July 24, 2009

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 46 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Sixteen leaders of 14 Jewish organizations took part in July 11 meeting at the White House with President Obama: Jeremy Ben-Ami, (executive director, J Street), Debra DeLee (president & CEO, Americans for Peace Now), Ira Forman, CEO, National Jewish Democratic Council, Abraham Foxman (national director, Anti-Defamation League), Marla Gilson (Washington director, Hadassah), Malcolm Hoenlein (executive vice chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations), Jason Isaacson (Washington director, American Jewish Committee), Kathy Manning, (chair, United Jewish Communities), Nancy Ratzan (president, National Council of Jewish Women), Lee Rosenberg (president-elect, AIPAC), Stephen Savitsky (president, Orthodox Union), Alan Solow (chairman, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations), Andrea Weinstein (chair, Jewish Council for Public Affairs), Rabbi Steven Wernick (executive vice president, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), David Victor (president, AIPAC), and Rabbi Eric Yoffie (president, Union for Reform Judaism). Some of the groups not on the invite list, after having been invited to a larger meeting of Jewish leaders with Obama aides right before the inauguration, include Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Israel Credit: the White House Policy Forum, the Zionist Organization of America, and B'nai B'rith International.

NCJW helps organize effort to confirm Obama Supreme Court nominee up in tough economic circumstances, Sotomayor earned

by GARY JAVITCH high academic honors throughout her educational life, for National Council of Jewish Women Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the enabling her to attend Princeton University, graduating first and second females appointed to the Supreme summa cum laude, and Yale Law School, where she Court, were easily confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The served as editor of the Yale Law Review. She went on to first woman received a unanimous vote, 99-0, while the gain experience in public law as a NY assistant district second did nearly as well: 96-3. attorney, and in private practice as a lawyer for a legal Judge Sonia Sotomayor, selected by President Barack defense and education fund, to name just a few of her Obama to replace retired Justice David Souter on the experiences. high court may not be as lucky.

Qualifications not withstanding, America continues in And that is not because Sotomayor is not as qualified. an era of hyperpartisanship surrounding the nomination Indeed, by any standard, Judge Sotomayor not only pos- and confirmation of judges, especially when it comes to sesses sterling credentials but she can also take pride in lifetime Supreme Court appointments. an inspirational personAs a result, the chalal history. Of Puerto lenges to Judge Rican heritage, the Sotomayor’s confirmaBronx-born woman has tion will come more been a judge since from groups who dis1992, when she was agree with her rulings first nominated by based on ideological President George H.W. differences. Examples Bush to rule on cases in follow: according to the Southern District of former Gov. Mike New York. She currentHuckabee (R-AK), ly sits as a federal judge Judge Sotomayor on the United States should not be conCourt of Appeals for firmed because “she the Second Circuit. comes from the far She lost her father at left,” he said in a stateage nine and was raised President Obama meets with Judge Sonia Sotomayor in the Oval Office ment released to by her mother. on May 21, five days before he nominated her for a seat on the U.S. Politico.com.

Undeterred by growing Supreme Court.

Credit: Pete Souza Continued on page 2

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Limmud Omaha returns next month: Page 3

July 24, 2009

Holocaust denier finds few fans in KC -ADL says “don’t expect love here either”

Obama meets with Jewish leaders

This Week: Newman Grants awarded: Page 4

3 Av 5769

by RICK HELLMAN Editor of the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle Only about a dozen people showed up Friday evening, July 3, to hear Holocaust denier David Irving speak at the Embassy Suites Kansas City International Airport hotel.

Irving’s website advertises a long list of appearances, including the one in Omaha on Thursday, July 30, 7 p.m. The location, as of press time, is unknown.

According to Alan Potash, director of the Plains States Region of the Anti-Defamation League, only those who log onto his website can obtain information about where Irving is making his presentation.

“David Irving’s Holocaust denial is fundamentally antiSemitic,” added Potash. “He asserts that global Jewry crafted the Holocaust ‘legend’ for financial gain, and that Jews have been successful in bilking governments of David Irving untold sums of money through Holocaust-related claims.”

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle learned that Irving, or a representative, arranged for a meeting room at the hotel just minutes before the talk was to begin on July 3 in Kansas City. The event, which kicked off Irving’s month-long speaking tour of the West and Midwest, had been announced on Irving’s website. Prospective attendees were instructed to show up at the hotel lobby on Friday night and to call a phone number for final directions to the meeting place. Unfriendly reporters were explicitly not welcome.

Irving, a native of Britain who has written 30 books about World War II and the Nazis, apparently brought a number of books with him to sell at his local talk. A photograph taken in Kansas City, showing Irving signing books spread out on a table, surrounded by nine people in a meeting room, was posted this week on his website. After Kansas City, he visited Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Phoenix last week.

Contrary to what Kansas City author Leonard Zeskind said in “The Chronicle” earlier, which was that Irving’s July 3 appearance was his first in the Kansas City area, it appears Irving has spoken here before last week.

The Anti-Defamation League website lists an Aug. 30, 2008, speech here by Irving in its “extremist events calendar.” And a search of Irving’s own site makes reference to an even earlier visit, as well.

And while the Kansas City Star did not cover the Irving meeting in its news columns, it did allow him to post a statement in the “press release central” portion of its website on June 26. The Star instituted the “PR Central” corner of its site two years ago, and does not charge for the privilege of posting a release there. It notes, as well, that “Postings … are not edited for content and the facts are not verified.”

Irving’s event, however, is not listed on omaha.com, the website run by the Omaha World Herald; there was no word from WH staff as to whether or not it would be covered.

Continued on page 2

Coming Next Week: Health & Wellness Discovering Jewish roots in Poland: Page 6

Review of new Taratino film about the Holocaust: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

Effort to confirm Supreme Court nominee

ASK FOR...

TONI ROSEN MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CAREER SALES

For Experienced Professional Service In The Sale Of Your Home

Res: 334-7257 Bus: 498-8300

We olve Debt Problems CALL NOW and get an advocate on your side! bankruptcy and maintain We’re experts at negotiating Avoid your dignity reductions with the credit card companies Have an advocate deal with your creditors We can arrange one

affordable monthly payment

Save money - Get out of debt FASTER than you can on your own

If you have over $12,000 in debt,

CALL NOW! FREE Consultation

D No Obligation D Confidential

1-888-248-1637 Not available in all states

Continued from page 1 and with a proven history of making decisions based on In the same Politico.com article (May 26, 2009), the law and the US Constitution. We then had the perWendy Long of the Judicial Confirmation Network felt fect reason to get started on our project immediately.” the Judge would “indulge left-wing policy preferences More than 20 organizations were invited to the Media instead of neutrally applying the law.” And it included Strategies Workshop. Among the Jewish organizations comments from Roger Pilon (Cato Institute), who represented were the Anti-Defamation League, B’nai noted the recent Ricci case where her opinion was B’rith, NCJW, and Temple Israel. reversed by the Supreme Court demonstrated that she During the training session, the attendees reviewed a would be a “judicial activist” and legislate from the number of Judge Sotomayor rulings and heard from bench. national coalition members, including Phil Sparks, one President Obama wants the Senate to review and con- of the authors of Strategic Communications for firm his choice for the high court appointment before Nonprofits: a Step-by-Step Guide to Working with the the end of August so that she will be ready for the Media. In an interactive discussion, he talked about difcourt’s opening session on the “First Monday in ferent aspects of his book and set up role-playing opporOctober,” the start of the 2009-10 judicial term. tunities, providing tips on how to give an interview to the press.

Republicans, however, Guest speaker David want more time to conKotok, managing editor sider the nomination. of the Omaha WorldAnd that’s just the first Herald, talked about of many contentious “What makes news,” and points between the prothe press in the internet ponents and opponents age. of Judge Sotomayor.

Since the president With the battle lines nominated Judge Sonia drawn, interest groups Sotomayor, the around the country Democrats added a 60th immediately began marmember to their rolls shalling their resources and the American Bar in anticipation of the Association, the nation’s hearings which began on foremost legal organizaJuly 13. tion, gave the judge its In Omaha, Carol Bloch and Jan Co-chairing the event were Jan Schneiderman, left, and Carol Bloch. highest rating.

Schneiderman (a past Training experts included Robin Kurland, back row left, Phil Sparks During the confirmation hearings, national president of the and Elissa Froman from the NCJW Washington office. organization) veteran public affairs activists for the Republicans certainly wanted to inquire about the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, judge’s reasoning on certain cases, in particular her most helped to put together a seven-hour seminar held in recent one involving the Connecticut firefighters in June to recruit a diverse group of organizations from which her opinion was reversed. They will also want to across the state to support a fair and speedy confirmation know her thinking on topics that range from civil rights process to adjudicate the Supreme Court nomination of to torture. In addition, both sides will seek her thoughts on abortion, to the extent that they are able.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

While it is unlikely that Judge Sotomayor’s nomination Locally, NCJW is working on this project with the “Nebraska Coalition For Constitutional Values.” (This will sail easily through the Senate or that she will garner organization also has a nation-wide affiliate in which the as great a vote margin as did Justices O’Connor and Ginsburg, should the Republicans attempt to filibuster national NCJW is a member.)

Bloch explained how she and Jan got involved in the the nomination, they would need all 40 of their number process. “Jan and I were contacted this winter by to remain united.

It takes 60 votes to end a filibuster and then proceed Sammie Moshenberg, the Director of the Washington Office of NCJW, to tell us that NCJW was the recipient to a nomination. With 58 senators now caucusing with of a grant for the purpose of coalition building centered the Democrats in the Senate, (Senators Kennedy and around judicial nominations in Nebraska and two other Byrd are ill), it seems only that a surprise scandal would states. Having worked with the well-respected Ms. prevent at least two Republicans from joining the Moshenberg for many years on NCJW advocacy projects Democratic side.

Thus it appears that Judge Sonia Sotomayor shortly and programs, we both said ‘yes’ at once.

“When President Obama chose Judge Sonia will be the third woman to become a member of the Sotomayor to replace Justice Souter,” Bloch added, “we highest court in the land. The vote is likely to occur this felt that he chose someone superbly qualified for the job week or before the summer session ends on July 31.

