September 9, 2011

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

10 years later

September 9, 2011 10 Elul 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 52

This Week

Hurricane Irene takes a toll on Jewish communities Page 3

Holland Basham welcomes community tour of old Beth El Page 6

by DAN KLEIN implicated Jews or Israelis, NEW YORK (JTA) -according to a new report by Osama bin Laden is dead. A the Anti-Defamation League new skyscraper is rising at the titled Decade of Deceit: Antisite of the old World Trade Semitic 9/11 Conspiracy Center. U.S. troops are withTheories 10 Years Later. drawing from Iraq and “What we’ve seen in the last Afghanistan.

10 years is the proliferation of Ten years later, the physical a real propaganda industry legacies of 9/11 attacks are surrounding Sept. 11th,” said fading into history. Yet the the director of the ADL’s civil conspiracy theories about rights division, Deborah who “really” was behind the Lauter. “Prominent among attacks seem to be growing. those theories are those makLike a drug-resistant virus, ing anti-Semitism front and these fantasies have persisted center.” despite efforts to combat The theories have amountthem by mutating over time, ed to more than just pernitaking new forms and finding cious talk. new modes of transmission.

On June 10, 2009, one Jews and Israel often are their alleged 9/11 conspiracy theotargets, and they evoke cen- The World Trade Center after the attacks of 9-11. rist opened fire at the U.S. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Michael Foran Holocaust Memorial Museum turies-old myths about Jewish power, allegiances and in Washington, killing a secu9/11 after being warned by Israeli the conspiracy theory that the manipulation of social institutions. intelligence, according to a 2007 U.S. Israelis remotely directed the rity guard. The perpetrator, James The conspiracy theories began State von Brunn, then 88, died before the Department document attacks. almost as soon as the towers fell. debunking the myth. Another held Other myths have followed, case could come to trial.

Four days after the attack, the Syrian that five Israeli students were secret spreading around the world and takExperts say 9/11 myths that blame newspaper Al-Thawra reported that Mossad agents who knew about the ing root even in the United States. the Jews are spreading freely from 4,000 Jews failed to show up for attacks and allowed them to happen. Of 36,000 conspiracy videos recent- neo-Nazis and other white work at the World Trade Center on That myth eventually morphed into ly found on the Internet, 16,000 Continued on page 2

Project RestingSpot is here Strengthening partnership

China’s obsession with Hitler Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

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

8 10 11

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press If you’ve ever driven around a cemetery for 45 minutes, unsuccessfully looking for a loved one’s grave, you’re not alone. Brett Atlas sympathizes: “In Nov. of 2010, I was at Westlawn Cemetery in Chicago, looking for the grave of my grandfather, Gerald Atlas. We had a map, and after driving around six or seven times, we asked at the office.

They gave us directions, and we still couldn’t find it.”

At that moment, Brett sent a memorable text to his friend Scott Kroeger: “There should be an app for this.” Brett admits he was only half-serious, but his friend immediately told him they should have a talk. They did, and RestingSpot was born.

“I think RestingSpot is something the entire Jewish Community in Omaha should know about,” Brett said, so here goes: What exactly is it you are working on?

RestingSpot is a service that uses GPS technology in smartphones to

help people locate graves in cemeteries. Once the grave is marked via the mobile app (iPhone or Android), they are linked to

with UNO and the Jewish Community

by DR. MOSHE GERSHOVICH Three members of the Western Galilee College (WGC) in Akko, Israel, will visit Omaha in midSept. 2011. The group includes Ms. Linda Futterman, International Relations Director at WGC, Dr.

Rubin. Born in Mexico, Suzy moved to Nebraska as a young newlywed and made Omaha her home. She is remembered for her love of learning and her passion for equality. She set a memorable example for her two daughters,

Dr. Randa Abbas

Dr. Haim Sperber

Randa Abbas, lecturer in the Education Department, and Dr. Haim Sperber, lecturer in History and Political Science. The visit is organized by the Hannah and Natan Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO).

Hosting our guests from Israel is made possible through a generous donation by Tammy Rubin Abramowitz, in memory of her mother, Suzy Marlene Blumenthal

continuing her own education by enrolling in several classes at UNO. According to Abramowitz, her mother was an ardent Zionist who always believed that “Israel needs better PR.” “My mother’s love of Israel, her learning and diversity and her long friendship with Nathan and Hannah Schwalb make my sponsorship of the Schwalb Center a natural fit.”

The visit is also partially funded Continued on page 2

Brett Atlas RestingSpot.com, which offers online memorials for users to share memories, pay respects, or post loved ones’ photos. That way we’re tying in a community aspect. An additional advantage is that out-oftown relatives can “visit” online, even from a distance.

In other words, resting spots will be easier to find once they are marked, and this will take anyone directly to the grave. No more maps to deal with.

How much time and energy have you put into this?

During the testing phase, I personally marked almost 1500 graves at Beth El Cemetery. Relatives and friends can now go on Resting Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2011

September 11, 10 years later

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Continued from page 1 those who believed otherwise did not implicate Israel, howsupremacists into new areas whose acolytes are not necessari- ever. Instead, they said they did not know who was behind ly anti-Semitic but are unknowingly adopting the tropes of the attacks or blamed the United States. In Russia, Israelclassical anti-Semitic conspiracy theories: anti-government related conspiracy theories were at 2 percent of those polled. radicals, young anti-war activists, New Age ideologues, and In Kenya, 3 percent believed in Israel-related myths. In propagandists and journalists in the Arab and Muslim worlds. Indonesia, the number was 5 percent.

“What’s changed is the proliferation of coded rhetoric to In the Middle East, however, the numbers were much difrefer to Jews internationalferent. In Egypt, 43 perly and in the U.S,” said cent of respondents Chip Berlet, a senior anablamed Israel for 9/11. In lyst at Political Research Jordan, 31 percent blamed Associates, a liberal think Israel. In the West Bank tank based in Somerville, and Gaza, the numbers MA. “They’re unprepared were slightly lower. In to recognize it even when Turkey, however, only 3 they see it.” percent believed Israel was Michael Barkun, a probehind the attacks.

Above left: The Pentagon after the terrorism. Credit: Wikimedia fessor of political science Conservative columnist Commons/U.S. Navy and Above right: The World Trade Center at Syracuse University who Daniel Pipes, who has writafter the attacks of 9-11. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ has studied extremists and ten two books on conspiraTheMachineStops their ideologies, said, cy theories, says such theo“They aren’t people who are terribly different from the pop- ries about Jews are a fringe element in the West but are par for ulation at large,” except that “they are more likely to be the course in the Middle East, where, he said: “they are spread attracted to conspiracy theories.” by the mainstream media, leading intellectuals and politicians.”

Alan Sabrosky, a columnist for Veterans Today, an anti- Pipes considers 9/11 conspiracy theories a relatively benign Semitic website, is one of the most widely cited sources for false belief akin to theories about the Kennedy assasination -anti-Semitic 9/11 myths, according to the ADL. Sabrosky has widespread, but not leading to damaging consequences. declared his mission to “contain” Israel’s ambition by exposThe impact of the many 9/11 conspiracy theories is still ing Israel’s alleged role in 9/11 and maintains that not entirely clear.

Washington and New York are the centers of “Zionist power.”

“We’re in a period where the boundaries between the mainCitations of Sabrosky’s work pop up not just on extreme- stream and the fringe have become quite blurred,” Barkun right websites but on pro-Palestinian websites such as said. “Once they were more distinct. Once most people were Mondoweiss, Arab media sites and the Internet newsletter not exposed to them, or if they were, it was to have them Dissent Voice, which describes itself as “a radical newsletter debunked. Now they move quite readily into the mainstream.” in the search for peace and social justice.”

Barkun added, “This shift in which these ideas have “This is a strange world where the right and the left mix, entered the mainstream is so recent that I don’t think we are with anti-Semitism shot through,” said Scott Potok, director in a position to know what the social effects are.” of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report.

Berlet said he worries that 9/11 conspiracy theories are fuel“On the left it is shot through with anti-Zionism, on the ing the rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric in major public forums. right the fear of the international Jew.” “It is horrifying. It creates a hunt for an enemy and underA 2008 poll of 17 representative nations by the Center for mines the very concept of democratic society,” he said. “You International Security Studies at the University of Maryland would think that decent people would stand up and say found that only nine of the countries surveyed had majori- enough. It’s spreading and our leaders lack the backbone to ties who believed al-Qaeda orchestrated the attacks. Most of confront it.”

Project RestingSpot is here Continued from page 1 Spot.com and see for themselves. I really wanted these marked, there is family there, and I welcomed the opportunity to tweak the program. I am looking forward to seeing Temple Israel and Beth Israel just as enthusiastic; in fact, I’ve already met with Rabbi Gross, who is eager to get involved.

And on Oct. 30, from 10 to 2 p.m., we are marking Temple’s Cemetery on 42nd street. We are looking for volunteers for that day, so if you are interested and you have a smartphone, please give Temple Israel a call.

What has the response been like?

