September 10, 2004: Rosh Hashanah Edition

Vol. LXXXIV No. 1 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

24 Elul, 5764 September 10, 2004 4 Sections

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Introduction Second Time Around: Changing Jobs in the Jewish Community The U.S. Department of Labor notes that most Americans will change jobs eight times during their lifetimes. For some, the job changes will be lateral moves or career advancement in the same industry; for others, the changes will be dramatic. And that’s the theme of this issue.

Inside this 80-page New Year’s issue, you’ll find men and women who have started out as med techs and wound up teaching high school (and vice-versa), bankers and lawyers who have become Jewish communal workers, and business owners who’ve become massage therapists and financial consultants.

Some of those profiled went back to school to obtain advanced degrees in order to enter another field; others were forced by circumstances to find another line of work. But all of the men and women in this issue took advantage of the challenges--and opportunities-presented to them to better their lives. We hope you’ll find their stories to be as illuminating and inspiring as we have.

We’re never able to interview all the people whose names have been submitted to us.

Some potential interviewees demurred, insisting their “stories weren’t that interesting” (we begged to differ, but to no avail). In other cases, names were suggested too late for our writers to accomplish the task. Regardless, we apologize to those who fit this category but were not interviewed for this particular issue.

Luckily, the Jewish Press has published “themed” New Year’s issues since 1968 and Passover issues since 1971...so there’s always an opportunity to profile different people!

This theme also ties into the goals of our Jewish community in another way--growing Jewish Omaha. Please consider sending your copy to a friend or relative in another city contemplating changing jobs (or, for a small fee, we’ll take care of it for you). Or send it to your adult children and let them know opportunities are available in Omaha--an affordable city with many new amenities and the infrastructure to support many more Jewish couples, families and individuals.

The profiles in this issue were written by the cadre of freelancers who so loyally write for the Press’ special issues: Diane Axler Baum, Jill Belmont, Gary Javitch, Joan K. Marcus, Pam Monsky, Ozzie Nogg, Claudia Sherman and Jennifer Sherman. They’re dependable, creative--and most of all--they all have a sense of humor, a vital characteristic in this business! Thanks to you all!

Another round of thanks goes to the hardworking Press staff members and volunteers who put in so many hours soliciting and logging ads (and making sure they’re correct), designing the ads and all the pages, typing, editing, scanning, proofing, rewriting, billing and stuffing envelopes with tear sheets and more: Advertising Manager Allan Handleman and Account Executive Ray Pred, Creative Director Richard Busse, Production Assistant Lori Kooper Schwarz, Bookkeeper Tim Ketelsen, and volunteers Suzanne Singer, Jean Duitch and Angela Friedman.

It’s a monumental job--publishing an issue this size--and it starts right after Passover, which means, of course, that right after the

Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, the Jewish Press will begin work on its Passover issue, to be published April 15, 2005. We’ll announce the theme for that issue early next month.

We’d also like to note a change in this issue with a “communal” listing of marriages, births, and deaths for both Lincoln and Omaha. For the last eight years, we’ve been relying on the synagogues to submit their lists of these categories, not realizing that names were inadvertently being omitted if they were unaffiliated. We’ve corrected that error with this issue; you’ll find a communal list of Lincoln marriages, births and deaths, and another for Omaha, with the B’nai Mitzvah list remaining with each synagogue.

We hope you’ll find this a more accurate representation of the demographics of the greater Omaha and Lincoln Jewish communities--and we apologize to those we now know we’ve omitted in the past.

So sit back, relax and enjoy reading about your fellow Nebraskans (and some former ones) featured in this, our largest issue of the year. From the staff and committee of the Jewish Press, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, prosperous--and most of all-peaceful 5765.

L’Shana Tova Tikataivu! May you be inscribed for a good and sweet year!

Carol Katzman Editor of the Jewish Press Joanie Jacobson Chairman of the Jewish Press Committee of the Jewish Federation

Front cover: some of the career changes covered in this issue include, clockwise: Mary Lou Walker, from retail clerk to founder of Garbo’s Salons; former realtor Anne Cohen, now a design consultant at California Closets; and former sports information director Jim Zipursky and his father, Morley, owners of Corporate Finance Associates.

Photos by Carol Katzman, cover design: Richard Busse.

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(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein.

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September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Making a Move to Stay in Omaha

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “A few years ago, I decided to go to graduate school,” said Dan Marburg from his office at Grace-Mayer Insurance in Regency. “I wanted to open up more doors.”

So at the age of 34, Marburg, a 1989 graduate of Drake University who had majored in sociology and speech communications, enrolled in the executive MBA (master of business administration) program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

He earned 48 credit hours in two years while working fulltime. “I was at it from 5:30 in the morning until 11:30 at night” until he graduated in September 2003.

“Everyone thought I was going to be a lawyer” when he was growing up, Marburg confessed. “I was always looking for an exception to every rule,” said the Millard North High School graduate.

As an undergraduate, “I wanted to get into training and development, and I envisioned working for a big company as a trainer.” That’s exactly what he did immediately after graduating from Drake. Working in the telemarketing industry, Marburg was involved in “training and writing training manuals. But it was not very stable,” he said.

In 1992, when he was about to get married, Marburg took “an inside sales job” with Packers Engineering which sells meat packing equipment and supplies. “I ended up in sales in the meat packing business for seven years.”

For several years, he traveled from Boise, Idaho, to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Following that, he worked in general industrial sales for Praxair Distribution, a division of a six billion dollar Fortune 500 international company. Marburg sold industrial gases and cryogens used in metal fabrication, food processing, and medical applications.

No longer in an inside office, “I was calling on plants that make products ranging from semi-trailers to laboratory equipment and also on facilities from coffee processors to metabolic disease researchers. Marburg stayed with Praxair for four years.

Even while he was in school, Marburg was the top salesman (out of 50) in the south central division of

Praxair Distribution. Getting an MBA was his way of “separating myself from the pack” of 500 company salesmen across the country.

Marburg’s wife Deb “was very much in favor” of her husband’s pursuing his MBA degree. “It was as much a

Dan Marburg in his office at Grace-Mayer sacrifice for her as for me,” he reported. But he knew that if he didn’t go back to school then, “I’d never do it. I decided on a Monday and started classes on that Friday.”

Although he was still with Praxair when he received

his MBA, he joined Grace-Mayer about four months later. “I got to know John Lehr (President of GraceMayer), Arnold Joffe (CEO), and Gary Kaplan (Executive Vice-president), and I liked the people. The company has a great reputation,” said Marburg, “and I wanted to work for a locally based company.”

If he had stayed at Praxair, Marburg would have had to start traveling heavily again or move away from Omaha. Neither option appealed to the father of two little boys.

As a commercial lines producer, Marburg sells business insurance including automobile, workers compensation, and liability insurance. There are some “basic similarities such as sales and customer service” in his new job compared to the old one.

“But there’s a lot of difference in what I’m selling.

This is a very different industry,” he explained. “ For me, the biggest adjustment, since we act as a broker, is going from selling a product or a service as in my other jobs. Here there are two sales to be made. You convince someone of the benefits of having Grace-Mayer as a broker and then encourage the insurance provider to come up with a good offer.”

When he finished his graduate work, Marburg said his oldest son Solomon, now six, “was absolutely thrilled” to have his Dad at home more often.

Deb and Dan also have a three-year-old son, Elijah.

In addition to having more time to spend with his family, Dan and Deb are very involved in the Jewish community. They have been BBYO advisors and chaired the Federation’s annual Super Sunday campaign. Deb is active in the National Council of Jewish Women and the Women of Reform Judaism. Dan is a member of B’nai B’rith and serves on a couple of boards at Temple Israel. He recently completed the Federation’s JOLT (Jewish Omaha Leadership Training) program and serves an adviser to the JOLT II group.

Dan believes he made the right decision to go back to school and to change career directions. “It doesn’t matter to me what they’re selling at Grace-Mayer. I’m impressed with the ethical way business is conducted here.” Ten to 20 years from now, he hopes to be “right here” in Omaha and at Grace-Mayer.

his is a unique time of year for the Jewish people.

We’re asked to think about the kind of person we want to be … the kind of life we want to live. Without even thinking, most of us would say that we want to make every minute count and that we want to live a generous life.

Through the Jewish Federation of Omaha, you are. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is your most generous spirit. Federation is the way you help heal the world, bring dignity and opportunities where none existed before. This year, increase your gift to the 2005 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign … and make a bequest in your will so you can be there for future generations.

T

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Board and Staff wish you and your loved ones a very sweet and peaceful New Year.

THIS YEAR, LIVE GENEROUSLY.

IT DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. The Jewish Federation of Omaha www.jewishomaha.org | 334-8200 | info@jewishomaha.org 333 South 132nd Street | Omaha, NE 68154

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Change Is Good

by JOAN K. MARCUS Sandra Schapiro McCreight doesn’t remember her biological father, Bernard Klein; he had been ill since she was sixmonths-old and died when she was five.

Sandy and her mother, Julia, moved in with her Bubbie, Pearl Fishbain Levinson.

“It seemed like everybody who lived in Turner Court was Jewish and I have great memories of my childhood,” she recalled. “I went to Henry W. Yates School and I walked to Bubbie’s for lunch everyday. It was sad because I didn’t have a father, but the family support was wonderful.”

When Sandy was about six, Julia began to date Omaha bachelor, George Schapiro. “I’m still a little mad because I didn’t get to go to the wedding when Mom and George got married. I was seven-and-a-half and they sent me to the movies with my cousin, Howard Hahn. I did get to go to the reception, and, when I got there, I asked George if I could call him ‘Daddy’, and he was my father ever since.”

She was later legally adopted by George and recalled that they “went to court and the judge performed a little ceremony. I consider myself lucky to have had him as my father for almost 50 years.”

Sandy went to Westside High School-unusual for that time. There were only 12 Jewish teens in her graduating class.

“Of course, I hung out at the Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge and had a pretty normal Jewish life.”

Because she was a good student at Westside, Sandy received a scholarship to

Washington University. “I did well enough to stay in school, but not to keep my scholarship,” she explained. “Daddy worked at the Omaha Potato Market and things were tight, so I went back to UNL.” She transferred to UNMC for her senior year to become a medical technologist,

Sandy became a registered medical technologist in 1968. After taking national boards, she worked in the blood bank and in the microbiology department at the old Immanuel Hospital on 36th and Ames Streets and then, for a short while, at Prairie Clinic.

Sandy McCreight, left, daughter Paula and son-in-law John Malone, and Sandy’s husband, Gene McCreight at Paula’s wedding. working in the laboratory to run tests on blood and other bodily fluids. “Many of the tests were very much ‘hands on,”’ she remembered. “As the years have gone by, the tests have become more automated and it became necessary for med-techs to fix all of the instruments they used.”

The Next Stage.®

Sandy met and married her college friend, Gene McCreight that year, too.

“We had had a good time on a double date, and he wanted to take me out to dinner. I had enjoyed his company, so I decided to go out with him,” she said.

“It was difficult for me when I came back to Omaha and told Mom and Dad

that we were dating. It wasn’t common for Jews to date non-Jews,” she admitted, “and it was difficult for us. Jewish girls just didn’t do that and it was understandably rough on my folks.”

They married on Feb. 14, 1968, at the home of Sandy’s aunt and uncle, Zena and Bennett Fishbain. Sandy and Gene have one daughter, Paula Malone, born in 1976. Religion has never been a problem in their marriage and Gene has always respected Sandy’s cornmitment to Judaism.

Sandy always loved being a med tech.

When she graduated from UNMC, she was offered a teaching position. “The thought of standing up in front of a group frightened me,” she smiled.

“However, after Paula started school, Immanuel had an ‘Adopt a School’ partner arrangement with her school. The school was racially balanced; we liked it and I even got involved with the kids.”

She really enjoyed the experience. So in 1988, she decided she was ready for a change and went back to school. The idea of change was hard, but she registered to begin her studies towards a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. She continued to work, carried 18-20 hours per semester, and was on the Dean’s List every semester. She later received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College.

In 1991, she graduated and began working at North High School teaching biology. One year later, she began teaching the Advanced Placement classes. She remained at North for 10 years, leaving in 2000 to teach at Central High.

Continued on page 6

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September 10, 2004

“Welcome to My World”

by JOANIE JACOBSON hoped to see me in the doctoral program. He was Before I had a chance to ask my first question, Pam always a tough and demanding teacher. He pushed, handed me a notebook and video tape. made me work hard and had extremely high expecta“I thought you might like to look at these,” she said. tions. And guess what? I turned out to be just like “Marrs is featured in the video as a model school for him...he taught me to be him!

‘Evidence-Based Decision-Making,’ and the notebook She paused. has all kinds of information and newspaper articles “Graduate school verified what I believed to be true. about being nominated for the National School Change I was someone who could work well under pressure, Award; our Dual Language Program; the first Dual manage people, and had the ability to realize my goals Language Program for adults in the State of Nebraska; and dreams. I’d always wanted to make a difference in Learning Compacts between teachers, parents and stu- the lives of children, and now I had the skills and the dents as a means to evaluate performance; the new confidence to make it happen!” building renovation--it’s A walk in the park? Oh, all here.” no. Not a walk in the You have to be on your park. toes when you’re talking “A working adult in to Pam Cohn. She talks graduate school doesn’t fast, thinks fast, listens have a life,” Pam insisted. hard, uses only the “It takes a tremendous words she needs, and toll on the whole family. shifts to fifth gear when it The boys and Jeff had to comes to her work and take on a lot more the students at Marrs responsibility. I had to Elementary School, at So. give up family time to 56th and ‘T’ Streets. study on the weekends--I Pam was a stay-atdidn’t have two hours to home mom for 12 years, go to a movie. I hoped I teaching piano and vocal was setting an example music in her house, and for my kids of what it working occasionally as a Pam Cohn earned a PhD in Education Administration in 1994. was to be a good stusubstitute teacher for OPS and Millard. (“One of my first dent, but I think seeing me graduate made a bigger students just bought the house next door!” she said in impression. They had their wife and mom back! disbelief).

After grad school, Pam worked as an administrative Her husband, Jeff, and she were in business for six intern at North High before deciding to apply for an years (Pam was the bookkeeper), but when her two assistant principalship. That’s how she “landed on sons, Danny and Michael, were 12 and 10, she became Marrs.” a full-time music teacher at Bryan Middle School.

“The first year was eye-opening,” she remarked. “I No, Pam is not the music teacher at Marrs Elementary had to deal with family issues, immigration, the INS, citSchool. She’s the principal. izenship, basic needs, medical needs, adequate cloth“Teaching music was okay, but it was limiting. I ing, proper food--every day was a new adventure--and thought I could make a more global difference by you never knew what happened in the neighborhood becoming an administrator,” she explained. the night before.”

In 1991, Pam took herself back to graduate school at So, why inner-city schools?

UNO--still teaching full-time at Bryan and taking class“Because those kids need me more,” she answered. es at night and every summer. That took three years.

“Their everyday lives are a struggle...food on the table, “Going back to school was life-changing,” she stated. the utility bill, clean and warm clothes...survival is the “I had no trouble with the test to get into grad school, goal of the day. Until basic needs are met, you can’t do but when I sat down to read the textbook for my first a thing about academic achievement. When these kids class, I needed a dictionary next to me to understand make progress, it’s a very big thing because they don’t the first two paragraphs. When I found myself reading have all the ‘extras.’” the first chapter over and over, I told Jeff, ‘I don’t think In 1997, Jim Hubschman, principal at Marrs for 21 I can do this.’”

“Just keep trying,” he said.

“The more I tried, the easier it got,” she discovered. “That was the beginning of my learning a whole lot more than what was in that book. When you’re young, you’re focused on the end product. But when you go back to school as an adult, you’re in it for the love of learning.

“It’s brain exercise,” she continued. “You ask yourself Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns visited Marrs Elemtary recently; principal Pam Cohn guidthought-provoking questions-- ed him on his tour of the nationally recognized school in South Omaha.

‘What do I want to get out of this?...What am I willing to do to get it?...Will I be any years, announced his retirement, and Pam Cohn was good at it?!’ one of two candidates in line for the job. The second “Grad school made me think about myself and my was the other assistant principal. values. I looked at it this way...I was a ‘paying cus“My first year as principal was tough because half the tomer’ in my 40s, and that meant I could question a staff had supported the other candidate,” Pam conprofessor, challenge a teacher about my grade and tell fessed. “I decided not to make a lot of changes; I just the truth on a teacher evaluation. walked around and observed, built trust and made “I learned the importance of being a lifelong learner-- mental notes about what I did want to change when to always stretch your mind, your thoughts and ideas,” we became a K-6 school. she said. “There’s a lot of group work--you’re expected “By the second year, I was off and running. Change to accomplish a specific goal together. Everything is is hard, it’s very difficult for most people, but I was research-based--you have to learn how to find answers. married to data-driven philosophies and research-based These are skills people can use all their lives.” practices, and I was determined to raise the academic Pam smiled. bar. I wanted to be an instructional leader not just a “Everyone came to graduation day--Jeff and the boys, manager, so I provided the support materials and my sister, my friends--and when I walked down the resources that the teachers needed to implement these aisle to get my degree, they all yelled, ‘Yeah, Pam!’ Jeff changes successfully.” had a party for me at the house. It was truly an accomPam was on a roll... plishment...and relief!

“We initiated Team Planning in place of teachers solv“And I’ll never forget...This professor who gave me ing problems and setting goals on their own. We hives and was also my advisor was waiting for me moved students into ‘ability groups’ and tested them when I went to return my graduation gown. He shook regularly. We introduced student-led conferences and my hand and handed me a letter. It said he really required all students (and their parents) to be responappreciated our ‘back and forth discussions’ (it was sible for their learning. more like sparring); he wished me every success and Continued on page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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September 10, 2004

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Continued from page 4 Today, she teaches Advance Placement Biology and is also the sponsoring teacher for the Nebraska Regional Science Bowl. Sandy recently took a group to the national competition in Washington, D.C. “I didn’t want to give up science because I love it,” she explained.

“However, I knew I wanted to do something different and found that working with kids is wonderful. I love being in a school where there is diversity, too.”

Sandy has put a lot of effort into her teaching career--staying after school and working weekends with her students at North High in the Odyssey of the Mind and then Imagination Destination com-

petitions. Both of these creative outlets allowed her to use her organizational abilities from her years as a med-tech, while serving as a mentor for students who would never have these opportunities elsewhere. She’s taken several teams to state competitions and even national finals.

Though she won’t admit it, she’s been honored by her students and peers for this “beyond what’s required” effort.

Sandy sees retirement in her future in a couple of years with maybe volunteer work at the Henry Doorly Zoo and The Humane Society, but added, “There are still some classes I want to take; education never stops!”

“My World” Continued from Page 5 see myself as a public servant who “At Marrs, every student has a portfo- wears many, many different hats. I work lio that includes attendance data; work within the school and within the comsamples; test scores; notes on behavior; munity. I’m in charge of the school and changes in behavior and teacher’s com- can influence the community. A few ments. When it’s time to measure months ago, I sat in on a building conprogress and evaluate, the data answers struction meeting. I certainly couldn’t do a lot of questions, limits excuses and that as music teacher!” reduces the margin for error. The evi“The kids are the reason I get up in the dence of performance, or lack of it, morning. They crack me up. They hug guides the decision-making. Meet the you at the knees. A father brings me salt needs of students, utilize the data, and for my driveway. A mother bakes me a produce satisfied customers--that’s what cake. How can I not have a special place education is all about. in my heart for these families who have “Education is a business,” she contin- strong family values, encourage educaued, “and we’re selling high academic tion and are not afraid of hard work? achievement and personal reward. I “Besides, I’m a better principal than a learned the value of good customer serv- music teacher,” she concluded. ice from being in business with Jeff, and True to form, there will be more that’s our focus as educators--to make changes at Marrs in the fall. The regular the customer happy, whether the cus- eight-period day with 42-minute classes tomer is a child, the general community will change to four, 90-minute “blocks.” or the Feds.”

“The biggest indicator of student success is parental involvement,” Cohn reported.

“Parents volunteer in our school every day.

Marrs has 100% participation at our studentled parent-teacher conferences...of course, no report card is issued unless parents attend with their children. Students set their own goals--academic and behavioral-and the results are Danny, Jeff, Michael and Pam Cohn always right there in black and white.

A bell will sound at the beginning and “It wasn’t easy,” she noted. “There was end of each school day, and that’s it. No resistance, disagreement and discussion. more “passing bells” ringing, ringing, But once teachers and parents could see ringing (Pam hopes this will make for that comprehensive data improved quieter, less frenzied activity between instruction and learning, we were on our classes). Again, in the spirit of creating a way to higher ground!” more calm atmosphere, classical music Over the last seven years, Principal will play throughout the building during Cohn has effectively changed the aca- the school day. demic and social culture at Marrs “I’ve worked hard to develop a level of Elementary School (soon to be the Marrs trust among my staff, the students and Magnet Center specializing in Math, the community,” Pam noted. “Trust is Economics and Information Technology essential if you want to continue to for grades 5-8). But her work is far from change things for the better. over. Her work will never be over.

“Marrs is where I do my best work,” “I’m a change agent,” she called her- she added. “I know, it sounds like I’m self. “I can’t sit still. Once I meet a goal, on another planet. But that’s what it feels I set a new goal. Once I’ve ‘arrived’, it’s like sometime--like a lot of ‘stuff’ is time to realize the next vision. I have going on in this place...all the time, like lots of them. I see things as I want them no other place. I guess that’s why, when to be and I do everything in my power anyone ‘from the outside’ comes into the to get there. It’s exciting. It keeps me building--whether it’s a visitor, a young and vibrant. It makes life a chal- reporter, the governor or a parent--my lenge worth taking on. first words are always, “Welcome to my “As principal, I have the power to world!” touch every project in the school, not And on her headstone, Principal Cohn just in the classroom. That power is wants it to say, humbling. It’s redefined me as a person “SHE MADE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE and opened up so many new worlds. I IN KIDS’ LIVES.”

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

The Boy Scout Oath Applied to Business Fred was ahead of his time in sports.

“At that time, there were South Americans and Germans who played soccer here in Omaha. I was one of the few kids who played on the adult teams,” he added. “I grew up with soccer in Uraguay and it gave me the opportunity to travel and be competitive at a young age.”

Tichauer attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha on a football scholarship and majored in recreation and physical education. “All I wanted to do was play football as a place kicker,” he laughed. “I pretty much took the easy route in college!”

After graduation from UNO in 1973, he worked as a recreational therapist in the psychiatric unit of Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. Two years later, the Boy Scouts were looking for an entry-level district manager. “I soon learned that the Boy Scouts is one of the best programs for young people,” Fred noted. “The organization instills the values that are missing in today’s society.”

The Boy Scouts values of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent are not on the minds of those who join. And, adds Tichauer, “when youngsters get into scouting, it’s because of camping and outdoor activities. They don’t have an understanding that the values they will learn will apply to the real world.”

What these kids learn in scouting can be used in solving everyday problems.

“Sometimes, business decisions are made based upon what is learned in scouting,” Tichauer insisted. Values like courtesy, cheerfulness and being helpful

l’shana tova

by JOAN K. MARCUS Fred Tichauer is physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Where does he get that from? The Boy Scout oath--which he lives every day of his life. Before he became an Associate Broker at CBS Home Real Estate, Fred served on the executive staff of he Boy Scouts of America for more than 24 years.

Tichauer was born in 1951 in Montevideo, Uruguay. His parents, Helena and Walter went there to escape the Holocaust in Europe. Fred and his brother, Carl, remember a great childhood with good parents in a beautiful country.

Montevideo had a large community and Fred recalls that Judaism played a big part of his life as a child. “When I was 12 years old, my parents were concerned about the influence of Fidel Castro in Latin and South America,” he explained, “and my mother didn’t want to go through again what she had been through with the Holocaust. Our parents wanted us to have better opportunities and decided that our family would move to the United States.”

Omaha was chosen as the new location for the Tichauer family because Helena’s sister, Lola Reinglas, lived here.

As a young boy, Fred didn’t know any English when he arrived.

“I went to summer school at Monroe Junior High and then started Central High,” he remembers. Making friends in school wasn’t hard for him because he got involved in sports. “I participated in gymnastics, football, wrestling and soccer. Athletics really helped me to assimilate into the community.”

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Tichauer went through the scouting ranks and, in 1985, became the National Director of Jewish Relations for BSA. He moved to Dallas, Texas, and traveled all over the United States in order to work with Jewish organizations. It was his job to to help these groups better understand the value of the scouting programs co-existing with helping to promote Jewish identity.

He was instrumental in providing programs for Jewish children that would provide flexibility to implement many of

the goals and objectives of Jewish organizations. He spoke about Jewish identity issues such as informal Jewish education and supplemental programs that could go hand-in-hand with BSA programs. Scoutmaster and den leaders were given agendas with projects, education and events they could do each week in order to implement Jewish programming.

In 1990, Tichauer returned to Omaha to become Director of Support Services for Scouting.

He directed the explorer program at the high schools and became in charge of field services, but left scouting eight years later.

“I was informed about two things in my life,” Tichauer asserted. “I knew scouting and I knew real estate.

He had dabbled in real estate since college when he bought a duplex. Tichauer lived in one side and rented out the other. He sold it three years later and bought three more pieces of real estate. All the time he was in scouting, he was buying and selling real estate, too.

Tichauer says real estate can generate wealth if the principles of scouting are used in the business. “I felt I could connect people with their needs because of my expertise and knowledge,” he explained. “Now that I am a real estate broker, I apply Boy Scout principles to the way I do business. You can never go wrong with honesty and morality.”

Continued on page 10

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

‘Oldman’ Spreads Laughter in Mode of Youngman

by DIANE AXLER BAUM Whistler’s Mother has nothing over Raznick’s and Chudacoffs’ Father.

Last fall, at age 89, Irv Chudacoff launched a showbiz career. Since then, he’s shared his comedic art with numerous audiences, continually receiving enthusiastic reviews. And this fall he looks forward to additional bookings.

Part of the credit for Irv’s late-in-life career goes to his sons, Howard and Rick Chudacoff, and his daughter, Barbara Raznick. Concerned that he seemed crushed after their beloved mother passed away, they made an effort to lift his spirits by sending books of jokes, biographies of celebrated comedians, and videos of standup performances. Most of the credit, however, goes to Irv, who read, watched, and absorbed. In time he developed a short comedy routine of his own.

In a recent interview, Irv said he received his first chance as a comedian from Omaha’s Intergenerational Orchestra, which is comprised of members under 25 and over 50. At its inception in 1985, the orchestra had included Irv as one of its original violinists, and director Chuck Penington welcomed a chance to sponsor Irv in his new role by allotting him time to perform very short routines.

Soon after, Irv expanded his routines from five to 45 minutes, becoming a “sit-down comedian, rather than a stand-up comedian.” He performs from a chair, he explained, because his legs wouldn’t hold out for three quarters of an hour.

As a comedian, he’s been in the spotlight in St. Louis, MO, where his daughter is Director of the Jewish community library, as well as in Omaha. Among his appreciative local audiences are the Young Energetic Seniors, the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, and the Omaha Businessman’s Association. In St. Louis, he’s appeared in the Jewish community library and for the Naturally Recurring Retirement Community.

He treasures the enthusiastic responses he’s received from his audiences. His keepsakes include a letter from a representative of the Washington University Center for Aging, which states: “We appreciate you sharing

your life story…. I noticed many of the seniors nod knowingly as you talked about the times of your youth, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps. Your audience that day lived through similar times and enjoyed the reminiscing.”

From Maggi Conti, Jewish Omaha’s Adult Program Director, Irv earned a tribute on behalf of the YES

of the late, great comedian, Henny Youngman, and like the first Henny, he said, he uses mostly material from a few personal categories.

For example, he tells jokes about his wife and their marriage and about visits to “Dr. Bendover.” He finds humor in simple life experiences, embellishing them to make them funnier. “I talk about myself as a native Omahan and try to bring others in,” he pointed out, adding, “My jokes are totally squeaky clean.”

Irv believes one of his strengths as a comedian comes from his many interests and the range of work he’s undertaken over the years. “I have experienced a lot in my lifetime,” he said.

After graduating from Omaha Central High School in 1931, he delivered Western Union telegrams by bicycle, worked in several stores, and served as a cook in the Civilian Conservation Corp. In 1938 he took a job in the liquor department of the old Omaha Central Market. Later he made his living selling life insurance.

Irv Chudacoff, center, celebrated his 90th birthday at Disneyworld, with 18 family members, Irv married his beloved including his sons, Howard and Rick Chudacoff, daughter Barbara Raznick, and their spousMildred in 1940, and togethes and children. er they raised three extraorgroup. “It is so wonderful of you to spend time enter- dinary children. Howard, a noted historian and author, taining people all over town!” she wrote. Then she is a member of the history faculty at Brown University posed a question: “How do you keep all of your jokes in Providence, RI. Rick is a producer and musician in in your head without missing a beat?” And, from the Nashville, TN. Barbara directs the library in the Jewish businessmen, he received thanks for providing “89 Community Center in St. Louis. Their mother, Mildred, years of humor” and for keeping them “laughing with had a significant work life of her own, serving as sechis repertoire of non-e-mail jokes and quick wit.” retary to Rabbi Myer S. Kripke when he was spiritual It’s with a wink and a twinkle that Irv refers to him- leader of Beth El Synagogue. self by his stage name, “Henny Oldman.” He’s a big fan Continued on page 10

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Open to Anything

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of The Jewish Press What do chemistry, acting and making chocolate have in common? Marilyn Tipp, of course!

This energetic grandmother seems to have switched careers at random, but a closer look reveals her decisions were purposeful. Though she wouldn’t describe herself as a risk taker, a summer interview in her newest venture--JT’s Kandyland Express and Kraft Kaboose--explored some fascinating--and funny-opportunities that have come her way.

An Omaha native, Marilyn graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in medical technology and a focus on chemistry. She parleyed that knowledge into a career as a “med tech”, a collegelevel chemistry teacher at College of St. Mary’s, and the ability to teach “any of the ‘ologies’” at the high school

behaving. They react well and behave better when they’re ‘corralled’ and guided.”

By the time David was off to school full time, Marilyn switched “careers” again and became a full-time volunteer. she served as President of Na’Amat Women (formerly Pioneer Women), a room mother for all of her children at their schools, a computer mom and art teacher’s assistant.

“That gave me an outlet for my creative side,” Marilyn said. She used this talent when planning the joint B’nai Mitzvah of daughter Amy and son Alan. The whole family worked on designing and building a time travel machine at the synagogue (“which sparked some creative juices”).

Marilyn’s creative side was honed during four moves in Omaha, each one letting her explore her talents as a designer and decorator. Not only did she find an affin-

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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“He was in dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City,” Marilyn said with a big smile. They dated while they both finished school and married in January of 1973. “It was a blizzard!” she laughed, “just like when our daughter Amy got married to Andy Raffel during the October snowstorm of 1997.”

In 1973, however, the draft was still being enforced, and the newly graduated dentist had to serve two years in the army. They were off to Fort Ord in Monterey, CA, (“Not a bad place at all,” Marilyn admitted, “In fact, it was quite enjoyable.”) Daughter Amy was born there and Marilyn was pregnant with son Alan when they moved back to Omaha in June of 1975.

So pregnant and with a toddler, Marilyn looked around. “Just to keep busy,” she recalled, “I worked in a gift shop for four hours a day while the kids were little. When they were two- and three-years-old, I started teaching night classes at College of St. Mary.”

There was no day care available then, so Marilyn depended on Steve to watch the kids while she taught college chemistry to nursing and pre-med students. She also taught hematology, microbiology, urine analysis and other subjects at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the Omaha College of Health Careers to students pursuing associates’ degrees in the health professions.

“I didn't have to do this to keep my med tech license,” Marilyn explained, “but to keep my education certificate.

You can’t get out of touch with medicine if you expect to stay current in the field. If you’re out for three to five years, you’ll find all new machines being used.”

In 1979, the Tipp’s youngest son, David was born.

With three under the age of five, Marilyn switched gears, but used her education background to run “Camp Tippi-Ha-Ha.” “This was my own version of keeping my kids and their friends busy,” she said. “I organized field trips to ice cream factories, newspapers, radio and television stations, bottling facilities, potato chip manufacturers-any place I could think of that would take kids. We had a wonderful time, learned a lot, and kept the children busy and entertained.”

With her education skills, Marilyn insisted she “could keep all the kids in two lines, holding hands and

ity for interior design, friends started asking her for help.

