July 22, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Anti-boycott bill drawing protests

July 22, 2011 20 Tammuz 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 45

This Week

Double win brings 10th Emmy to Omaha native Page 7

Old city and new city Jerusalem Page 9

by MARCY OSTER you don’t shun a public JERUSALEM (JTA) -you disagree with by The Israeli parliament’s harming their livelihood,” adoption of a controversial said Finance Minister anti-boycott bill has been Yuval Steinitz of the Likud greeted with a firestorm of Party during the debate protest from liberal Israeli over the new law. “A boyNon-govermental organicott on a certain sector is zations and civil rights not the proper manifestagroups. tion of freedom of expresOn Tuesday, a day after sion. It is an aggressive the Knesset voted 47-38 to move meant to force a secenact the measure followtor that thinks a different ing six hours of conway to capitulate. Boycotts tentious debate, the liberal are aggressive and wrong.” Gush Shalom movement Immediately after the appealed to the nation’s vote, Peace Now launched Supreme Court to overa Facebook group called turn the law. Other Israeli “Prosecute me, I boycott NGOs are vowing legal settlement products!” The challenges too. group garnered more than “The Boycott Law will 4,600 “likes” in its first day. Two among dozens of demonstrators in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv protesting the new anti-boycott lead to unprecedented “It is important to underCredit: Uri Lenz/Flash 90 law enacted by Israel’s Knesset, July 11, 2011. harm to freedom of stand that this struggle is expression in Israel and will bring lawsuits against individuals and had called for a boycott of a new cul- not against the settlers,” Peace Now justified criticism against Israel from groups calling for boycotts targeting tural center in the West Bank city of said on its website. “It is a struggle abroad,” Hagai El-Ad, executive Israel or areas under its control. Ariel, and some academics had against the continuing wave of antidirector of the Association for Civil Those damaged by boycotts would urged a boycott of academic institu- democratic legislation, whose purRights in Israel, said in a statement be able to claim monetary damages tions in the West Bank. In addition, pose is to limit the very right of issued following the vote. “We will from boycott advocates. The law an Israeli construction company was legitimate public nonviolent all have to pay the price for this atro- also would force the government to hired to help build a new Palestinian protest.” stop doing business with companies city in the West Bank after it agreed cious law.” A coalition of four rights groups not to use products from the settle- - Adalah, a legal advocacy group for The bill, which was initiated by that comply with such boycotts. Elkin’s proposal came months ments. Likud lawmaker and ruling coalition Israeli Arabs; Physicians for Human “It’s a principle of democracy that Continued on page 2 chairman Ze’ev Elkin, allows for civil after some prominent Israeli artists

Federation hires Chief Financial Officer An Israeli’s great biking adventure Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Back to School See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Jordana Glazer was born in Ossining, New York, and subsequently lived in Columbia, Atlanta, and Chicago. In 1992, she and her husband Jim moved to Omaha and made their home here. Since the beginning, Jordana has invested much in the community: “I never felt more Jewish than here in Omaha,” she says. “This is such a strong, warm, and welcoming community, and I am proud to be a part of it, and do my share to make it even better.” As an employee of Andersen Consulting (currently Accenture), Jordana gained valuable experience in consulting both CEO’s, CFO’s, and IT directors at major companies, such as Georgia Power and Tribune Company. In Omaha, she has played a number of roles throughout the years. As a board member of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, she updated and redesigned the annual report. In addition, she spearheaded the

B’nai Tzedek teen philanthropy program, encouraging youth to become life-long philanthropists. She has served as treasurer for the Omaha Children’s Museum, and as the assistant treasurer & budget com-

Jordana Glazer mittee Chair for Temple Israel. Between 2003 and 2011, she served as Project Manager for the Community Relations Committee, managing various aspects of the organization, including budget and finance, marketing, strategic planning, leadership, and resource development. As of July 2011, Jordana has a new challenge. She has been hired as the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s new Chief Financial Officer. The position of Chief Financial Officer is new to the Federation, and part of the one campus initiative. Continued on page 2

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun welcomes Rabbi Craig Lewis by SARAH KELEN ing from special education teacher On Friday, July 8, Rabbi Craig to office manager. About his deciLewis, previously the Jaffe Family sion to leave secular employment Assistant Rabbinic Chair at for the rabbinate, Rabbi Lewis said: Congregation Shir HaMalot in Irvine, CA. led his first Shabbat evening service in his new role as the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Lincoln’s South Street Temple. Rabbi Lewis took as the theme for his sermon “Shalom Aleichem.” He noted that his family’s departure from California was marked with many goodbyes, and observed that after all of those goodbyes, he is “ready to say hello.” A native of Kansas City, Rabbi Lewis earned a Rabbi Craig Lewis prepared to say “Shalom Bachelor’s Degree in Aleichem” to his new congregation by leadBusiness Administration ing his first Shabbat service at Lincoln’s at the University of South Street Temple, July 8. Kansas and a Master’s Degree in Management at L’École “some might classify rabbis beginSupérieure de Commerce in ning at my age or older as beginClermont-Ferrand, France. After ning a ‘second career.’ To the concompleting his Master’s degree, trary, I have said, in my life I have Rabbi Lewis worked in Kansas, had many jobs, but this is my first California, and Tennessee before career. Serving and teaching the entering rabbinical school at Jewish people has offered greater Hebrew Union College-Jewish fulfillment than any other job I Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in have held or could imagine.” Cincinnati. As part of the rabbinical search Prior to attending HUC-JIR, process, the South Street Temple Rabbi Lewis held positions rang- Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

Anti-boycott bill drawing protests

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Continued from page 1 Rights, the Public Committee Against Torture, and the Coalition of Women for Peace -- reportedly said that they also would challenge the bill in the Supreme Court. Yisrael Beiteinu lawmaker Alex Miller said Tuesday that he would be the first to use the new law, announcing that he will sue Israeli-Arab lawmaker Ahmed Tibi for calling on the public to boycott the West Bank city of Ariel, where Miller lives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly had asked lawmakers on Sunday evening to delay the vote on the controversial bill, saying that it could embarrass Israel as the Mideast Quartet opened a meeting in Washington. But ultimately he allowed the legislation to advance, although he was not present to vote on the bill. Knesset legal adviser Eyal Yinon warned the Knesset plenum Monday that the legislation was “borderline illegal” since it could violate freedom of political expression. Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, who will have to defend the law against legal challenge, reportedly called it “borderline” defensible. The liberal Israeli daily Haaretz and the more conservative Jerusalem Post both firmly criticized the legislation in advance of the Knesset vote. The new law is designed to spread “a wide protective net over the settlements, whose products, activities and in fact very existence -- which is controversial to begin with -- are the main reason for the boycott initiatives, both domestic and foreign,” Haaretz said in an editorial, calling the bill a “politically opportunistic and anti-democratic act.” In an editorial titled “The bad boycott bill,” The Jerusalem Post wrote that “Civil society has an unalienable right to

organize peacefully and to use its buying power or freedom of association to further political objectives, whether it be grassroots protest against the high price of cottage cheese, haredi activism against Shabbat desecration, rabbis’ calls to ‘boycott’ potential Arab house-buyers in Jewish neighborhoods or left-wing opposition to the government’s settlement policy in Judea and Samaria. “Boycott initiatives should be allowed to compete for support in the free market of ideas,” the paper editorialized. An unnamed U.S. State Department official called the boycott legislation an “Israeli internal matter,” according to Israeli newspapers. But there also was an implied criticism, as the official was quoted in Haaretz as saying that “Freedom of expression, including freedom to peacefully organize and protest, is a basic right under democracy.” The Anti-Defamation League’s national director, Abraham Foxman, currently in Israel, criticized the vote, saying in a statement that his organization is “concerned that this law may unduly impinge on the basic democratic rights of Israelis to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.” “To legally stifle calls to action -- however abhorrent and detrimental they might be -- is a disservice to Israeli society,” he said. Israeli NGOs and opposition legislators were still responding to the anti-boycott bill’s passage when the Yisrael Beiteinu party, headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, announced that it would try to bring to a vote next week a bill that would establish parliamentary commissions of inquiry into the activities of human rights groups that criticize Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. The bill passed a first reading in January by a vote of 41-16.

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Continued from page 1 Jordana will report both to Mike Silverman, and to the Federation Board of Directors. The Jewish Federation will no doubt benefit from Jordana’s vast experience: “As an active member of the community, I have an intimate knowledge of what it takes to raise the annual campaign dollars,” she says. “I am committed to ensuring that we align our mission with our hard-earned resources.” “Ultimately,” Jordana said, “the goal is to merge accounting departments, and become more efficient while reducing cost, and increasing transparency.” The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s search committee consisted of Board President Jody Malashock, Shami Jacobs, Keith Jacobson and Stacey Rockman. “On a personal note, I’d like to congratulate Jordana as the first CFO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha,” said Jody. “Jordana

brings excellent skills and expertise to this position. She has an in depth knowledge of the Federation and agencies as well as the Jewish Community. Jordana joins Mike Silverman to create a strong leadership team as part of our new CEO/CFO model, which will ensure the continued success of our community.” Mike Silverman agrees: “Jordana brings a wealth of experience to the position and exceptional people skills. I am extremely confident she is a perfect fit in this role.” Jordana is excited to be working with the existing accounting leadership team. “With Head Accountant Richard Goedeken and RBJH Controller Sasha Loock, we have great people in place,” she says. “The financial process will be streamlined, and more transparent; the agencies and agency boards will be more empowered, and that will help the organization as a whole grow immensely.”

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun welcomes Rabbi Craig Lewis Continued from page 1 Board initiated a series of Values Clarification meetings among the Temple membership. Search Committee CoChair Elaine Monnier observed that “the time and effort involved by the Search Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the congregation in preparatory Values Clarification discussions served us well and will continue to be valuable as our new rabbi and his family join our community.” Congregation President Marc Shkolnick added that “Rabbi Lewis was compelled by [the congregation’s] vision, and this sincere interest in our community was readily apparent all along the interview process.”

Rabbi Lewis’s wife, Jennifer Lewis, is a California native with an undergraduate degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from American Jewish University. She has worked in Jewish and arts organizations, and is beginning a new position at Live Yes Studios in Lincoln, an arts and vocational program for those with disabilities. The Lewises have a three-year old son, Eden, who is looking forward to making new friends in the Gan Simcha class of the Lincoln Jewish Community School. Rabbi Lewis succeeds Rabbi Ilan Emanuel, who is now Associate Rabbi at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto.

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by JTA NEWS STAFF The blaze reportedly began in four areas of the forest simultaneously on JERUSALEM (JTA) – A resSunday afternoon, leading to the arson ident of a moshav near suspicion. Jerusalem has been arrested Twenty-three firefighting units and 60 on suspicion of starting a firefighters from the Jewish National major forest fire that led to the Fund, as well as four firefighting planes, evacuation of the Yad Vashem fought the fire. At least five people were Holocaust memorial museum. treated for smoke inhalation, according The fire was likely started by accident as the man to reports. burned garbage in his backThe fire approached the Har Nof and yard and the wind carried the Bayit Vegan neighborhoods of flames away. Arson had origi- Arson is suspected in the fire that broke out in the Jerusalem and an oil refinery. Some nally been suspected since the forest below the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial homes were evacuated as a precaution fire appeared to have started in Jerusalem, July 17, 2011. The memorial and and the area around the refinery was some streets in Jerusalem neighborhoods were secured. Yad Vashem employees reportin several locations. Credit: Yossi Zamir/Flash 90 edly were prepared for an emergency The fire was under control evacuated. by Sunday night after burning nearly 40 acres of the evacuation of the museum's most important artifacts, The Jerusalem Forest and forcing the evacuation of Yad Vashem Jerusalem Post reported. The Israeli military was mobilized to help battle the blaze. and some streets in Jerusalem neighborhoods.

