August 29, 2014

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

We are Family

August 29, 2014 3 Elul 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 50

This Week Wendy and Adam Raffel, left, Ben and Jordan Raffel, Dr. Norm and Suzy Sheldon, Kori Lucoff, Chuck and Lisa Lucoff, and Makayla Lucoff.

Epstein Chapel and Beth El Cemetery expansion dedication Page 3

Mainstreeters Page 8

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Long-time volunteers, donors, and community leaders Norm and Suzy Sheldon will head the Federation’s 2015 Annual Campaign, set to begin on Sept. 15.

The Sheldons’ two daughters, Wendy and Lisa and sons-in-law, Adam Raffel and Chuck Lucoff have made Omaha their home. Norm and Suzy have four grandchildren, Ben, Jordan, Makayla and Kori.

Native Californians, Norm and Suzy met as students at UCLA. Their upcoming wedding, combined with a lengthy in-state decision process for graduate school convinced Norm to accept a spot in Creighton University’s dental school and they headed

east (Suzy’s mom is from Iowa and she did have some family in the area).

According to Suzy, “Norm graduated dental school on my birthday and the plan was to be in the car heading back west. It obviously didn’t work out that way. Norm received a wonderful job offer and on May 12, 1973, the only move we made was to another Omaha apartment.”

Suzy and Norm raised both Wendy and Lisa at the JCC Pre-school. Suzy helped with what was then called The Children’s Committee. “We ran kids’ activities, after school programs and vacation days, what was the pre-cursor to Kidz Inn and the Teen Lounge.

It was a time when women were just beginning to re-enter the workforce in significant numbers, and childcare was needed. I was co-chair of the

B’nai B’rith raises over $45,000 The rally Page 9

Inside Point of view Synagogues

Next Month Rosh Hashanah See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

9 10

by ARI RIEKES Henry Monsky Lodge President On May 15, 2014, the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith held its 60th Omaha Charity Sports Banquet before a sold out crowd of 1200 people. NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning, of the Denver Broncos, keynoted the event by giving both an inspirational and humorous talk that touched on leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity.

Attendees were also entertained by the hilarious comedy of emcees Randy Sklar and Jason Sklar, Jewish comedians known as the Sklar Brothers, and celebrated the athletic accomplishments of the Bert Render High School Athlete of the year recipient, Harrison Phillips and the Earl Siegel High School Athlete of the year re-

cipient, Madison Unzicker.

Not only was this the best attended banquet in recent history, it will have a huge impact on local Jewish philanthropy. “The banquet was able to

raise a significant amount of money for B’nai B’rith as well as the greater Jewish Community,” Banquet Chair, Howard Shandell stated.

To that end, the Henry Monsky Lodge is donating over $45,000 of its banquet proceeds to its community partners who actively promoted this year’s banquet. Consequently, The Jewish Community Center and the CornerStone Youth Scholarship Fund of the Center for Jewish Life will receive a combined donation of over $20,000. Also, Temple Israel, Beth El Synagogue, and Beth Israel Continued on page 2

Children’s Committee with Claudia Sherman,” Suzy recalled.

Both Norm and Suzy believe this year’s Annual Campaign theme perfectly describes their feelings towards helping Jews. “It really is a blend of both local and global. Our family is here, and we want to support our local Jewish life and ensure it remains for future generations,” said Norm.

“At the same time, the family of Jewish people extends all over the world and our needs have perhaps never been greater. Israel endures more and more conflict, Russian Jews are under new threats and European anti-semitism is on the rise. We will always protect and support our family and want to share that message with our community,” said Suzy.

“I think I said this when I first

chaired the Annual Campaign and it bears repeating: the preservation and continuity of the Omaha Jewish community is our responsibility and ours alone. We must ensure its success with our money and our time,” said Norm.

He was referring to his Co-Chair responsibilities with friend Ellie Batt during the 2012 Annual Campaign.

He is a past president of the Jewish Community Center, a past President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, a 2008 recipient of the Federation’s Volunteer of the Year award and recipient of the 1983 Young Leadership of the Year award.

When asked what made leading the Campaign different this time, Norm wisely responded, “having my wife with me.” To which Suzy quickly Continued on page 2

My Israeli summer

by MIKA CAPLAN Coming back from Israel, I realize that I have just experienced a lifelong journey that completely changed who I am as a person. I made wonderful friends and experienced the Israeli way of life, notably during the difficult situation of conflict with the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza. I joined

Hebrew made it much easier to communicate with Israelis and Americans alike, (although the Israeli teens had no trouble with their English).

After spending two nights in the Blue Bay Hotel in Netanya and a few starter activities, CVK headed for the Joara Army Base. Gadna week (para-military training) was

Chetz VaKeshet (CVK; bow and arrow). It was coordinated directly with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) so all of our counselors were Israeli soldiers between the ages of 20 and 23. Our “mefakdim,” or commanders, were always in uniform and always on top of everything. The 120 teenagers, including about 20 Israelis, were mixed in and divided into three platoons (machlakot) and nine crews (tzvatim) of about 12 teenagers and one commander. Each commander was carefully chosen by the program and each was incredible to work with. My ability to speak fluently in

one of the hardest weeks in my life– both physically and mentally. Each teen was put in uniform, ate in a group, slept in a tiny room, and was treated like a real Israeli soldier.

During this week everyone discovered his or her strengths and weaknesses and also learned how to deal with them. We learned to appreciate the simple necessities that were provided. The tzvatim had lessons and missions similar to those that soldiers in basic training go through. By the end of the week, I had survived extreme heat, fired an M-16 assault rifle, had awaked at Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

We are Family

B’nai B’rith raises over $45,000 Continued from page 1 Synagogue will receive, in equal amounts, a combined donation of over $18,000.

In exchange for receiving these funds, the community partners have agreed to use its share within the next nine months and exclusively for the purposes of enabling participation in Jewish activities for individuals and families in need of financial assistance.

The Henry Monsky Lodge is proud to use proceeds from its banquet for such an important purpose. As I noted in my remarks, “We have a great Jewish community which includes tremendous institutions that provide wonderful programs.

Unfortunately, many members of our community cannot afford to partake. The Henry Monsky Lodge is committed to helping defray the costs to Jewish families and individuals who wish to participate in Jewish related activities. Even middle class families struggle to afford the costs of participating in Jewish related activities.”

In recognizing the Henry Monsky Lodge’s efforts, Beth Cohen, Executive Director, the Center for Jewish Life, stated: “Call it ‘affordability’ or a ‘tuition crisis,’ whatever you want to call it, middle class Jewish families are struggling to pay the cost of their children participating in quality Jewish programming.

In Omaha, a family that sends their child to Friedel, to JCC Day camp, and to a Jewish Residential camp like Ramah or Sabra is in for over $11,000 a year, and that is before considering the cost of synagogue and JCC memberships. Jewish communities across the country are grappling with how to ensure that middle class families can afford to choose Jewish experiences for their children.

B’nai B’rith recognizes the role the community can play in making these immersive Jewish experiences affordable for families, and our Jewish community is very grateful.”

And Bonnie Bloch, President, the Center for Jewish Life, stated: “As it has been said, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ We rely on members of our village, our community, to run top-notch programs for our Jewish children – our JCC, Friedel Jewish Academy, our synagogues, and our youth groups. We are so fortunate to have others in our community help families who are struggling to afford all of these opportunities for their children.

B’nai B’rith has made that commitment, and through the success of their annual banquet have made a huge impact in the lives of the children of our community.”

The financial success of the banquet was due, in part, to the tremendous generosity of the banquet’s sponsors.

Those sponsors include: Diamond Sponsor, Cquence Health Group; Gold Sponsor, the Dorothy and Henry Riekes Donor Advised Fund; Silver Sponsors, Broadmoor, Greater Omaha Packing, Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership and Parsow’s Fine Clothing; Bronze Sponsors, the Bruce and Stacy Simon Charitable Fund, Gary and Karen Javitch, Nelson Gordman, and the Adam Jacobs Memorial Tribute Scholarship. Other sponsors included Abrahams Kaslow and Cassman, LLP, Coventry Health Care, Mutual of Omaha Bank and Plaza Buick of Omaha, as well as the event’s media sponsors, 1620 The Zone and KETV.

Al Abramson, who has attended the vast majority of the Lodge’s previous banquets stated, “This most recent event was one of the best sports banquets I have ever attended.” Shandell stated, “What made this year so special, was not only having the likes of Peyton Manning, but all the new faces in attendance. We had almost 600 people attend our VIP reception! The Omaha Jewish community and the greater Omaha community came together for a fantastic evening.”

The Henry Monsky Lodge has always played a vital role in bringing Jews together.

In that regard, the Lodge is dedicated to continue to work with its community partners and to help draw attention to a problem that often goes unnoticed. In return, B’nai B’rith hopes that members of the Jewish community continue and increase their support of the Lodge and the Omaha Charity Sports Banquet.

In addition, the Henry Monsky Lodge will be donating over $5,000 to the local BBYO to assist our local Jewish teenagers, $1,000 to BBYO International, and additional funds to support B’nai B’rith International.