Holocaust denier to be in Omaha Continued on page 2 Irving’s release presents him not as an anti-Semite and Holocaust denier, as a British court famously found in 2000, but, rather, as a “controversial … historian.”

It accurately notes that Irving has written more than two dozen books on World War II topics, many published by mainstream publishers. But that came before the devastating judgment in 2000 against Irving in his libel suit against Denying the Holocaust author Deborah Lipstadt.

Irving’s release says that, “Latterly he has become the object of censorship and condemnation for the conclusions he reached in ‘Hitler’s War’ (The Viking Press; Macmillan; Avon books, etc.), his blockbuster biography of the wartime Nazi leader. ... The campaign against Irving climaxed in November 2005 when Austrian

Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press:

12606 West Dodge Road • Omaha, NE 68154 • (402) 493-5807 www.centurypa.com

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return).

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

secret state police ambushed him and imprisoned him under the 1945 Stalin-era ‘prohibition law,’ ludicrously accusing him of ‘rehabilitating the Nazi regime’ for a speech he had given legally to university students in 1989. He spent 14 months in solitary confinement in a six-foot square cell in Vienna before winning an appeal.

“Mr. Irving is currently writing about the chief of the infamous black-uniformed SS and the real architect of the Holocaust, Heinrich Himmler -- based on diaries, private letters, and documents that no other historian has seen.”

Potash added, “Irving has spoken of an “international Jewish conspiracy” against him, has described Jews as ‘Shylocks,’ and consistently blames Jews themselves for being hated. Although in recent years, Irving has at times publicly affirmed certain details of the Holocaust, he has done so either to deflect legal threats or in order to cynically profit from appearing to ‘moderate’ his views but then promptly disavowing his ‘reversal’ and again promoting Holocaust denial positions. Irving’s writings, activities, and associations with Holocaust deniers and anti-Semites demonstrate that he continues to articulate and promote hardcore Holocaust denial.”

Information on where Irving is speaking in Omaha, lists a South Florida phone number on his website: 305.923.6779, and adds that “Rights of admission strictly reserved.” Up to date information on Irving is also available on the ADL website: www.adl.org.

Jewish Press Editor Carol Katzman contributed to this article.

July 24, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Limmud Omaha: Feed your hunger for Kripke Library turns into pink tea Judaism with a “feastival” of learning house for girls and their dolls

by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education Limmud Omaha returns for its fourth consecutive year on Sunday, Aug. 23, 1-5 p.m. The theme for 2009 is “Feed Your Hunger for Judaism” and this year’s Limmud promises to do just that -- both spiritually and intellectually at the Jewish Community Center.

“Limmud in Hebrew means learning.

It connects Jews of all ages and experiences for a stimulating day of Jewish education,” said Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education. “This year’s program proves to be no exception. From the keynote address to the individual breakout sessions, this year’s Limmud seeks to connect our hunger and thirst for knowledge with interesting and thought-provoking classes and lectures,” he added.

To this end, The Center for Jewish Education (CJE) brings Jenna Weissman-Joselit to Limmud Omaha as the keynote speaker. Weissman-Joselit is the Charles E. Smith Professor of Judaic Studies at George Washington University. A self-described “historian of daily life”, she specializes in the history and culture of America’s Jews from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. She is a frequent contributor to Gastronomica magazine, a publication whose mission is to “discuss food as an important source of knowledge about different cultures and societies.”

Weissman-Joselit’s keynote address will begin at 1 pm. The afternoon then features two breakout sessions with a choice of different presenters scheduled for 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. A wrap-up session with final remarks by Weissman-Joselit will conclude the day by 5 p.m.

“Last year was my first Limmud and I loved being a part of it -- so much so that I joined the CJE’s Board as chairman of

the Adult Education Committee,” explained Patrick Jensen. “Limmud is a great vehicle to bring together the entire Jewish community to explore and connect with Jewish life, identity, and ideas.

It feels good to belong to a vibrant community that holds knowledge and education in such high esteem. This year, the hardest part of the day will be deciding which great sessions to attend and limiting my gastronomic intake of the brownies offered between each session!” he added.

CJE Board President, Toba CohenDunning, noted that without generous support from the Omaha community, Limmud would not be possible. “We need to give special thanks to the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Fund. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful partners to bring interesting educational programming to our community. I encourage everyone to join us on Aug. 23 for Limmud Omaha: Feed your Hunger for Judaism and bring your friends!”

Since 1999, the popularity of Limmud has been spreading through Jewish communities around the globe at an unprecedented rate. Inspired by their visits to the first Limmud event in England, hundreds of Jewish educators returned to their home communities eager to replicate Limmud’s unique model of dynamic Jewish education. Indeed, as the Jerusalem Report astutely observed in 2000, “wherever there are Jews, there should be a Limmud.”

Limmud Omaha is open to the community and offered at no charge.

Babysitting is available by reservation by calling 334.6463. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. For more information, please contact Mary Sue Grossman at 334.6445 or mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

$500 OFF EVERY $3000 PURCHASE OF WINDOWS AND SIDING Offer good thru August 31st

MALIBU WINDOWS QUALIFY FOR THE

$1500 ENERGY STAR REBATE

EXTERIORS

Call Now: 715-5300 malibusunrooms.com

Distinctive Surroundings…

Extraordinary Events.

• Special Sunday Wedding Packages • Entertainment Packages • Special room rates for out-of-town guests • Call today for information about other special event packages: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties • Birthdays Sweet 16’s • Family Reunions

by SHERRIE L. SAAG ed by the Kripke Federation Library and CJE Administrative Assistant the Center The Kripke Library hosted an afternoon for Jewish tea party for 48 girls, moms and grandmas Education.

Sunday, July 19. The occasion celebrated The Kripke the introduction of Rebecca Rubin, The Library is American Girl’s newest historical doll and open Mon9-7 the 6 books written chronicling her life in day, p.m. and 1914 New York City.

The program began with a short lesson Tuesday – on tea etiquette, followed by tea service Friday 9-4 that included finger sandwiches, strawber- p.m. Check addiries, little cakes, and pink lemonade. Two out tea craft projects allowed the girls to make tional either matching bead bracelets for them- party photos Faceselves and their dolls or a painted silk nap- on kin. Finally, Nancy Rips and Gary Katz, book.

Library Administrator, read excerpts from the first book in the series about Rebecca’s preparations for Shabbat and working in her father’s shoe store on the lower east side. Each girl departed the library with her craft project and a new library book tucked securely into her hands.

“Of course it’s exciting to have a mainstream company like American Girl introduce a Jewish doll, but even better is the book series published along with it. These books are truly a wonderful way for Jewish girls to learn about the Eastern European Jewish immigrant experience that is, for a lot of them, their heritage,” said Katz. “When we contacted the company about our interest in promoting the books through an event at the Omaha Jewish Federation library, they were only too happy to donate the entire set. Now the whole community can benefit from their generosity. In fact, we Top picture: Leah Gurock happily holds onto Rebecca Rubin, already have a waiting list to the Jewish American Girl doll; middle picture: Emily Ref of check these books out.” he Phoenix, AZ and Julia Brodkey, Omaha proudly show off their completed craft projects; bottom picture: Over 20 girls and added.

The tea party was present- their dolls enjoyed afternoon tea at the Kripke Library.

True Italian Food & C a f e

|

B a r

Private Party Room

|

D e l i

Catering Available

Lunch » Monday-Friday 11:00-2:00 Dinner » Monday-Saturday 4:30-On

402.391.2585 Rockbrook Village|108th and West Center Road 11027PrairieBrookRoad |Omaha,NE68144 |www.PastaAmore.net

A Survival Guide to Confronting Anti-Semitism • For College-Bound Freshmen & Current College Students.

• Learn effective responses to anti-Semitic remarks.

• Challenge anti-Jewish stereotypes.

• Enlist support of faculty, campus leaders and the ADL. • Sunday, August 9th, 4-6 p.m.

• Jewish Community Center Social Hall

• Drawings for $250 in Cash Prizes!

• (Must register by August 2nd and be in attendance to win.)

• Invite Your Friends!

• All Are Welcome!

909 South 107th Avenue • Omaha, NE 68114 402.397.8000 • www.regencylodge.com

To register contact: Jessica Gall, ADL Education Associate | 334-6573 | jgall@adl.org

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

Youth programs receive grants from Newman funds

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation In June, the Newman Funds Grants Committee held its annual meeting to award grants to Omaha and Lincoln Jewish youth programs. Six grants were awarded from the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund and two from the Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Fund.

Both funds support programs that strengthen Jewish identity and values through educational, religious, cultural, social or recreational activity. The Esther K. Newman Fund supports programs that are designed for Jewish youth, preschool through college age, and for Jewish young adults ages 23 or younger who are not attending a college or university. The Carolyn Kully Fund awards grants to programs for children in kindergarten or younger.

The Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund began as Camp Esther K. Newman in 1961. The camp was established by Jule Newman in memory of his first wife, Esther. After the camp was sold in 1979, the proceeds from the sale were used to create the Memorial Fund in order to provide grants to Jewish youth programs.

In 1980, the Carolyn Kully Newman Fund was established by the Livingston Foundation in memory of his second wife, Carolyn.

The Institute for Holocaust Education’s (IHE) received a grant for Brundibar, a 1930s opera parodying Hitler through a children’s tale. It was performed in the Theresienstadt The IHE is collaborating with Opera Omaha, KANEKO and other organizations to produce “Brundibar” at the Rose Theater.

There will be 10 school-only productions of the opera presented in November to nearly 10,000 middle school students from the greater Omaha area, and a final performance open to the community. Study guide materials will be made available to educators.

Ela Weissberger, Holocaust survivor and an original cast member from the Theresienstadt Brundibar produc-

tion, will come to Omaha to speak at each performance.

A grant was awarded to the Jewish Federation Foundation for the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program. This program is a new opportunity in Omaha for Bar and Bat Mitzvah-age students to establish their own philanthropic funds by donating $125 in gift money that the program matches with $375. Each year, the students will allocate dollars from their funds to nonprofit organizations. The program was established by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and is now offered by 40 other communities around the country.

The goal of the teen philanthropy program is to teach teens about non-profit organizations and philanthropy, and how people can change the world through life-long giving. There will be three or four annual programs that include community service projects, guest speakers and other activities.