When former Omahans Nancy and Ben Laub moved to California, Marilyn went there for a week to hire subcontractors and supervise a complete house remodel. The Laub’s had suffered earthquake damage in their home and the bathrooms hadn’t been updated since the 1950s. Marilyn put together the remodel in seven days, and even though the work continued for a year afterwards, the job was a success.

She owes those skills to her med-tech background, too. “You have to be organized,” she insisted. “It applies to other parts of life, too--like running the day camp for my kids, or planning and decorating the four homes in which we lived.

“Nancy’s house turned out to be as wonderful as she and I had imagined!”

Marilyn distinctly remembers the day a brand new career started. It wasn’t in education, the health professions, or even designing. But the day of the Oklahoma City bombing, April 19, 1995, was the day, Marilyn’s acting career began.

“I used to drive our son Alan to his ‘gigs’ when he was a pre-teen. John Durham ran the agency back then,” Marilyn explained. “One day, years later, Steve and I attended a show at the Firehouse Dinner Theatre and Durham had the lead. He recognized me in the audience and, after the show, asked me to audition for this new young director, Alexander Payne, who was going to film Citizen Ruth in Omaha.”

Marilyn was no stranger to acting. She had appeared in musicals at Central High School as a teenager. In fact, she and her best friend, Sarah Moses, put together an act--Golda and Sylvia--for Central’s 1967 Road Show.

(Years later, Marilyn and Sarah would fix up their kids-Alan Tipp and Sonia Baum--who would later get married. Today, they live in Baltimore, when Alan is an industrial designer.)

Back to the tryouts--Marilyn read for the part of a prochoice reporter. “I was supposed to be irate about getting an interview with the character played by Laura Dern, the lead who was pregnant and didn’t know what to do--have the baby or abort,” Marilyn recalled.

“I screamed, ‘Let me in here! I need to talk to Ruth!’”

Continued on page 10

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The Boy Scout Oath Continued from page 7 Unlike real estate sales people, Tichauer is an Associate Broker. This means he could start his own company; advanced training is required at this level. He works at CBS Home Real Estate and describes it as “a great company and a perfect fit! And, my knowledge comes from over 30 years of ‘hands on’ experience.”

Tichauer can get up every morning knowing that he is living by the scout oath. Between he and his wife, Cathy, an art teacher at St. James School, the cou-

ple has five adult children and Fred has three grandchildren.

By working in real estate, he can help people to realize the American dream.

“Most Americans dream of owning their own homes and of entrepreneurship,” Tichauer concluded. “I educate people about how real estate can be an option for their estate planning. Real estate works for you seven days a week and 24-hours-a-day--whether you are on vacation or not.

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Continued from page 8 Irv considers himself blessed “to have a very loving, caring, beautiful family.”

His children each call at least twice a week, and he also enjoys hearing from his grandchildren. He has many friends in the comfortable retirement community where he and Mildred shared a spacious apartment and where he continues to live alone.

“They took a busload to the cemetery when Mildred passed away,” he recalled.

This past June, to celebrate the milestone 90th birthday of their dear “Papa Irv,” 18 family members joined their guest of honor in Orlando, FL, to visit Epcot Center. Included in the group were Irv’s children and their spouses, his grandchildren, his great granddaughters, and two special nieces. They all had a wonderful time.

“There’s so much to see at Epcot!” he exclaimed. As the family members took turns propelling him around in a wheel-

chair, each wore identical caps proclaiming, “Papa Irv’s 90th” in cheerful cherry letters on a deep sage background.

Over the years, Irv has cultivated his Irv Chudacoff love of music, playing violin and cello. He has read widely, especially in areas of Jewish and general history. He has reached out to those around him with warmth and caring. Morever, he’s developed an understanding of the human heart and mind and has learned what it takes to make people laugh.

Oh, he’s still available for bookings.

Just call him, if you can’t reach his agent!

Open to Anything Continued from page 9 Witherspoon.

In However, Marilyn “ad between, she did comlibbed a little”, adding mercial work in training some expletives to the films, print ads, and small script. When she got a jobs around Omaha. “call back” message, she And again Payne called admitted she didn’t even on Tipp, for a part in know what that meant!

About Schmidt, the critiShe showed up with cally-acclaimed film starother actors and Payne ring Jack Nicholson. walked in. “He’s dropMarilyn was to have dead gorgeous,” Marilyn Marilyn Tipp’s newest venture: auditioned for the part-JT’s Kandyland Express and Kraft later played by Kathy smiled.

Payne had her read Kaboose.

Bates, but Nicholson three times and then asked her to switch insisted on a name actress, so Marilyn to the part of the anti-abortion activist, wound up as “the helpful neighbor” folKathleen. It was a much larger role and lowing the death of Mrs. Schmidt. originally meant for an experienced It’s a good thing, according to Marilyn.

Hollywood character actress. Marilyn “I just don’t know about that hot tub was on the way out the door to drive to scene!” she roared with laughter!

Lawrence, KS, to visit oldest daughter She’s hoping for one more “shot” at Amy, when Payne stopped her, kissed acting with Payne. He plans on shooting her hand and said, “You’re fabulous!” a western in outstate Nebraska and Marilyn forgot about the audition for a Marilyn has her sights set on the role of month and then got a phone call from the madam. “wardrobe” in California asking for sizes.

In the meantime, she’s busy with her She didn’t make the connection until she two grandchildren here, Julia Raffel, age was told where and when to report to four, and Michael Raffel, almost two-start filming. and Camp Tippi-Ha-Ha appears to be The whole episode was “like magic,” back in business. And she’s involved Marilyn admitted. “They whisked me out with long-time friend Jean Tunink, coof my car, put me in a limo, drove me to owner of JT’s Kandyland Express on a trailer with my name on it. We had to 107th and Mockingbird, off “L” St. sign contracts, scramble to get people to According to Marilyn, “Everyone loves watch my kids, schlep them everywhere, a little chocolate.” This new venture and make dinner for them.” brings together her organizational abiliThe scheduling played havoc with her ties, her design talent and her creativity. family life, as sometimes shooting was 5 “I love to create baskets,” she admita.m. to 5 p.m. and other times it was the ted. “This is a fun outlet and a happy reverse. But it only lasted six weeks and medium between babysitting and volunenabled Marilyn to obtain her SAG card teering.”

(Screen Actors Guild) which meant royalShe still trying to maintain that balties--and free health insurance! “I’d work ance in her life, but Marilyn sure seems for free just to get that!” she laughed. to have a lot of fun doing it. Her laughPayne called her back for the part of ter’s infectious when she admits she’s the school secretary in Election, a film open to anything. Whatever that “next shot in Papillion and Dundee, featuring thing” is, Marilyn Tipp will be “having Matthew Broderick and Reese a ball doing it!”

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Coming Out of Cold Storage

by PAM MONSKY Bob Kully’s professional journey from the cold storage warehouse business to financial advisor isn’t as divergent as it first seems. In fact, Kully says his first career gives him an edge in his second. “My strength is combining what I’ve learned from 30 years of running a business with formal financial training to provide better service to my clients,� explained Kully.

Kully’s professional story began right out of college. The Newman family had a building next door to their downtown Hinky-Dinky distribution center. They thought it would make an ideal place for storing produce and other food items that needed to be kept cold or frozen until they were ready to be stocked on the supermarket shelves, and asked Kully to manage it.

After graduating from Cornell University, Kully went right to work running the cold storage warehouse and eventually purchased it. Later, he built a new warehouse in South Omaha, which allowed him to serve the meat packing businesses and others needing refrigerated or frozen storage.

Between 1959 and 1990 Kully successfully built Mid-Continent Cold Storage into a thriving cold-storage company.

The cold storage industry began to change and when a national cold storage company, Millard Refrigerated Services, approached him with an offer to buy him out, Kully accepted. He even ended up working with them for a few years.

After that, Kully began consulting with small companies and businesses, advising them in the construction and operation of warehouses. But it was a chance remark five years ago that set him on a new course. “Someone mentioned that since I’ve always been involved with finances and giving people advice, I should consider getting licensed. It was like a light bulb

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went on over my head!� he smiled. twice) and the Jewish Federation of the mission to point out sights from his “I’ve always felt that as long as I have Omaha Foundation. But the program childhood home. “I never knew the sky the physical and mental ability, I should that made the most far reaching impact was blue until I arrived in Israel at the be productive. The thought of scaling on him, he says was his 1998 trip to age of 10,� Peres told Kully and the othback and working less was unacceptable Minsk. ers. “I only knew grey.� to me. So I took the tests and I passed.�

It was winter and it was cold in the At the time the article was written, the It turned out that Kully was comfort- former Soviet Union. Accompanied by Jewish people had rescued more than able taking the responsibility that comes Federation Director Jan Goldstein and 850,000 Jews from the former Soviet with financial planning. Today, Kully friend and community leader Joe Union. The plan was to settle one milsees himself as a librarlion of them in Israel--and ian-gathering informathey have. tion and making “Every time I think about informed decisions. it,� said Kully, whose family “People have differoriginated in Kulake, near ent issues and goals.

Minsk, “I’m more commitMy job is to consider ted. We have to do everytheir specific interests thing we can to help these and help them make young people remain the best choices for Jewish.� their financial health.

Commitment is a theme My first responsibility is that has run through Bob to listen and fully Kully’s entire life. He recently understand the client’s agreed to serve on yet anothneeds before giving out er committee, the 2004 advice,�

Kully Strategic Planning Commitexplained. tee. Chaired by Norm And advice is a Kully Bob Kully, left, visited Minsk in January of 1998, with Jan Goldstein, former Israeli Sheldon, a Vice-president of strong suit. In his years prime minister Shimon Peres, and Joe Kirshenbaum. the Federation, the commitof volunteer work for the Jewish com- Kirshenbaum, the three were part of a tee will evaluate this community’s last munity, Kully has served as a behind- United Jewish Communities mission-- strategic plan, now nearly 10 years old, the-scenes adviser to a number of organ- three days in Minsk, three days in Israel. and investigate the needs of Jewish izations, including the Federation.

A whirlwind.

Omaha today--and for the next 10 years. “Bob is an ideal board member,�

Kully was impressed with the work the For the sake of his family--wife according to Suzanne Singer. “He not Jewish Agency was doing in Minsk, Connie, two married sons and two maronly comes to meetings fully versed on preparing Jewish teens for a year-long ried daughters, and seven grandchildren, the issues at hand, but he thinks so cre- stay in Israel, separated from their par- as well as for the children and grandatively about new possibilities.� ents, in hopes the whole family would childen of the entire Jewish community, The two currently serve on the board make aliyah.

Kully feels its important to stay involved of directors for the Livingston “These kids are coming to us,� Kully and think out of the box.

Foundation, which has not only grown said in a Feb. 6, 1998, article in the Jewish In his business life, Kully works with the initial fund established by Milton and Press. “They want to learn more about an independent broker-dealer, which Corinne Livingston, but has allocated lit- their heritage, customs and religion. allows him greater flexibility with his erally millions of dollars over the years They’ve been denied that information for time and resources. “I can’t imagine to charitable organizations--in and out of so long...and they’re hungry for it.� doing nothing,� he said with a smile. the Jewish community.

One of their fellow mission partici- “Right now I’m working on new ways to Kully has also served on the boards of pants just happened to be Shimon Peres, incorporate a broader view of the finanthe Jewish Federation of Omaha, its former Prime Minister of the State of cial world into the business world.

Annual Campaign (he was chairman Israel. Born in Minsk, Peres traveled with “I have new ideas all the time.�

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September 10, 2004

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Shelley Eisenman bare“It mushroomed!” ly reaches five feet--and Sam said about her caterthat’s in heels. So when a ing business and she 6’ 2”, 350-lb. “behavior started specializing. “No disordered” teen leans more picnics; it’s cheaper over her and curses, Sam to buy KFC.” She attend(as she’s better known) ed the New Orleans quietly responds, “You Cooking School and must be confused. The became a member of the words you used don’t go Omaha Restaurant together. You used them Association. incorrectly. Please sit “I learned fun things,” down and we’ll start she added. “A local over.”

Chinese eatery let me Sam helps a lot of kids observe in their kitchen, “start over.” She’s the and I became friends Department Head of with the owners of a Special Education at Sam Eisenman is considered a “master teacher” by her principal, French restaurant in Blackburn Alternative her colleagues and her students at Blackburn Alternative School. Ralston. Bill and Cathy High School in the would come with a Omaha Public School Right: Sam Eisenman painstakDistrict. If you’ve never ingly designs a caviar hors heard of Blackburn, it’s ‘doevres, moving the caviar one not unusual--and it’s by one with a toothpick. something Sam wants to correct.

“The community needs to recognize that OPS actually runs an alternative high school,” she insists. “We are the last resort for these kids, many of whom already have “juvie” records or come to us straight from the Douglas County Youth Center.

“There’s no where else for these kids to go.”

So how does a 4’11” middle-aged Jewish woman get these kids to listen?

“It’s not about size or strength or how loud you are,” Sam explains. “It’s not about showing fear or being intimidated. And it is about having expectations from them, wanting them to set goals, and being real.”

After nine years at Blackburn, Eisenman must be doing something right. Not only has she survived each year (no, she doesn’t get “extra combat pay”, a question she’s frequently asked), last spring she was one of 15 winners of the Alice Buffet Outstanding Teacher Awards. Established by financier Warren Buffet to group of us and I’d get to tour the kitchen.” honor his mother, a 35-year teaching veteran, the honor In short order, Sam was teaching five nights a week carries with it a $10,000 award--and $500 worth of at Metro Community College, offering classes in coupons from McDonald’s, which Eisenman is using as Chinese cooking, international, pastries, hors d’oevres, incentives for her students. garnishes and baking. She did everything from creating Since Blackburn is not “your regular high school,” the menus to the curriculum to the actual recipes. She according to Eisenman, and these are “not your average even used Israeli dishes in her international course, students,” she has to do more than teach history, math though the Chinese cooking and the baking classes and English. Sam teaches everything to speaking proper- were her most popular. ly to developing social skills, from how to talk to a potenWhile her daughters were in school, Sam would cook tial employer to how to behave in group settings. and bake for her events, calling her new business Her group of students changes frequently, coming in “Sam’s Party Line.” When they were older, both Jenni and out of “the system,” from DCYC to foster homes, and Tiffany stepped in to help. Wearing uniforms with and from other OPS high schools. She may have just Sam’s insignia, the girls would help her carry all the gotten the noise level in her classroom down to an food and serving dishes to the locale of the event, acceptable level when a new student arrives. “Better serve, and help clean up. Some of her Metro students watch yourself,” one of her students will warn the new- also served as staff, knowing they’d learn valuable comer. “The ‘munchkin’ knows what she’s doing.” skills from a caterer like Sam. Eisenman actually has a background in special edu“Catering is physically demanding,” Eisenman admitcation, earning a degree at the University of Missouri at ted. “You’re on your feet a lot, while you’re cooking, Columbia. She taught in one of the first team-teaching, and then later overseeing the event. Thanksgiving for open-pod settings at 34th and Paseo, the heart of 10 is a big deal to some people...imagine four times Kansas City’s African American neighborhood. that many at a single event!

In fact, she never had a white student until she “You can’t forget a single toothpick,” she added. “Not moved here in 1975. OPS was about to open its first only do you have to bring your food, make sure the hot open-mod Developmental Resource Center (DRC) and food is served hot and the cold food stays cold, but was more than interested in hiring Eisenman to team- you’re stressing out over your staff showing up late, teach at Nathan Hale. At the same time, she taught looking for all your utensils and watching the weather!”

Hebrew at Temple Israel for then assistant rabbi, Rabbi Sam was both the chef and the business manager of Barry Weinstein. her catering company, booking dates, paying accounts She took a little time off to raise daughters, Jenni, receivable, doing the billing, planning the menus and who’s now 26 and lives and works in Kansas City, and doing all the cooking. And because it was seasonal, Tiffany, now 23, who graduated from Boston University “when there was work, it was great,” she insisted, “but last spring and entered the graduate program in Jewish when things were slow, there was no business.”

Communal Service at New York University this month.

So, in the “off season,” Sam built her dream kitchen, But in 1985, a hobby turned into Sam’s second career. planned Tiffany’s Bat Mitzvah, and spotted an ad for a Known as “a fabulous cook,” according to friend Rini “paraprofessional” at Westside High School for a special Gonsher, Sam frequently entertained, throwing every- ed teacher. She interviewed in the morning and was thing from lavish dinner parties to simple picnics. Her hired that afternoon. friends began asking her “to just bring a little someWhile she didn’t need to be recertified (Sam had kept thing,” to their parties. Sam laughed, “It evolved from up with that even while running her catering business), one or two dishes to ‘How would you like to cater my she did go back to the University of Nebraska-Omaha next party?’” to add coursework in behavior disorders to her resume.

Sam began to work with Lucy White at Beth El Westside wanted her as a resource teacher for learning Synagogue and friends like Bill and Cathy Christiansen disabilities; Sam wanted to be back in the classroom. So invited Sam into a bridge club. That led to more contacts; after four years at WHS, she heard about Blackburn her first big ‘gig’ came when Dixon and Dixon hired her Continued on page 16

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Pedal to the Metal: Enjoying the Thrill of Life in the Fast Lane

by JILL BELMONT Raise your hand if you’ve ever wanted to re-invent yourself, follow your passion, do something that makes others wonder if you’re dealing with a full deck --and you don’t care.

Natha Waldbaum, take a bow for accomplishing all of the above.

Waldbaum, a longtime Omahan, wife, mother and community volunteer, found her passion several years ago and enthusiastically chases after it on racetracks around the country. As if years of driving carpools for three children weren’t enough, Waldbaum took up race-car driving, and with many miles under her belt, has more than earned her nickname, “Track Queen.”

Waldbaum competes in road-course racing, which differs significantly from NASCAR racing, she explained. In the latter, cars follow an oval-shaped track, always turning in one direction; in roadcourse racing, the driver --racing a street car that has been re-built for the challenge--must maneuver different turns and curves throughout the course.

Waldbaum describes it by saying, “Imagine taking out all the houses, fire hydrants and street signs from a residential area, then driving around like a maniac.”

She added that in road-course, “you have to know how to set up for the corners, how to come in and go out and do it the fastest, plus you’re dealing with traffic and your competitors, and you’re fighting for that first position.”

Waldbaum holds track records at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan., and at the Mid-America Motorplex in Pacific Junction, Iowa.

The sport of racing has traditionally been dominated by men; yet she will go wheel to wheel with anyone, and has earned the respect of her peers.

In 2002 and 2003, she was awarded the Nebraska Region Sports Car Club of A m e r i c a ( S C C A ) Outstanding National Competition Driver of the Year--the first woman to receive it since 1974 and the first woman to receive the award twice.

An admitted mechanical junkie since she was a young girl, Waldbaum says she always had an affinity for fast cars.

After driving a sports car and then shifting into “mini-van world” as a young mother, the itch returned for another sports car, she said. When husband

ing school in Phoenix, as well as a driving school in Ohio. Following her first race in Topeka in 1998, Waldbaum became hooked on life in the fast lane.

John brought home a high-performance Mustang Saleen, “that’s all it took. It came home and never went back.”

She attended a high-performance rac-

Above: Baby, I Can Drive My Car--Natha Waldbaum displays her lean, mean racing machine, a bright yellow 2003Corvette Z06.

Continued on page 16

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September 10, 2004

A “Light Bulb Moment”

by OZZIE NOGG What makes Evie Mitchell work so hard? Who motivated and inspired her to succeed, and eventually switch gears?

Maybe it was the High School teacher who told her she had the smarts to do anything she wanted to do, become a doctor if she chose. Or perhaps it was Evie’s mother who returned to college as an adult. “When I was old enough to care for my brother and sister,” Evie says, “my mother went back to school--at night and during the summers--and received her B.A. and became a third grade teacher.

Then, in 1962, she and I both graduated on the same day--mom with her Masters of Education degree from Salem State, and me with my B.A. from Brandeis. It would have been nice to celebrate that double accomplishment with a party or something,” Evie adds with a smile, “but we had to rush home from campus so we could take my younger brother to his Talmud Torah confirmation.”

Evie Mitchell is a small, feisty woman with a strong work ethic. The Haverhill, Massachusetts, native is also charmingly blunt and speaks candidly about the circumstances and people who helped shape and influence her life.

“I hated babysitting for my brother and sister so my mother could go to classes, but I was very proud that she persevered and got her degree. Back then most women didn’t work, and my father didn’t see why she wanted to get her degree or have a job. On graduation day, my mother opted to miss her actual graduation ceremony so that she could attend mine. She said it was much more important for her to see me get my diploma. I still have a small black and white snapshot of my mother and me in our caps and gowns...”

This many years after the fact, Evie allows herself a quick flashback and admits that her freshman year at Brandeis was unexpectedly difficult. “At Haverhill High, I was always good at math, and my goal was to be a high school math teacher. So when I got to Brandeis, I enrolled in the prerequisite classes. Several of my fellow students were from the Bronx School of Science and other high-powered New York private

schools, and they’d benefited from taking many advanced placement mathematics classes. My public school background left me sorely lacking. I failed that first course.”

Devastated, Evie “cried and cried and was frustrated that whole semester. Math had always been so easy for me. This was the first time I didn’t get an ‘A’ and I wasn’t mentally prepared to not be good at something. On top of that, one of my Brandeis roommates was Ann Landers’ daughter, Margo Lederer. Margo was much

Evie and Stanley Mitchell more sophisticated and worldly than I. Add that to my math failure and all in all, it was a tough time.”

But life soon improved. At the end of her freshman year Evie took a job as a counselor at a Jewish summer camp in New Hampshire. “That’s where I met Stan Mitchell--a short male counselor looking for a short female. On our days off, we’d go to the beach, and when we weren’t on duty we’d spend evenings together.” At the end of the summer Stan left for Israel, but the couple corresponded faithfully, resumed their relationship when Stan returned, and were engaged at the end of Evie’s senior year.

By then, the arc of Evie’s career and personal life was becoming clear. “After my freshman math failure fiasco, I turned to biology with a major in General Science. So when I graduated from Brandeis I had to choose-- would

I pursue a graduate degree at Harvard or start teaching? I didn’t want to wait more than a year to get married, so in the fall of 1962 I took a biology teaching job at Haverhill High, the school from which I’d graduated.”

Over the next 10 years, the Mitchells welcomed their daughters--Naomi, Ruth, and Renee--and Evie traded teaching for volunteer work for Hadassah and Temple Sisterhood in Danvers, Massachusetts.

In the fall of 1973, Evie returned to the classroom with a part-time position teaching sixth, seventh and eighth grade science at the Hillel Academy Day School in Swampscott, MA. “It was an interesting year, logistically speaking,” she recalls. “Our kids went to public school in Danvers, but to Hebrew School in Salem, where Stan was principal of Temple Shalom. My job was in Swampscott. Each day was a blur of car-pooling from one town to the other.

On top of this, I was also working toward my Masters Degree in Education at Salem State College. I’d meet myself coming and going. It was a dizzy time.”

By 1974--following Stan’s job advancements across the country--the Mitchell family was in Omaha where Stan had been hired as Education Director at Beth El Synagogue. “I’d planned to be a stay-at-home-mom until the girls were older,” Evie says. “But Stan needed help at Beth El, so for a couple years I filled in with part time teaching--Jewish history, Jewish prophets, ethics, Jewish heroes.”

Then in 1977, Evie spotted an ad in the World Herald for a part-time biology teacher. “The opening was at Mercy High, an all-girls’ Catholic school. When I went to interview, I explained that I was Jewish, but my religion was a non-issue, and I got the job.” The following year Evie took a full-time position at Mercy teaching both biology and chemistry, and soon added anatomy and physiology to her course load.

“Teaching at Mercy was very fulfilling,” Evie says.

“The school was small, like a family. Everyone accepted me and vice-versa. The faculty and students were very tolerant. We learned about each other’s religions, and there was never any question about me taking off for each and every Jewish holiday.”

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Coming Full Circle

by OZZIE NOGG gregations in the area, and I made some important conStanley Mitchell’s journey from Jewish educator and tacts. school administrator to a position with the Nebraska “By then I’d also earned a Masters of Education in Department of Labor began in the Boston suburb of Supervision, Administration and Guidance from Salem Winthrop where Stan, 63, grew up with a strong Judaic State College, so I felt confident that an even more fulbackground, a flair for languages, and a passion for the filling position was out there.”

Red Sox and Celtics.

When Stan decided it was time to leave Salem and “I attended Winthrop High and Prozdor--the High move on, the Temple Shalom Board of Directors gave School Division at Hebrew Teachers College--simulta- him a proclamation. “That proclamation included a neously,” Stan says. “At Winthrop, I belonged to the phrase which I cherish to this day ‘never yielding to the French Club, the Latin Honor Society, and won a pressures of community opinion, when a fundamental national prize in Latin. At Prozdor I studied the normal principle of education was involved.’ It was heartstuff--grammar, literature, Torah, Talmud, history, warming to know that they recognized and respected prophets--but the classes were all in Hebrew.” what I was doing, even if they may not always have And Hebrew was the language Stan used in his vale- agreed with me.” dictory speech when he graduated, at 12, from Talmud In 1974, Stan threw his hat in the national job ring, Torah. He admits to being over zealous, academically. and offers came in, including one from Beth El. “Jerry At the end of his junior year at Winthrop, Stan was #1 Gordman called me at 10 p.m. one night, asked me to in his class. “But then,” he says with a smile, “I relaxed just listen, and proceeded to talk for the next 45minutes a bit in my senior year and ended up graduating in the about the joys of Beth El and Omaha. top 10 of 200+ students.”

When I hung up I said to Evie, ‘Get out the Atlas.

When Stan wasWhere the n’t studying, he heck is Omaha, was shooting Nebraska?’ hoops. “I had quick “We found it-reflexes, stamina, right in the strong legs and crease between anticipation -a regtwo pages of ular Larry Bird, but the map. I was only five feet tall.” an Easterner His height not through and withstanding, Stan through.

I’d caught the attennever been tion of coaches west of the who’d seen him Hudson. I loved play intramural growing up in sports.

Boston, but I “The Boston U. didn’t like--and soccer coach asked still don’t like-me to try out for big cities. I his team. I much knew in my preferred baseball heart that a big and basketball but The extended Mitchell family, front row: Ruth Lesser, left, with Hannah, Evie city--especially was realistic Mitchell, Naomi Mitchell with Alex Gornish, Renee Rod; back row: Paul Lesser, left, New York with enough to under- Stan Mitchell, Eddie Gornish, and Adam Rod. the evil stand that with my build I’d never be a star for the Red Yankees--wasn’t for me.

Sox or Celtics. Pro ball was not in the cards. At college “So I flew to Omaha -it was my first plane trip--and I needed to concentrate on my strengths.” interviewed for the Beth El job. I was hired as And so, in typical multi-tasking fashion, Stan simulta- Education Director, and Marty Wolf, who was chairman neously attended Hebrew Teachers College--where he of the synagogue School Board, became my mentor,” earned his Bachelor of Jewish Education degree in he explains. “I was blessed to have Gloria Kaslow as 1961, after studying at Hebrew University in Jerusalem my Curriculum Committee chairman for many years, for a year--and Boston U., where he was awarded his and also had the good fortune to work with Rabbi B.A. in Romance Languages and Literature in 1963.

Kripke as his career wound down. All in all, Omaha “Since Judaism was an integral part of my life and my and Beth El were a perfect fit for me, Evie and our Jewish education was advanced, a Judaic teaching job three young daughters.” seemed like a good career choice. But I enjoyed lanAs Beth El’s Education Director, Stan taught Talmud guages, too, so I also considered becoming an inter- Torah and Hebrew High classes, led Junior preter--perhaps at the UN.” Congregation services and used his administrative skills Soon, Stan was offered two positions. One to teach to work with the synagogue board, committees, faculty French in a high school foreign language lab in North and parents. He built both a first-rate curriculum and an Andover, MA, and another in the Hebrew School at outstanding faculty. So why, after 20 years, did he Temple Sinai in Marblehead. No coin-flipper, he used decide to leave a career at which he’d been so suclogic to make the choice. cessful? Did it have anything to do with the words on “I reasoned that there were lots of people who could the proclamation from Salem--“never yielding to the teach French, but I was in a select group who could pressures of community opinion, when a fundamental teach Hebrew and contribute to Jewish life and cul- principle of education was involved”? ture.” Then Stan had an eye-opening conversation with “Beth El had been good to us,” he admits. “It had the principal of the high school where he’d student- been good for me. Just as in Salem, I considered myself taught French. “He asked me what benefits the syna- part of the synagogue family, not just a hired hand. I gogue job offered. I told him I’d enjoy working in a loved the administrative work--the budgets, arranging Jewish environment, teaching Hebrew, and being able Shabbatonim, researching curricular material, providing to have Jewish holidays off. The principal said, ‘No, no. support for teachers.

Benefits--like health insurance, pension, retirement.’ I “But over the years I grew tired of the daily quibbling had no idea what he was talking about, but the bene- among students, the homework not done, the books fits I derived were the important ones for me.” forgotten, having to find replacements for faculty memFor 10 years, Stan worked as the School Director at bers, parents who felt extra-curricular activities were Temple Shalom in Salem. “That position provided me more important than school attendance. an early career break and opened valuable networking “Some parents asked for concessions,” he recalls. doors. During that time I served as President of the “For example, they wanted me to bend the rules and North Shore Jewish Educators Council, an organization change the requirements for Hebrew High graduation. comprised of the school directors in Conservative con- Continued on page 17

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Teaching from the Heart Continued from page 12 Alternative School in OPS. The principal hired her on the spot.

“I found my niche,” Sam insisted.

But teaching at Blackburn--first located at 72nd and Blondo, then 26th and Hamilton, 52st and ‘F’ and back to 30th and Spaulding--isn’t the same as the kind of teaching Eisenman encountered in Kansas City. And she isn’t the same person she was then, either, fresh out of college.

“I had a difficult childhood,” Sam admitted. “I had to make it on my own and didn’t have a support system.

These kids have to survive drugs, drive-by shootings, sexual predators. I have compassion for them, but I’m also going to challenge them. I’ve got high expectations and I usually get results.”

Cathy Christiansen would agree. “If teaching these students were not enough of a load, Sam does the job so well and her reports and paperwork are so exceptional that she was asked to be responsible for BD/SpEd (Behavior Disabled/ Special Education students) at Blackburn ...with no title or raise in salary...only pure dedica- Above: At the 2004 Buffet Awards, Shelley “Sam” Eisenman tion and love of the job gets a hug from financier Warren Buffet. Below: Sam designed her “dream kitchen” in her home for her catering business. and her ‘bad’ boys.”

In the booklet published by the Buffet Another friend, Nancy Rampey Binamow added, “Our first project Foundation for the 2004 Awards, one together involved the development of student’s letter was quoted: “Ms. Blackburn’s ‘level’ system. She was the Eisenman is like a mother to me. She strength and, when we needed it, the helped me get back in school. She’s push behind the project. During the always helping other kids with their summer of 2003, OPS sent Sam and me work and their home. She’s a wonderful to Chicago. I realized that Ms. Eisenman teacher.”

After a semester’s absence due to a had developed this unique style of teaching within her classroom years ago; broken leg, Eisenman returned to Blackburn to find new students in her she is a most remarkable woman.”

“I love kids,” Sam said quietly, “and I classroom, smirking and looking her love teaching them. I guess, even when over. One of the new students who didI was catering, I never strayed far from n’t know her remarked to her, “Oh, that teaching. You have to want your stu- little teacher--she’s so mean. She’ll never dents to learn something in order to make it.”

Sam responded, “You mean Ms. achieve goals. Size or trying to outwit Eisenman? She’s here to stay!” them doesn’t matter.”

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Continued from page 13 She has participated in races throughout the Midwest, and competes every year in the national championships known as “the Olympics of Motor Sports”--the Valvoline Runoffs, held in Lexington, Ohio, at Mid-Ohio Raceway.

While traveling, she is accompanied by her husband and her mechanic; home base is a large motor home, which also tows her car from race to race. In 2003, Waldbaum participated in 16 races; this season, she’ll compete in eight races in five different towns.

Her sons, ages 20, 17 and 11, “go with the flow” of her travel schedule, and are nonchalant about telling people that their mom is a race-car driver, Waldbaum said. On the other hand, she said “their friends think it’s so cool, they spend more time talking to me when they come over!”