July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

The Enemy of my Enemy is my friend by EDGAR ASHER It is sometimes very difficult to understand the motivation that brings countries together, and equally moves them apart. It is often said that the old adage ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ might fit very well in describing GreekIsraeli relations. However, there is no doubt that the deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel over the Mavi Marmara affair and the almost traditional long-term enmity between Greece and Turkey over the Turkish enclave in northern Cyprus has contributed in no small way to a rapid warming of relations between Greece and Israel in a relatively short time frame. For many years Greece was one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in Europe. On an official level it was very difficult to trade between the two countries because Greek banks made the transactions almost impossible to carry out. There were little or no cultural exchanges, nevertheless relations remained open, but strained. However, there was one significant natural incident that gave the Greek government and people a special respect for Israel and might very well have been the catalyst for keeping the diplomatic door open. In August 1953 a series of earthquakes shook the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos. The quakes left very few buildings standing and left the economy of both islands in ruins. Six hundred people died in the quakes and 100,000 people left Kefalonia leaving only 25,000 on the island. Nations all around the world responded to this tragedy with generous donations of money, medical supplies and other aid arriving from, in particular, the United States, Britain, France and Norway. However, the very first boat to arrive with aid was from Israel. Four warships of the very nascent Israeli Navy were on routine exercises some kilometers off the Greek coast when they heard SOS signals coming from Kefalonia. The senior Israeli officer in charge of the four naval vessels immediately ordered his ships to cancel the remaining part of the exercise and to head for the island. It was here that emergency food, water and medical help arrived to assist the beleaguered islanders. The Israelis were the first international group to arrive and get to work saving lives. It was also the first time that Israel had assisted in an international rescue mission. In 1999 the help given by the Israel Navy was offi-

cially honored by the Greek government. In September 1999 another earthquake hit the Greek mainland. This time the Greek government sent a request to Israel for assistance. The IDF Homefront Command immediately sent search and rescue teams to the earthquake zone; Israel, together with other countries, helped to rescue victims of the disaster.

another state visit, but the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries whose history has in one way or another been intertwined for centuries.” Referring to the differences between Israel and Greece, Shimon Peres said that what counted is that Greece, like Israel, is in favor of peace and fights terror to bring about peace. Israel is trying hard to mend fences with Turkey, but it remains to be seen if the two countries can patch up their deep differences with Turkey having a large stake in the

Greek President Karlos Papoulias, left, with his host President Shimon Peres, being officially welcomed in the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem beginning his first visit to Israel. The Greek President remained in the country for Credit: ISRANET two days.

Greek President Karlos Papoulias, right, inspecting a guard of honor at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem. Credit: ISRANET

Recently the Greek President Karlos Papoulias arrived in Israel on an official two-day visit. There was now without doubt much warmth between the Greek President and Israel’s President Shimon Peres. Peres made it clear that Israel was very grateful for the Greek government’s assistance in stopping the proposed Gaza flotilla leaving any Greek ports. He added that Israel pulled out of Gaza on its own initiative but was ‘rewarded’ with rocket fire. The president also thanked his counterpart for aid sent by Greece during the Carmel Forest fire. “Your planes were the first to arrive, we won’t forget this,” Peres said. “This is not just

Muslim world, which is still antagonistic to the fact that Israel exists at all. In the long term there exists a far better chance of longterm stability and development with Greece. Also Israel, with its expanding economy, can help Greece to develop much needed industry to bring the country into the 21st century. Turkey is already a major industrial power. Despite the present economic problems besetting Greece, it must be remembered that Greece is a full member of the European Union and as such can be influential in helping Israel to work more closely with European institutions in the future. It may very well be that there is something to be said for the adage, ‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend.’

4 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

by RUTH ELLEN GRUBER Dutch, put me on a train to Holland,” Figur recalled. “My VIENNA, Austria (JTA) -- John Benfield didn’t return to parents got out six weeks later.” his native Austria to win medals. The Benfield and Figur families arrived in New York as “I’m not a competitive swimmer,” said Benfield, 80, of Los refugees in July 1938 and shared an apartment there. Angeles. “But when I heard that the European Maccabi Benfield’s father joined the U.S. Army after World War II Games were being held in Vienna, I knew it was something broke out. He died in 1945 in the China-Burma-India theI needed to do.” ater, though not in combat. Sitting next to him on a sofa off Benfield and Figur both went the lobby of the Austrian capital’s on to have distinguished careers elegant Hotel Imperial, Benfield’s in the medical field and still lead lifelong friend Arthur Figur, also active professional lives. A tho80, nodded in agreement. “It’s a racic surgeon, Benfield is prosymbolic return to a country that fessor emeritus at the UCLA could have annihilated me if I Medical School and the recipihadn’t escaped,” said Figur, of ent of many international New Rochelle, N.Y. awards. One facet of his current Benfield and Figur are memwork is helping researchers and bers of the U.S. swim team in the scientists whose native language masters, or over-35, category of is not English. the 13th European Maccabi Figur, a hematologist and Games held in Vienna July 5-13 internist, is the associate med- the first time the Games are ical director at the Mount Sinai being hosted by a GermanMedical Center in New York. speaking country since the The striking Figur, who in Holocaust. Vienna wore a cowboy shirt and “I’m doing really a symbolic sported an earring dangling swim,” Benfield said. “I need to from his left ear during his show the Nazis that we’re still interview with JTA, has mainaround.” tained an enthusiastic involveBenfield and Figur both were ment in sports. He has traveled John Benfield, left, and Arthur Figur of the U.S. born in Vienna in 1931, and both the world on adventure treks European Maccabi team, both Vienna natives, standescaped to the United States as and taken part in Ironman coming in front of a plaque on the city’s Imperial Hotel children in 1938 -- the year that petitions. This summer, he is showing the 19th century composer Richard Wagner, Adolf Hitler rode triumphantly planning to participate in a relay a noted anti-Semite, July 2011. into the city and addressed swim around Manhattan island. Credit: Ruth Ellen Gruber cheering crowds after the Nazi Figur says he feels little regime’s annexation of Austria. Hitler stayed at the Hotel connection with Vienna. “I don’t feel comfortable here,” he Imperial and spoke from its balcony. said. “If my mother were alive she’d be upset -- she was Benfield and Figur were friends as children, and both Dutch and she never felt comfortable here, either.” were taught to swim in 1936-37 by Benfield’s uncle, who was Benfield, who has been back to Vienna a number of times the coach of the swim team of Hakoah, the famous Jewish since 1938, says he has grown more comfortable over the sports club founded in Vienna in 1909 in response to a law years but was still “wary of the history and wary of the sigthat barred Jewish athletes from Austrian sports clubs. nificant faction of fascism” in Austria. Benfield’s aunt, Hedy Bienenfield-Wertheimer, was a popHe said he had reclaimed his Austrian citizenship so he ular fashion model and Hakoah swimmer who won a could vote here -- and vote against the far-right nationalist bronze medal in the European swimming championships in parties that have made gains in recent Austrian elections. 1927. Her story is recounted in the 2004 documentary “My advice to the Austrians is to please recognize that “Watermarks,” which tells the story of the Hakoah women’s diversity is a good thing,” he said. “Diversity can contribute swim team. to the strength of society. Hakoah, which had grown into one of Europe’s most “The events of the past are real, awful and inexcusable, but important sports clubs, was disbanded by the Nazis in 1938. we have a responsibility to never let it happen again.” “The day the Nazis marched in, my mother, who was

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Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group to offer first aid, CPR info by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group will welcome the month of Av with a special meeting focusing on first aid and adult cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Veteran CPR instructor Steve Danon will serve as guest instructor at the program, planned for Monday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m., at the synagogue. Sandy Passer is the evening’s hostess. During the meeting, Danon will demonstrate adult CPR; in addition, he’ll discuss basic first aid and will explain the use of an automated external defibrillator – how and when to use it, plus where the synagogue’s AED is located. “There is no greater mitzvah than to come to the aid of another human being,” Passer said. “Steve Danon will be presenting the latest information on ‘Hands Only’ adult CPR, a technique that anyone can master. Those in attendance will come away with new skills in CPR and first aid, and a sense of confidence in performing these basic life-saving skills.” She added that, “Statistics show that CPR, provided immediately, can double or triple a victim’s survival rate. Don’t be a bystander; learn how to perform CPR.” All women in the Jewish community are invited to attend. Reservations are requested for planning purposes and may be made by contacting Passer at 402.330.4289, or at sjpasser@gmail.com.

Births Kolleen Feldman and Dr. Cory Tichauer of Talent, OR, announce the March 5 birth of their son, Zaiden Walter. His middle name is for his paternal great-grandfather, Walter Tichauer. He has a sister, Aralia Dawn, age 4 1/2. Grandparents are Gayle and Carl Tichauer of Peoria, AZ, and Janice Dawn of Phoenix, OR, and Earl Feldman of Medford, OR. Great-grandparents are Helena Tichauer and the late Walter Tichauer, and Lillian Lerman of Peoria, AZ, and the late George Lerman. Jill and Jeffrey Fredricks announce the July 13 birth of their son, Henry Lynn. Grandparents are Sally Fredricks and the late Terry Fredricks, and Nan and Jerry Halverson of Rapid City SD. Great-grandparents are Roma and Bob Halverson of Waconda, SD, Beverly Burtz of Winner, SD and Arlene and David Fredricks.

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July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

Mental health professionals’ lives lead to meaningful careers by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Sally Kaplan has been working in the mental health field since 1979. Currently a psychotherapist at Jewish Family Service (JFS), she indicated that “the issues that bring people to therapy are so fundamentally human that they don’t change much over time. Family issues, money issues, intimacy issues, and just the stresses of daily life bring people into therapy and always have.”