Lincoln Jewish Community School (LJCS) received a grant for special events. LJCS is a religious school combining children and families of two Lincoln synagogues: Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (South Street Temple) and Tifereth Israel. The school currently serves 68 students and their families. Some of the programs that LJCS will offer include a Rosh Hashanah Seder, Sukkah decorating, Purim Meshloach Manot baskets, a Tu B’Shevat program and much more.

A grant was also awarded to LJCS for special events specif- cally designed for young children, kindergarten age or younger.

A grant was awarded to Friedel Jewish Academy for the Advanced Hebrew Immersion Program. Designed for students who have graduated from the sixth grade and are now in Middle School or High School, Friedel will also offer an introductory course for parents of Friedel alumni, current and incoming Friedel students.

The school noted that they would be using the TaL Am curriculum of Hebrew Language Arts and Jewish studies, considered to be the foremost Hebrew immer-

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BIRTHS

Suzanne and Hap Pocras announce the March 24 birth of their son, Knox Oliver.

He has two sisters, Lily and Lucy.

Grandparents are Sheryn and Arnold Joffe, and Joyce and Ken Pocras of Las Vegas, NV. Rebecca and Cliff Deutsch of Chicago announce the July 15 birth of their son, Benjamin Gabriel, named for his maternal great-grandparents Anne and Art Grossman.

He has a brother, Zachary.

Grandparents are Arlene Gitles and Ed Hammerman

Jackson Home Appliance “OMAHA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN APPLIANCE REPAIR” NOW BRINGS THAT SAME ATTENTION TO HEATING & COOLING

Jackson Heating & Cooling FEATURES CARRIER HOME HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM ONE OF OUR HVAC SPECIALISTS ON A NEW FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP 8827 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134

sion program. Students who participate in the program won’t lose their Hebrew language skills that were acquired during their time at Friedel and can further develop their conversation skills. Parents, too, will benefit by being more involved in their children’s education.

The Center for Jewish Education’s (CJE) Special Needs Program also received grants from the Newman Funds. According to the CJE grant proposal, “Special Needs Services provide support for special needs education in the Omaha area congregational religious schools.

An education professional is made available, on-site, to students who otherwise may not have the ability to pursue their Jewish studies.”

Approximately 30 students will receive special needs services during the school year. The services include identifying eligible students, evaluating students’ needs, meeting with parents, modifying curriculum and providing one-on-one learning opportunities. Students work on Hebrew, prayers, Bar/Bat Mitzvah materials, and review Judaica class materials.

Beth El Synagogue received a grant for the Children of Eden Youth Scholarship Concert. Beth El explained that they will produce a community musical to support their Youth Scholarship Fund.

The musical, which relates Biblical stories from the Torah, will include a cast of adults and children that involve more than 70 performers. The entire community will be invited to audition, and there will be many “behind the scenes” roles, too. Two performances of the musical will take place in December and the community will be invited to attend.

The Newman Grants Committee is chaired by Suzanne Richards Singer and includes Stacey Atlas, Bonnie Bloch, Gary Javitch, Myron Kaplan, Arielle Levine, Noam Margalit, Stan Mitchell, Stacey Rockman, Susan Rothholz and Susan Witkowski. For information about next year’s grant application process, please contact the Foundation office at 334.6551.

391-4287 Carrier Factory Authorized Nate Certified Technicians

The Pointe is Choice

of Northbrook, IL, and Mina and Oscar Deutsch of Surpirse, AZ. Traci and Lance Kugler announce the July 6 birth of their daughter, Megan Anne.

She has a sister, Lauren, and three brothers, Alex, Evan and Ryan.

Grandparents are Sandy and Stuart Kutler, and Cyndi and John Kugler.

Great-grandparents are Harriet Singer, the late Lazier Singer, Frances and Bob Koehler, Louise and Gary Blohm, and Dee and Dale Kugler of Lexington, NE.

Mercedes-Benz of Omaha Under New Management Please contact Ryan Knott, your Mercedes Sales Consultant 402.891.2612

Mercedes-Benz of Omaha 14335 Hillsdale Ave. (Just South of 144th & “L”)

As Omaha’s premiere assisted living and memory support community, Heritage Pointe offers: • A full range of apartment sizes from studios to two bedrooms with multiple baths • Six levels of personalized care provided by our certified staff • Choice of dining times for superb meals prepared by our executive chef • Concierge & transportation services • On-site wellness center, plus so much more

It’s good to have choices. Come visit our family and your choice will be Heritage Pointe!

168th & Blondo (402) 614-5222 www.heritagepointeomaha.com

Sesame Street Presents: The Body, a travelling exhibit, now through Sept. 6 at the The Omaha Children’s Museum. Get to know what’s under your skin, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during regular museum days.

This amazing educational attraction teaches children how their bodies work and how to keep healthy as they hop, jump, run and dance their way through this handson Sesame Street adventure!

For information about museum times and membership, call 342.6164 or visit the museum’s website at: www.ocm.org.

motorcycles roadsters scooters ATVs

utility vehicles snowmobiles watercraft trailers

9004 S. 145th St. Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 333-0655 333-0414 fax www.leisurelifesports.com

DIMARTINO & ASSOCIATES INC Retirement Planning | Individual & Business Benefits Inheritance Planning | Life | Annuities | Long-term Care Medicare Supplement | Investments Call for a no-obligation appointment, financial review and personalized report or a second opinion or if you’d simply like to receive our Quarterly Newsletter.

402/505-9494 | 402/614-5288 Lorraine A DiMartino CLU, President | Serving the Omaha-area for 14 years 10685 Bedford Avenue | Suite 200 | Omaha, Nebraska 68134 Registered Representative of & Securities offered through Financial West Group, member FINRA/SIPC 18551 Von Karman Ste 160 Irvine CA 888/277-1974 DiMartino & Associates and Financial West Group are unaffiliated entities.

July 24, 2009

Tri-Faith Initiative to sponsor get-to-know-you picnic

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In Genesis 18:3-5, Abraham and Sarah welcomed three strangers into their tent encircling them with compassion and concern and nourishing the guests with both food and kindness.

Through the centuries, Abraham and Sarah’s welcome has been considered a model of hospitality. Timely, gracious, and abundant, hospitality is also undiscriminating.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, 12:30-3:30 p.m. the Tri-Faith Initiative, a partnership of Temple Israel, the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture, will host a picnic on the lawn of All Saints Episcopal Church, 93rd and Blondo.

“Sharing a meal -- showing hospitality -- is a core value of all three religions,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “We need to continue to forge our relationship which is the glue that will hold our partnership together before a trifaith campus is built.” Since 2006, the three faith groups have been looking for land on which to build a campus that all three can call home.

In March, 1100 people attended the Tri-Faith Initiative’s “Dinner in Abraham’s Tent,” at the Qwest Center. Prior to the dinner at which national leaders from all three faiths spoke, religious services were conducted by clergy from each of the local tri-faith partners.

In the months preceding the large event at the Qwest Center, smaller scale dinners had been hosted by members of the religious groups at their own homes.

“We weren’t aware of how significant those dinners were until afterwards,” according to the Very Reverend Ernesto Medina, dean for Urban Mission at Trinity Cathedral. The dinner at the Qwest in March “was one of the big turning points in our journey,” he said. The

picnic is an opportunity “to be together just to have fun and eat and get to know each others’ kids. It’s relational.”

It’s also a chance to learn more about the food traditions of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. There is no admission charge, but all those who attend are asked to bring a dish to share that does not include pork products and does not mix meat and dairy.

Food that contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt) should be labeled as such.

The main dish and beverages will be available for all who attend. Inside seating will be available for those who can’t take the heat and/or in case of bad weather.

Dr. Syed Mohiuddin, chairman of the Department of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, has arranged for a health fair, staffed by his team of dieticians, physicians, and nurses, to be on hand at the picnic. They’ll take blood pressure, weigh people, and talk to them about diet.

“There will be lots of information for anyone over the age of 12,” indicated Dr. Mohiuddin, “on cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.” Pamphlets and handouts will also be available.

He has been urging the tri-faith group for two years to sponsor a health fair. As for the picnic, “I think it will be great,” he said. “It’ll be fun, and I think we’ll get to know each other better. That’s the most important thing.”

Rev. Medina added that there will also be information available from each faith tradition on healing and the body. For the youngsters, there will be children’s activities. This is “for everybody,” he emphasized. “We want to keep it going.”

“It’s all about setting the table for relationships and dialogue,” remarked Rabbi Azriel.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Going on a Vacation?

Don’t want to leave your four legged friends in a kennel.

House Sitting/Pet Sitting

422-0365

References Available

GREAT Food at GREAT Prices Expect More From An Employee Owned Store

Peony Park

7910 Cass St.

384-8668

ORGANIZATIONS

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob Eisenberg, author of the national best selling Boychicks in the Hood, will talk about that book and the one he is currently researching. Rescheduled from an earlier date, Eisenberg will also discuss growing up as the son of a Holocaust survivor on Wednesday, July 29, noon, at Regency Lodge. The program is free and open to all men and women in the community. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Jenny Gordon at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

NJHS AND B’NAI B’RITH This year marked the 85th anniversary of AZA. The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, B’nai B’rith and AZA are planning to formally celebrate the occasion on Sunday, Aug. 16, 3 p.m., in the JCC auditorium during the NJHS annual meeting. The event also will feature the installation of NJHS officers and new board members and show an oral history video with 18 interviews of past and present AZA members. Kevee

Kirshenbaum, a long time supporter, will be the recipient of the NJHS Shirley Berman Volunteer Award.

VISIONS AND 39 FOREVER Join us for dinner and baseball at Rosenblatt Stadium on Thursday, July 30, 5:45 p.m., in the Stadium View Club. The game will start at 7:05 as the Omaha Royals play the Iowa Cubs. Send reservations to Harry Alloy, 11317 Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions, call Judy Katskee at 493.8875.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334,6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. For information call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

IN THE NEWS

The Nebraska Pharmacy Association honored Justin M. Kohll, at its annual convention last month at the Embassy Suites Hotel in La Vista.

Kohll was honored with the Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award as one of NPA’s 2009 Award winners.

