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Vol. LXXXVI No. 48 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Sudanese refugees flooding Israel pose moral and practical dilemmas by URIEL HEILMAN SDEROT, ISRAEL (JTA) -It’s early morning in the Negev desert, but there’s a flurry of activity along Israel’s dusty border with Egypt, where small groups of Sudanese plot their escape across the international boundary. On one side lies peril and poverty -- crowded refugee camps, scarce jobs and overzealous Egyptian soldiers ready to open fire on anyone trying to flee to Israel. In the last few days alone, nearly half a dozen Sudanese refugees were reported killed along the border fence. On the other side lies relative prosperity and protection -- a westernized country, a more sympathetic government and a broad array of refugee services includ- This Sudanese refugee and some 57 others who crossed into Israel illegally from Egypt were given a temporary home in Ibim, an aliyah youth village run by the Jewish Agency for Israel ing, in some cases, jobs. Credit: Uriel Heilman “It’s good. I love Israel. on the outskirts of Sderot. There’s good people here,” “Conditions were bad in Egypt. There was no work,” said Emanuel, a 16-year-old Sudanese boy who made it he said. “My uncle works here.” safely across. Now he lives in Ibim, an aliyah youth vilThe Jewish Agency’s decision to help Emanuel and lage on Sderot’s outskirts run by the Jewish Agency for some 750 other refugees is one of the latest twists in Israel. There, Emanuel sleeps on a clean bed, gets three what has become a political and moral dilemma for meals a day and occasionally gets taken to swimming Israel: How to handle an estimated 2,500 Sudanese who pools, summer camps and nature excursions. Continued on page 2

3 Elul, 5767 August 17, 2007

For Israelis in Sderot, rockets continue to fall by JAN GOLDSTEIN Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha I recently spent 12 days in Israel representing our Omaha Jewish community. I went for a number of reasons: to participate in the UJC’s Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC) evaluation tour, to attend the Jewish Agency Assembly of the Board of Governors, to participate in the Partnership with Israel Joint Steering Committee meetings, and because it was time for me to revisit our Jewish Homeland. My first five days in Israel were spent traveling with colleagues, lay leaders and UJC and Israeli officials, to determine how our IEC dollars are making a strategic impact on the lives of Israelis who suffered the impact of 34 days of war with Lebanon last summer. We saw so much resolve, rebuilding and resiliency due to our efforts during our days spent in the North. Continued on page 3

The “Resiliency Art” project uses art, music and drama to help children cope with daily fear of rocket attacks from Gaza.

Family Service, Senior Services agencies to merge by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director Shared resources ... combined operations ... expanded services. In a move designed to strengthen and enhance two key areas of service to the Omaha Jewish community, Jewish Family Service (JFS) and Jewish Senior Services (JSS) will merge. The newly combined agency will be responsible for meeting the community’s social service needs. Federation President Norman Sheldon has long been a proponent of maximizing resources and taking advantage of opportunities to create new partnerships among the agencies. “This has been a primary goal of my presidency,” Dr. Sheldon said. “I am thrilled by the exciting new direction we are taking. As stewards of our community’s resources, we must continually evaluate our operations, to ensure that we are providing the best possible delivery of service.” The initial opportunity for a Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services partnership began in July of 2006. Mike Silverman, Executive Director of JSS, was appointed as a consultant to Jewish Family Service and its director, Karen Gustafson, in the areas of operations and finance. During the subsequent six months, informal discussions explored the possible benefits a merger could bring the two agencies.

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

In March, Sheldon formalized the process when he named Adam Yale to Chair the JFS/JSS task force. Task force members included Elyce Azriel, Carol Bloch, Jim Farber, Gloria Kaslow, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Allan Murow and Anthony Scioli. The task f o r c e examined the current relationship of the two agencies and reasons to consider a str uctural change. The evaluMike Silverman ation process began with a focus on the issues and concerns from the perspective of each agency. The group conducted in-depth discussions with Silverman and Gustafson, who reported that cooperative programs and expanded services could be pursued in a number of areas, in addition to gaining administrative and operational efficiencies. Both the Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services boards of directors were actively involved in these discussions. Over the course of the next several

months, the synergies between JFS and JSS became apparent to the members of the task force. In addition to the operational efficiencies gained by combining the two agencies, social services, counseling, transportation and the meals-onwheels program would all benefit by combining resources. “We think a merger will be good,” Yale added, “most of all for the beneficiarKaren Gustafson ies of the agencies, the agencies’ collective and ongoing missions, and the community at large. In the end, we will emerge with a strong organization that will improve on the already valuable services being provided to the community.” Noting the time, care and thought the JSS and JFS boards, his fellow task force members, as well as the Federation have put into this solution, Yale expressed his appreciation of the entire process. Based on the recommendation of the task force, the Jewish Federation of Omaha board of directors voted to

approve the merger at its Aug. 7 board meeting. Silverman will serve as Executive Director of the new agency, with Gustafson reporting directly to him. Bob Belgrade, President of the Jewish Senior Service board of directors, indicated that the merger will be a very positive move, and that there will be no disruption of any of the programs and services currently being offered. “We’re adding some management expertise to a staff that’s already wellqualified in the services that they provide. This merger will allow us to better serve our Jewish community by having management that can be forward-focused and more responsive to the varying needs of the people we serve,” he said. David Goldberg, immediate past-president of the Jewish Family Service board of directors, expressed his confidence in the future of the newly combined agency. “I am pleased that Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services will be joining forces,” Goldberg added. “Under the expert stewardship of directors Karen Gustafson and Mike Silverman, the Omaha Jewish community can expect the finest care and programming from the combined agencies. Since last fall, Karen and Mike have demonstrated their expertise as they joined forces on projects at JFS ranging from computer system management to budgeting and personnel.” Continued on page 2

This Week: Sunday’s Limmud Omaha offers 12 sessions: Page 5 Coming Next Month: New Year’s Issue, Sept. 7 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Seventies rebel takes job at cantorial school: Page 4

Yachad gets grant for Buddy Mentoring program: Page 7

Call out for artists to work in Partnership in Israel: Page 16

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

Sudanese refugees flooding Israel

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Limmud Omaha: A Day of Learning, noon MONDAY, AUGUST 20 Aquatics MOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m. JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Jewish Book Club, 11 a.m. JSS Lyn Eby’s Swing Band, 11:30 a.m. Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Hadassah Board, 1 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 WOW Tehillim and More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Music Appreciation Fund Miss Patty Community Concert, 5:30 p.m. BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Translations of the Hebrew Bible, 7 p.m. at Beth El Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22 Friedel Jewish Academy First Day of Class JSS Nebraska Wind Symphony Swingtones, 7 p.m. Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

This Space For Rent Call Terri Greenwood 334-6559

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Continued from page 1 have crossed the border illegally into Israel over the past couple of years. Many Israelis say helping the refugees is a humanitarian gesture befitting the Jewish state, but even among them there is concern -- shared by many Israelis -- that too warm a welcome will lead to an endless flood of Sudanese trying to enter the country. “In this country there’s a special understanding and a special experience, and obviously people fleeing genocide receive a special status. There’s been a government decision that such people are not going to be sent back,” said Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry. At the same time, he said, “It’s clear that Israel cannot be the answer for the suffering in Sudan.” Only an estimated 10 to 12 percent of the migrants -about 300 people -- are from Sudan’s Darfur region, where a genocidal campaign by government-sponsored Arab militiamen known as Janjaweed has resulted in the murder and rape of hundreds of thousands of black Africans. Most of those entering Israel are from southern Sudan, where warfare and bleak economic conditions have prompted locals to take flight. A few of the migrants are not Sudanese at all, but Africans from other troubled spots, such as Eritrea. The Israeli government did not provide exact figures on the refugees’ countries of origin. The Sudanese refugee issue dates back at least two years, but the situation intensified earlier this summer when in June an average of 50 persons per day crossed the Egyptian border illegally into Israel, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Experts said the news likely had spread in the Sudanese refugee encampments in Egypt, where the Sudanese originally had fled, that circumstances were better in Israel. The sudden surge in illegal immigrants put the Israeli government face to face with an international cause celebre that had roused the passions of human rights advocates worldwide, many of them prominent Jews. In Israel, nobody was quite sure what to do. After verifying the migrants did not represent a security threat, the Israeli soldiers who picked up the Sudanese along the border deposited them in the closest major city, Beersheva, where for a time the mayor put them up in a local hotel. Incensed that the government wasn’t offering any long-term solutions, Beersheva mayor Ya’akov Turner eventually announced that his city would accept no more refugees, and he began sending the Sudanese arriving in his city by bus to Jerusalem, where they were dropped off opposite the Knesset. The Israeli government sent them back to Beersheva and during the back-and-forth, some Israeli agencies and individuals stepped in, offering to house the Sudanese. Some Israeli families took in a few refugees, kibbutzim took in others and 58 were put up by the Jewish Agency at the Ibim aliyah youth village, an absorption facility for young immigrants near Sderot. A few days later Jewish Agency Chairman Ze’ev Bielski offered to house up to 700 more Sudanese at absorption centers in Hadera and Tiberias.

JFS, JSS to merge

C L I P & S A V E

Continued from page 1 The board of directors for the newly merged agency will include members from both boards, under the leadership of Bob Belgrade. “The new board includes members from both agencies that have demonstrated a true passion and commitment, whose primary focus is providing care for those in need,” Belgrade said. “We’re also incredibly fortunate to have a high quality management and professional staff working together, to ensure excellence in the service we provide.” Sheldon voiced his appreciation for the hard work of both the task force and the agency boards of directors. “I can assure the community that a tremendous amount of time and effort went into studying this complex issue. Adam Yale and his task force worked side by side with JFS and JSS board members to study all sides of the equation. We owe a big thank you to each of these volunteers for their tireless efforts.” Goldberg echoed Sheldon’s words. “My deepest thanks to Karen, Mike and the entire JFS board for their commitment and patience throughout this arduous process. I take pride in knowing that many committed individuals have worked hard to help guide this important agency towards a solid future, providing tzedakah to Omahans in need.”

“The raison d’etre of the Jewish Agency is facilitating immigration and initial absorption,” said Michael Jankelowitz, a spokesman for the agency. “But Ze’ev Bielski, after he was contacted by the prime minister, felt that on a humanitarian basis this was the right thing for the Jewish Agency to do, as a Jewish issue.” Bielski’s offer prompted angry responses from local officials in Hadera and Tiberias. Hadera’s mayor was quoted in one Israeli newspaper, vowing to fight any move to “dump” the Sudanese in his city. The government eventually came up with an interim solution, moving many of the refugees with no other place to go to a facility adjacent to the Ketziot prison along the Egypt-Israel-Gaza border that had been prepared for them by the government. “For us this is a new set of issues we haven’t had to deal with until now, and we’ve got to get our act together,” Regev said. “It’s very important we control immigration.” Israel says it will return all the illegal immigrants to Egypt except those fleeing the genocide in Darfur. But no deportations have taken place. As for the refugees from Darfur, Regev said Israel will work with the United Nations to find them a permament home. “No one in this group is going to be forced to go back to the slaughter in Darfur,” Regev said. “We’re working closely with the international community to find expeditious solutions for these people.” Israelis themselves appear divided on the issue. A survey released this week by the Kevoon Institute showed that more Israelis prefer deporting the Sudanese than keeping the refugees -- 47 percent to 39 percent. Fourteen percent of those questioned were undecided. Many human rights groups oppose the deportation of the other refugees to Egypt, arguing that the Sudanese may be penalized in Egypt for their illegal flight across the border or, worse, returned to Sudan, where they are liable to be killed for having fled their country for the Jewish state. Last week, 63 Knesset members sent a petition to the Olmert administration urging the government not to return the refugees to Egypt but instead to find them safe haven abroad. “The refugees who arrived here need protection and shelter,” the petition said. “Their absorption as refugees is a moral duty, considering the history of the Jewish people and the values of democracy and humanity.” Signatories included Likud Party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, Labor’s Amir Peretz and Effi Eitam of the National Religious Party. One of the refugees’ most visible advocates in Israel is Aliza Olmert, the prime minister’s wife, who last month wrote her own first-person account tracking the refugees’ journey into the Jewish state in Israel’s daily Yediot Achronot. “I come home laden with letters of request and the sense of urgency of someone who has been burned by what her eyes have seen,” Olmert wrote. “The world is separated into those who have met refugees face-to-face and those who are only vaguely aware of them.” One Israeli absorption official who works with the refugees said it warms his heart to help these people fleeing their war-torn country. “It’s the best face of Zionism,” he said. But something about the refugees’ treatment in Israel also strikes him as unfair. Sudanese families are given free housing, clothes and toys, the refugee children are taken to swimming pools, and the fathers are given farming jobs, while hundreds of thousands of poor Israeli families are on their own when it comes to dealing with poverty and hardship. “The question is how far you take this,” said the official. “Someone asked me the other day why I don’t care for kids from Ofakim,” a poor Jewish town in the Negev. “There are kids from the projects in Beersheva who haven’t seen a swimming pool in years.”