It’s more than a donation.

Continued from page 1 joined, “and listening to her opinions.”

“When I served as president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha,” he said, “I saw firsthand the genuine care and concern afforded our community members with Annual Campaign dollars. This community is closeknit and has banded together on countless occasions to take care of its own, demonstrating its generosity again and again.”

“The Campaign is not about ‘us’ taking care of ‘them’, it’s about us taking care of us.”

“Truly, it’s the people who support the Campaign that make leading it so gratifying.

Your gifts maintain services, provide scholarships, increase program offerings and truly help those unable to help themselves.

We couldn’t do it without you.”

Norm continued, “We hope to reach out to more and more donors and have the kinds of gatherings that engage community members. Personal meetings give everybody a voice. The Campaign is not about ‘us’ taking care of ‘them’, it’s about us taking care of us.”

“Numbers don’t always tell the whole story; we want everyone to feel like a part of the community, to feel as invested as we do.

That would be a great success,” added Suzy.

“That togetherness we can all relate to?

Well, that’s family.”

Theirs is a true partnership and, together, Norm and Suzy agreed: “The bottom line for Omaha is that there are many tasks and challenges on the to-do list. But we cannot stand back and expect others to take care of it for us. There are Jews here, in Israel, in Ukraine and elsewhere depending on us.

Everyone needs to feel like a stakeholder in the process.”

After all, Together... We are Family.

t’s your legacy.

Thank you to the first members* of Omaha’s Jewish community who made a LIFE & LEGACY™ commitment.

Welcome to Jewish Omaha’s LEGACY SOCIETY! Rabbi Steven and Shira Abraham Michael Albert Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Harry Berman and Beth Cohen

Ronald Giller Debbi Josephson Gary and Sally Kaplan Gloria C. Kaslow Howard J. Kaslow K. Wayne and Carole A. Lainof

Jody Malashock Jon and Denise Meyers Murray and Sharee Newman Marty and Iris Ricks Debbie and Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz

You can help secure the financial future of Omaha’s Jewish community through the LIFE & LEGACY initiative.

LIFE & LEGACY is a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and our local Jewish partner organizations: The Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Agencies: Center for Jewish Life Jewish Community Center Jewish Press Jewish Social Services -Jewish Family Service -Jewish Senior Outreach -Rose Blumkin Jewish Home

*As of August 21, 2014

Beth El Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue Temple Israel Chabad House

Anti-Defamation League Friedel Jewish Academy Institute for Holocaust Education Nebraska Jewish Historical Society

This is the year to establish your Legacy.

Contact the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation today!

Howard N. Epstein Executive Director 402-334-6466 hepstein@jewishomaha.org

Margo Parsow LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator 402-334-6432 mparsow@jewishomaha.org

August 29, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3

Epstein Chapel and Beth El Cemetery expansion dedication

by MARGIE GUTNIK Remembrance at the cemetery, built in 1999, has undergone Beth El Synagogue Program Director some dramatic changes over the last several months, made A cemetery is a place where memories live... a place to possible due to a generous donation from the Epsteins’ sons, visit, to remember, to laugh, and to cry. A cemetery should Paul, Gary and Steven, and their families. Motivated by the not be a place to avoid except for funerals or perhaps the desire to give the chapel a warmer feeling for those mournmemorial service before ing the loss of loved ones; Yom Kippur. All of us hope improvements have begun that after we die, people including adding pews, a will visit and remember us podium and artwork. The too - to think good final touches to the project thoughts, to benefit from should be completed soon. the lessons of our lives, to Harold and Etta Epstein, laugh and cry, and to keep who generously funded us alive in their memories. the building of the chapel As Beth El Synagogue’s in 1999, “were delighted to community begins its see this project become a ninth decade, its Board of reality,” Gary said. The Trustees recognized the brothers agreed that necessity for our cemetery, adding the new enhancelocated at the southwest ments would be a wondercorner of 84th and L ful way to honor their parStreets to expand to conents. Additionally, the Beth El Cemetery Chapel interior tain new memories that Epstein family felt that would not only merge generations but also become an inte- these improvements would be a perfect way to kick-start the gral part of our congregational life. The expansion plans campaign for the expansion of the Beth El Cemetery. Rabbi include a ‘neighborhood’ concept that allows for a welcom- Steven Abraham added, “I am overwhelmed by the generosing space that will feel comforting and respectful. In addi- ity of the Epstein family. The upgrades to the chapel will tion, it will address functional issues such as circulation and make it not just a place for gathering, but a place of comfort the desire to create a more barrier-free and accessible facili- and warmth.” ty. With this expansion, Beth El congregants can be assured The entire community is invited to join us on Sunday, of space for generations to come. In addition, Beth El is truly Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. at Beth El cemetery for a dedication cerentering the 21st century. Using a smart phone or computer, emony in honor of the Epstein family and the expansion visitors will be able to check to see who is interred where, get project. We will also be honoring all donors who have given a history and see photos of those who have gone before us. at the level of Benefactor, Builder and Donor (those who Beth El’s Harold and Etta Epstein Family Chapel of have given a donation for the Wall of Remembrance).

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

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

402-391-4287 Carrier Factory Authorized

8827 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134

Nate Certified Technicians

Now is the time to

Buy or Sell.

Please call. We would appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE 13985 Woolworth Circle 3106 S 96th Street 13018 Hamilton Circle 16616 Harney Street 1513 S 192 Avenue Circle 828 S 182nd Street 620 N 159 Street

$143,500 $360,000 $369,950 $419,500 $474,000 $525,000 $535,000

Millard backs to treed park District 66 Soft contemporary Ridgefield over 4200sq ft 1.5 Story Cambridge Oaks Amazing 2 Story Exceptional new construction Elkhorn Elkhorn Ranch backs to natural stream Barrington Park newly remodeled 1.5 Story

Marty Cohen

Anne Cohen

Alan Cohen

402-690-1591

402-850-4161

402-677-2524

Incredible experiences in Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life Each year, many teens and young adults have the experience of a lifetime, traveling to Israel on a wide variety of programs. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is proud to support these experiences through the Israel Experience Grant program.

The Israel Experience Grant is a one-time gift from the Federation for students in grades 9-12 or young adults ages 18 to 25 for an approved Israel experience. The grant is available to anyone in the Omaha Jewish community who meets the following requirements: 1. The applicant must be a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area 2. The applicant, or his/her family, is a donor in good standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha 3. The applicant agrees to provide an article and pictures

of the experience within one month of return to Omaha for publication in the Jewish Press.

4. The applicant will participate in any required preparatory program Applying for an Israel Experience Grant is a simple onepage application. The applications are available on the Scholarships and Grants page of the Center for Jewish Life on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website at www.jew ishomaha.org. Return completed applications to the Center for Jewish Life, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha NE 68154.

Those in need of additional financial assistance can also apply for financial need-based scholarships. Scholarship information, deadlines and applications are also found as explained above.

The following article was written by a teen who participated in programs in the summer of 2014 and was a recipient of an Israel Experience Grant.

My Israeli summer Continued from page 1 dawn, eating every meal in 10 minutes, army-crawled through all kinds of terrain, worked kitchen duty, learned how to bandage a wounded soldier, and was selected by my mefakedet to be in charge of our tzevet. Although some complained about the conditions and uniforms, I felt honored to wear the same uniform that my parents and every other Israeli soldier who fought to defend the country. In the end I felt an enormous amount of appreciation and gratitude for our commanders who pushed us to continue through the difficult week because, in the end, it turned out to be the most rewarding finish.

The North week took us from Caesarea to the Kinneret to Tel Chai. We learned about the culture of the Druze citizens in Israel and were treated to their delicious food. We explored the Rosh HaNikra caves and went rappelling in the beautiful Keshet cave. We toured the ancient city of Akko and then Zefat. We went on a kayaking adventure in the Jordan River near Kibbutz Kfar Blum and reached Mt. Bental that overlooked Syria. We hiked through the Golan Heights and saw the Jillabun waterfall. We finally reached the Kinneret where we spent the night on the beach after a beach party and enjoyed the water and boats. Towards the middle of the week, we all received news of sirens in Tel Aviv and were assured and reassured of our safety throughout the program.

The South week started off with a four hour drive to Ben Gurion’s house and grave in the Negev desert. We spent the night sleeping in Bedouin tents beneath the stars. The next

day consisted of camel and Jeep rides across the desert. After a beautiful view of the Ramon Crater, we began our drive to Eilat at the southern tip of Israel. During our first night in Eilat, at about 1:30 in the morning I awoke to an enormous explosion that shook the entire hotel. After hearing screams in the hallway, we all rushed down to the bomb shelter where we were told that a missile fired from Sinai had landed just a short distance from our hotel. I was terrified and very worried as I tried to go back to sleep at 3 a.m. Our early-morning activity was canceled to give us more time to sleep, and after that we went about normally, even though the operation in Gaza was in full swing.