In concurrence with Sally, Sandy Kutler, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, stated that “the kinds of issues that brought a client to treatment in 1984,” when she started in private practice as a mental health professional, “are the same as current issues, but the problems today are generally more severe and deep-seated.” In practice at Associated Counseling Professionals, Sandy said she “was drawn to

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Before she and her husband Gary had children, Sally was an Omaha Public Schools reading teacher. “During the process of adopting our daughter at Child Saving Institute (CSI), I became passionate about the area of child welfare and the field of social work,” she explained. A year after the 1978 adoption, Sally was hired by CSI despite the fact that she had no formal training in the mental health field. “I went to graduate school at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and got my MSW in 1988.” In addition to working at JFS, she also conducts interviews of children at Project Harmony for law enforcement as part of an investigation into abuse or neglect. Throughout her career, Sally has specialized in child welfare and working with sexual abuse issues. “I now have a general therapy practice and do individual therapy with adults and couples as well as my work at Project Harmony interviewing children. “My profession and the work I have been able to do has been a source of huge satisfaction for me,” Sally said. “It has made my life meaningful beyond what I could have ever hoped, and it continues to challenge and excite me. That’s why I’m still working!” A member of Temple Israel’s Board of Trustees for the majority of the past 20 years, Sally is currently President-elect of the Board. She also served on the Synagogue 2000 team, chaired several committees, and participated in the adult B’nai Mitzvah course at Temple Israel. “Being a Reform Jew shapes me as a person, and I bring that ‘person’ into my relationship with all of my clients and their families,” she said. “Judaism teaches us that we must see God in every human being and treat him or her with that kind of respect and care. It also teaches us that to save one life is to save the whole world. Saving a life can mean many things. As a therapist, we never know what might matter to our clients so we have to bring our best selves to every encounter. Rabbi [Aryeh] Azriel told me that he sees God in the space between people in a relationship. I try to honor that teaching in my work.” Noting that “the ethical teachings of Judaism are very much the same as the ethical imperatives of the social work profession,” Sally is “committed to living those standards in my work and in my life. I hope I succeed most of the time!”

Sandy Kutler

this career path after taking some psychology classes in college. I feel like this was the best career I could have chosen for myself as it’s a good match for my talents and interests.” She has taken extensive post-graduate training in hypnotherapy and has been recognized for her work dealing with phobias, especially fear of flying. Also a member of Temple Israel, Sandy served on Synagogue 2000 for several years. “Judaism impacts the way I treat my patients, because my beliefs as a Jew shape who I am and how I see the world, and therefore, the way I counsel patients. Judaism provides a framework for moral and ethical conduct in every arena of life including professional conduct. A psychotherapist, Marla Cohen and her husband Bob lost their firstborn child to a head injury more than 18 years ago. “He was almost two years old at the time, and the loss was devastating in many ways,” Marla said. “Shortly after our next child was born nine months later, I began the six-year journey to get my Master’s in counseling.” In practice since 2003, Marla is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, who is also certified in Object Relations Theory from the International Psychotherapy Institute. “I use this theory regularly in my practice as I believe that the primary attachment my client forms with their parent or primary caregiver is indicative of other relationships in that client’s life,” explained Marla, who is also a National Certified Counselor. “I’m very glad I chose this second career path,” added the mother of three teenagers and a 10-year-old. “I have a career that suits me well. My specialty is grief counseling. Grief applies to losing a child, a spouse, a parent, a job, a home, and hope. It also applies to divorce. I work with personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and more.” Marla, in practice at Psychotherapy Services at 76th and Pacific Streets, has been leading a conversation for the past half dozen years at Temple Israel on Yom Kippur with congregants who have lost a family member and are looking for a confidential forum to share feelings, notions, and memories. “I believe in God and in fate,” Marla added. “The Ten Commandments hold an important role in my life. So does my Judaism. Most things happen for a reason. We are on earth to explore those reasons.”

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6 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

Beth El plans guys’ night out during “Jews & Brews”

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A laid-back, casual guys’ night out is on tap for all Beth El men on Wednesday, July 27, during the second “Jews & Brews” get-together on the synagogue’s back lawn. Free beer, brats and non-alcoholic drinks will be the featured fare during the 7 p.m. get-together sponsored by the Beth El Men’s Club, and a great time is being planned for all, according to the organization’s newly-elected president, Michael Schop. “Men’s Club does many services for the synagogue, like setting up the sukkah, fundraising for BESTT, etc., which benefit the synagogue and the kids. It’s wonderful and we will continue to do this, but all work and no play doesn’t generate the enthusiasm and participation we’d like to see,” Schop said. “There are so many interesting personalities within Beth El that we felt if we just got them together in a casual setting, everyone would remember the synagogue can be a fun expe-

You don’t take chances with Pitzuhim

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rience,” he added. “That’s what we’d like everyone to take away from Jews ‘n Brews – fun interaction and enthusiasm to participate in Men’s Club.” Schop and his board are planning a number of fun, social programs during the upcoming year, which they’ve lightheartedly named “The Year of the Man.” On Monday, Sept. 12, all men in the Jewish community are invited to gather at the synagogue as Men’s Club hosts The Football Fix, to watch Monday Night Football. However, if there is no football, due to the NFL strike, the group will be treated to a showing of The Longest Yard (“the original version, of course,” he joked). “We can’t lose that night either way,” Schop said, “and we believe the whole year will be a big win for Beth El!” In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the synagogue’s social hall. To RSVP or for more information, contact Schop at 402.618.0189 or mschop@fnni.com; or Brent Spivack at 806.584.8745 or brent@spivack.net.

Israelis separate their munchies into pitzuhim and hatifim. Pitzuhim are (literally) “things that can be cracked;” i.e., nuts and seeds. Hatifim, literally “things that can be grabbed,” are all sorts of chips and other salty snacks. To complicate matters, there is a type of salty snack that Israelis call “monchies,” which is a spicy mixture of puffed rice and peanuts. This column is dedicated to pitzuhim. Hatifim, the basic subsistence food for many Israeli children, will have to wait a while before it is given its due. Pitzuhim may grace any refreshment table in Israel, and they have a special place of honor during the dessert course of a festive meal. While my seed-extraction method is cumbersome (crack the seed with my teeth and then extract it with my fingers), many Israelis are quite skilled shellers; they can put one or more seeds in their mouths, spit out the shell and swallow the seed. They can even do this with watermelon seeds, which for non-natives are quite a timeconsuming ordeal and definitely not worth the effort. Of course, the process of eating pitzuhim usually entails a certain amount of leisure, which is why in Givat Ze’ev it is only on Shabbat that people can be seen happily spewing seed shells in their wake. Please be warned that it is easy to get totally absorbed in one’s pitzuhim. It is not uncommon to hypnotically plow through whatever sized bag of pitzuhim is on the table. An Israeli friend of mine, upon being offered sunflower seeds (the most popular pitzuhim) said, “I like them, but I don’t want to start because then I can’t stop.” Judging from the usual crowded line-up of people before their store, Moreno is the most popular pitzuhim seller in Jerusalem’s shuk. Moreno sells both shelled and unshelled pitzuhim, raw and roasted. They do their own roasting on the spot. Many of their popular pitzuhim are more sugary

than salty, as in sugar-covered peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans. In our home, up until recently, the name Moreno was synonymous with pitzuhim. However, a funny thing happened in the life of our pitzuhim eating. On a few occasions we were not able to get to the shuk before the weekend and rather than enter into a Shabbat pitzuhim-less, we bought Yuri Ya’akobi’s packaged pistachios and pumpkin seeds from our local grocery store (“finely roasted, Kurdish style, since 1924”). It turns out that we were quite happy with “the seedy Kur-di” (hyphen in the original; in Hebrew this phrase is doubly punny, since the popular Hebrew word for sunflower seeds is the same word used for “nuclear,” and a “koor” in Hebrew is a reactor). We found Yuri Ya’akobi’s pitzuhim to be quite good, indeed, as good as Moreno’s on a good day. And there’s the rub. Because Moreno’s quality, I’m sorry to say, is less than those lines in front would lead one to expect (although Moreno’s pitzuhim are significantly cheaper than the packaged varieties). Perhaps we shouldn’t have been surprised at this; after all, pitzuhim quality control at an openair market (especially during hot months) is going to be challenging, and year-round there’s always the problem of those fingers dipping in for free samples. Yes, sacrilegious as it may sound, our family has slowly but surely been won over by Yuri Ya’akobi’s store-bought pitzuhim. And Yuri Ya’akobi’s motto has finally hit home: “You Don’t Take Chances With Pitzuhim” (enlarged and enreddened in the original). Because I realized, good God, that’s what we had been doing. For years and years we had been buying our pitzuhim at Moreno’s and taking our chances as to whether or not the pistachios would really crunch or not. No more. Life is too short. Now I understand the wisdom of the great (and I presume late) Yuri Ya’akobi. You buy his product and every nut is good every time. In this unpredictable world, why take unnecessary chances? God bless that Kurdi. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

Fire ravages prominent N.Y. synagogue

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by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- A fire has badly damaged Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, one of New York City’s most prominent synagogues. The four-alarm fire broke out Monday at the massive synagogue building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side at around 8:30 p.m., according to The Associated Press. The fire caused the synagogue’s roof to collapse and severely damaged the building’s top floors. Four firefighters sustained minor injuries quelling the blaze, which was brought under control an hour after

it began, the New York Times reported. The cause of the fire, which fire officials think began on the roof or top floor, has yet to be determined. The 110-year-old synagogue building had been undergoing renovations. Religious articles had been removed prior to construction, so no Torah scrolls were damaged in the fire. Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun is an Orthodox synagogue and one of the city’s most prominent Fire truck outside Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, a New Jewish congregations. It is York City synagogue that suffered severe damage in a fire led by Rabbi Haskel that broke out on the evening of July 11, 2011. The photo is Lookstein, a major figure in Modern from the day after the blaze, which took an hour to extin- American Credit: Miriam Grossman Orthodoxy. guish.

July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Thousands attend funeral for murdered Brooklyn boy by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Thousands of people attended the funeral of Leiby Kletzky, the 8-year-old Brooklyn boy found murdered after he disappeared while walking home from camp. Wednesday night’s funeral in Borough Park, with an estimated 8,000 in attendance, was held entirely in Yiddish, the New York Times reported. Leiby’s father, principal and synagogue rabbi all spoke, praising the boy’s devotion to his studies and prayer, and warning parents to look out for their children. Several called the death “God’s will,” according to the New York Times. The funeral came on the same day as his body was discovered and a suspect was arrested for his murder. The boy disappeared after gaining his parents’ permission to walk halfway home for the first time from his day camp in the Chasidic stronghold of Borough Park; he was supposed to meet his parents seven blocks from the camp. His disappearance set off a massive search that included hundreds of volunteers and involved a huge mobilization of the area’s Orthodox community. New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said at a news conference that police believe the boy asked suspect Levi Aron for directions and entered his car. Police say they do not believe the boy knew Aron, who was charged Wednesday night with second degree murder.

In the news The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) College of Arts and Sciences awarded Richard Fellman an Excellence in Teaching Award. The Excellence in Teaching Award at the UNO was established in 1969 to recognize superior efforts, dedication and exemplary conduct in the performance of the University’s first task -- the education of its students. The award includes a $1,000 stipend. Recom-mendations for Fellman came from both former students and current members of the political science faculty. Fellman has taught in the college’s Department of Political Science since 2004. Zoë Watch, 14, daughter of Jamie and Jerry Watch, of Wood River, Nebraska, who are members of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Lincoln, composed and performed her original piano solo entitled The Moon Flower, at the 4-H Talent Show June 10 and was awarded the highest award and trophy possible by the judge. She was subsequently offered the opportunity to perform her piece at the 4-H Fashion Show later that month. She continues to compose her own original music.