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3 for Labor Day, and for Rosh Hashanah, Thursday & Friday, Sept. 13-14; Sukkot, Sept. 27-28; and Shemini Azeret/Simchat Torah, Oct. 4-5. Deadlines for the following issues are at 9 a.m.: Issue Deadline Sept. 21 Tuesday, Sept. 11 Tuesday, Sept. 25 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Tuesday, Oct. 2 Questions? Call 402.334.6448 for information on submitting articles, photos, ads, and announcements, as well as synagogue schedules.

August 17, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

In Sderot, rockets continue to fall Continued from page 1 Hamas terrorists constantly pummel this area with Kassam rockets, just as they have for the past six-and-ahalf years. In recent months, these rocket attacks have escalated to the point where it is an almost daily occurrence. Residents never know when a missile is going to hit. Sadly, this has become the normality of life for over 25,000 city residents, 7,000 students at nearby Saphir College, and 8,000-10,000 others who live in the surrounding areas. Kassam rockets and makeshift mortar shells pose painful dilemmas for the people who live here. These people are forced to make daily decisions about whether or not to go grocery shopping, to the bank or just go about the business of living, amidst the dread of hearing the ‘Shachar Adom’ -- alarm sirens. During our tour we spoke with several residents, including a young woman named Segal who is an elementary teacher and mother of two. “I wake up in the morning and immediately turn on the television to know what is happening,” she says. “But I already know, since I’m living in a war zone. Each day I must decide if I’m sending my children to school, and if I myself will go. Although I may be fearful, there are many children who depend on me to be there. So before I get into my car, I say the ‘Shema’, and pray that we will all be fine when we return.” Classes are held in the school’s shelter. There are no windows, of course, and the children can’t see outside. But what can parents do when regular school buildings are no longer considered a safe environment? Alan Potash, Director of the Plains Region AntiDefamation League/Community Relations Committee, was also in Israel for our meetings in the western Galilee. He had the opportunity to visit Sderot a few days after I was there. For Potash, the most memorable images were the portable bomb shelters placed on the playground. “Just thinking that kids only have seconds to run into the bomb shelter when the siren sounds is staggering,” he said. The children are constantly afraid. The Israeli government has declared Sderot a military zone. This means that kids can’t be outside alone, nor are they allowed to be more than 15 seconds from a bomb shelter. They can’t go outside to play. They can’t even go to the two local community centers, because both have been hit by rockets. This is no way to spend the summer. That’s where IEC money comes into play. More than $1.4 million of the money raised during the Israel Emergency Campaign was used to send 8,200 kids from this area to camps last summer, providing a safe place away from the war zone where kids could run and play. According Sderot’s mayor, “The problem is not just one of security – its socio-economic; money is needed to

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make people feel safe and provide reasons for them to Agency for Israel (JAFI). They help families regain constay.” trol of their lives by teaching them how to cope. With the IEC and additional dollars, much can be We learned about Resiliency Art, which uses art, music done to address the reality of fear and feelings of aban- and drama to help children cope with daily fear and donment and isolation. Fortifying unsafe public build- build capacity for the future. The whole idea of ings, building more shelters, expanding psychological ‘Resiliency,’ we learned, is the belief in leadership, that trauma programs, offering more college scholarships for someone knows what they’re doing and that they are area students, and providing economic support and not isolated and alone. Israelis are developing many new loans for small business and new public housing units concepts like this to deal with trauma, aided by the dolcan play a major role in lars we’ve raised. strengthening this strugAfter a long and emotional day, we returned to gling community. Jerusalem for a very welcome Shabbat dinner with Local officials are desmy Omaha and Partnership groups. But those of us perate to help their citiwho had witnessed the situation in the South kept zens. “Our first demands talking about the children -- and the summer they are to the government. wouldn’t have unless we did something to help. But esteem is low for the So in addition to previous money we’ve allocatway the government has ed to this area, we asked the UJC Work Group to handled the issues, approve an additional $2.94 million. This money is despite the fact that four being used to send thousands of school-age chilbillion shekels (roughly 1 dren to summer camps in safe areas, and to provide billion dollars) was immemore post-trauma counseling for families and social diately allocated last sum- Above: Jan Goldstein examines rockets that have pummeled workers. mer for all crisis-affected Sderot for the past six-and-a-half years. Below: Children must We continue to make a areas in Israel. tremendous difference in the be able to reach this bomb shelter, located on a playground in “But,” he says, “we Sdereot, within 15 seconds of the alarm sounding. South. To date, more than look to the warm com$9 million dollars from the munity of American Jews Israel Emergency Campaign for the support and conhas been specifically allocatcern they have shown.” ed to the Sderot crisis. Our group heard My lasting impression of repeatedly that although this visit is that I was once people are very tired from again witness to the strength the conditions under and courage of a people who which they live, most are trying to live their lives Israelis in the South are, amidst the backdrop of antiby and large, determined Israel and anti-Jewish hostilto stay. As another comity. And that we -- as munity leader named American Jews -- are very Nitai told us, “The quesfortunate, not only because tion for people to stay or we don’t live in a constant go is based upon what they have to lose.” state of war, but because we can help those who do. So many residents have lived in Sderot their whole Potash echoed these sentiments: “Walking away from lives. This is their home, and for many it would be too Sderot, I was left with many thoughts of how we are economically difficult to leave. “We need to stay. If making a difference in the lives of so many, and how we Sderot falls, other Israeli cities will fall. We need to must continue to show Israelis that they are not alone in strengthen ourselves. We must become the model for a their fight for the Jewish State and our Jewish identity.” city under attack that can still give services and support My thoughts often return to Segal. As we were leaving for the people.” the shelter, she continually thanked us for coming to Those with special needs are even more vulnerable visit when other groups have cancelled. I was in Sderot during a crisis. All services must be coordinated, so we to witness their struggles and challenges for less than six have helped fund Resilience Centers. These centers inte- hours; Segal and others have been living this reality for grate services made available through the government, more than six years. Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and Jewish It seems to me, it was the least I could do.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

Seventies rebel takes job at cantorial school by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- When singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman steps in front of the class at the Reform movement’s cantorial school this fall, she’ll be crossing more than a physical threshold. The just-announced appointment of the popular 55-year-old musician to the faculty of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s School of Sacred Music in New York is akin to official sanction of her folk-inspired, sing-along musical style, which has slowly but firmly embedded itself in Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative congregations nationwide. Her songs, written over a 35-year period, range from traditional prayers reworked and set to new melodies such as “L’cha Dodi” or “Sim Shalom,” to the hard-driving, rock-influenced “Not By Might,” the powerful “Sing Unto God,” and the catchy, but sly “The Water in the Well.” But it is as a singer for healing services that she is perhaps best known and loved. Her “Mi Shebeirach” is sung at countless synagogues and Jewish gatherings. When the diminutive Friedman takes up her guitar in front of 1,000 people, tilts her face skyward and lets that rich, yearning voice pour out, the tears often flow. Friedman’s appointment can be seen as part of a general shift in American Jewish worship away from grand operatic performances by cantor and choir and toward greater congregational participation. “My agenda is to modernize cantorial education to reflect the styles and needs of congregations,” said Cantor Bruce Ruben, who became director of the Reform cantorial school a year ago. “The curriculum reflected a type of cantorate that doesn’t exist anymore, or exists just in a few places.” To be sure, Friedman isn’t the only one singing with a modern style. She’s not even the first contemporary composer on the school’s faculty, and she has taught before on an ad-hoc basis. But she’s the best known, and her songs the most widely disseminated, and that’s why her appointment to the as-yet unnamed position is seen as so significant. Since her emergence as a composer of Jewish summer camp songs in the early 1970s, Friedman -- who has no formal musical training -- has long faced resistance from cantors, rabbis and others who

considered her music inappropriate in synagogue. “I’ve been a symbol,” Friedman said, with some frustration. “Rather than seeing me as a whole person, I’ve been perceived as a renegade, someone outside the system.” Some cantors, in particular, feel she threatens traditional “nusach,” or Jewish liturgical tradition. That, Friedman said, is nonsense. “The issue is whether we’re reaching people and helping them pray. Whatever we can do to facilitate their worship experience and spiritual self-exploration, we’re obligated to do.” In addition to reflecting changes in musical style, Friedman’s appointment also speaks to the great expansion of the cantor’s role in today’s synagogue, Ruben said. “Cantors are asked to do many life cycle functions, to counsel people,” he said. “That wasn’t part of the job description 20 years ago.” Rabbi David Ellenson, president of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, said that whereas in the past cantors were primarily soloists, today they work closely with the rabbi, religious school director and other staff. “I am elated,” Ellenson said, regarding Friedman’s appointment. “I feel privileged we have her on the faculty.” Friedman will be teaching both rabbinical and cantorial students in a class where they will set traditional prayers to their own music. She will also coach cantorial students in New York, and will spend a week a year at the college’s Cincinnati and Los Angeles campuses working with rabbinical students. Ellenson and Ruben stress that Friedman’s appointment does not signal a move away from the teaching of either traditional nusach or the so-called “art music” of the second half of the 20thcentury, the melodies often used in Reform and some Conservative services. The school will continue to teach all three styles. That is essential, said Cantor Barbara Ostfeld, director of placement for the Reform cantors’ professional association. “Any cantor worth his or her salt has to be conversant with all kinds of music in order to reach out to everyone,” she declared. Opposition to Friedman’s music has

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dissipated in recent years, but there are still many who are concerned that the legacy of traditional hazzanut will be swept aside in the rush towards a contemporary sound designed to draw in the young and unaffiliated. Cantor Jack Mendelson of Temple Israel, a large Conservative congregation in White Plains, N.Y., teaches in both the Reform and Conservative cantorial programs. He is “a huge fan” of Friedman -the two held joint singing sessions famously portrayed in the documentary “A Journey of Spirit.” But he said that most of what she and her colleagues write

Conservative cantorial schools and shares Mendelson’s concern for the future of traditional hazzanut, noted that Conservative student cantors don’t get nearly as much of the new music as Reform students. That has produced a disconnect between new Conservative rabbis and cantors, she said. “The new JTS rabbis like the Debbie Friedmans and the Jeff Kleppers,” she said, referring to popular singer-songwriter Cantor Jeff Klepper. “That’s not what the cantorial students are prepared for. They’re just learning the traditional music.” But change may be afoot. This week in Jerusalem, Arnold Eisen, incoming head of the Jewish Theological Seminary, told a private gathering that the school’s cantorial program would be “reassessed,” according to sources who were present. Despite the concerns expressed by Mendelson and Novick, the argument over cantorial style is not nearly as vitriolic as it was even a decade ago. It’s more a question of where one Debbie Friedman stands along a constantly Credit: Michael Fox Photography shifting spectrum of musical are “songs meant to be sung around the taste, a balancing act rather than an all-orcampfire” not in the sanctuary. nothing dispute. “You might say that hazzanut is in danSteven Dress is the cantor at Temple ger,” he opined. “There’s a perception Israel, a Conservative congregation in among congregants that came out of the Sharon, Mass., and a past member of the folk revolution that hazzanut is showing executive board of the Cantors Assembly, off, that it’s not prayer. That’s sad -- haz- the professional association of Conservative zanut is the ultimate expression of Jewish cantors. He recalls Friedman’s performprayer.” ance at the assembly’s national convention So far, Friedman’s music has not made more than 15 years ago. significant inroads at the H. L. Miller One-third of the assembly didn’t Cantorial School at the Jewish applaud when she was introduced, he Theological Seminary, the Conservative said, and he shared their trepidation. But movement’s flagship program. the diminutive woman with the powerful, Cantor Henry Rosenblum, dean of the uplifting voice and quiet respect for school, said his students “are exposed to Jewish tradition won him over. the melodies of people like Debbie “Her presentation was a turning point Friedman, Shlomo Carlebach, Craig in my growth as a hazzan and in my perTaubman, Danny Masseng and Meir sonal growth,” Dress said. “Although Finkelstein, among others,” all popular I’m certainly not one who fully embraces purveyors of contemporary Jewish litur- her style, I do embrace it for our people.” gical music. One of her songs he used is “Not By But Cantor Martha Novick, who also Might,” written in English. “So it’s not teaches at both the Reform and rooted in nusach,” he said. “So what?”