It’s been surprisingly positive, to be honest. While we were in the preparation phase, I researched and compiled a list of genealogists and ‘graveyard enthusiasts,’ because there is a big community out there, and they all love to share. That fits with our philosophy really well, because our core services are free, and the response has been terrific.

Sometimes people will ask: “When are you going to make money with this?” That is so not what this is about: it’s a labor of love, and we want to put no barriers up for users.

That being said, eventually there will be many opportunities to monetize this platform through features that benefit the user, while keeping the core features free.

How interactive is this?

We are hopeful that cemeteries will get on board, and from there it should mushroom. Through RestingSpot.com

you can send flowers directly to someone’s grave, you can leave comments during a Yahrzeit, even when you live elsewhere you get to feel close.

Any other wild ideas?

No. This has taken up all of my time. I should spend more time with my family!

Tell me about your partner.

I met Scott through our kids; we live in the same neighborhood, and we have become great friends. He has a wonderful family, and we have phenomenal conversations. He is that rare breed: incredibly technical with great social skills.

Scott is an idea-person; for instance, he developed an online golf-slash-dating site, golfmates.com. It’s very successful!

Obviously I didn't want to risk such a valuable friendship, and I did give a lot of thought to whether we should do this together. However, if anything, the opposite has happened and we yin and yang really well.

Where can we download the iPhone app? http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/restingspot/id45523 7705?mt=8.

The Android app should be available by the time this has gone to print. For more information, you can also visit RestingSpot.com, or follow Brett and Scott on Twitter:@restingspot, @brettatlas and @skroeger Did you eventually find your grandfather’s grave in Chicago? Yes, we did!

Strengthening partnership with UNO and Jewish Community Call 402.493.5807 today to schedule your personal tour.

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Continued from page 1 by “Partnership 2gether” of the Jewish Agency. It is an opportunity to strengthen the already strong ties between the Jewish Community of Omaha and Western Galilee as well as to expand the academic relationship between UNO and WGC. During their visit, our guests will meet with various representatives at UNO, such as Chancellor John Christensen, the deans and faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Information, Science and Technology.

They will also visit the Jewish Community Center and meet with members of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The highlight of the visit will be an event at UNO, entitled “Women’s Concerns in Multicultural Societies: Past and Present.” The event will feature presentations by Dr. Sperber

and Dr. Abbas, followed by a panel discussion involving various UNO faculty. Dr. Sperber’s lecture will concern the plight of deserted women (Agunot) in nineteenth century East European Jewish communities. Dr. Abbas will speak about leadership and empowerment among non-Jewish women in contemporary Israel. The event will take place Thursday evening, Sept. 15, 6 p.m., at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center. It is free and open to the public. All members of the Jewish community are warmly welcome to attend.

For further information about the event contact Dr. Moshe Gershovich at 402.554.3175 or mgershovich@unomaha.edu.

Dr. Moshe Gershovich is Professor of History at UNO, Director of the Middle East Project Fund and Special Program Coordinator for the Hannah and Natan Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies.

September 9, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Hurricane Irene takes a toll on Jewish community with two deaths, but institutions spared

by DAN KLEIN bers unable to get to work due to lack of train service and URJ issued hurricane preparation guides.

NEW YORK (JTA) -- For some in the Jewish community, impassable roads.

The Orthodox website Vos Iz Neias posted halachic guideHurricane Irene was a soggy inconvenience.

Except for power outages and some minor flooding, no lines issued years ago by the Orthodox Union, Agudath But for others, it became a moment to extend a helping synagogues reported much damage. Congregations had Israel of America and others for what to do on the Sabbath hand -- in at least one case, tragically. moved Torah scrolls and historical documents to safe build- in the event of a hurricane. Among other things, the guideDavid Reichenberg, a 50-year-old Orthodox Jewish father ings on high ground, said Rabbi Elliott Kleinman, chief pro- lines specify that one may leave a radio on in a room of the of four from Spring Valley, N.Y., died saving a father and his gram director for the Union for Reform Judaism. house that is not generally used if there is concern for safe6-year-old son from a downed power line. Reichenberg Even before the storm struck, the Jewish community ty. came into contact with the live wire and was electrocuted. attempted to prepare for the worst.

“The rabbis are getting a lot of calls today,” Dov Hikind, an He was one of at least two Jews who were reported killed in Some New York neighborhoods that are home to large Orthodox New York state assemblyman from Brooklyn, told the storm.

Jewish communities were evacuated by order of New York Reuters last Friday.

The other, Rozalia Gluck, 82, was trapped in a Catskills City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, including Brighton Beach Lindsay Goldman, the director of United Jewish Agencies motel that was swept away by flood waters during the storm. and portions of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn and Far Federation of New York’s J-11 Information Referral Center, Authorities recovered her body late Sunday, August 28.

Rockaway in Queens. reported that UJA-Federation had advised their partner By the afternoon of August 29, 33 deaths in 10 states were In Baltimore, the Rosenbloom Jewish Community Center agencies to activate their emergency protocols, many of attributed to Hurricane Irene, The Associated Press which were created only in recent years by federation reported. grants, and were co-coordinating agencies to assist Reichenberg’s death came after he stopped to help one another. As of Monday August 29, she said, all a Jewish boy and his father who had been viewing agencies had reported that they were open. damage outside their home in Rockland County, The Union for Reform Judaism and B’nai B’rith N.Y. The boy had touched a metal fence electrified International both opened Hurricane relief funds to by a fallen wire. Reichenberg pulled the two from the collect donations for hurricane aid. fence, but could not escape himself, witness Moishe Neither organization could say how much they had Lichtenstein told the New York Daily News. collected or had decided exactly how the money “When I got there the victim was on the ground would be spent or distributed. and he was touching the wire, which was in the Rhonda Love, the director of B’nai B’rith’s Center water,” Lichtenstein said. “When emergency officials for Community Action, said that even though this got there, they couldn’t touch him. We were standing disaster occurred in the densely Jewish East Coast, there for like five or 10 minutes. We were just prayaid will remain consistent with past natural disaster ing, ‘God help this man.’” relief efforts – based on need, not creed.

Reichenberg was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We’ll work where there’s any opportunity to help,” The injured boy, Reuven Herbst, was reported to be Love said. in critical but stable condition. His father, whose The committee that will allocate the UJR funds is name was not released, suffered only minor injuries. currently reviewing damage reports from congregaIn an interview with JTA, a longtime friend of With flooding a major problem in the wake of Hurricane Irene, the New York tions but will give according to the needs of “congreReichenberg, Rabbi Avrohom Braun, described National Guard helped rescue a stranded family in Windham, N.Y., in the gations, Jewish communities, or larger communities,” Reichenberg as an “upbeat person with unshakable Catskill Mountains, Aug. 28, 2011.

Credit: DVIDSHUB via CC Kleinman said. Those decisions will be made in the faith.” Braun is director of admissions and education next week or two, he said; as of Monday August 29, at Ohr Somayach yeshiva, which Reichenberg attended 25 opened its doors to 395 foreign workers, mostly Eastern there had been no immediate requests for funds. years ago. Every morning, Reichenberg, who ran a sign- European college students who had been evacuated from “Being there right away is great,” Kleinman said. “But making shop, would attend 6 a.m. classes before opening his Ocean City, Md., the Baltimore Jewish Times reported. sticking with them in the future is just as important.” store, Braun said. He also said Reichenberg regularly volun- Although the JCC, located in the Baltimore suburb of teered to help coordinate Shabbat meals for impoverished Owings Mills, Md., had been designated an emergency evacEARLY DEADLINE NOTICE families in Rockland County, which has a large population uation center three years ago, this was the first time the The Jewish Press will be closed on Thursday and Friday, of Orthodox Jews. building had been used for that purpose.

Sept. 29-30 for Rosh Hashanah, and Thursday and Friday, As the cleanup effort began and the East Coast began to “As a Jewish organization, the JCC has the privilege of return to some semblance of normalcy -- in many areas, stepping up to uphold the Jewish value of Hachnasat Oct. 13-14, for Sukkot. The deadline for all ads, articles and public transportation was still unavailable -- the major Orchim -- welcoming of guests into one’s homes,” the JCC’s photos is Monday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. for the Oct. 7 issue and denominational synagogue groups were still trying to make leadership wrote in an e-mail, according to the report.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. for the Oct. 21 issue. contact with constituent congregations in areas without Before the storm, Jewish officials offered both practical Questions? Call 402.334.6448 power or telephone lines. They were hindered by staff mem- and religious counsel in preparation for the hurricane. The

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Beth El’s Rabbi Levin to lead High Holidays enrichment class

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Looking to make your High Holidays experience more meaningful? If so, join Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon, for a special enrichment class, “Preparing Ourselves for the High Holy Days.”

During the morning, the rabbi will take an in-depth look at the holidays and our unique connection to them; he will also offer ways to best Rabbi Mordechai Levin utilize the liturgy in the synagogue’s mahzor, Lev Shalem, which was introduced to the congregation last year.

