Vol. LXXXIX No. 47 Omaha, NE
9th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival by GARY KATZ Library Administrator The Center of Jewish Education is proud to announce the lineup for the 9th Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival, Aug. 24-Sept. 2. All films will be shown in the Jewish Community Center Theater. Weekday films will be screened at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s film at 7 p.m. with the popular kosher deli dinner immediately before at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 each and advance tickets are available through the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at 334.6462. The kosher deli dinner on Sunday, Aug. 29 costs $15 (RSVP by Aug. 25).
“This year we have chosen a family friendly film for our deli dinner night”, said Renee Kasner, a member of the Film Festival Committee. “’The Yankles’ is very appropriate for children 10 years of age and older and I am planning to take my grandkids.” Gary Katz, Library Administrator, reports the Center for Jewish Education is really looking forward to this year’s offerings. “This year’s films are all award winners. Our picks run the gamut from comedy and drama to family movies”, states Katz. “I hope everyone decides to participate in this great community event. There is something for everyone.” Festival Schedule: Saviors in the Night, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. (German, 2009, English Subtitles, 100 minutes) Based on the memories of Marga Spiegel, she describes how courageous farmers hid her, her husband Siegfried, and their little daughter Karin from 1943 until 1945, thus saving them from deportation to the extermination camps in the East. Without reservation, the farmers offer their protection, which turns them into heroes. The farmers’ names are immortalized in Yad Vashem. Winner, Grand Prize, Signis Film Festival and the Pittsburgh Jewish Film Festival The Infidel, Thursday, Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. (United Kingdom, 2097, 105 minutes) Mahmud Nasir (Omid Djalili) is a loving husband, doting father and something of a “relaxed” Muslim. He may not be the most observant, but in his heart he is as Muslim as it gets. After his mother’s death, a Continued on page 2
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When the dust settles that symbolizes what we’ve accomplished here.” by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Dalit and Neta agreed; in July 2010 they arrived, tools The recent JCC Maccabi Games brought us much in hand, in Omaha and began their preparations. During excitement in the form of 1000 athletes, who temporar- their time here, they created three panels depicting the ily made themselves at home in our community. However, not all our guests were wearing soccer cleats or high tops: Dalit Ben Shalom and Neta Dror were two visitors who came with an entirely different purpose: to create something beautiful as a permanent reminder of the 2010 Maccabi Games. Kim Goldberg is the coChair of the Art Taskforce for the Partnership’s Central Area Consortium. “I met Dalit for the first time in October of 2009, when I was in Israel with the Partnership during the Israeli Festival for Alternative Theater in Akko. I visited her studio, and was blown away by her beautiful mosaics. Of From left to right: Neta Dror, Naava Naslavsky, Ellie Batt, and Dalit Ben Shalom. The JCC course, I thought right commisioned the project in honor of the generous ‘Chai’ family sponsors. away that she might be a great fit for Maccabi.” Tree of Life, which will find a permanent home in the Goldberg has been involved with Partnership’s Art JCC gallery. Visitors will be able to see the panels each Taskforce since 2006, and in 2009, was occupied locat- time they walk through the hallway, and, according to ing the right person to come and interact with the Dalit Ben Shalom, should “think about the tree of life. Maccabi teenagers. “Dalit and Neta have such warm Think about your Jewish roots, and how a lot of small personalities, and an easy manner, and so I thought it pieces make up the big collective. That is what we are, would be perfect if they could come to Omaha during we may be spread all over the world, but together we the Games, and create something permanent for our make a beautiful piece of art.”. building. Something we can look at after this is all over, Continued on page 2
Livingston Foundation gift to RBJH keeps ‘building the wood pile higher’ by OZZIE NOGG Boardroom is designed as a multipurpose room to be In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Omaha Jewish used year-round for various activities. The space is comCommunity was considering its options for replacing or puter/laptop accessible so users can take advantage of renovating the Dr. Philip the latest technology for Sher Home. To expedite multimedia presentathe process, the Milton tions. S. and Corinne N. A lifelong resident of Livingston Foundation Omaha, Milt Livingston provided seed money for became one of the city’s a feasibility study that most outstanding leaders ultimately led to the creboth in the Jewish and ation of the Rose general communities. He Blumkin Jewish Home, was a generous philanfor which the Foundthropist during his lifeation then provided gentime, and The erous funding. In 2006, Livingston Foundation at the beginning of the has carried on the philanBlumkin Home New thropic legacy since his Beginning building camdeath in 1969. When paign, the Livingston Mahjong players, like Susan Lucas, Selma Sadofsky, and Maxine expressing his philosoFoundation again Noodell, above, will be among those using the board room. phy of giving, Livingston stepped forward to play a leadership role by making one often used the story of Klondike gold rush prospectors of the first major contributions to the fundraising drive. who trekked though biting cold and blinding snow on When the Livingston Foundation Board of Trustees their way to Alaska. He would describe the cabins built was later given the opportunity to name their gift, they at strategic points throughout the wilderness where chose the new Boardroom at the RBJH. The space will prospectors could find refuge from the elements. serve as a venue where lay and professional leaders can “Outside each cabin was a pile of logs which were used come together to discuss how to best meet the needs of to keep the cabin warm for as long as the traveler cared Omaha’s Jewish agencies and the residents of our Jewish to stay. For the use of this cabin and the firewood, there community. Located in the area that once housed the was but one obligation -- and that an unwritten one. Blumkin Home tearoom, the new Livingston Continued on page 2
This Week: Back to School See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
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Coming Next Month: Rosh Hashanah Issue Beth El’s Judaica Shop is now online Page 3
Jewish Community HS begins year with two special events Page 3
In Poland, Shabbatons for non-Jews to combat anti-Semitism Page 12
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
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Continued from page 1 don’t live very close to each other, we are all going in “I expected to find a nice community, that would treat the same direction; we all put our communal efforts into me right.” Dalit also said, “and I found exactly that. making something we love, and maintaining it.” This is such a nice place, with such nice people; espe“This trip has been a very big experience, an advencially the Goldberg family, ture,” Dalit added, “I never who housed us, treated us knew that much about so well. They gave us literalAmericans, but this trip has ly everything we needed, shown me a lot about how and Neta and I felt right at you all live, and especially home.” how concerned you all are Dalit and Neta have been with what happens in Israel. working together for a long We are so far away, and at time: “We grew up together the same time so close. Of in Kibbutz Eylon in the course, I will also be taking Western Galilee, right by home my memories of all the Lebanese border, in the the beautiful places I’ve Partnership region. She is seen. We would like to the best! I hope everyone in thank the entire Jewish the community here will community in Omaha, for think of Neta and me whenmaking us feel so welever you see the artwork.” come.” The opening of the Above: Dalit Ben Shalom and Kim Goldberg work on the Kim Goldberg is very Maccabi Games really Tree of Life -mosaic together; Shlicha Elya Wilson and Neta happy with the outcome: impressed Dalit: “To sit Dror, below, are joined by one of the many Maccabi ath“This was such an open there, be a part of it and all letes. process,” she said, “with sing HaTikvah together was two artists who had the amazing. And, of course, ability to share on many difwatching the Israeli team ferent levels. They purposeparticipate was great. ly came early, before the Sometimes in Israel we feel Games started, so they alone; this experience has could get acclimatized, and taught me that people here meet people here. It’s such feel close to us, that you a blessing that we could really are concerned about share in their creative enerus in Israel. It makes me feel gy; kids and adults from all very safe. It is really nice to over had the opportunity to see that people here truly participate in the creation of have a connection with the mosaic, and now we Israel and with Israelis.” have these beautiful pieces Neta Dror agrees: “We as a permanent reminder of met really warm and welthis great time. coming people here, and Furthermore, this gives our felt among friends the entire time. The nice thing about community an immediate, tangible, and long lasting working with the Partnership is that, even though we connection to Israel.”