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Tribute to Patty Nogg set for Tuesday Last Chance » Last Chance » Last Chance » Last August 17, 2007

to lead us and sing with us. Included in by SUSAN ROTHHOLZ Event Chairman the cast are Cantor Gaston Bogomolni, Karen Javitch Music Appreciation Fund Cantor Wendy Shermet, Tuffy Epstein, We’re having a party ... a Miss Patty Rabbi Eric Linder, Jeff Malashock, Jill Party. After 17 years at the Child Belmont and Rick Weiner. Bring your famDevelopment ily, a picnic supper Center, Patty Nogg and a chair or has called for a time blanket by 5:30 out. But the songs p.m.; Blue Bunny that she taught our donated dessert. children and grandIt’s a school night, children will live on. so the evening will On Tuesday, end by 7 p.m.. Aug. 21, 6 p.m., To all youngthe whole Omaha sters who attended community is invitthe CDC in the ed to pay tribute to Patty by singing her Patty Nogg enjoys visiting with preschoolers in past 17 years, come to sing to Miss favorite songs. The Israel. She recently retired from the CDC. party will be held at the Frohm outdoor Patty and thank her for bringing song pavillion in the back grounds of the and joy to us all. The evening is sponJewish Community Center, with more sored by the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music than 15 local Jewish musicians on stage Appreciation Fund.

Limmud Omaha sessions presenters explore “Judaism (Re) Examined: A Vibrant Spirit” by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator, Center for Jewish Education “Judaism (Re) Examined: A Vibrant Spirit” will be explored through a variety of presenters during the afternoon breakout sessions of Limmud Omaha. Limmud Omaha will be held on Sunday, Aug. 19, 12:30-5 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center and is presented by the Center for Jewish Education. The afternoon will begin with a presentation by Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen, President Emeritus, Baltimore Hebrew University. Following Dr. Geffen’s remarks, three breakout sessions will be held, with four presentations per session. “Last year was the first Limmud event presented to the community by our agency”, states Toba Cohen Dunning, Center for Jewish Education board member. “It was a fabulous event and those attending were invigorated by the many presentations.” She continued saying “The hardest decision was which presentation to attend during each session!” There will be four options during each session, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., everyone will reconvene for a closing presentation by Dr. Geffen with the day concluding at 5 p.m. The presenters during the sessions are as follows: Session 1, 1:30-2:15 p.m. Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Senior Rabbi, Beth El: “Getting More Out of Prayer.” Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair for Jewish Civilization, Creighton University: “Rabbis, Rituals, and Rites: The Comic Strips Look at Judaism.” Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Nebraska-Omaha: “1948 Revisited: Debating the Past, Rethinking

the Future.” Rivkah Sass, Director, Omaha Public Library: “Jewish Literature: Dybbuks, Golems, and Ghosts, Oh My!” Session 2, 2:30-3:15 p.m. Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen, President Emeritus, Baltimore Hebrew University: “American Jewish Grandparenting in the 21st Century.” Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Executive Director, Chabad of Nebraska: “Examining the Jewish Approach to Love and Intimacy.” Dr. Jean Cahan, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Director of Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska- Lincoln: “The Ideas of Disenchantment and Desacralization in the Philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas.” Martin Shukert, Principal, RDG Crose Gardner Shukert, Inc.: “Jewish Space.” Session 3, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Senior Rabbi, Beth Israel: “The Simpsons and Halacha: Popular Media and Judaism.” Cantor Wendy Shermet, Cantor, Temple Israel: “Jewish Music: Mt. Sinai to Rap.” Rabbi Ilan Emanuel, Senior Rabbi, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Lincoln: “How Would the Rabbis Vote? Judaism and American Politics.” Beth Seldin Dotan, Director, Institute for Holocaust Education: “The Legacy of the Holocaust, 60 Years Later.” Limmud Omaha is open to the community at no charge. Babysitting is available, by reservation, by calling 334.6465. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. For more information, please call 334.6445 or e-mail mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

Public invited to pay tribute to retiring public safety officers by LOIS EPSTEIN B’nai B’rith We didn’t even know them personally. Yet, they put their life on the line for us. They served, protected, and defended us from danger. And they did it for many, many years! So how do we say “Thank you” to those police, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies who often risked their lives to ensure our safety? “It’s very easy. Just join us at the B’nai B’rith Recognition Award Reception at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26,” event chair Randy Endelman explained. “We will hold the hour-long program in the social hall of the Jewish Community Center. “It has been the biennial practice and privilege of Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai

B’rith to hold this reception to honor the retiring men and women of the Omaha Police and Fire Departments and the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. “The Lodge has invited all the public safety retirees and their families to attend and we will serve refreshments after the awards are given out,” Endelman noted. Invited speakers include the mayor, members of the city council and other public officials. “We hope that members of the community will join us and help pay tribute to these dedicated civil servants,” committee member Dan Marburg added. “We often take the cops and fire department for granted, but this is a real way to say ‘thank you.’”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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August 17, 2007

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by PJ WIESNER Foundation Communications Coordinator The Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation will accept grant applications in amounts of $3,000 or less until Monday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m., for programs consistent with the charitable, educational, and religious purposes of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Grant applications can be obtained by contacting Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Foundation, at 334.6440 or Janet Henthorn, Endowment Associate at the Jewish Federation Foundation at 334.6551. Completed requests should be submitted to Henthorn at 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. In October, the Newman Supporting Foundation Board of Trustees will meet to consider requests for funds. Trustees will also consider being a participating sponsor in programs that exceed the $3,000 limit. At last yearâ€™s annual meeting, the Newman Supporting Foundation granted the following requests for funds, for a total of $22,000. Temple Israel was given a grant for the restoration of Bâ€™nai Sholem and Bâ€™nai Jacob cemeteries to repair grave markers and the Bâ€™nai Jacob Chapel, install plaques on unreadable stones and improve the landscaping. In order to pass on a profound understanding of the Holocaust and a sense of responsibility to the community, the National Holocaust Endowment Fund received a grant to provide Holocaust education courses at Wayne State University and Dana College. A grant was given to the National Conference for Community and Justice for Unitown 2007, a four-day version of the national Anytown program for the Omaha/Council Bluffs area that offers students the skills to address the issues of cultural diversity. The Jewish Federation of Omaha received a grant for a Summer Internship Program designed to bring Jewish Midwestern college students to Omaha to work for the summer with the hope that they will return after gradu-

ation. Social and cultural activities to introduce young Jewish people to the Omaha community were planned. Jewish Family Services was given a grant to assist members of the Jewish community with a financial need of basic necessities including emergency rent and utilities payments, grocery certificates, prescriptions and gas vouchers. The Lied Center for Performing Arts received a grant for The Train, a collaborative chamber theater production about the Holocaust that was part of a series devoted to expanding awareness about human rights issues using performing arts. Performances, as well as workshops and discussion groups, took place in Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, and Kearney. The Institute for Holocaust Education received a grant to provide a series of adult educational opportunities about the Holocaust, including classroom instruction and cultural events, for both the Jewish and general community. A grant was given to the Center for Jewish Education to subsidize the cost of a mission trip to Israel for 10 Jewish educators this past summer, who, in addition to touring Israel, participated in intensive teacher training sessions covering pedagogy and education about Judaism and Israel. The Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee was awarded a grant for the 21st Annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop, which will be held this November. An estimated 250 students will be in attendance from public, parochial, and private high school juniors representing 26 schools from the Omaha metropolitan area. In addition, approximately 50 school counselors, teachers, and staff will participate in the workshop, and 40 professionals from the area will be trained to facilitate student small group sessions. In attendance at the 2006 annual meeting were Sharee Newman, Lisa Lewis, Murray Newman, David Freidland, Susie Noddle Levine, Jay Lerner, Ricks, and Henthorn.

Bible translation to be focus of new Beth El mini course by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Creighton University Professor Leonard Greenspoon will lead students through a fascinating journey through bible translations and interpretations, during an upcoming mini-course planned at Beth El Synagogue. â€œBible Translation for Jews,â€? scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Aug. 21, 28 and Sept. 4, will offer attendees the opportunity to delve into a variety of translations and examine the effect of those interpretations. â€œThe study of Jewish Bible translations is of great importance,â€? said Greenspoon, who holds the Klutznick Chair for Jewish Civilization at Creighton. â€œIt allows us to see how different translators interLeonard Greensoon preted various passages for their communities. We can also see the impact of tradi-

tional Jewish interpreters and note significant differences between how Jews and Christians approach Scripture. Moreover, by comparing different Jewish versions of the Bible, we can view at first-hand developments over the centuries and differences among contemporary groups.â€? He also noted that, â€œFor Jews, translations can never take the place of the original Hebrew or Aramaic wording. For this reason, it is desirable that the English language version and the Hebrew text be placed on facing pages, so that we always keep in mind that the English version is forever pointing to the original, not taking its place.â€? Each session during the mini-course will carry its own theme; topics include, â€œIn the Beginning: The First Jewish Translations of the Hebrew Bibleâ€?; â€œTo and From the Four Corners of the Earth: Jewish Bible Translations Throughout the Worldâ€?; and â€œOn Both Sides of the Atlantic: Translating the Hebrew Bible into English.â€? The Jewish community is invited to participate in this class. Cost is $18; to register, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org

Temple staff members bring home new ideas from summer conventions by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Many Jewish kids go to camp during the summer. Adults donâ€™t necessarily go to camp, but the conventions two Temple staff members attended in the summer provide them some of the same pleasures. Cantor Wendy Shermet and Program Director Rosie Zweiback, both of Temple Israel, enjoyed the camaraderie of colleagues and were exposed to new ideas to bring back home to their own congregation. Cantor Shermet attended the annual convention of the American Conference of Cantors -- Guild of Temple Musicians in June in Kerhonkson, New York, where she schmoozed with approximately 300 other cantors interested in new music and technology information. â€œWe have a convention every year to offer workshops, concerts, networking, and programming ideas,â€? said the Cantor who is a vice president of the ACC Alumni Committee. In addition to attending plenary sessions involving settling budget matters and elections, Cantor Shermet, a six-year member of the ACC, said the convention â€œis a refresher,â€? and itâ€™s â€œgood to see friends and to worship with them.â€?

Zweiback went to the Union for Reform Judaism Lifelong Learning Committee meeting in Seattle, Washington, in June. She met with about 30 people from congregations around the country. â€œWe spent a lot of time going over a national survey about Jewish education to see what we could learn about the reasons people choose to do Jewish learning. We discovered that the social connections people make in their classes are almost as important as the content,â€? she explained. â€œThis is true for elementary school children, teens, and adults.â€? Zweiback has been a member of the Lifelong Learning Committee for about 18 months. She mentioned that the educators also â€œworked on developing more learning opportunities on-line and for the clergy.â€? She added, â€œItâ€™s exciting to meet educators from around the country and learn about what they do in their congregations. I always like to share what Iâ€™ve learned with the Temple staff, and together we pick a few ideas to try here. The KEVA award (earned by adult learners who accumulate a minimum of 100 hours by attending scholar weekends and classes, reading Jewish books, and exploring Jewish websites) was one great example of this.â€?