After learning about the different types of fish we would see in the Red Sea, I went snorkeling for the first time and saw the amazing reef filled with so many beautiful fish. Later, we spent the evening in the biggest mall in Eilat called the Ice Mall. The next day we visited Timna Park and learned about the history of the iron that was found in the ground many years ago that still exists today. We had lunch at Kibbutz Ktura and toured around the kibbutz and saw how it was run and handled. We went to bed early in preparation for an early climb of Masada. Waking up at 3 a.m. was harder for some than others, but I was ready to go and begin the difficult “Snake Path” up the mountain. The climb was indeed difficult, but the view from the top of Masada was 100 times worth the effort. As a group we watched the sun rise over the Dead Sea. After reaching the top, we were awarded “diskits” Continued on page 5

Join YJO and the Omaha Storm Chasers from the Owner’s Box!

August 31 at 7:05 PM | Fireworks to follow!

With gratitude to the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, YJO is teaming up with the Omaha Storm Chasers to give you a night out at the ball park--in style. Come enjoy a night of baseball while living the suite life in the Storm Chaser’s owner’s box. We’ll have great ballpark food and drink for you to enjoy as we cheer on the defending NATIONAL CHAMPION Omaha Storm Chasers at no cost to you! Space is limited so make sure to RSVP to Zach Spooner at zspooner@jewishomaha.org to reserve your spot.

YJO’s mission is to offer young Jewish singles, couples and families, in their 20s and 30s, a broad range of social, educational, volunteer, philanthropic, and leadership development opportunities.

4 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place WITH

FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

Our Visit room w o Sh

11226 Wright Circle

402-333-2882 (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

We Disp dding Sup lays & plies

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant CARRY OUT AVAILABLE

402-498-8833 Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117 Ave.

North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30

Granite & Tile

Design Flexibility and Quality– For every project we offer the perfect selection

Quartz Zodiaq® Radianz® Cambria® SileStone® Caesarstone®

Solid Surface Corian® Staron® Hi-Macs®

Family owned and operated since 1970 Call Tony Nogg 9101 Military Road • Omaha

402-572-4044 www.MartinsCountertops.com

Join us for Sunday Brunch!

Please join us for Omaha’s newest Sunday Brunch.

Our menu includes Chef Archie’s famous fluffy omelette, eggs benedict, and chicken and waffles, which is a huge hit on the east and west coasts. We open at 10 a.m. and serve brunch until 2 p.m.

We want to thank the Jewish community for their support, and we look forward to serving all of you in the future.

We hope to see you at brunch on Sunday.

R E S TA U R A N T

655 North 114th Street • Omaha, NE

402/496-2090 Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - close • Fri. 11 am - 9 pm Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm • Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm

FOR A LIMITED TIME!

l a n o i t

a s n e S CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you!

12800 West Center Road

330-0200 210 Regency Parkway

392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C. MEMBER F.D.I.C.

September Community Calendar FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Have a Cup of Coffee with God Learner’s Service, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 UNO Class with Assaf Gavron Israeli Literature of War, 4 p.m.

BESTT Talmud Torah Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High School, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Yachad mini-golf outing, 11:15 a.m. at Putting Plus, 90th & Maple

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day Holiday, JCC Health & Fitness open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Scholar in Residence, Danny Siegel, 6 p.m. at Beth El Congregational Dinner with Scholar in Residence, Danny Siegel, 7 p.m. at Beth El

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 UNO Class with Assaf Gavron Israeli Literature of War, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El Social Action Committee serves Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at the NE AIDS Coalition Got Shabbat! and Tot Shabbat Services and Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 BILU USY Car Wash, 8:30 a.m. at Beth El Volunteer Involement Fair, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Welcome Back Waffle Breakfast & First Day of School, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El BESTT Kibbutz Chaverim Goes Tubing, 12:15 p.m. on the Elkhorn River Grandparents Day Celebration and RBJH Carnaval, 1 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 UNO Class with Assaf Gavron Israeli Literature of War, 4 p.m.

BESTT Talmud Torah Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Hebrew High School, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, SEPETEMBER 11 Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Jewish Omaha Reunion Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH 2014 Big Red Tailgate Fundraiser, 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites in La Vista

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Scholar in Residence, Danny Siegel and Kiddush Luncheon, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Selichot Scholar in Residence, Danny Siegel, 8:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 BESTT Talmud Torah Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Torah Tots, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El 2015 Federation Annual Campaign Major Donor Event, 5 p.m.

BILU USY Sushi Night, 6 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 JSS Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Eye on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Erev Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashana Family Dinner, 7 p.m. at Chabad THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Rosh Hashanah Holiday -- JCC CAMPUS CLOSED Beth El Tashlich Services, 3:30 p.m. at Boys Town Lake FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Rosh Hashanah Holiday -- JCC CAMPUS CLOSED Our Shabbat Tables, 1:30 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Adult Ed Class Strange Customs of the Modern Day Jew, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Memorial Services, 11 a.m. at Beth El Cemetery MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 JFO Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Jewish Omaha Reunion Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Jewish Omaha Reunion BESTT Talmud Torah Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Epstein Chapel and Cemetery Expansion Dedication, 11 a.m. at Beth El Cemetery Kadima Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the IDF, 6 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

August 29, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5

My Israeli Summer Continued from page 3 or dogtags similar to those given in the Army.

At the Western Wall (Kotel), we first experienced a 4-D movie called the Time Machine that explained the long and complex history of Jerusalem. We saw King David’s tomb and the Cardo marketplace.

We stopped to have lunch near the Kotel; before approaching it, all of sudden, we heard gunshots and saw smoke coming from the other side of the wall. I panicked and followed everyone else as we rushed after our commanders to find a safe place.

We were told later that a demonstration on the other side spun out of control as Palestinians threw rocks at Israeli officers.

The Israelis shot bullets into the air to break up the demonstration. We left immediately and did not return. It frightened all of us and reminded us that even in such a holy place, there could be disagreements and violence. We returned to our hostel in Kibbutz Almog and began Kabbalat Shabbat activities together for our last Shabbat.

The next morning, we headed to Yad VaShem and were taken through the museum by a tour guide. The museum was very detailed and, after having been to the Holocaust museum in Washington DC, I thought that it was so much more powerful experiencing Yad VaShem with other Jewish teens in the Jewish state. We walked around Har Hertzl, where some of the most famous and important people in Israel, such as Rabin, Golda Meir, and Herzl himself were buried. Har Herzl also held the graves of thousands of Israeli soldiers who died in battle. That evening, we received dreadful news. Among the soldiers who were killed in Gaza that day was Sean Carmeli -- a lone soldier from Texas who moved to Israel when he was sixteen. He was the boyfriend of one of our commanders. Many of the commanders left for his funeral in Haifa where over 20,000 people gathered to show respect and appreciation to him and to the soldiers that were operating under tremen-

dously difficult circumstances. It was the hardest day of the program for all of us.

The next day we traveled to Tel Aviv and volunteered our time for a company that ships food to poor families in Israel. We helped pack boxes full of oil, flour, and canned goods. After that we went to the Hall of Independence where Ben Gurion signed the paper that officially made Israel a state.

While we were there, there was a siren in Tel Aviv, and we heard the Iron Dome intercept the missiles in the air. The closing pool party was held on a Kibbutz that evening and CVK spent the last night together. The last day was sad from the very beginning of the day. We had closing activities with our groups and wrote lasting letters and notes to each other and promised to keep in touch. The closing ceremony was held at Latrun, a historic battleground. We couldn’t believe that the month had passed by so quickly. As we said goodbye to commanders and friends alike, we realized how hard it was to part with the people that we had known as family and spent every single moment with for the entire month. We felt so bonded and united as a whole group. I cried for hours afterwards and for days later as I felt empty and lonely without 120 others around me constantly.

For me, CVK was truly a once in a lifetime experience that changed my life. It changed the way that I think about Israel and changed the way I think about the world. I felt that my connection to Israel was the strongest it had ever been in my life and I wanted to remember that feeling because it’s something that I never want lose. I know that the friends I made during the program will stay lifelong friends that I’m sure will travel to Israel again some day. I cannot fully describe my experience in this program, but I do know that it was the most meaningful month of my life. If I could go back to even a day from that month, I would do it in a heartbeat. Chetz VaKeshet gave me the opportunity to connect to Israel in a way I never thought possible, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

24th Street – Remember?

by SHERRIE SAAG “It was all Jewish-owned businesses. My Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha father used to sell bread from our horse and The requests and pleas were duly noted. buggy. Samuel Riekes purchased and mainReunion organizers listened. Jewish tained a home, several doors down from Omaha couldn’t have a reunion without visiting North 24th Street. And so it happened. In a “big” way.

“Big” Joe Kirshenbaum, 95 years young, is leading a tour of North 24th Street on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1:30-3 p.m. Bus service leaves from the Jewish Community Center (you Ben Himelbloom at 24th Street and Seward. Next door to Sam must be registered for Fried’s Delicatessen. 1925. the entire Reunion weekend to join the tour). Sign up at www. his, for services for those who couldn’t make omahajewishreunion.com, pick-up a reg- the walk to the Shul at 19th and Seward. It istration form on the Federation campus or was such a mitzvah, ” Big Joe recalled. call Mary Bernstein at 402.391.0708.