She joked that upon coming home from school one day, one son found her in the garage and asked, “Mom, shouldn’t you be inside baking cookies?” Her response: “Once I’m done with this brake job, I’ll go in and bake cookies.”

Being intricately familiar with every nut, bolt, and safety feature of her cars is essential to Waldbaum, and she is able to rattle off detailed information about all aspects of her newest car, a year-old yel-

low Corvette Z06. Possessing a complete understanding of her vehicle is essential to racing success, she said, adding, ”Nobody really understands what it takes to get to this level [competing nationally]. There’s so much mental work, physical work and training--it’s half car, half driver.”

Waldbaum’s passion does not end with the wave of the checkered flag. In addition to competing, she is the road course director and chief instructor at the MidAmerica Motorplex, a racing complex offering road-course driving, a drag-racing strip, karting and bike programs, as well as defensive-driving courses for law enforcement and the public.

The track, which opened two years ago, “is like having Disney World in your backyard,” she said.

Her focus and dedication are genuine. Committed to this sport, following her passion, Waldbaum says she’ll continue racing as long as she’s able.

So, while many 40-somethings contemplate their careers or their next vacation destination, Waldbaum will contemplate taking curves at 80 miles an hour, and in the process, have the time of her life.

Oh, and by the way, if you’d like to check out her web site, you’ll find her at-where else?--www.Trackqueen.com!

September 10, 2004

7808 L Street

Page 17

A “Light Bulb Moment”

Full Circle continued from page 16 But I always felt that Beth El’s school provided a worthwhile, viable product, and we could demand high standards and enforce them. So I stood my ground.

“Eventually, though, the negatives do start wearing a person down, like Chinese water torture. The slow drip, drip, drip carves its image into even the hardest rock. At some point one has to turn off the faucet or replace the washer.”

When Stan decided the time had come to change careers, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. “With my reputation for organization and efficiency, it seemed logical to look for an administrative or managerial position in education or business.

And with my proven track record and the networking I had in the Jewish community, I thought I’d have no problem finding a job. Wrong-O! “A few people were very helpful-especially Howard Kaslow, Lee Gendler and Alan Baer--but I found myself competing for work with a lot of other men who had years of corporate experience on their resumes. It wasn’t easy.”

For about a year, Stan worked parttime in the Clinical Research Department at Boys Town. During this same period he joined Experience Unlimited, a selfhelp networking organization of unemployed and underemployed professional, managerial and technical people.

“Through them, I learned of an opening with the Nebraska Department of Labor; for the past 81/2 years I’ve worked in the Intake Unit, registering people who have applied for unemployment” Stan explains.

“My official title is Employment Specialist.

Much of what I needed to know came from on-the-job training. But with a Masters in Counseling, a background in education, and experience with hiring, supervising and evaluating, I pretty much hit the ground running.”

As part of his responsibilities, Stan provides information on job opportunities, reviews resumes, and refers applicants for additional assistance or training. “Needless to say we’ve been extremely busy these last few years. This job has exposed me to a side of life I’d never experienced. I think it’s made me more appreciative.”

Though this current job may seem far

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

removed from his former work, Stan believes it fits his old persona. “By helping others, and helping them help themselves, this job gives me another opportunity to put my Jewish values into action. It’s also given me a chance to be a representative and teacher of Judaism to colleagues who don’t know many, if any, Jews, and who have minimal understanding of Jewish beliefs.

“I’ve grown from this experience,” he admits, “and it’s made me a better person, but I recognize that my place is really in the Jewish community. I now sit on the Jewish Press Committee, and in the past couple years I’ve assumed an increased role at Beth El. “And on Shabbat mornings you’ll find me--once again--helping pre-B’nai Mitzvah students prepare to lead services. I seem to have come full circle.”

When musing about the choices he’s made in life, Stan often thinks of his maternal grandmother. “When I was growing up, my Bubbe lived with us,” he explains. “She spoke no English and spent most of her waking hours reading Yiddish stories. While she read Sholom Aleichem and Yehudah Leib Peretz, I’d watch the Red Sox games on our round nine-inch black-and-white TV. On those rare occasions when the Sox won, I’d jump up and yell, ‘Bubbe, the Red Sox won!’ and she’d ask, ‘Iz is geet far dem yiddin?’--is it good for the Jews?

“At the time, I thought she was completely out of touch with reality, narrowly focused on all things Jewish. But she actually had it right. And those seeds of Yiddishkeit were planted in me, and influenced me to become a Jewish educator.”

When he discusses his current work, Stan Mitchell speaks in the language of gardening, one of his hobbies. “In this job, in education and teaching, there’s the same problem. You try to help people, but you don’t always know the results. It’s likely you’ll never know.

“You hope to plant seeds that will germinate. Some flowers are annuals, some are perennials. Some need constant sun and water and attention. And some will do well on their own. If my Bubbe could see me now, she’d realize that the seeds she planted in me did flourish.”

continued from page 14 ized. “I knew if I dared to take a risk, After a few years, Evie was appointed those options were available to me, too.” chairperson of the science department That’s when Evie chose to become a and served as the National Honor medical technologist. “The students and Society co-sponsor. “I wanted to see teachers at Mercy were very disappointeach girl succeed,” Evie explained, “and ed when I left, but after 15 years, I needI spent many hours during lunch and ed a new challenge.” Two years later--in after school working with individual stu- 1993 -she graduated with a BS in dents. For me, education was more than Medical Technology from the University just subject matter. Education meant of Nebraska Medical Center. educating the whole person. It wasn’t Evie’s decision to switch careers met just memorization but application. Yes, I with mixed reviews. “As I said, Stan was emphasized learning the content of biol- very supportive. My mother thought I ogy and chemistry, but always as a was nuts to give up a job without having means toward bettering oneself.” another one. My children supported my The Mercy High administration decision, too, and if they thought I was encouraged Evie to develop a modern, nuts, they never said it. They knew that forward thinking curriculum. “I designed when I was teaching I hadn’t been able out-of-the-box lab experiments that to spend as much time with them as I made the students think in ways relevant should have. My friends thought I was to their lives. The girls learned chemical very brave to change careers at my age, concepts by using ordinary though some felt I was makitems like antifreeze and ing a mistake because I was a baking soda. They made good teacher.” their own soap and hand Evie Mitchell has worked as cream, challah and mayona medical technologist for 11 naise, all to illustrate comyears, first at Bergan Mercy mon chemical principles.

Hospital and currently at Science became a living Immanuel Hospital. By now experience for them. They she realizes that the job--in its loved it, learned a lot and own way--is as demanding as Evie Mitchell had fun.” teaching. “I’m usually up at For her efforts, Evie won two Cooper 6:30 a.m., but my day can begin as early Foundation Awards for Excellence in as 4 a.m., doing blood counts, chemistry Teaching. “Winning the awards was profiles, urinalysis, microbiology and exciting,” Evie says, “but even more blood bank. We have short turn around exciting was watching students learn times on most testing, so the job can be and get turned on to science.” Exciting extremely stressful. And when the volbut exhausting. ume of work is high and each doctor “Teaching was so demanding that there thinks his or her cases should receive was no time to have a life. I used to say, priority, the stress level can skyrocket. ‘thank goodness for vacations’ because “Also, the lab is a 24/7 operation--techthen I could finally be with my family, or nicians have to show up on weekends clean the house or get some rest.” As she and holidays. I work every third weekapproached 50, Evie became increasingly end, which prevents me from going to frustrated. “I talked to Stan about making services on Shabbat. I left teaching to a change, and he said he’d support what- have more time for myself, but maybe ever I decided to do.”

I’m just not built that way,” she says with Around that time, two events collided. a smile. “My work ethic is based on how “I attended a seminar on risk taking led I was brought up, on the ethical Judaic

by Marti Rosen-Atherton. And then I lessons I was taught. I feel that when took my senior students on a field trip to you’re paid to do a job, you do what UNMC to show them the career options needs to be done. You do what’s right.” available to them in medicine.

Now we understand why Evie Mitchell “It was a light bulb moment,” she real- works so hard.

Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

It’s a Win-Win Situation for the Foundation’s Endowment Director

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “I go home most days knowing this job, most likely my last job before retirement, is the one that has given me the most satisfaction in my 36-year professional career,” said Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Ricks, originally from Omaha, came back here in 1998 when he replaced Sheldon Bernstein, who retired, as director of the Foundation. Ricks and his wife Iris were living in Thousand Oaks, California, at that time. He was the chief financial officer/controller of Coyle Reproductions, Inc., one of the top ten screen printers of point-of-purchase signs and banners in terms of sales in the United States. Marty and Iris, both with two children from previous marriages, raised all four of their youngsters in California.

A graduate of Omaha Central High School and the University of Oklahoma where he majored in accounting, Ricks “didn’t feel that was the direction I wanted to go in” when he graduated. “I thought I’d try law,” he said and went on to earn a degree in law from Creighton University.

However, after law school, Ricks again changed direction, because “the money was in accounting,” and he joined Price Waterhouse & Company in Century City, California, where he worked from 196974. He went on to become an assistant tax manager and then pension manager with Monogram Industries in Santa Monica, California, from 1974-81.

From there, he joined Acorn Paper Products Company, Inc., in Los Angeles

Above: Marty Ricks, Foundation Director and his assistant, Laurie Peatrowsky; right: Marty and Iris Ricks. as controller. His responsibilities included managing the accounting, personnel, and employee benefits, property and casualty insurance, retirement plans and investments, credit and collections, government compliance, and tax planning.

In 1982, Ricks began a long period of active service in his synagogue in Thousand Oaks, Temple Adat Elohim.

That year, he was elected treasurer of the congregation. In 1992, Ricks returned to Omaha to work with his sister Jan Schneiderman and her husband, Les, and to serve as general manager of KB Foodservice Mart.

Returning to California in 1994, he assisted in planning and coordinating a capital campaign to raise additional funds for a new building for Temple Adat Elohim. He had been president of the congregation from 1989 to 1991 and personally secured at least one-third of the building pledges.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy New Year.

“During my term, Iris was also on the board of directors as personnel practices chairperson, and at other times, both of my kids, Jennifer and Marc, served as the youth group representative,” Marty mentioned.

“We still have a close relationship with Alan Greenbaum who is the rabbi there,” said Ricks who is also a member of Temple Israel in Omaha. Marty and Iris return to Thousand Oaks about twice a year, and “we almost always attend Friday night services when we go back.” Marty was honored as Person of the Year in 1993 by the congregation in Thousand Oaks.

“My last two corporate jobs in California working for medium-size, family-owned companies provided a good amount of stress because of the competitive nature of the business,” Ricks explained, adding that he worked for

“wonderful, generous families.”

“My goal here at the Foundation is to make this a stronger community now and in the future by raising permanent funds that will supplement the Federation annual campaign which will provide continued income for all of our centers of excellence or agencies,” he stated.

At the Foundation, Ricks oversees, with the help of others, a 55-million dollar portfolio that has doubled in size since he has been the executive director.

“We’re now possibly the second largest Jewish Federation Foundation in the United States in terms of endowment dollars per Jewish resident,” he noted.

“As the director of the Foundation,” Ricks said, “it is important to be a financially oriented person. My accounting background taught me to be very detailed and exact and those are two characteristics that are critical” as he and his assistant, Laurie Peatrowsky, track and administer almost 300 individual funds of the Foundation.

“What was ingrained in me by my parents is to treat everyone with dignity and to respect the privacy and anonymity of those who request it,” Ricks continued.

“In my day-to-day dealing with the Jewish community, I’ve learned to give the same time and energy to somebody interested in opening a $5000 endowment (the Foundation’s minimum donation to start a fund) compared to someone who has the capacity to establish a $100,000 endowment.”

Continued on page 23

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Other Lives

by CAROL KATZMAN Omaha seems to be a leader in attracting capable staff Editor of The Jewish Press from outside the non-profit world.

For many on staff at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Omaha’s produced a number of rabbis--including Jan and its Centers of Excellence, working in the field of Goldstein’s son, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi of Tifereth Israel Jewish communal service was not even on their radar. in Des Moines. Omaha natives Stephanie DePorte, “I was sure that I would work on Wall Street in the Tiffany Eisenman and Jen Gates are all in graduate finance industry,” said Sharon Kirshenbaum, Young school, working on master’s degrees in Jewish commuLeadership Director for the JFO. An economics major in nal service. Stephanie was a Wexner Scholar and is college, she worked for JP Morgan in their trading pursing a degree at Hebrew Union College; Tiffany department and Banque Paribas and Citibank in New interned at the ADL and started NYU last week, while York in the field of investments. When she moved to Jen worked her way through UNO as a Production Omaha in 1992, she was a portfolio manager in the Assistant for the Jewish Press and is in her second year Trust Department at First National Bank. of a three-year program at Brandeis.

While Kirshenbaum’s story is intriguing, it’s no longer JFO Exec Goldstein hopes more young people will unique in the Jewish community. In fact, a number of follow their lead. She points to FEREP (Federation employees at the Federation, the Anti-Defamation Executive Recruitment and Education Program), which League, Jewish Educational and Library Services, the offers graduate school scholarships to particular proJewish Community Center and even the Jewish Press have come from other fields and diverse industries.

It’s a trend that is being repeated across the United States. Volunteers who were involved in Jewish organizational life at the highest level are taking their leadership training and using it as a springboard for full-time careers in Jewish communal service.

Others, realizing the competitive nature of the corporate world, see working for a Jewish institution as an option that includes time off for Jewish holidays--and a chance to give back to the community.

Take Julee Katzman, for example.

She started out as a speech and drama major in college; today, she’s the Assistant Director of the Federation.

“Right after college, I took an entry level position in the Admissions and Records office at Metropolitan Community College,” she explained.

“I held a number of positions there, including my final one as Director of Admissions, Records and Special Men and women who have brought their experiences from the business world and Programs.” academia to the Jewish Federation include: Debbie Zweiback, left, ADL Assistant When her son Jacob was born in Director; Julee Katzman, Assistant Director of the Federation; Jewish Press 1984, she left Metro to stay home as a Advertising Manager Allan Handleman; Sharon Kirshenbaum, Director of Young full-time mom. But she also became a Leadership and the Men’s Campaign; Denise Ipock, Membership Services “nearly full-time volunteer,” serving as Director for the Jewish Community Center; and, kneeling, Gary Katz, Women’s Campaign Chairman, as a Administrator of the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. member of the Federation Board and on its Strategic Planning and Budget and Allocation grams at some of the country’s most prestigious uniCommittees. When Jan Goldstein (see sidebar on next versities in exchange for a two-to-three year commitpage) became Executive Director of the Federation in ment to work in the Jewish federation system.

1998, Julee took “a very part-time position”, which “Come talk to me about a career in Jewish communal eventually became a fulltime. service,” Goldstein says in her own words on page 23.

Mary Sue Grossman is the newest staff member of the Though Janie Murow has worked in the competitive Federation family of agencies. She started four months corporate world and owned her own business, she’s ago as the administrative director of JELS, but, like very excited about her position at the Federation.

Sharon Kirshenbaum, her background is in banking “After we sold MJ Java, I began to volunteer in the and finance. community,” Murow explained. “I was asked to sit on “With my exposure to the various positions in the the Federation’s newcomer committee. Wonderful ideas bank while attending college, my goal at graduation were coming from this group on how to grow Jewish was to work as a commercial loan officer,” Grossman Omaha. Unfortunately, there were no staff resources recalled. She was promoted to the position of assistant available to implement the ideas. commercial loan officer.

“I approached Jan Goldstein and suggested a staff “After serving as a commercial loan officer for sever- person be hired to begin to develop this program. It al months, I found that I simply did not enjoy the took time, but Jan was able to put the pieces in place work,” she admitted. “I stayed in banking for another for the position. I applied for the job and got it! I waseight years, however, working in banking operations n’t formally trained for the position, but my marketing management and research and development. Since and MBA degrees, as well as my business experience commercial lending is considered one of the pinnacles with General Electric and MJ Java provided the backin banking, I am probably one of a handful of individ- ground I needed to begin developing the department.” uals to move from commercial lending to bank operaMurow stopped working at GE when her first child, tions!

Rebecca, was born. Several years later, and with three During the time she was at home raising her three children, she and her husband, Allan Murow began children: Sarah, Josh and Daniel, she provided business developing the business plan for the coffee business, support services and desktop publishing services for MJ Java, that ultimately brought them back to Omaha non-profit organizations. “I enjoyed the human focus in 1993. They ran it with partners, Marilyn and Harvey that these organizations provided and the flexibility in Konigsberg, for seven years, operating a coffee café addressing problems,” she added. But after returning to and seven coffee cart locations around Omaha, as well the full-time work world--in which she made the deci- as roasting coffee beans for distribution to restaurants sion not to go back to banking--she found herself dis- and grocery stores. satisfied with the bottom line focus.

Sometimes the change comes because the demands “When I had the opportunity to join JELS in the of a current field are too complicated. Kirshenbaum administrator’s position, I was thrilled,” Grossman chose not to pursue banking in Omaha because in admitted. order for her to advance in the investments industry, All of the people interviewed for this article were she had to become a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). happy about their moves into the world of Jewish com- This is a series of three exams that involves home study munal service. Though fewer and fewer young Jewish and takes a minimum of three years. men and women appear to be entering the field, Continued on page 21

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

Other Lives Continued from page 20 “It was a major commitment,” she admitted, “and I decided I needed a change and did not want to continue in finance.” So she became involved in Jewish communal work--again through Jan Goldstein.

“As soon as I moved to Omaha, I began to volunteer for the Women’s Campaign,” Kirshenbaum said. “Jan was then Women’s Division Director. She knew I was looking for a change in careers and encouraged me to apply for the archivist’s position at the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. I did and worked at the NJHS for about 18 months.

“I learned a lot about the Omaha Jewish community,” she added, “and met a lot of people. Mary Fellman is an amazing person from whom to learn and by working on this campus, I learned more about the organized Jewish community.”

While Pam Monsky didn’t get her feet wet in the Jewish world of non-profits, she was the Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Realizing how much she enjoyed working in the non-profit sector, she found she could use all of her skills.

“Plus,” Monsky explained, “the work was always interesting!”

About two years after the birth of her daughter, Rachael, in 1989, she returned to teaching and continued subbing for a couple of years because it gave her flexibility with her family.

“I soon grew bored,” she admitted, “and applied for the Federation Communications Director job after seeing an ad in the Jewish Press in 1996.

The position has been a dream come

true and allows me to be crethe majority of Jewish ative in a way I never was Omaha realizes what a gem able to before.” we have up here on 132nd Flexibility was something Street,” Pred added.

Press Advertising Manager While Gary Katz’s position Allan Handleman was lookas Administrator of the ing for as well. Growing up in Kripke Jewish Federation his family’s grocery business, Library is related to his colhe assumed he’d spend the lege major--English literarest of his life, “behind the ture--he had no aspirations deli counter,” he laughed, to be a librarian, though he “even after I moved over to did work as an editor for a Baker’s!” But driving out to company in Des Moines Fremont at 2 a.m. to cover for that photocopied and the deli manager who didn’t rebound irreplaceable come in was not library books. His first posiHandleman’s idea of a job tion on this campus, howevthat allowed family time. er was in the youth depart“I’m someone who wants to ment. be involved with my family at “I was teaching literature every level,” he insisted. A at Creighton University and coach for both his daughter’s Pam Monsky, seated left, Mary Sue Grossman and Janie Murow, standing, Metropolitan Community and son’s sports’ teams, have all brought skills and experiences learned in other venues to their jobs College and saw an ad in Handleman actually sought at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Monsky is JFO’s Communication the Jewish Press for a Jewish out the job at the Press. He Director; Grossman is the Administrator for Jewish Educational and Programming Assistant-started as an account execu- Library services; and Murow is JFO’s Director of Community Development. working with BBYO, tive and when Advertising Manager Larry Pred, who once owned The Wardrobe, a Specialty Camp, and Cultural Arts,” he Axelrod died suddenly in February of high-end men’s clothing store, has said. “In college in Des Moines, Iowa, I worked in retail most of his life. Prior to worked as a counselor at Camp Shalom 2001, Handleman took his place.

“I was a little nervous at first,” he selling ads at the Press, he was a mem- during the summers and ran the Jewish admitted, “but I love meeting new peo- ber of the sales team at the Nebraska Basketball League for kids. I enjoyed ple and selling them on the Jewish com- Furniture Mart. working with kids and felt comfortable “Selling is selling,” Pred said. “Of working in a Jewish setting so I applied munity--and of course, advertising in the Press! It’s surprising to me that so many course, it’s a lot easier when you’ve got for the job. still don’t know that a Jewish communi- as good a product as we have,” he “I worked with Rachel Blum for a year ty even exists here, but for me, it’s an smiled. and had a fantastic time,” he added.

One of the “perks” of working on this “Afterwards, I took a new position workopportunity to tell them ‘our story’. And campus, both men admitted, was the ing in the Kripke Library and have been then, when they come to my office on opportunity to take advantage of what here for two-plus years. I love my job this amazing campus, they’re really the JCC and other agencies have to offer, working in the library and helping everyimpressed!” from swimming laps to learning with a one in the community.”

Handleman also hired another former rabbi in the Kripke Library.

“I don’t think Continued on page 22 retailer, Ray Pred, as account executive.

Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Other Lives Continued from page 21 The JCC’s Member Services Director, Denise Ipock, not only started out working in Omaha, but returned after a nine-year stint in Cincinnati, OH. Her background in teaching and social work has provided her with people-oriented skills so important to her latest position.

“During my youth, I really enjoyed working with children, and decided to pursue a career in education,” she explained. “I received a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from UNL, and began my career as a teacher with the Head Start Program in Omaha. While I enjoyed teaching, I realized that interacting with and providing support to the parents and families of the children, was becoming my true area of interest.

“After several years, I began to steer my career in a different direction,” she added. “I became a Child Life Specialist, providing support and education for hospitalized children and their families.” She worked at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs and Boys Town National Research Hospital. and found that working with families had become her true passion.

“Every day I welcome the opportunity to be working in a Jewish environment,” Ipock added, “and to be a part of such a vibrant and active Jewish community and a beautiful Jewish Community Center. Living away certainly makes you appreciate the things you once took for granted.”

“I also feel like I am making a contribution to something larger than myself,” Monsky agreed. “I have a feeling of tremendous satisfaction at the end of the day--that I am helping to make a difference in the Jewish community. The work is always interesting and constantly changing. It has given me the opportunity to work with the most amazing and passionate people I’ve ever encountered.”

As Janie Murow asserted on behalf of all the staff, “We hope to make a difference in the future of Jewish Omaha!”

It’s Working!

COMMUNITY C ONNECTION

by JANIE MUROW It hardly seems possible that one year has passed since the “Newcomers” edition of the Jewish Press was published and the Community Development department of the Jewish Federation of Omaha made its public debut. That we’ve accomplished so much in such a short time is the result of long hours and hard work by the Federation’s lay leadership, whose vision and commitment to the future of our community will impact Jewish Omaha for generations to come.

The project began. We identified newcomers, some who had affiliated with the synagogues and the Jewish Community Center, and others who had not. Once we found the new Jews in town we were able to connect them to the community through the Jewish Press, the synagogues, and Federation events.

Our other focus is on actively attracting Jewish people to move to our community. Fortunately, timing is everything. The city of Omaha is also focused on growth and we’ve been able to capitalize on its marketing efforts. The momentum just keeps building.

Companies are erecting new headquarters, the convention center is exceeding expectations, and Omaha is receiving great national attention in the media.

But marketing to and attracting Jews to our great community adds an additional and interesting challenge. How can we convince someone from a large city like Los Angeles or New York that our city is great and so is the Jewish community? It isn’t easy, but we can do it with the help of the entire community.

The Federation has enhanced the community website (www.jewishomaha.org) and we are now posting local jobs and have links to area companies’ job listings. You can help by letting me know of job openings

in your company. And, you can continue to sing Jewish Omaha’s praises as you travel and meet people from other communities. No amount of marketing or PR is as effective as your personal endorsement and enthusiasm for our Jewish community.

There are other large scale projects on the drawing board. One is to develop a summer internship program for college-aged young adults. The objective is to connect our own children to area businesses in an effort to get them to return after college, and to “sell” Omaha to students attending Midwestern universities by inviting them to spend a summer here. Another idea is to explore the development of Israeli-U.S. ventures.

At the end of the day (or year), it is difficult to use numbers to measure exactly how much our Jewish population has grown. What we do know is that more than 125 new Jewish people are in Omaha. We have worked hard and succeeded in connecting many of these people to our synagogues, organizations and Federation.

It’s impossible to measure the positive impact these newcomers have had on our community. We have the opportunity now to focus on this effort and try to attract more people to Omaha. Thank you to all of you who welcomed newcomers into your homes for holidays and Shabbat.

Jewish Omaha is warm and welcoming and you have proven that!

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office during the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, the deadlines for issues in September and October are: Issue Deadline Sept. 24 Tuesday, Sept. 14 Oct. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 22 Oct. 8 Tuesday, Sept. 28 Oct. 15 Tuesday, Oct. 5 Questions? Call 334.6448.

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September 10, 2004

The “Art” of Fundraising….

by JAN GOLDSTEIN major JCC events that fueled my interest in Israel--a Executive Director mega photographic exhibit in the early 70s called Jewish Federation of Omaha “Jerusalem of Gold”, and one of the largest community When I graduated college with a BFA in Art History programs in our JCC history--the 1978 Festival of from UCLA, I was certain I was on my way to either Biblical Art and Archaeology. working in the movie industry--researching movie setsAfter two years as Assistant Director and later - or would one day be a curator of a wonderful antiq- Department Director, I left the position in the late 70s. uities collection in a metropolitan art museum.

For the next 13 years I was busy raising three terrific Both were idealistic, romantic visions, which I children, experimented with a few more part-time jobs aspired to as I continued to immerse myself in art and explored other career possibilities but always volbooks and slides, ready for the next level in my edu- unteering in various aspects of the Federation Women’s cation.

Division.

But that was 1970 and my In late November of 1990, sudden move to Omaha fueled by my respect, love changed all that. With no and interest in our Jewish advanced degree in art hiscommunity, I applied and tory available at the time, interviewed for the position my expectations soon of Women’s Campaign changed.

Director. The fact that I had These were the fledgling once worked on the years of the visual arts in Campus and my volunteer Omaha, and after quickly experience helped considrealizing that I didn’t have erably. the background for a museI can remember, like yesum like Joslyn, I took a job terday, Federation Director in a tiny graphics gallery Howard Bloom saying to located at the Westroads me, “Jan, if you take this Mall. The Barclay Gallery, position it’s not play; it’s an offshoot of an estabwork--important work.” lished New York fine arts And Howard was right. operation, opened briefly Jewish work is serious and closed overnight after work; it’s holy work and it just a few short months of has been the most fulfilling no business in Omaha, NE. work imaginable.

It seemed in those years Today, as Executive there was no longer need to Director of our Federation, I defend the Ben Shahns, have found my place in our Alexander Calders and Jewish world--where I have Jan Goldstein Leonard Baskins of the the opportunity to help othExecutive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha exciting new art world to ers to do the same. I learn the average mall shopper. Volunteering at a couple of daily from our fine lay leadership with whom I work, other galleries and selling commercial art was leading as well as from my knowledgeable colleagues and staff. me on a path to nowhere--until one day I walked into I have found a love for Israel and for the Jewish peothe newly built Jewish Community Center on 132nd ple. These connections with Jewish identity grows Street. I hoped I could perhaps teach an art class or every time I experience another mission to Israel with “get involved.” Little did I know I was set on a career one of you and see our community participants estabpath I would not fully realize for many more years to lish their own personal connections. come.

I know how blessed I was for the opportunity life But on that day, I met JCC Cultural Arts Director Mark presented to me in finding “my path”. Because I moved Zalkin, who just happened to be looking for an to Omaha, I am grateful for every opportunity to share Assistant Director with experience in art. what we have here in Omaha with others.

Do some of you remember when half of the current Today, for any young person looking for a career Jewish Press office was once the home to painting, path in Jewish communal service, there are university sculpture and photography studios? That became my programs and degrees, career development programs home for several years. and opportunities sponsored by United Jewish What I realize now is that I was doing “advanced Communities, our national organization. These can degree” work under one of the finest (and probably help young people enter the field in a more direct youngest) Jewish communal professionals in the coun- career path than mine. try. From Mark, I learned about working with people, Our Jewish world desperately needs new young talunderstanding the Jewish “mission” and the division of ent. For any individual interested in a serious career responsibilities between lay and professionals. that provides opportunities nationwide, as well as conBut, it was Omaha that taught me the importance of tinued growth and learning--and gives back much more strong, supportive Jewish community--not so easily than he/she can give--my office door is always open. apparent to someone raised in the sprawling San Come talk to me about the wonderful possibilities in Fernando Valley of Southern California. And, it was two this very special field!

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 23

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Win-Win Situation Continued from page 18 “I never really appreciated Omaha until I came back. I liked the California lifestyle for ten to 15 years,” he recalled. “But California was becoming less and less desirable because of air quality, crime, government funding problems, and unbelievable freeway traffic. During my last two years, my round-trip commute was three hours. That was wearing on me.”

It was also important to Ricks to spend time with his mother, Sally, who was in her late 80s and with his sister, Jan Schneiderman, and her family. Sally Ricks died last year. Morris Ricks, Marty’s father, died in 1975.

“Iris and I both like living in the Midwest where we see all the seasons. We really like Omaha, the clean air, and relative ease of getting to places within town.

The real kicker for me,” he admitted, “is being in a community that is so generous, especially coming from California where affiliation and philanthropy are notoriously low.”

“My goal for the Foundation,” said Ricks, “is to reach 100 million dollars before I retire in five to 10 years and to see significant additions of unrestricted endow-

ments so that we will be able to rely less on future annual campaigns to support the Federation and its agencies.”

“Every aspect of my job is positive. When the donors leave my office after setting up an endowment fund, they feel great for helping the community. In turn, the recipients of the income of the endowment funds obviously feel good about receiving a scholarship, for example, to ease the burden of college tuition, or a family with a tight budget receives assistance for overnight camp, JCC camp, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Child Development Center, and especially those who are truly needy in our community who receive some assistance through Jewish Family Service. It’s completely win-win.”

Ricks compared himself to “a glorified flower delivery boy who puts a smile on everyone’s face. I highly recommend to college graduates who don’t know what to do to consider fund raising as a profession. A good way to start is to work in their college development offices on a paid or a volunteer basis.

“The opportunities are unlimited.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

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by JOAN K. MARCUS “Then, I got a call from a man who was building One “I think back to 50 years ago when I got married and Pacific Place. He said that he wanted a beauty salon to it’s unbelievable what has happened in my life! Who locate at the shopping center and I was recommended ever heard of a Catholic girl marrying a Jewish man and as a possible owner,” she said. turning Jewish? I’ve had a fantastic life!”

She was flattered but had to think about this new Mary Lou Meehan Walker was born in Omaha in opportunity. Was it an opportunity--or was she crazy to 1934. She attended Jackson Grade School and enjoyed consider it? She first thought she had worked for other living in her Catholic home with her parents and eight people for too many years to even think of opening her brothers. While still attending Technical High School, own business.

Mary Lou took a part time job at Herzberg’s Department Store. She worked for a member of the Jewish community--Lloyd Friedman--in the coat and suit department, checking in merchandise. Later, she graduated to the main floor where she worked in the retail end of the business.

Oddly enough, another one of her Jewish bosses was businessman Sol Parsow who gave her a start in the business world. She recalls, “I loved working and being around retail business. Sol was one of my many mentors who were Jewish businessman, and I soon realized that I wasn’t interested in finishing high school. I wanted to work full time!”

Another job change began her career as a beauty shop manager. Although she never became a stylist, she went to work for Mr. Lorenzo at Maison Lorenzo Beauty Salons. She admits that she “probably should have finished high school and college, but I’m not sorry for the way that my life has gone!”

While still working at Herzberg’s, Mary Lou met young, handsome Art Walker who was in town visiting his relatives, the Green Family. It was almost love at first sight, but she admits that their families didn’t feel great about them dating.

“When you’re young,” she said, “you don’t realize the problems that an interfaith relationship can have.

“Art’s uncle Meyer Green had a car business when Art and Mary Lou Walker we began dating,” Mary Lou recalled. “So, Art decided to stay here and went to work for his uncle. I didn’t know that he was Jewish when I first went out with him and I might not have gone if I had known. After we eloped, I decided I was probably going to be the guiding force in our marriage, and I needed to be Jewish because I wanted to raise my children as Jews.”