August 17, 2007

Lincolnites picnic for Shabbat by SARAH KELEN Earlier this month. congregants of Lincoln’s South Street Temple gathered outdoors at Holmes Park for their annual “picnic shabbat” service. The early Shabbat evening service was followed by a congregational potluck picnic organized by board member Dottie Shapiro. The congregation was obviously not put off by the hot weather -- about 40 members and friends (and dogs) joined in for this informal, spirited, service. Rabbi Ilan Emanuel designed the service to preview some of the readings to be featured in the new Mishkan T’filah prayerbook soon to be published by the Union for Reform Judaism. Song leader Elaine Monnier and guitarist Scott Stanfield helped the Rabbi lead the congregation in ruach-filled music and prayer, after which everyone relaxed and schmoozed, enjoying a wonderful picnic dinner on a hot August evening.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Temple parents to learn what’s next for first graders by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Your child has just completed kindergarten at Religious School. “What’s next?” first graders’ parents might be wondering. Even if they have an older child in Religious School, things change. With that in mind, Temple Israel will present a parent learning coffee, “What to Expect After Consecration” on Sunday, Oct.14, 10:15 a.m. “Even those parents and children with a year’s experience may still not be fully comfortable at Religious School or fully clear as to what is happening in the classroom,” according to Elyce Azriel, Temple’s director of religious education. “Much pertinent factual information will be given along with an informal opportunity to get better acquainted.” Rabbi Eric Linder will talk to the parents on how “to read” their children. Emotions and attitudes of the students are matters of concern in these early years of their school experience, Azriel pointed out. “Feelings towards Temple and towards Judaism in general will be largely shaped by these first few years,” she said. “One of the major themes, therefore, of the curriculum for these years is creating within the student a positive and joyous attitude toward Judaism.” Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of

continuing a child’s Jewish education through confirmation/graduation in the 12th grade.

Parents of first graders will learn what their children can expect as they progress through Religious School. For example, they might “meet” God in the form of Rabbi Eric Linder, at right, and be encouraged to ask questions related to what God means to them.

Looking for a few good men and women

Photos from top: South Street Temple teens Kitra Monnier, left, Rachel Lundholm, and Katie Williss hang out at the summer picnic. Rabbi Ilan Emanuel enjoys a break before services. Dottie Shapiro, left, David Feingold, Ellen Feingold, Dennis Dohner, and Stephanie Dohner dig into their picnic dinners.

by DUANE J. PIEPER Recently Yachad was awarded a grant from the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation to develop a pilot “Jewish Buddy Program” for its members. This program will serve the adult population within the Jewish community with developmental disabilities. It is an extension of the relationship building/social skills course which the Yachad members participated in last year. The program will strive to match volunteers with Yachad participants for the specific purpose of building relationships of trust and respect. A buddy-mentor provides support, encouragement, role modeling and most of all an enduring friendship. This is important to Yachad members because they have graduated from the school system and synagogue programs where they had the support of peers, teachers, counselors, and group leaders. One of Yachad’s primary goals is to integrate its members into the Jewish and larger community on all levels in order that they might realize their potential as active, independent, and contributing members of society. Opportunities to develop long term relationships beyond their immediate family will help facilitate this process. This type of program will be a real encourage-

ment to the “special needs” community and conversely a blessing to the individuals who will volunteer their time and wealth of life experience to this enterprise The mentor is not required to be a trained counselor, therapist, social worker, or special education teacher. A mentor is primarily a supportive friend. A few of the benefits to the volunteers who participate in this type of endeavor are the satisfaction of participating in a worthwhile program and positively impacting another person’s life and future. Mentors would not be alone in this undertaking. Training and ongoing support will be provided. Mentors can leverage their own experience and the power and inherent values of the Jewish community. This is the miracle of developing and growing mishpachah, the Jewish family. It’s an opportunity to nurture, to empower, to be a part of the historical and eternal link and make sure there is no one left behind. The Jewish Buddy Program is looking for a few good men and women. Be a part of the “Yachad” working together and enabling each to release the potential that will bless the entire community. Contact me at Jewish Family Service at 334.6491 for more details. Take the opportunity to be a part of the transformation of lives through the power of human relationships.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

OUR GOAL $18.5 MILLION RAISED TO DATE $14.95 MILLION

August 17, 2007

THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME BUILDING CAMPAIGN

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Senior Services THE ROSE B LUMKIN JEWISH H OME

Names of donors to the New Beginning will be inscribed on the Menorah Wall in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. For just as one cruse of oil gave light for longer than expected, each individual gift to the Blumkin Home gives light for generations. Today we recognize and thank these contributors. $1,000,000 and above

$100,000 to $249,999

$25,000 to $49,999

$10,000 to $24,999

$2,500 to $4,999

Under $2,500

Norman & Frances Batt* Florence* & Herman Goldstein Jeanie & Sherman* Neff Ellen & Tom Neuman The Silverman Family Stanley & Norma Silverman Jeffrey Silverman Denise Silverman

Special Donor-Advised Fund of the JFO Foundation Irv & Gail Veitzer Norman & Joodi Veitzer & Scott Veitzer

Allen & Cindy Morris Jeff & Jennifer Clayman Maury* & Madeline Katzman Leonard & Bert Lewis L.O.V.E. David & Sue Meyers NCJW Sol Parsow The Platt Family Barbara & Michael Platt Ellen & Jeff Platt Lisa Platt Leopold & Julian Leopold Jill Platt Swanberg & Bill Swanberg Katy & Joe Platt The Sheldon Family Norman & Suzy Sheldon Adam & Wendy Raffel Lisa Sheldon Suzanne Richards Singer The Families of Dan Somberg Debra Somberg Ken Somberg Isidore & Selma Tretiak Morley & Charlotte Zipursky

Maury* & Joan Udes Arnie & Anne Weitz Philip & Nancy Wolf Eugene & Debbi Zweiback

Howard & Sharon Epstein Joanne & Jerry Freeman Rosalie & Bud Greenspan Sylvia Jess Bernice Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan John Katelman Rose Katzman Barbara Lashinsky Rocky Lewis & Sons Larry & Diane Malashock Robert & Norma Malashock Bruce Meyers Joseph & Tina Meyers Steve & Dodi Redler Toni Rosen Phyllis Schwartz Sid & Phyllis Schwartz Michael & Mimi Silverman Ramon & Susan Somberg Bud Studna Shohreh & Tom Vann Irvin & Annette Yaffe Dick & Terri Zacharia

Mike & Joann Blatt Rachel Blum Bernard & Esther Bogdanoff Cindy Bogdanoff Gaston & Lena Bogomolni Marian Bookey Howard Borden Vasili & Natalie Borovski Bob & Meryl Boumstein James & Marge Bresel Jack & Florence Brody Jodi & Rachel Brodsky Fred & Sandra Bromley Larry & Judy Brookstein Sandy Brophy Freda Bucheister Maralyn Burr Ruth Cain Jeffrey & Sharon Cannon David & Reva Chapman Steve & Debra Chasen David Chorney & Helen Rifkin Chorney Penny Cody-Cox Carol & Gary Cohen & Arnold & Joan Altsuler William & Doris Cohen Jeffrey & Pam Cohn Larry & Ida Cohoon Sandra Cole Alex Cooper David & Sarita Cooper Jeff & Susie Cooper Justin & Joan Cooper Sam & Judy Cooper Meyer & Fran Coren Shelly & Rae Coren Ian & M. Suzan Crabb Betty Cutler Rose Davis Sylvia Davis Jack & Minde Diamond Richard Diamond Jacque Dolgoff David Dvorkin Robert & Janice Egermayer Steve & November Eisenberg Iosif & Klara Elkin Bob & Lois Endelman Randy & Penny Endelman Arnold & Helen Epstein

Audrey Epstein Edith Epstein Jack & Lucille Epstein Jason & Laurie Epstein Melvin & Lois Epstein Sam & Rosalie Epstein Abram Erlich Mary Etus Lou Fedman Sam Fedman Mildred Feidman Ellie & Al Feldman Lillian Feldman Marla Feldman Stanley Feltman Leo & Annette Fettman Alexander & Ellie Fields Paul & Sally Fine Leonard & Helen Finkel Betty Fisher Pierre & Claire Flatowicz Irving Forbes Sonia Forbes Amy Forss Harold & Ruth Fox Sally Fredricks Marshall & Norma Fried Beverly Freiden Doris Friedland Walter & Alice Friedlander Arthur & Sheryl Friedman Gloria Friedman Scott & Debbie Friedman Marlen Frost Harry & Linda Gates Beth Gaynes Ginsberg Andrew & Julie Gelbman Leonard & Adele Gelbman Hymie Gendler Lawrence Gendler & Tamara Field Beverly Gilinsky Eitan & Chris Gill Stu & Barb Giller Lawrence & Cheri Ginsburg Donna Givner Jim & Jordana Glazer John & Jennifer Glazer Sherman & Darlene Golbitz Bob & Kim Goldberg Richard & Nancy Goldberg

Irwin & Ruth Goldenberg Dora Goldstrom Alan & Gloria Goodman Dee Goodman Robert & Barbara Goodman Kip & Bridget Gordman Bruce & Sandy Gordon Yale & Irene Gotsdiner Jack & Bernice Green Andrew & Carole Greenberg Barton & Caryl Greenberg Naomi Greenberg Shirley Greenberger Gerald & Linda Gross Alex & Mary Sue Grossman The Barry Grossman Family Ethel Grossman Josh & Amanda Gurock Karen Gustafson Bruce & Margie Gutnik Howard & Carol Halperin Allan & Maureen Handleman Eva Handleman Kathy Goldstein Helm Michael & Tiffany Hoberman Bonnie Horwich Philip & Marsha Itkin Art & Ronnie Jacobson Leonard & Eileen Jacobson Jewish Federation of Lincoln Leslie & Sharon Joseph Robert & Roxanne Kahn Ann Kaiman Joan Kaiman Mary Kaiman Leo Kamisar Howard Kaplan Rose Kaplan Bea Karp Sandy & Frankie Kasin Richard & Sue Katelman Melvin & Pola Katskee Milton & Judy Katskee Nan Katz Nanci Kavich Betty Kelberg Tom & Gail Kenkel Kidwell Electric Frances Kimmel Adam & Nikki Kirshenbaum Kevee & Joan Kirshenbaum

$50,000 to $99,999

Steve & Carol Bloch The Epstein Family $500,000 to $999,999 Harold & Etta Epstein The Baker Family Paul & Sandy Epstein Henry Davis Gary & Lisa Epstein Friedland Family Foundation The Fried & Robinson Family David & Nancy Friedland Sam & Frances Fried Gary & Melissa Steiner Andrew & Kimberly Robinson Matt & Paula Boggust Mark & Paula Robinson Ted & Jamie Friedland Julius Froom* and Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Minnie & Phil Freeman* Foundation Endowment Fund Edward & Sally Malashock Nelson & Linda Gordman & Family The Kahn/Stiss Family Bob & Phyllis Newman Hugo & Lis Kahn Phil & Terri Schrager Joseph & Eleahn Kahn Sol & Therese Stiss The Kavich Family $250,000 to $499,999 Andi & Larry Kavich Harold Cooperman* Jeff Kavich & Family Tom & Darlynn Fellman Amee & Ted Zetzman & Family Ike* & Roz Friedman Family Joseph Kirshenbaum The Goldstein Family The Mann Family Leonard & Shirley Goldstein Harold & Linda Mann Donald & Ann Goldstein Amy & Ron Ref The Kirshenbaum Family Kathy & John McGauvran Joe & Maxine Kirshenbaum Joy & Doug Wadleigh Jeff & Sharon Kirshenbaum Jill Mann Jeff & Susie Raizner Milton & Rosalie Saylan Ken & Debbie Shonfeld Harley & Beth Schrager Howard & Sharon Kooper Bruce & Anne Shackman Sharee & Murray Newman Gerald & Judy Simons Noddle Family Foundation Sherman & Harriett Sperling Nancy Noddle Jay & Kim Noddle $25,000 to $49,999 Marvin & Susie Levine Larry & Silvia Roffman & Family The Adler Family Charlotte Adler Millard & Beverly Seldin Bob & Bobbie Epstein Slosburg Family Charitable Trust Keith & Kathy Liberman Andy & Carole Shovers $100,000 to $249,999 Stuart & Elizabeth Bohart Joe & Ruth Erman Jeffrey & Laurie Epstein Michael & Jill Erman Michael & Melissa Schop Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation The Belgrade Family Rabbi Myer Kripke Sandra Belgrade Stuart & Bettie Muskin Bob Belgrade Allan Noddle Bruce Belgrade The Riekes Family Jim & Robyn Belgrade Henry* & Dorothy Riekes Jack & Marcia Cohen Steven J. & Margo Riekes The Farber Family Carl & ZoĂŤ Riekes Jim & Judy Farber Alberto & Nancy Riekes Harlan* & Nancy Farber Noddle Calderon The Friedman Family Charles & Cynthia Schneider Sandy & Amy Friedman The Sherman Family Steve & Gail Friedman Irvin* & Phyllis Sherman Roger & Linda Friedman Michael & Patty Sherman Mort & Janet Glass & Family Jeff & Danielle Gordman Stephen & Gaye Sherman Debby Greene & Family Keith & Judy Josephson Mark I. Sherman & Family David Keiser & Lillian Keiser Daniel & Usha Sherman Stoms Foundation & Family Mrs. Albert Clayman