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Continued on page 1 discovery turns Mahmud’s world upside down. Not only was he adopted at birth but he’s Jewish, and his real name is Solly Shimshillewitz! As Mahmud tumbles headlong into a full scale identity crisis, hilarity ensues. Previously shown only in the United States at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. An Omaha almost-exclusive! The Yankles, Sunday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Kosher Deli Dinner at 6 p.m., Movie at 7 p.m. Sponsored by The Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith (USA, 2006, 115 minutes) An upstart Jewish orthodox yeshiva baseball team earns a trip to compete in the College World Series. Coached by Charlie Jones, an ex-major league center fielder on parole for multiple DUI convictions, he is desperate to fulfill his court-ordered community service. While the Yankles strive for success on the field, Charlie works to rebuild his reputation and relationships, and in the process finds redemption. Family favorite and winner of numerous awards including Best Comedy at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival and Best Comedy at the International Family Film Festival.
Killing Kasztner, Thursday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. (USA, 2009, 116 minutes) Hero or Traitor? Rezso Kasztner, known as the “Jewish Schindler,” negotiated face to face with Adolf Eichmann, rescuing 1700 Jews on a train to Switzerland, and may have saved tens of thousands more lives. Yet Kasztner was condemned as a traitor in his adopted country of Israel; accused as a collaborator in a trial and verdict that divided a nation and forever stamped him as the “man who sold his soul to the devil.” Stay afterwards for a discussion of the movie in the Kripke Library. Winner, Golden Plaque at the Chicago Film Festival and Best Festival Award at the Montreal Film Festival. The Jewish Film Festival is presented by The Center for Jewish Education and generously sponsored by Todd and Betiana Simon with additional support from the Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman and The Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith. For more information please call 334.6462. The Jewish Community Center of Omaha is located at 333 S. 132nd Street. For inquiries about babysitting on Sunday night, please call Gary at 334.6462
Livingston Foundation gift to RBJH Continued from page 1 Every man was expected to replace the logs he had used and build the wood pile a little higher than it was when he found it. Throughout my life, I have tried to emulate those hardy pioneers. In my activities, whether business, social or civic, I, too, have tried to build the wood pile just a little higher than it was when I found it. If I’ve succeeded in that effort, I shall be content and very happy.” In a July, 1998, Jewish Press article that marked the Livingston Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Suzanne Singer -- a member of the Livingston Foundation Board of Trustees -- wrote of Milt Livingston’s vision, determination and generosity, and credited the Livingston Foundation with continuing to build the wood pile even higher while always keeping in mind the principles by which Milton Livingston led his life and by the legacy that he left. Today, twelve years later, those facts still ring true.
Along with Singer, members of the Livingston Foundation Board of Trustees are: Robert Kully, President, Murray Newman, Robert Belgrade, Jennifer Meyerson and Rosie Zweiback. Stanley “Bud” Slosburg is an honorary Trustee. Howard Epstein, Executive Director and legal counsel for the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, described its gift to the RBJH. “I’m pleased to say that during its sixty-two year history, the Livingston Foundation has played a major leadership role in funding and promoting programs and institutions which are the pride and glory of Omaha’s Jewish community. The Livingston Trustees believe the newly renovated Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will benefit the citizens of Omaha for decades to come and are pleased that the Foundation could provide funds for a new, upto-date Boardroom as part of the Home’s continued improvement and future success.”
August 13, 2010
With Beth El’s Judaica Shop online, holiday and gift shopping are just a click away by JILL BELMONT care of for them. It’s a win-win situation for all of us.” Beth El Publicity Coordinator “We’re so excited that with the click of a mouse, you Beth El’s Judaica Shop has long been the go-to place can now buy anything and everything from our gift shop for all sorts of holiday and gift-giving needs – and now – jewelry, mezuzot, Kiddush cups, candlesticks, books, with the announcement of the shop’s partnership with and tallitot, among other items. And with the High Holidays just around the corner, the Judaica Beautiful website, shopping has just been made shoppers can make purchases infinitely easier.” online, from the comfort of their Rifkin noted that the Judaica own homes. Beautiful site also offers a variety According to Caryn Rifkin, the of new artists whose wares are shop’s volunteer manager, the not carried in the local shop, beauty of the new website is its such as an impressive array of 24-hour-a-day accessibility; it ketubot. “The website offers also offers a variety of shopperinformation about the artists friendly features. For example, whose work is offered; it also she said, “Now that we have a alerts customers about sales and computer in the gift shop, if famspecial deals,” she said, citing ilies come in looking for a tallit Volunteer manager Caryn Rifkin checks out the other exciting conveniences for a bar or bat mitzvah, we can shop’s new Judaica Beautiful website. such as setting up wedding reggo to the website and show them an additional assortment. Now, instead of grandparents istries and purchasing gift certificates to be used at the having to find boxes, bubble-wrap gifts and then stand Judaica Shop. Visit http://bethelomaha.judaicabeautiful.com, in line at the post office to ship them, they can buy gifts on the website, and the wrapping and shipping is taken Rifkin said, and “shop to your heart’s delight!”
President Abbas to ‘Stop The Excuses’ and engage in direct negotiations with Israel by ADL STAFF New York, NY… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas to “stop the excuses, demands and delays” and enter into direct negotiations with Israel. ADL made the call following the Arab League announcement that they support direct talks in “principle” and that it is up to the Palestinian Authority to determine how and when to proceed. Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: It is time for President Abbas and the Palestinian
Authority to stop the excuses, demands and delays and have the courage and vision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel without preconditions. The Arab League statement has made clear that the decision regarding negotiations is up to the Palestinian Authority alone. Through good times and bad, Israel and the Palestinians have maintained official, direct negotiations since Sept. 13, 1993. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made clear his desire for a two-state negotiated agreement with the Palestinian Authority, and even agreed to a 10-month moratorium on settlement building as a sign of good will. The only impediment to progress has been the Palestinian Authority which has demanded ineffective, indirect negotiations.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Jewish Community HS begins year with two special events by SHERRIE SAAG Center for Jewish Education While the new Omaha Jewish Community High School opens its doors on Oct. 6, Miriam Gross, the school director, decided that was just too long to wait to welcome the community’s high school students. “Everyone, including teachers and staff, can’t wait that long, they are so excited to begin!” So with that in mind, Gross has planned two special “kick-off” events. “These programs are designed to be fun learning experiences where students have a chance to meet fellow students and teachers and be introduced to the Community High School’s Wednesday night format,” said Gross. The first event takes place Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. In conjunction with the Omaha Jewish Film Festival, two film shorts will be shown with short discussions immediately following, and of course, snacks! The films, “The Art of Farewell” and “The West Bank Story”, both deal with Jewish identity, politics, religion and love. Parents and students will have an opportunity to complete school registration both before and after the event. On Wednesday, Sept. 15, all registered students will be invited to a BBQ and an “I on Yom Kippur” learning session. It will be an exciting format where students will move around the room and experience five-minute interactive mini sessions with the high school faculty, getting to know the teachers and students with whom they will spend the year. Gross reports the night’s focus will be on how to “do” and “feel” more than just ”getting through the day on Yom Kippur”, appropriate for the date given that Erev Yom Kippur is just two nights later. To preview the film shorts, assist in leading the discussions or with any questions on the high school, please email Miriam Gross at mgross@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