He is a pharmacist and co-owner of Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare/ Essential Pharmacy Compounding in Omaha and Boulder, CO. A leader in the pharmacy compounding industry, he takes pride in providing patients with custom, specialized medications to improve their quality of life.

The 2009-10 Leadership Omaha class was announced by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. This marks the 32nd year of Leadership Omaha, making it one of the longest running community leadership programs in the nation.

Leadership Omaha is a 10-month study of community issues, designed to develop effective leaders who will strengthen and transform the community. Class members are chosen based on their demonstrated community involvement and career advancement; among them are: Adam Kirshenbaum of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Emily Meyer of Gallup, and Troy Meyerson of Fraser Stryker PC LLO.

DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. Questions? Call 334.6448.

The Learning Curve COMING 08.21.09 SPACE RESERVATION COMING 08.10.09

CAMERA READY DEADLINE COMING 08.12.09 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

ALLAN Handleman

Call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

Out

Dining

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

Piecing together Jewish pasts in Poland

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

When people mention Jack & Mary’s, they’re talking

Chicken!

RESTAURANT

Lunch and Dinner Miracle Hills Square

Steaks • Seafood Chicken 114th & Dodge 496-2090

Fine Indian Cuisine and Indian Fusion Check our new extended wine list

12 different wines by the glass, 10 by the 1/2 bottle and 137 by the full bottle.

Lunch Thurs, Fri.: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner Sun.-Thurs.: 5:30-9:45 p.m.

Dinner Fri., Sat.: 5:30-10:45 p.m.

Rockbrook Village 108th and Center Streets

www.jaipurbrewhouse.com

402/392-7331

Outdoor Patio Now Open!

Join Us for Lunch or Dinner

SERVING THE BEST REUBEN IN TOWN SUNDAY BRUNCH

Featuring Traditional Menu and Specialty Items

2101 N. 120th St . | Omaha, NE | 933-8780

by RACHEL POMERANCE Holocaust has prompted Jews to foresake the 1,000 WARSAW (JTA) -- Like many children of Jews who years of Jewish history in Poland that preceded it, even grew up in Poland after World War II, Anna Makowska- though it was a “golden period” of Jewish life that gave Kwapisiewicz was sheltered from her Jewish provenance rise to important religious and cultural development. for much of her life.

Ashkenazi Judaism, in There were clues, of fact, was codified in course. Her exotic dark Krakow. eyes and hair occasionally Approximately 3.5 mildrew remarks about her lion Jews lived in Poland “Gypsy” or “Spanish” before the war; more beauty. Her grandmother than 90 percent disapwould constantly teach her peared in the Holocaust. the catechism so she could Despite continuing recite it “when they anti-Semitism after the return.” And her grandfawar, some Jews stayed in ther told stories of hiding Poland. Their descenin the forest. dants, typically of mixed But it wasn’t until she heritage, include newly repeated an anti-Semitic Jewish-identified Poles joke she heard in high who are now free to school that her mother reconnect to their Jewish broke down and confessed A performance from the 2008 Krakow Jewish Festival, which, with roots thanks to democrathat her father was, in fact, its array of Jewish culture attracts tens of thousands of visitors-- cy replacing commuCredit: limaoscarjuliet/Creative Commons nism. mostly non-Jews. a Jew. The news set MakowskaAs Poles uncover their Kwapisiewicz on a path of Jewish pasts, a small discovery from Jewish Jewish community is restudy to ritual observance. emerging here. Michael Now she is a Jewish educaSchudrich, the New tor building a Jewish York-bred chief rabbi of home and life -- complete Poland, says there are with plans for Jewish about 30,000 Jews in schooling for her year-old Poland. daughter, Nina.

Many newly identified Makowska-Kwapisiewicz Jews find their way to is part of a Jewish awakenJewish institutions and ing taking place in Poland. groups like Czulent, a Like a country of amneyoung Jewish association siacs waking up from the whose name references trauma of Nazism fol- North American cantors, wrapped in a Torah scroll, chant morning not only the traditional lowed by the silence and prayers on July 2, 2009 on the grounds of the Auschwitz death Shabbat stew but also the historical whitewashing of camp during their tour of Poland organized by the Taube “melting pot” of its Credit: Piotr Malecki members’ mixed heritage. communism, Poles are Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture. now trying to piece together their collective memory. In Taube Philanthropies is trying to reattach the Jewishdoing so they are discovering, often in quite personal Polish umbilical cord with its projects restoring Jewish ways, their Jewish roots. pride in Poland. They include a Museum of the History “We are so much interconnected,” the former presi- of Polish Jews, slated to open in 2011 at the site of the dent of Poland, Aleksander Kwasniewski, told JTA at a former Warsaw Ghetto, a new Jewish community center dinner in Warsaw. “I feel that part of my heritage is in Krakow and Jewish heritage tours to reconnect Jewish tradition,” he said, explaining that his grand- American Jews with their lost Polish Jewish heritage. mother lived in Vilnus, a heavily Jewish city, and she knew about Jewish dishes like cholent, the Sabbath stew.

If a Pole says “he has not even one drop of Jewish blood in this body,” then he is “not right,” Kwasniewski said.

While for Poles this awakening is about discovering their Jewish roots, for Jews worldwide it’s about discovering their Polish Jewish roots.

Karen Underhill, a doctoral student in Polish history at the University of Chicago who is a former bookstore owner in Krakow, says Jews visiting Poland used to come by her shop seeking information about their heritage.

Poland, she says, has become a place for Jews to rediscover their Jewish roots, particularly those who do not have a strong connection to contemporary Jewish communal life or Israel.

This month, American Jewish visitor Jeff Wachtel said Anna Makowska-Kwapisiewicz, with her husband, Piotr he saw his own family when visiting the Galicia Jewish Kwapisiewicz, didn't find out about her Jewish roots until she Credit: Pawel Mazur museum, which houses an exhibit of Mayer was in high school.

Kirshenblatt’s paintings of his boyhood Polish town.

Taube also supports the Krakow Jewish Festival, which “I had no sense of what their life was like,” said held its 19th annual event this month, showcasing a Wachtel, a senior assistant to the president of Stanford wide range of Jewish culture, from classes in Jewish University. But when he heard Kirshenblatt talk of his cooking to Yiddish singing and genealogy research. Like Poland, it reminded him of his own family. so many Jewish projects in Poland, the festival was “When I was listening to it, I was sure that that’s organized by many non-Jews and drew nearly 30,000 where my mother grew up,” Wachtel said. “For the first people, according to festival organizers. Most were not time, part of my past became very understood in my Jewish. mind.”

In a country that still suffers from some anti-Semitism, Three-quarters of American Jews trace their roots to the festival creates a safe space for Jews to express their Greater Poland -- including Poland and parts of Jewishness, local community leaders said.

Ukraine, Austria and Hungary -- according to Tad That’s the ultimate goal, said Jonathan Ornstein, Taube, the San Francisco-based philanthropist who is director of Krakow’s new Jewish Community Center. funding a variety of efforts to connect American Jews to “Not the Jewish revival,” Ornstein said of Polish their Polish Jewish heritage. interest in things Jewish, “but the Jewish, Jewish Taube, a Krakow native, argues that “worship” of the revival.”

To order a gift subscription to the Press at a discounted price for the rest of 2009: Send a check for just $20, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

July 24, 2009

by SYBIL KAPLAN

Rabbi Harvey Rides Again by Steve Sheinkin, Jewish Lights, $16.99 paperback, 144 pp.

Two years ago, a writer and illustrator created a Wild West rabbi from the fictitious town of Elk Spring, Colorado, in the 1870s. In comic strip format, the author took stories from Jewish folklore, legends and the Talmud and put them into the life and adventures of Rabbi Harvey as “a graphic novel of Jewish wisdom and wit”.

Now the sequel has been published as “a graphic novel of Jewish folktales let loose in the Wild West,” as this rabbi/sheriff maintains his Talmudic wit and wisdom through ten chapters. Sheinkin relies on folk tales, Hassidic stories, Yiddish tales, Talmudic tales, and a few others to retell the escapades of the good rabbi.

The same styled beige and brown illustrations appear.

As with the first book, anyone who likes to laugh— preteen, teen or adult—will enjoy the insights and humor of Rabbi Harvey.

The Wedding That Saved a Town by Yale Strom, KarBen Publishing, $17.95 hardcover, $7.95 paperback, 32 pp.

Yale Strom is most known as a filmmaker, writer, composer, musician, photographer, playwright and leading ethnographer on klezmer music and history.

He currently is an artist in residence at San Diego State University.

Jenya Prosmitsky is a Russianborn illustrator and graphic designer from Boston who offers whimsical illustrations to this book about a band of klezmorim.

In a somewhat Chelm folk tale style, presumably in another century in Eastern Europe, Reb Yiske receives a telegram that his klezmer band is to travel to Pinsk to play at an important wedding. When they arrive, they learn that the the town is plagued by a cholera epidemic and everyone is afraid to go out. The only way to rid the town of the disease is to have a “black wedding,” a wedding of two orphans.

So although they have a bride ready to be married, there is no groom. The plot continues as everyone looks for a groom.

This folk tale is for five to ten year olds and its concept is explained in the afterword. There is also a glossary of Yiddish words.

The idea is a bit strange but perhaps younger readers will enjoy it.

The Brothers Schlemiel by Mark Binder, Jewish Publication Society, $19.95 hardcover, 256 pp.

As soon as I read the subtitle, “laugh through the streets of Chelm,” I knew this book for lovers of Chelm was going to be an adventure. But imagine my surprise

R O Ñ SE AS î T A M 90th & Arbor 391-0191

Fax: 391-1086 Mon-Sat 11am-1am Sun 4pm-9pm Locally Owned & Operated

when I opened the book to the dedication page and discovered, the Kansas City connection.

This book was made possible by Kansas Citian, Bernie Pucker and his wife, Sue and their children and grandchildren and his sister, Sharon Pucker Rivo and Elliott Rivo and their children. It was done in memory of Bernie and Sharon's mother, Ida Faye Pucker.

In this book, “Jacob and Rebecca Schlemiel lived in the village of Chelm, a tiny settlement of Jews known far and wide as the most concentrated collection of fools in the world. Chelm was celebrated in Yiddish jokes, shaggy dog stories, foolish songs, and the occasional ribald limerick.”