$10,000 to $24,999 Harvey & Phyllis Aronson Bob Belgrade Elaine Bernstein Foundation Ron & Beth Brodkey Jerold & Janey Dann George Eisenberg & Family Cece Belrose Joe Eisenberg Steve Eisenberg Ned* & Pearl Giventer David & Judi Goldstein Gary & Barbara Goldstein Howard & Jan Goldstein Jerry & Linda Gordman Richard & Joanie Jacobson Gary Javitch The Larry & Debbi Josephson Family Alan Josephson Melissa Josephson Marcel & Ilse Kahn Howard Kaiman Kevee & Myrna Kirshenbaum The Kotok/Zeffren Family David & Shane Kotok Dorothy Kotok Jerry* & Rosalyn Zeffren Shirley Kulakofsky John & Sandra Lehr Steve & Thelma Lustgarten Jon & Denise Meyers Jerry & Fran Milder Lyra Ann Monasee Allan & Janie Murow Steve & Patty Nogg Harry & Arlene Richman Martin & Iris Ricks Jonathan & Stacey Rockman Jan & Les Schneiderman Paul & Susann Shyken Milton & Maxine Simons Jerry & Janet Slusky

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Babe Nogg Brian & Jaime Nogg Don & Ozzie Nogg Jeffrey & Kelly Nogg Jack & Maxine Noodell Linda Novak Rita Novak Bob & Donna Olesh Reva Oruch Ruth Oruch Donald & Ann Osborne Bede Ostrow Pardes Foundation Margo Parsow Elinore Penner Penner Patient Care Vicki Perlmeter Cheryl Phillips Jim & Gerri Phillips Gilda Pieck Matt & Kimberly Placzek Gary & Karen Plotkin Joseph & Bluma Polonski Donald & Corrine Polsky Alan Potash & Amy Nachman Julie Potash Merle & Ruth Potash Ronald & Debbie Powers Ray & Gwendolyn Pred George & Sharon Quittner Lola Reinglas Lorraine Reiss Miles & Eileen Remer Juliana Reno Gary & Caryn Rifkin Merilee Rimerman Nancy Rips Stuart Rochman Normand & Phyllis Roffman Lawrence & Betty Roitstein Kenneth Rosen Rita Rosen Shelia Rosen Jacob & Rose Rosenberg Rachel Rosenberg Dottie Rosenblum Martin Rosenstein Jerry & Charney Rosinsky Richard & Doris Rosinsky Mark & Alla Rubezhin Judy Rubin Michael & Marina Sadofsky Selma Sadofsky Janette Salkin Ernie & Rosalie Saltzman Betty Sanford Mark Sanford Russ & Jane Sawyer Lisa Scheet Abe Schloff Ben & Beatrice Schneider Edward & Carol Schneider The Julius & Sarah Schreiver Family Dee Dempsey Marlene Parilman Debra Schwartz Solomon Schwartz Charles Scudder Harold & Lois Selner George Shafer Larry & Sherry Shapiro

Maximo & Jeanne Shechet Lev Shekhtman & Elizabeth May Debra Sherman Marc & Claudia Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Josie Shrago Michael Shrier Howard & Sissy Silber James & Susan Silverman Lorraine Silverman* Joie Simon Scott & Jill Simon Tootie Simon Harold Siporin Nancy Skid Anne Skolkin Norman & Shirlee Smeerin Barry & Frances Snyder Cari Sommer Albert & Shirley Sorkin Justin Spiegal Marrian Spiegal Ninella Spivak Dorothy Spizman Arthur & Lorraine Stein Edith Stein Phyllis Steinberg Richard & Judith Stern Rocky Stern Esther Stoler Dorothy Strauss Hyman & Marlene Sukiennik Marvin & Dorothy Suvalsky Jill Platt Swanberg & Bill Swanberg Melvin & Baylamae Tatelman Scott Tatelman Marvin & Barbara Taxman Steven & Marilyn Tipp Shelia Tomps Shirley Trachtenbarg Margarita Treskunova Eitan & Eadie Tsabari Stewart & Judy Tully Lazar & Margaret Turetsky Ruvim Turetsky Bernard & Tevee Turkel Arthur & Mary Lou Walker Marty & Marilyn Warren Helen Weber Phyllis Weinberg Harry & Kathy Weiner Art & Ruth Weiner Chris & Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Norman & Lois Wine Ernest Wintroub Leon & Sally Wintroub Blanche Wise Ann & William H. Wolfson & Louis Wolfson Douglas & Sarah Wolfson Harry Wolfson Jerry & Barbara Wolpa Jeremy & Annette Wright David & Judi Yoo Harold & Phyllis Zabin Steven & Kathleen Zalkin Evelyn Zysman

Page 10

Out

Dining

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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August 17, 2007

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ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS JSS will be kicking off the Big Band Festival on Monday, with Len Eby’s Swing Band at 12:30 p.m. Lunch is served at noon for $6 per person. There is no charge for the concert. Join us for bingo with Eileen or Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS Visions and 39 Forever Summer Picnic is Sunday, Aug. 26 1 p.m., at Chalco Hill’s Recreation Area. Cost is $6 per person. Derek Ventura’s One Man Band will entertain. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza # 101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Aug. 20. Visions Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Sept. 7, 12:30 p.m., at Venice Inn. The special guest will be Ernest Richardson, Resident Conductor of the Omaha Symphony. In addition to conducting the successful Pops series, he is the chief architect of the Omaha Symphony outreach and education programs such as Family series, Mission: Imagination, Music Mentors and the Margre Durham Concert for Youth. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Aug. 31. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709 and for transportation, call Betty Kolnick at 553.4748. The cost is $10 per person. Make check payable to Visions. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Salute To Big Bands events next week are free and open to the public. Pictures and artifacts of the Big Band era will be on display throughout the festival, thanks to contributions from the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (including Renee Corcoran, Kathy Weiner and Joan Udes); Glenn Miller Birthplace Society Museum from Clarinda, Iowa; Durham Western Heritage Museum. Monday, Aug.20, 12:30 p.m., The Great “Len Eby Swing Band” in the JCC Auditorium; Tuesday Aug. 21 1:45 p.m., The “Omaha Jitterbugs” followed by a 1940s “soda jerk” party at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; Wednesday Aug. 22nd 7:15 p.m., Community Concert at the JCC “Salute to Big Bands” Celebration. The Nebraska Wind Symphony “Swingtones” 18-piece Big Band features two songs with “The Classics” vocal ensemble including residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Come reminisce to the sounds of this terrific orchestra and dance if you like. BREADBREAKERS Have you heard an injection can disolve your body fat? Is this a safe way to lose weight? You can ask the National President of the American Dermatological Association, Omaha’s own Dr. Joel Schlessinger who will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Aug. 22, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

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STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers

Dr. Michael and Andreea Schnayder announced the July 31 birth of their daughter, Natalie Marie. Her Hebrew name is Elisheva Miryam, named for her greatgrandfather, Efram Schnayder. She has a brother, Aidan, and a sister, Kayla. Her grandparents are Igor and Soya Schnayder of Los Angeles, CA, and Gigi and Violetta Jordache of Dallas, TX. Rebecca and Cliff Deutsch of Chicago, IL announce the Aug. 3 birth of Zachary Michael, named for his great-grandfather Art Grossman. Grandparents are Arlene Grossman Gitles and Ed Hammerman of Northbrook, IL, the late Burton Gitles, and Minna and Oscar Deutsch of Surprise, AZ. Great-grandparents are the late Art and Anne Grossman.

IN THE NEWS

Jennifer Dyann Finkle has been named as a princess for the 2007 Ak-Sar-Ben coronation ball on Oct. 13 at the Qwest Center. Finkle, the daughter of Dr. David and Judith Finkle, is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in psychology, Spanish and early childhood intervention. She will graduate in May, 2008, and is currently employed as an applied behavior analysis therapist at Autism Spectrum Instructional Resources. She has volunteered at the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Austin Children’s Shelter, Matthews Elementary School and in Omaha, Heartland Family Service, Respite Care Center and Habitat for Humanity. Other princesses include Kimberly Ann Pitlor, daughter of Marcia and Steve Pitlor; Sara Elizabeth Rips, daughter of Jane and Harlan Rips; and Brittany Lynn Sukiennik, daughter of Marlene and Hyman Sukiennik.

ENGAGEMENT EPSTEIN/TAUBER Sandy and Paul Epstein announce the engagement of their daughter, Kari, to Brandon Tauber, son of Rhett and Sue Tauber of Highland, IN. The brideto-be is a graduate of Indiana U n i v e r s i t y. with a BS with distinction. She is an account supervisor with Ketchum, in Chicago. She is the granddaughter of Harold and Etta Epstein, and the late Morrie and Helen Lipp. Her fiance is also a graduate of Indiana University. He earned a BS with honors from the Kelley School of Business and is a fixed income trader with the Gelber Group in Chicago. He is the grandson of George and Claire Harveth of Highland, IN, and the late Lloyd and Evelyn Tauber. An Aug. 9, 2008, wedding is planned in Omaha.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Rose Theater for Performing Arts and Omaha Theater Company announce auditions for the fall Teens ’n Theater and Multicultural Theater shows. For information, call Jim Hoggatt at 402.502.4624. Auditions for Sacred Sites will be held on Monday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., with performances on Thursday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 4, 4:30 p.m. Auditions for the Pride Players Project 9 will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., for performances on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, and Saturday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. Portraits are, literally and figuratively, reflections of ourselves, and the memorable ones have a simple, yet profound universal appeal. “In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits” has opened in the Velde Gallery at the Durham Western Heritage Museum and remain on view through Oct. 7. Covering a century of National Geographic’s most memorable portraits, “In Focus” consists of 56 striking color and black-and-white photographs from the 2004 book of the same title. The remarkable images of “In Focus” reveal deeprooted connections to the environment, to national identities, to gender roles and to cultural preferences. They reveal the historical context of the moment while shedding light on larger world views. An exhibit created by National Geographic and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, “In Focus” is organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). For information about museum hours, call 444.5071 or visit: www.dwhm.org.