“There were street cars and push carts “Big” Joe, born in 1919, was raised on and a corned beef sandwich was 25 cents.”

North 24th Street. He lived in a home next As much as this writer begged for more door to a synagogue and across the street stories, “Big” Joe said I’d have to wait for from the mikveh and he remembers help- the tour. He promised to retell a few stories ing ladies cross the street from one place to that he assured me couldn’t be printed in the other. the paper!

In its heyday, the 20’s, 30’s 40’s and “You’ll have to hear it to believe it,” were beyond, North 24th Street housed the his exact words. And, even though most of majority of all the delis, butcher shops, the original buildings and homes are no bakeries and small retail shops that longer there, “Big” Joe’s photographic Omahans (of a certain age) frequented. memory and first person accounts are sure According to “Big” Joe, “There were three to transport those in attendance back to synagogues in the neighborhood, 19th and the good ol’ days.

Burt, 24th and Burt, and 25th and Seward.

You’ll want to add this to you list of Also, the mikveh, a Talmud Torah, and an events at the Omaha Jewish Reunion. For old people’s home. And, on every other more information, contact Mary Bernstein block stood a Jewish-owned grocery store.” at 402.391.0708.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. Questions?

Call 402.334.6448.

Happy 90th Birthday!

Kitty Williams Sunday, August 31 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bayliss Park Hall 530 First Avenue, Council Bluffs You may RSVP to Mark Peters, mcpet96@gmail.com.

No gifts, please.

[August 2014 MEMBERS] PUBLISH E R Bruce Belgrade Marlene & David Cohen Mimi & Scott Farkas Amy & Sandy Friedman Karen and Gary Javitch Fran and Rich Juro Gloria & Howard Kaslow Marsha & Milton Kleinberg Jody & Neal Malashock

Julie & Mark Martin Patty & Steve Nogg Iris & Marty Ricks Memorial Howard Silber Mimi & Mike Silverman Kathy Simon Joodi & Norman Veitzer Nancy & Phil Wolf Jeremy Wright

EDITO R

Discover your Jewish roots through the miracle of DNA testing Expert Bennett Greenspan, a native Omahan, founded Family Tree DNA, the largest non-medical DNA testing in the world. He will be here to share his journey of discovery, and wonder of modern technology that has uncovered his family’s ancestral origins. Check him out at www.familytreedna.com.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Omaha Jewish Community Center Admission: $50.00 - includes week-end admission to all events of the Omaha Jewish Reunion www.omahajewishreunion.com

Beth Cohen & Harry Berman Randi Friedel Jablin Julee Katzman Debbie and Alan Kricsfeld Abigail & Adam Kutler

($72)

Sandy & Greg Meyerson Marina & Mike Sadofsky Wayne Schwarz Memorial Howard Silber Suzanne Singer Esther & Jim Wax

REPORT E R Marcia Arch Claire & Lawrence Blass Janey Dann Sharon & Howard Epstein Liz & Yonatan Feldstern Judith Feigin Annette & Cantor Leo Fettman Lois N. Friedman Jordana & Jim Glazer Alan Goodman Jerry Gordman Myrna Grumer Margie & Bruce Gutnik Bea Karp

($180)

($36)

Sara & Ari Kohen David Lercher Judy & Van Marcus Elinore Penner Susan Rothholz Lynne & Errol Saltzman Caryn Scheer Claudia & Mark Sherman Memorial Howard Silber Susan Silverman Jan & Phil Wayne Andi Wilensky Lois & Norman Wine Phyllis & Harold Zabin

Club

6 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

August 29, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7

Rabbi Hillel said

“If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”

These words remind us that though self-interest is our right, we also have a duty to care for others. Today.

For over a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha has focused on providing crucial aid to individuals, couples and families facing challenges in their lives.

Between July, 2013 and June, 2014, our efforts have been sustained by the following contributors who chose to balance their own needs with the needs of others.

Grants

Endowments

In Kind Donations

Contributions & Tribute Cards

Project Tzedakah

Friends Campaign

Friends Campaign

Friends Campaign

Members of our community deserve to live with dignity. These grants provide financial assistance, counseling services, YACHAD activities and other critical programs that strengthen Jewish family life.

Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine JFS Tzedakah Endowment Fund Parsow & Simons Families Special Needs Community Fund Paul Alperson Endowment Fund Paul and Joy Grossman Family Endowment Fund Pennie Z. Davis Family Life Education Fund Perlmeter Family Jewish Family Service Assistance Fund Pitlor Family Transplant Support Endowment Fund Richard “Pete” Lee Memorial Endowment Fund Rosalie and Milton Saylan Endowment Fund for JFS Ruth and Bernard Raskin Endowment Fund Ruth and Otmar Liebenstein JFS Financial Assistance Endowment Fund Steven Bloch President’s Fund Yachad Endowment Fund

Doniven Polivka Marty and Iris Ricks Dottie Rosenblum Linda and Kevin Saltzman Dottie Shapiro Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet Gary and Liat Shyken and Family Diana Senik Mike and Mimi Silverman Suzanne Singer Marcie Spivak Jeremy Wright Annette Van de Kamp

Cliff Levitan Harold and Linda Mann Sonny and Harriet Marko Sidney and Lynda Mirvish Nancy Noddle Steve and Patty Nogg Alan and Carol Parsow Oliver and Karen Pollak Helen Rifkin Marty and Iris Ricks Toni Rosen and Tony Roth Wayne Schwarz and Lori Kooper Schwarz Amy Shapiro Larry and Sherry Shapiro Matt and Melissa Shapiro Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet Michael and Patricia Sherman Josephine and Roberta Shrago Nathaniel Teetzel Andi Willensky Mort Zuber Judy Zweiback

Ann Pickel Ellen Platt Lawrie Pollack Susan Rothholtz Karen Scheer Dorothy Spizman Shelly Stern Sonia Tipp Joyce Wees Star Deli

Benefactor Murray and Sharee Newman Steve and Patty Nogg Dr. Jeffrey and Sandra Passer Suzanne Singer

Supporter Anonymous (1) Leon Alexander Ron and Beth Brodkey Harry Berman and Beth Cohen Alan and Judith Cooper Rose Davis Howard and Sharon Epstein Jim and Judy Farber Sam and Frances Fried Lois Friedman Judge Larry Gendler and Tami Field Ron and Kaye Giller David and Judi Goldstein Alex and Mary Sue Grossman Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback Adam and Abigail Kutler Lina Lander Denny and Lisa Lewis David and Sue Millward Howard and Lee Needelman Dr. and Mrs. Robert Olesh Papio Creek Gems and Gifts Helen Rifkin Nancy Rips Michael and Stephanie Sigmond Norman and Joodi Veitzer Ruth Weiner Steve and Kathy Zalkin

Sponsor Bruce and Margie Gutnik Robert and Esther Katleman Beatrice Karp Don and Dolores Klein Leslie Kully Scott and Jenny Meyerson Linda Novak Mark Ocheretyanskiy Gene and Gail Pashchenko Phil and Helga Patterson Cheryl Phillips Caryn Rifkin Sheila Rosen Mark and Alla Rubezhin Phyllis Schwartz Lourdes Secola and Shelly Lerner Larry and Sherry Shapiro Beth Staenberg Dr. Larry and Judi Yampolsky Amee Zetzman

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA) Harris Family Endowment Fund Herbert Goldsten Trust The Milton S. and Corrine N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. Phillip & Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Samuel & Delma Goodman Youth Fund Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Sokolof/Javitch Family Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Endowments Tikkun Olam -- repairing the world -is a moral obligation. Through these endowments, JFS continues to help people build lives of hope and joy.

Edith and Paul Goldstein Endowment Fund Glazer Family Endowment Fund Harry and Fannie Stock Rothkop/ Theodore Rothkop Fund Howard & Judy Vann Family Education Fund Ike Friedman JFS Financial Assistance Fund Jake and Mary Wine Fund Jerome J. and Frances O. Milder Endowment Fund Jewish Family Service Campaign Legacy Fund Jewish Family Service Discretionary Fund Jewish Family Service Endowment Fund Kutler Dental Custodial Fund Leo and Frances Rodick Memorial Endowment Fund Louis Friedman Fund for New Americans Mark and Sophie Sturm Immigrant Education Fund Nancy Noddle JFS Financial Assistance Fund

In Kind Donations The Talmud says, “A good friend is a tower of strength. To find one is to find a treasure.” Friends of JFS help families in crisis receive guidance to put their lives back in order.