Double win brings 10th Emmy to Omaha native by SUZY ROSENBERG Everyone dreams of hitting the jackpot in Las Vegas, but nobody has ever done it in quite the same way as Omaha native Harry Friedman. Friedman, a 1964 Central High graduate and 2004 inductee into the school’s Hall of Fame, is Executive Producer of the two most successful syndicated shows in TV history, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. He was in Las Vegas in June to attend the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy awards where both of his shows were nominated for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show. The voting resulted in a tie, and in an unprecedented turn of

Harry Friedman with his 2011 Emmys.

events, both of Friedman’s shows were announced as winners. The double win marked the first time the same producer garnered two Emmys in the same category, and brought Friedman’s personal Emmy total to 10. He has also been honored with the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award and has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. Friedman, son of the late Rose and David Friedman, literally grew up with television. His parents owned Ak-Sar-Ben Furniture, where they began selling TVs in the late 1940s, and Dave Friedman became one of the first TV repairman in Omaha.

For L.A. federation, thinking ‘big’ means thinking inside the box by DAN KLEIN LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- According to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, big Jewish ideas come in small packages -- which will soon be delivered straight to L.A. area homes. The federation recently announced that the winner of its Next Big Jewish Idea contest is local high school teacher Batsheva Frankel -- for her “Launchbox” concept. Frankel’s winning idea, originally proposed as “Jewww in a Box,” is to create kits filled with thematic and holiday-based activities, educational materials and links to online content on Judaism, which will be mailed to area households. Frankel will receive $100,000 in funding to develop her idea with the help of federation staff. “The Next Big Jewish idea” is about rethinking of what a federation needs to be for the next decade,” the federation’s president, Jay Sanderson, said. “The best ideas and the biggest ideas are simple and they’re accessible,” Sanderson said of the choice. “They’re not complicated.” In this way, he predicted, the Launchbox is like an iPad -it will “connect Jews in a different way, wherever they are in their Jewish journey.” The Launchbox, Frankel said, will help people to “not just be Jewish, but do Jewish.” Over the next few months, Frankel will work with federation staff to translate the idea into reality. Still to be determined, according to federation officials, are the nitty-gritty

details of how the boxes will be produced and distributed. The boxes’ actual content will be decided in collaboration with “educators and thinkers to create a box that is really open-ended,” Sanderson said. The contest was launched in January to coincide with the Los Angeles federation’s centennial. Launchbox made it through multiple rounds, competing against more than 350 other ideas. Those ideas were eventually narrowed down to 10, and then one, by a panel of judges and more than 100,000 online voters. According to the federation, in addition to the $100,000 prize and staff time, the contest cost the organization about $40,000, including online advertising, videos and printed materials. Sanderson argued that the level of online participation made the contest a success -- even before the winner was chosen. The federation “engaged 100,000 people in conversation to say what they thought,” Sanderson said. “We received 400 ideas from individuals and groups, and we engaged them as well. From a marketing perspective as well as a content perspective, we engaged a new group of Jews.” Sanderson demurred when asked how the success of Launchbox will be judged. He did say that thousands will receive the boxes, and predicted that from those will come a ripple effect. “An individual will get a box, but in order to do Jewish, you need people,” Sanderson said. “You’ll have to bring people in.”

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8 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

As men fade from Jewish communal life, men’s clubs push for revival by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- When Mitchell Ross was a boy, he remembers his grandfather hanging out with the men’s club at his Conservative synagogue. “I always felt it was something older Jewish men were involved in, the over-60s club,” said Ross, a 39-year-old cardiologist in Phoenix, AZ. Today, Ross is active in his own men’s club at Har Zion Congregation, a Conservative shul in Scottsdale, and he is working hard to attract men his age and younger to a Jewish world that many of them have dismissed. “I’m into fitness, into biking, and the men’s club has a wellness initiative, so we do a lot of hikes as well as community service activities,” Ross told JTA. “It offers a way for younger men to get involved.” Good luck with that. For more than a decade, Jewish leaders and academics have been lamenting the disappearance of boys and men from nonOrthodox Jewish life. Men’s clubs, operating at more than 250 North American Conservative synagogues, are just one of many groups trying to stop the hemorrhaging. “The challenge facing the American Jewish community is not that women are more active -- surely a positive development -- but that men and boys have retreated from much of American Jewish life,” wrote Sylvia Barack Fishman and Daniel Parmer in the Fall 2008 issue of Jewish Political Studies Review in a piece titled The Policy Implications of the Gender Imbalance Among America’s Jews. Some, including Fishman, call it the “feminization” of liberal Judaism, a term that raises hackles among those who don’t wish to see women’s ritual gains reversed or blamed for the retreat of men. But the phenomenon is readily apparent and has elicited scores of programming initiatives. Many parallel women’s initiatives. The Man Seder, an all-male Passover seder held at American Jewish University in Los Angeles since 2006, is patterned after the women’s seders that emerged in the 1980s. The teenage boys’ programs developed this year by the organization Moving Traditions were an outgrowth of its popular program for teenage girls, Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing. A number of Reform and Conservative synagogues run a program usually called 100 Jewish Men -- a series of dinners with speakers who talk about their relationship to Judaism, their families and their careers. “At so many synagogues, especially in the

non-Orthodox world, the men are not there and the men’s clubs skew older,” said Rabbi David Woznicka of the Stephen S. Wise Temple, a large Reform congregation in Los Angeles that launched such a series four years ago for its members between 30 and

Eighteen months ago, the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs launched HaDor Habah, Hebrew for “the next generation,” a project that brings men younger than 45 to training seminars so they can learn how to lead men’s activities for their peers. Nearly 70 men

The Young Guys’ Initiative of Temple Beth Shalom Men’s Club in Livingston, N.J., invited wives and kids along for pumpkin picking in October 2010. Credit: Lou Piels 55. Nearly 100 men signed up in the first year, and the project is still steaming along. The most aggressive pursuer of the great disappearing American Jewish male is probably the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, the umbrella group for men’s clubs in the U.S. These clubs are trying to cast off the backroom, cigar-chomping image of yesteryear and pull in younger men, getting them to talk to each other and their sons. Ultimately the goal is to get them into the synagogue -maybe not to pray, but at least to find Jewish community and pass it on to their children. “We’re trying to make men realize the tremendous impact they have on their children,” said Rabbi Charles Simon, the executive director of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, who writes and speaks extensively on the importance of men volunteering and taking charge of their personal lives. Simon says his organization has been involved with men’s issues since 1999 but is now making a concerted push to attract younger men. At the group’s national convention this week in Costa Mesa, CA, a curriculum to engage men at different ages was slated to be unveiled, and it is to be piloted at several Conservative congregations next year.

attended the second annual seminar in January. Mark Kluger, 43, says the retreat was eye opening. Back home at Temple Israel in Longwood, FL, he started a program called Hearing Men’s Voices, a men’s club tool. He gathered the men in a circle, warned them they were going to think it was corny and asked each to answer one question: Who am I? “For 2 1/2 hours, people told their stories,” Kluger said. “We had people crying. It was such an unbelievable outpouring, a shedding of the veil. It really hit me that men, Jewish men, we don’t have a lot of outlets. We don’t talk like our wives and girlfriends do.” In addition to these talking circles, which don’t appeal to everyone, Conservative men’s clubs around the country have been organizing all kinds of activities to attract a younger demographic. Ski trips. Pizza and beer evenings. Trivia nights at local bars. Community service is also a big draw. A men’s club in Chicago sponsored a sub-club for guys in their 20s, which is holding a fundraiser July 15 for ALS research. Rather than a $1,000-a-plate gala dinner, they’re holding it in a bar and charging $16. Justin Ross, 26, is helping to organize the

evening. He says the club is a great idea but is hard to maintain. “We’re trying to drum up more interest,” he said, adding that this fundraiser may be the final attempt. With all the financial pressures on men his age, as well as the fact that most are single, the idea of showing up to chew the fat with a bunch of other guys on a regular basis is not that appealing. What do they need? Women, he says. “The next logical step is to create a coed club,” he said. That’s the central question for men’s club leaders: In an egalitarian world, is a singlesex organization still relevant? Yes and no, says 42-year-old Louis Piels, a trustee of the men’s club at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, NJ. Last year, Peils’ club sponsored a steak dinner at a kosher Japanese restaurant for 15 young fathers of kids in their religious school as a first step to raising their involvement. A “guys’ night out” followed, but then the members decided that they wanted wives and children along. Since then, the group has held apple-picking days, a bike ride, ice skating, a mountain hike and scavenger hunt, all of them family friendly. “The whole concept of a men’s club may be dated,” Piels acknowledges. “Why would we want to be just among men all the time?” Piels now sees his club’s purpose as spearheading events and community service initiatives that are open to the entire community. At the same time, he doesn’t want to alienate older men, who are used to a maleonly club. “That old ‘clubhouse’ view also has a place,” he said. For some of the younger men, who were drawn to their men’s club in search of camaraderie or as a way to do community service, club involvement has indeed led them back to shul. Adam Ruchman, a 41-year-old technology manager in Livingston, has belonged to Conservative synagogues his entire married life. But he didn’t join the men’s club at Temple Shalom until Piels invited him to last year’s dinner. Now he’s vice president of membership, is on the organizing committee for an upcoming golf fundraiser and is training as a gabbai. Despite all his years in synagogue, Ruchman says he’s never held a ritual role before. His gabbai debut is set for the end of July. “Hopefully not too many people will be there that Shabbat,” he laughs.

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Old city and new city Jerusalem by MASADA SIEGEL Located directly outside the Old Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jaffa gate is the new multi-million dollar, pedestrian-only Mamilla mall. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intriguing because of the history of the location, and how it was preserved with a modern twist. The mall even touches upon the founding of the State of Israel. The location, once an extension of the souk or openair market inside the old city, was created for the overflow of commerce and residences. Once a run down area, the shopping area was completely renovated. One of the buildings has noticeable numbers written on every single brick. During its reconstruction, the structure was taken down brick by brick and then placed back exactly as it had been found.

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In the 1800s, this specific building was known as the Stern house and has historical meaning. Austro-Hungarian journalist Theodore Herzl, known as the father of modern Zionism, stayed here in 1898 when he came to meet Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. The building now houses a bookstore, restaurant and the small Herzl Museum, which relates the story of his visit to the Holy Land. Inside there are both photographs and displays with English captions. Museum entry is free. Just steps away from Mamilla -- okay, a staircase up -- and through the Jaffa gate is Jerusalemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Citadel, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tower of David.â&#x20AC;? It is a medieval fortress with architectural additions from later periods. The citadel compound includes archeological findings ranging from remains of a quarry from the First Temple period to parts of a fortress that stood in this location in the 7th and 8th centuries during the rule of the Ummayid dynasty. The citadel compound includes findings from most of the periods of Jerusalemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. The Citadel also merges modern-day Jerusalem with the spirit of the ancient past by hosting a museum, operas and art shows in the location. In 2000, glass master and artist Dale Chihuly used the site for a spectacular glass exhibit, In the Light of Jerusalem. In keeping with the tradition of combining past and present, glass sculptures of blades of green grass from that exhibit still appear in the courtyard today. A spellbinding treat held at the Citadel is the light and music show held most evenings. Using only images and music, the walls of the outside interior section of the Citadel display 4,000 years of history in a 45-minute show. It pulls together the glory and defeat of the city of Jerusalem, combining new technology on the grounds of an ancient building. The experience is much like Israel itself today, brilliant, mesmerizing and filled with light and darkness. While Jerusalem embodies the past and present, a visit to Israel certainly gives one vision to what is to come for this young country. Israel is firmly rooted in the past, yet it is alive and alert in the present while embracing and propelling itself into the future at light speed. Masada Siegel can be reached at Fungirlcorrespondent@ gmail.com.