August 17, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Where are the shows on Jewish cooking? BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS I always tell people I’d rather read then watch tv, but I have to admit I’m a regular fan of those cooking programs. I really don’t know why, but many of them do things I sometimes find interesting and of course, it always tickles me when somebody introduces a new idea. Especially if I’ve been doing that “new” whatever for the past umpteen decades. No matter ... I still watch with the same interest my boyfriend watches the sports shows. So what’s my point? Well, it occurs to me we’re being discriminated against. I mean there are countless shows featuring Italian cooking, some doing oriental favorites, many showing the tricks of Mexican dishes and of course there are famous chefs demonstrating French cuisine. So nu, where’s the show instructing cooks how to make some of our wonderful Jewish recipes? How come nobody is out there with 30 minutes dedicated to the right way to make real gefilte fish? I don’t know how many of us are left who still do that, but there are many who haven’t a clue how it’s done. I’d also like to see somebody before a camera show the way to make really good blintzes from scratch. Plus the filling to go inside a delectable blettle (crepe). I

mean authentic filling, not that sweet stuff you find in the frozen food department. And while doing dairy goodies, it would be a definite mitzvah to teach the novice the correct way to prepare a delicious noodle kugel. See what I mean? There are so many of our ethnic specialties being forgotten as some of us older cooks turn the kitchen over to the younger women, somebody ought to do something about it. Why should all those programs do so many recipes for pasta, for crying out loud? How come we can’t see some woman with an apron who looks like a kitchen five-star general, instead of some of those skinny little things who look like they never eat, never mind cook? Personally, I think somebody owes us some equal time. Everybody knows how to make most of those desserts they constantly show -- where’s the balabusta who could demonstrate the technique of a fine strudel? I mean the kind from scratch, not from the frozen pastry. Or maybe the way to make teiglach ... you probably don’t even know what those are unless you’re over 50! Seriously, don’t you agree that we’re being discriminated against? I mean, I’m not suggesting a show devoted to cooking according to the rules of kashrut, (not that it would hurt anybody!) but just something comparable to the other ethnic programs. Over the years I’ve seen people preparing what they call “kosher chicken soup”, although I don’t know why they call it kosher. Doesn’t matter, because seldom do they do it like my mom or your mom did, or like I do,

for that matter. At least it’s an effort, but unless it’s just before Passover, it’s seldom something shown on those shows. Maybe I should be fair and look at the other side of that coin. From all the people crowding restaurants these days, I wonder how many are still in the kitchen to begin with? And I don’t mean just couples -- I mean families with little kids going out to dinner. You know the ones I mean ... like the table always near us, the one with the adorable little toddler shrying constantly. (Don’t young people still teach little ones to use their “inside voices”?) True, many of my contemporaries have put up a “kitchen closed” sign many days out of every week, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in the preparation of those old favorites. Just because lots of us eat out more, it still isn’t reason enough to bombard us with a thousand ways to make marinara sauce, and never show how to make sweet and sour cabbage rolls! So that’s my rant for today; considering I have a daughter with a very close connection to the television business, you’d think I could do more than bourche about this. Not so. That leaves only this billboard for me to express my views. Well, what do you think? Or do you already know how to make borscht? Never mind. Nothing will ever come of my accusation about discrimination anyway. But having at least told you, I feel better. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

Crowd enjoys Shabbat in the great outdoors

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A crowd of more than 100 gathered at Zorinsky Lake to picnic, play and pray during Beth El’s recent ‘Barbecue and

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Barchu’ get-together. Photos from left: Linda and Kevin Saltzman had a swinging time with their children, Ari and Dina; David Finkelstein, Phil Wayne and Bruce Gutnik (parPage ____ 1 the of 1evening; Zorinsky tially hidden) manned the grills during

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

“No bibles for you!” It seems that the Soup Nazi of Seinfeld infamy has moved to Saudi Arabia. According to Michael Freund, writing in the Jerusalem Post last week, “Despite a series of initiatives aimed at generating foreign tourism, the Saudi Arabian government continues to bar Jews and Christians from bringing items such as Bibles, crucifixes and Stars of David into the country and is threatening to confiscate them on sight.” What’s new about this? Nearly a decade ago, the Jewish Press interviewed Rabbi Ira Flax, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Offutt. In his capacity as a chaplain, Rabbi Flax was ordered to the Gulf to serve the American troops stationed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Using a medical kit bag provided by the military, Flax devised an ingenious way to hide religious objects in what he called his “shul in a box.” At a Men’s Club breakfast at Beth El Synagogue, he demonstrated how he could squeeze in a tallit (prayer shawl), a velvet cloth embroidered with a Magen David (Jewish star), a collapsible kiddish cup, and travelling candlesticks. His “shul in a box” also contained a tiny siddur (prayer book) as well as other religious books and items. This clever invention was created for him by members of the civil engineering squad, giving Flax a hidden hanukkiyah (a nine-branched Hanukkah menorah), which opened to reveal little cups to be filled with oil. He also used a regular pill box filled with cloves and cinnamon for the spices for Havdallah. Though guests and members at the breakfast nine years ago chuckled at Flax’s ingenuity, it’s really no laughing matter. Saudi Arabia is not a signer of an agreement with the U.S. that

allows military personnel to bring ritual objects into that country. And not just for Jews. For Christians, that means no crosses or crucifixes, no hymnals or Christmas trees. Well, there’s a sign of intolerance for you. Not a church or synagogue or Hindu temple in sight anywhere in Saudi Arabia. No religious books or ritual objects allowed. And if you’re caught conducting services (nonIslamic ones, that is), out you go -- that is, if you’re not whisked off to jail first. And the U.S. is going to sell these folks $20 billion worth of weapons and aircraft? Are we nuts? Let’s see, these are the folks who are making gazillions in the rising price of oil and haven’t given the U.S. a break. But we’re going to “depend” on them to defend the region against Iranian aggression. Right. That’s what allies do -- sell you high-priced items and tell you that you cannot practice your religion in their backyard. And we’re stupid enough to buy this used car? The Press remembers a time when Shirley Goldstein flew to Moscow, smuggling hundreds of little chais (the Hebrew letters chet and yud, which translate as “life”) on a chain around her neck. The USSR forbade religious objects and books too, but that didn’t prevent its citizens from learning about their religion. And now, of course, the USSR is a relic of the past. The Saudis should learn that censorship and prohibition against the practice of one’s religion is futile. And Americans should learn that friends

don’t treat friends this way. Saudi royalty is infirm and old. Eventually younger, possibly more aggressive -- or maybe more open princes will take over the helm of leadership there. What are we doing to cultivate them? If readers listen to Islamic radicals, they will hear “convert or die” in their rhetoric. Tolerance, it seems, does not translate well into Arabic. But it seems cold hard cash or orders for armaments does.

Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

A Reaganesque speech for our time

FOCUS ON ISSUES by DR. MARVIN J. FOLKERTSMA If President Reagan were to give a speech today, what might he say? Perhaps something like the following. Let’s hear one more from the Gipper: Ladies and Gentlemen: Let me begin by thanking you for your gracious welcome and for inviting me to speak in this fine auditorium. I especially appreciate the understanding of the kind person who greeted me when I entered through the back door of the building. She said she thought it was wonderful that the government would hire someone my age to police the hallways and empty the wastepaper baskets. I told her that I would attend to those duties after I addressed the audience. She looked at me kind of funny, patted me on the shoulder, and said, “of course, you will.” Then she walked away, shaking her head. I hope you won’t be shaking your head too much after my comments. Or, perhaps you should. One of the most remarkable developments of this time, the first decade of the 21st century, is a great deal of moral confusion. The main conflict today is between those who wish to destroy our way of life -- the freedoms we cherish, the blessings we enjoy -- and those charged with the responsibility of defending all that we hold dear. Now, since I have had some experience with these matters, allow me to contribute my thoughts. When the Soviet Union was still in business, many people in this country and in Europe regarded it as just another superpower, with its own ambitions and its own goals, but no better or no worse than the United States. Some

of us believed differently. Any regime that crushes dissent, imprisons its bravest citizens, and consigns all the rest to a condition of near slavery is plainly and simply evil. Any regime that reserves for itself the right to lie, to cheat, to murder, to threaten genocide is the very definition of wickedness. At that time, I called the Soviet Union the focus of evil in the world and said that it would soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Events have borne out this prediction.

Tragically, and foolishly, much of the 20th century is a record of western civilization selling its enemies the rope they need to hang us. You see, before any of us can do anything, we must face the truth. Courage to speak the truth is the first step to achieving moral clarity. This is the great lesson of the Cold War. With that in mind, we must squarely face the fact that America’s principle adversary in the world today is not Iran, not North Korea, but Saudi Arabia. True, this country does not have nuclear weapons like the Soviet Union, but its global reach, its global ambitions are similar. Moreover, though we have befriended and defended that country since World War II, including during my administration, the Saudis continue to spread vile and filthy lies about the United States. The Saudi tyranny spends billions of dollars to destroy those who do not subscribe to the radical beliefs of the Wahhabi sect. The Saudi government trains children to be suicide bombers, funds terrorists throughout the world, and sends fanatics into Iraq to

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern

attack our troops. The radicals of Riyadh provide financial support for preachers of hatred in thousands of mosques in Asia, Africa, Europe, as well as in the United States. The regime’s despicable treatment of women, which includes mutilation and slavery, is well known. And this government continues to keep its own citizens in a state of deplorable ignorance. Like the Bolsheviks of the twentieth century, who were a small band of radical revolutionaries, Saudi rulers hijacked a country and have been using it as a basis to wage war against civilization. That government is the focus of evil in the world today. Yet, your President proposes additional military support for a country whose leaders loathe everything we stand for and who are determined to destroy us. Clearly, many of our leaders, our opinion makers, our professors, and our journalists remain in denial. Let me end with a famous story. Vladimir Lenin, the Russian revolutionary, was once asked where he planned to get enough rope to hang the entire bourgeoisie. Lenin’s response was classic: the capitalists will sell it to us, he said. Tragically, and foolishly, much of the 20th century is a record of western civilization selling its enemies the rope they need to hang us. I once said that my plan for ending the cold war could be summarized as follows: We win, they lose. My advice to you today about our policy toward Saudi Arabia is similar: stop selling them rope. Thank you all for your attention, and God Bless. Marvin Folkertsma, Ph.D. is a professor of political science and Fellow for American Studies with the Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. He is the author of several books. His latest release is a high-energy novel, The Thirteenth Commandment.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee 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. 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 should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $40 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.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Stop ostracizing those who marry out

FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI SHMULEY BOTEACH Noah Feldman was a brilliant, orthodox Jewish Rhodes scholar who arrived in Oxford in my fourth year at the University as Rabbi in 1992. He and I quickly hit it off. For one thing, there was scarcely a subject - Jewish or secularupon which Noah did not have some profound knowledge. We studied Talmud together several times a week and I made Noah a kind of secondary rabbi at our L’Chaim Society, such was the range of his Jewish erudition and his phenomenal capacity for teaching. His resume easily made him one of the most accomplished young students in the entire Western world. He was valedictorian of Harvard, a Rhodes and Truman scholar, and completed his Oxford doctorate in about 18 months, which may or may not be a university record. It was a source of great pride for me that Noah was observant and wore a yarmulke. A student that gifted was a natural leader to others and was looked up to by so many of the other students. We all marveled every Shabbat at Noah’s incredible ability to lein (read with its proper notes) any section of the Torah for our student synagogue. After graduating from Oxford, Noah went to Yale where his observance began to wane. I heard from some of his class mates that he was now dating a nonJewish girl. Hearing that he was quite serious about her, when his girlfriend came in turn to Oxford as a Marshall scholar, I made a point of reaching out to her and inviting her to our Shabbat dinner. My thinking was that Noah was far too precious to me and to the Jewish people to lose. If he was dating a woman whom he wished to marry, then it was our duty to try and expose her to the friendliness of the Jewish community with a view toward

her exploring whether a seri- the same faith and practicing the same ous commitment to our tra- religious rituals. dition was something that True to my prediction, Noah went on, would suit her. in his 30s, to become one of the youngest Sadly, however, others ever tenured law professors, first at NYU took a far different view. A and then at Harvard, and was chosen by mutual friend of ours who the American government to serve as the was a rabbi in Noah’s life constitutional consultant for the Iraqi essentially told him that if he married out- provisional government in drawing up side the faith he would have to sever his their constitution. relationship with him. Apparently, many of Today he ranks, arguably, as the Noah’s orthodox friends made the same youngest academic superstar in the decision. The net result was that one of the United States. How tragic, therefore, that brightest young Jews in the entire world his article in the New York Times magawas made to feel that the Jewish communi- zine is a lengthy detailing of the alienty was only his family if he made choices ation he has experienced from his former Orthodox Jewish day school and friends, with which we agreed. I took a different view. Of course I who even cut him out of a class reunion wanted Noah to marry Jewish, and I took photograph in which he participated. For more pride in the fact that I had ... those who have chosen to marry out are than two cennow, helped to susstill Jewish, should still be encouraged to go to turies since the tain his obseremancipavance in his synagogue ... keep Shabbat ... have mezuzos tion, Jews two years at on their doors, and ... devote their lives and have been Oxford. But debating how the choice of resources to the welfare of the Jewish people to deal with whom he and the security of the State of Israel. those who would marry marry outside the community. The conwas not mine to make. Before he got married I wrote him a ventional response has been to treat them note that said, in essence, that we are as traitors to the Jewish cause. We are all friends and that my affection for him familiar with the old practice of sitting would never change. I told him that he shiva on a child who marries out, as if he was a prince of the Jewish nation, that his or she were dead, made famous in Fiddler obligations to his people were eternal and on the Roof. The extreme practice of ostracization unchanging, that whether or not his wife, or indeed his children were Jewish was justified by the belief that only by would never change his own personal sta- completely cutting off those who married tus as a Jew and that, as a scholar of world out would we be making a sufficiently standing, I knew he would do great strong statement as to the extent of their things with his life and that he would betrayal, thereby dissuading those who should always put the needs of the might follow suit. There is one problem with this practice. Jewish people first. Till today we remain good friends. I Aside from the ethical and humanitarian admire and respect Noah and my wish is considerations, it does not work. We have that perhaps, some day, his brilliant wife been practicing this alienation for might see, of her own volition, the beau- decades and yet intermarriage has grown ties of our tradition and how family life is to approximately 50 percent of the enhanced by husband and wife being of Jewish population!