“I’ll provide an overview of the meaning, themes, theology, poetics, structure, and customs of the High Holidays,” he explained, adding, “we’ll also outline the basic structure of its liturgy and take a closer look at specific prayers and their significance.”

Rabbi Levin pointed out that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur asks people to consider the paths they’re taking in life, as well as life objectives and behavior.

“We engage in self-examination in order to be able to improve and make things right with those we have harmed,” he said. “We always have the opportunity to renew ourselves, to re-create our lives. Please join us and learn more about the deeper meaning of this season and how to prepare yourself to get the most out of it.”

There is no charge to attend this pre-holiday class. To register, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or at programming@ bethel-omaha.org.

NCJW’s Great Omaha Chocolate Festival

by JAN FISCHER and HOLLY WEILL Chocolate Festival Chairwomen National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Omaha Section is sponsoring The Great Omaha Chocolate Festival, on Sunday, Sept. 25, from noon-5 p.m., at the UNO Fieldhouse. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages three-10 and children under three, free.

Samples from the vendors will be available for the price of admission, and additional samples tickets may be purchased at the event. Vendors will sell items, conduct drawings, offer coupons and take orders.

Baker’s Candies of Greenwood, Nebraska, is co-sponsoring the event and will be introducing two new products at the festival! For more information about this product contact Todd Baker at 402.789.2700 or Todd@bakerscandies.com.

Proceeds from this event will support NCJW’s community

service projects including: Mini-grants for teachers, Reading Pups, WCA (formerly YWCA), Adopt-A-School, and RAFT. For more information concerning the Great Omaha Chocolate Festival or NCJW please contact chairmen Jan Fischer at 402.330.4212 or Janisfisch@aol.com or Holly Weill at 402.213.3114 or Hollyweill@yahoo.com.

The participating vendors are The Afternoon, Art Chicks, Bakers Candies, The Bread Oven, Broadmoor Market/Ferds Bakery, Candyopolis, Chocolaterie Spam, The Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Peacock Boutique, The Cookie Company, Cordial Cherry, Dove’s Chocolates, Garbos, Hy-Vee Bakery (90th & Center), Janicek’s Cake Box, Le Quartier Baking Company, Le Voltaire, Lithuanian Bakery, Market Basket, O’Donnell’s Vic’s Popcorn, Pettits Pastry, Purjava Coffee, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, RSVP, Taste, Trader Joe’s, and Three Dog Bakery.

Livingston Foundation grant applications

by HOWARD EPSTEIN The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011.

The primary interest of the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. is to support Jewish institutions and projects. The Foundation has a secondary interest in supporting health, education, cultural and social services in the Omaha metropolitan area.

Grant requests should be submitted in writing, using the appropriate forms, to Howard N. Epstein at 11605 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 300, P.O. Box 542005, Omaha, NE 68154-8005.

Guidelines are as follows: 1. Grants will be limited to organizations located within the Omaha metropolitan area and the State of Israel.

2. No grants will be given for capital or endowment campaigns.

3. Organization representatives may contact Howard Eptein at 402.492.9800 for a grant application form.

The deadline for grant requests is Friday, Sept. 30.

Omaha’s Black Belt Academy attends tournament

Isaac Frishman performs at Strauss Center

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press The Senior Vocal Recital of Isaac Frishman, featuring works

by Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Britten, Schubert & Wolf, will take place on Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m., at UNO’s Strauss Performing Arts Center.

Isaac is a Tenor and vocal performance major, specializing in Opera at the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the son of Martha Mason-Frishman and Seth Frishman.

He will be accompanied by Stacie Haneline, executive

director at Omaha Chamber music society, and a professor at UNO. Isaac will also be performing a duet with Kevin Smith, musical director and conductor at The Rose.

During his time at UNO, Isaac has been a member of the UNO Chamber concert and University Choirs. He will be graduating this December with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, and will continue on to study for his Master’s Degree in performance and production.

The performance is open to the public, and admission is free.

Front: Adam Lehman, 3rd place forms, 3rd place sparring; Julian Witkowski, 1st place forms; Ari Finkelstein, oustanding competitor; Phoenix Mavropoulos, 3rd place forms, 3rd place sparring; Ethan Finkelstein, 2nd place forms; Wyatt Janicek, 2nd place forms, 2nd place sparring; Jack Giiter and Conall Tabbert; Back: Dave Ruddick, Sandy Gordon, Aaron Sailors, Bret Salomon, and Mike Tabbert

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September 9, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

Nazi War Crimes prosecutor to speak at Creighton University

by CINDY WORKMAN Media Relations Coordinator, Creighton University The Creighton University School of Law International Law Lecture will mark the 50th anniversary of the trial of infamous Nazi Adolf Eichmann with a talk by Justice Gabriel Bach, Israeli Supreme Court (ret.), the prosecutor at the war crimes trial of Adolf Eichmann, at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22 in the auditorium of the Mike and Josie Harper Center at 602 N. 20th Street.

Reception to follow.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Eichmann, one of the topranking Nazis responsible for the Holocaust was captured in 1960 in Buenos Aires by the Israeli Mossad as part of a covert operation. He was then Justice Gabriel Bach transported to Israel to be prosecuted in Jerusalem as a war criminal. Justice Bach was appointed to the position of a senior prosecutor for the trial that began in the spring of 1961. He was the lead coordinator for the investigation of Eichmann’s crimes, acting as the legal advisor to the police bureau and preparing the case for trial. He served as one of three principal prosecutors during the trial of Eichmann – one of the most significant trials in the annals of criminal justice.

Bach also appeared in dozens of internationally-known criminal and civil cases like the Rohan case (the burning of

Al Akza Mosque), major espionage cases, including the Meyer Lansky case, the cases against Rabbi Cahana and Archbishop Capucci, and many cases of importance in constitutional law concerning the occupied areas. He has also presented Israeli interests before foreign courts, tribunals and at international conferences. In March 1982 he was appointed as a Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court, a position he held until 1997, when he reached the mandatory retirement age.

He is a colonel in the Israel Army (reserves). He served in the Advocate General’s Department for many years, and continues to serve as a Judge of the Army Court of Appeals.

Bach studied law in England, receiving his bachelor of laws degree with honors from University College, London, and was admitted to the bar in 1950 at Lincoln’s Inn, England. He was born in Germany in 1927, and in 1938, exactly two weeks before the “Night of Broken Glass” (the Kristallnacht), the Bach family moved to Holland. One month before the German invasion of Holland in 1940, they relocated to Jerusalem. He was later told he was the only Jew of his school in Amsterdam to have survived the war.

This International Law Lecture is co-sponsored by the Institute for Holocaust Education, Kutak Rock Foundation, Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Anti-Defamation League – Plain States Region, the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Cardozo Society of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Fraser Stryker law firm, B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge, the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, and Marks Clare Richards, LLC.

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For Beth El Men’s Club, dial ‘S’ for social

by JILL BELMONT at 6 p.m.; the televised match-up that night will be the New Beth El Publicity Coordinator England Patriots vs. the Miami Dolphins, Schop said, Beth El’s Men’s Club is known for its myriad involvements adding that if there is enough interest, this event could in the congregation: building the elaborate sukkah for become on-going.

Sukkot each fall; heading up the “Yellow Candle Project” The next Men’s Club softball game will be played on each Yom HaShoah, plus sponsoring and serving breakfasts Sunday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m., at the JCC softball fields; anyand lunches for numerous synagogue events and activities one interested in joining in the fun (teens too) is welcome to during the year. head out to the JCC ball fields Recently, though, the auxilto enjoy some friendly comiary group’s social programpetition with Temple Israel’s ming has also been placed Men’s Club. front and center, as its leaderSince beginning last July, ship has proclaimed 2011-’12, “Jews & Brews” has become a “The Year of the Man.” With popular outdoor event, held an objective of providing fun, on the synagogue’s back lawn; casual get-togethers and the next get-together will be building camaraderie for all held on Thursday, Sept. 22, of the men in the congregaat 7 p.m. (In case of Beth El congregants enjoyed the first Jews & Brews guystion, Men’s Club has sponinclement weather, it will be only event last July on the synagogue’s back lawn. The next sored a summer softball moved into the social hall.)

Men’s Club-sponsored get-together is scheduled for Sept. 22. series (now in its third year), Remarking that this is a and is offering new programming including “Jews & Brews,” great way to wind down at the end of a work day, Schop said outdoor picnics featuring free brats and beer, plus the the social aspect of Men’s Club is important because, “it upcoming “Football Fix,” an opportunity for guys to enjoy reminds people the synagogue can be fun. There are lots of Monday Night Football and munchies at the synagogue. All characters to meet or become re-acquainted with. That’s Beth El men are invited to participate in these gatherings; why we started Jews & Brews – to get better connected with membership in Men’s Club is not a requirement. each other and build on the growing enthusiasm and ener“We’re doing these events to promote Beth El in general, gy at Beth El. I would encourage everyone -- young and old and Men’s Club in particular,” said the organization’s presi- -- to attend on Sept. 12, 18 and 22, to enjoy the new energy, dent, Michael Schop, who then quipped, “And of course, we schmooze with friends, and have a great hot dog and a bevdeclared this ‘The Year of the Man,’ so we’re following erage.” through on that pledge.”