Jacob was a wonderful carpenter and Rebecca was due to have twins. So begins this book of 45 chapters of adventures before and after Abraham and Adam are born and into young adulthood.

Adam made all the trouble and Abraham took all the blame.

Zevi Blum creates whimsical, precise color illustrations to accompany Mark Binder's skill as a master story teller, author and recording artist.

Anyone who is familiar with Chelm stories will sit and laugh while reading this book. For anyone unfamiliar with Chelm, now is the time to laugh and enjoy.

Portrait of Jewish American Heroes by Malka Drucker, Dutton, $21.99 hardcover, 96 pp.

Malka Drucker is a rabbi and has written more than 15 young people's books. This book, geared for young readers nine to eleven, introduces us to 21 Jewish American Heroes—12 men and nine women. Rabbi Drucker defines heroes as ones who “set an example of the best a human being can do, and they work not only for themselves but for others.”

Included are people who “tell the story of what it means to be both a Jew and an American....everyone in this book knew the sting of anti-Semitism....I write of these people to honor their work and with the hope that their achievements will inspire future heroes.”

Included are: Haym Solomon, Levi Strauss, Emma Lazarus, Louis D. Brandeis, Henrietta Szold, Rachel Frank, Lillian Wald, Harry Houdini, Albert Einstein, Golda Meir, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Hank Greenberg, Leonard Bernstein, Bella Abzug, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Steinem. Michael Schwerner & Andrew Goodman, Steve Spielberg, Judith Resnik, and Daniel Pearl.

At the end is a glossary, a Jewish-American history timeline, a bibliography and suggested reading.

Elizabeth Rosen, an artist who lives in Manhattan and Woodstock, New York, used different media for each hero.

This is a wonderful book to give to youngsters in elementary school because it shows the depth and breadth of contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the more than 350 years Jews have lived in America.

Sybil Kaplan, from Overland Park, Kansas is a journalist, book reviewer, lecturer, synagogue librarian and author of three recently published Jewish children's books.

LUNCH SPECIALS Serving Mexican Food • Fajitas • Tacos • Enchiladas • Tamales Full American Menu • Steaks • Sea Food •Prime Rib • BBQ Ribs • Chicken

6

Half Pound $ 49 Childrens Menu Available Party Room Available

Hot Pastrami or Corned Beef Sandwich, Chips & Soft Drink

Offer expires 7/31/09

7517 Pacific Street • 391-8680 www.spiritworldwine.com

Page 7

Divine Kosher Cuisine Edited

Summer reading: Roundup of books for young readers

BOOK REVIEW

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

by R. ROUTENBERG & B. WASSER ($37.95)

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

The members of the 115-year old Congregation Agudat Achim in Niskayuma, New York, (near Schenectady) and their in-house all volunteer catering service, As You Like It Kosher Catering, produced this award winning ... the McIlhenny-Tabasco Company’s Community Cookbook Award, cookbook.

Figuring “never too many cooks” worked for them!

Over 470 recipes are treasured family favorites, some have never been published before. Holidays have menu suggestions with over 100 recipes for Passover. Icons indicate the recipes are from the catering service, kidfriendly, suitable-for-Passover, wine suggestions and “Non-G” ( 70 recipes are non-g’brocht, “foods that mix baked matzoh with water”). Pareve, dairy or meat is indicated with each recipe. Numerical instructions describe the cooking procedure. Headnotes and sidebars have helpful hints and tips (add a teaspoon of turmeric to your chicken soup to intensify the color and flavor).

The chapters are Beginnings, Entrées, Accompaniments, Afterwards and Special Section: Brunch, Simple to Lavish, The Incomparable Carrot Festival (“a mega-harvest fair with a happy carnival air” with recipes from Carrot Strudel to Festive Carrot Tzimmes) and Cooking for Passover (the recipes exclude all the items commonly considered kitniot ... legumes, peanuts, rice, corn and chickpeas) and Made-to-Order: The Larger Gathering ... suggestions and recipes for scaling up or getting down for events For your next gathering, try this Pareve recipe.

VEGETARIAN CHOPPED LIVER cup Veggie Schmaltz or olive oil, divided 3 large onions, chopped6 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound mushrooms, chopped 2 15-ounce cans baby peas, drained 6 large hard-boiled eggs 1 cup chopped walnuts salt and pepper 1/2 cup onions, minced to taste Heat 1/4 cup schmaltz or oil in large skillet and sauté chopped onions until caramelized. Add garlic and sauté until soft. Remove.

Sauté mushrooms in same skillet. Add onion mixture and peas and stir until hot. Cool.

Purée mixture with eggs, nuts, salt and pepper. Fold in minced onions.

Yield: 12 servings Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@ yahoo.com 1/2

JIM & JENNIE’S GREEK VILLAGE “since 1920”

3151/2

So. 16th St.

CANTONESE FOODS and CHINESE FAMILY-STYLE DINNERS • Luncheon Specials 11-2 Mon-Sat • DINNER SERVED 5-9 Mon-Sat • Take Out Orders Available to 9 pm OPEN Daily 11 am-9 pm CLOSED Sundays & Holidays

341-3437

EL ALAMO

“Best Mexican Food”

Nachos • Guacamole • Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamales • Arroz Con Pollo • Machaca MEXICAN BEER Corona • XX • Bohemia • Tecate • Carta Blanca Open for Lunch and Dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969

Traditional Greek Dishes

♦ Roast Lamb ♦ Fish Plaki ♦ Stuffed Grape Leaves ♦ Chicken Reganato ♦ Souviaki ♦ Mousaka

♦ Sanganaki ♦ Spanakopita ♦ Lamb Kabob ♦ Chicken Kabob ♦ Seafood Specialties ♦ Full Bar

TAKE-OUT

CATERING

3026 No. 90th St. • 571-2857

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant CARRY OUT AVAILABLE

498-8833 Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117 Ave. North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30

Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

Why should Palestinian refugees be treated differently?

An article in last Friday’s Wall Street Journel -- “U.S. Agrees to Resettle Palestinians Displaced by Iraq War” by Miriam Jordan points out the hypocritical behavior of the United Nations and complicity by Arab countries in the Middle East for keeping Palestinians in refugee camps for more than 60 years.

Jordan writes about 1350 Palestinians who will be resettled (and get full benefits) in the United States because they were “trapped” in a camp on the Syrian/Iraqi border due to the war in Iraq. Apparently a number of Palestinian and Arab leaders are unhappy that the U.S. is taking in these refugees because it undercuts their longtime stance that Palestinians can only be resettled -- in Israel!

What’s wrong with this picture?

Every other group of refugees in the world has been resettled elsewhere, with the exception of the Palestinians. Think Muslims and Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India; ethnic Germans from Poland and AlsaceLorraine in France; Jews from all over Eastern Europe (what was left of them after World War II anyway) and of course some 750,000 Jews from Northern Africa, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt in the aftermath of Israel’s independence in 1948.

But not the Palestinians. Jordan is the only country in the Mideast that granted citizenship to the Palestinians within their borders.

Though readers should remember that in September of 1970, the Jordanian army killed as many as 5,000 after an uprising (led by Yasser Arafat, who escaped to Lebanon) and from which came the terrorist group, Black September, responsible for the massacre at the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972.

In the early days of the first Gulf War, the government of Kuwait expelled the Palestinians living and working there because they were dancing in the streets and cheering for Saddam Hussein as his Republican Guards invaded their host country of Kuwait.

Even Saudi Arabia promises much and delivers little in the way of funding the so-called

refugee camps of Gaza and the West Bank.

Despite the machinations of radical celebrities like George Galloway and former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinley, Israel has not, we repeat, not blocked humanitarian aid from getting into Gaza (only materials and supplies that could be converted into weaponry are turned away).

After Israel “disengaged” from Gaza, a euphemistic way of saying: “Okay, it’s yours now, govern -- build -- create something”, the Gazans, lead by Iranian-controlled Hamas, instead launched 8000 rockets. And when Israel finally responded last summer to protect its citizens, the world cried “foul.”

So now that the U.S. is inviting 1350 Palestinians to become U.S. citizens, we wonder who’s going to support them?

In 1989, when the walls of the Soviet Union fell, Jewish communities all over North America, including Omaha’s, were asked to commit to loan guarantees to resettle the million or so Jews who left the former Soviet Union and were resettled in America and Israel. Whatever funds weren’t used from each community’s campaign were shared with other cities where the campaigns fell short -- or where more Jewish refugees settled than expected.

While we have no argument with the U.S. taking in refugees as a result of a war that our country was involved in, we wonder why this wasn’t done decades ago -- not just by our country, but by neighboring Arab states.

The answer, of course, is that the Palestinians are pawns. It suits the

dictatorial governments of the Mideast to use them as a diversion, so their own citizens won’t see that their emperors have no clothes, that there are not enough jobs for young people, and that they’ve funded terrorists to create havoc elsewhere and avoid toppling their own thrones (gold-plated toilets and all).

It’s about time Palestinian refugees were resettled. Let them make better lives for themselves and their children. But let’s take it one step further: the U.S. -- through the U.S. -should stop funding the UN agency which has been keeping Palestinians in squalid refugee camps for more than three generations now.

As President Reagan said to President Mikhail Gorbachov: “Tear down this wall!”

But this time, it should be the walls of Palestinian refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and everywhere else they’ve been stuck in limbo.

The keys to former Jewish homes in Dinov, Przemysl and Kulikow are lost to history.

Palestinians need to stop carrying the keys to their grandfather’s homes in Jaffa, Haifa and Lod -- that’s the Land of Israel now and has been for 60-plus years. Get over it; stop whining and move on with your lives.

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL

by TEDDY WEINBERGER

In traditional Judaism, the three weeks leading up to and including the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av are characterized by an increasing severity of mourning for the destruction of the Temples. (The three weeks this year began July 9.) For me, these three weeks also serve as a sober countdown to the one day of the year when I as a religious Jew feel a bit awkward in Israel.

To be sure, Israel tries to be sensitive to the religiously observant on Tisha B’Av. Israeli law says that each municipality may decide whether or not to prohibit “public entertainment” on Tisha B’Av, and in practice the night of Tisha B’Av is pretty quiet. Officially, “public entertainment” is defined as “plays, movies, concerts, discos, dances, ballet, night clubs, circuses, games or sports, and any entertainment such as these.”