Temple Religious School faculty full of experience and joy of teaching by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Religious School starts on Sunday, September 12 at Temple Israel for kindergarten through sixth grade. Wednesday afternoon school begins September 22 for third through sixth graders, and seventh and eighth graders start on Wednesday, October 6. Among the returning teachers are two who have been on the faculty for more than 20 years. Doris Parker has been a teacher at Temple since 1987. This year, she’ll teach third grade. When she first moved to Omaha in 1950, she ran the preschool at Beth Israel Synagogue, then taught Sunday School there, and later, taught Hebrew five afternoons a week. Ann Kibel Schwartz, director of Temple’s Religious School at that time, invited Parker to teach there. “I’ve been teaching there ever since,� Parker said. She also taught second grade at Monmouth Park School at 33rd and Ames for two years. The school has since been closed. A graduate of Hebrew School in Chicago, Parker attended Yeshiva -- the girls’ section -- for two years in that city. “I enjoy teaching children,� she commented. “I’m just thrilled when they walk out at the end of the year, and they can read some Hebrew and know some prayers and the history of our people.� Dora Goldstrom started teaching at Temple in the 1970s. “I love being at Temple, and I love teaching. I like to know the young families,� she said. She’s taught kindergarten through fourth grade and will teach first grade this year. After receiving her religious education at Beth Israel Synagogue, Goldstrom had her own kindergarten class there when she was 17. She went on to teach kindergarten and first grade at Franklin School for ten years, work as a counselor at Girls, Inc. for 15 years, and is now teaching GED and ESL (English as a second language) classes at Metropolitan Community College where she’s been for 12 years. In addition to Temple Religious School, Goldstrom teaches at Beth El Synagogue on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. “Being involved keeps me in touch with the young families now that my kids are grown up.� She emphasized how much she enjoys work-
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ing with the other teachers, the staff, and the rabbis. Resource teacher Eileen Clignett started working for the Bureau for Jewish Education after graduating from college with a special education degree. She has taught at the Child Development Center, Temple, Beth El, Beth Israel, and Beyt Shalom as well as for a private educational therapist working one-on-one with children from public schools. “I love teaching at all the synagogues,� she emphasized, “the great directors, great colleagues, and (from the Center for Jewish Education) Mary Sue Grossman and Dr. Guy Matalon. I’ve been very fortunate.�
Lori Bennett, left, Religious School Coordinator at Temple Israel, and third grade teacher Doris Parker get ready for the upcoming school year. Both Goldstrom and Clignett were once Parker’s students at Beth Israel. Melany Fullenkamp comes from a Catholic background but has been teaching at Temple since 1997. “I started teaching Religious School, because (her son) Samuel was starting in the pre-kindergarten program, and I thought it would be a great way for him and me to spend some time together learning and becoming comfortable at Temple.� Also an ESL teacher in Lincoln and Omaha, Fullenkamp has worked for the State Department of Education coordinating and writing assessments to ensure that the state’s ESL departments
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are in compliance with NCLB (No Child Left Behind Act). For the past three years, she has been the assistant principal at Field Club Elementary School. A kindergarten teacher at Temple, she loves “the opportunity to spend time teaching students about the holidays and stories that are so meaningful. Samuel and brother Jonah have both been madrichim (teaching assistants) at Temple making it possible for Fullenkamp “to spend this time with them in a very special, meaningful way.� Three young teachers: Taylor Workman, second grade; Naomi Fox, third grade; and Leora Azriel, fourth grade; are all former students at Temple’s Religious School. Jay Spiegelman is looking forward to his first year as a Religious School teacher. He’ll teach seventh grade. “I think of learning as a lifelong process,� he explained, “and one of the most important facets is sharing that accumulated knowledge and encouraging others to go even further. My Jewish educational journey started much later in life than (it has for) these young people I will be joining in the fall. I want to help them develop their individual base upon which they can build their own understanding, either now or years in the future. “I’m very fortunate to have the experience of Toby Fellman, a seasoned teacher who is popular with the students, joining me in the classroom this year. We’ve been discussing some basic outlines we want to impress upon the students to encourage discussion.� Spiegelman attends Sparks Beneath the Surface (Torah study) on Saturday mornings at Temple where he enjoys the “many insights, personal experiences, and humor� brought to the discussion. “That’s what I hope to encourage from the students this year.� Rounding out the staff at Temple this year will be Marlen Frost, pre-kindergarten; Ann Noodell, kindergarten; Deb Finnicum, first grade; Jill Idelman and Natasha Kraft, second grade; Tereza Wigodsky, third grade; Jeff Gates, fourth grade; Mor Sheinbein and Patsy Wallace, fifth grade; Na’ama Artzi, sixth and eighth grades; David Swensen, sixth grade; Sarah Schondelmeyer, seventh grade; and Rita Paskowitz, eighth grade. Colin Brown returns for his second year as the children’s choir director.
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August 13, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Beth El welcomes Shiri Tene as its new youth director by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Calling her new position at Beth El “a natural fit and certainly an exciting opportunity,” Shiri Tene has been welcomed by the synagogue as its new youth director. Tene, who will graduate this December from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will be responsible for youth programming, overseeing Beth El’s youth groups, including USY (high school), Kadima (middle Shiri Tene school), and BESTT Chaverim (grades 4 to 6). She brings to her job not only an infectious enthusiasm, but also the experience of growing up at Beth El, and participating in the many youth activities. A California native, Tene lived in Israel for three years before her family moved to
Omaha in the late ‘90s. Her relationship with Beth El began when she was a fifth grader; her involvement through her teen years included participation in the synagogue youth groups, as well as the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization. Tene says she “truly enjoys working alongside youth and am thrilled to be able to give back to Beth El Synagogue and the Jewish youth programs in Omaha. The Jewish community in Omaha and Beth El have always been extremely supportive of my family – in our congregation, we have a wonderful home.” Saying “we have a lot to look forward to,” Tene says she’d like to utilize her creative talents to make her mark at Beth El. “I have a creative, artistic personality and I would love to share that with the youth at Beth El,” she said. “I hope we’ll be able to integrate some of that creativity and imagination into our programming. I also look forward to working with the students to develop programming to help stimulate how Judaism mixes with their everyday lives, socially and academically. “I think the most important thing I want to share with our students is that I
know what it’s like going to school, having both secular and Jewish activities,” she continued. “I hope to help them see how much USY has to offer. How special our synagogue and Jewish community are. I loved participating in programs and especially in conventions. I found a lifetime of friendships through youth programming – in Omaha as well as in adjoining cities.” Working at the synagogue where she grew up holds special meaning for Tene. “It’s a great feeling,” she noted. “I’m thrilled be at Beth El; I’m comfortable here. It feels right; it feels like coming home. I enjoy looking back in time, when I was their age – in many ways, it feels like yesterday. I know we’ll have no problems
relating to each other. That makes the job so much easier in so many ways. All in all, I think this is a wonderful place to begin my first career after college! Bev Fellman, president of Beth El’s Board of Trustees, welcomed Tene, saying, “We are so happy to welcome Shiri to our staff at Beth El. She is a delightful young leader who has come through the Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah and high school. She is well-organized and is a person who has immediate rapport with any group she works with. Her interests are broad and varied, and she actively pursues her goals. We look forward to an excellent youth program under Shiri’s direction.”