For more information about Men’s Club and its programThe first “Football Fix” is planned for Monday, Sept. 12, ming, contact Schop at 402.618.0189, or mschop@fnni.com.

ADL hosts When We Stop Counting

by LIZZY GILBERT ADL/CRC Corporate and Community Development As the 2011-2012 school year kicks off, so does the popular Educator Breakfast Series, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Plains States Region.

The first Educator Breakfast of the school year will feature the locally filmed documentary, When We Stop Counting.

The event will be held at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, with breakfast beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m.

We all know it is in our best interest to educate all children. But what happens when

a school district suddenly becomes 50% minority? This documentary follows six Hispanic high school students in Crete, Nebraska, through their personal struggles and triumphs in hopes of achieving the American Dream.

Following the film, co-director Elisabeth Reinkordt and Crete Public Schools Superintendent Kyle McGowan will facilitate a Talk Back Session. The event will conclude no later than 9:30 a.m.

“The film shares a great example of what public education can be when communities come together. You will leave wondering where the students featured will be in five years,” said Scott Hazelrigg, President of the Westside Schools Board of Education The ADL’s Educator Breakfast is available to the public at no cost. This is a unique opportunity to learn about one school’s success in a diverse and evolving community.

RSVP to Jessica Gall at the Anti-Defamation League office at 402.334.6573 or jgall@adl.org by Sept. 12. Space is limited so please contact us soon!

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6 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2011

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by JILL BELMONT along with his wife, Debbie, and Sandy and Jeff Passer. “My Beth El Publicity Coordinator memories were all vivid again as I walked through the buildTim Holland says that for years after Beth El Synagogue ing. The entrance, sanctuary, pulpit, social hall, kitchen, and left its home on 49th and Farnam Streets, he’d drive by the all other rooms are all recognizable but well maintained. vacated building and wonder if it could be renovated into The grounds are beautiful. It was amazing!” condominiums, or possibly a new office for his firm.

Saying he looks forward to the upcoming festivities, Holland, principal at Holland Basham Architects, eventu- Roitstein added, “I encourage anyone who was ever in Beth ally realized that the condo idea wasn’t viable, but he con- El to attend the event on Sept. 18, to bring back those memtinued to pursue the possibility of turning the former house of worship into his firm’s home. The challenges he faced were daunting: zoning issues (“The planning department did not support our new use and would rather have seen it torn down and new apartments constructed in its place,” he said.); the prospect of moving from a 3,000square-foot office to a 30,000 square-foot dwelling and how to use Seen here in their design the extra space; and the studio, the former Beth El fact that a significant sanctuary; Keith Basham, amount of work would be left, and Tim Holland, prinneeded to transform the cipals at Holland Basham building.

Architects, will lead tours of Despite these obstacles, their building as part of Holland and his colleagues Beth El’s 20th anniversary pushed forward. “The celebration. potential for a creative Credit: Holland Basham design studio in the large Architects open space motivated us to pursue the property,” he ories. And even if you were The renovated facade of the old Beth El Synagogue, 119 S. 49th not, you’ll enjoy seeing what explained.

After six months of deal- Ave., now the home of Holland Basham Architects.

Holland Basham has done Credit: Holland Basham Architects to an amazing old building.” ing with zoning issues, the Omaha City Council unanimously voted to re-zone the Sandy Passer echoed those thoughts, adding, “Jeff and I property, and in 1996, Holland Basham made the old Beth and the entire committee would like to extend a special El building its new home. ‘thank you’ to Tim Holland and Keith Basham for allowing Now, 15 years later, the architecture firm is graciously us to tour their beautiful home. We are well aware that it opening its doors to the Jewish community as part of the 20- would have been much easier to just hire a bulldozer and be year anniversary celebration marking Beth El’s move to its done with the old building. But instead, they chose to precurrent home at 145th and California Streets. On Sunday, serve the beautiful architecture of the former Beth El Sept. 18, from 2-4 p.m., Holland and his partner, Keith Synagogue. We thank them for investing their time, talent Basham, will lead tours around the building, letting people and treasure, to transform the synagogue into the beautiful take a walk down memory lane, as well as enjoy the beauti- building that had been a landmark in the Jewish communifully renovated building. ty. In a city not known for restoring older buildings, we are “HBA respectfully occupies the former Beth El indeed fortunate to be able to revisit our past and look Synagogue. It is a beautiful building with a strong heritage. toward the future.”

A plaque by the front entry announces the former use, and Beth El’s 20th anniversary will also be commemorated on sepia prints of the original construction drawings adorn the Friday, Sept. 16, during 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat services, reception area,” Holland said, adding, “The large sun-lit which are being coordinated by Hollie and Glen Fineman, open office area is an inspiring space to create new architec- along with Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth tural designs.”

Schlossberg. According to Debbie Roitstein, past synagogue The initial renovations took three months, he said, noting presidents who served at the current building will particithat the design of the new office was done in a manner that pate in the service; then, past presidents who served at the was sensitive to the building’s former use. The main entry old building will share their memories during a wine and was converted into a reception area and a conference room; cheese reception held following services in the community the bimah was lowered and converted into an open confer- court. In addition, attendees will be treated to photo-collage ence room and library; the sanctuary was transformed into exhibits of congregational celebrations and events over the an open, collaborative design studio. years.

Holland also pointed out that some of the building’s exist“A special weekend of tributes and memories has been ing materials were incorporated into the design. “Old pews planned for everyone,” she said. “We invite you to join us in were cut up to use the wood for new trim. The vaulted ceil- celebrating this milestone anniversary.” ing was restored and accentuated with up lighting and the addition of 5-foot-diameter pendants. All this sustainable design was done before the ‘green’ movement.”

During that renovation period, a number of Beth El’s members struck up a relationship with HBA. “They were Ballet Nebraska and Opera Omaha announce their colsupportive of our endeavor and over the years we have laboration on the Dec. 2 and 4 production of The stayed connected,” Holland said, adding, “Over the years we Nutcracker. Opera Omaha’s Children's Chorus will be feahave had many [congregants] tour the offices, including tured; auditions will be held Sunday Sept. 18 between 2 and folks who had been married in the synagogue and were back 5 p.m. at Motion 41 Dance, 2819 S. 125th Ave, are open to to celebrate. Most marvel at the transformation. One person girls ages 12-16, and must be scheduled in advance. was surprised that we added a vaulted ceiling and was even To request and schedule an audition, email Cammy more amazed when we indicated that it was always there – Watkins at cwatkins@operaomaha.org. we only highlighted it with indirect lighting.”

During his first visit to Holland Basham to discuss hosting the 20th anniversary event, Lloyd Roitstein recalled that he was being amazed at the changes the firm had made Sandy Gordon from the ATA while still preserving the spiritual integrity of the building.

“I grew up at Beth El, had my Bar Mitzvah and wedding Taekwondo school and ATA Black Belt there, and of course, also have great memories of Hebrew Academy recently became State Champion school and many other activities,” said Roitstein, who is for 2011 in what is called the Triple Crown: serving as co-chair of the 20th anniversary celebration, Forms, Sparring and Weapons.

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September 9, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Temple Israel congregants answer: “What does the Shofar call you to do?”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN 1. Be creative! Your answers can be funny, What a wonderful thing to work together Temple Israel Communications Coordinator heartfelt, Judaic, etc. and create something so beautiful!”

“Jews pray together, eat, sing, and celebrate 2. Write your answer to the question, In addition to daily Temple events, an together,” said Catherine Rawlings, a mem- WDSCU2D? email will be sent to congregants providing a ber of Temple Israel. A new reflective exercise. Events durinitiative, called the High ing the month include attendHoliday 40-Day Challenge, ing a High Holiday sermon is designed to “help us preroundtable to give the rabbis pare for the new year suggestions for sermons, together,” she added. spending time with the cantor Rabbis Aryeh Azriel, to ponder, “How Good Do We Eric Linder, Cantor Have to Be?” watching the Wendy Shermet, Program movie Save the Tiger followed Director Wendy Goldberg, by a discussion with the cantor, and Board of Trustees singing with the choir, disPresident John Lehr sent a cussing how to talk to your kids letter to the congregation about forgiveness, and discovPhyllis Glazer’s answer Dennis DePorte’s answer inviting them “to do one ering the value of personal act of renewal each day in order to move for3. Have someone take a picture of you writings to facilitate the process of selfward, to forgive, to heal, and to grow.” They with your answer. Option: Consider choos- examination and tsuvah among others. encouraged congregants to join the High ing a setting that compliments your answer These exercises will culminate on Erev Holiday Challenge “for practical and spiritu- in a creative, artful way.

Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Sept. 28. The al tools that can revitalize and invigorate 4. There will be a photographer at Temple 7:30 p.m. worship service will highlight the your holiday experience.”

Israel programs to take photos as well.