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D E N T A L

Dale Chihuly used the Citadel for a spectacular glass exhibit, In the Light of Jerusalem. Glass sculptures of blades of green grass still appear in the courtyard today.

July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

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Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 | ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

How is it that we never finish talking about health and wellness? I do wonder about that, because I remember way back (waaaay back) when I was a child, that topic was always present in our lives. Even back then, we knew that vegetables were good for us, although we didn’t know that fresh was best. The commercially canned products that mothers thought were so wonderfully handy didn’t have the nutritional value of fresh, but we didn’t know that. Now we do, with a vengeance. It’s not possible to live on this planet without knowing about fresh picked veggies. And happily, we’ve learned not to cook those same good things to death! Now, everybody knows what al dente means. Years ago, we were learning the value of vitamins, though not as well as we understand today. But we knew about something called cod liver oil. My mother learned all about it, and it became part of her list of IMPORTANT STUFF FOR KIDS. It was vile. It was thicker than molasses and nastier than what the drain backs up when the disposal clogs. I don’t remember when I got old enough to eliminate that from my life, but it must have been a happy day. And oh yes, every mom knew about spinach - you know, the miracle veggie? It was thought to have every good thing every child needed in order to grow and be healthy. In my childhood, nobody had thought of eating it raw, so it was cooked to a disgusting mush that both looked and tasted awful to me. I know today, whoever invented spinach salad was a genius. And also whoever introduced all the other green and crispy stuff we eat daily, as well as spinach, was the friend of every kid alive. We know all about so many foods, from so many countries, and so much is available to us, we’re really fortunate. But I do remember some of the better stuff from those bygone days. Like fat. The kind that’s part of a delicious steak. I’m so old I remember when that wasn’t poison! Also, when the only reason you didn’t slather a thick layer of butter on your bread was because: 1. you were eating a meat meal or 2. the family couldn’t afford it. The same was true of eggs. Many, many folks were accustomed to eggs every single morning for breakfast. Before the invention of cholesterol, of course. So many foods have gone the gamut from delicious to forbidden, when we’re talking health. And don’t forget exercise. I’m guessing it was sometime in the 1920’s when somebody suggested that exercise was good for the

human body. Up until then, people just naturally got enough by working or going from one place to another. Until some health nut came along and made a big deal out of developing his muscles, people didn’t give much attention to organized exercise. Walking was the natural thing to do, whether or not you understood it was healthy. Swimming was popular because it was enjoyable, not because it was good for you. Certain games were popular because they had been around since the earliest Olympics. all that was true, but until somebody decided it was imperative to good health, we took it all for granted. I guess it’s good that so much fuss is made about health and wellness today. Statistics prove that we live a lot longer than our greatgrandparents’ generation did, and on the whole, we really are healthier. If you don’t count the illnesses that people often get as they age, or car accidents, or how many people don’t get along with other people! But if you really decide to do something about staying healthy and maybe join a health club or get a personal trainer, or start walking instead of riding or any of all that other stuff, well I suppose that’s the way to be healthy. That’s assuming you aren’t a “couch potato,” Pesonally, I’m more the recliner chair potato, a designation I’m not bragging about, but rather admitting. Any doctor I happen to see always seems to ask “how much exercise do you get?” It’s not easy to say “not a whole heckofalot,” but I find ways to say it. Then I find excuses, then depending on the nature of the doctor, I either get sympathy or scolding. They don’t really care that I never was athletically inclined, even as a kid. Never could run fast, never could catch a ball (with my eyes open that is), never could make a bat connect with a ball. Plus I suffered the embarrasment of always being the very last chosen when a team was being organized. So how come, if I’m such a dud, am I writing all about it from a “then and now” place? Well, for two reasons: first, it’s the theme of this issue and secondly, it’s all everyone wants to talk about anyway. I mean, think about it, what’s usually the first thing one person says to another when they start a conversation? HOW ARE YOU? If you take that literally, well, you figure it out. Take care of yourself please. Get enough rest and balance it with enough physical activity, and for heaven’s sake, eat properly. And drink plenty of water too. Do what you’re supposed to do, and you might live to be a really senior citizen. Of course if you have good genes, that’ll help too. I remember what the yiddish speaking elders always said along with goodbye: zie gezunt. If you don’t understand, ask your Bubbie. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis 39@aol.com.

Your Annual Financial Checkup by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments Not only is it good to have a physical checkup, but also a financial check up. Depending on your circumstances, your financial needs may have changed since last year. As your life changes, your financial strategy may also need to change as well. The first thing to do is to take an inventory of all of your assets and liabilities. A spreadsheet or a computer program such as Excel, Quicken, or QuickBooks can be very helpful and effectively simplify the process of doing your annual financial check up. Do you have the appropriate mix of stocks versus fixed income, tailored to your current financial situation? Are you generating enough income from your investments? Remember, we

are at an unusual period of history when bonds are paying record low interest; and you may be better off with high income stocks, depending on your financial needs. Are you taking the proper amount of risk for your particular situation? If you are staying awake at night worrying about your investments, you have too much financial risk. Finally, are you saving enough? I recommend that everyone save at least 15 percent of their net income. Financial advisers currently recommend that you will need to have one million dollars of net worth upon reaching retirement, in order to live comfortably. This report is based on research from sources considered, but not guaranteed reliable. Mr. Kaplan may have positions in some, or all, of the recommendations.

PAID AVERTISEMENT

July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

State Dept. envoy on anti-Semitism facing resistance on Arab textbooks by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Hannah Rosenthal, the State Department's envoy for combating anti-Semitism, was heartened if skeptical when some Arab officials pledged to her that they would remove anti-Semitic tropes from their school curricula. She was frustrated when they hemmed and hawed. And she was outraged when they outright refused to do so. Rosenthal visited Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia last month on a mission to persuade officials in those nations to remove from their textbooks intolerance aimed at nonMuslims and to introduce positive references to Judaism. The most common response, she said, was avoidance and of a hoary variety: Talk about Jews almost inevitably led to grievances about Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. “As soon as a conversation about religious tolerance becomes tense, they shut it down or they go to IsraelPalestine,” she told JTA in an exclusive interview after the trip. Rosenthal, who is Jewish, met with Education Ministry and other government officials in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In Lebanon, she met only with civil society groups promoting interfaith dialogue, in part because she was limited to a few hours in the country for security reasons. Meeting with Lebanese government officials has become sensitive for U.S. officials now that Lebanon’s Cabinet includes members of Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Rosenthal’s signature achievement on the trip was extracting from Saudi officials a pledge to remove anti-Semitic references from curricula, including some apparently rooted in the notorious forgery positing Jewish world domination, the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion." “I got commitments from the ministries of education and culture that they were ready to work with us,” she said. “I am taking all of this at face value.” A Saudi Embassy spokesman in Washington did not return a request for comment. Rosenthal said a typical initial response in Saudi Arabia was for officials to challenge her to produce evidence of intolerance. When she did – for instance, a passage describing Jews as the spawn of “monkeys and pigs” -- she was told the book was outdated and no longer in use. Rosenthal told Saudi officials the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor was planning a study of Saudi texts and would assess which countries have schools using the textbooks, as well as whether the texts promote intolerance. Saudi textbooks with offensive passages relating to Jews, Christians and women have been found in use as far afield as Argentina and Pakistan. Rosenthal said the grantees that would carry out the study had yet to be selected. “It was positive in the sense that they all said the right thing,” she said of the Saudis. “They're claiming all the bad stuff has been taken out. We're going to do an honest acaCataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes, Pediatric Eye Care, Dry Eyes, Eyelid Surgery

Hannah Rosenthal, center, the U.S. envoy on anti-Semitism, meeting with students at Notre Dame University in Beirut, Lebanon, where she advocated for a greater Jewish voice in Credit: U.S. State Department interfaith dialogue. demic review and see what's there.” More disappointing, Rosenthal said, were her encounters in Jordan, particularly with a high-level Education Ministry official who resisted any suggestion that Holocaust studies be introduced into the curriculum. “This is how it ended: We're having this semi-tense conversation about this dismissal of the Holocaust, and he says, ‘We are not teaching that this didn't happen,’ ” she said. A Jordanian Embassy spokesman in Washington declined comment. Jordan has a peace treaty with Israel. Rosenthal also confronted officials of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the body that cares for millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants, about their fail-

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker yet to be announced for Wednesday, July 27, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home every Thursday in the board room at 1 p.m., to reap “The Joys of Yiddish!” For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638. MAINSTREETERS Summer Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 14, 1-3:30 p.m. at Chalco Hill’s Recreation Area (154th and Giles Road). Cost is $6 per person and includes rotisserie chicken meal, drinks and entertainment. Please bring a side dish to share. If your last name begins with the letter “A through G” bring a dessert and “H through Z” bring a salad. Musical entertainment by Michael Lyon who is back by popular demand. Send reservation to: Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S.

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132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Mainstreeters Luncheon is on Monday, Aug. 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Omaha Country Kickers. Cost is $10 per person. Send reservation to: Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Baseball Night at the new stadium at Werner Park in Papillion on Thursday, Sept. 1. Cost is $7 per person for game admission. Jewish Social Services will sponsor the transportation. Depart from the JCC at 5:30 p.m. to return back to the JCC by approximately 10:00 p.m. Dinner is on your own at stadium. Send reservation to: Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. For questions call Harry Alloy at 402.697.8709. ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Attention dog lovers and owners. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will be having its annual Dog show on Aug. 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the RBJH auditorium. You’re all welcome to bring in your dogs to show off.

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ure to teach U.N.-created Holocaust materials. A high-ranking official with UNRWA told JTA that the agency is bound by agreements with host countries to use local textbooks. Additionally, in some areas -- notably the Gaza Strip -- UNRWA officials have faced threats from Islamist groups for reports of plans to introduce Holocaust and tolerance teaching into the curriculum. In Lebanon, Rosenthal sought out organizations that seek to promote tolerance among the “Abrahamic faiths” only to find that Judaism was not included. “It turned out ‘Abrahamic’ meant Islam and Christianity,” she said. Rosenthal offered to assist the groups in bringing lecturers who could teach about Judaism. She subsequently learned that one of the groups she addressed -- Adyan Village, which is partnered with Notre Dame University -- brought in an Eastern Orthodox nun who had some knowledge of Judaism. Rosenthal told JTA that her most moving visit in Lebanon was to the site of a synagogue in Beirut that the country's tiny Jewish community is endeavoring to restore. “They were nervous about showing it to me, and they feel extremely vulnerable -- my guide told me that his business clients don’t even know he is Jewish,” she said. “Their hope is that it will be ready by Rosh Hashanah, but builders and contractors find out they’re working on a synagogue and don't come back.”