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Jack Becker, the new curator and director of the Joslyn Museum will discuss upcoming exhibits and his plans for the future on Wednesday, August 18, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thurdsay, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
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Temple Announces Zweiback Center Adult Classes for 5771 by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Highlighting the scholar schedule this year will be Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Judith Shulevitz, a journalist, editor, and literary critic, Thanks to the legacy of the late Hermene Zweiback who will be at Temple Israel Oct. 29 - 31. She’ll begin and the generosity of her family, Temple Israel once the weekend with “The History of the American again has a varied and expansive curriculum for adults Sabbath� at Shabbat worship services on Friday evening plus inspirational and sometimes controversial scholars and lead an intergenerational retreat on “The Sabbath lined up for the Hebrew year 5771 (2010-2011). The World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time� on Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning Saturday at Fontenelle Forest. On Sunday, Shulevitz will celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. conclude with a discussion on “Making Room for the Rabbi Eric Linder will kick off the year with “The Shabbat.� Month of Elul: Preparing for the High Holy Days.� Nov. 19 - 21, syndicated radio talk show host, Dennis “Coming to Rosh Hashanah without spiritual prepa- Prager, will share his thoughts on “Happiness is a ration is like the Huskers playing a game without prac- Mitzvah - Not a feeling� at Friday evening Shabbat worticing,� he analyzed. “The Hebrew month of Elul helps ship services. At Torah study on Saturday morning, he’ll us prepare ourselves spiritually for the ten days of the talk about “Why the Torah Is My Guide.� That evening, High Holy Days.� he’ll ask his audience: “Can You Be an Observant Jew At Shabbat evening worship services at 6 p.m. on without Being an Orthodox Jew?� On Sunday, he’ll Fridays, Aug. 20, 27 and Sept. 3, the clergy will focus focus on “Judaism’s Five Greatest Lessons.� on getting congregants A visit in February by ready for Rosh Hashanah Rebecca Goldstein, which begins on author and professor of Wednesday night, Sept. philosophy, will be pre8, the last day of Elul. ceded by a book club Temple Israel’s clergy guided by Rabbi Linder, will also lead learners beginning Jan. 26, toward preparing for the examining the philoHigh Holy Days on sophical issues and storySaturday mornings at telling skills evident in Torah study, entitled her books. “Sparks Beneath the Temple will also offer Surface,� at 9:15 a.m. an Adult B’nai Mitzvah on Saturdays, Aug. 21 course this year that A curriculum of new classes awaits adult learners in the new year and 28, and Sept. 4. begins on Tuesday, Oct. at Temple Israel. “At all these sessions,� 5 culminating in a cerewhich are open to everyone in the community, explained mony on May 13, 2011. Rabbi Linder, “we will be focusing on liturgy and teachAll three of Temple’s clergy will be adult education ings regarding this preparation.� If you’re a Husker fan, instructors throughout the year along with Na’ama you can consider it practice time. Artzi, who is a certified Hebrew language teacher; and Sunday mornings at Temple will include a series on Mor Sheinbein, like Artzi, a native Israeli who teaches “Revitalizing the Festivals� of Chanukah, Shabbat, and Hebrew to children and adults. Passover. If Wednesday nights are more convenient, “Hermene would be proud of the depth and breadth adults can increase their Jewish literacy and strengthen of the body of work that has emanated from this protheir Jewish identity by attending early evening educa- gram dedicated to adult education,� said Speedy tional opportunities focusing on “Approaching the Zweiback. He pointed out that adult education was Season of Atonement,� “Hebrew 101,� and “613 Hermene’s “passion� and complimented Temple’s Mitzvot.� In addition, an adult Mitzvah Corps will get Adult Education Committee for doing “a superb job of involved in hands-on volunteer work focusing on Jewish realizing Hermene’s vision. They have blended lectures social and ethical issues. from ‘outside’ notables with local experts in a fashion Rabbi Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead an that enhances both disciplines.� “Introduction to Jewish Tradition, Rituals and Belief: Members of the committee are Paul Rabinovitz, chair; Death and Mourning.� Dr. Guy Matalon, executive Ron Brodkey, Scott Goodman, Michael Halsted, Todd director of the Center for Jewish Education, will facili- Hutton, Jennifer Miller, Leslie Norman, Silvia Roffman, tate a Wednesday evening session on “So the Torah is a Susan Rothholz, Kathy Simon, Jeremy Wright, Debbi Parenting Guide?� A crash course on “Navigating the Zweiback, and Speedy Zweiback. Prayer Service� will be piloted by Cantor Shermet for To register for classes, which are open to the entire anyone who would like to learn more about the struc- community, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg ture and mechanics of worship services. at wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com or at 55.6536.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Beth El Talmud Torah students to be welcomed with Back-to-School Bash by JILL BELMONT 8 and March 12, special Shabbat School that the expectations of all our families Rubin said. Beth El Publicity Coordinator sessions will take place, in lieu of Sunday will equal our enthusiasm.” Rubin also announced faculty members After a quiet summer, the halls of Beth morning classes on the following days; In addition to weekly religious school for the 2010-11 school year: pre-kinderEl Synagogue will soon be filled with the and Family Shabbat services are planned classes, the following family programs will garten, Annie Rifkin; kindergarten and voices and footsteps of youngsters, as the for Saturday, Nov. 20, Friday, Feb. 4, be held during the year to allow families first/second-grades, Holly Weill and Cari synagogue’s Talmud Torah kicks off this and Saturday, April 9. opportunities to learn together: Grade 3, Green; third grade, Eadie Tsabari, year’s classes for pre-kindergarten BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin Siddur program; Grade 4, Fourth-Grade Deborah Kronick and Sindie Katskee; through seventh grade, on Sunday, Aug. expressed enthusiasm regarding the Wedding; Grade 5, Family History; fourth grade, Eadie Tsabari, Maya 29, at 10 a.m. And on Monday, Aug. school’s educational offerings. “We’ve Grade 6, Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah; Wertheimer, Margo Riekes and Sindie 30, at 6 p.m., all BESTT students (pre-K planned another dynamite school year and Grade 7, Belonging to the Jewish Katskee; fifth/ sixth grades, Andy Greento 12th grade) and their berg, Deborah Kronick, families will be treated to a Margo Riekes, Kristy Leahy, back-to-school bash on the and Cantor Beth Schlosssynagogue’s back lawn, berg; seventh grade, Andy complete with a picnic dinGreenberg, Dora Goldner, games, sports and fun strom, Maya Wertheimer, for all. BESTT parent Daniel Christensen; eighth Melissa Schop is serving as grade, Susan Paley, Andy chairman of the event. Greenberg, and Mark Kelln. Thanks to a generous grant Teen assistants for the year from the synagogue’s include Ethan Potash, Sisterhood, there is no Samantha Juster, Ezra charge for dinner, but reserPotash, Julia Edelstein, Ari vations are required, and Juster, Adeev Potash, BESTT students last year at pre-school art activities, left, and at a Hanukkah family sing-along, right. may be made by contacting Naomi Zipursky, Aaron the synagogue office at 498.0904, or with a superior teaching staff which will Community. Zipursky, Samantha Weiner, and Ari eddir@bethel-omaha.org. provide our students with the opportuniThanks to a generous grant from the Brodkey. Yonatan Dotan will assist in the As with last year’s schedule, students in ty to learn on multiple levels,” she said. Dan Gordman Fund, BESTT will contin- school office and the following teens will the primary grades will attend religious “Our program transmits the ideals and ue to be a pilot school for Project Etgar, assist during Junior Congregation: school on Sundays from 10 a.m.-noon, ideas inherent in Judaism in numerous the first full service Conservative curricu- Yonatan Dotan, Noam Margalit, Tal and students in grades three to seven will effective and creative ways. By providing lum for synagogue middle school stu- Margalit, Adeev Potash, Ezra Potash, attend on Mondays and Wednesdays a loving and supportive atmosphere in dents sponsored jointly by the United Samantha Wiener, Aaron Zipursky and from 4:15-6 p.m., plus Sundays from 10 which our children can study about their Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and Naomi Zipursky. a.m. to noon. Eighth graders’ classes are heritage, we hope to instill in our stu- the Melton Research Center of the Jewish Rubin said she looks forward to another scheduled for Wednesdays from 6:45- dents a sense of pride in who they are and Theological Seminary of America. The busy, exciting year for the religious school. 8:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community a feeling of responsibility and caring for curriculum features student-centered “Serving as the education director of Center; and high school students will the continuity of the Jewish people.” learning which integrates projects, art, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah has attend the new Omaha Jewish Each new year represents a fresh begin- music, films, games, primary text study been a highlight of my career,” she said. Community High School at the JCC on ning, Rubin continued, saying, “Parents and other meaningful activities. “BESTT students and families are terrific Wednesday evenings, beginning Oct. 6. buy new clothes and school supplies for BESTT sixth-to-eighth-grade students to work with. Our classrooms are filled Special Shabbat programming will take their children, and teachers prepare their enjoyed this special curriculum last year with students who love to learn, teachers place during the year for students and lessons to spark their students’ imagina- and middle-school students will continue who love to teach and parents who suptheir families: on Nov. 6, Dec. 18, Jan. tions and touch their souls. We anticipate to reap the benefits of this program, port us.”
