall of History on the Boys Town work with troubled youth, and was grounds, Fr. Peter spoke warmly of B’nai immortalized in the Academy Award-win- B’rith and the Monsky-Flanagan friendning film Boys Town, starring Spencer ship. Rabbi Jonathan Gross, the innovative new leader of the neighboring Beth Tracy and Mickey Rooney.

The close relationship between the Israel Synagogue, gave a short prayer and Jewish businessman and Father Flanagan was followed a few moments later by continued throughout their lives. So, too, Father Steven Boes.

Fr. Boes will lead an organization that did the close association between the Jewish community, B’nai B’rith and the includes a hospital and homes in 19 locations in 15 states and the District of legendary Home for Boys.

So it was not surprising that when Columbia. Last year the Girls and Boys Father Val J. Peter announced his decision Town programs served more than 43,000 to retire, Monsky Lodge invited him to children.

by DUANE J. PIEPER the creatures and appeared to be happy to Where could the Yachad group go to see us. see and observe all of Nebraska’s native After a bit of bird watching the group fish species, bird watch, picnic, hike and found a shady picnic area on a grassy feed the fish and ducks in large ponds all slope near the Aquarium. Out of respect in one warm lazy summer afternoon? Of for the residents of the Aquarium fish was course it’s Schramm State Park, nestled not on the menu. Kosher turkey sandalong the banks of the Platte River just a wiches along with chips and watermelon short distance south of Gretna. The seemed to be more appropriate within home of the state’s first fish hatchery, it is the context of the setting. Traveling also the state’s oldest “recreation down the road a short distance, the grounds”.

Yachad members with a large bag of pelOur first stop was at the Ak-Sar-Ben lets attempted to feed the pond fish. The Aquarium and Outdoor Education biggest challenge was trying to get past a Center. After flock of hungry exploring and ducks and enjoying the geese. Dr. Fred interactive Kader came up wildlife displays with a solution, we visited the and like the display fish pied-piper, with tanks placed on pellets in hand the outside of a lead the ducks circle and to parts spaced so only unknown. They one tank is visisay its always ble at a good to have a time...adding to doctor in the the visitors house. enjoyment.

You can only Grace Isler, left, Nancy Isler and Dr. Fred Kader interact Thanks to our have so much with the wildlife displays at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and we guide, fun in one afterOutdoor Education Center at the latest Yachad event. received a crash noon and so it course on fish habitat and identification. was time to get back on the bus to make Did you know that even though fish do our way home. However the party was not have ears they have an excellent not over yet. On the way back to the sense of hearing? A stripe on the side of JCC, we sang Jewish camp songs led by their torso allows them to perceive Doug Wolfson, told stories, laughed alot sound in and around their environment. and talked about our next event at That is why you must be quiet when you Rosenblatt stadium go fishing!

Anyone interested as a friend of Yachad I think everyone’s favorite was the 95 is invited to join us at any event; just pound catfish who was the most docile of RSVP at: 334.6491.

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