Rabbi Linder said, “This year, we would 5. Share Your Answer... any of these like everyone to answer the question, “What options work: Tweet: @wdscu2d, Email: wd Does the Shofar Call You to Do? scu2d@gmail.com or wgoldberg@temple B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS (WDSCU2D).’ By answering, we hope that israelomaha.com.

Joint session with AIPAC and B'nai B'rith we will be spurred to action, so that we can Upload to the Congregation of Temple featuring Marilyn Rosenthal, AIPAC’s have a year of growth and peace.”

Israel Facebook page.

An online community art project which is Drop off a hard copy of an image at Deputy National Political Director. She speaks on Middle East issues and American part of the 40-day challenge asks people the Temple Israel. We’ll get it online! same question. Answers are in the form of a “When I was asked to participate on a politics on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 11:45 a.m. photograph and a text combined in a cre- committee to help make the High Holidays at the Blumkin Home. RSVP required. ative way. The first response, submitted by more meaningful for my Temple Israel com- Lunch is $20 for this session only. For more the rabbis and cantor, is a photograph of munity,” Rawlings continued, “I was hon- information or to be placed on the email list them holding a sign reading, “forty con- ored. I was on a sub-committee focused on call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewish scious acts in forty days.” Through Yom preparation, and we came up with many omaha.org.

Kippur, pictures will be taken of Temple ideas to help people be more active in their LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Israel members with their personal response personal preparation for the High Holy Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that to WDSCU2D and posted online. Everyone Days. Each person in the group conin the community is invited to contribute! tributed... and every meeting we had moved allows us to view the world with joy and Instructions are as follows: us closer and closer to a finished product. hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home,

High Holiday Challenge as Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Linder, Cantor Shermet, the Kol Rina Choir, and members of the Omaha Temple Youth Group lead the service with an emphasis on music, communal singing, and modern approaches to the theological themes of Rosh Hashanah.

Rawlings added, “Because this was a collaborative effort, I feel confident that the tools we are providing will help the people in my community be more aware of what the shofar calls us to do to prepare for Yom Kippur.” With awareness, we are halfway there. I am thrilled that we built in a diversity of tools, and I feel that this will make it easy for everyone to customize their own personal preparation.”

Inspired by last fall’s annual High Holiday review by the Board of Trustees, the 40-day challenge “is a great example of our clergystaff-lay partnership in action, collaborating, and innovating,” Lehr said. “I look forward to our latest challenge!”

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MAINSTREETERS Mainstreeters Luncheon on Monday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. Come give a warm welcome to new JCC Executive Director Aaron Rosenfeld and hear a snapshot preview of all the future plans of the JCC. Send reservation to: Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Call Linda Abrams Tederman at 402.468.4939 for questions.

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8 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Griping

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Whenever a disaster strikes, whether it is a tornado in Joplin that comes out of nowhere, or a hurricane on the East Coast for which there is ample warning, or a plane that flies into a building, humanity follows a strict protocol. First there is fear, and disbelief; then (and this takes much, much longer) there is the aftermath. And that is where our emotional reactions create the most noise.

Usually, the aftermath is dominated by griping. Why doesn’t the government help us out more? What do you mean, there are not enough funds? It’s been three days; why do we still not have electricity, when will the water be turned on?

When can we go back home?

It would be all too easy to condemn the massive complaining that survivors generate. After all, shouldn’t they be happy they’re still alive? What’s four feet of water in your living room when you and your loved ones still have a pulse?

But things are rarely that simple.

The griping is a necessary defense mechanism. My husband the therapist calls it the “social shortcut,” a way to feel connected to others. During times of crisis, human connections are what we need most. What’s more, we need them fast; it’s a human-contact-emergency, so to speak. The fastest and easiest way we can remind ourselves that we are not alone, facing this mess, is to find something in common; when destruction of everything you hold dear stares you in the face, that’s what we have in common. Being afraid is one thing; being afraid and alone, that’s when challenges really become insurmountable.

In addition, saying something positive in the middle of a tragedy is a risky thing. Telling someone who has just watched their house float away that they should feel lucky, because things could be worse, is not a good idea. Obviously, things could be worse. They can always be worse, but everyone already knows that. Does this disaster make less of an impact because it wasn’t accompanied by a different and more debilitating accident? Would a tornado be worse if it

was followed by a second tornado? Of course it would; but that is simply not the point. This is not a competition.

Shared misery is easier to bear, that much is clear. So if all this griping serves to create a stronger bond, where does that ultimately leave us? Can relationships built on that shared misery thrive in the long run, or do they crumble once things go back to normal?

Ten years ago, this nation woke up to one of the worst disasters ever. The country as a whole responded with a declaration of unity. Before the war in Iraq, before the noise about the planned Mosque near the former World Trade site, before we started bickering again about religion and politics and unions, we celebrated togetherness. During the weeks after 9/11, everyone was an American. While we were being confronted with the worst of humankind, we also experienced the best.

Time has passed, and we have started to forget; this is both lucky and unlucky. With the pain becoming less raw, we also forget how we, as human beings, need to rely on each other.

The bad mouthing returns, the infighting, the disrespect for anyone who doesn’t see the world exactly the same way as we do.

That bad things happen is not in question.

Bad things will always happen; they come in sizes small through extra large. We don’t

always control our circumstances. We have no say in whether someone somewhere decides to voice his or her opinion by strapping a bomb to their chest, and stopping a hurricane is not within our power. What we do have control over is how we respond to trying times. We don’t have to wait for tragedy to occur to show and share our humanity.

When during this coming weekend we commemorate 9/11, while many around the country continue to clean up the ravages left behind by wildfires, floods, and tornadoes, let’s remember how much we need each other, rain or shine.

That way, the next time something terrible happens, we can skip the griping and go straight to those connections we have already built.

Eradicating torture should be the legacy of Sept. 12

Focus on issues RACHEL KAHN-TROSTER TEANECK, N.J. (JTA) -- What is the legacy of 9/11? As we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we have a chance as a nation to reflect on more than just our own stories of what happened that day.

One theme that has emerged is “Remember Sept. 12” because it was the day after the terrorist attacks that our nation came together as one -- people reaching across divides of class, religion and race to mourn the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives and remember the heroic first responders who raced to the scene of chaos and destruction.

Unity and lovingkindess are part of the narrative we tell this year and the legacy for which we hope.

But it was also immediately after the 2001 attacks that a darker story emerged. Under the guise of safety from future terrorist threats, America abandoned its longstanding repudiation of using torture as a method of interrogation.

Torture was used at Guantanamo, in Afghanistan and in Iraq, and was authorized at the highest levels of government.

The gloves may have come off, but in reality we lost our way.

Ten years later this is a story we are still unraveling. The U.S. government's use of torture is yet to be fully investigated, and with every passing day such an investigation seems less likely. On June 30, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced an end to a two-year preliminary investigation

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by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Durham into the CIA's use of torture on detainees. Holder concluded that further investigation was not warranted and that the deaths of only two detainees would be investigated further.

Having the administration's only probe into the use of torture stopped with such a minimalist outcome demonstrates the need for an independent investigation -- one free from political bias and the limits of a criminal investigation -- to provide a complete accounting of our nation's use of torture.

At no point in our nation's history has the use of torture presented a greater danger of becoming widely accepted than now. In 2009, two days after President Obama was sworn in, he issued an executive order halting torture and calling for the closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. But more than two years later, Guantanamo Bay remains open and the U.S. government refuses to confront its history and fully investigate its use of torture. Meanwhile, proponents of torture still advocate for it, claiming the necessity of its use for American survival.

But survival at what cost? The Jewish tradition teaches that every person is created in the image of God, endowing each of us with sacredness and dignity. That sacredness is marred by the use of torture, which by its very nature denies the image of God found in the victim. We do not have the right to engage in abominations in order to ensure our safety. Survival at any cost is not the goal. We have an obligation to hold ourselves to a higher moral and ethical standard, which is that torture is always wrong.

Being created in God's image is not a trivial sentiment. If

one takes God seriously, as Americans of faith do, then one has to take the image of God seriously to recognize every person, even one's enemy, as sacred. If we desecrate the image of God in order to survive, then we have survived only as monsters.

I was in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, and saw the second plane hit the Twin Towers. I have long considered my work directing Rabbis for Human Rights-North America's campaign to end American use of torture permanently to be part of my personal ongoing narrative of that day, part of my commitment to a legacy of lovingkindness. We are part of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a group of more than 300 religious organizations committed to the moral imperative that torture is always wrong and runs counter to the teachings that all religions hold dear. We believe that torture degrades everyone involved -- policymakers, perpetrators and victims -- and fails to honor the God-given dignity of all people.

Even as the urgency of the photos of Abu Ghraib fade from public memory, we continue to call for a thorough investigation of America's use of torture and the legislative will to permanently eliminate the possibility of its future use.

This year, the legacy of Sept. 12 is to make that commitment a permanent reality.

Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, of Teaneck, N.J., is director of North American programs for Rabbis for Human RightsNorth America. She is a member of the board of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

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September 9, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Ultimate Frisbee and the next generation of Jewish men

Focus on issues DANIEL S. BRENNER NEW YORK (JTA) -- If you happened to be sunbathing on Central Park’s Great Lawn last week, you may have caught one of the most highlight reel-worthy sporting events to take place in Manhattan since Connors and McEnroe were in the U.S. Open Final.

You would have seen men from across America competing in an Ultimate Frisbee spectacle that featured jaw-dropping catches, somersaulting dives and stunning leaps. Guys were taunting one another one moment and executing endzone runs the next. And after the game ended and the usual high-fiving commenced, you may have wondered about the unusual display of sportsmanship as the opposing teams sat together in the grass to talk about competition, aggression and teamwork, and what they all have to do with being a man.

Who were those men in Central Park?

As part of the inaugural national launch of Moving Traditions’ program for teen boys, Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood, 25 men gathered for a training seminar in New York. In the mix were professional Jewish educators (rabbis and rabbinical students, teachers, directors of teen programs and summer camps) and men who work in the wider world (two lawyers, a pediatrician, a sommelier, a yoga instructor, a film editor and a sportswriter) who are willing to serve as mentors for local Jewish teens.

The point of the gathering was to ask the question: Given the high post-bar mitzvah dropoff rates for guys, how can the Jewish community do a better job of reaching out to teen boys?

Many of the future mentors gathered in New York for the training gave firsthand accounts of the depth of their community’s problems reaching guys: Parents who tell their sons “just do your bar mitzvah and I promise you’ll never have to go to synagogue ever again;” teen guys whose only form of connection is participating on the youth group’s ski trip or amusement park trip (and quickly zoning out if there is any introduction of Jewish content); and synagogue-based social action events that go into panic mode when they realize that they have 20 girls enlisted and not one guy. The mentors reported that many teen boys find Jewish life “nice,” boring, politically correct, predictable, conventional and, in a word, irrelevant.

But these failures and apparent gender imbalances are somewhat superficial when compared to a deeper problem in the Jewish world that a few people are finally waking up to -- the simple fact that educators and volunteers have not been trained to address the core issues that challenge, confuse and at times endanger teen boys.

This is not to say that all boys face these challenges in a particular way or that girls do not have similar challenges, but that the vast majority of teen boys are wrestling internally with what it means to be a man in a culture that sends them mixed messages. Should a man be loyal or defiant?

Sensitive or tough?

Should he show off his intelligence or keep it hidden?

Should he flaunt his money or keep people guessing? Should he strive to have many friends or a few good ones? Should

he work his abdominal muscles into a six-pack to show off at the beach or protect his modesty? Should he text his sexual exploits to his buddies or keep quiet and risk being seen as a prude?

From graphic video games to aggressive pornography, raunchy politicians to swaggering athletes, guys are seeing plenty of men whose motto is to have whatever they want when they want it -- and to take it by force, if necessary.

If Jewish communities aren’t seriously engaged with the question of what it is to be a man in light of these messages, and positing alternative paths that can guide young men in balancing the desire for power and attention with a desire for connection and purpose, then they are not going to be relevant to most teen males.

Dr. Richard Stern, the clinical psychologist who helped design and execute the training, spoke in clear terms about male socialization.

“Teen boys are often inadvertently pushed into being emotionally stifled and ‘supposedly’ independent -- but they are far from being independent,” he said. “The unconditional love that they once felt from parents or from peers has often been displaced by pressures to succeed academically or to be cool. Even guys who have many friends feel like they have no one to talk to.”

So how might the Jewish community provide space where guys can really speak to one another?

Our goal is to train mentors to use play, critical thinking and storytelling to engage teen boys in the question of what it means to be a mensch. We see this effort as an inherently Jewish activity, focusing on the ongoing character development and values education that we have traditionally done on a weekly basis through the cyclical study of Pirkei Avot.

During the training, we delved into Maimonides’ ideas about extreme personalities and how these energies are balanced through self-awareness and discipline. We shared Chasidic teachings on maturity, and we traced the last 3,500 years of Jewish men, unearthing multiple models of strength, kindness and courage.

After the Frisbee game, a few of the mentors noted how they had pushed themselves physically on the field. One said it was the first time he had been in a public group with men who were wearing yarmulkes. Another said it was the first time he had played group sports with guys since he was a boy. Someone else remarked on how we had all paused when a player had fallen. And as if on cue, one man in the closing circle simply repeated the final score, savoring the victory, lovingly rubbing it into the faces of the losing squad.

After Rosh HaShanah, these men will begin to meet with teens in their communities and develop ongoing forums where teen boys can meet, hang out, play games and talk about what it means to be a man. The programs will take place in six metropolitan areas, with plans to expand to additional cities in the coming year.

Will it catch on? Well, let’s say that the Frisbee is still floating. But at least we have recognized that there are hundreds of thousands of guys sitting on the sidelines of Jewish life and we have a few coaches who are ready and eager to pull them off the bench.

Rabbi Daniel S. Brenner is the director of initiatives for boys and men at Moving Traditions.

In other Jewish Newspapers

by DANIEL TREIMAN Our spiritual crisis: The real crisis facing Jews today is not anti-Semitism, or assimilation or Israel’s isolation -- it’s a spiritual crisis, says British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

“Where Jewish faith is weak, Jewish life is weak,” he writes in Britain’s Jewish Chronicle. “Assimilation, out-marriage and vulnerability to those who seek us harm are symptoms of that one transcending weakness.”

Is California Jewish cuisine an oxymoron?: In San Francisco’s j. newsweekly, Emma Silvers explores what it would mean to eat like a California Jew. “Aren’t I allowed to appreciate the impetus for the Slow Food movement while still lusting after the babka at Canter’s in L.A.?” she writes.

“Can’t I celebrate blintzes and kugel as cornerstones of my culture while also recognizing that my Russian and Polish ancestors probably would have loved a fresh mango salsa, if given the chance?”

They come as friends: Two young journalists, one from Pakistan, another from Afghanistan, selected as Daniel Pearl Fellows, recently spent a week at the L.A. Jewish Journal.

“The idea, according to Daniel’s parents, Judea and Ruth Pearl, is to expose journalists whose native media is often hostile to, or ignorant of Jews, to the ‘real’ Jewish community,” writes editor Rob Eshman. “As in years past, it’s an

understatement to say we learned as much from these two fellows as they did from us.”

Anne Frank tree’s diaspora: Last year, the ailing chestnut tree in Amsterdam that Anne Frank once admired from her hiding place was felled by a gust of wind. But saplings from the tree are expected to be replanted in 11 locations in America by 2013, Seattle’s Jewish Transcript reports. “From my favorite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind,” Frank wrote in her diary.

“As long as this exists, I thought, and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts I cannot be unhappy,” Imam for Shalit: The 5 Towns Jewish Times speaks with Imam Abdullah Antepli, Duke University’s Muslim chaplain and one of 11 American Muslims to sign a letter urging Hamas to release captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Asked whether he thought the letter would help win Shalit’s freedom, Antepli answered: “We are people of faith and we believe in miracles. If not in the heart and minds of Hamas, but in the heart of Muslims in Gaza, Israel/Palestine. It is an opportunity for the Hamas leadership to develop a higher ethical ground.”

Journey to freedom: Reflecting on the King memorial

Behind the headlines ROBERT J. MARX CHICAGO (JTA) -- Time affirms what heroism discerns.

The dedication of a statue in memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is a belated yet significant tribute to a man who did so much to redefine the meaning of our democracy.

Make no mistake about it, there was a civil rights movement in the middle years of the 20th century, but King was the face of the movement, the pulse of it -- one might even say the heart of it.

The memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to his memory, is made of solid stone, of granite. It will remain for the ages, solid and unmoving, a reminder of what dedication and courage are able to achieve.

Yet contemplating the statue, something seems to be missing. King was not one to sit transfixed for the ages. He was always in motion, always on the move. His travels led him on a heroic if ultimately fatal arc -- Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma, Chicago, Memphis.

In Selma, Ala., and later in Chicago, I experienced no great moral revelation as I answered King’s invitation to join him, no great sense that destiny was inviting me to play a supporting role. Quite the contrary; the feeling was rather mundane. What was being done had to be done.

I had the privilege of spending several days in Chicago with King, who was there to protest a housing market that remained segregated. King’s presence shattered the illusion that discrimination was a southern disease, not a northern one.

We marched in the heart of the city, down Michigan Avenue. I was walking beside King when a small stone aimed at him hit me on the forehead. It was a glancing, harmless blow, but the scene was picked up by a television camera and broadcast all over the country. Friends in New York called: “Are you all right? Were you hurt?”

“No damage, I am fine,” I answered. And then, in a moment, I started to tremble.

“No, I am hurt -- not by the stone but by the hatred, the bitterness, the rage,” I said.