Rabbi Myer S. Kripke helped Mary Lou with her classes during her conversion process. She remembers feeling that “there’s no room in a household for two religions. As I look back, I know that it was the right decision.” After 50 years of marriage, Mary says that meeting Art was the very best thing that ever happened to her.

The Walker children are: David, Mary Lou Walker outside Garbo’s Salon and its headquarters in Regency. and his wife, Debi; Roxanne Kahn, and her husband, Robert; and Denise Gooden, and her “I had coffee with him and a week later, I signed a husband, John. They have six grandchildren among lease to open my first salon,” she recalled. “Somebody them: Becky, Ben, Joe, Jeremy, Jacob and Joseph. told me that, in Italian, Garbo meant ‘beautiful woman’ Mary Lou didn’t work for many years while her chil- so, my shop became the first of five Garbo’s!” dren were growing up. She was perfectly satisfied to be Soon after, Mary Lou asked 26-year-old Linda Mixan a stay-at-home mother, but she always had a secret to be her partner. “I had faith in Linda the way Lester desire to own her own business.

Marcus had faith in me,” she insisted. “I felt it would be When her children were in junior high, Mary Lou a winning combination, and it has been!” went back to work for Alan Baer--yet another Jewish Garbos Salons now have almost 200 employees. mentor--at Brandeis. She ran the downtown beauty Many come from local beauty schools, and they are salon and eventually became the director of all their properly trained before they are allowed out on the salons. “It just came about...Lester Marcus was my men- floor. Others are experienced people who have worked tor and I met with him early in the mornings. He edu- for many years for other salons. cated me; he taught me how to read financial state“All of my managers have been with me for a long ments, advertising and how to run a business.” time,” she explained. “I like to promote from within.

Mary Lou laments, “You have to understand that Without these managers, I would be nowhere. You can Lester really believed in me. Because I hadn’t finished build the most beautiful salons in the world and have high school and hadn’t been to college, it was hard for lots of financial support. But, without dedicated people me. I didn’t know how to read a financial statement working for you, it’s impossible to be a success.” and know what the bottom line should be. He was She added that “the people who are out there--day fabulous and I miss him to this day!” after day--standing on their feet--have made me a sucWalker added, “It’s no secret in business that if you cess,” she insisted. “When men in the corporate world want to be successful, work ethics are of utmost impor- ask for the secret of my success, I tell them, ‘If you’re tance. You have to work six and seven days a week married, you have to keep only one woman happy! If and it’s important that you surround yourself with the you’re a stylist, you have to stand on your feet all day right people.” and keep 20 women happy!”’

Seventeen years ago, Younkers bought Brandeis and In the corporate world, in the world of hair, make-up Mary Lou thought that she would retire. “I spent the and fashion, and in her family’s world, Mary Lou winter not working and I was totally, totally bored! I Walker has made them all happy! couldn’t stand it!

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 27

Helping People Is Real Goal

by GARY JAVITCH The ultimate hero for Scott Schneiderman is a fireman. And if he really had his way, he would be one.

Picture 9/11 and the firefighters racing back into the heavily-damaged World Trade Center. Or imagine entering a building to bring out a little child who had been overcome by smoke.

“It all boils down to helping people,” Scott stated.

While he may not be able to fulfill that firefighter dream in life, Scott, nevertheless, can and does help people. That’s just what he sees himself doing as a commercial real estate agent. In that role, he helps people navigate through the rough commercial terrain of real estate purchases and aids his clients in evaluating their choices.

A short while ago, for example, he put together a client and a special property. And with his usual attention to the important details, he saved his buyer $200,000 in a warehouse purchase, and in so doing, earned the client’s deeply felt appreciation and trust.

Schneiderman has been complimented many times for his follow-up. He used those skills in another transaction that took several years to consummate. That was when he played an important role in the sale of Beth Israel Synagogue to an African-American congregation.

The contractual arrangement was somewhat complicated because Jewish tradition does not permit the sale of a synagogue directly to a church.

“I had fun putting all the pieces together,” he commented about his work with David Kohll, Joe Kirshenbaum and Beth Cohen. “It also gave me an opportunity to learn more about Orthodox tradition,” the Temple Israel congregant concluded.

While the rewards in commercial real estate may have been bigger, they were not unlike those the Westside High graduate had anticipated he would experience when he completed his college studies at San Diego State University in 1990.

The psychology major always expected he would work with his father Les Schneiderman at KB Foods-the family business started by Les, his Uncle Abe Kesselman and another uncle, who died shortly afterwards. Les and Abe ran their food distribution business

Happy New Year

selling to schools, hospitals, and restaurants within a 150-mile radius of Omaha. Scott was a welcome addition to the company, according to another member of the KB Foods staff--his mother, Jan Schneiderman (who organized the company’s annual food products event for KB’s clients). He eventually became sales manager.

Pictured left are Scott & Heidi, Tyler, Spencer, and Brook.

He really enjoyed the work because “I liked getting out of the office, talking to people and visiting customers, which he tried to do 75-80% of the time. That personal contact was important for Scott and his success in the industry.

Eventually, his parents sold the business to Alliant Food Service. Scott was appointed general manager in the new organization. The transition, however, was not as satisfying for Scott. For one thing, Scott did not like working for a large corporation. He also no longer had the same opportunity for the close customer contact upon which he thrived. As a result, staying with Alliant began to lose its appeal.

“I soon realized that this was no longer a good fit,” he admitted, “and began to consider changing careers.”

He and his wife, the former Heidi Meyerson, talked about real estate. So he consulted his father-in-law

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Larry Meyerson and Tom Fellman, another family member. Both men play a big role in the industry.

As Scott thought about entering the field, he concluded, “I liked the prospect of basically being my own boss. Besides, to enter the industry required no major capital investment. Best of all, it was also a sales-type career--even though quite far afield from the food industry.

“Tommy told me to call John Lund.” Shortly thereafter, the Lund Company became his new work address. As it turned out, he loved the new job and has been very active in it for the last five years. In addition, the job evolved into more than just selling. He now owns some real estate of his own.

Comparing residential real estate work to commercial, he preferred the latter because he was used to selling based on a business-to-business relationship. He liked other things about the new career, too.

“The job is different every day,” Scott explained.

There are different kinds of opportunities all the time, with a lot of ups and downs. A million dollar deal can fall apart one day, only to be replaced by a two million dollar deal the next.”

There are, of course, quite a few challenges. Income is based 100% on commissions; the hours are also quite long. There are days he gets to work at 6 or 7 a.m. and doesn’t return home until 10 p.m.

“Still, the fun of the business is talking with people and seeing what’s going on. There is a great deal of fun in completing the sales. Meeting people and helping them--serving client’s needs--that is exciting,” he emphasized.

Family is very important to Scott, who has been married to Heidi, 36, for 10 years. They have three children, Brook, 8; Tyler 7; and Spencer, 2. Heidi spends her time taking care of the kids. “It may sound corny, but…,” Scott extolled, “we are proud to see our kids flourish. Tyler is on a select soccer team; Brook loves to read, and we all have a good time together.”

Despite their hectic schedules, both manage to fit in community service. Recently, along with his cousins Scott and Jenny Meyerson, Troy and Jamie Meyerson, the couple hosted an event for the Arthritis Foundation.

Page 28

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Education is the Key

by JOAN K. MARCUS had a cousin living here, and I thought that it would be husband picked up on her remark and encouraged her When Pauline (Pat) Noodell Zebker was a child, it fun to get a job and stay for a while,” she recalled. Her to fulfill her dream. wasn’t taken for granted that women would go to col- first job was as a permanent substitute teacher in the “I was active in the community and some of my jobs lege. However, Pat was never given a choice--her par- Los Angeles schools. had ended,” she recalled. “There’s a law school here in ents, Molly and Hyman Noodell, both Russian immi“It was Rosh Hashanah afternoon,” she continued, Ventura and Phil kept telling me I shouldn’t wait grants, decided that both of their children would have “and my car had broken down. It was very hot and because I would only get older without accomplishing the advantage of education because leaming was the there wasn’t any air conditioning in those days. One of my goal! He pushed me to go to school and get my key to successful lives! degree,” she added, “and Zebker, now living in then he became ill.”

Ventura, California, recalls She jokes, “It took me four her education and career years to get through law change from teacher to school because I went at lawyer. night. My daughter, Susan, Pat recalls that her father graduated from Yale Law had a restaurant in downSchool in three years. I town Omaha before World graduated with my law War II: “We all worked in degree in 1978 when I was the restaurant until the war 50!” began. Then, my father After graduating, Pat went to Richmond, opened her own office and California, for a while and practiced general law. After worked in one of the shipa time, she changed to famyards. We came back to ily law. She practiced for 15 Omaha right after the war.” years until l993 when she Phil and Pat Zebker’s wedding photo, Feb. 1, 1952.

Jack Noodell and Pat Zebker in 2003 When Pat was a senior in was diagnosed with breast high school, Hyman became ill and was sent to a hos- my friends called and invited me to go to the beach cancer. She closed her office when she was 65 and pital in Denver where he later died. Pat says, “After Dad with a group instead. remains a cancer survivor. died, mother was even more determined that my brothWhen she arrived, a friend introduced her to her Phil died in 2003 and now Pat works as a volunteer er Jack and I would go to college.” brother, Phil Zebker. attorney, donating her services in a free clinic.

After graduation from Central High School in 1945, “When I met Phil, I knew instantly I wanted to marry “After the people qualify for our services, we try to Pat went to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for him,” she said “We met in September and were married determine the issues,” she explains. “Then, we decide one year. She returned to what was then the Municipal Feb.1, 1952. He had a women’s clothing shop in whether or not the people can do the work themselves University of Omaha and graduated from there with a Ventura--60 miles north of Los Angeles. We moved or if they really do need an attorney. My job is mostly degree in English and Elementary Education. nearby and that’s where we’ve always lived.” intake of the prospective clients.’’

“In those days, women were either teachers or social After Pat married, she was a stay-at-home mom for She still enjoy her work and is glad she listened to her workers,” she explained. “I decided to be a teacher and many years until her daughter, Susan Meyer, was a sen- husband.

I went to work at Lothrop School--the same school ior in high school. Susan is an attorney and Zebker’s “My advice to women is to fulfill their dreams and not where I had attended. Some of the teachers that taught son, Howard, is professor of Engineering and wait around,” she insisted. “Of course, it helped that I me were still there.”

Geophysics at Stanford University. had a loving and supportive family.

After teaching at Lothrop for three years, Pat decided At age 50, Pat mentioned to Phil she thought it might “You should never delay because, when you do, all to move back to California. be interesting to go back to school to become an attor- that happens is that you get older,” she laughed. “Then, “I don’t really know why I came to California, but I ney. Pat admits it was only a passing comment but her you never find out what you could have done!”

Happy New Year

No Frills Supermarkets Kevin & Kimara Clark Don & Bernice Cohen Harold Cooperman Richard & Fran Juro Steve Moskovits

September 10, 2004

Happily Back Where It All Began

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 29

L’SHANA TOVA

by OZZIE NOGG among engineering students ready to graduate. I underJim Zipursky’s office at Corporate Finance Associates stood recruiting from my SID work, so I talked with in Omaha is small and unassuming, far less glamorous EDS and was hired as a recruiter on West Coast college than the glass-walled press boxes he once called home campuses. I was young and figured I could always get during his years as Sports Information Director for var- back in the athletic game if I didn’t like buttoned-down ious universities around the country. But Jim misses America.” neither the trappings nor the perks of his old career, In his job with EDS, Jim learned the dual-sided selland pulls no punches when explaining why he traded ing skills that would prove so valuable when he eventhe locker room for the boardroom. tually moved back to Omaha to work with his father, “Yes, it was nice getting free tickets to any pro game Morley Zipursky, at CFA. The main focus of CFA is to I wanted to see,” he smiled. “And I was making a name find buyers for businesses whose owners CFA reprefor myself in the world of Sports Information Directors. sents, and vice versa. In his job with EDS, Jim had to But the pay was as low as the profile was high, and sell the student engineer on the company, and then he being a pauper didn’t interest me.” had to sell the EDS hiring manager on the student.

Now 44-years-old, Jim As he moved up the ladloved sports and journalism der at EDS to positions in from a young age. In his financial recruiting in Dallas senior year at Central High and special projects in the he was Sports Editor of the Washington, D.C., office, Register. “I never cared Jim tired of wearing the about reporting on hard required blue suit and red news like school board tie, and grew increasingly votes,” Jim says. “All I wantuncomfortable by the EDS ed to write about was corporate mentality. So in sports. I dreamed of being a 1988, he started Professional sports writer.”

Referral Services Inc., and In 1978, Jim entered the then acquired a company University of Californiathat placed employees in Berkeley and stayed conthe dental profession. nected to athletics by volunAgain, it was an exercise in Sally, Jim Zipursky and the twins teering in Cal’s Sports dual-sided selling.

Information Office, doing what he describes as “grunt “Over time, I gained more experience and insight work.” The excitement of game day was balanced by into the seller-buyer dynamic. The business grew sigeveryday demands. nificantly and I was having a lot of fun. I also enjoyed “We had to constantly multi-task and react to ever owning my own business, being totally responsible for changing priorities. It was a lot to juggle in the best of my own success.” times, and during a losing season it took effort to put Jim’s time in Washington, DC, was also his first on a smiley face and spin the news in an upbeat way. chance to really get connected with the local Jewish When I look back, I realize it was good training for my community, which he recalls was huge and vibrant. “I current work at Corporate Finance Associates.” joined the JCC, went to numerous social and cultural Jim graduated from Berkeley in 1982 with a B.A. in events, and joined a conservative synagogue-PoliSci, a minor in Statistics, and no clear next step. Congregation Beth El--with my sister, Diane, who lives “When I weighed my options, getting a job as a Sports in the area. I celebrated the Jewish holidays with her Information Director came out on top.” Jim sent self- family and played in all the co-ed sports leagues at the promotion letters to college Athletic Directors, and his JCC. For the first time since I’d left college, where I was sales skills helped convince Peru State in Peru, NE, to a member of ZBT, I was back in a true Jewish envicreate an SID job for him. ronment.”

Jim quickly found working in Peru was one thing.

While living in D.C. near his sister and her daughters Living there was quite another. “Peru is a very small was a huge plus, Jim grew tired of the big city lifestyle town and my presence immediately doubled the Jewish and began to feel those pangs of boredom in his work. population in the county. It wasn’t for me.” Rescue “My dad said he was planning to bring in some guy to came four months later, in December of 1982, when be his partner at CFA; I thought, but that’s my job--I’m Seattle University called Jim with an offer to start work supposed to work with my dad. I called him and he immediately as their SID. He was thrilled with the agreed.” prospect.

Before he moved back to Omaha in April, 1990, Jim Seattle U. was the big time, with big budgets and had moved six times in 12 years. “The first time in my perks that warmed Jim’s heart. “I got free tickets to all life that I had to renew my driver’s license was after I’d the professional sports in Seattle. From a personal been back in Omaha.” enjoyment standpoint, it was terrific. There was a When asked why he returned after living in cities like Jewish community, and my cousin Howard Jess, and Washington D.C., Sacramento, Seattle and Dallas, Jim his wife, Ann, were in Seattle, which was a huge plus.” says, “As much as I loved those wonderful cities, I grew While at Seattle U., Jim won numerous writing awards tired of big city life. I also found myself missing the from CoSIDA, a 900-member professional group.

Midwest, the change of seasons, the people and their After three years in Seattle, Jim did a reality check. “I ethics, and the slower pace. Leaving D.C., my sister and loved writing about sports, and it was fun hanging out her kids and my wonderful life there, that was the hardin the dugout, so to speak, spitting seeds, keeping stats. est, most emotional decision I’ve ever made. But I But after doing it for a few seasons, it lost some of its knew it was the right move for me.” luster. Repetitive tasks bore me easily, and every year Corporate Finance Associates is an international comseemed the same. I was 24, and it was scary to think pany with offices in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

I’d still be doing this same thing every day for 30 Morley Zipursky opened the Omaha office in 1980 and years.”To shake up the status quo, Jim interviewed with was Chairman of the international organization from Ross Perot’s company, Electronic Data Systems.

1996 to 2003. Today, Jim Zipursky is the Managing “EDS was hiring people to recruit new employees continued on page 32

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An Enigma

by JOAN K. MARCUS At any given time, Toby Fellman can be described as a businesswoman, an xray technologist, a teacher, a philanthropist or a carwash worker. And--as a volunteer on Friday nights at Temple Israel, she can always be found ushering people to their seats for Shabbat services.

Toby was born in Omaha in 1936 to Ida and Morris Fellman. Ida ran a small grocery store at 24th and Howard Streets but Morris decided he didn’t like the grocery business and went to work at Swift’s Packing House.

The family worked hard and Toby remembers, as a child of four or five, helping Ida in the store. Morris was a “sausage stuffer” at Swift’s and made enough sausage in his life to go around the world five or six times!

Although her parents had to work hard during the Great Depression, there were always books in their home.

“My parents both had to go to work when they were young,” Toby recalled, “and there was no time for them to go to school. They both worked hard, but it was a way of life for our family.”

They lived in the back of the grocery store and Toby remembers that when she was four or five, she “cleaned and stocked the shelves.” Later, when she was five or six, Toby and her mother would make hot dogs and hamburgers and sell them at the Martin Bomber Plant at Offutt Air Force Base.

“Mom and I were a team!” she smiled.

“We cooked the food to take to the bomber plant when I got home from Mason Grade School. Mom had a rickety old car, and we loaded it up. Then, when Dad came home from work, he would watch the store while we went to sell our food. We went three nights a week--and I grew up thinking that all kids worked for fun. I never thought about it being work; I thought that I was playing!”

There were many “grocery store brats” in her generation. After getting home from school, they would help in the family store. She has fond memories of delivering groceries in her Red Flyer Wagon, too. “I went up and down 24th Street and visited with our customers; they were my friends.

After a while, the family connected with Art Joseph, who had a small grocery store on 16th and Leavenworth.

They formed a co-op and it became cheaper for them to buy in larger quantities. “Mom would buy a case of coffee and Art would need a few cans,” she added. “So, I put them in the Red Flyer and hauled it down 16th Street.”

After graduation from Central High School in 1954, Toby entered the Omaha University. She assumed she would choose a medical career, so after transferring to Creighton University, she enrolled at St. Joseph Hospital to become a board certified x-ray technician.

Fellman remembers, “I had trouble getting into the program because they wouldn’t accept Jews at that time.

However, Sarah Sussman was able to get in because her husband taught at the dental school. I applied several places and finally got into St. Joe. I always had to work on Friday nights; I think it was to discourage me!”

Upon graduation and certification in 1959, Toby went to work at Prairie Clinic until 1965, when she left to “help out a little bit with the new family business before she went to look for another xray job.”

In 1963, Ida had closed her small family grocery store because two major chain stores had moved into the neigh-

Toby Fellman borhood. “People in the neighborhood started to move away and the poor independent grocer didn’t have a chance,” she explained. “Mom had to look for another business because working had become a way of life for her.”

A family friend, Emil Zeimer, suggested Ida start an automatic carwash.

“There were about three automatic carwashes in Omaha,” Toby recalled, “and we had the property--so Mom went for it!” It took more than a year to get the property rezoned--there was a law then that no carwashes could be built on major streets.

“Emil gave advice and Mom built the carwash on South 24th Street, with absolutely no experience and not a clue how to run it,” she laughed.

“Today, when I pitch in to help wash cars, I love being outside and meeting the people,” she added. The business has afforded me the opportunity to meet people and form many wonderful friendships along the way. I wash cars for federal judges, policemen and bank workers.

“People from the highest to the lowest professions in the city come to us.”

After his retirement from Swift in 1965, Morris joined the women at the carwash.

“Dad liked to vacuum cars so he helped.

Gradually, my parents began to age and it became apparent to me that I needed to stay and help,” she shook her head.

She took over the operation in l990.

What started as Toby’s temporary job has lasted almost 40 years.

Toby began going to Temple Israel in 1986 when she was saying Kaddish for her father. “At first, I was just going to go the first month,” she admitted, “but it got to be a habit. I met Marilyn Mellen there, who became the chairman of the Caring Committee. I was one of her first recruits, and I just started getting more and more involved.”

After Ida’s death in 2001, Toby began co-teaching seventh grade students at Temple Israel along with Maria Neesman. Friends say that Toby is amazing with the students, who all enjoy being around her.

Although Toby is still listed in the American Registry of Radiological Technologists, she says, “I’m not sorry I changed careers. I’ve loved my life and I’d do it over again in a heartbeat! I promised Mom I would stay here at the carwash as long as I am healthy.

“I have no immediate plans to retire,” she said with a smile, “but who knows what God has in store for me?”

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 31

Turning Life Inside-Out

by OZZIE NOGG When newly-wed Nora Zoob arrived in Omaha in 1977, she plunged headlong and happily into a role at Zoob’s for Women and at The Daisy--the stores run by her husband Barry’s family. After all, the work was exactly what her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business had prepared her for.

“Helping a woman dress well and look good was important to me. ‘Looking good is feeling good’ was my motto. Today, instead of concentrating on someone’s outsides, I help them from within. Now my motto is, feeling good is looking good,” Zoob explained. “I’ve turned the way I view things inside-out.”

Nora Zoob’s shift in focus from outer beauty to inner peace has been part of a personal journey from both her New York City roots and her childhood dreams.

“I fantasized about being a nurse, but in high school biology I got sick to my stomach every time we had to dissect a frog, so I put that dream on the shelf. Then, in my teens, a modeling agency recruited me, and after I’d won several pageants--Miss Teenie Weenie Bikini--what a joke now!” she laughed. “I thought, this is it. I’ll be a runway model. But my father was smart. If he offered advice I usually took it. When I told him about my plans to be a model, he said, ‘No man will marry you just for your looks.

You need to get an education.’ Of course he was right.”

After graduating with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising and Business, Nora worked in New York’s garment center. “I bought coats and lingerie for Lane Bryant stores. I also sold textiles--in the trade it’s called ‘touch and feel’--and eventually joined a blouse designer on Seventh Avenue. Those years gave me a wealth of experience and practical knowledge.”

While working on Seventh Avenue, Nora met Barry Zoob who was on one of his frequent buying trips. “He noticed I had daisies on my desk and that was an instant connection. Later, when he called and asked me to dinner, I took the company credit card with me. I thought if I bought him dinner it might help me get an order.”

Nora got far more than she ordered. After a fast and furious long distance courtship, Barry proposed. “We met in August and married in January, 1977, and almost overnight Omaha became my home, my family, my life.

I was truly blessed.” The only question was where--or if --Nora would work. “As my father-in-law, Seymour Zoob, said, ‘I want another daughter, not a business partner.’”

Nora Zoob But soon Nora was working 9 to 5 at Zoob’s on 72nd Street and later at The Daisy locations in both Omaha and Lincoln. “I loved our clients. I loved it when they got compliments. I loved the buying trips. When our son Jonathan was born in 1981, I worked until I delivered. Life was full, exciting and good.

“And then my older sister, Paula Ann, became seriously ill and it really threw me,” she paused. “My inner spirit started talking to me, asking questions, forcing me to take stock of my own life. For years, my identity had been tied to the world of fashion, to business and mak-

ing money. Now I wanted to make a difference--to give something back. The question was, what else would I be good at, have a passion for and enjoy.”

Nora looked inward to find the answer. “I spent lots of time just thinking. Praying, too. Barry was a wonderful sounding board. So were Cantor Emil Berkovits and my mother.”

She also often thought of her late father, Joseph Rogoff, who was a leader of their shul in Baldwin, Long Island. “My dad died when I was young, but he never really left me. I could hear him talking to me, giving advice, encouraging me to do what I wanted to do.

Reminding me that life can be short and every day is a gift. I kept focusing on my mission, my vision of what I wanted to do with my life, and the answer came. I was ready to try a new path, a new career. My childhood dream of becoming a nurse was still with me. I decided to sell Nora’s Daisy and move on.”

While making this mid-life, mid-course correction, Nora talked with nursing directors at local hospitals and medical institutions. “I wanted to be an RN, but I also wanted to have a hands-on relationship with patients.

Traditional nursing doesn’t usually involve that sort of direct contact, so it was suggested I consider massage therapy. The best opportunity available was a program offered by the Universal College of Healing Arts, and I went for it.”

Going back to school as an adult wasn’t easy.

“When I got a C- on my first physiology exam I remember thinking I never should have given up the store. I was ready to quit. But Jonathan-he was a high school senior at the time--said, ‘Mom, you can’t quit. You just started!’ and my massage therapy instructor told me to trust the process. In the end my life went from helping a woman look good to helping her feel good.

That made me feel good, too.”

Nora received her massage therapy license in 2000 and interned with the late Dr. Jay Parsow.

“Jay was so gifted,” Nora says. “He helped me gain a sense of empowerment. He taught me how to integrate my knowledge with my heart.” Nora went on to work at UNMC’s Complimentary and Alternative Clinic--the Life Enhancement Center--and at Immanuel Hospital.

She’ll soon start teaching classes in infant massage at The Children’s Respite Care Center. Since opening her own practice, Nora has felt the rhythm of her life change. “In fashion, the timing is pretty much set.

Preparing for each new season has a regular routine. continued on page 32

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Happily Back continued from page 29 Director of CFA in Nebraska and Iowa.

Since he assumed management of the day-to-day operations, the office has been named CFA’s Office of the Year seven times in 10 years. In 2003, Jim won CFA’s Dealmaker of the Year Award. “My dad was named Dealmaker of the Year in 1986 and again in 1989.

We’re the only office with two different Dealmakers of the Year. That’s something we’re very proud of. The opportunity to work with and around my father has been a dream come true. I have never regretted my decision to return to Omaha.”

His return allowed Jim to reconnect with the Jewish community he grew up in. “When I returned to Omaha, I met my beautiful bride, Sally, so I guess I made the right choice to come home," he said. Jim, Sally, and their children, nine-year old twins, Naomi and Aaron, are active members of Beth El Synagogue, as well as other Jewish organizations.

“Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the times I spent at Beth El. I loved going to Hebrew School and my best friends were the kids at Beth El. It’s exciting for us to watch our kids growth and development in the synagogue. Like me, they look forward to going to Hebrew School.”

Family was another motivating reason for Jim’s return to Omaha. “I grew up living near aunts and uncles and cousins.

Our whole family had Shabbat dinner every week at our Bubbe and Zeyde’s home. We spent all the holidays together. Coming back to Omaha gives my kids the chance to grow up near their grand-

Turning Life Inside Out parents and benefit from their influence on their daily lives, just as I did. Our kids have wonderful relationships with all four of their grandparents and get to see them very often. I couldn’t have that anywhere but in Omaha.”

While sports are no longer Jim’s vocation, they are still important to him.

Summers include time at the golf course with childhood friends, plus helping son Aaron practice baseball, and swimming and golf lessons for both kids. Yearround, Jim still plays soccer every week, a sport he learned in college. And fall, of course, is for Husker football. “Naomi and Aaron are becoming big fans.

They’re starting even earlier than I did.”

The awards and the satisfaction of his job don’t come easy. “Each deal can take about 2000 hours and as long as three years to complete, and a deal isn’t done until it dies five or six times. Plus, I’m required to travel extensively.

Sometimes, Sally and the kids get tired of me being away so many days.”

Jim acknowledges that his wife and children deserve medals for patience.

“When I’m in the middle of one of those deals, our dinner table conversation can be all business. It can really consume me. This work requires you to be like a psychologist, getting inside the heads of both parties and figuring out their motivation. You have to make sure the buyer and the seller fall in love, and then stay in love.

“What’s fun for me is that I get to work on many different projects each year and every deal is new and unique. Best of all, I’m doing this with my dad. My successes are his successes. He’s my mentor and hero.”

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continued from page 31 great comfort. And being able to interact In massage therapy--at least the way I’ve with the residents at the Blumkin Home built my practice --there’s no routine at is a blessing. The residents teach me so all. One day I might see three clients. On much. The stories they tell me may not another day there could be seven, and even be true, but they’re so full of wiseach massage is as dom and told different as the day with such conand the client. viction.

Not “As a result, I’ve every job offers learned to be more that kind of speflexible, more tolercial bonus.” ant of change. The Over the past only aspect of my four years, Nora workday that stays Zoob has constant is my grown a new intention, which is business. She to enjoy every has also grown minute and give my spiritually and best to each client. I found deep know they can feel happiness. it.”

“I know how During her fashlucky I am. I ion days and in her thank God each current work, Nora morning for the was--and is--sensinew day and all tive to the way He has given Nora Zoob things feel. “In the me. I have my garment business, I’d close my eyes and health. I have Barry and my children and use ‘touch and feel’ to distinguish one the rest of my family and friends who’ve fabric from another, or to judge a mater- always supported my choices. Now that ial’s quality. I use the same technique in I’ve made a transition in my personal massage, only now I shut my eyes and journey, I feel more centered and enjoy ‘touch and feel’ which of the muscles are life in a different way. When I’m at workblocked or dense. It’s more than just a -and it never feels like work--I get satisrub-down.” faction that money can’t buy. When I’m Nora often goes to private homes and not working I spend time with people I corporate settings, and offers reflexolo- love. I travel to see our grandchildren, gy, pregnancy, heated stone and Sophie, Ella, Henry and Jack. I care for Swedish massage. The Health Spa at the and enjoy our beautiful home. I walk, Jewish Community Center is where she read, cook. Sometimes I just sit quietly does most of her work. “To be in a space and breathe. built by our Jewish community gives me “What more could I ask for?”

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Chance of a Lifetime Delivered in Writing

by DIANE AXLER BAUM Sometimes opportunity emerges from adversity, as Joan Latchaw has learned through tough experience.

Faced with almost overwhelming difficulties at one point in her life, she found the inner strength to embark on a major career change--from medical technologist to college English teacher.

She refuses, however, to take much credit. “This career change chose me; I didn’t choose it,” she said in a recent interview. “To this day I don’t understand how it happened. It’s always been a mystery to me.”

The “mystery” began with decisions she made at age 16 with the help of her scientist father. Her goals crys-

think seriously about economic self- sufficiency. After earning her MFA in 1985, she determined to keep going toward a PhD in Composition to secure the credentials for a college teaching position.

“I was very fortunate that Pitt had one of the premiere PhD in Composition programs in the country,” she admitted. “I am eternally grateful that I was there to take this degree.”

Even so, the going was rough, both academically and personally. In addition to the demands of her course work, her sons needed extra attention as they began exhibiting temporary adjustment problems in response to their parents’ divorce. Then her father had a stroke,

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Joan Latchaw after receiving her PhD in 1991. requiring her to travel often to check on his recuperation.

In spite of all the distracLeft: Greg Latchaw, OB-GYN resident; Joan Latchaw; and Andrew Latchaw at Andrew’s wed- tions, she reached her goal ding. in 1991. The PhD led to a job as director of the First Year Writing Program at Shepherd College, a small liberal arts institution in West Virginia. Three years later she joined the faculty of North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, where she again served as director of the First Year Writing Program.

Eventually, she’d had enough of administration.

In 1997 she accepted a position as a composition/rhetoJoan and Andrew Latchaw.

Joan and grandson Moshe Latchaw ric specialist in the English tallized during talks with her dad about her preference Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. At for science courses and her manual dexterity. She UNO, Latchaw teaches a range of levels, from freshmen selected the University of Buffalo (now SUNY-Buffalo- to graduate students.

-the State University of New York-Buffalo) largely “The whole reason I teach writing is to make my stubecause it offered a Bachelor of Science in Medical dents better thinkers,” she explained. “I try to push Technology. them to higher levels of scholarly inquiry. I help them When her father’s job required the family to move to sustain an idea and develop it, to make a good argufrom the East Coast to the Upper Midwest, Joan trans- ment.” Among the courses she teaches are Rhetoric, ferred to the University of Minnesota to complete her Honors English for freshmen, and Theories of Writing degree. There, in one of the biochemistry labs, she met for English Majors in the writing track. In addition, she a brilliant, young medical student. She introduced Dick has taught Cultural Studies and Ethnic Literature. Last Latchaw to her religion, he embraced Judaism, and they semester she especially enjoyed developing and teachmarried when she was only 21. By age 25, she was the ing a course in Culture of the 1960s. mother of two sons and held a part-time job as a medIn Omaha, Latchaw feels blessed with deep friendical technologist. Life was good, and she was “content ships and meaningful professional relationships. She with her work.” describes the members of UNO’s English Department But, everything changed when in her forties her mar- as “stimulating and collegial.” She’s made many close riage “started going bad.” One response to the “devas- friends at Beth El Synagogue, where she regularly tating, traumatic situation” was that poetry reflecting attends Shabbat morning services and occasionally parher emotional pain began “going through her head.” ticipates in morning and evening minyan.