Flap over legal scholar’s article misses real intermarriage story

ANOTHER P OINT OF VIEW by AMI EDEN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Harvard University law professor Noah Feldman would have stood on much stronger intellectual ground had he simply sent the following notice to the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times, the usual address for high-powered wedding announcements: Noah Feldman, a nice Jewish boy and graduate of several prestigious institutions, including the Maimonides School in Brookline, Mass., is married with children to a non-Jewish Korean-American woman. He is very happy, though a bit bewildered that officials at his old yeshiva day school appear to have excised the couple from a reunion photo and refuse to announce any of their family milestones in the school’s alumni newsletter. Instead, writing in the July 22 edition of The New York Times Magazine, Feldman turned these anecdotes about his alma mater into a launching point for a much wider and longer rumination on Modern Orthodoxy’s perceived failure to live up to its noble goal of infusing religious devotion with a commitment to pursuing secular knowledge. The article, titled “Orthodox Parodox,” has generated a firestorm in the Jewish blogosphere and media world. Not surprisingly, much of the noise has

come from Orthodox critics crying foul, especially over Feldman?s seeming surprise at the notion that his teachers weren’t being so literal when they said it was OK to engage the outside world. By turning the issue into an internal Orthodox debate, Feldman and his critics have obscured the larger point: The most important policy decisions regarding intermarriage -- the ones having an impact on the vast majority of interfaith couples and their families -- are taking place on the other side of the denominational divide, within the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements. And if reading about Feldman?s experience with his Orthodox school was enough to make you choke on your weekend morning coffee, then be sure to clear your throat before reading on.

... what all these groups face is not a paradox posed by the clash between tradition and change but a strategic dilemma over whether the community’s survival is best ensured by enforcing taboos or reaching out. Feldman’s treatment, in the end, was the product of an overzealous alumni department. In the Conservative movement, it’s called official policy: Conservative congregations are instruct-

ed to avoid any public recognition of an intermarriage or the birth of a baby to a non-Jewish mother. If you want to talk about paradoxes, check out the Reform movement, which permits rabbis to perform intermarriages but discourages the practice, and does not allow intermarried Jews to be ordained as rabbis. Even the Reconstructionists, historically the trailblazers in forging a more open approach on such issues, have their own restrictions, including the suggestion that congregations that permit intermarriages in the sanctuary not allow the use of ceremonial objects such as the chupah or kiddush cup. The issue in all these cases is not a fear of confronting modernity -- shifting societal norms have been the driving force behind a host of changes adopted by these movements, from the ordination of gay and women rabbis to the approval of same-sex unions. And when theologically appropriate, Modern Orthodox rabbis have taken similar steps, such as lifting the barriers to women studying Talmud and other religious texts, and opening the door to increased cooperation with other denominations and religious groups. In the end what all these groups face is not a paradox posed by the clash between tradition and change but a strategic dilemma over whether the community’s survival is best ensured by enforcing taboos or reaching out. Someone as smart as Feldman should know the difference. Ami Eden is the managing editor of JTA.

Worse, the practice is a lie insofar as it propagates the false notion that our Jewishness is measured only in terms of our being a link in a higher chain of existence, and that our Jewish identities have meaning only through our children. This absurd notion would deny they idea of Jewish individualism and how we are Jews in our own right. I am well aware of the fact that intermarriage is a direct threat to the very continuity of the Jewish people. But that does not change the fact that those who have chosen to marry out are still Jewish, should still be encouraged to go to synagogue, should still be encouraged to put on tefillin and keep Shabbat, should still have mezuzos on their doors, and should still be encouraged to devote their lives and resources to the welfare of the Jewish people and the security of the State of Israel. And as far as their non-Jewish spouses are concerned, do we really believe that by showing the most unfriendly behavior we are living up to our Biblically-mandated role of serving as a light unto the nations? Is there any possibility that a non-Jew who is married to a Jew would look favorably at the possibility of becoming halakhically Jewish if they witness Orthodox Jews treating their husband or wife as pariahs? I am proud today to call Noah my friend. I do my best to reiterate to him the message that, amid marrying out, we are proud of his achievements and need his participation in Jewish organizational life, especially given the immense clout he carries in academic circles. And it is my fervent hope that, given the love and respect that we show him, he will choose to show his wife and two children the glories of the tradition he knows so well with a view toward impressing upon them a desire to have them join in our eternal faith. This article, reprinted with permission from Rabbi Schmuley Boteach, appeared in the Huffington Post.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I am one of 83 historians who joined the recent petition by the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies urging the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to add material to its exhibits about the 1940s Holocaust rescue advocates known as the Bergson Group. I was surprised to read the statement made by my friend and colleague, Deborah Lipstadt, to JTA, in which she said of the Wyman Institute: “They sort of straddle the area between scholarship and activism.” She also told the JTA, “I don’t believe that you change things by petition.” Two years ago, the Institute mobilized more than 600 scholars --including me-to sign a petition supporting Prof. Lipstadt when she clashed with C-Span. The television network wanted to broadcast a speech by Holocaust-denier David Irving to ‘balance’ Lipstadt. She protested, and the Institute came to her defense --leading to C-Span’s decision to cancel the Irving speech. When we organized the petition supporting Lipstadt against C-Span, I don’t recall anyone complaining that we were “straddling the line between scholarship and activism.” On the contrary, I remember everyone being grateful that the Institute cared enough to get involved at a time when too many other institutions and organizations were reluctant. Dr. Alex Grobman President, the Brenn Institute

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, Aug. 17, 8:03 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

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

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 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 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. No services Friday, Aug. 31.

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. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. Lev Banim al Avotam with Rabbi John Krug and presentation by NCSYers, 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 sponsored by the Sisterhood. Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit and Gemara class; Havdalah, 9:14 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Rabbi’s classes are cancelled.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat is Aug. 24, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Caryl Greenberg; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:10 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE SUNDAY: Volunteers needed to help bottle and package honey. Contact Wendy Berenson, 253.2028 or Munch765@aol.com or Caryn Rifkin, 334.7216 or crgr6175 @aol.com. Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m., the Men’s Club Sunday Softball series starts at the JCC ball fields. Practice game is this Sunday, 10 a.m. All men in the Jewish community invited to play. For information, contact Scott Simon, 616.4089 or simonsz @cox.net. TUESDAY, 7 p.m.: Bible translation for Jews, Mini-course taught by Creighton University professor Leonard Greenspoon; also on Aug 28, Sept. 4. Cost is $18. To register, call the office. THURSDAY: Women’s Book Club Resumes, 2 p.m. led by Susan Paley. The group will be reading Peony by Pearl S. Buck. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

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

The Neighborhood Minyan

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

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.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.; A Peek Through the Lens of Kabbalah, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

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

Tree of Life Center

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to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY, Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m., oneg by Adam and Nicole Wall and family. SATURDAY: Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel; 6 p.m.: Game night and potluck. TUESDAYS, 7 p.m.: Beginner Hebrew: A Crash Course, led by Rabbi Emanuel, Aug. 21 and 28. THURSDAY, 7 p.m.: Choir rehearsal.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Miles Remer.

FRIDAY: New Member Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbis Aryeh Azriel and Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead services. Greet new congregants at an Oneg Nosh. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Ben Noodell. SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening 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. No facilities for infants. TUESDAY: Temple Executive Committee meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m.; Kol Rina rehearsal for new mem-

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Nosh, 6:15 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., Torah service, 10:15 a.m.. SUNDAY: Summer picnic 123 p.m., at the home of David and Julie Brockman, 10500 Cromwell. MONDAY and THURSDAY, Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan at another time. TUESDAY, noon: Women’s Lunch Group at the Red Lobster. Contact Marcia Kushner at 4235959 or Kete3@aol.com for information or to arrange a ride. WEDNESDAY: Men’s lunch group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.; call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Michael Weisser. FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m. Havdalah: SATURDAYS: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; Social Time until 10 p.m. Sitting/Silent MONDAYS: Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: Sitting/ Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.

Beth El Sisterhood readies for volunteer recognition

1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com

bers and those who want to brush up on High Holiday tunes, 7 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

CHABAD HOUSE

Happy birthday brings smiles to nonagenarian

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

Sara Harding celebrated her birthday early at Remington Heights with great-grandchildren Zach and Alex Belgrade and Kylee and Peyton Skall. She’ll be 93 on Monday!

Members of Beth El’s Sisterhood gathered recently to prepare for their upcoming Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m., highlighted by a cooking demonstration by chef Patricia Regan. It’s “open to everyone who likes to cook – or eat!” according to event organizers. Taking a break in the action are: Jori Kravitz, back row left, Leslie Kravitz, Anna Grossman, Frances Gottlieb and Marcie Spivack; front row: Wendy Berenson, Patti Adler, Caryn Rifkin (holding Liora Shapiro) and Amy Reynolds. Cost is $5; free babysitting is available upon request. To make a reservation, send a check – made payable to Beth El Sisterhood – to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154, or contact Carole Lainof, 293.0321 or Caryn Rifkin, 334.7216.

B’NAI MITZVAH Justin Schrager, son of Laura and Rick Schrager, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Aug. 25 at Temple Israel. He is a seventh grader at Westside Middle School. He enjoys soccer, golf, and playing on the JCC basketball team. For his mitzvah project, he volun-

teered at Jewish Family Service, wrapping gifts for Project Dreidel. His grandparents are Phil and Terri Schrager, Dr. Patrick and Nancy Peartree, and the late Lois Schrager. Lilly Ann Phillips, daughter of Eric and Julie Phillips, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Beth El. She is an eighth grader at Westside Middle School, where she is a distinguished scholar and involved in theater and arts. Her interests include comedic theater, fine arts, piano and

basketball. She is active in NCSY and USY and is an ambassador for People to People. She has a sister, Eva, and brothers, David and Jacob. Her grandparents are Marcia Liska and Paul Forch of Lincoln.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

August 17, 2007

On the learned professions

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Shoftim It is not surprising that our Sidra opens with the injunction to see to it that the community is based on principles of justice. And it is not surprising, further more, to know that no one would remark about our Sidra without stressing the clarion call, “Justice, Justice shall you pursue.” We have learned that freedom is not free; it must be won valiantly. Likewise, it is clear enough that justice does not simply happen: it must be pursued. It has been traditional over the centuries in Judaism to have its best people directed not to the power of arms, but to the power of learning and law. Thus, to understand this whole aspect of Jewish life in a lighter vein, we all remember the mother who identifies her two little lisping tots as “This one is the doctor and that one the lawyer.” The traditions that grew over the centuries is that many of the rabbis were either physicians or doctors of the law or both. In our own communities, we are mindful of the position that Mr. Justice Brandeis occupied in American jurisprudence, despite the fact that we are so minuscule a percentage of the people of the United States, and that two Jews sit on the Supreme Court in our own day. In Omaha itself, out of all proportion to our number here, there are Jewish physicians and dentists and lawyers. I guess this is what happens to you if you hang around universities too long! What a glorious happenstance. And not to forget it, we stress again, the wonderfully pregnant words, “Justice, Justice shall you pursue.”