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Point of view

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Collateral damage

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press A while ago, I wrote an entire editorial about how the Dutch Animal Party was trying to save the cows by outlawing kosher slaughter. At the time, I predicted this proposal wouldn’t go anywhere. Turns out, I was really, really wrong. Although the Dutch Senate still has to ratify the legislation, this nonsense has gone much farther then I ever could have imagined. The European Jewish Congress (EJC) now seeks to fight the measure by “seeking an independent renowned expert to assert that kosher slaughter is equally humane, if not more so, than most other means of slaughter.” (JTA.com) In addition, the EJC is lobbying the Senate and considering legal action. EJC’s president, Moshe Kantor, claims the European Jews are united, and are ready for the battle ahead: "This law will not provide a mere inconvenience to the Jews of Holland, it could severely curtail Jewish life on the whole continent of Europe, and we need to act accordingly to this threat,” he said in a recent statement. Once this finds traction in Europe, who’s to say it won’t cross the Atlantic? The Jewish population of Holland has approximately 40,000 members. Among a population of roughly 17 million, that’s the proverbial drop in a bucket. As a consequence, it’s nearly impossible to find a kosher butcher shop outside of Amsterdam. It doesn’t seem like it would be worth the trouble of outlawing kosher slaughter. The Dutch are nothing if not pragmatic. So what gives? How could I, having been born and bred in the Netherlands, not have seen this coming? It’s very simple really: the Animal Party is small and insignificant in and of itself, true; however, they received help from an unexpected corner: the anti-Muslim lobby. The Jewish population may be small, but the Muslim population isn’t. And there’s the rub: as difficult as it is to find a kosher butcher in the Lowlands, there’s a Halal store on every corner. Add one million Muslims to that number of 40,000, and suddenly this law has a different kind of impact.

And there are plenty of politicians who, while they won’t be caught saying anything that could be considered antiSemitic, are unabashedly anti-Muslim. Making their lives difficult, and making the country a little less welcoming by outlawing ritual slaughter seems like an easy way to send a message. And that this affects the Jews as well is a small price to pay for many. Collateral damage, if you will. Many Europeans are tired of Muslims, intolerant, irritated; many would rather have them gone. More and more it seems Holland is finding itself in the company of those who want the borders closed. Intolerance breeds more intolerance; this is the time when the scales will tip one way or the other. After spending countless hours reading newspaper articles, blog entries, and editorials from all corners of the Netherlands, written by Jews and non-Jews, one thing struck me: very few are actually talking about the animals. If concern for animal welfare trumps religious freedom, shouldn’t that be front and center in this discussion? And why, if the cows are the ones at risk, doesn’t the discussion include mention of all the other slaughterhouses in the Netherlands? Anyone who has ever seen where those drumsticks come from would know: kosher slaughter is not exactly the number one priority if you want to stand up for animal welfare. Which brings me back to what I’ve suspected all along: this is not really about animals. It’s about intolerance, and it’s about xenophobia.

Udo Ulfkotte is a German politician who in 2007 commented on the issue by saying that kosher slaughter was tolerable in Germany, since there were hardly any Jews left. Halal, on the other hand, was unacceptable, because of the sheer number of Muslims. (Huib Riethof/Krapuul.nl) It’s an answer that is as honest as it is gruesome. I think it currently applies in the Netherlands as well. I do still think as a nation, Holland is not anti-Semitic. I also think this would change if the total number of Jews would grow. But if proposals like these continue to find support, I’m pretty sure that will not happen. It’s sad to think we’re only deemed “acceptable” when we come in small numbers. I have to ask: what are they so afraid of? Wait; don’t answer that. I don’t really want to know.

Bolstering a common citizenship in a fractious Israel

Behind the headlines GUY SPIGELMAN TEL AVIV, Israel (JTA) -- I came to Israel inspired by my upbringing in Habonim, the Labor Zionist youth movement. I also came infused with values that were instilled in me as a Jew living in Australia, a multicultural society. Prior to making aliyah, I worked as the director of communications for the Ethnic Communities Council, an umbrella organization of diverse groups active in Australian civil society. I honestly wasn’t sure if my experience in engaging different groups and forging a multicultural society where everyone feels a part would have much use in my new life in Israel. But I was wrong. Let’s just say that the challenges in this regard are probably more acute in Israel than they were in Australia. Israel’s rapid development under difficult circumstances meant that the country did not have time to get some of the basics of democratic statehood right during its early decades, especially with regard to civic identity and citizenship. Don’t get me wrong, there are important fundamentals that we did get right in Israel: voting rights, freedom of political association and a robust legal system, just to name a few. But that’s not enough and especially not now. As some of our neighbors move toward greater democracy, Israel cannot afford to go backward. Rather we must strengthen our democracy by bolstering citizenship, encour-

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Emily Giller Intern

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Vice President; Jason Epstein, Treasurer; Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Paul Rabinowitz; Caryn Scheer; Mark Senal; 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 jewishoma-

aging acceptance of diversity and ensuring fair treatment for all Israelis. As a businessman, I consider this to be a top priority for Israel. That is why I work with Merchavim, a nongovernmental organization with programming in more than 500 schools stressing these values. Now, in partnership with 15 NGOs and with top business leaders and government, we have launched an initiative called Kulanana that goes beyond the classroom to spread these values among young people. Kulanana will use a multi-pronged approach -- including educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, community projects and media campaigns -- to increase public understanding of the critical importance to our society of ensuring equal opportunities, dignity and a sense of belonging for all Israeli citizens. I work with high-tech start-ups for a living, so when I think about state building, I immediately think about how I identify potential in business. You start with a concept, maybe even a dream. Then you start building basics that you need. You don’t necessarily have time at the beginning for all the details. But after your spark of an idea becomes tangible, you need to ensure sustainability. That’s where we are in Israel right now. We are living an amazing dream that has become a reality. In order to sustain ourselves as a modern state and as a society, we need to ensure that our democracy is strong and that all of Israel’s citizens feel included. It’s time to recognize that we haven’t yet developed a discourse around what it means to be a citizen and what civil

society is all about. I can tell you about this from personal experience. For example, in conversation I will often hear someone casually talk about, for example, “Arabs and Israelis in Haifa,” forgetting that Arabs are also Israeli citizens. The divisions, however, are not simply between Arabs and Jews. Growing up in Sydney, I attended a school where all streams of Judaism were accepted -- and where religious and nonreligious Jews studied together. In Israel, my children will not meet any religious Israelis until the army. My cousin did not have one meaningful interaction with a Muslim Israeli until he reached university at age 23. A society whose young people don’t learn together or serve together is a society whose citizens will not be able to live, work and thrive together. Some will argue that we have to wait until we have resolved our regional conflict before we can effectively deal with Israel’s internal divisions. But this may condemn us to postpone dealing with these issues for years. That would mean paying an entirely unnecessary price in terms of both our interests and our values. This argument should be turned on its head: If we implement a model for providing fuller opportunities and respecting diversity inside Israel, it can be a catalyst and bridge for solving the regional problems. An absence of action on these issues, however, would fuel anti-democratic trends that threaten to take Israel backward. It would risk undermining our claims to being the “only” democracy in the Middle East and fuel the campaign to Continued on page 13

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July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Is the era of national surveys of American Jews at an end?

Behind the headlines URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Twenty years ago, an alarming statistic in a landmark survey of American Jews helped galvanize a generation of Jewish community professionals and philanthropists to change the way they think about Jewish identity programming and double their efforts at Jewish outreach. With time, however, that statistic from the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey -- that American Jews were marrying out of the faith at a rate of 52 percent -- was clouded by skepticism. Demographers said the actual rate of intermarriage in the period studied was lower -- 43 percent -and that in any case the figure didn’t really mean much since it did not account for the much larger number of already existing marriages between Jews. A decade later, the next national study was beset by greater problems. Data from the NJPS 2000-01 were lost, results were severely delayed and true comparisons with 1990 were impossible, many scholars said, because the methodology used was inconsistent with the earlier survey. On top of everything, the study cost a cool $6 million. So perhaps it wasn’t terribly surprising that as the date approached for the next decennial survey, which would have come out about now, the federation umbrella organization that owns the NJPS franchise balked. “We decided not to be the lead agency on a new study, but we haven’t ruled out partnering or sitting at the table with others who are leading a study under the right circumstances,” Joe Berkofsky, a spokesman for the Jewish Federations of North America, told JTA. “NJPS was very useful for the Jewish community at large, but given limited resources we decided to focus on research that would directly benefit federations.” For the time being, there is no collaborative national study to take its place. That has dismayed many scholars of American Jewry, including vocal critics of the last study and those who helped carry it out. “We really can’t get a national portrait from one decade to another and get real insight on regional differences,” said sociologist Steven M. Cohen, who was a paid research consultant for the 2000-01 NJPS and is now a professor of Jewish social policy at Hebrew Union College-Jewish

Institute of Religion. “We really can’t establish national standards and a national message. We don’t have comparable data across the entire country.” Communities are still carrying out local studies, many with about the same regularity as the NJPS. And for the most part it is local federations that are footing the bill -they are interested in data about population, community characteristics and individual practices to better tailor their fundraising and programming. In New York, the local federation is currently carrying out a $1.8 million study that it is billing as the single-largest community survey of Jews outside Israel. But without a national study that asks everybody the same questions and surveys all kinds of Jews -- from urban to rural, affiliated to assimilated, young to old -- it’s not really possible to establish a national picture. Nor is it possible to come up with the holy grail that everyone from political strategists to community professionals want from a national survey: a reliable estimate of the number of Jews in America. Some scholars say that elusive number -- current estimates range from about 5 million to 7 million -- can never reliably be established, even if everyone could agree on what makes someone a Jew. “After spending tens of millions of dollars, we don’t know and we really never will know,” said Ira Sheskin, a director of the Jewish Demography Project at the University of Miami, who has done dozens of population studies for Jewish communities throughout the United States. A few problems make surveying American Jews so difficult. First, the U.S. Census is prohibited from asking about religion, so there is no easy shortcut. Second, because Jews are thought to comprise only about 2 percent of the U.S. population of 310 million, they are nearly impossible to find using the gold standard for polling: random digit dialing. Assuming that approximately 4 percent of U.S. households have a Jewish person in residence, it would take pollsters using this method about 100,000 phone calls to come up with a credible sample size of 4,000 Jews, and there is no guarantee most of those Jews would agree to participate in a survey. Even if labor and cost were not an issue, the method of random digit dialing is becoming less reliable in the age of cell phones. Individuals who don’t have land-line telephones tend to be underrepresented because they have fewer oppor-

tunities to be reached and are less likely to agree to be interviewed on their cell phones, skewing the sample size away from poorer and younger people who eschew land lines. The surveys also have a harder time finding data by region because Americans now often keep their mobile numbers even when they move to a different part of the country. Calling someone with a 202 area code may get you someone who lives in Washington -- or California. For demographers seeking other ways to find Jews, focusing on areas where Jews are known to live risks undercounting those who are harder to find. By the same token, relying on membership lists maintained by federations, schools, JCCs or synagogues to conduct interviews risks undercounting the unaffiliated. Some of these problems also plague local community studies. But because the sample sizes are smaller and the goals are different, many community surveyors don’t care or are able to find other ways to get the data they require. Leonard Saxe, director of the Steinhardt Social Research Institute at Brandeis University, says he has found a way around these problems for national data and, using complicated mathematical modeling, offers an estimate of selfidentified Jews in the United States: 6.5 million. Of course, other academics have questions about Saxe’s conclusions. “The fact that UJC isn’t sponsoring a study doesn’t mean that the community won’t have data,” Saxe said, using the obsolete name of the Jewish Federations of North America (once known as the United Jewish Communities). “My goal is to provide better data and more accurate data. The methodology that was used in 2000 provided inaccurate and, we believe, misleading results.” The lead researcher for the national federation organization, Laurence Kotler-Berkowitz, was traveling and unavailable for interviews, a federation spokesman said. Cohen says that while he understands that cost and controversy kept the Jewish Federations of North America from doing another national study, the absence of any national study is a great loss for the Jewish community and one that local studies -- as helpful as they are -- cannot fill. “People are worried that if you do a study there will be controversy, and there will be. But the value outweighs the controversy,” he said. “We don’t have a sense of the problems and potential. We’ve lost an instrument to help build community. That’s definitely regrettable.”