Coincidentally, her husband was offered a position as She’s been comfortable with Omaha’s entire Jewish a neuroradiologist in Pittsburgh, PA. Once they’d community. It pleases her greatly, she said, that “the moved, amidst her efforts to save their marriage she different streams come together for events” and that “a began setting to paper the poetry forming in her mind. lot is going on here Jewishly. She served on the faculThis informal writing led to taking poetry courses at the ty of the Melton Mini-School and taught a class on University of Pittsburgh. Introduction to Literature Contemporary Jewish Writers for the College of Jewish courses followed.

Learning of Jewish Educational and Library Services Latchaw’s literature and writing courses brought out (JELS). She said she was especially gratified that many a dimension within her she hadn’t recognized before. students expressed their appreciation for her motivat“I loved going back to school; I loved learning; I ing teaching style and her breadth of knowledge. loved the humanities, the poetry, the creativity,” she Latchaw has only positive feelings about changing explained. career directions in mid life. She feels that her work in Although she would need to work hard to catch up the humanities enables her “to make a real contribuin a different field, she was determined to overcome tion-through research and through influencing the lives the disadvantages of her non-literary background, and of students in significant ways,” she said. “For me, she made plans to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts Degree being a med tech was a job, but what I do now is a specializing in poetry writing. Then, she and Dick career and a profession.” agreed to a trial separation, which encouraged her to

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September 10, 2004

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Changing with the Flow of Life

by JENNIFER SHERMAN ational programs for children and adults for the rest of “He who does not attempt to try, tries to attempt to fail, the year.” and he too who tries twice to succeed, only succeeds Dealing with kids is not an easy job, but is usually twice in attempting to try to fail.” fun for Ari, the fact that he makes a difference in their --Frank Lloyd Wright lives was a great incentive. “I loved to see them laugh, Mother Nature brought us to life with a talent; our and felt great knowing that I was providing them a challenge as human beings good and healthy environis to develop our abilities to ment, but you can’t forget become successful profesthe other side, dealing with sionals in this complicated parents and their concerns-and competitive world. that’s another story,” he Therefore we need to strive laughs. to be the best--in what ever After being surrounded by path we may choose. children for five years, the Professional success makes routine enveloped Ari’s life one happy, but what really and he realized his job was counts in life is to love what not a challenge in certain you do for a living, or even ways, so though a tough better than that--do what you decision for him, he quit his really love. Even if it sounds job and decided to start simple, it is not. When the over with a new career. time comes and we have to “I always thought about decide what we want to going to law school and study, who we want to be, becoming an attorney like things start to get complicatmy father and my sister; I ed, because we all have to felt it was a good time for a make that choice early in life. change. This was a much Many people decide their more conscious decision life’s work when they are that was a long term type of barely out of their teens, endeavor. It was more like a then spend 40 hours a week commitment, and I felt I for the next 40 years doing was mature enough to realAri Riekes jobs that leave them empty ize what I really wanted to and unhappy. But we all have the right to make mis- do with my life,” he recalls. takes---and the obligation to fix them.

So he stayed in Chicago and got a law degree in 2003 The story that you are going to read here is about a at the Chicago-Kent college of Law. He admits he was young man who took a second chance. We all have lucky, “because right after graduating,” he adds, “I got that second chance, but not necessarily the courage to this job opportunity, one that allowed me to come back take it. to Omaha and be closer to my family.”

According to several recent surveys, only about half Over the tough summers of law school, Ari received of all U.S. adults are satisfied with their jobs. So if you an internship here at the Kutak Rock law firm. Upon are part of this statistic, maybe it is time to ask yourself graduation, they offered him a fulltime job. Riekes has if you’d like to try another career. If the answer is yes been working in the litigation department at the law keep reading, maybe the story of Ari Riekes will inspire firm for about a year, so it is a huge change from what you. he was doing before.

Ari was born in Omaha, and raised in a traditional “What I did at the JCC in Chicago and what I do now Jewish family; his father, Steve Riekes--a lawyer, always is 100 percent different,” he admits, “but the two taught his kids the value of justice and fairness. His together have taught me a whole lot. Now in my first mother, Margo--a teacher, used her educational skills to year as a lawyer, I can tell there is still a lot to learn raise her children in an open environment where they about the law and the profession itself. At this point, can have their own choices.

I’m just trying to get a sense of the law.

“My parents have never tried to influence us in what “In school, we prepared not how to be a lawyer, but to do, one way or another when it came to our careers, how to think like a lawyer,” he explains, “and I’m learnbecause it had to fulfill us, not them, so they gave me ing now how to practice it, because that it is something and my sister advice and counseling but at the end the that you do not learn in a classroom. And if even I used decision was ours,” Ari says. to spend time with the kids outside and now I spend In 1994, when college knocked at his door he decid- the day behind a desk, I’ve found this job intellectualed to get a degree in political science. “After graduat- ly more challenging and that’s very important to me,” ing college from the University of Michigan, I moved to he says, convinced.

Chicago and I went to Northwestern University, to So far for Ari, everything has been a process of learnwork on a Masters of Science in Education and Social ing--and that’s what makes things so interesting. Every Policy. At that point I was not sure what was coming day he learns something new that will improve him as next, so I decided to work for the Jewish Community a person, as a lawyer, and that’s what motivates him to Center of Chicago as Director of Sports and Leagues, keep going in this direction--even if it means not workAri explains, “where my primary duty was to run day ing for his father. camps during the summer and plan and run recre- Continued on page 37

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September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 35

Home is Where the Heart Is

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of The Jewish Press In her beautiful ranch home, Anne Cohen sits serenely in her immaculate kitchen. She’s comfortable in her surroundings--20 years in this home, more than 35 in Omaha. “I’m one of the luckiest people I know,” she smiles, “and so grateful to this community for their support and friendship.”

A native of Des Moines, IA, she’s been married to Omahan Alan Cohen since 1966...and for 25 years of their married life, she and her husband worked together as partners in real estate.

The couple first started out working together in the family’s restaurant, the Fireside, a longtime Omaha fixture owned by Alan’s parents, Ethel and Dan Cohen. Though Anne earned her college degree in elementary education, she admits that the “30 to one odds” in the classroom didn’t appeal to her.

Alan had already passed his real estate Former realtor Anne Cohen, shown exam, so when their here with her husband, Alan, is now son, Marty, started a Design Consultant for California kindergarten at age Closets in Countryside Village. five in 1973, Anne took the exam as well. But in the mid-’70s, real estate was a male-dominated industry.

And not many Jewish women worked full-time, though Anne had two role models: her mother, Roselle, who worked with her father, Irving Bernstein, in their Des Moines jewelry store and Ethel Cohen, who worked at the Fireside for many, many years.

Anne’s first job was in Countryside Village, working for Jenkins McCollister, but within two years, she had moved to CBS, one of the first large firms to hire women.

“It was a perfect fit,” Anne recalls. “The CBS office was near our home then, near 132nd Street. Alan’s parents were extremely supportive of my working.

“Ethel would pick up Marty after school and bring him back to her house,” she added, “where he would get the best after-school snacks of all his friends! Ethel was a fabulous cook, probably the best in the city.”

Early in her career as a realtor, she and Alan decided to become partners. For some couples, this is a recipe for disaster; not so Anne and Alan Cohen. And until 1998, their names appeared together on “For Sale” signs all over the city. Members of the club of “Top Sellers”, “Top Agents,” and “Top Referrals,” the Cohens man-

and accessories in that room!” she explains. “Our clients would come home to a new look.”

With Peggy, Anne says “it was just fun...like playing house.” But another opportunity came along in 2000, from mortgage broker Gary Nachman. Interest rates were tumbling and homeowners wanted to refinance high interest loans; Nachman needed additional staff and Anne Cohen had the experience.

“I was busy for three-and-a-half years,” she notes, describing Residential Mortgage as “a great office, a great place to work.”

She “can’t say enough about the office” and insists she’d still be there, except for a day spent at the Omaha Home Show last spring. She and Alan were meandering through the Qwest Center, when she spotted the California Closets booth, showcasing custom home-storage.

Intrigued, she returned to the booth several times and, by the end of the day, she had scheduled an interview.

California Closets, the founder of the custom storage industry, began in 1978 and California Closets of Nebraska opened its The Cohen family vacations in Okoboji, from left: Alan, Anne, Jack, Sam, Elizabeth and doors in 2003 with a showroom Marty (not pictured, Will). in Lincoln. Last month, the their first home, a retiree selling his last home, and newest showroom opened in Countryside Village, with everything in between. She sees it as a way of helping Anne as one of three design consultants. newlyweds figure out how much “house” they can According to its website, “California Closets offers a afford or easing the loss of years of memories in one full line of storage solutions, ranging from simple lamlocation. inate reach-in closets to beautiful wood-tone walk-ins “The best thing about real estate is helping people,” she completely outfitted with accessories to maximize every adds. “A home is the most expensive investment most bit of space.” people make. It’s where they live, where they’ll raise their This latest evolution in the life of Anne Cohen really families. And it can be very stressful. My job is to ease seems more like a natural progression. Selling real that stress and help them make good choices.” estate, working as a mortgage broker, now designing When Ann “retired”, it wasn’t for long. “It was great closets. “It’s still all about home,” she insists. for the first few months,” she laughs. “But I quickly got She expects to be busy, and if her prior careers in restless.” related fields are any indication, she will be. “I owe a When interior designer and friend Peggy Siert called lot to the Omaha Jewish community,” she says graand asked if Anne wanted to “do something”, Anne ciously. “They’ve been our customer base for many, jumped at the chance. This was in 1999, ’way before many years.”

“Mission Organization” and “Trading Spaces” became But this new position also gives her an opportunity to household names. continue to spend time with her son, Marty, and his “Peggy and I were the first in Omaha to do ‘Arrange wife, Elizabeth, who were married in 1996, and their and Stage’ for homeowners, builders and hotel chains,” three sons: Jack, 6; Sam, 3; and Will, 2. she explains. “We’d listen to clients, find out what their Anne’s excited about this new career and has already ‘problems’ were in a particular room, and then, while designed closets for her own home. they were out for the day, we’d rearrange the furniture “Have to test it, you know!” she laughs. aged to combine their talents in a successful partnership. And then Alan just traded partners, becoming known as the team of Alan and Marty Cohen!

“I happen to like the numbers side of the business,” Anne admits, but she also loves the “one-on-one, personal side” of selling homes (better than the 30-to-one odds in a classroom!).

“It’s really about relationships,” she insists. “I have an opportunity to help someone”...a young couple buying

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Emerging from a Cocoon

by JOAN K. MARCUS Dr. Phil Rich hasn’t changed his profession; he just keeps adding to what he does. He’s an entrepreneur, a real estate magnate, investor and inventor. The Omaha born dentist is the youngest of three boys born to the owners of Business Printing, Charlotte and Eugene Rich. Being a dentist was something that young Phil wanted to do as early as seventh grade.

“Our family dentist, Dr. Maurice Sachs, did a root canal on me and became kind of a role model,” Rich admitted. “Ever since then, everything I did, including school projects, was related to dental work.” He set his sights on learning dentistry and was accepted into school at UNMC after only two years of undergraduate work.

“In September of 1974, I was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu and visited the frat house to ‘view’ the incoming girls,” he smiled. “Diane Morris was one of the undergrads and I called her the following week for a date. I was attracted to the braces on her teeth!”

Diane and Phil were married in 1975 and he took a dental residency in St. Louis at the Jewish Hospital.

“Being married to Phil has definitely brought me out of my comfort zone,” she admitted. “I was originally in elementary education and then in nursing. Our marriage has certainly never had a dull moment.”

They returned to Omaha in 1977, when Phil opened a general dentistry practice and began teaching at the clinic and laboratories at UNMC. “I taught for a number of years and then took a break. However, the people

“A lot of patients don’t necessarily want to learn more about their teeth. They just want the work to be done,” he admitted. “When I work with patients, I need a

Diane and Phil Rich

Emerging continued from page 36 must laugh before they can leave!”

Laughing isn’t something people normally do at the dentist, but Rich says he makes it fun. “By the time I get done, people think it wasn’t nearly as bad as they thought. A lot of my jargon is relaxing, and I try to put people at ease.”

Insurance companies have sometimes told Rich how to treat his patients, but his philosophy is that even though insurance won’t pay for certain things, patients may need them. Although he didn’t give up his dental practice, Rich took in an associate so that he could branch out into research and not be confined in traditional dentistry.

“I had to become a little more of a butterfly,” he realized, “instead of staying in my cocoon all of the time.”

As his interest in entrepreneurship developed, he became more of an inventor and has patented some things such as an enlarger for panoramic photography.

Phil’s enlarger allows photos to be printed from two inches high and up to 25 feet long. Inventing and developing the self-contained enlarger unleashed his artistic and creative abilities. His photos have appeared in the Jewish Press (most notably during the 2002 JCC Maccabi Games here in Omaha) and he even had a one-man show at a gallery in Fremont.

In 1989, Rich became involved with Advanced Innovations, a company created to work with an automatic toothbrush. Other companies wanted to bring their ideas (inventions) to reality. “People brought me

their ideas with the idea of patenting them,” he explained. “The first thing I did was a feasibility study.

I ended up with my name on about four patents and the enlarger was one of the ideas. Others include a golf bag and ‘Flip and Filet,’ a fishing product.”

Advanced Innovations introduced an automatic toothbrush that brushes the upper, lower, inside and outside of the teeth at the same time. This kind of toothbrush was unheard of and the public needed education about the toothbrush.

“I have to keep learning myself so it is important that I keep teaching other people,” Phil insisted. “I testify as an expert witness for insurance companies and that keeps me learning. When I’m learning, I’m educating other people. I’m teaching whatever I do.”

Phil credits some of his sons’ success in school and in life to the education they received at the Friedel Jewish Academy. He and Diane have three sons: Adam, an architect in Kansas City; Brandon, a student in architectural engineering at the Kiewit Center at UNO; and Jason, a senior at Burke High School. Adam’s wife, Jessica, is a third-year medical student.

“Many people are afraid to leave their own comfort zones,” Phil added. “I have been fortunate enough to let creativity go in order to try new things. Today’s jobs will change in 10 years and we need to change with the times.

However, it is important that people always keep their roots (no pun intended!)” he insisted, “and, first and foremost, I will always be a dentist!”

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who come to me get educated as patients.”

Rich wants his patients to take care of themselves. He does a lot of instruction and education in preventive dentistry. “Many of my new patients are not brushing and flossing correctly. I help people understand why they are clenching and breaking teeth. It’s a matter of looking at the whole person, not just one tooth!”

A person’s medical condition may be related to their dental problems. Many conditions can contribute and Rich examines the health of his patients, before prescribing. For instance, medications may cause dry mouth conditions and even promote decay.

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commitment from them that they care about their teeth.

I need patients who are open to listening.”

Phil notes that his practice is different than most because he branches out to do things such as root canals, general surgery, periodontal surgery and endodontics. “I enlist specialists for consultation and they know what I can and can’t do,” he added.

He lists the reason for the success of his dental practice as compassion and passion. “I want them to know why I do what I do,” Rich said. “I have compassion for my patients and passion for them to learn. Everyone continued on page 37

Flow of Life continued from page 34 “It is important for me to establish myself. My father is an extraordinary man and an excellent lawyer who always gives me advice that is very helpful when practicing law, but I had an opportunity at this firm and I thought that it was important for me to grow on my own,” he explains.

Riekes is a very sensitive and determined person, who’s always been heavily engulfed in politics and social issues. “I think that lawyers are very important for society as a whole; the law is what makes countries civilized,” he insists. “I like to help people and for me, it is imperative to explain the law to others. Members of society have to respect and recognize it to be part of it. So my goal is to make the law work in a good sense and help in the construction of a better society.”

Even if Ari seems to be satisfied with what he does now, things can change and maybe he will take a third chance in life, about what he responded, “Now I’m focused in what I’m doing. I am just scratching the surface when it comes to law, but in life you can never say never, because you never know what kind of elements could change in your life that make you change careers.”

In a few words, Riekes found what he was looking for regarding his profession and he feels for the most part satisfied.

“I think that practicing law can be rewarding,” he smiles. “I certainly can look at my father and see how he’s been fulfilled by it, so I would say that it is definitely possible. On the other hand, happiness can’t only come from your job. It is essential for me to be around friends and family, so as long as you have those things, what ever else you do, everything is going to be fine.”

Things are actually going well for Ari; at 32-years-old he has two careers, an excellent job, and an assortment of positive experiences in life.

“Changing careers did not change me as a person; I’m the same individual with the same values, and equal interests,” he insists. “I have changed the circumstances of my life, changed the place where I live, but I would say that any sort of change is an experience that will enrich your soul.”

Changing careers is more common than one would think; actually most people are expected to make at least three major career changes before retirement.

Many factors are involved in this process, the economical and the fundamental, but as a matter of fact, what every one is looking for is to become happier people, with better lives.

Maybe it’s time to ask yourself, what do you want for your life?

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September 10, 2004

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To the Deli and Back (with a Major Stop in Education)

by JOAN K. MARCUS proper grammar!”

After being in education for 30 years, There are four children in the family. former Omahan Dr. Harlan Rimmerman Shayna Rimmerman Ray is a sergeant opened his sixth deli in Leavenworth, with the Omaha Police Department. Her KS. “The business has been very suc- husband, Matt, is a hearing officer for cessful and it has been great fun, but the Omaha Public Schools and they have working 12 to 15 hour days has taken a three children of their own. Son Rusty toll on our family life,” he admitted. lives in Houston with his wife, Susan.

While living in Salina, KS, Harlan Daughters Sara and Rachel are both still needed something to do during the sum- in high school in Kansas. mer. So, he bought a run down restau“Russ is head network computer guy rant and converted it into a delicatessen. for a large company. He used to work “We had the exact same menu that for Enron, but he left when they refused Norm Roffman had when I worked for to let him buy the company,” he jokes. him during my senior year in college,” After graduating from Omaha he laughed. “Two years later, my deli University in 1967, Harlan later earned a was so successful that I was bought out.” So he moved to Omaha in the late 1960s and opened up five more delis.

Growing up in Omaha, Rimmerman recalls going to Diamond’s Meat Market and Adler’s Bakery on No. 24th St. His parents, Robert and Reva Rimmerman, took him on family outings “all the way to Irvington” for ice cream or for a drive “in the country to visit Boystown.”

The Rimmermans lived in South Omaha during Harlan’s youth. “When my parents moved to Benson, I learned that all air didn’t smell like the Omaha Stockyards,” he laughed. “I also remember that a Mrs. Blumkin had a furniture store on Farnam Street that seemed to be doing quite Zayde (Dr. Harlan Rimmerman) with his grandson, Bennett. well.”

Other happy memories for Master’s in Administration from Kansas Rimmerman include going to the Chief University and a PhD in Curriculum and Movie Theatre in South Omaha for a Instruction from the University of quarter and visiting Brandeis Nebraska. “Graduating from UNL qualiDepartment Store and Central Market. fied me to be able to purchase season “While I was going to Central High, I tickets to the footballs games. And, I did had a work permit to leave early and go graduate with a 4.0 GPA.” (Guess he to work at my parents’ store, Benson finally learned to enjoy school.)

Hardware. So, I didn’t have too much A move back to Omaha offered him time to participate in school activities-- the opportunity to work with the Omaha except for band and orchestra,” he Public Schools as a teacher, and later as admits. an instructor and supervisor. He then “I miss many of the friends that I had moved to Topeka, where he worked as in Omaha as well as the Goodrich malts, a curriculum specialist.

Saddle Creek Bar footlongs and LaCasa Another move to the Kansas City area Pizza,” he adds. “I still come to Omaha gave him the opportunity to serve as to visit family and am amazed at the director of elementary education for the growth of the city.”

Kansas City School District and then as a Rimmerman doesn’t claim to have been central office administrator in North an exceptional student at Central. “I didn’t Kansas City. care much for school in those days. I He has published several books and played sports for AZA#1,” he jokes, “and written articles in education journals. He managed to keep my grades in the top half has also been a national consultant in of the bottom half of my class!” the areas of learning and integrated curAfter graduating from Central in 1963, riculum. he attended Omaha University where he Most recently, he has taken a position majored in education because his men- as Director of Education for the National tor had been Norman Sorenson, an Auctioneers Association in Kansas. In American History teacher at Central. “My this new position, he will be able to father said that he wanted me to be a combine his education and business professional and not go into the retail experience to help auctioneers become business,” he admitted. better educated.

His first teaching job was with the Rimmerman says, “I probably will not Shawnee Mission School District in go back into the deli business because I Prairie Village, KS. A move to Salina led want time to enjoy my family and grandhim to a position as an elementary children. I have been fortunate because school principal and also helped him I have been successful in both of my meet his wife, Carol, an English teacher careers. I owe my success to my parents at another school. (and his stepfather, Al Oruch) who “We have been married for 30 years taught me to work hard and treat people and she is still trying to teach me to use fairly.”

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 39

Two Career Changes Prove ‘Better Than One’

by DIANE AXLER BAUM The combination of success and personal satisfaction Rovia and Harding Collis achieved as Real Estate Brokers in Omaha was all the more noteworthy, given that real estate was a second profession for both of them.

Harding holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern University. He was in the finance department of the Illinois Masonic Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he also taught courses in Hospital Financial Management, before moving here as Director of Administration for the Omaha Visiting Nurse Association. Eventually he left the not-for-profit arena to become a Chief Financial officer in the private sector.

Rovia earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and a Masters in Public Health Administration from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Following more than 20 years in nursing, her need for a career change led to studying real estate.

Rovia’s excitement with real estate sparked her husband's interest. Besides, as he noted with a wink to his wife in a recent interview, “I was answering so many of her questions about financial aspects of real estate, I decided I might as well take the courses, too.”

Once they’d received their licenses, they began selling real estate as a team. “We complemented each other in so many ways,” Rovia recalled. “One of our friends told us we proved the old saying, ‘Two heads are better than one’.”

For the past several years, Harding and Rovia both were employed by NP Dodge Real Estate, where she concentrated on listing and selling and he was Vice President of Residential Sales and director of the Great Plains School of Real Estate. In August, Harding resigned from NP Dodge to partner with his brother-inlaw in a new business in Oklahoma. Rovia will join him there after she sells their Omaha house, located in Royalwood.

Rovia believes her work in the Omaha real estate arena required many of the same attributes and skills that characterized her health care career.

“As a nurse, I was called upon to coordinate informa-

tion. I was at the communication center, surrounded by the patient, the family, the doctors, and the therapists.

As a Realtor, I was again at the communication center, surrounded by other agents, the buyer, the seller, the appraiser, the home inspector, the lender, and others.”

She sees this role as a particular challenge “in a field where information changes so rapidly.”

Nursing and real estate both require an understanding

Rovia and Harding Collis of human needs, she added. “I recognize that people buying and selling houses are under stress. They may not always be themselves.”

Harding offered his own perspective. “A Chief Financial Officer and a Real Estate Broker are both professionals,” he said. “The main difference is that one is involved more with numbers, the other more with people.” He preferred the latter for numerous reasons.

“No real estate transaction is the same as another,” he mused. No two people are the same. Every day is a new challenge.”

The days were more flexible, too, which gave the Collises time to pursue their many diverse interests.

Together, they were patrons of opera and theater and fans of Husker Football. At Beth El Synagogue, they par-

ticipated in Hazak events and took advantage of a variety of learning experiences, such as a recent Sunday morning class in Hebrew language. They became valued members of the morning minyan, and regularly attended Shabbat morning services.

In addition, Harding cultivated a vegetable and herb garden, found satisfaction in carpentry projects, and made beer and wine (he’s a former president of the Midlands Beer and Winemaking Society). Rovia played Mah Jongg one evening a week, maintained connections with friends near and far, relaxed over crossword puzzles and mysteries, and often tried new vegetarian recipes.

Both made time for continuing education and service to the real estate profession. “Real estate is evolving constantly in terms of laws, technology and the goals and interests of buyers,” Rovia explained. “To remain most effective, a Realtor must keep up with constant changes.” This they accomplished by taking courses and earning new credentials.

Rovia provided orientation to new realtors in the area of Purchase Agreements and the Multiple Listing Service Computer System. Most recently, she chaired the Real Estate Board’s Computer Committee. Harding’s volunteer positions included Vice Chairman, Great Plains Multiple Listing Service; Dean, Graduate Realtors Institute; and President, Dodge Cares.

In addition, he was a member of the Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association, Nebraska Home Builders Association, and the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Realtors Association. He is a past president of the Northwest Rotary and the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith.

During the interview, Rovia proudly mentioned her husband’s “Outstanding Service Award,” presented to him in 2003 by the Nebraska Realtors Association, and his “Outstanding Educator of the Year Award,” received in 2004 from the Nebraska Home Builders Association.

Harding did not wish to dwell on these recognitions.

It seems more important to him that Rovia, if she could, would designate him “Exceptional Spouse and Business Partner.” And he’d be inclined to return the tribute to her.

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Page 40

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Judaism is Joyous

by JOAN K. MARCUS Maureen (Rini) Fradi Egherman Gonsher is a party looking for a place to happen! At age 55, she has the energy of a child and is always ready to dance.

She was born in Cincinnati to Juanita and Harvey Egherman. “My parents are wonderful,” she says.

“They’re just like their names. ‘Harvey’ is a good, strong, sensible name and ‘Juanita’ is fun-loving and a little on the wild side.” It is obvious to those who know her that Rini gets a little from each of her parents.

(Maybe a little more from her mother?)

Rini, the oldest of three children, grew up in a home that she describes as “Conservative, but not religious.”

The family was very Zionistic but not always Jewishly observant. Harvey owned a furniture store and Juanita sometimes worked with him. Rini reports that her upbringing was strongly Jewish.

“The interesting thing about our family was that my grandfather was the Hazzan of the synagogue when I was a little girl,” she explained. “He was the first Conservative cantor of the first Conservative synagogue in Cincinnati. So, my parents were brought up to be observant, religious Jews. However, my mother was rebellious and gave a lot of it up when she got married.”

Even though the Egherman family style didn’t have the trappings of traditional ritual, the children were taught to be very aware of the importance of the State of Israel. “There was no doubt that we were Jewish,” she asserted.

Rini has wonderful memories of being active in a United Synagogue Youth Group and many Jewish friends. As she prepared for her high school reunion in July (to celebrate the 55th birthdays of her classmates), she recalled that everyone in her high school life seemed to be Jewish.

After high school, Rini enrolled at the University of Cincinnati. “I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do.

I was living happily in the moment. However, everyone said I was good with kids,” she said, “and that I should be a teacher.”

She didn’t know what kind of a teacher to be, but she just knew she liked people and kids. During her junior year of college, she went to Israel to study for a year at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was while she was studying there that Rini honed her Hebrew skills, learned while attending a Jewish day school as a young child.

In Israel, Rini met and fell in love with young, handsome Allan Gonsher. “There are different versions of how we met,” she smiled, “but, I remember him coming up to my dorm room to have one of my roommates sew a button on a shirt. She wasn’t there--so I did it. He likes to say that he saw me sunbathing!”

Allan was funny and entertaining. He made jokes in

ing improvement specialization, too.)

Rini and Allan got engaged the following summer and were married June 18, 1972. Rini taught secular studies at a Jewish day school and afternoon Hebrew school. They lived in Los Angeles for three years where they decided that they would keep a kosher home. “Most of our friends from school had kosher homes and they observed the Sabbath,” she explained.

“So, we leamed how, too. As we reared our three sons, we kept adding more Jewish customs and Yiddishkeit.”

In 1975, the Gonshers moved to New York, where Rini joined the Zamir Chorale, a musical choir composed of cantorial and rabbinical students and/or their spouses. She performed at Carnegie Hall and remembers it as “an incredible experience!”

From New York, they returned to Israel where Rini studied Hebrew and audited classes. Their son, Josh was born there.

Trenton, New Jersey, was the next stop for three The Gonsher family celebrate together with friends and family Ben and Aviva Gonsher, Eva and years and then Omaha, Josh Gonsher, Zac, and Rini and Allan Gonsher. where Allan became the ulpan and the two “just had a good time.” She thought Executive Director for Jewish Family Services. that he was very good looking because he had a full “We liked how Rabbi Nadoff and Cantor Fettman head of black hair. “We called it an ‘Isro’ instead of an sounded on the phone,” she said, “and we knew we ‘Afro’ because we were in Israel,” she laughed. would love Omaha. Omaha was everything that you’d Rini and Allan have fond memories of meeting Israeli find in a big city except the hassle--welcoming and graPrime Minister Ben Gurion and studying together and cious, vibrant and warm. We’ve always loved it.” travelling throughout Israel. “We dated other people, Since she had been a “stay at home” mom, Rini has but at the end of the year, we knew we wanted to be always had time to be a part-time teacher of Hebrew. together.”

“We live close to Temple Israel and teaching there is a They came back to America to see how it would play natural.” out; Allan transferred to the University of Judaism in Though she still teaches at Temple, Rini changed proLos Angeles and Rini finished her teaching degree at fessions a few years ago to become a “Telephone Sales the University of Cincinnati. (She continued working Representative--not a telemarketer!” towards a master’s in elementary education and read- Continued on page 42

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September 10, 2004

A Man of Many Yarmulkes

by JOAN K. MARCUS I always assumed Rabbi Allan Gonsher must have been born in New York to a very Orthodox Jewish family. I could envision him walking to the synagogue every Shabbat and never breaking the laws of kashrut.

But I was in for a surprise.

Gonsher was born in Phoenix in I950. His father, a laborer at Reynolds Metal Company, took a chance and moved his family from New York to live where the climate was warm. “There were very few Jews in Phoenix in 1946. My father, Charles, was offered a job there so he decided to be a pioneer,� Allan explained. He took my then-pregnant mother, Dorothy, and moved to Phoenix; they thought that it was an opportunity.�

Allan’s father, though committed to Judaism, had not had any Jewish training. However, Charles Gonsher believed, unequivocally, that “Jews stuck with Jews.�

According to Allan, “We were very middle class and my parents didn’t care to move out of that status. My father was uneducated and couldn’t read Hebrew, but everyone knew we were Jews.�

His mother had grown up in an Orthodox family and was determined that her three sons would have proper Jewish educations. They attended Hebrew school, where Allan describes himself as being, “Very naughty!� Gonsher’s interest in Judaism increased as he spent numerous afternoons “visiting� with the head rabbi of the Orthodox Hebrew school. “I didn’t do anything that was disrespectful or mean,� he smiled. “I just talked out of turn and did little mischievous things. Today, I would probably be diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder.

Then, they just thought that I was weird and naughty.�

Allan remembers that all of the Jewish educators in those days were Orthodox men; it was a nice upbringing. “Since my father was ignorant of Jewish learning, he was insistent that my brothers and I were committed to having a good Jewish education,� he recalled. “Dad was a secular Jew, but he would park several blocks away from the synagogue so that the rabbi wouldn’t think we had driven on Rosh Hashanah.�

The Gonsher boys would play baseball in the morning and then cut the grass. Only then would they get ready to attend Shabbat services. “After eating lunch at the synagogue, we would walk to the public library,� he added. “Remember; this was Phoenix. It was hot--very hot--and the library was air-conditioned! We wore suits and ties and were roasted by the time we made it to the library where my dad picked us up.�

As the years went on, certain things were made very clear to Allan and his brothers. “We were one of those families that looked--from the outside--to be observant.

Even though the family wasn’t as observant as it appeared, there were certain things that were very clear to us,� he asserted. “On the High Holy days, we never went to school.

We always had Seders and we were always expected to be home for Friday night dinner,� he insisted. “It was clear there were things that weren’t to be challenged.�

His parents were big volunteers at the shul, too. They were always there cooking and doing whatever was needed.

Allan recalls a turning point in his life sometime after his Bar Mitzvah. A young rabbi came to his synagogue and became a role model for him. “My senior year, when we were applying to colleges, I told my closest

friend that I wanted to be a rabbi,� Allan smiled. “He just looked at me.�

Although he had no idea what he wanted to do as a rabbi, Allan knew he loved Yiddishkeit. “When my brothers and I became 18, we were on our own and had to figure out how we were going to pay for college. I sold ladies shoes for college money.�

After one year at Arizona State University, he became the Friday night rabbi at a small synagogue in Mesa, Arizona. “I used the money that I made doing that until my rabbi from Phoenix called and said he wanted me to spend a year studying in Israel.