39 Forever Beth El Synagogue Temple Israel 2nd Grade Rabbi Steve, Shira and Naama Abraham Chris Blumkin Mike and Dani Christiansen Sandy and Paul Epstein Rebecca Ruetsch-Finkelstein and family Jim and Jordana Glazer Josh and Amanda Gurock Karen Gustafson Debbie Josephson Dr. Fred Kader Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaslow Debbie Kronick Lomir Redn Yiddish Group Neal and Jody Malashock Dan Marburg Bruce Meyers Maxine Noodell Alexandra Pichik

Contributions & Tribute Cards Donations in honor and in remembrance of family and friends help meet the emotional and financial needs that accompany unexpected medical problems or the loss of employment.

Norman and Frances Batt Family Fund Charles Schneider Family Foundation Schwartz Philanthropic Foundation 39 Forever Ann Belmont Beth El Synagogue Steve and Carol Bloch Frances Blumkin B’Nai M’rith/Henry Monsky Lodge Fanny Bohbot CDC Rose Davis Linda and Joe Fischer Sherry Fletcher Ted and Jamie Friedland Howard and Sandee Friedman David and Shirley Goodman Dan Fitzgerald and Andrea Gordman Rosalie Greenspan Arnold and Sheryn Joffe Larry and Debbi Josephson Keith and Judy Josephson Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaslow Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum Tom and Kate Kirshenbaum Jerry and Gail Kohll David and Janet Kohll Jack and Bette Kozlen Sissi and Max Lapides

B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program Jake Meyerson Monica Siegel Max Gendler Abby Hack Alex Pichik Chad Shulewitz

Project Tzedakah Nancy Burkhardt and her Burke High School class Tuffy Epstein Judy Farber Shelly Fox Wendy Furst David Goldberg Shari Hess Nanci Kavich Kate Kirshenbaum Nikki Kirshenbaum Gary Kudym Wendy Manvitz Bruce Meyers Ann Moshman Gordon Moshman

Project Dreidel Harry and Doris Alloy Albert Bloch B’Nai B’rith Sherman and Sandy Brodkey Jason and Laurie Epstein Ted and Jamie Friedland Nancy Heller Jeff and Sharon Kirshenbaum Howard and Sharon Kooper Joe and Tina Meyers Jon and Denise Meyers Sue Meyers Alan and Linda Muskin Steve and Patty Nogg Michael and Susie Norton and Family Fefe Passer Sylvia Roffman Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet Jack and Helen Shrago Richard and Alyson Slutzky Ted and Amee Zetzman

Friends Campaign Friend for Life Anonymous (1) Carl and Zoë Riekes Donor-Advised Fund Cynthia Schneider Friedland Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Fred Simon Noddle Family Donor Advised FundJay Noddle, Nancy Noddle, Susie Noddle Rosalie Saylan The Todd & Betiana Simon Foundation Benefactor Anonymous (1) Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kaslow

Angel Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Epstein Dick and Bev Fellman Sandy and Amy Friedman Larry and Debbi Josephson Gary and Sally Kaplan Sue Meyers Mike and Susie Norton Richard and Alyson Slutzky Jim and Sally Zipursky Champion Steve and Carol Bloch Gary and Lisa Epstein Jeff and Karen Gustafson Richard and Joan Jacobson Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum Milt and Marsha Kleinberg Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ricks Dr. Norman and Susie Sheldon Patron Anonymous (1) Frances Blumkin Toby Fellman Donald Goldstein Rosalie Greenspan Marcel and Ilse Kahn Harold and Alice Kosowsky Dr. Larry and Diane Malashock Dr. Neal and Jody Malashock Bruce Meyers Dr. Gordon and Ann Moshman Harvey and Ann Pickel Dr. Blaine and Judy Roffman Susan Rothholz Marcy Ruback Edward and Carol Schneider Sissy Silber Michael and Mimi Silverman Dr. Judith Stern Irv and Gail Veitzer Andi Willensky Philip and Nancy Wolf

Sponsor Anonymous (6) David and Carol Alloy Phyllis Aron Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel Ann Belmont Mary Berman Margaret and Jim Bresel Peter Brodkey Dan Bukenholts Sam and Elaine Bukenholts Fritz and Molline Cassman Justin and Joan Cooper Debbie Denenberg Harold and Maneva Edelman Paulette Flatowicz Jerry and Joanne Freeman Scott and Debbie Friedman David and Wendy Goldberg

Circle of Friends Anonymous (6) Larry and Paula Albert Brett and Stacey Atlas Larry and Judy Brookstein Jean Duitch Tuffy and Helen Epstein Hersz Flatowicz Mort and Janet Glass Alan Goodman David Herzog Shari Hess Arnold and Sheryn Joffe Gloria Jones Joseph and Leah Kosinovsky David and Shane Kotok Marshall and Barbara Kushner Dr. Michael Levine Julia Pashchenko Steven and Margo Riekes Esther Silver Harold Siporin Dorothy Spizman Rocky Stern and *Dick Rochman Steve and Marilyn Tipp Helen Weber *Of Blessed Memory

Jewish Family Service is able to do its work because members of this remarkable community genuinely care about one another. Thank you for your generous support.

All contributions are as of June 30, 2014. We apologize if your name was omitted from this list. Please call JFS at 402-330-2024.

8 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

Mainstreeters

Wayne, NE www.hhoa.net 888-200-4460

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUILD!!!

Build Your New Home for as little as $1,000 down & lock in the interest rate of a lifetime!

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION &

PERMANENT MORTGAGE FINANCING AVAILABLE

Homestead has helped thousands of families build their new home for less.

Neligh’s

Bread 'n Jam Festival SSaturday, September 13 • BAKE-OFF • CLASSIC CAR SHOW & SHINE • • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • CRAFT FAIR • Contests Held At The Historic Neligh Mill For Additional Information Call: N Street & Wylie Drive, Neligh, NE 402-887-4303 or 402-887-4935

Call Toni Rosen, CRS Certified Residential Specialist

Direct: 402.334.7257 Cell: 402.630.8664 toni.rosen@cbshome.com

Basic computer skills made easy!

Whether it’s a one-time lesson or ongoing instruction and support, learn how to use the computer with Dr. David M. Cohen, Ph.D., an educator and innovator who specializes in teaching computer skills to persons with little or no experience.

Learn: How computers work • How to use programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint How to e-mail friends and family • How to play games on the computer Shop, read newspapers & books and watch videos online How to use SKYPE for free video-conferencing with your children and grandchildren Call today to see how we can tailor our services to meet your needs.

Cohen’s Computer Club 402-637-3935 www.CohensComputerClub.com

David M. Cohen, Ph.D.

by OZZIE NOGG The main events in September and October for the Jewish community are, of course, the High Holidays -and Mainstreeters has scheduled three autumn programs that won’t interfere with your attendance at services, so mark the dates on your calendars.

Have lunch with Jeff Koterba, Omaha World Herald cartoonist: Monday, Sept. 15, 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Jeff Koterba is a cartoonist, writer, and musician. Since joining the Omaha WorldHerald in 1989, he has been a finalist for Editorial Cartoonist of the Year from the National Cartoonists Society. His memoir, Inklings, was named a Chicago Tribune Favorite Nonfiction book of 2009. To help celebrate 25 years of employment, the Omaha World-Herald will soon publish a collection of some of Jeff ’s best work from Jeff Koterba the past. Actor Rainn Wilson (of The Office) says, “Jeff Koterba is super funny and smart and creative in many different ways. Plus, his cartoons have been in space and he was even hit by lightning. What’s not to like?” Come hear Jeff explain those remarks. For your entree, choose either a Cheese Frenchee with fries and cole slaw or a Cream Cheese Veggie Sub on multi grain bun with chips and cole slaw. Both entrees include cream of broccoli soup, challah roll, cookies and choice of beverage. Cost: $10 per plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Sept. 8. For transportation or answers to questions, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Join us at the Movies: Arranged, Friday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No charge for the film or for unlimited bags of fresh popcorn.

No reservations necessary. Invite a friend.

(We promise you’ll be out in time for Shabbat dinner.)

Arranged centers on the friendship between a young Orthodox Jewish woman (Rochel) and a young Muslim woman (Nasira) who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Both find themselves culturally out of place in 21st century New York, as they try to live within the traditions of their faith while struggling with their own feelings. In particular, Rochel and Nasira bond over the fact that both are expected to enter into arranged marriages, Nasira with a wary optimism and Rochel with a great deal of trepidation. This delightful, optimistic film shows how two women bridge the Jewish-Muslim gap. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium before the movie, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table or to answer your questions. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m. For questions call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Whoops – Gotta Go! Learn self-help tips and life style changes to relieve bladder control issues, Monday, Sept. 22.

1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Board

Room. Jewish Social Services and the Visiting Nurse Association realize the importance of being proactive about your health. This educational workshop will be of specific interest to seniors who want to learn more about taking charge of their well-being and relieve bladder control symptoms. The class will be presented by Alicia Birky, a physical therapist with the Visiting Nurse Association. Alicia holds a master’s degree in physical therapy and has biofeedback certification for pelvic muscle dysfunction. She has worked specifically with patients of all ages with bladder control issues. The class is free. To RSVP, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email at mconti@rbjh.com.

The Brownville Concert Series presents Carole J. Bufford, Sunday, Oct. 12.