DEATHS MILDRED SINGER GOODBINDER Mildred S. Goodbinder died July 22 at the age of 83. Graveside services were held July 24 at Beth El Cemetery. She is survived by her sister, Flo Rice. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. LILLIAN E. RATNER Lillian Ratner died Aug. 1 in Boca Raton, FL. Services were held there on Aug. 3. She is survived by her husband, William Ratner; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Alan Hersch, Lincoln, NE, Jeffrey and Rochelle Alexander, New Jersey, Sherry and Joel Roth, Florida; son and daughterin-law, Robert and Carole Ratner, North Carolina; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Zager; brother, Norman Erlichman; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Hoffman. In addition to membership in a number of charitable organizations, she was a past president of Deborah Hospital, Teaneck, NJ, chapter. Memorials to charity of choice.

PERSONALS I would like to sincerely thank everyone for all the cards, calls, and contributions during my recent hospitalization. I am so happy to be back at the Blumkin Home and appreciate your thoughtfulness. Marge Lincoln

My family and I are very grateful for to all of our friends for your very kind and thoughtful expressions of sympathy and contributions in memory of my dear father, Jose Levin. They are a comfort to us. Thank you.. Rabbi Mordechai Levin

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers

WELDERS • ASSEMBLERS Regular, full-time production welding and Rail Car Team Member openings at Kawasaki's manufacturing facility in Lincoln, NE. Searching for candidates with * Welding experience in mig or tig welding. * Six months experience in the following areas will be considered: assembly; fabrication; custom fitting work - carpentry, flooring, brazing copper tubing and autobody; and routing and connection of electrical wiring. Candidates should enjoy a fast paced environment, demonstrate ability to follow directions and be self-motivated. Competitive pay with progression. Benefit package includes vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, 401K and many more! If interested, please submit resume to or call for application: Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. 6600 N.W. 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68524 402-476-6600 Or apply on-line at www.careerlink.com EOE

To submit obituaries: CORRECTION In last week’s front page article about Friedel Jewish Academy, the name of Jerry Gordman, who serves as treasurer on the executive committee, was inadvertantly omitted.

E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

Temple offers adults opportunities to get to the “root” of learning this fall by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Calling all bookworms! Temple Israel is planning a Book Club Open House on Sunday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m., to give all book lovers the opportunity to meet other passionate readers and set up book clubs based on their own preferences. Book enthusiasts might opt for a book club featuring novels by Jewish authors, books about hot political topics, parenting guides, or anything else that suits their style. Guest book club hosts include Zohar Winer, Jewish Community Center shlicha, who has offered to lead a group interested in Israeli fiction. Beth Katz, director of Project Interfaith which is affiliated with the AntiDefamation League, is interested in steering an interfaith book club. Kripke Jewish Federation Library Administrator Gary Katz will attend the Open House to show and share some of the library’s collection. He promised to suggest some book club topics to appeal to a variety of bookworms. While the book lovers are exploring book club themes, Naama Artzi, a native Israeli, will search with her class for the roots of Hebrew prayer. “We ‘Dig’ Liturgy,” will uncover the meaning of Shabbat prayers. Whether you recite the prayers by memory or by reading the transliteration, this class on Tuesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 30, 7-8 p.m., at Temple, will add to your understanding of a 4,000-year-old language. Your individual memories, of course, don’t go back that far, but they’re worth saving for the younger generations of your family. Scrapbooking is a unique way of passing these memories on to your family. A Jewish endeavor, because it’s a gift from generation to generation, scrapbooking can be as simple as cropping photos and affixing them to beautiful paper to more advanced techniques including embellishments, stickers, and journaling to reflect on and preserve life’s important events. Elyce Azriel, a devoted teacher of this fine art,

will help you preserve your family treasures. “Scrapbooking with Elyce” will meet on Sundays, Oct. 21 and 28, 12:15 p.m. The fee, $20 for Temple members and $25 for non-Temple members, includes lunch and materials. Temple’s popular “Four B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing, and Bagels” can help expand your own Jewish literacy and give you the tools to strengthen the Jewish identity of your children. Leading off this year’s line-up of topics, the first Four B’s on Oct. 7, will be a discussion of “God is Not Great? So It’s Popular to Be an Atheist These Days.” On Nov. 4, Zohar Winer, will talk about Israel. All Four B’s begin with bagels at 10:30 a.m. and end at noon. Temple’s clergy will meet over lunch at offices throughout the community to discuss Jewish ethics related to law, business, and medicine. Tom Vann will host the Thursday, Oct. 25, noon, session of “Torah Therapy: Jewish Ethics at Work” at Vann Realty Company. There will be additional luncheon meetings in December, February, and April at other locations. Lunch will be provided for $6. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will introduce “Theology Café: Big IDEAS in Jewish Thought” on Thursdays, Nov. 1, 8, and 15, 7 p.m., at Barnes & Noble near 144th and West Center Road. He’ll focus on concepts such as “the chosen people,” faith after Auschwitz, and messianism using texts from the writings of Hermann Cohen, Eugene Borowitz, Martin Buber, Emil Fackenheim, Michael Wyschogrod, and Mordecai Kaplan. All these classes are sponsored by Temple’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. A brochure describing the full array of adult educational opportunities, scholars, music events, and family oriented events and guests will be published in September. To register for these classes, send an email message to Program Director Rosie Zweiback at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com or call her at 556. 6536.

Statewide Classified ADOPTION: YOUNG, married couple wishes to adopt newborn. Lots of love, affection, and security await your child. Expenses paid. Tracey and Robert, 1-866-465-9488. ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $195/25 word classified ad. Over 170 newspapers with circulation of more than 400,000. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850. BANKRUPTCY: FAST relief from creditors. Statewide filing. Affordable rates. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! GOT TERMITES? Call Bear Termite Company. 30 years in business. We’ve earned the B.B.B. Excellence Award the last 6 years. Phone 800-241-7179. HOT TUBS, Pre-State Fair prices in August. Choose from 30 twin pump, chemical free models, $2,995-$5,695, regular priced from $4,495 to $7,495. 1-800-869-0406. For pictures and prices, goodlifespa.com. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet: S/S refrigerator, $1,400; new and used equipment. 2121 Floyd Blvd, Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105. Check out our new website www.Chillmasters.biz. OWN YOUR own cafe in a growing town 15 minutes south of Lincoln. Clean/newly remodeled building and equipment. Seats 50. Little money down. 402-788-2796. ALL CASH candy route. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 machines and candy all for $9,995. 1-888-755-1356. A NATIONAL Sport and Fashion firm has immediate openings for sharp energetic people! Make great money and see the USA! Must be 18. Call 1-877-646-5050. AWESOME TRAVEL job! 18-23 guys/gals to travel USA with coed business group representing major Hip-Hop, Rock & Roll, Fashion and Sport publications! Transportation furnished. 1-888-890-2250. FUN IN sun! Travel! Need 18-24 sharp girls and guys free to travel major U.S. cities with coed group. All expense paid training. Transportation furnished. No experience necessary. Call Bill Stepp, 800-580-0336. MLT/MT FULLTIME opening at Chase County Community Hospital Imperial, Nebraska. Sign on bonus! Benefit package with a competitive wage. Call 308-882-7295. AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEE, full-time. Benefits package. Must have experience in farming and feedlot. References required. Must speak English. Call 308-728-7920 or 308-728-7011, leave a message. MECHANICS: UP to $20,000 bonus. Keep the Army National Guard rolling. Fix Humvees, Strykers, etc. Expand your skills through career training. Be a Soldier. 1-800GO-GUARD.com/mechanic. HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator training. Nationally certified, 4 week 200 hour program, job placement assistance, 1-308-874-9989, Heavy Equipment Training Academy. DRIVERS: CALL today! Great bonus opportunity! 36-43cpm/$1.20pm, $0 lease new trucks, CDL-A + 3 months OTR, 800-635-8669. DRIVERS: WE’VE got it all! $5,000 sign on with 1 year OTR. Regional fleets, 48 state runs. www.ffeinc.com. Students welcome, training scholarship available! Call 800-5699232. EXPERIENCED OTR drivers. Good pay! Good home time! Good company! If you are looking for any of the above, please call 1-800-775-2755. OTR CATTLE Haulers wanted. Good miles, nice equipment, good home time. $.40/mile. 507-240-1080.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

August 17, 2007

Call out for artists to work with Partnership in Israel ing people! Many of the children participated in painting the murals. The women were helping all along the way and collaborating fully with me, so that we arrived at a mural that the entire moshav could appreciate.” At the Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya, the women worked in the Child Guidance Unit, which provides mental and behavioral management services for youth ages six to eighteen. The women each did a piece of art for the entryway to the area, working closely with the art teacher and the kids. The children got to choose the color palette and designs. Goldberg showed them some examples and then, as she describes it, “they went to town,” cutting out shapes from special paper and applying them as layers to the main design. This gave the children the chance to think and decide together what would make the reception hall a welcome place for other hospitalized children and their parents. “The kids were really into the project, putting a lot of thought and care into their work,” Goldberg said. And as they worked together to create their masterpiece, everyone enjoyed getting to know each other. “They really appreciated us coming from so far away to see them,” Goldberg said. “This wasn’t just about making art; it was about spending time together and building relationships.” Both projects were considered a great success by all who were involved. Goldberg credits much of the program’s success to Shlomit Dagan-Deri, Partnership’s Arts, Communications and Marketing Coordinator in the Western Galilee. “None of this would have been possible without Shlomit organizing it all,” Goldberg said. “She really set us up for success.” Goldberg is hopeful that the Artist-in-Residence program will become an annual event and is pleased that several people have already shown interest in participating in upcoming programs. “The goal of the Artist-in-Residence program is to bring Partnership to life, connecting artists from the U.S. with people in our partnership region,” Goldberg explained. Photos from top: A young girl puts finishing touches on the painting She went on to created by Kim Goldberg and children at the Western Galilee Hospital. point out that the Joyce Goldin, Kim Goldberg, second from right, Shlomit Dagan-Deri program could and local residents, stand in front of the newly painted mural. expand into a wide plete two unique projects, one at the variety of venues. “Musicians, sculptors, moshav and the other at the Western gardeners…there are so many different Galilee Hospital. types of artists who could bring their At the moshav, the two artists each cre- unique talents to the Artist-in-Residence ated a mural for one of the buildings, program,” Goldberg said. “This program working closely with the local residents. is an ideal catalyst because art is a univerCain captured the entire project on film. sal language. It’s a natural tool to bring Goldberg described the process as very into action what Partnership is all about.” collaborative from start to finish. First, A note from the Moshav project comshe worked on her designs with a committee expresses how well this program mittee of people from the moshav. After was received. “You gave of your time, the design was complete, Goldberg drew your good will and your talents. The the design onto the building. When it beautiful results say it all…you will always was time to paint the mural, many of the have a warm spot in our hearts, and we women and children joined in. will wait for your next visit (make it Goldberg quickly became a fan of the soon).” Goldberg shares the wish that local residents. “The entire community her next visit come soon, as she looks forwelcomed us with open arms and were so ward to watching the Artist-in-Residence hospitable and appreciative - truly amaz- program continue to grow.

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by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director “Wanted: Artists to design and paint outdoor art murals together with local residents.” So began the call for applicants for the new Artist-in-Residence program, another innovative idea from Partnership with Israel. The application promised an opportunity for artists from the Midwest Consortium Partnership communities to have an amazing experience in the Western Galilee. And according to local artist and Omaha’s Partnership with Israel Arts Council Chair Kim Goldberg, it truly was an amazing experience. “The Artist-in-Residence program is Partnership at its core,” Goldberg said. Earlier this summer Goldberg joined painter Joyce Goldin from Louisville and photographer Suzan Cain from Dayton, as the first group to participate in Partnership’s Artist-in-Residence program. The group was hosted at Moshav Nativ Haharya, located near Nahariya and the Western Galilee Hospital. In just five days, Goldberg helped design and com-

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