Somehow, Allan got the money to go in 1969 and that’s when his life changed. “One day, I was on in ulpan--learning Hebrew--when I went outside to get some fresh air. There, lying on the ground, was a young, attractive woman sunbathing.

She had long eyelashes and long fingernails and I was immediately interested. I don’t know if it was love at first sight, but I was certainly passionately interested!�

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 41

Rosh Hashanah Greetings from

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Rini and Allan Gonsher Her name was Maureen (Rini) Egherman and she was in Israel for her junior year in college. He learned immediately that she would do a favor for anybody and that she’s never boring! (Read Rini’s version of their first meeting on the opposite page!) “She’s interesting and always interested!� Allan insisted. Allan and Rini were married in 1972 and he says she remains his greatest supporter.

Upon returning from Israel, Allan began to study at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. “I had $25 in my pockets when I arrived there, but I knew that my quest for knowledge and Yiddishkeit would bring me through. There were a lot of young people who were in the community in L.A.,� he recalled, “and we all connected--learning and growing together!�

Continued on page 42

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

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A Man of Many Yarmulkes Continued from page 41 I wanted to learn about Yiddishkeit and Allan received a BA in Religious it seemed being a rabbi was the only Studies from California State University way to do it,” Gonsher explained. “I didin 1974 and another BA from the n’t really want to be a rabbi, but I did University of Judaism in 1975. In 1979, want to keep learning. he received his Rabbinic Degree from “It was a profession and a vocation--as the Seminary in New York and earned a opposed to who I really am! I go for my Master’s Degree in Social Work from passion and that’s what has led me.”

Columbia University in New York.

Allan has, however, used his “rabbiniWhen Charles Gonsher died, Allan cal skills”. Since 1980, he has acted as wanted to do something for his father. the visiting rabbi of Congregation Beth “Here was a guy who Jacob in Ottumwa, Iowa. was an uneducated He provides pastoral laborer, who loved what services to the congregaI was doing,” Allan tion for the High added. “After Dad’s Holidays and some death, I was inspired to Shabbat services. He has go to the next level.” also, sadly, performed a He went back to Israel number of funerals to study at Brovender’s there.

Yeshiva, when he was As a rabbi with “many offered money to do yarmulkes,” he has graduate studies in extensive college teachColumbia. “That gave the ing experience at degree to be able to do Creighton and the what I’m doing today.”

University of Nebraska at In 1980, the Gonshers Omaha, Drake came to Omaha so Allan University in Des could take over as Moines, and Hebrew Executive Director of University School of Jewish Family Services. Allan Gonsher is the author of An Social Work in He was responsible for Allowance is Not A Bribe.

Jerusalem. program development Gonsher has also had and implementation, financial develop- many articles published in periodicals, ment and the oversight of board com- including Ladies Home Journal. And he’s munications, supervision of professional published a book, An Allowance is Not A and clinical staff.

Bribe, for parents.

Eight years later Allan left JFS to found “I love my life!” he added. “I continue Kids, Inc., a private family and children’s to learn and grow Jewishly and in my counseling clinic and practice. “I always profession.” knew I was good with kids and had the But Gonsher also discovered the talent talent to work with people,” he said. “I to help people. And using his rabbinical had to figure out how to do it in a way skills, he learned he could do both; as that was a career, not a job.” he says, “It just took me a while to figGonsher says, “All those years, I knew ure out how!”

Judaism is Joyous Continued from page 42 She emphasized that she only calls existing customers. “When Josh began college, I wanted to contribute more financially,” she recalled. “So, I picked up an ad in the paper and it was a job at the Red Lion Hotel selling memberships to their dining club.” She could still teach in the morning and do a four-hour shift in the afternoon.

“I sold a membership to a man who lived in Lincoln and he invited me to come to work for him to sell Passport Dining memberships in Omaha,” she explained. “I did it for five years and really became quite good at it.

“To me, selling is educating,” she insisted. “It is educating the prospective buyer how to outweigh the loss against the gain. My job is to get in there and paint a picture. It’s the same as educating the kids and seeing the gleam in their eyes when they finally get it!”

An opportunity took Rini to Omaha Steaks International where she now works. “I guess maybe it seems funny for the wife of an Omaha mashgiach to be selling bacon-wrapped filet mignons,” she laughed, “but they almost sell themselves!

I have eaten many of their kosher products and if customers ask me if I’ve tasted others, I can say truthfully, ‘Well, not yet!’

“It’s a wonderful place to work, she

added, “and I thoroughly enjoy working there. I’m as cheerful at my last phone call of the day as I am at my first one in the morning!”

Rini jokes that her third job is to make a cholent for 35 people each week! She teaches her sons how to make a cholent by telling them, “It’s like life!”

• First, you take the most important thing in your life--your family, your job, Judaism. That’s the potato chunks and you fill a big pot with them.

• Then you add the secondary things-your friends and what you do on the weekend. That’s the onion chunks and you fill up the spaces around the potatoes.

• Then you add what else you enjoy-movies, ice skating, opera. That’s the barley and beans you fill in with the onion chunks.

• Then, there are the other things you like to do in your life--like driving your favorite car. That’s the water that you use to fill the pot.

• The meat goes on the top; Rini uses chuck steak cut in chunks; “half a cow” is what her boys call it.

• Last--add salt, garlic and a few squirts of catsup, and the spices. Cook at 275º or on low in a crockpot overnight.

And wake up to “savory Jewish smells” on Shabbat morning.

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September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 43

Matza Balls to Pizzas to Politics

by JOAN K. MARCUS Sibby and her family left Marshalltown when she was Sibby Wolfson chuckles as she walks down the halls small and moved to Storm Lake. When she was two, of the Godfather’s Pizza headquarters. She waves her they moved again to Des Moines where they joined arm in one direction and says, in her deep, friendly Tifereth Israel Synagogue. voice, “That used to be my office.” A few seconds later, “We definitely knew that we were Jewish. My brothshe points with the other hand and says, “That was my er had a Bar Mitzvah, but I was the only Jewish girl at office, too-- a long time ago.”

Urbandale Elementary and High School.”

Then, she ushered me into a very large, comfortable Wolfson attended the University of Oklahoma after office and announced, “Now, I just use Herman’s office.”

Wolfson was referring to Herman Cain, former head of Godfather’s Pizza. Cain is now in the midst of a crowded and very contentious senate race in Georgia and Sibby is his scheduler.

Cain is now president and CEO of T.H.E. (The Hermanator Experience) Inc., a leadership and consulting company in Georgia.

He bought Godfather’s from the Pillsbury Company in 1988 and ran it until 1996 when he left Omaha.

Scheduling for a political campaign is a far cry from helping run the Wolfson family businesses, but she smiles as she talks about how she ended up living in Atlanta. Kathleen Sullivan, left, Herman Cain and Sibby Wolfson consult on Cain’s campaign.

“I was born in 1952 and I’m 52!” Sibby laughs. Born high school. It was there that she met lots of Omahan.

Sheryl Marion (Marionovsky) in Marshalltown, Iowa, She majored in Political Science, but wanted to get marSibby adds, “Not only is it a miracle that I grew up ried and have a family. “It was always expected that I Jewish, but my dad was born in Oxford Junction, Iowa! would go to college, but I don’t think there was any He had a brother and a sister and they moved to ‘The expectation that I would have a career,” she admits. “I Quad Cities’ and later to Grundy Center. But...they all think I’m still part of the generation where women married Jews,” she exclaimed. “An even bigger miracle were expected to marry and raise a family.” is that my mother and her three sisters grew up in After college graduation, she moved to Omaha to live Storm Lake, Iowa,and they all married Jewish men.” with her aunt and uncle, Mickey and Don Sturm.

“I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do with my new college degree,” she recalled.

“So, in June of 1974, I came to Omaha to stay with my relatives for six weeks. My first job was working at Beth El Synagogue as a secretary. I worked with Blanche Wise who became my colleague and second mother.”

In July of 1975, for the first time Beth El hired fundraisers to raise money to build a new synagogue.

“An Omaha family had donated the property where West Fairacres is now,” she remembered, “and they had an event there. I went and Bobby (Wolfson) was there, too. His mother had told him ‘there was a beautiful new girl working at Beth El that he should meet.’ I don’t know if he came to the event to meet me or if he would have come anyway.

“He had just graduated from Columbia University in New York with a degree in Social Work and had come home to help out in the family businesses,” she recalled. Bob later later added a JD from Creighton Law School to his resume.

“It was almost love at first sight,” she smiled. “He asked me out and we were engaged six months later and married three months after that.”

After her marriage, Sibby began working at the Wolfson family businesses, Dippy Donut and Dippy Deli. “I started off by being the Dippy Donut manager and working at the deli. I was sort of an overall manager and when my daughter, Rebecca was born in 1978, I started doing the bookkeeping for the businesses.”

She was a “stay at home” mom after her son, Alex, was born, but in 1983, began selling real estate until she returned to work at Dippy Deli and The Revolving Door Lounge at the Westroads. “We closed the businesses in 1992, and, for the first time, I didn’t have a job,” she realized.

She learned that the Omaha Community Foundation was looking for an office manager.

“When I started there, the total assets of the foundation were five million dollars. I did the accounting and developed their system. It was a fabulous job and I loved it but, after five years, the assets had reached 200 million dollars and they needed a ‘real’ accountant.”

Continued on page 44

Page 44

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Pizzas to Politics

Changing Jobs: A Challenge or an Opportunity?

continued from page 43 She recalls leaving OCF and hearing, from her friend, Jane Batt, that pizza magnate Herman Cain was looking for an executive assistant. During her interview with Cain, she told him, “I’m the right person to work with you because I come from a family of people who love to sing, my degree is in Political Science and I’ve been in the restaurant business.”

Cain led the National Restaurant Association for six years and she handled his travel arrangements, scheduled his professional speaking engagements, typed manuscripts, sometimes handled book signings and helped in the effort to market Cain’s professional speaking.

Wolfson says her duties included “handling Cain’s life.”

In 2003, The Wolfson family: Wo l f s o n Rebecca, Bob, Alex and Sibby. became the scheduler for Cain’s bid for the United States Senate in Georgia. Although the campaign gained momentum, the charismatic Cain lost in the primary in July.

Sibby has presently returned from living in an Atlanta hotel and traveling back and forth to Omaha for visits with her family. Cain’s showing in the election was amazing for a first-time try. For a time, he was second in the polls and in the amount of money that he raised for his campaign.

Who knows? There could always be another try!

We ended with the big question--is your name really Sibby? Her answer: “My real name is Sheryl but, when I was born, my parents referred to me as ‘sister’ and my brother couldn’t say it.

“He began calling me Sibby and it stuck!

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of The Jewish Press You’re bored with work. It’s tough getting out of bed every morning and you dread facing another day filled with meaningless tasks.

Do you stay or go? Is the money worth the aggrevation? Maybe it’s time to move on.

This could be the impetus to seek a job change...or it just may mean the work you Dr. Aveva Shukert once found so challenging is now repetitive. Maybe what you need instead is a talk with your supervisor, new goals and objectives at work, or the possibility of a change within the company...to a different position or different department.

When do you know how to tell the difference? And what do you do if the change was forced upon you...either through “downsizing”, a move to another city, or a change in management?

Since this issue is about people who have made successful career moves, the Jewish Press decided to ask two local psychologists for their advice.

According to Aveva Shukert, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, “Change is inevitable in our lives and our flexibility in adapting to it is an important element in our ability to be successful.

Career change is exciting, challenging, worrisome and scary. The proportions of these vary relative to whether or not the change is voluntary,” she cautioned, “and how much planning has occurred.”

Licensed professional counselor Sandy Kutler added, “I have always been fascinated by the fact that the Chinese character for ‘crisis’ also means ‘opportunity’.

Whether a new career is by design or circumstance, change always provides an opportunity for growth.”

Kutler has several sugegstions for people thinking of making a professional move: • Do your homework. Be sure to look into potential career paths to assess your suitability, interest, and

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aptitude. Research has shown that the people who are most satisfied in their careers are those who find meaning in their work. Therefore, choose a career for the right reasons rather than caving to external pressures or the expectations of others.

• Also, remember that you are not your job. Do not let your job status determine your self-esteem and wellbeing.

• Allow friends and family members to provide support during this potentially stressful time. Take time for self-care.

Shukert agreed, noting that “starting a new business requires patience and most are money losers for months or even years. Enlist family support, if it’s available.”

She also counsels clients to take a personal inventory. “If you are someone who is sensitive to rejection or easily frustrated, don’t pick a job with a high failure rate,” she cautions. “Consider your ‘boredom tolerance’ and whether or not you work better independently or on a team. Ask yourself if you’re better suited to management or staff and keep in mind that most fields offer both types of opportunities.”

Kutler recalled a conversation she once had with a client. “I remember an interesting client who was agonizing over a decision of whether to remain in his current position or follow a new opportunity,” she explained.

“After several sleepless nights, he came to the realization that he would put his energy into Sandy Kutler whichever path he chose and he would make it work. Interestingly, his new choice did not work out, but he was ultimately able to find an immensely satisfying and successful alternative.

“In my opinion, the most effective path to career change is to prepare properly and then to relax and have faith in yourself and the process.”

Shukert had two more words of advice, “Have fun!”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 45

Wood ls Good!

by JOAN K. MARCUS “At that time, Ann and I loved to go out and eat and Harvey Pickel says he made a decision 11 years ago there weren’t many restaurants that suited our tastes. that completely changed his life!

Now, Omaha has grown and grown. Retail has come-The tall, slender Brooklyn-born gentleman decided and new restaurants--it’s a wonderful place,” he added. he would leave his chosen engineering profession to “Nothing was wrong with Omaha when we came. But, devote full-time to his woodworking business. He says within five years, we learned to love it.” he has never been sorry Although Harvey was about his decision! always interested in many Pickel was born in 1941 to things, he had a special Orthodox Jewish parents. interest in woodworking His father, a pioneer in and high-end furniture carvradio relay and wireless ing. He loved it and, with microwave telephones, was his marketing background, an engineer for AT&T. He he decided there must be worked on many of the more people like himself ships that laid cables under who wanted to be more the oceans to Hawaii, serious about this hobby.

Puerto Rico and other coun“There didn’t seem to be tries. anything we could do here Harvey remembers a in Omaha to get more suphappy childhood and everyplies,” he said, “like power one in his neighborhood and hand tools, hardwoods being either Jewish or and instruction books.

Catholic. “The Jewish kids “So, we started the busiskipped school for everyness in a very modest way one’s holidays and so did and that’s why I didn’t quit the Catholic kids,” he my job with Northern laughed.

Natural. Ann worked at the Pickel’s engineering talent business and we hired manifested itself in high another man. school when he attended “We just hung in there and Brooklyn Technical, a speit was mostly a hobby--just Harvey Pickel cial school for students who to provide a service to felwanted to get into engineering programs. “You had to low woodworkers,” he smiled. “It would be fine if we take a test to get in,” he recalled, “and I took it with could break even.”

4,000 other boys. Only 20% of them were accepted and Harvey admits that it was a very scary decision when, I was one of them. I wanted to be an electrical engi- in 1981, he made the decision to leave his engineering neer--but I turned out to go for mechanical.” job altogether. “As you can imagine, I was an engineer New Mexico State University had a very good electri- with a decent income and lifestyle. I left that job with cal engineering program and that is where Harvey no idea if it would pay off or not. decided to go. “When I got into college, the whole cur“I guess, in a case like that, you just have to believe.” riculum opened up to me and I decided that I was betAnn Pickel remains a partner with her husband in ter suited for the mechanical program,” he explained.

Midwest Woodworkers. “We’re partners in everything While a student in New Mexico, young Harvey met and Ann is completely supportive of everything I’ve and fell in love with Ann Hightower. Her parents had ever done. The business has flourished.” both graduated from the university and, because her Midwest Woodworkers began at 133rd and “I” Streets father was a military officer, she decided she would with 1500 square feet and now boasts 6300 square feet transfer from George Washington University. Ann and of space at 146th and Wright. They have five employHarvey were married in 1964--after their graduation ees and specialize in fine hardwoods and veneers, from New Mexico State. tools, and offer a tremendous library of woodworking Ann and Harvey have two adult sons. David now books. lives in Buford, South Carolina, and, after graduating A later acquisition for the Pickels was “Wood Is from college with a degree in biology, decided to Good,” a company that manufactures supplies for become a furniture maker. Brad lives in Las Vegas, NV, woodworkers. Denim tool rolls, aprons and kits for with his wife and two daughters and is the road man- woodcarvers are all part of that business. The Pickels ager for the internationally known comedian Gallagher. sell these products wholesale all over the world.

Harvey finished college with a Bachelor of Science in “There are so many different classes of furniture,” mechanical engineering and, in 1964, the young couple Harvey explained, “and a customer can come in for a moved to Denver, CO. Harvey went to work for a pub- drawer knob or a little piece of veneer. lic service company and he suspected then he would “Or, to the other extreme, people come in and get set spend the rest of his career being an engineer. up with a whole shop that can cost anywhere from But in 1967, Harvey was reading a trade publication $5000 and up. Another customer might come in to purand found an advertisement from Northern Natural Gas chase a can of stain and we’ll never see him again!”

Company for someone with experience in engineering At age 63, Pickel claims that he is “semi-retired.” He and marketing. However, the job was in Omaha. says he “loves to read, garden and do genealogy stuff.

“You’ve got to realize that when I was invited for the Ann and I spend a lot of time together” but the store interview, I knew absolutely nothing about Omaha,” he has become “the place for woodworkers” to gather. admitted. “I thought that home was where I would “We have guys who just come in to shoot the breeze. hang my hat and I wasn’t going to be like some New And others who are working on major projects and Yorkers who are never satisfied with anything. need tools, supplies or advice.

“In 1967, Omaha wasn’t like it is today,” he insisted.

“We run our store like a family,” he insisted, and for “It was comfortable, but the weather was more extreme fellow woodworkers, “it’s like a candy store.” than Denver.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

A “Fruitful” Decision

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Wallace Hopkins, P.C., L.L.O. Of Counsel

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by OZZIE NOGG was accepted by several law schools. “I wanted to On a hot afternoon this past summer, Howard study law, but I had a wife and I needed a job and an Epstein left the U.S. Federal Courthouse following a income. Spending three years chasing a law degree three-day jury trial. The jury was deliberating his seemed impractical at the time, so I took the CPA exam, client’s claim of wrongful termination from employ- passed, and became an auditor. But I soon found that ment. Late the next day, while drafting a brief for the crunching numbers wasn’t my cup of tea.” After a year, Nebraska Court of Appeals from his desk at the law Howard started looking at other job options. His first firm of Marks, Clare and Richards, he got word that the choice was obvious. jury had awarded his client a substantial verdict.

“I’d worked in the fruit house part time during high Clearly, Howard’s current workdays are worlds apart school and college,” Howard explained. “At 14, they from his days in the had me lifting 100 pound wholesale fruit business, sacks of potatoes. I a business he’d been in remembered when the since his teenage years. delivery drivers taught Back in 1965, 14-yearme to drive a truck. We old Howard asked his bounced up and down father, Sam, for a summer 16th Street with me trying job at the wholesale fruit to use the clutch and and vegetable business shift gears at the same that Sam co-owned with time without stalling the Leo Nogg. truck. I remembered “The very next day--at what a good spot the 5:30 a.m.--dad took me freezer at the fruit house to work with him,” was on hot, humid sumHoward recalls. “The mer days.” warehouse foreman And so, armed with past looked at me, yanked the history and happy memcigar from his mouth, spit ories, Howard out a wad of wet, black approached his dad tobacco, and started Top left: Jason Epstein, Howard Epstein and Jon Benowitz. Bottom about working with him cussing. ‘Sam, what the left: Emily Epstein, Sharon Epstein, Jennifer Epstein Benowitz and and Steve at E. L. Nogg hell am I gonna to do Laurie Epstein.

Fruit Company. with a little kid like this? Are you nuts, Sam? We need “My dad couldn’t understand why I’d want to peddle help, but dammit, send me a grown up, not a kinder- fruit to chefs and cooks in hot kitchens. He thought I gartner.’ Gee, I felt really welcome!” was wasting my education. He thought an accountant’s From that day, Howard worked summers, school life would be easier and more rewarding. When I said vacations and Saturdays at the fruit house through high the fruit business sounded lots better than accounting, school and college he told me I was nuts.”

Howard--the ever-cheerful middle son of Sam and But Howard argued his case convincingly, and Sam Rosaline Epstein--grew up in Omaha with his older put him to work as a salesman. “I was successful and brother, Steve, and younger brother, Eddie. He attend- built up a nice following. Between my dad, my brothed Central High and graduated from the University of er, and some key employees, we built a good compaNebraska-Lincoln in 1973 with a B.S. in Business ny. We all prospered.” After a few years, the Epsteins Administration. bought the Nogg family’s share of the business, though While at Nebraska, Howard was elected President of they retained the Nogg Fruit Company name. Howard both Sigma Alpha Mu and the Interfraternity Council. became president, and because of his accounting backHis activity with Corncobs, the student pep organiza- ground was the “go-to” guy for financial details. tion, brought him one of his most prized honors.

But Howard enjoyed sales the most, and, despite his “Corncobs picked me to be Harry Husker--the father's incredulity, really did like standing in kitchens, Cornhusker team mascot,” he laughed. “I got to go on talking to chefs who taught him about cooking and the the field during football games. I went to Miami for the best ways to use the products he was selling.

1971 Orange Bowl and rode on Nebraska’s float in the “The fruit business got into my blood. I loved it. It Orange Parade. The Huskers won the National gave me a glimpse of life apart from my suburban Championship that year, and I was one happy mascot.” Omaha world. My co-workers were of all races and Howard may have played the field as Harry Husker, religions, and from all social and economic levels. Our but he only had eyes for Sharon Miller, whom he dated customers came from all walks of life, from wealthy all through high school and college. “We married in restaurant owners and graduates of culinary academies 1972 during Christmas break of my senior year. Our to cooks and dishwashers. I even got to know my share first apartment was in subsidized student housing. We of winos and homeless people who took day jobs were in love but were we poor. When I got an offer unloading or loading our trucks. They usually spent from Coopers & Lybrand in Omaha--the starting salary their wages on cheap wine. Some slept under cardwas $12,500 a year--Sharon and I were on top of the board boxes by the loading docks and bridges in the world.”

Old Market.”

During his senior year, Howard also applied to and Continued on page 47

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 47

A “Fruitful” Decision Continued from page 46 the dreams and ideas of the founders of our country. our homework together, and there were other times In the late 1980s and early 1990s the wholesale food Then I’d rush from class to deliver ripe tomatoes to M’s when I used earplugs to keep the noise out. We spent industry began to consolidate, and it became clear that Pub in time for lunch. Now, that was a reality check.” as much time as possible together as a family during in order to compete, Nogg Fruit needed to become a But a funny thing happened on the way to his J.D. those law school days, though I often combined family regional supplier. As the Epsteins were making plans to During Howard’s third part-time year of law school, he activities with my studies. I coached Jenny’s and Emily’s expand, the owners of Demma Fruit Company left Demma and went into business with Peter Brodkey. Burke High School Mock Trial teams, and I think we all approached them.

“Pete’s family had recently sold their wholesale liquor got a lot out of those practice sessions and competi“They had the same idea and were willing to buy our business, and he was looking for something interesting. tions. I read assignments while sitting in the bleachers business in at Jason’s high school order to baseball games. accomplish “Jason once said that their goals.” if this is how much you In 1991, the have to study in college, Epsteins sold maybe he wouldn’t go. the company But actually, the kids to Demma. As developed great study part of the habits. They all attended purchase KU, they all excelled in agreement, class,” says the proud Howard poppa, “and they’re purHoward Epstein stayed on as a suing careers in business, Vice-president for three years, but worklaw and journalism.” ing for the new owners wasn’t his cup of In December, 1996, tea, either. Where would he go from here?

Howard graduated cum “At Nogg Fruit I’d had positive experilaude from Creighton ences with lawyers who’d helped us Law School, and passed through business deals, especially Milt the bar on the first try in Abrahams and John Katelman. I saw, first the spring of 1997. hand, how a good lawyer can help a “During my last year of client, and I wanted to do the same. I law school, I clerked for thought about the plan I’d deferred so Dick Fellman, and I startmany years ago, and when I told Sharon I ed my law practice in wanted to go to law school, she was sup1997 by renting office Sam Epstein and sons Howard and Steven in the produce cooler of Nogg Fruit Company in 1987. portive, even though part of her thought I space for a year from his Credit: Midlands Business Journal was crazy.” firm. Liz Liakos -my good Besides Sharon, Howard’s family responsibilities at He found a business that was for sale, Cyrgus friend and customer from my fruit business days--introthe time included 14-year old Jason, 12-year old Jenny, Company, doing business as Nebraska Scientific, and duced me to her husband, lawyer John Liakos. John and nine-year old Emily. “Sharon was okay with it, pro- asked me if I’d like to be his partner. We bought the and I practiced law together for six years, forming a viding I could go back to school and keep putting food company, and after 10 years, we’re still making a go of partnership with Mike Matukewicz.” on the table. We knew it would be a big change for the it. Our main product line has always been preserved This past spring, Howard joined the firm of Marks, whole family, but we decided I should follow my pig embryos for use in biology classrooms. Quite a Clare & Richards, where he concentrates on employdream, and go for it.” business for two nice, Jewish boys!” Howard is still ment law, business and corporate law, and civil litigaHoward turned to friends who were lawyers. “Bill active at Nebraska Scientific, though he devotes the tion. “Marks, Clare and Richards has given me a great Ginsburg gave me plenty of good advice. Larry Raful, vast majority of his time to his law practice. opportunity, one I know will benefit my career and my then dean of the Creighton Law School, encouraged me During his law school years, Howard also served as clients. I truly do enjoy the work,” Howard says. to take the LSAT. I did, and scored well enough to be Treasurer and Vice-president of Beth El Synagogue. He “It’s rewarding and I feel I’m making a difference. It’s admitted to Creighton Law School in the fall of 1992. At later became President of the synagogue, and remained been a short 12 years since I made the decision to age 42, I was the oldest kid in class.” active in his Rotary Club, B’nai B’rith, and numerous switch careers, and I’m looking forward to practicing For the next three years, Howard Epstein was a full Jewish Federation of Omaha projects. law and helping my clients for many years to come,” he time businessman at Demma and a part-time law stuThrough it all, Sharon taught school, and Howard did insists. “I’d encourage anyone who has a passion for a dent. “I worked my day classes around my sales calls. his best to help her with the kids and dinner each certain profession or career to make their best effort to It was often a juggling act. I remember my constitu- evening, and with household chores and yard work. pursue that passion, even if it means changing careers tional law professor, Richard Shugrue, urging us to And then he’d hit the books. in mid life.” achieve greatness as constitutional scholars, to carry on “Our kids watched me study. Sometimes we all did

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Page 50

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Planting Seeds

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On behalf of the Federation board and staff, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to wish everyone a sweet and peaceful New Year! It truly is a great privilege to address you as the president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and I am honored to serve this fine community.

There are many reasons that people accept leadership positions in our Jewish community and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to tell you mine.

Like many of you, I have a vested interest in our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.

Recently, my husband, Carl and I welcomed Zachary, our first grandchild, into the family. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a grandparent, you already know that your view of the world changes tremendously when you hold your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s child in your arms for the first time. You look to the future with excitement and maintaining a strong Jewish community takes on renewed significance.

I have been an active volunteer in this community since I moved here from Southern California 19 years ago. One thing I have learned from all those years of working in the Jewish community is that participation is the key. In order to reap the benefits of the community, you have to show up when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to plant the seeds.

We need to make sure that everything we love about the Omaha Jewish community will always be here for Zachary and his children. The seeds we plant today need to be nurtured and tended to by the next generation of Jewish leaders.

To accomplish this, we must all have a shared vision for the future.

As President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, one of my goals is to inspire our young people to step up and participate in higher levels of Jewish community leadership. Working together with our seasoned leaders they can begin developing and refining their own vision for our community.

We already have remarkable opportunities for the next generation to begin planting seeds of their own.

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ing involved in Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organized Jewish community. They are starting to see for themselves how wonderful and gratifying it is to make life better for all Jews, whether they live in Omaha, in Israel, in Argentina, in the former Soviet Union or in any of the more than 63 countries worldwide that our Federation dollars support.

As Federation President, I also plan to further the cooperative efforts of the Federation and our synagogues. Pastpresident Steve Pitlor has done an exceptional job of bringing the rabbis and their congregation presidents together on a regular basis with the Federation. These monthly meetings between the rabbis and presidents are important to sustain deep and meaningful dialogue about our respective goals and how we can all effectively reach them.

My final major goal as President is to nurture our relationship with Israel. We must continue to advocate for our Jewish Homeland through developing missions and working with our Partnership in the Western Galilee to form personal connections between Jews in Omaha and Jews in Israel. I want our young people to experience Israel for themselves and the Federation will focus on making teen and college age trips available and affordable for everyone who wants to go.

Our community is at a wonderful point. We have an amazing Jewish Community Center campus, vibrant synagogues and a wide variety of Jewish programming to fit every interest. The seeds we have planted are beginning to bloom. It is my intention to put the people into place who will nurture what we started and will be there when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to plant seeds of their own.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Community Involvement Changed His Life

by GARY JAVITCH You can easily argue that of all the people featured in this New Year’s edition of the Jewish Press, Bob Yaffe’s story involves one of the biggest career transformations. That’s because when he changed careers, he moved into a totally different and unrelated field.

The disparities between them are like night and day.

Bob, a highly dedicated public servant, served as the Deputy County Attorney for Douglas County for 12 years, prosecuting those accused of felonies. He left that field to work in Jewish communal service as a cultural arts director, a Jewish Community Center executive director, and today as the Executive Director of a 700-family synagogue.

The story of his career choices and changes from criminal justice to communal Judaism work is an interesting one.

Before he departed from Westside High in 1968, being a prosecutor was not exactly how he imagined his future. A life working in the Jewish community was not even on his radar screen. His academic contact with other Jews was minimal. Only a handful of Jews attended his high school classes; there were slightly more at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his undergraduate school. That did change somewhat, however, as Bob chose to attend the law school at Creighton University.

During his school years, the decade of the 60s and beyond represented a very troubling and turbulent era in American history. The United States was still heavily involved in the Vietnam War. A good way to obtain trial experience, one of Bob’s Creighton law professors suggested, was to enlist. So after earning his law degree, the new graduate decided to join the army.

With his educational credentials, he was assigned to the Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps and commissioned as a captain. And this is where he got his first taste of trial work. During his three-year tour of duty, he worked as a prosecutor, rising to chief of military justice at Ft. Lee, VA. So it was a logical choice upon his return to Omaha to join the Douglas County Attorney’s office--where he embarked upon what would become a 12-year stint as a Deputy County Attorney for Pinky Knowles.

“I loved trial work,” Bob exclaimed. “There was an

Rita and Bob Yaffe air of excitement in that Court activity. Moreover, I had a real sense of accomplishment.”

Bob tried a variety of felony cases, finding them both challenging and rewarding. Being part of the criminal justice system was important to him.

“I was working for society, helping to ensure that justice was being done. I was making a difference and playing an integral role in the legal system. I truly enjoyed my years of service in both the army and county attorney’s office,” Bob reflected.

So how did it come to be that Bob turned from pursuing criminals to pursuing Judaism? As it turns out, Bob was living parallel lives when he was a prosecutor.

“When I returned to my hometown, I got involved in Jewish community activities,” he admitted.

“Heavily involved.

“Omaha has a rich Jewish tradition,” he insisted. “I went from my prosecutor’s office to participating in activities in the Jewish community. I chaired the Jewish Cultural Arts Council; I went to Beth El synagogue. I sang there; I chaired Super Sunday to help raise money for the Federation. I served on the ADL law committee. Along the way, I won the Justin Greenberg Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation for my community service.”

His exposure to the varied activities in the community reinforced his deeper appreciation of the aesthetic side of his life. After a number of discussions with his friend Steve Rod, then JCC Executive direc-

tor, Bob learned of an opening for the Director for Cultural and Performing Arts at a JCC in Columbus, Ohio.