It is the anger behind that stone that remains with me even now, so many years later. How easy it is to deplore hatred -- even the political hatreds that still drive us away from our own humanity. Yet how difficult it is to understand the anguish of the poor and powerless. And how impossible it is to contemplate something that has begun to affect both blacks and whites -- the steady evisceration of a struggling middle class.

So there he will sit for the ages, the man who for all too brief a span would never let us relax or sit smugly silent. The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial will become a tourist attraction. Facing as it does the Lincoln Memorial, it will serve as a reminder that our country’s moral force remains alive and potent.

King and Lincoln -- neither led a simple life. Both were shot down by demented fanatics. Both tell us that the journey to freedom still requires wisdom, dedication and courage.

Rabbi Robert J. Marx, the founder and a past president of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago and Alabama and fought for civil rights in Chicago and beyond.

Rick Perry wins over Jewish swing voter Chaim Witz

by DANIEL TREIMAN The National Jewish Democratic Council welcomed Texas Governor Rick Perry’s entry into the presidential race, predicting that "his record will help repel American Jews and remind them why they support Democrats in historic numbers."

Defying the NJDC’s predictions, one famous Jewish swing voter seems to be jumping on the Perry bandwagon: KISS frontman and reality TV star Gene Simmons.

“I voted for Bush. I voted for Clinton. I voted for Obama.

The next president will be Gov Rick Perry," tweeted the long-tongued rocker (born Chaim Witz in Haifa).

The NJDC had accused Perry of having "brought religion into his politics," predicting this would be a turn-off for Jews. But Simmons is hardly a religious conservative.

Politics does make for strange bedfellows.

10 | The Jewish Press | Sepetember 9, 2011

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Let’s Do Lunch with Rabbi Levin at noon at the Blumkin Home’s Star Deli for lunch and casual conversation. To RSVP, contact him at rabbilevin@bethel-omaha. org; walk-ins are also welcome; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (2-7), 10 a.m.; Evening Services, 7:35 p.m.

GET YOUR MORNING MIDRASH!: Meet with Rabbi Abraham on Saturdays at 9 a.m. to discuss the week’s Torah portion, midrashim (rabbinic stories), plus medieval and modern biblical commentators. The class is open to everyone (knowledge of Torah is not required). Class will conclude prior to the beginning of Shabbat services.

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

SUNDAY: Scholars Series, 11 a.m. with Susan Paley, MA., and longtime Jewish Studies teacher, who will address “You Recanted: Now Repent!” No charge to attend; the entire community is welcome.

MONDAY: Monday Night Football Fix, 6 p.m., Men’s Club invites all men of Beth El to hang out at the synagogue and watch Monday Night Football (Patriots vs. Dolphins).

Munchies and drinks will be provided. No charge to attend.

RSVP to Mike Schop at 402.618.0189, or mschop@fnni. com.

BESTT FAMILY ASSEMBLY: Each Sunday morning, classes will begin with a Family Assembly, from 9:45-10:15 a.m. in the Social Hall Annex. All parents of students are invited to attend each week.

BETH EL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY: Beth El will celebrate 20 years in its current home with a special celebration: On Friday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m., a special Shabbat service and wine and cheese reception will be held at the synagogue; and on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2–4 p.m., an open house and building tours will be held at the old Beth El, 119 S. 49th Ave., now the home of Holland Basham Architects. The entire community is invited.

JEWS & BREWS: Beth El’s Men’s Club is sponsoring a Men’s Night Out dinner event at the synagogue on Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. No charge to attend; to RSVP, contact Mike Schop at 402.618.0189.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:26 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 5:15 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 6:15 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 6:15 p.m.; Mincha, 7:15 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 8:24 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Special

Mincha and 9/11 Commemoration, 4:45 p.m. at the JCC Pavillion, followed by the Backyard Concert Series.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call; New Monthly Women’s Class, 7:30 p.m. led by Ilana Weiss.

TUESDAY: Sisterhood lunch featuring BINGO, 11:30 a.m.; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 4 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Board of Commissioner’s Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Rabbi Craig and Jennifer Lewis.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; LJCS Back to School Parents meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LCJS Grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION Preparing Our Souls for the High Holy Days, Sunday, Sept.

18, 10:30 a.m.-noon with Rabbi Craig Lewis and Spiritual Lay Leader Nancy Coren at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 7:26 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: LOVE’s Fall Gift Shop sale on Main Street, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by LOVE Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

SUNDAY: Grandparents Day at the Blumkin Home Car Show, Movie and LOVE Gift Shop sale, 1:30-4 p.m.

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

Candlelighting Friday, September 9, 7:26 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service-Looking Back, Looking Forward, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet; Welcome to Judiasm: Bryan Lowery; Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m.

Cost of the dinner is $ 5 per adult and children at no charge.

Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, to make reservations.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Jordan Saag, son of Sherrie and David Saag, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; First Day of Grades K6, 10 a.m. followed by All School BBQ; First Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; OTYG Car Wash, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per vehicle. All proceeds go to American Red Cross of the Midlands (Support for Military families) and National 9/11 Flag Project; How to Ask For and Grant Forgiveness with Rabbi Azriel, 10:30 a.m.; Congregational Sing Along with Kol Rina, 1 p.m.; Shofar Choir Practice, 1 p.m. with Len Burrell.

Bring your Shofar!

TUESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6-8 p.m.; Talking to Your Kids about Forgiveness, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Linder; Shofar Choir Practice, 6:30 p.m. with Len Burrell. Bring your Shofar!

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Linder, 10:30 a.m.

Healing Service, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. Those in need of r’fua sh’lema, complete healing can join a soothing and contemplative service, to draw strength from each other with personal stories and personal prayers. If you are in need of a quiet service or healing, please join us. Caregivers are especially welcome.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Study Session on Pirkei Avot, 9:30 a.m.; Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; LJCS Back to School Parents meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LCJS Grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Join us Friday, Sept. 16 at 5:45 p.m. for a casual and fun Shabbat on the Green outside on the grassy side yard. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat services will begin outside at 7 p.m. We will be grilling hot dogs and serving them will all the trimmings. (Vegetarian dinners available).

Adults $8, kids 5-12 $4. Please send your check to Nava in the office no later than Sunday, Sept. 11.

Book Club, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s home (1632 Old Farm Rd) and will discuss The Book Thief.

Call Marcia to let her know if you plan to come, 402.423.5959.

ADULT EDUCATION Preparing Our Souls for the High Holy Days, Sunday, Sept.

18, 10:30 a.m.-noon with Rabbi Craig Lewis and Spiritual Lay Leader Nancy Coren at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

Back by popular demand, Beth El presents “Shabbat Yoga” experience

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator After receiving an enthusiastic response to the first “Shabbat Yoga” experience during the summer, Beth El is bringing it back on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This special alternative Shabbat program facilitates a prayerful, spiritual experience for the mind and body, and all are invited to participate, according to Cantor Beth Schlossberg, who is leading the program, along with volunteers Andy Greenberg and Beth Staenberg.

“Judaism advocates that while the soul and the body might be separate, these two entities

are inseparable,” the cantor said. “By offering yoga in a Jewish context, we are designating time to consciously find shleimut – balance -- in the caring of our souls and bodies.”

The first Shabbat Yoga session several months ago had great appeal, she added, because “it offered one more way to connect to God. Not everyone can connect to the melodies and text alone, but when you add that physical aspect of movement it often times allows those who have not been able to feel a spiritual connection to become more aware and involved in Shabbat. Prayer can occur in so many forms, and our yoga experience is just one more example of how to create and maintain a bond with God

and Shabbat.”

During the morning Cantor Schlossberg and Staenberg will lead the yoga movements and Greenberg will assist with prayers. The cantor recommended that participants wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing (no tank tops or shorts) that will allow for stretching and movement.

Those with yoga mats are encouraged to bring them along.

Everyone in the Jewish community is invited to participate. For more information about Shabbat Yoga, contact Cantor Schlossberg at 402.492.8550, or at cantor@bethelomaha.org.

Pulverent e

September 9, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

“Ethical” Warfare

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Ki TeiTzei The history of mankind is full of warfare. Historians tell us that conquering armies generally assume they have the right to do whatever they want with prisoners. Often they executed prisoners or at least made sure they were harmless.

And conquering armies consider it their right to exercise the lust of mankind on all the women in the defeated areas.

Our Sidrah tries to undo this masculine lust.

It permits a member of the conquering army to take for himself an attractive woman, and even to bring her into his own home.

But now, his lust must be restrained. He can keep her in his home for 30 days, but must not touch her.

That full month must be given her to understand the situation, and to try to put out of her mind the family and friends that have been left behind.

And, note this, after the 30 days, he is not to consider this beautiful woman he has chosen to be a ready-made courtesan. If he considers her his own, he must prepare to marry her and give her her rights and privileges as well as the obligations of a wife...a WIFE! If war is to continue (and it has continued down to our day) the Torah reminds mankind that there is more to life than instinct and desire. If life is to continue, it must be understood that it should be as ethical as possible, as civilized as possible, as decent as possible.

All of this is illustrated by our Sidrah, where the captured woman is dealt with sympathetically and ethically.