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
Unexplained concerns
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Thursday Aug. 5 was a great day for Elena Kagan, as she was confirmed as the newest addition to the United States Supreme Court. Obama’s second appointment within a year occurred without excessive noise and posturing: Kagan landed her dream job with a 63 to 37 vote. The media seemed too busy fawning over Kagan’s Jewish-Christmas-Chinese-food joke to dig for real or imaginary dirt. Of course, those 63 votes should have been 64. Not that it matters in the final outcome, but still: did Senator Nelson have to pick this moment in history for party dissent? Not since 1968 has a Democratic Senator made such a move, and it deserves some attention that he did so now. Senator Mike Johanns did act according to his party’s wishes: he voted against Elena Kagan based on her alleged stand on partialbirth abortions, second amendment rights, and her ban on military recruitment on the Harvard campus. No surprise there; he did what most self-respecting Nebraska Republicans expected of him. Many Nebraska Democrats, however, won’t be easily appeased by their Senator’s explanation: “I have heard concerns from Nebraskans regarding Ms. Kagan,” Nelson said in the official press release, “and her lack of a judicial record makes it difficult for me to discount the concerns raised by Nebraskans, or to reach a level of comfort that these concerns are unfounded”. Of course any elected official needs to follow his judgment and instincts; those who voted him into office did so trusting he would act in
their best interest at least the majority of the time. However, the fact that at no point in time Nelson actually specified these ‘concerns’ is troubling, especially in light of the fact that Kagan is Jewish, and her appointment marks the beginning of an era without a single Protestant on the Supreme Court. To deny that this is an underlying issue for many Americans would be naïve. The many blog-posts-from-scary-websites tell a very disturbing story about (borderline) white supremacists who are becoming more and more disenfranchised, and who are none too happy about yet another Jewish Justice on the Supreme Court. This is locally relevant: anti-Semitism in Nebraska is alive and well. As a matter of fact, white supremacists are active enough in our State to warrant national attention. During the August 4th episode of the CBS Evening News, Omaha was shown as a city with radically increased neoNazi activity. It’s not nice to hear your own city made an example of in such a context, but it can serve as a wake up call. Nobody should vote for a Supreme Court candidate because she is Jewish. We don’t need any politician to be nice to the Jews because he is afraid of a backlash. However, if
he chooses to not vote for her, as Senator Nelson did in this case, he should clearly explain why. Not with generic comments and vague allusions, but with effective examples of what it is he – or his electorate - disagrees with. It would have been the respectful choice. Elena Kagan may make people uncomfortable, and she may cause people pause because of her (real and perceived) opinions. Maybe she has an agenda, maybe she is too Liberal, maybe she has too little experience and is in over her head. All these things may or may not be true; the fact remains that the vote that she was denied by Senator Nelson should have been explained. If, as Senator Nelson claims, there are “Nebraskans” who are “concerned”, there are also some Nebraskans who would like some answers from their Senator.
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by JULIA GORIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- During his recent visit to Croatia, Shimon Peres said he believed the Nazis directed Croatian guards at Europe’s most sadistic concentration camp complex, Jasenovac, to be brutal. “I think they wanted them to have a demonstration of sheer sadism,” Peres said. But Croatia was uniquely entrusted to run its own concentration camps for a reason: Croatian violence needed no urging. While the Nazi manner of killing emphasized sterility and efficiency, Croatian killing was slow, messy and savored. The character of the violence under the Hitler-allied Ustasha regime shocked even the Nazis, who wrote protest letters to their superiors -- because of revulsion, because of Serbian revolts and because the Ustashas’ conduct was souring Axis-friendly peoples on Germany. Berlin never reined in the Croats, but the Italians did disband at least one Ustasha unit. Meanwhile, Croatian fuehrer Ante Pavelic boasted that in contrast to Hitler’s early deportation methods, “in Croatia we have almost completely solved the Jewish question.” Yet exterminating 80 percent of Croatia’s Jews was mere garnish to the main dish that an alliance with Germany promised: eradicating the Serbs. “Kill a third, deport a third, and convert a third” was official policy. Peres’ error wasn’t a mistake but politics. Israel and Croatia have been improving relations, and Peres is sensitive to Croatia’s being in the midst of European Union accession. So he put the onus of guilt on safe German shoulders. But while Germany has admitted a thousand times to its Nazi past, Croatia still has not come to terms with its World War II crimes -and with world powers continuing to white-
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
Peres plays politics with Croatian past wash them it never will. Croatia tried to sue Serbia for events in a much more recent war, which Croatia itself began, without ever answering for its own bloody crimes of WWII. Because Croatia was never made to admit or apologize, it enjoyed a Nazi revival in the 1990s at which time Israel declined friendship. News reports now finally mention Croatia’s ‘90s Nazi rebirth, along with the fact that only since 2000 have Croatian governments denounced fascism. The Associated Press, for instance, in reports covering the Peres trip stated that 1990s Croatia was “sympathetic to the WWII regime and its late president, Franjo Tudjman, had downplayed the fascists’ crimes.” Leaving aside that these well-hidden ‘90s facts are being presented suddenly as common knowledge by the same media that suppressed them, one must point out the irony of Peres inviting Holocaust deniers such as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to visit Jasenovac. After all, Croatia continues to downplay its own Holocaust, with the Jasenovac memorial neglecting to name a single culprit. The memorial also minimizes the number killed there to 85,000, a Tudjman-era concoction -- some estimates say that as many as 700,000 were killed at the camp. Acknowledging one’s bloody past is easier when it’s on one’s own terms. Adding insult to injury, the revisionist figure is cited by world dignitaries and Holocaust museums that deign to mention the genocide of Serbs at all. Yet if one looks at the WWII timeline, the genocide in Croatia, which had the earliest functioning death camp, set a precedent. If a genocide had been carried out successfully in Catholic Croatia, with the Vatican silent, how hard was it to repeat the model in the rest of Europe? If Peres thinks Israel will be rewarded for helping Croatia downplay its under-recorded WWII crimes, he might recall how well Croatian Jews’ loyalty to secessionist Croatia against their country of citizenship,
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Yugoslavia, served them in the ‘90s. From the Nov. 18, 1993 UK Guardian: “Among the most vocal campaigners for international recognition of Croatia two years ago, Jewish leaders are distressed by ‘extensive’ condonation of the Quisling Ustashe state, which slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews and Gypsies. [S]treets, squares and schools dedicated to anti-fascist fighters have been renamed and a monument in memory of 1,500 Jews executed at the Jadovno concentration camp has been demolished. President Tudjman has proposed that the remains of Croats executed by the partisans should be transferred to Jasenovac. The prospect of fascists being buried side by side with their victims sickened Croatian Jews. “‘Our lobbying gave them moral credibility at a time when they were often depicted as anti-Semitic or neo-fascist,’ “said Zagreb Jewish community leader Srdjan Matic. Despite former Croatian President Stipe Mesic’s proclamations that modern Croatia was built on anti-fascism, the open secret is that it was “liberated” under the same banner as Nazism, with help from Germany, the Vatican and the United States whose for-hire generals helped plan 1995’s Operation Storm, which cleansed 250,000 Serbs. Despite Croatia’s large banners for EU consumption reading “Welcome Home, Serbs!” Operation Storm is still celebrated as a national holiday on Aug. 5. Yet Peres suffers comparisons by Croatian leaders between Israel’s struggle for independence and Croatia’s kampf for independence. That the Jewish state would join the long list of Croatia’s enablers foretells of dark days. A Croatia that was never made to admit its crimes nor exposed to the world public is to be the EU’s newest member. The new Europe is shaping up to look much like the old one. Julia Gorin specializes in Balkans issues and is an unpaid advisory board member of the American Council for Kosovo.
Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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August 13, 2010
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
On conversion in Israel, there is a way
FOCUS ON ISSUES by MISHA GALPERIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- As the controversy over the conversion issue reached a fever pitch recently, a group of Israeli soldiers shuffled past flowerbeds into classrooms at the Jewish Agency’s Kiryat Moriah educational center in Jerusalem. Four hundred soldiers, many of them immigrants, come together from every army unit for 14 hours a day of learning. Today’s lesson has nothing to do with combat, Hebrew or citizenship. It’s a Jewish history lesson about the Second Temple period. Many of the soldiers are not registered as Jews by Israel’s Interior Ministry but are given leave from their army units to participate in this seven-week intensive course on Judaism. Called Nativ, it is both a crash course in Judaism and an opportunity to fast-track the conversion process through the Israel Defense Forces. Half of those who attend Nativ and are not Jewish by halachah, or Jewish law, end up converting. Nativ was created when a group of people came together to brainstorm the explosive issue of conversion at the Neeman Commission in the late 1990s. With the
proper sensitivity and excellent facilitators -- in this case, the Institute for Jewish Studies, the Jewish Agency and the IDF with the support of North American Jewish Federations, Keren Hayesod and Genesis Fund -- frameworks can be created to make the conversion process in Israel reasonable, accessible and meaningful. Since Nativ’s inception in 2001, more than 10,000 immigrants have participated in the program, with over 4,000 converting to Judaism. After the course, those who are not Jewish by halachah and are interested in converting continue for two more two-week seminars. They then appear before the IDF Rabbinate, which performs the conversion. The tumultuous recent events of the past few weeks on the conversion issue have ended with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling on Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky to convene all sides for conversation. We must not only rework the language of the proposed legislation, but also have a frank, open and incisive discussion about conversion and Jewish identity. With Nativ and the conversion issue we have the nexus of Jewish Agency programming capacity and its serving as the table that includes all the major religious streams and all Israeli Zionist political parties, as well as North American and world Jewry. Coincidentally, this episode comes on the heels of our adopting a new strategic plan for the Jewish Agency. The plan -- Securing the Future: Forging a Jewish Agency for
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY To the Entire Jewish Community of Omaha: Nice! That was the best way to describe the recent JCC Maccabi Games that took place in Omaha. Nice people, nice venue, nice experience for our Jewish Teens. Your recent hosting of the Games was a model for other Communities, yet the basic ingredient that made these Games successful was the niceness of the Jewish Community. You can look back with pride on the third hosting of the Games. The quality and well thought out program that you developed was truly outstanding. Under the able leadership of Stacey Rockman, Kimberly Robinson, Lisa Shkolnick, Esther Katz, Cindy Goldberg, and especially Jeff Aizenberg, the entire Community got behind this project – all for the good of the kids. From the outstanding Opening Ceremonies with that terrific drum ensemble and video of Omaha, to the Closing, and everything in between, this was a Gold Medal experience. As Executive Director for Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel, I have been to many of the JCC Maccabi Games, Maccabi experiences around the world, especially the
Maccabiah Games, and your JCC Maccabi Games of 2010 stood head and shoulders above many of them. You scored a perfect “10.” The kids enjoyed the beautiful art work of Jewish athletes, the smiling faces of all the volunteers who dedicated many hours to the wonderful sports venues and especially your beautiful JCC. You did an outstanding job, and we are deeply indebted to you. Toda Raba to everybody involved. As we march in to the Opening Ceremony at the Maccabiah Games in 2013, please know that we will carry each and every one of you in our hearts. You have brought us some wonderful athletes in the past, including Omahans Ben Jacobson and Hannah Wolf. You have paved the way for many more to participate in the years to come. And “nice” was your key ingredient – the best way to describe the wonderful Jewish Community of Omaha. With your exceptionally high affiliation rate, you are doing something right. Everything right. And that is nice! Sincerely, Jed Margolis, Executive Director of Maccabi USA
Israel and the Jewish people -- concentrates on Jewish identity and peoplehood, focusing on the “unraveling of our solidarity and cohesion” as a people. We must strengthen what binds us as a people, with special attention to redoubling our efforts to bring Israelis and Jews abroad together. Our new plan will broaden and increase future funding to programs like Nativ. And with our chairman just charged with mediating this full-blown peoplehood dilemma, we view this challenge as a great opportunity. In the end it’s not just about issues, it also comes down to people. Ilan Sabiyotanski, 21, participated in Nativ at the beginning of this year. As an immigrant from the former Soviet Union who was not Jewish by halachah, he saw the program as an opportunity to convert and become more fully a part of the Jewish people. On March 27, a few weeks before his conversion, Ilan was killed in an exchange of fire with Palestinian gunmen along the Gaza border. After his death, the Israeli government and rabbinic authorities had to decide: Could Ilan be buried as a Jew? His story is one more reason that we cannot fail this time. We need to resolve the conversion issue once and for all. The Jewish Agency is proud to take the lead. Dr. Misha Galperin is the president and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Our family wants to thank everyone for their support following Brandon Thomas, our beloved son, brother and grandson’s, accident on July 8 and his passing four days later. We are blessed to have such a strong network of friends and family. We appreciate your prayers, phone calls, emails and cards. We want to say a special thank you to Rabbi Eric Linder, Cantor Wendy Shermet and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel for being with us when we needed comforting. Many of you have asked what you can do to help us as this time. If you are not already an organ donor, please become one like Brandon was. We have learned that the organ transplants were successful. There is some comfort in knowing that a part of Brandon will live on for years and bring joy to other people’s lives. We have created a scholarship to honor Brandon and his dream of becoming a chef. The scholarships awarded by this fund will be a legacy for Brandon. Contributions can be sent to: Brandon Thomas Culinary Arts Memorial Scholarship Fund, MCC Foundation Fort Omaha Campus, Box 3777, Omaha, NE 68103-0777 Andie Gordman, Dan Fitzgerald, Lindsey Thomas and Elly and Bob Gordman
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
Candlelighting Friday, August 13, 8:08 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
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Julie and David Stein in honor of their son, Zachary becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. RABBI’S HIGH HOLIDAYS CLASS: Finding Personal Meaning in the High Holidays Liturgy will be presented by Rabbi Levin on Sundays, Aug. 15 and 22, 11 a.m.-noon. During the class, he will explore the new prayer book, Mahzor Lev Shalem, which will be used during High Holidays services. No charge to attend. To RSVP, contact Margie in the synagogue office. THURSDAY: CSA pick-up for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at the synagogue. BESTT BACK-TO-SCHOOL: BESTT classes for grades pre-K-7 begin Sunday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. – noon. All families (pre-K-12) are invited to a special Back-toSchool Bash on Monday, Aug. 30, 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner is complimentary but reservations are required by Aug. 25. Food, fun, games and camaraderie for all. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
The Neighborhood Prayer Group
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
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a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush by Janet & David Kohll and Sam, Max, Jack and Leo to wish Anna Kohll all the best as she heads off to the University of Arizona and to thank all those who have guided and supported Anna; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 7:45 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 9:09 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. Follow the Kollel at www.omaha kollel.blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. Mini-Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush lunch follows. Join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.; Shabbos Kallah and dessert reception for women and girls honoring Estie Katzman, 4 p.m. RSVP to miriamkatzman@gmail.com. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.