That was in 1986. It launched a JCC career that led him to the Ohio capital and then on to Toledo, Winnipeg, and Skokie, a suburb of Chicago. With each move, he rose up the ladder and in the last three cities, he served as Executive Director of the JCCs. In May of last year, Bob found another exciting opportunity. This time as head of the Beth Hillel Congregation/Bnai Emunah Synagogue on Chicago’s North Shore in Wilmette. It was the perfect position; he was able to hire his own staff and build his own team.

In all my travels, “I never lived in a community like Omaha,” Bob insisted. “My experiences at Beth El were really special. I grew up with Rabbi Meyer Kripke and Cantor Edgar, and I really hit it off with Rabbi Paul Drazen. On occasion, I even lead the alternate High Holiday service and was cantor for it.

Beth El was so very important to me. It still means a lot to me.

“I also served as a cantor during the High Holidays at a synagogue outside Cleveland for 14 years,” he added. “The congregants are unaware of this, but I introduced many Beth El melodies there--the ones (Cantor) Emil Berkowitz taught me!”

He attributes his understanding of the importance of education and his desire to get good grades and his love for opera to his parents: Sol, 93 and Dorothy, 87. Both have had a profound and loving influence on him. His sister Jane lives in Omaha, as well.

“You can tell everyone back home,” Bob said from Chicago, “that music--opera, in particular--still remains an integral part of my life. I’ve studied, I’ve sung it, and I’ve taught about it. It’s more than a hobby, it’s one of my passions.”

That, along with the joyous life he shares with his Rita, his wife of 14 years, their blended family of four adult children, and his work continue to drive him forward every day.

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Page 52

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Looking for Work in All the Right Places

by PAM MONSKY cattle to fatten them up before slaughtering). It was The old saying, “be careful what you wish for,” very low key and Joe found himself enjoying the freecrossed Joe Erman’s mind more than once since start- dom and lack of pressure. ing his second career at City Glass in 1992. “I didn’t Soon, Mike began talking to Joe about buying a busiknow what I was getting into. I went in to buy a new ness that would bring his kids back to Omaha and got shower door one day and ended up buying the com- Joe thinking about his own future. Maybe he ought to pany (it was called American Glass then)! It was much look for something new to do, as well. After all, he was more difficult than I thought it would only 42 years old and his wife, Ruth, be,” said Erman referring to the amount was starting her own therapy practice. of work required to successfully build It was at this time in 1992 that Joe his new business. walked into American Glass looking for City Glass Company is as far away a shower door and came out owning from where he started out in his family’s the company. For the next four years, beef packing company as you can get.

Joe worked harder than he could imagHis father, Morris, started Nebraska-Iowa ine making City Glass a success. “I Dressed Beef Company in 1960 and Joe don’t think I was prepared for how hung around the business all during hard it would be. This was a new chalhigh school and college. After graduatlenge for me in more ways than one. ing from the University of Iowa with a Not only was I in a new industry, I was degree in Business Administration in also working without my family for the 1968, he saw that the growing family first time,” explained Joe. Joe Erman operation needed him.

But in 1996, the family was faced with “Working with my father and brother Mike was won- several illnesses and the death of Joe’s sister-in-law, derful. We all had a great relationship and we were Mike’s wife, Eileen. The experience made Joe take a successful. It was everything a family business should look at his life and his priorities. “I thought, ‘what am I be,” remembered Erman. But in 1970, only a few doing?’ I didn’t want to end up like my dad, who died months after retiring, Morris died. Over the next 20 at 65 without getting to enjoy his retirement,” he said. years, Joe and Mike Erman worked as partners and Now Joe and Ruth go away during the cold Omaha continued to build the company, growing it steadily winters. He’s brought in two young partners from witheach year. in the company and they run the day-to-day business.

In 1988, a national beef processing company, While Joe still comes to work daily, he does so out of approached the Erman brothers with a proposal to buy a feeling of responsibility for his employees.

Beef Nebraska. Joe and Mike both agreed that the timing Joe is grateful for his success and generous to a numand opportunity was right for them to sell, and they ber of Jewish causes in Omaha. On the subject of accepted the offer. Mike became president of the newly- changing careers, Joe has this advice, “Some people created Beef America and Joe was named president of want to change careers and some people have to the company’s slaughter division. change careers. I am fortunate to have options, but I But changes in the industry prompted the Ermans to think you need to have a plan to keep yourself occuleave Beef America within a year and they opened up pied. I’ve found it personally rewarding to be producan office together in 1989, where they managed their tive through community work and my family.” investments and continued to “feed cattle” (investing in

From our family to yours during the High Holy Days.

May you and your loved ones have a new year that is blessed with love, happiness, prosperity and peace!

Helping Jewish Job Seekers with Employment

by RACHAEL BRICKMAN It all started with a date. Not for Brooklyn Rabbi Joshua Wohl, but for the singles in his community.

Seven years ago Rabbi Wohl thought he’d tackle the dating problems of religious Jewish singles (those who weren’t served by Jdate.com) by starting www.Bitachon.com, a website specifically designed to help such singles find their matches. The model was very successful; 93 marriages. so, naturally, the rabbi decided to expand.

“If you can do a Shidduch [Yiddish for bring together] for a man and a woman, why can’t you match employee and employer,” thought Wohl. So a year-anda-half ago, Rabbi Wohl decided to start another community service; this time, targeted at Jewish employers and job seekers.

With unemployment in the United States at a rate of nearly six percent (according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics web site), job seekers are more plentiful and more frustrated than they have been in decades, particularly experienced, white-collar workers. And members of the Jewish community are no exception.

Today, over 4500 jobs across the job market and country are listed on Rabbi Wohl’s web site, which he named www.Hatzlacha.com, using the Hebrew word for success. There are some other sites also assisting job seekers and employers.

Hatzlacha is just one of an emerging group of Jewish communal organizations and web sites specifically targeting Jewish job seekers. Although they are open to non-Jews as well, such sites provide an opportunity that had previously not existed. Jobs on sites, such as Hatzlacha.com are across fields and job categories.

However, for those who specifically wish to work in the Jewish non-profit sector, there is JewishJobs.com.

Currently the site has over 7000 registered job seekers and 750 registered employers. A weekly e-mail with recent new job listings goes out to almost 9000.

According to Maimonides the highest level of charity is; providing a fellow man a job opportunity, so that he/she can become financially independent.

September 10, 2004

Perpetuating the Process

by PAM MONSKY chants to Omaha for a benefit three-day shopping Terri Zacharia loves to play school. extravaganza.

Ever since she could remember, Terri wanted to Terri doesn’t view her volunteer accomplishments as teach. Fortunately, Terri really enjoyed school and extraordinary and said she gets involved simply working with children, because when she enrolled in because “I’ve always felt it was important to stay active the University of Oklahoma in the early 1960’s there and give back to my community. I have great memowere limited opportunities available to women, and ries of the old ‘J’ where we all used to go after school teaching was one of them. But Terri believes that she and ‘jitterbug’ in the social hall! My parents and grandwould have become a teacher even if she had all the parents made sure we had a strong, nurturing Jewish career choices available to today’s community and now it’s our turn to women. create warm Jewish memories for An Omaha native, Terri, the our own children and grandchildren. daughter of Bernice (Trickle) and “As they grow up and have their the late Ed Milder, was experiencing own families,” she added, “I hope some wanderlust after completing that the whole process will be perher college degree and accepted a petuated for future generations.” position in Denver teaching second During her child rearing years, grade. After teaching for two years, Terri felt the need to “make my own Terri moved back to Omaha. pushke” in addition to volunteering.

She reconnected with Dick She started a number of home-based Zacharia, whom she had known datbusinesses with friends and family. ing since childhood when they both “These ventures allowed me to feel attended Dundee Elementary School. independent and still have time to They married in 1969, and Terri conbe active in the community, be with tinued to teach for a few more years my kids and volunteer at school,” before having kids of her own. explained Terri.

Terri Zacharia “I used my teaching skills as I As her first two children, daughraised my kids,” said Terri. “We played a lot of school! ter Jamie Friedland, 34, and Brent, 30, grew up, Terri I saved my teaching materials and really enjoyed see- found that she had a talent for sales. She’s sold a wide ing them learn. I loved being a part of all that.” variety of interesting merchandise over the years The young couple was also passionate about the including a protein diet program, pre-framed artwork Omaha Jewish community, and that dedication contin- and baby seats. ues to this day. Both Terri and Dick held leadership When her third child, daughter Kylie, now 18, was positions on the Boards of many of our local Jewish born, Terri and her friend Sheila Polikov started a busiagencies as well as the Federation and Temple Israel. ness together--Cheers--making, selling and distributing Their contributions to the community were so signifi- gift baskets for clients all over town. “Kylie kind of cant that, in 1977, Dick was awarded the Justin grew up with the business,” said Terri. Sheila and I had Greenberg Memorial Young Leadership Award which, Cheers for about 12 years and it was a lot of fun.” at that time, was presented to men and women under Eventually, Terri moved into selling advertising speage 40 in recognition of personal commitment, dedi- cialties at Regal Awards, where she’s been working cated involvement and exemplary leadership in serving happily for 10 years. “I have the best of both worlds the Jewish community. right now. I have the security of working for someone Terri focused her volunteer energy on the Jewish else as well as a good deal of independence. I work my Community Center, which had just opened a new cam- own hours and build my own client base. On top of pus on 132nd St. in 1973. Terri served on the JCC that I’m doing something I love, I’m meeting new peoPreschool Board and played an integral role in the ple and I enjoy the challenges of the job,” she said. development and organization of the first JCC Terri feels her goal is to “make the client’s job easier.

Preschool program, the precursor to today’s acclaimed I’m always looking for new ideas for my customers. I Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. want them to say ‘wow’ when I come up with a new Terri’s leadership in helping to pioneer the JCC idea to promote their business.”

Preschool program was recognized by the Jewish As for the turns her career has taken, Terri said, “I’ve Federation of Omaha when Terri received the Justin taken advantage of opportunities that have presented Greenberg Memorial Young Leadership Award in 1979, themselves to me. I didn’t make a conscious decision just two years after her husband. to change directions.” Her advice to those who may be To this day, Terri’s volunteer career hasn’t slowed considering a career change is “do what makes you down. She has worked on virtually every Federation happy. I’m lucky that I have the support of my famiAnnual Campaign since returning to Omaha in the mid- ly…they all get excited when I make a sale!”

1960’s, including serving as a chairperson for many There are still changes ahead for Terri. Her youngest Annual Campaign dinners and events over the years. child, Kylie, just went off to the University of Wisconsin She’s a perennial volunteer for Super Sunday, the this fall and on her next birthday Terri turns 60. She’s largest division in the Federation’s Campaign and con- looking forward to spending more time with her tacts as many as 100 community members during the granddaughter, Rosie, whose parents are Jamie and Ted annual one-day phone-a-thon.

Friedland.

Two years ago, she served with daughter Jamie on Terri remains philosophical about the future and the steering committee for Shop Shalom, an enormous mused, “I see things coming full circle as I age. Now Federation project that brought over 30 Israeli mer- it’s time to start playing school again with Rosie!”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 53

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September 10, 2004

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And now her latest cookbook.

Among her childhood food memories are a Brooklyn bakery specialities--a Blackout cake and others, her grandmother (whose recipes were stored in her head and measured with egg shells’ full or by juice glasses) and other family members ultimate comfort foods, summer cinnamon buns and danish from Katz’s in the Catskills, her uncle’s Miami Beach deli and now here are her recipes for sassy desserts with homey imperfections guaranteed to make people smile...and remember.

For those of us who didn’t learn baking skills by osmosis standing side-by-side with an experienced family member, the skills, techniques of successful baking can be acquired. With the freezer and refrigerator as your best friends, Barker encourages advance planning and learning visual clues and professional tips to use in your own kitchen at your own comfort level to make great American desserts with 160 recipes using the best ingredients and the secret ingredient...love.

Read “Before Getting Started” before starting...about fruits, chocolate (like rocking your knife to cut a block of chocolate into shards for quick and even melting), kosher salt and more. The first chapter with notes covers “The Basics” and a “Baker’s Building Block”. Seven chapters follow: A Pie Primer, Fruit Somethings, Custards & Puddings: Low & Slow is the Way to Go, Let Them Eat Cake!, We All Scream for Ice Cream, The Joy of Cookies, and Pancakes-Waffles-Fritters & Other Breakfast-like Desserts.

The recipes are listed in the chapter pages and the alphabetical index, too. Some are from Magnolia Grill, others are Southern favorites, and others are for the Blackout Cake of early Brooklyn memory, Mom’s Quick and Easy Applesauce, Grandmother’s Sweet and Sour Cherry Compote. A blast from her memory past is Celebrity Dairy Blintzes with Raspberry and Honey Cream. Recipes list ingredients, numerical, serving suggestions, preparation and baker’s notes. Color photographs and sidebars are scattered throughout the cookbook.

This recipe will bring honey to your Rosh Hashanah table or to nibble while you enjoy this delightful read.

HONEYED ALMONDS 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup water 1/4 cup honey 1 cup skinned, sliced almonds Makes 1 cup Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine the sugar, water, and honey in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer till the sugar is dissolved. Add the almonds and simmer for three minutes. Place the almonds in a fine-mesh strainer and drain off the sugar syrup.

Spread the almonds in a single layer on a silpat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally with a metal spatula, until golden brown.

Remove from oven, cool for a minute or two, and loosen the almonds from the baking sheet.

In the headnotes Barker suggests sprinkling the just roasted nuts with salt, pepper and spices to turn this dessert garnish into a cocktail nibble.

Rosh Hashanah Greetings Norman Pred Honors His Children and Their Families

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 55

French Education’s Loss is the Law’s Gain

by CAROL KATZMAN these positions turned out to be challenging and enjoy- known clients, from Cadbury-Schweppes to the Bank Editor of the Jewish Press able, but others were not and it appeared to me that the of China, Carnival Cruise Lines to Deutsche Bank. But The law firm Shearman and Sterling LLP is one of the situation was not going to change.” the firm is also involved in pro bono work (for which world’s largest. Founded in 1873, the firm has more So Lippett began applying to law schools. She already they receive no compensation) to assist abused women than 1000 attorneys associated with its 19 offices in had an MBA under her belt, (earned--with honors-- in New York, establish “village banks” in Afghanistan North and South America, Europe and Asia. while still working at AT&T, through New York and assist the families of 20 restaurant workers killed in And former Omahan Sharon L. Lippett is one of them. University’s Executive Program in 1989). She decided to the Sept. 11 attacks.

So how did the daughter of Ruben and Louise attend Rutgers Law School-Newark because of the the Since its founding 130 years ago, the firm insists upon Lippett, a Washington University French major who quality of the school, its proximity to her home in New adhering to its principles of “expertise, aggressive client worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone, wind up as a Jersey, and, the low tuition for NJ residents. advocacy and high ethical standards.” “specialist in executive compensation and employee “My timing was good!” she admitted. “In 1991, AT&T Lippett, in fact, was involved recently with Deutsche benefits” at one of the world’s largest and most presti- announced an enhanced (read ‘unpaid’) leave program, Bank, as well as the McGraw-Hill Companies and varigious law firms? ous other large corporations, as benefits coun“When I was in college, my career goal was sel, and as an investment management compato teach French to high school students,” she ny on the design of a product suitable for taxtold the Press in a recent interview. “However qualified retirement plans. (and fortunately), I was not able to find a teach“My practice focuses on executive compensaing job in St. Louis after graduation, so I started tion and employee benefits, which I find to be working for Northwestern Bell Telephone an interesting area of the law,” she explained, (NWB).” “especially these days, as a result of recent Initially, Lippett was a supervisor in the group events, such as 401(k) litigation stemming from in Omaha responsible for residential sales, servcorporate restructuring, including large pension ice and collections. For example, she oversaw plan failures and and the SEC investigation of the office that customers contacted to order mutual funds.” phone service, address billing questions or--just She also has assisted creditors in reorganization complain about service! and liquidation proceedings on issues relating She was promoted to a manager in the human to the debtors’ senior management personnel resources department and was made responsiand its pension plans. ble for college recruiting in Nebraska. But after And if that’s not enough, she's also a co-author working for NWB for about five years, she of a chapter in an Executive Compensation transferred to AT&T in New Jersey--then the Treatise, published by BNA Books, 2002 by the parent corporation of NWB, where she was Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., The named manager in the group that developed Implications of Federal Securities Regulation for compensation policies for the Bell System. the Design and Implementation of Executive If you’re beginning to see a pattern here, Compensation and Benefit Programs. you’re right. Who knew that years later, this Her clients are not “mom and pop” type busiSharon Lippett at her New York office in Shearson & Sterling LLP. management perspective of employee benefits ness (unless their assets are well over 50 million would give her added insight as an attorney specializ- under which it guaranteed reinstatement and paid for dollars). Lippett is the attorney you’d want if you’re the ing in this area of law. medical benefits during the leave. So I took the maxi- CEO of a Fortune 500 company who’s looking to She remained with AT&T following its 1984 divesti- mum two-year leave and then finished the third year of restructure the benefits offered to both its top manageture of the Bell operating companies and was promot- law school at night, while working at AT&T.” ment as well as for the rest of its many employees. ed to middle management, holding a variety of posiWhile in law school, she was a member of the Moot “The primary opportunities offered by a large New tions in the AT&T corporate compensation and benefits Court Board and on the staff of the Women’s Rights Law York City firm such as Shearman and Sterling relate to groups. But Lippett began to see the handwriting on Reporter. After she graduated, she continued to work at the types of clients, projects and resources it provides,” the wall. When AT&T announced an “enhanced sever- AT&T for about a year before finally leaving in 1995.

Lippett asserted. “The clients are large, often multinaance program” in December 1995, she took advantage At Shearman and Sterling, Lippett is a counsel in the tional, corporations that have compensation and beneof it.

Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits fit plans as complex as their business, which makes the “To regain control over my career,” Lippett explained, Group. She specializes in tax qualified and non-quali- work interesting and rewarding. “which I felt I had lost as a result of the many reorgan- fied retirement plans, welfare plans, cafeteria plans and “I also have the advantage of working with attorneys izations that AT&T went through between 1985-95, I fiduciary matters. Her practice focuses on the design, who are among the best in their practice areas,” she began thinking about a career change. establishment and communication of compensation added. “Those kinds of opportunities bring the chal“Although I had a position after each reorganization- and benefit arrangements, including deferred compen- lenge of doing the quality of work (both in breadth and -many of my colleagues did not fare as well and were sation plans and qualified and nonqualified retirement depth) that large corporations require and the quantity terminated,” she added. “I had little control over the plans. of work that a large global firm requires.” types of positions to which I was assigned. Some of Shearman and Sterling represents some very well Continued on page 56

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September 10, 2004

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Updating your Rosh Hashanah Recipes

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA)--It wouldn’t be the second night of Rosh Hashanah if our friends didn’t come for dinner, contributing a cornucopia of dishes, especially divine desserts. There are enough pastries covering the buffet to keep judges at the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest busy for a week.

I always bake a chocolate and yellow swirl Bundt cake, my daughter’s favorite dessert. One year, a friend came with an apple pie and a plum torte, which she placed on the buffet next to my cake. A towering pyramid of brownies vied for attention with white chocolate chip cookies and a plate of lemon squares.

The intoxicating smell of a warm pear crisp tempted people who were piling their plates with pastries. When they reached the homemade honey cake, though, they made bee-lines back to their seats. Feeling embarrassed for Alice, who’d baked this wallflower, I moved the honey cake to a more prominent position and cut it into slices. Still there were no takers.

“I told you not to bring it,” cried Alice’s eight-year-old daughter. “Honey cake is boring. Nobody wants it.”

To be kind, I took a couple of slices.

But Alice’s daughter was right. The cake tasted overbaked. I had been warned that dryness is a problem with honey cake, which is why I never attempted to make one. Yet I felt guilty shunning the only Rosh Hashanah dessert on the buffet. I realized honey cake had become the dowager of New Year’s celebrations, revered but seldom consumed.

“A dry honey cake will send people away for years,” says Marcy Goldman, author of Jewish Holiday Baking (Broadway Books, 2004). Conventional wisdom on the subject maintains that if honey cakes are removed from the oven at exactly the right time -- whatever that is -- the dreaded dryness will be avoided. But Goldman disagrees, explaining that many recipes call for only one quarter cup of oil, which is not nearly enough fat to yield chewy, moist texture.

And so she began experimenting with different honey cake recipes. First she upped the fat content. Then she realized that she had to add some sugar; using enough honey to sufficiently sweeten the cake can make it too sticky to rise.

Later she addressed flavorings, adjusting their levels depending on which type of

honey cake she was baking.

“If I make one honey cake, then I have to make ten different kinds,” she says.

Among her repertoire, Goldman has developed a Chocolate Velvet Honey Cake, an Eastern European Bee Sting Tart, and a Definitive Moist and Majestic Honey Cake.

The whole honey cake hullabaloo started because Goldman is fussy about honey and will not buy just any kind. In recent years, she has enlisted Elmer, a retired stockbroker-turned-beekeeper, to fill her honey needs. Elmer produces a nonpasteurized kosher honey, known to taste exquisite. “Most honey is just sweet; it lacks rich honey flavor,” Goldman says.

Honey comes in thousands of varieties. There are more than 300 such varieties in the United States alone. They range in color from pale blond to dark walnut, and in flavor from mild and floral to herbal and robust.

The taste of this natural sweetener depends on the types of flowers its black and yellow creators frequent. In the U.S., the most common floral destination for bees is clover, but the possibilities are endless, depending on climate and growing conditions. Like wine, honey is a truly local product that varies from region to region.

Equally enthralled by the range of honey flavors, food writer Jayne Cohen takes her family on vacation every August with a mission. As a segue between the carefree days of summer and the fall holidays to follow, they spend their vacations searching market after market for honey.

“We always bring a fragrant honey back from every trip,” says Cohen, who, along with Lorie Weinrott, is co-author of The Ultimate Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration Book (Clarkson Potter, 2004). She joyfully describes creamed lavender honey from Provence, wild blueberry honey from Maine, chestnut honey from Italy, and honey scented with hibiscus and frangipani from Bermuda.

“Every year, we open a lovely new honey, and that has become our Rosh Hashanah tradition.”

Last year her family vacationed in Sicily, where they found the most marvelous honey carrying the aroma of pistachio flowers.

Continued on page 57

Law’s Gain Continued from page 56 Although the law in this area has changed significantly since Lippett’s days at AT&T, she says she frequently is able to draw on her experiences as a compensation and benefits manager in working with my clients to solve their problems. “That experience is extremely helpful in my current job--because managing colleagues who don’t report to you is much more difficult than managing those who did (as I did at AT&T).

Some of my colleagues for whom law is a ‘first career’ may have a difficult time with this aspect of the job.”

As to all those college classes in French? Lippett says, “While I’m no longer good enough to converse in French with French clients, my knowledge of French grammar has improved my English grammar--which is helpful given the extensive writing that I do as an attorney.”

But she’s not all work and no play.

After working at Shearman and Sterling for a year-and-a-half and tiring of the

commute from her home in New Jersey, Lippett moved to the city--and gave up her car!

“Almost everything can be delivered and left with the doorman,” she laughed.

For fun, Lippett is a regular visitor to New York City’s numerous museums; she meets friends for lunch and concentrates on completing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. With a gym in her building, she can also exercise without ever leaving home!

Lippett has some advice for anyone contemplating making a drastic career change: “If it’s something you want to do, I recommend doing as much preparatory work as possible in advance of the change--from education to networking.”

And, she added, “to make such a change, you need financial resources if the change will result in a reduction in income. There are going to be setbacks and disappointments along the way,” too, so another must: “supportive friends and family.”

September 10, 2004

Updating Recipes Continued from page 56 “I prepared an elaborate Rosh Hashanah dinner for family and friends,” Cohen says. “But nobody could stop dipping apples and challah in that pistachio honey.” It was so popular that three of her friends later visited Sicily and returned with jars of honey of their own.

While in Sicily, Cohen’s daughter, Alex, purchased a three-pack of honeys: chestnut, wild flower, and thyme. Attending college in California, Alex couldn’t come home for Rosh Hashanah. Instead she bought a challah and went to a farmer’s market for tart apples. Inviting friends to her dorm room, they dipped the challah and apples into the three Sicilian honeys.

“Alex liked the idea of beginning the school and Jewish year wishing for sweetness,” says Cohen. “It was nice to see her repeating our family tradition.”

Honey has long been important to the Jewish people.

Since Biblical times, honey has been a symbol of abundance. Addressing Moses from the burning bush, God announced his plan to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt to a land flowing with “milk and honey.”

Back then, “milk and honey” were dietary staples, so in essence God was saying that Canaan would be a promising place to settle. In fact, the land was teeming with goats and swarming bees abounded. Canaan’s fertile soil supported grapevines and date trees, which produced a syrup also known as honey. Date syrup is similar in viscosity and texture to honey, and is equally sweet.

This abundant land offered prosperity and sweetness, which have come to represent Rosh Hashanah ideals.

During her career, Cohen has specialized in tweaking traditional Jewish recipes to create marvelous alternatives. With Rosh Hashanah in mind, she developed Honeyed Cigares with Date-Pomegranate Filling, a phyllo pastry with a Sephardi influence.

“Besides being a traditional Rosh Hashanah fruit, pomegranates have a tart taste,” says Cohen, adding that you don’t truly appreciate sweetness without contrast. For that reason, Jews from some Sephardi cultures mix pomegranates with honey. Cohen’s recipe calls for pomegranate molasses, which can be found in Middle Eastern, specialty-food and gourmet markets.

Cohen highly recommends baking with a quality honey, preferably one that carries a flavor you find pleasing. Look for honeys such as orange blossom or lime blossom at farmer’s markets. At specialty stores, you can sometimes find Greek thyme honey or lavender honey.

If you can’t locate fragranced honey, mix flavors you like into commercial honey. Almond extract or a small amount of strawberry jam work well.

For more tempting Rosh Hashanah baking ideas, visit Cohen’s website, www.ultimatebarbatmitzvah.com, which features Apple Challah Bread Pudding, along with other seasonal pastries.

While the Rosh Hashanah dessert course should be the moment for honey to shine, it has lost out to Blondies and Mississippi Mud Pie over recent decades.

There was a time when Ashkenazi Jews eagerly anticipated the holiday because it promised honey cakes galore. Every family had a bubbe or aunt who baked them. Yet a dwindling number of people recall this distant memory.

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Now, just in time for Rosh Hashanah, Marcy Goldman revives honey cakes and other holiday confections on her website: www.betterbaking.com.

“I love baking,” she says. “But even better than that, I love it when someone else derives pleasure from repeating my recipes, because with Jewish cooking and baking, you’re talking about more than just a recipe. You’re passing on your whole culture.”

Along with the chocolate desserts people crave, this Rosh Hashanah try baking a pastry so full of nectar that even the most ardent honey cake haters will have to admit they’re wrong.

DEFINITIVE MOIST AND MAJESTIC HONEY CAKE

by Marcy Goldman “Like most honey cakes, this can be made days ahead.’’

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup honey 11/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup warm coffee or strong tea or Coca-Cola 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 1/4 cup rye or whiskey (or substitute orange juice or coffee) 1/2 cup slivered almonds This cake is best baked in a nine-inch angel food cake pan, but you can also make it in one nine- or 10-inch tube or Bundt cake pan, a nine-by-13-inch sheet cake, or two five-inch loaf pans.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly grease pan(s). For tube and angel food pans, line the bottom with lightly greased parchment paper, cut to fit. Have ready doubled up baking sheets with a piece of parchment on top.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

Make a well in the center. Add oil, honey, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, coffee, tea, or cola, orange juice and rye or whiskey.

Using a strong wire whisk or in an electric mixer on slow speed, stir together well to make a thick, well-blended batter, making sure that no ingredients are stuck to the bottom.

Spoon batter into prepared pan(s). Sprinkle top of cake(s) evenly with almonds. Place cake pan(s) on two baking sheets stacked together. (This will ensure that cakes bake properly.)

Bake until cake springs back when you gently touch the cake center. For angel and tube cake pans, 60-80 minutes; loaf pans, about 45-55 minutes. For sheet-style cakes, baking time is 40-45 minutes.

Let cake stand 20 minutes before removing from pan.

Continued on page 58

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 57

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Updating Recipes Continued from page 57 CHOCOLATE VELVET HONEY CAKE

by Marcy Goldman 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup honey 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla 1 cup Coca Cola 1/2 cup coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate 1/3 cup slivered almonds Garnish: confectioner’s sugar, cocoa, drizzled melted semi-sweet chocolate, or Microwave Ganache Glaze (recipe below).

Preheat oven to 350°. Generously spray a nine- or 10inch tube pan or angel food cake pan with cooking spray. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.

In a food processor, add in the oil, honey, white sugar, brown sugar. Blend well about 30 seconds. Add in the eggs, vanilla, and Coca-Cola.

Blend well for another minute.

Fold in the dry ingredients and blend for about two minutes, until smooth, stopping the machine once or twice to ensure that ingredients are all blended and not stuck at the bottom.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon or pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with almonds. Place cake on baking sheet and bake until done, about 60-75 minutes, until cake springs back when gently pressed with fingertips. Cool 10 minutes before unmolding from pan.

Dust cake with confectioner’s sugar, or cocoa. Or, drizzle on melted, semi-sweet chocolate. For the ultimate in decadence, while the cake is baking, prepare the Microwave Ganache Glaze as a topping.

MICROWAVE GANACHE GLAZE cup water or heavy cream 1 cup coarsely chopped, semi-sweet chocolate (the best quality you can find) 1 tablespoon honey Place water or cream in a microwavable bowl and heat on high until bubbly.

Remove from microwave and whisk in the chocolate and honey, blending until smooth and glossy.

Refrigerate about 2-3 hours until it has thickened but is still spreadable. If it is quite stiff, warm it slightly until you can drizzle it on the cake. You can also add onetwo tablespoons of unsalted butter or margarine to make it more pliable.

1/2

HONEYED CIGARES WITH DATE-POMEGRANATE FILLING

by Jayne Cohen Pastry: About 12 sheets of frozen phyllo, plus several extra to allow for tearing 1/2 cup light, fragrant honey

A Wish...for you and your family: May the ancient traditions of Rosh Hashanah bring joy and peace throughout the year.

cup avocado, sunflower, walnut, or other mild oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2

Filling: 11/2 cups (tightly packed) Medjool or other soft, moist dates, pitted and coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons avocado, sunflower, walnut, or other mild oil 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses 1 tablespoon hot water 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch of salt 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped, plus extra for sprinkling Additional honey to brush on after baking.

Thaw phyllo sheets slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the unopened package from the refrigerator two hours before you begin the recipe to allow sheets to come to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment.

In a small saucepan, warm 1/2 cup honey. Slowly add 1/2 cup oil, stirring until well incorporated. Stir in cinnamon. Remove pan from heat.

Prepare the filling. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, blend dates, oil, pomegranate molasses, hot water, cinnamon, and salt to a smooth paste. Add walnuts, and pulse until just combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Remove phyllo sheets from the package and carefully unroll them on a damp kitchen towel. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut the stack of sheets in half from short end to short end, forming rectangles approximately six-by-17-inches (exact size will depend on brand of phyllo used). Immediately cover the cut phyllo sheets with a large piece of plastic wrap and another damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

Work with one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered with the plastic wrap and a towel. Remove one sheet from the stack and brush it lightly and quickly with the honey-oil mixture. Carefully fold the sheet in half, bringing the short ends together and pressing down gently. Brush the new surface, now exposed, with the honey-oil.

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the filling, roll it into a little sausage, and place it along the short bottom edge of the phyllo, leaving a one-inch border at the sides.

Fold the bottom edge toward the center so that it just covers the filling, then fold the sides in, so the filling won’t ooze out. Brush the new phyllo surface that is exposed with more honey-oil, and continue to roll, jellyroll fashion, brushing each new, dry phyllo surface with more honey-oil as you go.

Brush the finished cigare lightly over all surfaces with the honey-oil and place seam-side down on the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle lightly with chopped walnuts. Keep the cookie sheet lightly covered with plastic wrap as you work.

Continue making cigares with more phyllo and filling, stirring the honey-oil mixture when necessary if it separates. (You can refrigerate the unbaked cigares at this point, well wrapped, up to one day before baking.)

Bake the cigares for about 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. While still hot, brush them very generously with honey. Let cool. Serve as is or cut each cigare on the diagonal into thirds.