Carole J. Bufford is one of the most sought after young performers in the New York cabaret and jazz scene.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “Sophie Tucker was Carole J. Bufford not, in fact, the last of the Red Hot Mamas. That title can now be claimed by the young Ms. Carole Bufford.” The New York Times describes her “as an earthier, more acerbic, 21st. century Barbara Streisand.”

Carole J. Bufford hails from Lincolnton, GA where she grew up on healthy doses of Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Dinah Washington and Bessie Smith. She is a firm believer in honoring, celebrating and teaching the Great American Songbook, both material written yesterday and today. Cost: $20 per person includes show admission.

Transportation by deluxe coach is sponsored by Jewish social Services. Bus leaves the JCC at noon -- please be at the main entrance by 11:45 a.m. -- and returns at approximately 5:30 p.m. Concert reservations are needed by Friday, Sept. 19.

Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and mail to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Questions? Call Jim Wax 402.393.4442.

Note: bring your own snacks and water for the bus ride.

According to Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, “Mainstreeters main goal is to offer activities and programs that give area residents -- age 60-plus -- the chance to participate in new experiences, meet new people and enjoy life to the fullest. Tell your friends. We invite you to join us in the New Year.”

Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Sen. Brad Ashford will tell us why he wants the 2nd district congressional seat in the house of representatives on Wednesday, Sept. 3, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Birth Sarah and David Simon Kotlyar of Telzstone, Israel announce the July 25 birth of their daughter, Bat-Sheva Esther.

She is named for Esther Simon.

She has brothers, Yosef, Moshe, Aron and Avraham Shlomo.

Grandparents are Kenneth Morrow of New York City, Judith Morrow of West Orange, NJ, and Joan and Natan Kotlyar of Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.

Townhouse for Rent 1859 N 176 Plaza This townhouse located near Village Pointe Shopping Center was built in 2010 and features 3 bedrooms with a large master bedroom, 3 bathrooms, 2 car garage, and a large grass backyard.

Priced at $1295 a month, it includes all yard and snow care.

For more information or tour call Nebraska Lifestyle at (402) 342-0556. www.nebraskalifestyles.com

August 29, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The next big thing ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor During the past weeks, many of you have hopefully had a chance to see our Jewish Press exhibit in the Jewish Community Center’s Gallery. If not, don’t worry; many pieces of it will find a permanent home somewhere in our building. We’re not entirely sure where yet, but we will let you know as soon as possible. We appreciate all the positive comments, and I think we’ve been successful in representing a broad segment of our community.

Once again I would like to thank the board members of the Murray F. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation for underwriting our annual summer internship. Without them, we would not have had the pleasure of Intern Sara Cohen’s help in bringing large parts of the exhibit to life. I also want to thank Linda and Harold Mann for believing in this exhibit when it was merely in the planning stages. I have learned so much about our community, and although it was more work than I ever imagined, it was worth every minute.

At the Jewish Press, our main goal is to deliver a paper in your mailbox every single week. However, there is no reason to not branch out from time to time, and now that our annual Rosh Hashanah edition is almost finished (you can look forward to receiving it two weeks from now), it is time to look to the near future and share with you what else is in the planning stage.

Over the coming months, we will be starting our Lithuania Project. That means we will be looking for those of you whose family originally hails from there, and we are going to try to put together a comprehensive file on your family history. Photos, personal stories, and articles about the history of the Jewish community is Lithuania then and

now. We want to hear from you, especially if you’ve at any point traveled to Lithuania, and visited the places your ancestors used to call home. We know there are many of you whose roots go back there, and we think it is time your history is thoroughly documented. We’re hoping to not only

Zydu Gavte, or Jewish Street, in the Vilnius Ghetto. find enough material to run a series of articles, but ultimately create an online archive and another exhibit. We anticipate the entire project will take approximately two years, although it is difficult to estimate the timeline this early, so don’t hold it against me if it takes longer. We want to do this well, rather than fast.

In order to properly tell the family histories, we’ll need to create context. You will read about the city of Vilnius, the

Lithuanian capitol and the global center of Jewish intellectual and rabbinical life. At the beginning of the 20th century, one out of three people living in Vilnius was Jewish; it was known as the ‘Jerusalem of the North.’

You’ll learn about the devastating consequences of the holocaust, which wiped out 95% of the Jewish population of the country, largely by local Lithuanians. You will read about Lithuania’s unwillingness to acknowledge its role in the destruction of the Jewish population, but also about those who were an exception to the rule: many Lithuanians are recognized at Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations.

You will also learn about Lithuania’s adoption of a definition of genocide that differs from the United Nations Convention on Genocide. How since Lithuania’s independence in 1991, not a single Nazi war criminal has been prosecuted. How the Lithuanian State Prosecutor has opened investigations into Jewish partisans who survived Nazi deportation and fought the Nazis, and is still looking to try these heroes for war crimes. Some of these stories will be unspeakably sad, and yet, they need to be told.

But you will also read stories of hope, of those who left and managed to begin a new life right here in Omaha.

We’ll have stories about descendents who have traveled to Lithuania to find forgotten graves and started an initiative to restore those graves. You may be a member of one such family, and perhaps your story is incomplete, and you wish someone could help you find the missing pieces.

Please contact us if you want to be a part of this. We will interview you, research your history, and if by any chance you have any photographs, we would love to scan them in.

You can contact me through avandekamp@jewishomaha. com or call me at 402.334.6450.

The rally

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER During the terrible period in June, when the fate of the three kidnapped boys was unknown, solidarity rallies were held in many American cities at local synagogues and Jewish Community Centers. In July and early August, for Operation Protective Edge, the type of venue for these solidarity rallies often changed , moving from Jewish to public spaces.

Rallies, and especially public rallies, are a sign of a healthy Jewish community, one that is not afraid to air its views and to protest if necessary. Interestingly, I believe that public rallies are important chiefly not because of their effect on American public opinion but for their effect on Jewish Americans. It’s exciting to stand up publicly and be counted for a Jewish cause, and this feeling can leave an indelible imprint upon one’s Jewish consciousness. When I was a student at the Yeshivah of Flatbush High School in the late 1970’s, I was required to travel with my school to Manhattan twice a year: once for the Salute to Israel Parade and the other time for the Free Soviet Jewry Rally--and I can tell you that the rally was much more powerful for me than the parade. I can still remember the chants: “One, two, three, four open up the iron door; five, six, seven, eight let my people emigrate” (or, when we wanted some variety: “open up the iron gate”).

As far as American public opinion during this war, my Israeli friends, taking note of the anti-Israel rallies across Europe, were very concerned that Americans would also

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President-Elect; Sarah Edelstein, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Sarah Grossman-Lopez, Debbie Kricsfeld, David Kotok, Noah Priluck, Paul Rabinovitz, and Nancy Wolf.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world.

Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma

turn against Israel. I reassured my friends, telling them that I feel as comfortable relying on Joe and Jane Smith as their American Jewish equivalents. New York Times columnist Roger Cohen broached this topic in a piece entitled “Why Americans [as opposed to Europeans] See Israel the Way They Do,” and wrote: “The Israeli saga -- of courage and will -echoes in American mythology, far beyond religious identification, be it Jewish or evangelical.” Funny how non-religious people are always playing down the religious factor, and in this case that is surely a mistake.

While it is true that for many Christian Americans the religious tropes of America as the Promised Land and the New Israel still have some meaning, it is a huge mistake to overlook the emotional resonance of the Jewish people’s coming back to life in the Holy Land. The success of Rabbi Yehiel Eckstein’s International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, one of the greatest contemporary Jewish fundraising stories, is built upon raising small donations from millions of American Christians.

I have an interesting observation concerning a difference between various support efforts and rallies in Israel versus those that were held in America. Israelis are sharply divided on how they view the current government, and so many of the printed signs in Israel during the war revolved around standing by our soldiers. Whatever one’s feelings about the policies of the government, everyone had admiration and respect for our soldiers. And yet it would not be appropriate for American Jewish rallies to be emblazoned with signs in support of Israeli soldiers. Such signs would unnecessarily risk stirring up the “5th column” calumny, and why take that risk?

Whether on public property or on private Jewish property, savvy rally organizers made sure to invite American politicians. For example, at Houston’s rally on August 3, four U.S. Congressman addressed an enthusiastic crowd of thou-

sands, Jews and also Christians, at Congregation Beth Israel.

I said it before this war (in my 4th of July column), and I’ll say it again here: God Bless America.

Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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

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

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial

material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events.

News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content

Letter TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor: Look at the calendar, the days are slipping away. The Omaha Jewish Reunion is just weeks away. There is so much in store for those who are returning to Omaha and all of us who still call it home. That is what I am writing about. The programming and activities planned are simply incredible and I cannot imagine anyone wanting to miss this weekend.

Saturday night’s bash, HavDaLah GaLa, is reason enough to join your family and friends on the Federation campus Saturday, Sept. 13. This is a golden opportunity to get together, mingle, talk and socialize. The fun begins at 8 p.m.

Join the community and see how many people you will remember and recognize.