BAT MITZVAH Zoe Ann Watch, daughter of Jamie and Jerry Watch of Wood River, NE, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 14, at Tifereth Israel in Lincoln. Zoe is a neighth-grade honor student at Westridge Middle School. She has earned the highest honors as a speech champion in the state of Nebraska and has won many awards and
medals for her vocal performances. She won a medal in table tennis at the recent Maccabi games in Omaha. Her interests include animals, computer science and performing arts. For her mitzvah project, Zoe is doing an educational presentation on Israel and Judiasm for seventh grade social studies students at her school. Grandparents are the late Grace and Harry Cahow and the late Shirley and Eugene Watch.
PERSONAL We are celebrating our 70th Anniversary. Join us at an Open House on Sunday, Sept. 5, 4-7 p.m. at Bloomfield Forum, 9804 Nicholas. Rosalie and Milton Saylan
UNVEILING In honor of our beloved mother, Hilde Gottlieb: Steve Gottlieb and Ellen Saylan would like to invite friends and family for the unveiling of their mother, Hilde Gottlieb’s headstone on Sunday, Aug 15, 11 a.m., at Temple Israel Cemetery. Cantor Wendy Shermet will be officiating the service.
TUESDAY: The community is invited to the Wedding Ceremony of Estie Katzman and Leibel Baumgarten at the Hilton Downtown. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the outdoor Chupah at 6 p.m. RSVP to RSVP@OChabad.com. WEDNESDAY: Bar Mitzvah of Yossi Katzman, 7 p.m. at Chabad Center. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to receive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Stephanie Dohner; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Robert Friedman; Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Watch during Shabbat Morning Service at Tifereth Israel, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, 11:30 a.m. at Wind Chimes Chinese Restaurant, 3520 Village Drive, Ste. 100. If you have questions or need a ride, please contact Stephanie Dohner at dohners@ windstream.net. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive: During the month of August, the Social Action Committee is collecting school supplies to donate to Saratoga Elementary School. Bring your items to the stage area of the Social Hall. Thank you for helping the children in our neighborhood!
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder. We will honor everyone with a special blessing who has celebrated a birthday or anniversary in August. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Annual Golf Outing, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club. TUESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: CSA delivery for shareholders, 4:30 p.m. at South entrance.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Bat Mitzvah of Zoe Watch during Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at Wind Chimes Chinese Restaurant, 3520 Village Drive, Ste. 100. If you have questions or need a ride, please contact Stephanie Dohner at dohners@ windstream.net.
Iranian Holocaust-denying website launched by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- An Iranian website that uses cartoons to deny the Holocaust was launched by a nongovernmental cultural organization in the country. The HoloCartoon site offers a parallel version of historical events in Jewish history using cartoons. The material reportedly is based on a cartoon book on the Holocaust published in Iran in 2008. The website, according to the Anti-Defamation League in a news release issued Tuesday, is rife with anti-Semitic imagery, Jewish conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial and factual inaccuracies. “HoloCartoon is a pernicious Web site replete with vicious anti-Semitism and caricatures of Jews fabricating the Holocaust story to advance their goals, and depictions of Jews as murderers
and manipulative money worshippers,” said Abraham Foxman, ADL's national director and a Holocaust survivor. “Its pseudo-history makes a mockery of the Holocaust, and the site is little more than a virtual cesspool of anti-Semitism.” The book, which can be seen on the website by clicking on a swastika icon to turn its pages, tells readers that Jews created the idea of the Holocaust and fabricated the existence of the gas chambers in order to receive reparations. The site has English, Arabic and Farsi versions. The ADL called on the United States to publicly denounce the Iranian regime’s blatant antiSemitism. Iranian authorities would have had to approve the creation of the website but not its content, according to the Associated Press.
August 13, 2010
“It was Elul”
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Shoftim In traditional circles the 27th Psalm is added to the daily service during the whole month of Elul. And it continues to be recited until the High Holy Day season has been concluded. It is often called a “penitential psalm” but the reader will note that it is a psalm of steadfast faith, rather than an appeal for forgiveness; steadfast faith and unfaltering courage. I remember (when I was young and still impressionable!) hearing a rabbi preach on the first Shabbat of Elul. He was a known architect with words and a spellbinder. He prided himself on building whole structures of religious idea and concept, sometimes profound, with the sheer power of it rhetoric and dramatic delivery. It need hardly be noted that the style of preaching is largely out of vogue among Jews, and we tend to appreciate straightforward delivery and clear idea rather than intoxicating word flow and dramatic voice and gesture. But this was long ago, comparatively. It was the day of the silver tongued orator, the rabbi whom I had heard on the subject of Elul prided himself on the high sterling content of his delivery. “It was…Elul.” He went on to paint a word picture of the coming of Elul to the shtetl. It was profoundly disturbing emotionally to the simpleminded, religiously motivated, Jewishly faithful among our grandparents. Here was a warning that the Holy Days were approaching. The time of judgment was at hand. Thirty days ahead, to be sure, but relentlessly and ineluctably approaching. It was Elul and Tishrei was not far ahead. For previous generations, none of this was taken lightly. The great Day of Judgment was a Day of Judgment. Virtue and sinfulness were the themes, expressed or unexpressed, in everyone’s thinking. The theme of Teshuva, Repentance, ran through and charged the whole atmosphere, for Repentance was the key to forgiveness. The very breeze, the sunlight, the lingering shadows of evening, the mysterious noises of night, all whispered, Teshuva. It was…Elul. Both nature and human responded to the new page on the calendar…it was Elul. The older colleague whom I heard deliver the sermon is now gone, and so is his style of oratory. To be brutally frank, most of us would consider such a sermon corny. We would wonder whether the preacher was honest, sincere, genuine, or was he simply painting a picture from number to number. There is a ‘but’. The ‘but’ is that there was sincerity in the hearers, and a simplicity of spirit that was religious in a true sense. The Holy Days approaching were the Yomim Noraim, the Days of Awe. Those of us who have lost simplicity, as a child loses innocence, must strive to replace it with something equally effective, spiritually, if on more profound basis. It is still Elul, and Tishrei is coming. The 27th Psalm ends: Hope in the Lord and to be strong./ Take courage; Hope in the Lord. Editors Note: this column was reprinted from Rabbi Kripke’s 1988 book, Insight and Interpretation.
N.J. parents lose custody of Adolf Hitler (JTA) -- A New Jersey appeals court ruled that parents who gave their children names linked to Nazism cannot have custody of the children. The court overturned a family court's decision to return the three children, who had been removed from the home of their parents, Heath and Deborah Campbell, in January 2009. Adolf Hitler Campbell, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell were removed from their home in western New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border, a month after a highly publicized incident in which a supermarket refused to print Adolf Hitler Campbell's full name on a birthday cake. The appeals court said it believed there was enough evidence that the parents had abused or neglected the children, the Associated Press reported. The court did not uphold the removal of the children because of their names, according to reports. Court records show that neither parent is employed and both have disabilities.