Please read this chapter and understand what the Torah is trying to teach.

Ukraine razes the ruins of 16th century shul

by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Ukraine government has begun the allegedly illegal demolition of a 16th century synagogue to build a hotel.

The ruins of the elaborate “Golden Rose synagogue,” a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, in the city of Lviv are being torn down to construct a hotel for the European soccer championships.

The synagogue was partially burnt down by the Nazis in 1941 with Jewish residents trapped inside. The Nazis destroyed 42 other synagogues in Lviv, which had a majority Jewish population in 1940.

Tom Gross wrote in the National Post that the demolition is illegal under Ukranian and international law. According to Gross, Ukrainian law protects historic sites like the synagogue.

Female soldiers decry order to leave for yeshiva students

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Four female combat soldiers have protested orders to leave their unit because male yeshiva students will be joining it.

The four women, three commanders and a combat soldier, are serving three years in the Israel Defense Forces just like men, instead of the two years required, in order to be in the Artillery Corps’ Battalion 55. They have been serving in the unit for two years.

The yeshiva students scheduled to join the unit will serve the battery for eight months, and a total of 16 months in the army.

The women were offered alternative positions, including command roles in the commander’s course, according to Israel Hayom.

In a letter written to their battalion commander, which was read on Israel Radio, the women said the decision to remove them is “humiliating and painful.”

“We are commanders, combat soldiers; we carry out our work with all our soul and the greatest motivation, and are proud to be part of the Artillery Corps,” they wrote.

“They are kicking us out, not because we are not good enough, but because we are women. We have nothing against the yeshiva boys and nothing against Halacha .There are battalions in the IDF that have no women in them, and these soldiers can be placed there.”

The IDF said in a response to Israeli media outlets that a final decision has not been made on the transfer and that the decision “will not affect the status and role of the female combat soldiers.”

U.S. Jews sign petition backing Israel’s social justice movement

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Nearly 4,000 American Jews have signed a petition from the New Israel Fund in support of Israel’s social justice movement.

The petition was published Sept. 2 in the International Herald Tribune in advance of the movement’s major demonstration on Sept. 3, which brought out 400,000 Israelis in what some say was the largest protest in Israel’s history.

“We, friends of Israel from across the globe, are inspired by the Israeli public’s demand for social justice,” read the petition, addressed directly to Israelis. “We share your values. We long for the day that Israel will be a place where every Israeli can live with respect and dignity. Your protests demonstrate the depth of Israel’s potential to be a beacon for social justice and democracy throughout its region. We know that the values of social justice, of equality and of democracy are inextricably linked. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for a better Israel.”

The organization announced last month that it was financially supporting the movement.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks on Aug. 30 quoted former New Israel Fund’s associate director in Israel as saying that it would not be a tragedy if Israel disappeared as a Jewish state.

The cable sent from the U.S. Embassy in February 2010 said that Hedva Radovanitz told the embassy’s political officer “that she believed that in 100 years Israel would be majority Arab and that the disappearance of a Jewish state would not be the tragedy that Israelis fear since it would become more democratic.”

The organization said in a statement that the quotes attributed to Radovanitz do not reflect the position of the organization, which is a negotiated solution of two states for two people.

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12 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2011

China’s obsession with Hitler

by ISAAC STONE FISH (Tablet Magazine) -- A Chinese Hitler, dressed like a mall cop, mopes in an underground bunker in 1945 as his empire is collapsing around him. But it’s not all bad news. “My stomach hurts, and it’s bigger. I’m pregnant!” Hitler exclaims, stroking himself mindlessly.

Hitler’s Belly, a hit play currently touring China, answers the eternal question of what the world’s most notorious dictator looks like when portrayed by an overweight Chinese man pretending to be pregnant. It

A scene from Hitler’s Belly. mixes snippets from Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, old newsreel footage, slapstick with Chinese sensibilities, and an extended fart joke. As Hitler prepares to give birth, Chaplin -- also a character in the play -- wanders the bunker, impersonating Hitler to his underlings. Chaplin spars with Hitler, and then everyone raps. Genocide is not mentioned.

Chaplin made his famous 1940 satire, in which he plays both a Jewish barber and Adenoid Hynkel, the blabbering dictator of Tomania, in part because of the actor’s similarity to Hitler: They each sported a distinctive mustache, they were born four days apart in April 1889, and they shared a love for Richard Wagner’s music. In his autobiography, Chaplin’s son, Charles Chaplin, recalled his father saying: “He’s the madman, I’m the comic. But it could have been the other way around.”

Meng Jinghui, the play’s shaggy-haired director, first saw The Great Dictator in 1984, he told me, and he thought it would be fascinating to watch Chaplin interact with Hitler. But he didn’t begin work on his play until he saw a glint of Hitler in his favorite leading man, Liu Xiaoye. “I was wearing a hat and put on a little mustache,” said Liu, who plays Hitler, Chaplin, and Eva Braun, often switching between characters midsentence. Meng recalls: “He put black on his finger and put it up here, and said hey, don’t I look like Hitler? And I said, hey, you can be Hitler.”

One of China’s best-known theater personalities, Meng has enjoyed a long string of successes adapting foreign concepts to Chinese audiences. He brought Rent to China as the story of a missing real-estate tycoon. “We don’t have bohemia, we don’t have so many drug users or gay people, and we don’t do threesomes,” he told NPR in 2009. “So, we use your structure, and we put our lives into it.” Unlike The Great Dictator, Hitler’s Belly declines to tackle questions of Judaism, focusing instead on issues relevant to a Chinese audience: corruption in the Ministry of Railways, lies from the government, and the difficulty of affording a house.

Many artists prefer to satirize the present in China by criticizing the past.

“The most difficult part of the acting for me was moving between history and politics,” said Liu. To announce the birth of his son, Hitler holds a press conference. He tells the Chinese journalists in attendance that the pregnancy is a “miracle,” a loaded term because it mocks the government’s

response to a recent deadly train crash -after a bullet train derailed last July, killing scores, a Railway Ministry spokesman called the rescue of one child survivor “a miracle,” invoking the ire of many. This draws a healthy laugh from the audience.

The play, which has toured Shanghai, Beijing, and will be in Guangzhou in October, has played almost exclusively to packed houses, Meng said. On the performance’s last night in Beijing in early August, the theater was filled with people in their 20s and 30s, constantly laughing and clapping at the satire and the slapstick, according to the director. Liu portrays a bumbling, melancholic side of the dictator, who shouts Heil Myself! whenever anyone salutes him.

He does a gentle Chaplin, and his Eva Braun flashes her chest to Hitler whenever she gets excited.

In China, Hitler isn’t known for the Holocaust, but rather for achieving social stability with a very high human cost. “In general, they refer to him as very *lihai*, very hardcore, someone who is strong, powerful,” said Rabbi Nussin Rodin, a Chabad representative in Beijing. “You can be strong and powerful and good, and strong and powerful and bad. It’s weird. I don’t know what to say.” With China’s regime facing growing internal criticism for mishandling any number of things, from the escalating price of fuel to train safety, Hitler’s perceived image as a strong leader who was able to maintain social stability makes him an attractive figure to many.

Outside the Beijing theater, which is perched above a karaoke parlor in a wealthy part of town, college student Liu Mingyu said that he came because of the director and thought the play was funny. “There’s nothing good about him,” Liu said of the Hitler character, “except that he’s strongwilled, that’s the only advantage he’s got. But in general he’s a bad guy, I suppose.”

Some Chinese sympathy toward Hitler is fueled by a persistent—and false—rumor claiming that when Hitler was an impoverished young student in Vienna, he was taken in by a Chinese family named Zhang.

Looking at Hitler From a Different Angle, an article published last month on the website of the People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, reported that during Hitler’s youth, a Chinese family gave him “Oriental style selfless help,” and that because of this he had a “warm and close feeling toward China.” Many Chinese believe that Hitler had secretly supported China during World War II, despite Germany’s alignment with China’s wartime oppressor, Japan. Hitler is well-known in China; rural residents especially don’t necessarily see him as a sign of evil. Olivia Kraef, a Beijing-based sinologist from Germany, related a story of a recent trip in China, where someone wanted to drink a toast to Hitler with her. “That was the first thing he came up with when he met me,” she said. “Hitler, soccer.”

Bizarrely, support for Hitler does not in any way suggest disdain for Jews. On the contrary: Chinese people on the whole are very approving of Judaism and Jewish culture, seeing Jews as experts in both moneymaking and child rearing, with a long history and a strong tradition of education. And, unsurprisingly in a country where Mao’s allseeing portrait still hangs from Tiananmen Square, Chinese tend to shy away from comparisons between their homegrown contender for the title of history’s greatest butcher. “I don’t think there can be any comparison between Hitler and Mao,” said Meng. “Mao’s biggest spirit was to serve the people; Mao loved the people. That’s the biggest difference.”

Isaac Stone Fish is a Beijing-based reporter for Newsweek and the Daily Beast. This article originally appeared on Tablet Magazine, tabletmag.com.

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