Joanie Jacobson, event chair tells me Hazzan Krausman and Cantor Shermet will lead a beautiful, musical Havdalah just prior to the festivities. The party then kicks-off with The Rumbles, Omaha’s iconic rock ‘n’ roll band.

It’s all about fun, friends, food and more fun! What a great way to enjoy each other’s company. Sooo, to borrow a phrase, let’s get ready to Rrrrrrrrumble”.

Bert Lewis professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

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

10 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com Looking for something different? Join us for our High Holiday services. We welcome back Jeffrey Taxman to lead our services. Our speakers for the High Holidays are Dr. Rami Arav on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Dr. Oliver Pollak on Rosh Hashanah morning, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon on Kol Nidre and Marti Nerenston on Yom Kippur.

You’re always welcome at B’nai Israel!

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services/Have a Cup of Coffee with God, 9:30 a.m.; Mini-minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: USY Camping, 3 p.m. at Platte State Park; Men’s Club Storm Chasers game, 7:05 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m.

Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Coalition, Friday, Sept. 5, 11:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat/Got Shabbat, Friday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m., followed by dinner.

USY Car Wash Fundraiser, Sunday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m.

Involvement Fair, Sunday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.

Welcome Back Breakfast & Religious School, Sunday, Sept.

7, 9:45 a.m.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 8:43 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by Bagels and Beit Medrash.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

THURSDAY: UNMC Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Scholar’s Club for grades 4-6, 3:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Anne and Robert Rickover.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shoftim.

SUNDAY: Cantillation Class, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: Temple office closed for Labor Day. THURSDAY: High Holiday Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m.

Lincoln Jewish Community School first day of classes, Sunday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel.

As part of the Temple’s 130th anniversary celebration, we want to reach as many former members and clergy as possible. Are you in touch with someone who used to attend?

With kids who grew up and moved away? With friends or family with Temple connections? If so, please give their contact information to Barb Straus at barbstraus@gmail.com.

Tri-Faith picnic

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel In Psalm 133:1 we read - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! This quote came too life at the annual Tri-Faith picnic held this year at Temple Israel. Over three hundred and fifty Jews,

Christians and Muslims came together to break bread together and just have a fun afternoon together. The day began with a prayer for peace offered by the different clergy in attendance. This came a delicious barbeque and lots of amazing side dishes and desserts.

As parents sat and spoke, the children enjoyed the moon bounce, sidewalk chalk and snow cones! Along with the good conversation there were tours offered of Temple Israel that served not only as a chance to learn about Temple Israel but also as a means of building excitement for the other partners in the Tri-Faith community to see what the campus and their new buildings will be like.

The day was hot with excitement of being together and it was the hottest day of the summer so far. With that in mind a spontaneous great interfaith bucket challenge took place.

Cantor Wendy Shermet, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Rabbi Josh Brown from Temple Israel, along with Rev. Chris Alexander from Countryside Community Church and

Nizam Quassem from the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture challenged the crowd at the Tri-Faith Picnic to give $10 for ALS and got a very cold ice bucket bath. The challenge was just for fun but it was an opportunity for a community Tzedakah project.

Not to be outdone by the faith leaders, the children of Interplay, the Tri-Faith program for children and youth, offered to get hit with the ice water if the crowd would donate $5 each for ALS. (They decided because they were half the size of the adults they should ask for half the money.) It was amazing to see a great group of kids. Jewish, Christian and Muslim children growing up together and giving the adults another chance to experience Tzedakah together.

For more information on the Tri-Faith Initiative please check out our Facebook page.

Candlelighting Friday, August 29, 7:44 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family Night, 6 p.m.; Re-Jew Vination with Stephanie Grossman, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the clergy Elul, 10 a.m. with Cantor Shermet; OTYG Lounge Night, 6 p.m.

First Friday Shabbat Service, Friday, Sept. 5 with candle lighting and Kiddush in the Community Court, 5:30 p.m.

Service 6 p.m., dinner immediately following. Cost: $5/person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Beginning Prayer Study with Elyce Azriel starting Sundays on Sept. 7, 11 a.m. - noon. If you have no clue what the prayers in our service mean or if you struggle to keep up with the congregation singing and reciting these prayers, then this class is for you.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a special kiddush lunch in honor of Kirk Bowers and his first Aliyah to theTorah sponsored by Lucy and Kirk.

Lincoln Jewish Community School first day of classes, Sunday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Jewish Book Club, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. at South Street Temple and will discuss The Fortunateteller’s Kiss by Brenda Seratte. Vicki Edwards will be hosting. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.

B’nai Mitzvah Lauren Kirk, daughter of Kelly and Thomas Kirk, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Beth El. Lauren is an eighth-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at Russell Middle School. She is a Duke University Talent Search participant, and a member of the yearbook club.

Her interests include All Star cheerleading, tumbling and hanging out with friends.

She has a sister, Emily, and a brother, Jacob.

Grandparents are Marty Tichauer, Fred Tichauer, and Michael Kirk and the late Virginia Kirk.

Great-grandparents are the late Helena and Walter Tichauer, and the late Minia and Ben Maurer.

Robert Osborne, son of Ann and Don Osborne, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Temple Israel.

Robert is an eight-grade HAL and honor roll student at Kiewit Middle School.

His interests include boy scouts, gaming and science.

For his mitzvah project, Robert volunteered at The Open Door Mission helping to serve and prepare meals.

He has a sister, Lindsay.

Grandparents are Susie and James Silverman, and Jean and Ron Osborne.

Pulverent e

August 29, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11

Rocket fire casts doubt on start of Israeli school year

by ISRAEL HAYOM (JNS.org) Leading up to the start of a new academic year in Israel, parents in the rocket-battered south are saying they do not feel safe sending their children back to school.

On Aug. 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at his weekly cabinet meeting that the current operation in Gaza would not end before the beginning of the school year on Sept. 1. Gaza terrorists have fired thousands of rockets and mortars into the communities in the south in recent weeks.

Israeli officials -- including Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, and Education Minister Shay Piron -- agree that the safety of students and their parents is the top consideration guiding the decision on whether or not to begin the school year.

On Aug. 24, Piron said that the Education Ministry “is prepared to provide the residents of the south with a wide array of educational solutions, at any time or place.� “The solutions will be provided in accordance with the [IDF] Homefront Command instructions and tailored to the needs of the families living in the south,� said Piron. “The best interest of the students and the parents is the education system’s top priority.�

Education Ministry Director-General Michal Cohen met with representatives of the Homefront Command and the National Emergency Authority on Sunday to examine possible alternatives for the coming school year. Some of the options raised were to absorb the children of the south in schools situated in northern and central Israel, to hold small classes in shifts at schools built to withstand rocket fire, to hold synchronized lessons remotely while students remain at home, and to launch activities in bomb shelters.

But parents in southern communities are in no rush to send their children to school as long as there is no guarantee of safety. “This insane situation has raised the biggest dilemma of my life,� Marina Levy said. “My children and I can’t wait for school to begin because there is a limit to how long you can keep the kids inside protected rooms. Also, not sending the children to school would be a wonderful reward to give to Hamas for the terror they’re imposing on us. What am I supposed to do?

Maybe the leaders of the country have the answers.�

Some community heads are opposed to beginning the school year because many of the schools within rocket range are not protected against projectiles. Kiryat Malachi Mayor Eliyahu Zohar said that “The guiding principle will be that if there is even a remote chance that a single hair from a child’s head will be harmed, school will not open,� he said.

With reporting by Yael Branovsky, Gadi Golan, Nitsi Yakov, and Shlomo Cesan.

NOW HIRING: DIESEL MECHANIC

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel In a few weeks we will begin to read the Torah from the beginning of Genesis. In the first week of reading we learn that the world was created in six days and then the seventh day was to be a day of rest, Shabbat! Now we all rest in different ways and many of us celebrate Shabbat in different ways, but one common element is being with

Call Klint at DPA TRUCKS 402-687-4120 Why is QSI the fastest growing Post Frame Business in Nebraska?

MORE LUMBER

*Serving you from Grand Island, NE 1-800-374-6988

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

NORM’S DOOR SERVICE

402-341-2452

GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS

Before someone offers you alcohol or other drugs, decide what you are going to say.

SALES AND SERVICE

Having the facts can give you confidence.

6200 South 90TH St.

1-800-648-4444

friends and the ones we love.

Over the last two years, Temple Israel has created, with the help of generous donors, a means by which to bring the community together on Friday evenings once a month to experience Shabbat together. Our 1st Fridays Shabbat Dinners have been a huge success, drawing over 200 people each month. This year, dinners will be held Sept. 5, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 2, Feb. 6, April 3 and May 1.

Each shabbat will begin with candle lighting at 5:30 p.m. followed by services at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Shabbat dinner will then follow. Each dinner will have a different menu prepared by John Hattam, our in-house caterer. The menu for Sept. 5 is Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Mixed Green Salad, Challah, Brownies, Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce. The cost is $5/person, max of $20 per family.