DEATHS SHIRLEY SORKIN Shirley Sorkin passed away Aug. 8 in Denver. Graveside services were held Aug. 10 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. A Memorial service Aug. 11, at Shalom Park. She is survived by her husband, Albert Sorkin; son and daughter-in-law, Marc and Laurie Sorkin; brother, Edward Belzer; grandchildren, Adam, Alison and Jonathan Sorkin. Memorials to Jewish Family Service, Shalom Park or Beth Nehamah Hospice in Denver, CO.
R rating sticks for ‘A Film Unfinished’ by TOM TUGEND LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Israeli director Yael Hersonski fought long and hard to bring the Warsaw Ghetto documentary “A Film Unfinished” to the screen, but she couldn’t beat Hollywood’s rating board. Last week the Motion Picture Association of America upheld a previous decision of an R rating for the film because of “disturbing images of Holocaust atrocities, including graphic nudity,” the latter in a Nazi-coerced scene of young women in a mikveh. The rating, which prevents anyone under 17 from watching the film unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, will not block the commercial screening of the film in theaters scheduled for later this month. However, the designation will prevent the film from being shown in high school classes as an educational tool, to the disappointment of its creators and backers. “In a world where young people are bombarded with meaningless entertainment, it’s unfortunate that a film with real educational and historic value would be denied to them by an organization that is supposed to be working to help them,” said Adam Yauch, head of the film’s distributor Oscilloscope Laboratories and a former Beastie Boy. Hersonski said, “I realize that this may be a difficult film to watch, but I wish I had had the chance to see such a film when I was a teenager. I think high school teachers should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to use it in their classes.” The MPAA appeals board voted 12-3 to uphold the R rating, despite fervent pleas by Hersonski and a letter from Warsaw Ghetto survivor Hana Avrutzky. Further arguments that the 1998 film “The Last Days,” produced by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg and showing mass executions and extensive nudity, received a PG-13 rating did not sway the board’s decision.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 13, 2010
In Poland, Shabbatons for non-Jews to combat anti-Semitism by RUTH ELLEN GRUBER PIOTRKOW TRYBUNALSKI, Poland (JTA) -Whenever I visit Poland, I’m struck by how the intensity of the Jewish presence dwarfs the tiny number of Jews who actually live in the country. Even with the resurgence of Jewish life since the fall of communism, organized Jewish communities exist in fewer than a dozen Polish cities, and only the Warsaw community numbers much more than a few hundred people. Yet each year sees hundreds of Jewish-themed festivals, conferences, educational projects, commemorative activities, publications and other initiatives throughout the country. “I often joke that the mayor of every small town now feels obliged to make excuses if he or she has no Jewish festival,” said Anna Dodziuk, a Jewish activist in Warsaw. Dodziuk published a book this year on Poland’s largest and most famous Jewish festival, the nine-day Festival of Jewish Culture in Krakow, which has been going strong since 1988. “To put it in short,” she said, “it is politically correct now to explore the Jewish history of the local communities, to commemorate Jews of a shtetl who perished in the Holocaust, to celebrate somehow Jewish culture.” The activities are meant to educate and memorialize, but they coincide with a Jewish presence that is glaringly visible in more negative contexts, too, and this is also part of the paradox. Anti-Semitic graffiti is shockingly widespread. Spraypainted Stars of David hanging from gallows deface countless walls. Much of this, however, likely has little to do with actual Jews. The ugly scrawls are the work of soccer fans who may have no idea what Judaism is but have adopted Jewish symbols as pejoratives with which to bash their opponents. Meanwhile, figurines of Orthodox Jews clutching coins fill souvenir stalls in Warsaw, Krakow and some other cities. The imagery harks back to the stereotype of Jews as greedy moneylenders, but the figurines are marketed today as abstract good-luck talismans. “When a member of the city council from a Polish town came to visit me in the States not long ago, he brought a present,” said Michael Traison, an American Jewish lawyer who has offices in Chicago and Warsaw.
“It was a painting of a Jew counting money, with a dollar bill stuck in its back. He obviously had no idea that the image could be offensive.” Trying to make sense out of the disparity is a cottage industry among scholars, educators, policymakers, communal leaders and ordinary citizens. How do you balance an abstract evocation of Jews and Jewish life with the real thing? And how do you prevent stereotypes and skewed templates from dominating discourse? Traison believes a sort of “public display of Judaism” can be useful. Toward that end, over the past four years he has helped organize Shabbatons that have brought actual Jews and Jewish practice to half a dozen provincial towns where few or no Jews have lived since the Holocaust. A poster in the main square Religious services are held in of Piotrkow Trybunalski -- a long-disused synagogues, and rundown industrial town in local officials and ordinary central Poland where walls citizens are invited to join in bear anti-Semitic graffiti -- for for prayers, kosher meals and a Days of Judaism festival. Credit: Ruth Ellen Gruber Shabbat study. Traison says he has four main goals: remembrance; demonstrating that the Jewish people -- and Judaism -- are still alive; outreach to Poles; and enabling Jews and local Catholics to participate in a Jewish religious experience. “This is all very important for young people in Poland, who often only know Jews through imagery and mythology,” he said. Stanislaw Krajewski, a Warsaw Jew who has attended several of the Shabbatons, agreed. “It doesn’t just show pictures but is doing something that is really alive,” he said. “It is such an innovation -a way of bringing a sort of circulation of blood in these places.” A Catholic man who attended last year’s Shabbaton in Kielce put it this way: “I could feel myself what I already knew theoretically, namely what the Shabbat means for
Jews who treat their faith seriously.” The song “Boi Kala” – “Come, Sabbath Queen” – “is also a challenge or a question on how I, a Christian man, treat my ‘shabbat’ -- Sunday,” the man said. “Thanks to Jews’ testimony of how they treat their holy day, I treat mine more seriously.” Most of these elements were evident at the latest Shabbaton, which took place this summer in Piotrkow Trybunalski, a rundown industrial town in central Poland where city walls are scarred by anti-Semitic soccer graffiti but also bear commemorative plaques recalling the town’s rich Jewish past. The Shabbaton coincided with a city-sponsored Days of Judaism festival, and posters advertised the religious events along with lectures, exhibits and a klezmer concert. Piotrkow’s mayor and other officials took part in a Holocaust commemoration ceremony, a kosher Shabbat dinner and an open-air Havdalah celebration in a public park near the center of town. Schoolchildren staged a play based on a Holocaust story, and Poland’s chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, led services in Piotrkow’s former synagogue, which was defiled by the Nazis and then turned into the public library in the 1960s. Most of the participants were Piotrkow Holocaust survivors and descendants from Israel, the United States and other countries. They included the former Israeli diplomat Naftali Lau-Lavie, who was called to the Torah that Shabbat to celebrate the 71st anniversary of his bar mitzvah. Lavie’s father was Piotrkow’s last chief rabbi, and his brother is Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, a former Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel and now the chief rabbi of Tel Aviv. Many in the group had visited Piotrkow before. Some had sponsored commemorative projects such as placing plaques and cleaning up the Jewish cemetery. They came to honor the dead, relive memories and make a positive statement simply by walking the streets. It was “surreal” to pray where both “fame and infamy reigned,” said Irving Gomolin, a survivors’ son from Mineola, N.Y., who was making his third trip to Piotrkow. But, he added, “It also helps send the message to the town that we have not forgotten, that the Jewish nation and Piotrkower Jews survive and remember and do not want to forget or have their past in this place forgotten.”
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