It’s still not clear whether coffee houses constitute “public entertainment,” and over the years there has been a lot of legal flip-flopping about this. As opposed to Yom Kippur, when this matter is indeed clear (coffee houses are closed), Israeli society seems to say: It’s okay to eat on Tisha B’Av, but just don’t appear to be having a good time doing it. The quiet on Tisha B’Av eve (which this year falls on Wednesday night, July 29) may even encour-

Israeli society seems to say: It’s okay to eat on Tisha B’Av, but just don’t appear to be having a good time doing it.

Another problem I have with fasting on Tisha B’Av is that (following Maimonides) I do not hope for a return to animal sacrifice.

My feeling is that while it is true that the destruction of the two Temples were national tragedies, the Jewish people have moved beyond animal sacrifice in their worship of God. Yet built into traditional mourning (including fasting) for the Temples’ destruction is the hope for the rebuilding of a Third Temple -- and this is usually taken to include animal sacrifice.

There’s no getting around it: Tisha B’Av is a

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press .

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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

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

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

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Biting the Tisha B’Av bullet age people to go to synagogue or their local community center to hear the beautiful, poignant chanting of Lamentations.

But a huge gap separates an evening listening to Lamentations with observing the 25-hour Tisha B’Av fast. While on Yom Kippur there are some non-observant Israelis who fast out of ethnic identity, I have yet to meet an Israeli who fasts on Tisha B’Av for this reason.

Since only the religiously observant fast on Tisha B’Av, fasting pushes me closer to the ultra-orthodox (a sector with whom I have serious problems) and estranges me from the majority of Israelis who do not fast on this day.

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

definite obstacle to my religious worldview.

Ordinarily, I lead my life as a religious Jew quite happily, honestly feeling that my religious life is the best life for me and not feeling deprived or restricted by my observances.

Tisha B’Av breaks my nice cozy bubble. Try as I might, I just cannot manage to make fasting on a broiling summer day seem like fun.

For a modern religious Jew like myself, therefore, Tisha B’Av forces me to bite the bullet of religious observance. My tradition teaches me that God, through the sages, has commanded me to fast on Tisha B’Av. I don’t get to make the rules. I am either going to obey or I am not.

According to Jewish tradition the Messiah will be born on Tisha B’Av. And the really good news is that once the Messiah arrives, Tisha B’Av will become the first day of a weeklong Jewish festival. I assume that this means that I will get to eat and drink then.

End note to my traditional readers: Yes, I know that the first day of the “three week” mourning period is itself another fast day (the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz) and that according to Orthodox Judaism God commands every Jewish adult to also fast on this summer day. Next year, why not bite the shivah-asar b’Tamuz bullet as well? Shway shway, to borrow from an Arabic (and now Israeli) expression; or: little by little.

Teddy Weinberger, his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross and their five children made aliyah in 1997. He can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

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

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

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

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

All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet.

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

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

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

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

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

July 24, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Israel backers must support a settlement freeze

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by JOHN FRIEDMAN

DURHAM, N.C. (JTA) -- The Jewish community in America has always supported Israel. We have raised funds, walked in solidarity, visited whenever possible and prayed for the safety of the Jewish state since its very inception. “Wherever we stand, we stand with Israel” is a comment made sincerely by many.

But surely, if we stand with Israel, if we want what’s best for the Jewish state, we must be honest -- we must tell the leadership of our spiritual home the truth. And the truth is, President Obama is right when he says that settlement building must stop.

There are many reasons to argue for a settlement freeze. The economic drain of the settlements on the Israeli economy is enormous. The government has spent more than half a billion dollars on the settlements annually, with each settler getting thousands of dollars more in benefits than other Israelis. Furthermore, the Israeli government has already signed an international agreement committing itself to a freeze -- the 2003 “road map.”

Also, the establishment of a viable Palestinian state depends on territorial contiguity, and more construction makes the achievement of a state that much more difficult. Finally, as a rabbi, I might be expected to concern myself with the moral implications of the settlement project.

But the American Jewish community really needs to focus on only one thing in this battle over settlements: Freezing construction will lead to an improvement in

Israel’s security. This result will not be direct, nor will it be immediate. But calling a halt to Israeli construction on the West Bank will serve as the first, vital step in a process that, simply put, will make Israel a safer place to live.

One need only look at a map to see what Palestinians see every day: Israeli settlements -- and the attendant bypass roads, roadblocks and security fence -- have served to carve the West Bank into ever shrinking pieces.

Palestinians look at the cranes and bulldozers and know what we are often loath to admit: Each new stone laid in an Israeli settlement is further reason to distrust the Israeli government’s statements that it wants peace.

A settlement freeze is a requirement if the sides want to start a true negotiation process. Not only will it allow the Palestinian leadership to sit at the table in good faith, it also will free the rest of the Arab world to begin to act on the promise of normalization made in the Arab League Peace Initiative.

Freezing construction will lead to an improvement in Israel’s security. This result will not be direct, nor will it be immediate.

But ... (it) will serve as the first, vital step ...

It will serve as the single clearest statement Israel can make that it is serious in its intention to see the establishment of a durable Palestinian state alongside Israel. And a sincere negotiating process, difficult and painful as it may yet prove, is the one thing that can lead Israel to real peace and true security.

In fighting the freeze, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is risking not only this process but also the alienation of Israel’s strongest, staunchest ally. President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

have made it abundantly clear that unlike the Bush administration, they mean what they say and they say what they mean. They expect the Israeli government to stand by its commitment to freeze all construction in the settlements.

Can Israel afford to push the Americans away?

Furthermore, the settlements have proven themselves a burden on Israel’s military for years. Every soldier sent to protect settlements or escort settlers on the roads is a soldier unavailable to guard Israel’s borders. Each soldier trained to check Palestinian IDs at one of the hundreds of West Bank roadblocks is a soldier unavailable for training in modern warfare. Every dollar spent on patrols around West Bank cities is a dollar unavailable for upgraded equipment. The state of Israel’s military preparedness was revealed in the summer of 2006 during the Second Lebanon War, and the Israeli public and Jewish Diaspora grieved together to see the high cost of going to war unprepared.

A settlement freeze would not immediately halt attacks on Israel. It would not immediately free up financial or military resources with which to build a stronger country, nor would it guarantee that Israel and the United States will see eye-to-eye in the future.

But it would be an incalculably important first step, demonstrating clearly to the American administration, the Palestinian people and the world at large that Israel is serious in its peaceful intentions. And this, in turn, will allow peace talks to move forward.

If we are to truly stand with and for Israel, we must stand for peace. If we stand for peace, we as a community must stand for the settlement freeze.

Rabbi John Friedman of Judea Reform Congregation in Durham, N.C., is the chair of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom’s Rabbinic Cabinet.

The President met with “the Jews,” but Israel has a representative government

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by SHOSHANA BRYEN

There was much parsing of the guest list, the questions or lack of questions, whether the President listened or talked, whether “the Jews” liked or didn’t like what they heard. As veterans of meetings with Presidents -- Democrats and Republicans with whom we agreed and disagreed -- let us say, this meeting, like all others, was window dressing for a pre-determined policy.

No President needs input from the American Jewish community except to advance the course he has already determined. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t think President Obama has a fully-fashioned plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace? Whether parts of the American Jewish community agree with the plan or don’t, give the President credit for knowing what he thinks, or thinking he knows.

This is neither self-abnegation nor sour grapes (in case you didn’t guess, JINSA wasn’t there) -- it is reality and it is appropriate. We in the American Jewish community have varied opinions about Israel, the threats it faces and

Business Opportunity

Sam & Louie’s Nebraska’s premier pizzeria and Italian restaurant with 15 locations in Omaha, Norfolk, Blair, Gretna, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, IA is looking for entrepreneurial individuals to develop a Sam & Louie’s in your community.

the options it has to meet the threats.

Most of us -- liberals, conservatives and those in between -- are passionately attached to the well being of the Jewish state. But Israel has a government elected by its people in free and open elections. They choose their government, the government makes decisions and Israelis live with the consequences.

We do not, and our government does not.

Most of us -- liberals, conservatives and those in between -- are passionately attached to the well-being of the Jewish state. But Israel has a government elected by its people in free and open elections.

It would be a mistake for an American president to ask us what he should be asking the prime minister of Israel.

It would be a mistake for an American president to tell us what he should be telling the Government of Israel.

It would be a mistake for an American president to ask us to sell his program to the Government of Israel or to support him in pressuring the prime minister. We hope President Obama didn’t make that mistake.

There are always people -- “The Jews” or a new administration -- who think they know better than Israel and think the “judicious” application of pressure “to do

PRAIRIE DAYS Tilden, NE

what is in Israel’s own best interest,” will result in “peace.”

It would be a mistake for us -- or any group of us -- to ask the President to pressure an Israeli government, or cheer when he chooses to. This is not a new position for JINSA and doesn’t stem from policies of the current administration.

JINSA Reports of 2005 show us at odds with both the Bush Administration and Jewish groups who wanted the administration to “force” Prime Minister Sharon to abandon disengagement from Gaza.

We had reservations about disengagement, which we expressed to the Government of Israel itself, but we declined to help invite the massive machinery of the American government to substitute its judgment for that of the Government of Israel. We were concerned that American pressure on Israel could become a habit. We still are.

“The Jews” who covet their invitation to this -- or any White House -- and think they know better than the Government of Israel, do a disservice to Israel, to the White House and to “The Jews.” But mostly to Israel.

Shoshana Bryen is Senior Director for Security Policy for JINSA, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs in Washington, D.C.; read more at www.JINSA.org.

Security System!

FREE Home

or contact Michael at (402) 850-0337 for more information.

85 L U 0 E V A

at NO COST to you for parts and activation with only a $99 Installation Fee and the purchase of alarm monitoring services. Terms and Conditions below.