No quick reconciliation for Turkey-Israel ties

Focus on issues LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Turkey-Israel relationship is not out of the woods just yet. After some positive signs in recent weeks that the once close allies were moving to repair the rift, Turkey’s prime minister renewed his hard line on Israel. “Normalization of relations between the two countries is unthinkable,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said July 8 in a speech to the Turkish Parliament, “unless Israel apologizes for this illegal act, which is against international law and values, pays compensation to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this atrocious event and lifts the embargo on Gaza.” Israel says it will not apologize for the incident, which took place aboard the Turkish-flagged ship Mavi Marmara on May 31, 2010, but says it is willing to express regret for the loss of life. It is also willing to compensate the families, but on the condition that the payments preclude future civil claims against the individual soldiers involved. For most of the past decade, Israel and Turkey, two major non-Arab regional players, enjoyed a very close relationship that was often described as “strategic.” Israeli fighter planes trained over Turkish airspace, the two countries held joint naval rescue exercises and Israel provided Turkey with antiterrorist equipment and know-how. In 2007 and 2008, Erdogan even mediated indirect Israeli-Syrian peace overtures. But the Islamist prime minister, who came to power in 2003, has been consistently critical of Israeli policies toward the Palestinians, often using harsh language to vent his feelings. Things came to a head with the 2009 Gaza War, and relations between the two countries since then have cooled. The Mavi Marmara affair exacerbated the already existing rift, with Erdogan demanding an apology from Israel and Israel accusing the Turkish government of encouraging the Turkish radicals behind the maritime challenge to its naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. At the time, Israeli analysts saw in Turkey’s abandonment of Israel part of a wider regional foreign policy shift. Devised by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and dubbed “zero problems,” it entailed a move toward closer ties with

the Iran-Syria axis at Israel’s expense. Ironically, the U.N. commission investigating the Mavi Marmara affair provided the platform for a possible IsraelTurkey reconciliation. According to unofficial reports, the Palmer Commission found that Israel’s blockade of Gaza and its interception of the Turkish vessel on the high seas both were legal, but that the commandos used excessive force in taking over the Mavi Marmara. The report also allegedly censured Turkey for encouraging the activists. Unhappy with the text, the Turks allegedly asked that the official publication of the findings be deferred to enable the Israeli and Turkish representatives on the commission -former senior Foreign Ministry officials Yosef Ciechanover for Israel and Ozdem Sanberk for Turkey -- to hammer out a compromise. But Ciechanover and Sanberk have been working for the past several months on something much wider: a compromise that will allow the full normalization of Israel-Turkey relations. With the deferment, they now have until July 27 to get the job done. Apparently they are looking for a formulation that in Turkish will sound like an Israeli apology and in Hebrew like an Israeli expression of regret for loss of life. Insiders say this is why the U.N. report on the incident has been delayed. Short of an apology, official Israel has made every effort to effect a reconciliation. After Erdogan’s re-election on June 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a conciliatory message. “My government will be happy to work with the new Turkish government on finding a solution to all outstanding issues between our countries in the hope of re-establishing our cooperation and renewing the spirit of friendship which has characterized the relations between our peoples for many generations,” Netanyahu wrote. There were even rumors that Israel had entrusted Erdogan with a mediation mission for the release of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier believed to be held captive in Gaza since June 2006. The Turks also made conciliatory gestures. A few weeks before this year’s planned flotilla to challenge the Gaza blockade, they canceled the participation of the Mavi Marmara. Their readiness to work for a compromise within the context of the Palmer Commission was another of sign

of willingness to cut a deal. But both sides had their hard-liners -- Erdogan on the Turkish side and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on the Israeli. “Turkey wants to give the impression that it can dictate terms and that we’ll accept them as if it were a superpower,” Lieberman grumbled at an early July meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. “As far as we are concerned, there is no reason to apologize.” Lieberman was backed up by Tel Aviv University’s Ehud Toledano, an expert on Turkey, who argued that there was no need to sweet talk the Turks because Israel had little to gain from a restoration of ties. Writing in Haaretz, Toledano claimed that Erdogan had eroded the Turkish army’s independence and taken control of MIT, the Turkish intelligence service, and thus the damage to Israel’s strategic ties with Turkey was irreversible.

Fractious Israel Continued from page 12 delegitimize Israel. Moreover, inaction condemns entire swaths of our country’s population to poverty and alienation that will lead to social unrest. Often when I ponder these issues, I am reminded of a 1992 speech presented by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin via satellite to the World Jewish Congress. He argued that in dealing with the problem of global anti-Semitism, Israel needed to show that it treated its Arab minority fairly. “I believe we have to prove once we are the sovereign power, we have to behave vis-a-vis the minority and other religious groups in a way we expect others to respect us,” he said. In 1992, Rabin knew that Israel could no longer use the regional threats it faced as an excuse for not providing a sense of meaningful citizenship for all Israelis. Nearly 20 years later, it’s time for Israeli society to move forward decisively on this front. Guy Spigelman is the chairman of Merchavim-The Institute for the Advancement of Shared Citizenship in Israel and vice president for business development at Apos Medical Technologies.

14 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Evening Services, 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. FANS/FLOOD RELIEF DONATIONS: From now through Sunday, July 24, the synagogue will accept contributions of new fans to be donated to the Salvation Army's Summer Fan Program for needy individuals. Beth El will also collect flood-relief items, including bottled water, Gatorade, rubber gloves, buckets, disinfectant, brushes, brooms, mops and safety goggles. Bring donations to the synagogue during office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Monetary contributions for these items will also be accepted via Beth El’s website (www.bethel-omaha.org), or by sending a check - made out to Beth El -- to the synagogue. Those wishing to help deliver fans to the Salvation Army may contact Jill Belmont at BeanK2@aol.com. JEWS & BREWS: Beth El’s Men’s Club will host a special Men’s Night Out dinner event on Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m., on the synagogue’s back lawn. (see full story on page 6). BIRTHDAY BLESSING SHABBAT: During Shabbat services on Friday, July 29, 6 p.m. we will offer a special blessing for everyone who has celebrated a birthday during the past month. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Will meet on Monday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m., in the synagogue’s West Court (see full story on page 4). All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org 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 begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by the Mack, Bresel and Gurock families in honor of Max’s and Jacob’s birthday, and by Patricia Newman in honor of Emily’s acceptance to Haifa University; The Laws of Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:38 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call. TUESDAY: Sisterhood’s BINGO lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Advanced Halachic Kollel, 9 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-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. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., with oneg following hosted by Michael Boekstal. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Matot. THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive: From now through the month of August, the Social Action Committee is collecting school supplies to donate to Saratoga Elementary School. Bring your items to the stage area of the Social Hall. Thank you for helping the children in our neighborhood!

Candlelighting Friday, July 22, 8:33 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 8:41 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. THURSDAY: LOVE Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; D’var: Michael Silverman - He’s in It For the Long Term. We will honor everyone with a special blessing who has celebrated a birthday or anniversary in June and July. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Service, Friday, July 29, 6 p.m. D’var: Lori Bennett - The Journey That Almost Wasn’t.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Study Session on Pirkei Avot, 9:30 a.m.; Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. Annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive: From now through the month of August, the Social Action Committee at South Street Temple invites you to join them in collecting school supplies to donate to Saratoga Elementary School. You may bring your items to either the Temple or the Synagogue. Thank you for helping the children in our neighborhood!

Patriot games: Is Captain America too American? by SIMCHA WEINSTEIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- In March 1941 -- nine months before the attack on Pearl Harbor impelled America to enter the Second World War -- one colorful American hero already had joined the battle: Captain America. The famous front cover of Captain America #1 showed its titular hero punching Hitler straight in the face, sending the ridiculous looking Fuerher tumbling backward. With that single unforgettable image, the Nazi ideal of the Aryan ubermensch was dealt a fatal blow, as was what remained of the once respectable American “isolationist” movement. As the first comic book character to enlist in World War II, Captain America was an instant success, selling nearly 1 million copies per issue. In a way that’s not surprising, considering the character’s pedigree. Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, second-generation Jews who made no secret of their source of inspiration. The character of Captain America, Simon said, “was our way of lashing out at the Nazi menace.” In that first issue of the Marvel comic, readers meet the superhero’s “everyman” alter ego, Steve Rogers. A sickly Depression-era child, Rogers loses his parents at a young age, then tries to enlist in the military. Too feeble to join the regular forces, Rogers volunteers for a top-secret military medical experiment known as “Operation Rebirth,” being overseen by one Dr. Reinstein. (Note the character’s Jewish name, one that sounds suspiciously like “Albert Einstein.” In 1941, Einstein was a wildly popular -- if little understood -- cultural icon in the real world.) In need of a human “guinea pig” to test his formula, Dr. Reinstein injects Rogers with his Secret-Soldier Serum. Unfortunately, a Nazi spy infiltrates the experiment and kills

Dr. Reinstein, leaving the newly empowered Rogers as the serum’s sole beneficiary. Hailed by the U.S. military as a superhuman savior, Rogers dons a patriotic costume of red, white and blue, with a star on his chest and stripes on his waist. Captain America is quickly dispatched to his most important early assignment: destroy his evil “super soldier” counterpart, a Nazi agent called the Red Skull. Fast forward to 2011: This summer, Captain America March 1941 front cover of returns to the big screen. Captain America #1, the Unfortunately, the spirit of 1941 creation of two second(let alone 1776) is a long way off. generation Jews, showing In an era of anti-Americanism its titular hero punching - at home and abroad -- the Hitler in the face. movie’s director and star have been playing down the character’s American identity. Director Joe Johnston insists that “this is not about America so much as it is about the spirit of doing the right thing.” Chris Evans, who plays the title character, echoes the sentiment, saying that “I’m not trying to get too lost in the American side of it. This isn’t a flag-waving movie.” This isn't the first time Hollywood has eagerly deAmericanized superheroes, sometimes by undercutting traces of "corny" patriotism with doses of winking irony. Take the 2006 film Superman Returns, which has Clark Kent’s boss cynically describing Superman as fighting for “truth, justice … all that stuff.” Or take the 2009 movie based on a hugely popular toy

from Hasbro. The film's title, G.I Joe: A Real American Hero, was trimmed down to just G.I Joe, the toy's iconic logo with the American flag was removed, and the storyline transformed the title character's American anti-terror squad into an international peacekeeping task force that apparently took its marching orders from the United Nations. The fact is, Hollywood movies today live or die based on worldwide ticket and DVD sales, and in a world in which American flags are burned regularly from Paris to the Punjab, received wisdom has it that anything too “American” is international box office poison. Anticipating anti-American blowback, Paramount and Marvel Studios actually offered distributors the choice of marketing the new movie using its real title -- Captain America: The First Avenger -- or simply to calling it The First Avenger. Most distributors say they are going with the original title, eager to take advantage of decades of Captain America brand recognition. However, three countries -- Russia, Ukraine and South Korea -- have decided to promote the movie as The First Avenger. By literally cloaking their character in patriotism, Kirby and Simon displayed unabashed love of, and confidence in, the United States. Like many Jewish Americans during World War II, such as the heads of Hollywood studios, they felt duty bound to use their creativity in the service of their country. Alas, times have changed. Hollywood is now more concerned with international box office numbers than national pride, never mind respecting the obvious wishes of the two artists without whom Captain America wouldn’t exist. Simcha Weinstein is a best-selling author whose latest book is Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor in the 21st Century. He also chairs the Religious Affairs Committee at the Pratt Institute in New York.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