Please contact Temple Israel by Wednesday, Sept. 3 to RSVP.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed 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.

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

at 90th & Washington

402-331-8920

Advertising Really Makes Cents!

Save Time & Money!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 160 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 760,000 readers.

Statewide coverage for $5.95*/publication.

Regional ads also available in central, southeast, northeast or western Nebraska. Additional sizes available. *Statewide cost is just $975.

Contact this newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network www.nebpress.com

Buy or Sell a Classic Car on a Classic Car website!

Just call this newspaper or 800-369-2850 today to place your classic car, truck or motorcycle for sale ad and 4 photos on the Midwest Classic Cars website for only $25.

Yes, for only $25 your ad runs until SOLD!!!

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 Your connection to classic car buyers throughout the Midwest.

Wanted — Service Technician

Or send resume to PO Box 1070 Scottsbluff, NE 69363 Or e-mail to scottsbluff@horizonwestinc.com

Join a Growing Transportation Team!

Come work for the new Central Valley Ag Cooperative

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6449 or call 1-800-369-2850.

HUGE 2 Day Auction, Sept. 13-14, 10 a.m. Guns, tractors, antiques, collectables, antique equipment/tools, shop tools, vehicles. Swanton, NE, auditorium. Owners: Lisec. www.novakauctionservice.com, 402-641-1526.

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

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

Currently hiring for our Locations: Columbus, Oakland, South Sioux City, Randolph, Royal, York, and every other location

SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars website for only $25.00. Your ad with photos runs until your vehicle is sold!

We are looking for confident, organized and purpose-driven individuals to join our team in the role of:

FULL SERVICE Heavy Duty Truck Dealership in Central Nebraska seeking experienced Diesel Technician. Day and evening shifts available. Contact Rob, rskiles@sahlingkenworth.com, Sahling Kenworth, Kearney, NE, 308-234-2511.

Transportation Driver

ENGINEERED-A+ BBB RATING

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

For more information, call

Call: Adam or Bruce at 308-635-3727 Or toll free at 888-322-7344

Lyons, NE

MONUMENT CO.

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

Omaha, Nebraska

Full time farm equipment mechanic position is available at HorizonWest Inc. in Scottsbluff, NE. We offer competitive wages, 401k retirement plan and an incentive program. There is also Health/Dental/Life Insurance, personal time off, 7 paid holidays, uniform/tool allowances and factory schooling/training.

General mechanic abilities required. Very competitive wages. Full health coverage. 401(k) and nice working environment.

www.qualitystructures.com

First Friday Dinners

t 5IJT QPTJUJPO SFRVJSFT B )JHI 4DIPPM %JQMPNB PS FRVJWBMFOU t 7BMJE $MBTT " $%- )B[BSEPVT BOE UBOLFS FOEPSTFNFOUT BSF B QMVT We are growing PVS USBOTQPSUBUJPO EFQBSUNFOU BOE XF OFFE you to drive for us. $7" PòFST HSFBU CFOFÜUT BO FYDFMMFOU SFUJSFNFOU QBDLBHF QFOTJPO JODMVEFE BOE WFSZ DPNQFUJUJWF XBHFT We will put you in well-maintained equipment and keep you close to home.

To apply for this position contact: $PMCZ 7FTFMZ t colby.vesely@cvacoop.com or $MBZUPO )FOTMFZ t clayton.hensley@cvacoop.com

GROSSHANS INTERNATIONAL Inc. has an opening for an experienced CaseIH Parts Manager or parts counter person ready to advance. DIS, PFW or JDIS necessary. Be a leader with our award winning Pinnacle parts department. All inquiries held in confidence. Please send resume to Alan Anderson at Grosshans International Inc., PO Box 168, Aurora, Nebraska or call 1-800-742-7423.

DRIVERS: START with our training or continue your solid career. You have options! Company Drivers, Lease Purchase or Owner Operators Needed. 877-8806366, www.CentralTruckingDrivingJobs.com. “PARTNERS IN Excellence� OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800528-7825, www.butlertransport.com.

TANTARA TRANSPORTATION Corp. is hiring Flatbed Truck Drivers and Owner Operators. Regional and OTR Lanes available. Call us @ 800-650-0292 or apply online at www.tantara.us.

12 | The Jewish Press | August 29, 2014

Sabras and slap shots: North Americans bring hockey know-how to Israel

by HILLEL KUTTLER with midday training sessions that included running the BALTIMORE (JTA) – Drew Koike knew a bit about Israel. rink’s steps and weight and cardiovascular exercises.

But it never dawned on the 14-year-old Washingtonian that Springer and his friend, Jack Moore, imparted knowledge of hockey existed in the country. the goalie position to their Israeli peers. By week’s end, That was until earlier this year, when the coach of his hometown hockey program invited Koike and two other young charges on a summer trip to Israel to play and teach the sport.

The quartet spent 11 days there, mostly at the ice rink inside Canada Centre, a sports facility in the northern town of Metulla.

Joining them were four Canadians, notably Laurie Boschman, a former National Hockey League veteran, and Tessa Bonhomme, who played for the Canadian women’s gold medal-winning team at the 2010 Olympics, as well as two teenage goalies.

For the eight North Americans, mostly non-Jews, venturing to the Middle East meant sharing their wisdom with more than 50 Israeli children devoted to the sport in a country with almost no hockey consciousness.

The visit grew out of the trip to Washington, D.C., four months earlier of 24 kids from the Canada Israel Hockey School, a program located at the Metulla rink.

Ex-NHLer Laurie Boschman instructing young Israeli hockey players In equal measure, the visit to Metulla reprised the at the Canada Centre in Metulla, July 2014. hockey camps run there nearly two decades ago by Credit: Laurie Boschman the late Roger Neilson, a longtime NHL coach and observant Christian who loved Israel. Returning to Canada, Springer said, the two were particularly gratified by the Neilson would rave about each summer’s experience. His progress shown by one of the Israelis. programs planted the seeds of hockey in Israel.

All the while, the Washington coach, Tom Newberry, was “Our plan from Day 1 was to start up the camp the way instructing two dozen Israeli coaches seeking certification Roger Neilson used to do -- bring kids here from North by U.S.A. Hockey, the Colorado-based organization that America from different backgrounds,” said Mitch Miller, an promotes youth hockey and oversees coaching; Newberry is Ottawa resident who assembled and accompanied this sum- its Southeast director. mer’s group with plans to make it an annual event.

The Ice Hockey Federation of Israel will honor the certifiMiller and fellow Canadian Zach Springer were the only cations, he said, with a goal of developing an indigenous cerJewish members of the North American delegation. tification program.

Boschman, who scored 229 goals for five teams in a 14Newberry said the aim this summer was “to use this group year NHL career, had run hockey clinics for youths in four of [Israeli] coaches as guinea pigs and see what works.”

European countries while working for a Christian group, Newberry’s 12 hours of classroom instruction and some onHockey Ministries International -- but never in Israel. ice work centered on what he called “the science behind athIn Metulla, he and Bonhomme, a defenseman who starred lete-development.” That included training coaches to teach at Ohio State, led morning and afternoon on-ice drills along fundamentals like skating and stickhandling at age-appropri-

ate levels, along with helping the adults fashion a coaching philosophy that includes a positive approach and recognizing when kids aren’t grasping a skill, then re-teaching it.

“It’s extremely positive to be in a room with a bunch of people who are eager to learn. They’re fully engaged, taking copious notes,” Newberry said of the sessions. “It’s exciting to know that... these gentlemen are really more than coaches; they’re students of the game.”

With only three ice hockey rinks in Israel – the others are in Maalot and Holon – most of the participating coaches came from in-line hockey programs.

“These are people who are quite passionate about hockey,” Boschman said. “That’s really fun to see in a non-traditional hockey market.”

Throughout the program, Newberry updated the parents of the three Washingtonians on the Hamas bombings of Israel, which were occurring far from Metulla.

“We’re not letting it bother us,” he said of the attacks, which Israel would respond to in the nearly month-long Operation Protective Edge. “We’re completely safe, enjoying the country, the friendships and the incredible food.”

Before the hockey program started, the visitors spent several days touring. From Metulla, they also took side trips to the Sea of Galilee, the old city of Acre, and the kibbutz and Druse village where several of the Israeli players live.

The mother of one Israeli player told them she’d moved the family to Metulla to be closer to the rink.

“It warms my heart to hear those kinds of stories,” Miller said.

Of the Israeli players, Koike said, “They’re fun to be with and fun to play hockey with. They’re really talented and work hard. You can tell that just by watching.”

When a U.S.-born soldier the group ran into asked about Bonhomme’s gold medal, she took it from her pocket, draped it around his neck and took his photograph.

Miller called the experience “a great first step” in deepening hockey’s presence in Israel. By next summer, he hopes to bring so many American and Canadian youth players that a second program needs to be organized.

Already, the North American and Israeli players and coaches plan to remain in touch by Skype and Facebook.

Said Miller: “They’re not saying ‘Next year in Jerusalem’ but ‘Next year in Metulla.’”