Fri.-Sun.~July24-25-26

•The Moving Wall (Vietnam Memorial) •Quilt Show •Barbecue • Sanctioned Cow Chip Throw • Sanctioned Drag Your Nag •Parade •Civil War Grave Dedication • Mechanical Bull Rides •NE Nebraska Railroad •Beaver Buckets •Minnow Races •Fri.NightStreetDancew/Side Step •SatNightDancew/Thudwinker

6th annual ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE - over 50 dealers

InbeautifulnortheastNebraska • Forinfo: www.tildenprairiedays.com

Our state-of-the-art system includes: ■ Front and Back Doors Protected ■ Infrared Interior Motion Detector ■ Digital Keypad with Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency Buttons ■ Interior Siren ■ Control Panel with Battery Back-up ■ Lawn Sign and Window Decals Your home security system is monitored by ADT professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an added benefit, installing a Security System may qualify you for a Homeowners Insurance discount.

If this sounds like something you are interested in visit our web site

www.samandlouiesnyp.com

$

Act Now and Receive a

FREE

Wireless Remote Control $99 Value! To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09

Act Now and Receive a

FREE

Medical & Fire Panic Alert To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-09

1-888-669-4896

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight EST Sat-Sun 8am-8pm EST

$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Licenses: AL-09-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CO-110357041, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE: 07-212, FL- EC13003401 GA-LVA205157, ID: 39131, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA: 1355-C, MD: 30339155,107-1375, MI- 3601204877, MN- TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis LC7017450,CC354, MS-15007958, NC- 25310-SP-LV, NE-14451, NJ- 34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID# 12000286451, OH- 53 89 1446, OK-1048, OR- 170997,RI-3428, SC- BAC 5630, TN- C-1164, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382 WA- 602 588 694/PROTEYH934RS, WI- City of Milwaukee M-0001599, WV- WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com/MBIDS

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

Candlelighting Friday, July 24, 8:30 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

Your ad can go here... to reserve space,

call

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

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

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.

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

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

YOUNG FAMILIES’ SHABBATON: Aug. 7-9 at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City, open to all families in the Jewish community with children ages eight and younger.

To register or for information, contact Margie in the office.

BBQ & BARCHU: On Friday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m., we will celebrate a special Shabbat at Zorinsky Lake, just south of Center on 156 St. Dinner will be at 6:15 p.m.; musical Kabbalat Shabbat service will follow at 6:45 p.m. Cost: adults $8.50 (Beth El members), $10.50 (non-members); kids 6-12, $4 (Beth El members), $6 (non-members); no charge for children 5 and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie Gutnik at the synagogue or at programming@bethelomaha.org.

SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE: Send bottles of honey for $7.50 each; $7.25 for 15 or more

by Friday, Aug. 17. To order, contact the office at programor ming@bethel-omaha.org, contact Wendy Berenson at Munch765@aol.com or call 253.2028.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat,

7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Josh and Amanda Gurock in honor of the birthday of Max and Jacob; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to Mincha, 8:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m.

TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m.

WEDNESDAY-Erev Tisha B’Av: Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:44 p.m.; Eicha, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY-Tisha B’va: Shacharit/Kinnot, 6:45 a.m.; Class with Rabbi Mizrahi, 8:30 a.m.; Exodus, 10 a.m.; Defiance, followed by reflections with Jack Diamond, 2 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m.; The Bridge on the River Kwai, 6:15 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 9:15 p.m.; Fast Ends, 9:22 p.m.; There will be a dinner to break the fast at the synagogue (by reservation).

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Tisha B’Av service with Mincha, 8:30 a.m. followed by the reading of Eicha.

Discussion on why the temple is referred to by Maimonides as “the Chosen Home” to follow the services.

FRIDAY, July 31: Service, 7 a.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I

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

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

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

Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, and complete form.

beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 79, noon. Please contact Shevi@ ochabad. com to receive a guest pass.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Eleanor Kirkland.

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

THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Hebrew, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

The Lincoln Jewish Community School is currently seeking additional Judaic and Hebrew teachers for the 2009-10 school year for fifth through seventh grades on Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m., and Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m.noon. If you are interested, contact Andrea Halpern at halperns @inebraska.com or call 402.217.2631.

Celebrate the Ruach at OSRUI on July 25 with Debbie Friedman and Rabbi Joe Black! Spend a Shabbat afternoon at camp, followed by dinner and a concert under the stars! For ticket prices, registration and more, visit http://osrui.urjcamps.org/alu mni/celebrate_the_ruach. For more information or to volunteer to help at the event, e-mail osruialumni@gmail.com.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack and David Herzog.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led Rabbi Eric Linder; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder, and guest soloist Tami Field; Summer Speaker Series: “Jewish Influences in My Life from Childhood through College Years” with Larry Gendler.

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

SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome.

TUESDAY: WRJ Book Sorting, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at South entrance.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study.

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

The Lincoln Jewish Community School is currently seeking additional Judaic and Hebrew teachers for the 2009-10 school year for fifth through seventh grades on Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. and Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m.noon. If you are interested, please contact Andrea Halpern at: halperns@inebraska.com or call 402.217.2631.

AZA donates to UNMC Dr. Kenneth Cowan, left, accepts a $50 check from Alex Brown (president of Chaim Weizmann), and Mark Javitch (Chaim Weizmann advisor). Mark Zinkov, Weizmann treasurer, arranged the fundraiser. “I am so proud of our guys,” Javitch commented, “They are becoming more active in the community and seeing the value in volunteerism and philanthropy at such a young age.”

The teens plan on touring the facility soon, and hope to continue finding ways to help both financially and personally in the community. In addition, they also pooled their money together at a July chapter meeting, and donated the proceeds of their “pocket drive” to the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

July 24, 2009

DEATHS MAURICE I. “BUD� GREENSPAN Bud Greenspan died July 16 at the age of 82. Services were held at Temple Israel Cemetery on July 19.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific in the U.S. Army’s 43rd Infantry Division. He owned Rosebud Graphics and was also involved in local real estate.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosalie; sons and daughters-in-law, Bennett and Robin Greenspan and Jim and Wendy Greenspan; grandchildren, Elliott, Brianna, Kayla and Megan; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Ted Levin of Minneapolis, and Shirley and Morrey Beider of Detroit.

Memorials to Temple Israel, the American Heart Association, or charity of choice.

FANNYE SIMON Former Omahan Fannye Simon died on June 26 in Chapel Hill, NC shortly before her 94th birthday.

Services were held on June 30 at Fisher Farm.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Murry K. Simon.

She is survived by her daughters, Vita Simon of Lorton, VA, and Debra Bernstein of Chapel Hill, NC. Memorials to Kehillah of Chapel Hill, 1200 Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514; UNC Children’s Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, or the National Kidney Foundation.

Eye on Israel kicks off regular discussions

by SHERRIE SAAG CJE AdministrativeAssistant More than 30 people packed the Kripke Jewish Federation Library on June 30 for a special edition of “Eye on Israel�. Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director of the Center for Jewish Education, had just returned from an extended visit to Israel. For one hour that afternoon, he shared the most recent political news and social commentary from the Holy Land.

The recent elections in Lebanon and Iran and their impact in the Middle East dominated the lunchtime conversation. “The Center for Jewish Education strives to keep the community current on Israeli politics. But lately it appears that our audience prefers we broaden our topic to include the Middle East. And, of course, everyone wants to place the news in the context of American politics and the Obama administration,� said Matalon.

By popular request from those who were in attendance, another edition of Eye on Israel is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Library. “One topic we will address on August 4 is the United States military withdrawal in Iraq and its implications for Israel. And as in previous “Eye on Israel� programs, we will dissect the Israeli media and separate the hard news from pure commentary,� he added.

Of all great books ...

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials 0HPEHU $:($

Parashat Devarim For very many people, the last Book of Torah -Deuteronomy -- is the greatest of the Five Books of Moses.

The name implies that it is a repetition of the law. In part, it is a repetition of all the laws and social practices related in the second half of the Book of Exodus, and all of Leviticus and Numbers. But it is very much more than that.

Deuteronomy gives us the first concepts of “humanity�, the inter-related aspects of all human beings. This is a concept unknown before this in ancient times, and it still needs emphasis in our own times, when nations and peoples often still look upon each other as enemies, or at least with suspicion. The idea of a united humanity, theoretically brought together in the United Nations, is yet to be achieved.

Deuteronomy -- or Devarim, as it is known in Hebrew -- ought to be required reading for all those who wield political clout in any part of the world. This great book would do more for the human race than the League of Nations or the U.N. even attempted to do, but archived only very modestly.

Everyone ought to read this fifth Book of Torah and ponder its lessons. Then one ought to read it again. And then again. And then still again.

I have often thought it unfortunate that so many of us are on summer vacations at the time Devarim is read in the synagogue. But that does not excuse us. We ought to read it again and again and again. It is one of the great books that lie before human beings, ready to be read and read and read again.

Inscribing the Bible

Page 11

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

:,1' $1' 62/$5 75$,1,1* $XJXVW

´)RU &RQWDFW ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3OHDVH 6HH :HEVLWH¾

ZZZ ZLQGDQGHQHUJ\WUDLQLQJ FRP

WEST TEXAS LAND FORECLOSURES DON’T MISS OUT! s /.,9 PARCELS AVAILABLE !CRE 0ARCELS s "EAUTIFUL -OUNTAIN 6IEW /WNER &INANCING .O #REDIT #HECKS

50% discount

$0 Down

JUST take over payments as low as $159 per/mo.

Another’s loss is Your gain!

Call Jerry NOW @ 888-777-2759 www.sunsetlandsales.com

Statewide Classified CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 175 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $210/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 800-369-2850.

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointments necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

3,053 ACRES, mostly cropland, alfalfa, grass, 20 miles south of Kadoka, SD (exit 150). Farmstead, water, house, 112,000 bu. storage, hunting. Aug. 12, Absolute Auction: 605-544-3316; www.PiroutekAuction.com.

EZ FINANCING for manufactured - modular homes. Land owners zero down. No land okay. Up to $8,000 stimulus. Big screen with purchase. 800-375-3115. Call to pre-qualify.

FORECLOSED HOME auction. 800+ homes must be sold! Open house: 7/25, 8/1 & 2. Online auction: 8/3. View full listings & details, www.Auction.com.

FOR SALE at auction: 1954 Corvette, 1931 Cadillac, 1966 GTO and hundreds more!

The Branson Auction, September 11 & 12. Consign your car today! 800-335-3063, www.bransonauction.com.

The Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem opens a new project under the title ‘People of the World Inscribe the Bible’, thousands of people around the world inscribe Bibles in their native languages, including the one shown here, in Chinese. To date, thousands of people from 31 countries have participated. Each community hand-inscribes 23,127 verses, the goal being to complete 100 Bibles in Credit: ISRANET 100 hundred languages.

FOR SALE: 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, 2 tone silver and green paint, new brakes, runs good. $26,000 or OBO. Call 308-530-4274 or 308-534-4552.

HOT TUB floor model sale. 4, 5 and 6 man. $995 to $3,995. Walk-in bathtubs, $3,995 up. Saunas, $1,995 to $2,695. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE. Our 27th year in business. 800-869-0406.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.

ABLE TO travel: hiring eight people, no experience necessary, transportation & lodging furnished, expense paid training. Work/travel entire U.S. Start immediately. www.protekchemical.com. Call 1-877-936-7468.

JEWISH PRESS EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE

Upon his return from Israel, Dr. Guy Matalon leads a discussion of recent events there. “Eye on Israel� is an interactive forum to debate current Israeli and Middle East political issues and American foreign policy. The program is open to the public and is provided free of charge. For more information, call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the High Holiday Machzor in large print and in Braille free of charge for those who need them.

A doctor’s note stating necessity is required. To receive a complimentary Machzor, contact our office at 718.338.4999; or fax to: 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.

The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor day; the deadline for the Sept. 11 issue is Wednesday, Sept.

2, 9 a.m. for all articles, ads, and photos.

The Press publish the New Year’s issue on Sept. 18, 2009, entitled “What we did THAT summer!�

All rabbis’ holiday messages and articles and photos are due by Aug. 7; all lists of marriages, births and deaths, as well as board lists are due on Aug. 14; synagogue schedules for Rosh Hashanah are due by Aug. 21.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Advertise Statewide Classifieds $210 25 words 2x2 Over 170 Newspapers Display Ad $875 Over 170 Newspapers Contact this newspaper for more information, or call 800-369-2850

AGENTS! LOOKING for a new opportunity? Taylor & Martin Real Estate & Ag Sales is looking for aggressive, self-motivated individuals! Call today - 402-941-1500.

OVER 18? Between high school and college? Travel and have fun with young successful business group. No experience necessary. 2 weeks paid training. Lodging, transportation provided. 1-877-646-5050.

AIRLINES ARE hiring - train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-349-5387.

EXPERIENCED HEAVY equipment operator. Ag experience on dozers, backhoes, or scrapers, ability to work independently. home nights. Good pay/benefits. Pickup provided. Call 402-395-2301. EOE. FULL TIME/PART TIME Sales Consultant needed for growing, family owned, Southeast Nebraska newspaper. Call on existing customers, build new business, selling/designing print advertising with customers. Exceptional commission/benefits. Call Linda, 402-792-2255.

HELP WANTED: Sports Editor with strong communication and planning skills. Duties include coverage of high school and college sports programs; ability to interview, write, report, and design pages. Send resume and samples to: Editor, McCook Gazette, PO Box 1268, McCook, NE 69001, editor@mccookgazette.com.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge dealership in Crete, NE - ASE certified technician. Chrysler experience helpful. Salary negotiable DOE. Call Roy or Doug at 402-826-5300.

WAIT STAFF, Bartenders, Housekeepers needed immediately. Seasonal positions. If interested, please call Dismal River Club. Ask for Kathy, 308-546-2900 ext. 106.

WANTED: SELF-MOTIVATED individuals to work in central Nebraska water well business. Valid CDL, welding and mechanical skills. Pre-employment drug testing. Average 50 hours week year round. Competitive wages and benefits. Serious inquiries. Downey Well Co. Inc., PO Box 37, Merna, NE 68856 or call 308-643-2463.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 24, 2009

U.S. swimmer strikes gold in In new Tarantino film, Jews exact revenge on Nazis scruffy, hyper, cocky Jewish characters Richard Dreyfus

by SIMCHA WEINSTEIN Maccabiah debut NEW YORK (JTA) -- Add acclaimed director specialized in during the 1970s.

by JTA staff JERUSALEM (JTA) -- U.S. swimmer Jason Lezak, making his Maccabiah Games debut, and Australian golfer Roy Vandersluis, in his ninth Games, both won gold medals.

Lezak, a seven-time Olympic medalist who eschewed the World Championships to participate in the Maccabiah, won Sunday in the men’s 100-meter freestyle in a time of 47.78.

Israel took the silver and bronze: Nimrod Shapira Bar Or finished second in 49.02, improving his Israeli record of 49.10 set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Dan Perlman was third.

Australian golfer Roy Vandersluis marches into the opening ceremony at Ramat Gan Stadium on July 13, for his record ninth consecutive Maccabiah Games. Credit: Peter Haskin Vandersluis, 62, who made Maccabiah history by competing in his ninth consecutive games, was part of the Australian masters’ golf team that claimed the crown Friday in Caesarea. His previous best was a silver medal at the 1989 Games.

“Winning a gold medal at the Maccabiah will remain one of the highlights of my life,” the Sydney antiques dealer said. “I remember that I decided I had such a good time in 1977, I always said I’d keep going to the Maccabiah Games provided I was chosen, and unless I was dead or bankrupt,” he said before his departure last week.

Quentin Tarantino to the long list of filmmakers who can’t resist making their own World War II fantasyaction flick.

Tarantino’s latest release is Inglourious Basterds – and yes, the misspelling is intentional. Inspired by a schlocky 1970s Italian “macaroni combat” action picture of the same name, the movie is Tarantino’s homage to the “misfits on a mission” movies of old, like The Dirty Dozen.

His heroes are a Jewish-American revenge squad wreaking havoc throughout German-occupied France who not only kill but scalp their Nazi targets.

In a parallel storyline, a beautiful young Jewish woman whose family was slaughtered by the SS somehow takes over the Paris cinema where Goebbel’s latest propaganda film will debut, with Hitler in attendance. She plans to trap the audience of high-ranking Nazis inside and burn the building to the ground.

“My name is Shoshanna Dreyfus,” she announces, “and this is the face of Jewish vengeance.”

At the news conference following the film’s debut, one journalist asks if Inglourious Basterds is a “Jewish revenge fantasy.”

Eli Roth, one of Tarantino’s “basterds” and also director of the “Hostel” horror movies, said the notion of Jews getting even with Hitler was “kosher porn.”

“It’s something I dreamed since I was a kid,” Roth said.

In the movie, Roth gets to live out his childhood fantasy: He plays the baseball bat-swinging “Bear Jew,” who some of the film’s Nazis believe is really a vengeful golem.

The concept of the film challenges the stereotype of wimpy Jewish males on the big screen personified by Woody Allen back in the 1960s. It’s a stock character that still makes appearances, notably in the film comedies of Ben Stiller and TV shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

I for one am tired of it. In a world in which Jews are under constant threat, is “wimpy” really the image we want to convey?

The 21st century iteration retains traces of nebbishness, but also displays an edgy attitude reminiscent of the

!

What we did THAT summer

Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill are three of the stars in Jewish director Judd Apatow's constellation who seem to be channeling Dreyfus’ satirical outlook and boundless energy in Apatow films such as The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad.

The Hebrew Hammer (2003), starring Adam Goldberg (and which was shown by the Kirpke Library in its JEwish FIlm Festival in 2005), paved the way for a new kind of swaggering Jewish hero on film. He’s sexy because he’s Jewish, not in spite of it.

The movie plays with African-American and Jewish cultural touchstones: The Hammer drives a pimped-out white Cadillac with Magen David headlights; his license plate reads “L’Chaim”; and his fuzzy dice are dreidels.

After saving some Jewish children from older Christian bullies, he tells them solemnly, “Stay Jewish.” The result is the first “Jewsploitation” film.

More swaggering Hebrew heroes turned up in other comedies like Hot Rod (2007), in which Andy Samberg stars as an Evel Knievel-inspired stuntman -- not exactly a profession commonly chosen by Jews.

Meanwhile, Adam Sandler starred in You Don’t Mess With the Zohan (2008), about a former Mossad agent who dreams of becoming a hairdresser.

Jews with attitude aren’t restricted to comedies, but they aren’t seen very often in dramas, either, except in movies such as Raid on Entebbe, made back in 1977.

Recently, however, the character of the armed, defiant Jew has reappeared. Edward Zwick’s Defiance, for example, is about four Jewish brothers from Poland who escape the Nazis and go on to rescue fellow Jews. (As an English Jew, I have to admit I got considerable nachas seeing Daniel Craig -- James Bond himself -- kicking Nazi tuchas alongside Liev Schreiber.)

And now Inglourious Basterds is set to hit the big screens on Aug. 21, and the unabashedly Jewish characters are a major selling and plot point. The movie is sure to inspire a tingle of “what if” wish fulfillment in audiences, Jewish and non-Jewish.

Simcha Weinstein is an award-winning author whose latest book is Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor in the 21st century (Barricade Books, 2008).

Where were you when the Israel Air Force rescued the hostages from the Palestinian hijackers in Entebbe in July of 1976?

Maybe you recall when Israeli and Jordanian officials signed the Washington Declaration in the desert between the two countries in the summer of 1994?

Did you get married one summer?

Become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Maybe your son or daughter was born during the summer and you celebrated a bris or baby naming -Or maybe you recall summers at Camp JCC, Herzl, Sabra, or Beber?

Were you on a Federation or synagogue mission to Israel one summer?

Or did you go first as a teen — with ARTZA, NFTY, NCSY or USY? If your most memorable Jewish events occurred during the summer — any summer —THAT summer — we’ll publish your stories and photos in our Sept.

18, 2009, Jewish New Year’s issue:“What we did THAT summer!”

Israel a trip to g in r u d ll n Wa ’s Wester m le a s u r at Je ren prays r a W y t r a mahan M Former Oof 2005. t in Augus

Even if it’s just a photo and caption from camp, Israel, a wedding or a car trip across the United States for a family reunion -- we need it no later than Aug. 1.

Send all articles and photos to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or e-mail them to ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

If you need more information — or want help putting together your story, call editor Carol Katzman at 402.334.6450 Or e-mail her at ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.