July 22, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

Overcoming a small problem

In memoriam STEWART K. KAHN

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Matot As they approached the Holy Land, two and a half of the tribes approached Moses and asked to remain on the northeast side of the Jordan. Their point was that the land on the eastern side of the Jordan was excellent grazing ground, and they had large herds of cattle, and flocks of goats and sheep. “We would prefer,” they said, “to remain here, for this land is very good for cattle, goats, and sheep.” Moses replied: “On one condition: that you will prepare provisions of safety for your women and children, and then your able-bodied men will proceed with their brothers to the western side of the Jordan to ensure they will be safe from enemies and possible marauders.” They agreed. As quickly as possible, they arranged their women and children on the eastern side of the Jordan. They then sent all able-bodied men with the other tribes to the western side of the Jordan to assure the conquest of the LAND, and bring it under control of the western tribes. All of this was accomplished. And then, the Israelites marched as a disciplined army unit into the LAND. Thus, the land that was to become the Holy Land of Israel was secure and in peace.

Former Omahan Stewart K. Kahn passed away on July 13 in Olathe, KS. at age 80, from complications of Parkinsons Disease. Services were held at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park KS on July 14, with burial and interment at Beth El Cemetery on July 15. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Sarah Kahn; brother, Roland Kahn; nieces, Linda H. Kahn, Lisa Ruxer; nephew, Bret Kahn, and great-nephew, Alex Memar. He is survived by his wife Marlene Dloogoff Kahn, of 57 years; sons and daugthers-in-law, David and Nancy Kahn of Seal Beach, CA., Robert and Wendy Kahn of Overland Park, KS, and Thomas and Becki Kahn; grandchildren: Arianne Kahn of Atlanta, GA., Samuel Kahn of Israel, Marissa Kahn, Megan Kahn, Benjamin Kahn of Seal Beach, CA., Miranda (Doozy) Kahn, and step-grandsons, Thomas and Peter Hung of Overland Park, KS.; brother and sisterin-law, Allen and Esther Kahn, and dear friend, Vicki Belzer of Prairie Village, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was an electrical contractor in Omaha for 43 years before retiring to Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and later to Olathe, KS. Memorials may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation, 8900 State Line Road, Suite 320, Leawood, KS 66206, Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 or Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154.

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Mayor Bloomberg sits shiva with Leiby’s family by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg sat shiva with the family of Leiby Kletzky. Bloomberg, wearing a yarmulke, visited the family for about 15 minutes on Monday along with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who is directing the investigation into the murder of the 8-year-old boy. “The commissioner and I express our condolences to the parents and grandparents and siblings, and there’s not a lot else we can say,” the mayor said according to the New York Post.” Bloomberg also said, “I think we should, before we go to

bed, take a look at our children and recognize how lucky we are to have them. Pray this doesn’t happen to us.” Kelly told reporters that the investigation is “going slowly.” Suspect Levi Aron was arraigned July 13 on charges of murder and kidnapping. Leiby apparently struggled against Aron as he allegedly was being suffocated; scratch marks were found on Aron’s arms and wrists, according to reports. Despite a confession to police, Aron pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is being held in the jail section of Bellevue Hospital, where he is undergoing psychiatric evaluation and is on a suicide watch, according to the Post.

Pillay scores anti-Semitic cartoon on Falk’s blog by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights noted the anti-Semitism in a cartoon posted on the website of the U.N.’s rapporteur on Palestinians. There have been increasing calls for the U.N. Human Rights Council to dismiss Richard Falk after he posted on his personal blog a cartoon depicting a dog wearing a shirt labeled “USA” and a yarmulke marked with a Star of David devouring a bloody human carcass, while urinating on Lady Justice’s foot. “Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Falk is neither a representative nor an employee of my office, thank you for drawing my attention to the antiSemitic image that was posted on his personal Richard Falk website,” Navanatehem Pillay, the human rights high commissioner, wrote in a July 11 letter to U.N. Watch, an American Jewish Committee-affiliated watchdog. “I note Mr. Falk’s series of public apologies, in which he explained his inadvertent mistake and clearly acknowledged the anti-Semitic and objectionable nature of the cartoon. I welcome the fact that he swiftly removed the image from his website, and expressed his regrets at his own ‘carelessness’ in

not examining it more carefully before posting it in the first place.” U.N. Watch praised Pillay for what it said was a rare instance of rebuking an official of Falk’s rank. “U.N. Watch appreciates that as a matter of practice your office does not comment on the council’s independent experts,” it said in a July 14 letter to Pillay. “That you chose to break with precedent for this incident underscores your commitment to the fight against all forms of discrimination, and to the principle that U.N. appointees cannot misuse their positions with impunity.” Falk apologized for the cartoon and removed it from his personal blog, but also lashed out at his critics as having suspect motives. Calls for his removal have come from the Obama administration, an array of Jewish groups and from a number of top politicians in Western countries.

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16 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2011

An Israeli’s great biking adventure: Around the world on two wheels by DAN GOLDBERG almost cost him his life in Bolivia. SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) -- Even during the darkest “I was hit by a car in La Paz,” he recalls. “It was a hit and moments of his four-year cycling odyssey, traversing 42 run. Nobody helped me. It was a dark moment. countries on six continents, Roei “Jinji” Sadan knew he’d “I told myself these nightmares are necessary for me to never stop. fulfill my dream. If a nightmare is part of a dream it’s OK.” After all, Sadan had a bike he called Emunah -- Hebrew for “faith.” In Melbourne recently on the eve of the last leg of his 39,000-mile trek, the 29-year-old Israeli recalled cycling through the Mexican desert on New Year’s Day 2008. Suddenly a car pulled up. “I didn’t know Spanish; I thought they wanted to help me,” Sadan recalls. “Then one of them showed me a gun and I started to understand what’s going on.” The bandits stole clothes, money, credit cards and supplies, as well as a tent and sleeping bag -- but not his 27gear, custom-built, blue-and-white Thorn Nomad bicycle. “From then on I called it Emunah,” he says. Within an hour his faith was rewarded. Two American surfers passed by and Roie “Jinji” Sadan and Orly Tal, a blind Israeli woman, with their tandem bike on drove Sadan to San Diego, where he the Great Ocean Road in Australia on one of the last legs of his adventure, June restocked with supplies. Another 2011. Credit: Roie Sadan American, having heard a TV interview, drove him back to Mexico so he could continue his adventure. The incident served as a microcosm for his arduous journey of self-discovery: nightmarish episodes and seeing humanity at its glorious best. Now that he’s within striking distance of the finish, Sydney’s Opera House, Sadan says he intends to use his experience by becoming a motivational speaker and transforming his diaries into a book that he hopes will inspire people to follow their dreams. And there is perhaps his biggest challenge -- settling down. His journey started with a simple question. “I thought, what’s the biggest adventure?” says Sadan, who lives in Roie “Jinji” Sadan at the Arctic Ocean in 2007, getting set to start his four-year cycling journey around the world. Credit: Oranit, a West Bank settlement of 6,000 near Kfar Saba. Roie Sadan He aimed to cycle around the world -- not for any records but to discover himself. Sadan would prepare a year and a And then there was the isolation. half for the trek, including walking the length of Israel and “In the middle of the desert in China, it’s minus 20, you training several months in India in the Himalayas. can’t sleep, there’s no one to say goodnight to,” says Sadan, On the adventure, Sadan could have quit during any num- dubbed Jinji (Hebrew for redhead) because of his ginger ber of nightmares. In Alaska, he lost more than 30 pounds beard. “But I never thought of quitting, not once, never.” traveling on a dirt track in subarctic conditions while passAnd the good? ing just one roadhouse in 10 days. In Peru, he was bitten by “People who have nothing want to give you everything,” a wild dog. In Mozambique, he contracted malaria. he says. The journey has cost about $60,000 -- part of it covered by Sadan recalls a tribal leader in Lesotho who invited him to his sponsor, the Israeli water company Eden Water -- but it share food -- a meal of cat. With the language barrier a prob-

lem, Sadan pointed to the pot. “Moo moo?” he asked. His host shook his head and responded, “Meow, meow.” In Outback Western Australia, a Palestinian offered him refuge -- a poignant encounter since Sadan spent some of his army service in the Gaza Strip, where his host was born. “He’s my first Palestinian friend,” Sadan says. “It was an emotional moment.” The Gaza Strip is also where Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has been held captive for five years. “For four years I’ve enjoyed my choices and my freedom, and on the other scale you have Gilad, so sometimes you need to think about the lowest value when you are at the top of Everest,” Sadan says. Upon arriving in Melbourne, Sadan joined an event marking the fifth anniversary of Shalit’s capture and spoke to the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Israel group. Sadan never expected to become an ambassador for Israel, but he quickly realized that his presence --- especially in countries where there are neither Jews nor Israelis -- was debunking the myth that all Israelis wield M-16 rifles. “I’m coming with a bicycle and a smile,” he says. “Most people really welcome Israel. I didn’t feel hatred.” During a brief stop home to Oranit in 2009, Minister for Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein gave him the government’s blessing to spread his goodwill message. Since then he has visited numerous Israeli embassies and given lectures to more than 1,500 children, as well as interviews to scores of media outlets about the “real” Israel. Of all his challenges, the last may have been the most difficult: cycling the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide to Melbourne. Sadan rode tandem with Orly Tal, a blind Israeli who had contacted him via his website [http://www.jta.org/ ?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dreamwithopeneyes.com] to ask if she could join him for part of his Australian adventure. “She saw more than many people I know who have two working eyes,” Sadan says. “But it was more challenging than any desert I crossed.” As the finish line beckons, Sadan says he is “excited,” adding that “it’s also a weird feeling because this is the end.” He has no plans to fly into Ben-Gurion Airport -- too conventional. “I will fly to Jordan and cycle to Jerusalem, to the Kotel,” he says. Sadan expects many dignitaries, perhaps even Israeli President Shimon Peres, to attend the “big event.” So in a journey of self-discovery, what has he learned about himself? “That my heart is the best compass. That I have a different lens,” Sadan says. “And I learned I’m soft but unbreakable, like most Israelis.” Now, however, having sacrificed two relationships on the road, Sadan says he is ready for a different challenge: “I’m ready to see if I’m capable of the biggest journey of life -family life.”