Yield: 20-24 cigares, or if cut, three times as many bite-sized pieces.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

First Lady’s Role Has Changed, Too BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

I can’t truthfully say I’ve changed careers in my lifetime, but lots of professional women certainly have. In this election year, some of the focus is on women, almost as much as on the men, and being a farbissenah feminist, I can’t resist talking about the role of First Lady. That’s the only area I’ll speak to, because I don’t think this is the billboard for my feelings about the presidency.

Back to my original theme--the women known as the First Lady as well as the wife. (I’m tempted to pause here and project what might occur when the first woman in history becomes President. What’ll we call her husband, First Gentleman? Never mind. I don’t expect to live long enough to see such a thing anyway.)

Since the time of Martha Washington, there have been many changes for the role of F.L. I don’t have any idea how busy she was or how much she contributed to her husband’s efforts, but I doubt she was considered very important. Of course at that time, what woman was-except for running a household and keeping a family moving in a straight line?

Through the years, the ladies that followed Martha probably added, little by little, more stature to the post.

It’s at this point I realize I should have thought about this theme earlier and done some research, but I didn’t so I have to wing it.

I know ladies like Abigail Adams, Dolly Madison, Frances Cleveland, Rachel Jackson and Anna Harrison must have each done the best she could, given the narrow field of importance they occupied. And truth be told, as we approach modern times, the first one of that long list to got my attention as well as admiration, was Eleanor Roosevelt. She’s very easy to discuss, because she was an extraordinary woman who didn’t let unconventional behavior stop her when she wanted to do something.

She was a very early feminist, long before anyone used the term, and a very dedicated humanitarian. She poked her nose where she thought she could do good, whether anyone liked it or not. She wrote a column too, and maybe was one of the first to turn her head the other way when she knew darn well things weren’t kosher with her husband in the faithfulness department. That could come under the heading “There’s Nothing New Under The Sun”, but I have no further comment. The point is, she was such a special woman and did so much as the First Lady, she has to be singled out for attention here.

Until much more recent times, most of the women who followed her were not necessarily professionally involved in any career outside the home. I do remember when Bess Truman moved into the White House; she was very unlike her predecessor. In fact, she wasn’t even anxious to be there and spent much of her time back home in Missouri.

As I recall, she showed up for state occasions, but in her absence, daughter Margaret was her father’s hostess. Bess was a small town girl at heart and appeared to find herself like a fish out of water when Harry moved her to Washington.

Mamie Eisenhower was another one who didn’t give up any career to become First Lady. And while it may be unfair, the only thing I can remember about her tenure was her hair-do and those ubiquitous bangs!

Until years after she and Ike had vacated the premises, nobody really knew too much about her, or her feelings about being married to a soldier or anything else.

I’m sure she was a nice lady, but not a very exciting one and certainly not one who left an indelible mark on the White House.

Since the time of Martha Washington, there have been many changes for the role of First Lady...Through the years, the ladies that followed probably added, little by little, more stature to the post.

The type of women to do that were yet to come. In fact, that’s when it really got interesting.

Jackie Kennedy slipped quietly into the White House with her handsome young husband and proceeded to make herself more than visible. First, she was young, lovely to look at, from an interesting socially prominent family, well educated (bi-lingual in fact), fashionable (gowned by the couturiers of the time) and generally fascinating. She had worked before marriage, but easily took on her new position.

She revamped the White House, restored long forgotten artwork, furniture and other historically valuable items, and even changed the fancy china used for too many decades. She was, in a word, sensational. And to my mind, she really represented the beginning of a new era when it came to First Ladies.

Jackie was followed by Ladybird, a nice woman from down home in Texas who might be best remembered for scolding LBJ when he lifted his shirt for reporters to see his surgical scars. Of course that isn’t fair--I think she was interested in the environment too, but don’t quote me. Let’s just say I don’t remember anything outstanding to connect with her name...nothing either scandalous or wonderful.

What can I say about Pat Nixon and her Republican

cloth coat? Not a heck of a lot, but I always had the feeling she was more in awe of her guy than in love.

She came to a sad end, healthwise and old Dickie soldiered on, remaking his image from soiled to shining.

Oops, didn’t mean to editorialize. Let’s just say Pat Nixon would be hard to call unforgettable.

Betty Ford on the other hand, made a hitherto shamefully bad habit into a socially interesting, if not acceptable one. Who else among the important D.C. crowd ever was openly admitted to a facility known for drying out alcoholics? And furthermore, went on to speak out publically, on the dangers of drink and pills. She went out of the White House as somebody who could stimulate a little gossip. At least we knew she was there!

Rosslyn Carter was an entirely different breed of cat.

This was no idle little southern belle...she knew her way around and wasn’t bashful about speaking her mind, though carefully and with tact. After all, hers was the husband who admitted to “lusting in his heart”, not in real life, and that was already a novelty!

To be fair, she went on to write books and to work with Jimmy on many humanitarian projects, which is a whole heck of alot more than any of the other past presidents have done. But this is about Rosslyn, not Jimmy and while she never made big headlines, I think she is and was a fine citizen.

Now we’re getting to the interesting end of the list.

Nancy Reagan will always be remembered for the way she could look into Ronnie’s face when he spoke, so adoringly you couldn’t believe it. She was however, a pleasant first lady who also managed to be criticized roundly.

When she made changes in the presidential dinnerware you would have thought she introduced Tupperware! Such a big hullaballoo over the cost, when it couldn’t amount to bubkes compared to the costs of running the government and keeping us solvent. Well, she always looked gorgeous and managed to hold her head high when her grown kids embarrassed her in public. And now, as a widow, she’s working hard to pressure the current President to change policy on an important scientific decision.

Good for you Nancy.

Well, if you’re ready to talk about a dynamite lady, I’ll bring up the name of Hillary Clinton. Boy, did she take the White House by storm, and isn’t it amazing that if some of her early ideas had been implemented, we might not be in the healthcare fix we’re in today?

This is one smart cookie, and now, a United States Senator. Her supporters think she’ll some day run for the office of Prez...maybe. I can only guess, but I do know for sure, she didn’t sit around the White House twiddling her thumbs and she’s not doing that now either.

Continued on page 61

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First Lady’s Role Continued from page 60 She changed careers several times but she certainly seems to have landed on her feet. There were those who thought she exercised too much authority as the F.L., but they didn’t like the way she wore her hair either. No, in my book she’s probably the smartest woman ever to occupy the place of First Lady.

Laura Bush and her mother-in-law before her will never be remembered for making big waves while doing a white House term, but neither will either be remembered for anything bad. Both decent women, interested in family first, then whatever comes next. I couldn’t say anything really nasty about either one, (except to hope the present Mrs. B. will be moving soon).

So I guess that leaves us right here, in the present. I’m more than fascinated with Teresa Heinz Kerry. She’s a really new and different kind of person to enter the exciting political news today.

Yes, I know she’s Catholic, so what?

(So’s he, but don’t forget he had a Jewish zaydie he didn’t know about until recently.)

She’s beautifully educated, very caring and philanthropic, very rich, speaks five languages and can tell you off in any one of them, and has a great and heartfelt interest in the environment. Her ability to speak her mind and not hide behind the guys makes her stand out, but that’s one of the things I like about her.

I think she’s a tad odd in some ways, but that’s okay. She’s entitled to be her own person. I do tend to laugh out loud when I hear her call herself “an AfricanAmerican”, which she is--but the image that comes up on the mental screen is not that of a petite Caucasian lady. But she was born in Mozambique, and by gosh that makes her an African!

I only wish things had turned out in such a way that I could talk about Hadassah Lieberman here. Just the idea of a woman so close to the F.L. being the daughter of Survivors and having the name Hadassah, gives me goose flesh. It would have been so nice...so much to

take pride in.

Well, for that matter, that noisy fella named Dean who fell out of the line-up early, could have brought us a fascinating lady too. Did you love it when she kept in the background and continued to see her patients...after all, she’s a doctor, and a Jewish one, too. And no, she didn’t have time for all that mishagoss, and yes, if her husband did get elected president, she’d really hate to leave her practice. I just loved her chutzpa, and her unfashionable flat shoes and plain Jane appearance.

The only thing I remember her being quoted as saying was “Howard, calm down.” Now that I think back, I’d guess she refused to get pulled into the media circus early in the campaign because: 1. she’s a busy doctor; and, 2. she knew he didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.

But of course, that just my take on the whole thing.

And there you have it--my views on First Ladies, past and present and even future. Yesteryear found them wearing brocade and pearls and taking a back seat in just about everything. Today, we see women putting a law practice or some other prestigious career on the back burner, to be next to the guy we call Commander-in-Chief, because this country isn’t yet ready to have a president with a “working wife”! Picture that if you can.

If you know me, you know I’m not bashful about speaking my mind.

Because I didn’t give up a career to be the C.E.O. of our family, I couldn’t really talk with any credibility on the subject, so I had to find another. Thinking about all the election stuff going on, three women’s names came to mind-Teresa Kerry, Hadassah Lieberman and Dr. Judith Steinberg.

What an opportunity to spout off...what a subject...what fantastic women! So there we have it children.

Some of my views as they relate to current events. I’ll leave you with one more thought: Don’t Forget to VOTE. And a happy, healthy New Year, from our house to yours.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 61

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IF YOU DON’T ASK, A DON’T GET IT! Y

by BERNIE MEYERS About 15 years ago, I awoke to find myself sitting along the side of a torn up residential street in Omaha, (some things never change). I was unemployed, collecting Social Security benefits, yet aspiring to some day become a useful citizen of the world--(Note the quiet, but desperate nobility, so simply expressed).

The bright summer sun shone like gold upon my thinning hair as the slight wind (no one has ever experienced a SLIGHT wind in Nebraska!) gently mussed the muscles of my face. (Is that a picture--or what?)

But what to do? Time was of the essence. (Feel the sense of urgency and proper sprinkle of pathos). I needed an instant career change--one that would release my libido and crank up my libretto (See tempest fleeing in the wind?) Like the crash of lightening in the summer sky, striking the withering branches of the giant old oak tree in the South 40--smashing me to the damp soil in writhing pain (where is Stephen King when I need him,whispering to me, “be a writer--be a writer--be a free lance writer!”)

How simple, but yet so painful (can you not feel my anguish and raw heart ache?). A writer. Of course.

Anyone can be a writer. All I’d need is a number two pencil and some double rolls of toilet tissue (Charmin-of course)--on which to scroll. The faces and words of wisdom of the great ones passed before my shrunken eyes-- Shakespeare, Hemingway, Aristotle, Woody Allen, Irving Pincus.

Why not me in a career that required a minimum of natural resources and abilities? It had to be a position that provided me with plenty of bedtime, because as an official unemployed person--I wanted to be registered when the next adjusted for inflation three month unemployment figures were released.

No problem. I changed my job title from “manager” to “writer”. Not just any kind of writer--but a free lance writer. The addition of the free lance provided me with a kind of laissez-faire type of cover and character-“like, yes I are a riter.”

But, as a free lance writer, I am allowed--yae--encouraged to rite about anything and everything that pleases me. I automatically acquire a dignity, a panache, an aura, and honor not often reached by other unemployed writers. I will not be constrained by the shackles of polite society, which often prevent free lancers like myself from expressing deep and enduring convictions about Life, Liberty, and the Saturday Evening Post. (Do you not feel my passion, joy, suffering and pam in trying to donate or loan my talents to a starving world.?)

My decision and my deeply defined lack of innate abilities, made me eligible immediately for the Annual Bulwere-Lytton Wretched Writing Contest, established in 1982, by Professor Scott Rice, of San Jose State University--to celebrate the art of bad writing--a contest to bring out the worst in the best of writers.

The writing must be short. It must be pompous. It must be overbearing.

Can one ever forget the famous, “It was a dark and stomy night”? No one. That is why we award prizes for writing.

The contest was a roaring literary success from the first year of its conception/inception. Three entries were received, and by the end of the second year, the contest became a fixture in cultural centers like Miami and Houston.

I realized that by studying and using the most improper most convoluted cliche ridden, simile saddled and misused metaphors, I could reach the pinnacle--the Wretched Writing Pulitzer award of my time. I slaved over my oxymorons (how can you not feel pity for dumb oxen?)--my eerily erroneous euphemisms--my shrunken Strunk and White Stylizing—and every fancy word I could substitute for something simple and home grown.

It worked. My work was instantly unreadable--un understandable--unrealistic--uncompromisingly mixed up. I titled my column, “If ya gotta ask--ya just don’t get it”. My wife asked, “Isn’t that a little pretentious?”

“Yup! I have no time to waste explaining what I’ve written, because I seldom understand myself. If I waste all my time with explanations, I won’t have time to write.”

This year’s Wretched Writing top prize of $250, went to Dave Zobel--of Manhattan Beach, California, a wordsmith of underuably bad genes.

The winning entry and my interpretation: “She resolved to end the love affair with Ramon tonight--summarily, like Martha Stewart ripping the sand vein out of a shrimp tail--though the term ‘love affair’ now struck her as a ridiculous euphemism--not ‘sand vein’ which is after all an intestine, not a vein-and that tarry substance inside certainly isn’t sand and that brought her back to Ramon.”

EXPLANATION: The paragraph is a beautifully simplistic but jarringly deep and meaningful explosive declarative sentence--which, in a few convoluted words, explains the meaning of life, substituting uncleaned shrimp for kosher hot dogs, and Martha taking the rap for Ken Lay and Bernie Ebbers--and the oil cartel--while bemoaning the move of the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles--in black and white.

Of course, few are able to reach my level of understanding and contemplation. Don’t despair. You are a straight line thinker--with no pulse--and you are not likely to qualify for next year’s contest. But, if you persevere, your vursht cud be your fursht. And you could be almost as inarticulate as I am.

HOLD THE PRESSES. I have just reread this piece (a first), and find it to be just as bad as the one that was rejected yesterday. By golly, I believe I have bad writing reduced to a science. I have an attainable goal: My vursht cud be my furst.

Onward Wretched Writing and the nobility of a new career in convolution and obtrusive obfuscation.

Bernie Meyers is, indeed, a freelance writer, and can be reached at: 999bmeyers@aol.com (when he’s not resting).

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Page 63

Networking for Jewish Entrepreneurs PEOPLE OF THE

BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ

You’ve got friends in high places. If you’re a Jewish entrepreneur and want to make contact with other business people, look for advice for your venture or even search for funding for your startup, Jewish organizations on the World Wide Web can help break the ice. Today, we’ll tour some of the most interesting ones. Remember, though, that you can’t always tell an organization by its website so always check out any group before joining – especially if it charges a membership fee.

The goal of the “Tribe of Angels Jewish Business Network” is to connect Jewish Investors, Jewish Startups and Jewish Talent. According to its site, “Tribe of Angels is the Jewish community’s oldest and largest business network. We bring together Jewish industry leaders to develop business, identify new ventures, develop partnerships, and source talent.” You can check out some TOA members at the site’s online Resource Guide. [http://www.tribeofangels.com/] Networking, of course, means extending your scope beyond your city and state. If you are trying to find a contact in another city, its local Jewish business group is a great place to start. The Jewish Center for Business Development has been operating in Baltimore since 1992. [http://www.jcbd.org/] Looking for a contact in New Jersey? Try the Cherry Hill Jewish Business Network. [http://www.chjbiznet.com] There is also Detroit’s Jewish Entrepreneurs Network [www.thisisfederation.org/JEN/default.htm], the Jewish Business Association of Colorado [http://tinyurl.com/39xsh], the Jewish Business Community Networking of Seattle [http://tinyurl.com/3bp4e], Austin Jewish Business Network [www.austinjbn.org/] and the Arizona Jewish Business Alliance. [ www.azjba.com/]

I’m not sure how many Jewish entrepreneurs were hit by the high tech meltdown a few years ago. But the people at the Jewish Technology Business Network probably know. And they could offer advice about how not to get caught by other swings in the market. The non-profit Network is based in the Greater Boston area. [http://www.jtbn.org] If you have been in business for a few years and have advice to offer, there are many young entrepreneurs who would like to listen. Some Jewish networking groups offer “mentorship” opportunities such as Oakland’s COACH program. As the site explains, “our Jewish tradition teaches us that the highest level of tzedakah (righteous giving) is to help someone become self-sufficient (Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah).” [www.jfed.org/volunteer/Coach/] One of the most enduring Jewish institutions in America is the Hebrew Free Loan Association. In addition to helping people overcome personal debts, interest-free loans are often made available to entrepreneurs trying to get a business off the ground. For example, San Francisco’s Hebrew Free Loan Association’s maximum business loan is $50,000, normally repayable within 60 months. You can read about some of the ventures they’ve assisted over the years including the story of Sandra Lipsman’s “Shendl’s Candls” and Ann and Walter Weinstock’s “Petaluma Chicken Farm”. [www. hflasf.org/bus-loans.html] The International Association of Free Loans has member branches in the United States, Israel, Canada and Australia. [http:// freeloan.org/] The Joshua Venture offers funding for so-called “Jewish social entrepreneurs”. The two-year program provides “provides seed capital, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, technical assistance, and Jewish learning to innovators ages 21 to 35.” [www.shma.com/sept00/gaines.htm] Successful candidates receive a $60,000 grant for nonprofit ventures that will benefit the American Jewish community. At the moment, Rochelle Shoretz of Teaneck, New Jersey is receiving funding for Sharsheret, a peer support organization “dedicated to

addressing the unique challenges faced by young Jewish women with breast cancer.”

Aaron Bisman of New York City is working on JDub Records “to redefine Jewish music, help connect Jews to a deeper understanding of their Judaism, and spread new visions of Jewish culture.” Joshua Venture supporters include Steven Spielberg’s Righteous Persons Foundation, the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund. [www.joshuaventure.org] If you have an idea for a great entrepreneurial business AND you want to live in Israel, take a look at the Ahavat Israel website. It has advice about the ups and downs of what it calls Israel’s “more welcoming and supportive” climate for small businesses. There’s an overview about the country’s tax structure, customs exemptions and information about Israel’s Entrepreneurial Development Centers. [http://tinyurl.com/292eu] According to a 2000 survey of 10 Western countries, Israel had the third highest rate of entrepreneurship after the U.S. and Canada but ahead of the U.K., Italy, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and Japan. [http://tinyurl.com/yqzue] You may already know about SpeedDating. This rapid-fire matchmaking session gives prospective couples a few minutes to see whether there is any chemistry between them. [www.speeddating.com/] Well, the J2J Network seems to try to make a different kind of shidduch with its “Speed Networking” evenings for Jewish business people and entrepreneurs. Attendees “pair up for brief meetings to network and provide each other with a quick elevator pitch.” According to its site, J2J “is committed to serving the needs of its growing membership and to facilitating business within the Worldwide Jewish community.” [http://j2jnetwork.ryze.com/] Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at: highway@rogers.com.

The Promise of Tomorrow Depends On the Decisions of Today

L’Shana Tova May this New Year Bring the World Peace, Health and Happiness We can make your charitable giving decisions easier with these options which allow you to decide how the Jewish Federation and its agencies will benefit from your generosity: Endowment and custodial funds established by: • Outright gifts of cash • Donations of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate • Naming the Foundation as the beneficiary of your life • insurance policy • Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA • Charitable bequests in a will or a trust • Charitable remainder annuity trusts or unitrusts • Charitable lead trusts

Steve Bloch, Chairman Marty Ricks, Executive Director 402/334-6440 Email: mricks@jewishomaha.org

Page 64

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Israel’s “Geriatric” Brigade: Life After Retirement When we reported for training on April attempts by terrorists and suicide 18, the country was under the shadow of bombers to cross into Israel. This is no high security easy task alerts followconsidering ing the elimithe fact that nation of the thousands of two Hamas Palestinians “notables,” who need to Sheik Yassin enter Israel and Ahmed for work, Rantissi. shopping, Perhaps the school or director of medical reatraining took sons are this factor impatient to into account cross the for he ran us checkpost. through a The Israeli training pro- Ahmed Hameida, a Circassian--not an Arab, left, but an s o l d i e r s gram (target Israeli, Arabic-speaking, Moslem--volunteers at the Calandia assigned to p r a c t i c e , checkpoint with the writer, Moshe Kahan. the checkunderstanding and recognizing explo- posts were doing this work for several sive devices used by terrorists, first aid, months and it wears on their nerves. communication equipment, and night Since there are no Jews who cross to or attack) that had us panting and puffing. from Ramallah the soldiers don’t get to The tent echoed with heavy snoring that hear a nice word of thanks or encourfirst night. agement from anyone. And so the presEarly Monday morning we were divided ence of a fresh group of volunteers up and sent to the various checkpoints assisting them every few weeks can bolwhere we would be serving. Eight of us ster their morale. were sent to the Calandia checkpost, a Generally speaking the relationship Palestinian neighborhood adjacent to between the Palestinians and the IDF at Ramallah; the checkpost is the most active the checkposts, if we judge by my expecrossing point for all of the Palestinians. rience at Calandia, is very “businessDuring the orientation, we learned about like”, resembling security checks at an the critical need to both carefully screen airport. Both sides recognize the necessithe Palestinians who enter Israel and to ty of this unpleasant situation. For the enable them to cross over as quickly and occasional person who for one reason or as humanely as possible. other has no permit, we are called upon It was emphasized from the highest to use our discretion. echelons that Israel was determined to Of course we were still required to minimize unnecessary suffering at the examine every bag, pack and parcel. The checkposts--in spite of the constant orientation leader provided us with a list

by MOSHE KAHAN This is being written on “Jerusalem Day.” which is celebrated annually on the 28th of Iyyar in the Hebrew calendar commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem following the liberation of the Old City from the Jordanians in the Six Day War in June 1967.

This celebration comes in the midst of the seven week “Counting of the Omer” period. Beginning with Pesach, Holocaust and Martyrs Remembrance Day, Israel’s Soldiers Memorial Day; Israel’s Independence Day and closing with Shavuoth, we will have encountered the seminal events that define our Jewishness to this day. Slavery, redemption, peoplehood, extermination, and rebirth!

And it is within this period that I have managed once again to leave my family and job to share 12 days with some of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces in what I refer to as the “Geriatric Brigade.”

This is the third year I have been privileged to participate. The idea behind this project is to bring to the units of young soldiers, older volunteers whose life experience and maturity can contribute to defusing tension at sensitive border crossings. Essentially we would be serving as “humanitarian officers” at the check points where the Palestinians cross the Green Line.

Since the inception of this program about three years ago, some 3000 volunteers have been involved. The head of the program told us that the program has been so successful that he no longer has to take new volunteers since the old volunteers continue to re-enlist. There were 25 in our group, with the average age about 40. The oldest was 74!

of Arabic words which were very helpful especially when combined with a smile and a piece of candy for the toddlers.

Two of the volunteers with me were real veterans. Both were in their sixties having first been drafted together as paratroopers after high school In the Six Day War, they fought in the battles for Jerusalem. They were with the paratroopers in the Yom Kippur War at the Suez Canal. They also did reserve duty during the War in Lebanon. And now here they were together again, both grandfathers, volunteering in this program for the fourth time.

Another volunteer in our group was a Circassian name Ahmed Hameida, a cattle breeder near Safed. The Circassians are not Arabs, rather they are Israeli, Arabic-speaking, Moslems who have been in Israel since the time of the Turkish Empire. They are very active in the IDF. Ahmed himself was a former paratrooper.

His son was killed this past year with the paratroopers in Gaza. In spite of the painful memory of his loss, he was able to deal kindly with the Palestinians at Calandia and his fluent Arabic helped smooth over several difficult situations.

The most challenging element for me however, of this whole experience, was trying to keep a mental track of my possessions. It’s the age you know. (I’m 58.)

Moshe Kahan is editor of Yiddishkeit Magazine and director of the Casper-Plitnick Health and Community Service Center, a nonprofit organization providing dental and eye-care to needy families in Jerusalem. He lives in Beit-El and can be reached at: e-mail:yid@urbis. net.il.

From seedlings a homeland grew.

JNF: Realizing the dream and assuring Israel’s future.

Jewish National Fund Wishes You a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Forestry: JNF has planted more than 240 million trees in Israel to beautify the land.

Water: JNF’s water initiatives provide 1.2 million Israelis with water and support farming.

Community Development: JNF creates new towns where Israelis can live in a quality environment.

Security: JNF builds security roads along the northern border with Lebanon so Israelis can travel safely to school and work.

Education: JNF’s education programs reinforce the Jewish identity of children around the world.

Research: JNF’s scientific breakthroughs protect Israel’s environment to ensure quality of life.

Tourism & Recreation: JNF has built over 1,000 parks and green spaces throughout Israel for all to enjoy.

To learn more about JNF, call Yaron Iram, Midwest States Regional Director:

888-JNF-0099 or email yiram@jnf.org

To plant trees in Israel call 800-542-8733.

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September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

BEST WISHES for a happy, healthy & prosperous NEW YEAR!

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

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by RABBI MORDECHAI LEVI Beth El Synagogue Three hundred and fifty years ago, America opened its gates to Jewish immigrants, and since that time, Jews have settled in America and become part of the fabric of our country.

Jewish sources refer to several different gates and doors. In the Torah, Jacob mentions the gate of heaven (Genesis 28:17, 19). Shaken, he says, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and that is the gateway to heaven”...and he named that site Beth El. Seventy-five years ago--in remembrance of that gate of heaven--Beth El Synagogue’s founders opened a new door to Jewish life in Omaha. This year, as our congregation celebrates a special milestone in its proud history, we also celebrate our energetic present and the promise of a bright future. Beth El’s doors are open to all who wish to worship, to study, to heighten their Jewish identity. We invite all who want to celebrate the cycles of life to enter the gates and become part of our community.

Other gates and doors are also mentioned in Judaic sources. The gates of the Temple in Jerusalem are

described as gates of righteousness (Psalm 118:19): “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will enter into them, I will give thanks unto the Lord.” We recite these words in the Hallel during Sukkot, Hanukkah, Pesach and Shavuot, and at Rosh Hodesh as we greet each new Hebrew month.

The word gate is used allegorically in various rabbinical texts, the most familiar being gates of repentance, gates of tears, and gates of prayer -- which are said to be open -- meaning that repentance or prayer is accepted. An allegorical gate is also found in the Neilah service, the last service of Yom Kippur: "Open for us the gates even as they are closing."

In our personal lives we, too, open and close doors.

The High Holidays offers us a spiritual gate, an opportunity to enter into the process of change, to start again.

As we begin a new year, we do so with endless possibilities for fresh beginnings. The opportunity is ours to shape, anew, our lives and our environment.

At this season, we celebrate 350 years of Jewish life in America, 75 years of Beth El Synagogue, and one more year in our personal experiences. With each day, let us continue to move forward, opening new doors to richer and more meaningful lives. Let us renew our commitment to the vibrant present and future of Judaism, to the Jewish people and to the land of Israel.

My best wishes for a year of life, health, fulfillment, justice and peace.

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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE BOARD OF TRUSTEES President: Hyman Sukiennik; Vicepresidents: Sally Zipursky, David Finkle, Lloyd Roitstein; Secretary: Larry Shapiro; Treasurer: Ron Feldman; Past-president: Richard Fellman; Trustees: Ellene Edelstein, Mikhail Ginsburg, Alan Goodman, M’Lee Hasslinger, Michael Hoberman, Jeffrey Itkin, Fred Kader, Gloria Kaslow, Jane Kulakofsky, Diane Malashock, Stanley Mitchell, Jane Murow, Allan Noddle, Phil Ratner, Amy Reynolds, Carl Riekes, Joel Schlessinger, Toby Schonfeld, Andrea Scioli, James Wax, Holly Weill, Harry Weiner, Audrey Wiener, Harold Zabin.

UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH President: Shira Kronick; Executive Vice-president: Nathan Fineman; Membership Vice-president: Liatte Dotan; Social Action Vice-president: Seth Rich; Communications Vice-president: Steven Meyer; Freshman Representative: Michael Friedman.

MEN’S CLUB President: Harry Weiner, Secretary: Fred Kader, Treasurer: Les Kay, President-elect: Ben Shapiro; Membersat-large: Dan Levitan, David Adler, and Cary Grossman.

SISTERHOOD President: M’Lee Hasslinger, Vice-president: Caryn Rifkin, Secretary: Kathy Weiner, Treasurer: Amy Reynolds Shapiro.

HAZAK President: Jim Wax, Advisor: Buddy Goodman, Secretary: Harriet Marcus, Treasurers: Ilse and Marcel Kahn, Program Chairmen: Gloria Goodman and Natalie Rubin, Publicity: Frances Gottlieb, National Officer: Howard Ruback, Membership: Dee Goodman, Members-at-large: Mickey and Tootie Simon, Rita Novak, Jack and Ann Belmont, and Phyllis Schwartz.

New Year Greetings Gerald B.Simons,M.D. 402/552-3020

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Page 67

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by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS Beth Israel Synagogue The Talmud refers to a person’s table as a form of prayer (Tractate Hagigah 27a). There is hardly a clearer manifestation of this dictum then the meal on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

The Shulchan Aruch, Code of Jewish Law by Joseph Cairo (1488-1575) lists a host of delicacies and appetizers that are to be added to our festival menu.

These are not simply creative seasonal hors d’oeuvres. Each item is symbolic of a particular blessing that we beseech God to grant us in the coming year.

A popular custom is to dip an apple into honey and pray that the coming year be a sweet one. The eating of a pomegranate is an allusion to the Talmudic analogy: “the Jewish people are filled with Mitzvoth like the pomegranate is filled with seeds.” Some brave souls eat the head of a sheep or a fish alluding to the verse in Deuteronomy 28, “And God shall make you the head and not the tail.”

Leeks (karti in Hebrew) are eaten as if to ask that our enemies should be “cut off” (yikartu); black-eyed peas (rubiya) that our merits should “multiply” (yirbu), and gourds (kara) and carrots (gezer) that any evil decrees against us (gezeiroth) should be torn apart (yikara).

The law is “every region according to

its language.”

Rabbi Avraham Danzig (17481820) in his famous work Chaye Adam notes that in Vilna they had the custom to eat carrots, the German word for carrots being moehren, a homonym to the word for to increase, mehren. In America customs based on the English language have developed, for example serving lettuce, half a raisin, and celery. The message embedded in this peculiar salad is “let us have a raise in salary.”

The holiness of the days of awe should not be confined to the services. The festival meals are an opportunity to create a spiritual experience that can bring us closer to God as well as to our friends and families.

It is a chance to reflect on the good that God has granted us this year and to petition Him for things in the year to come.

A time for new year’s resolutions.

A time to learn Torah, to have extra concentration for the blessing before and after the meal, even to read from the prayer book and analyze the holiday services. Most importantly we must fulfill the mitzvah of visamachtah vichagecha, be happy on your festivals. God should bless us with a sweet year, “God should open up his treasure houses upon us…and all of the blessings of God should come upon us and overtake us.”

(Deuteronomy 28)

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September 10, 2004

Rosh Hashanah A Second Start

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by RABBI STANLEY M. ROSENBAUM Congregation Tifereth Israel It is eminently appropriate that this Rosh Hashanah issue is devoted to new beginnings. While this holiday commemorates the origin of the universe and of human life, our Tradition intimates that God creates the world anew every day. Indeed, in the Modeh Ani prayer, which is said first thing upon arising in the morning, we thank God for graciously returning our precious consciousness, our very soul, to us. In essence, each day can be for us a new beginning, a fresh start.

There are many reasons for starting over. We can take the opportunity to correct errors that we have made.

We can seek to change unpleasant circumstances in which we feel trapped. Dissatisfaction with the old can lead to a thirst for something new. Sometimes we find ourselves faced with accepting unanticipated responsibilities, such as when grandparents must raise their grandchildren.

People often have positive reasons for a change, such as reaching a new phase in one’s life (e.g., emptynesters) and using the opportunity to seek to expand one’s interests and talents.

I recall hearing about a brilliant professor who was doing cutting-edge research in psychology. He had been doing exceptional, advanced research in physics for 10 years before he switched to psychology. It seems that he was interested in three different fields of study.

Calculating that he would have about 30 years of creative work, he decided to allot 10 years to each of the three fields!

While this case is truly unusual, our Torah makes it clear that everyone has the human capacity to make a new beginning. Jewish history has shown that we are

equipped as individuals and as a community to renew our lives. Indeed, exploration and correction of false starts are the essence of the learning process. To succeed, we need an openness to challenge; a willingness to exert the needed effort, knowing that we there will be problems and mistakes; and a vision of a desirable future goal.

Of course there are impediments to be conquered, such as overcoming fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Because of these we might not avail ourselves of opportunities that might come our way. Embarrassment, shame, guilt, anger, and laziness often create obstacles to our advancement. Given these inhibiting factors, a second start clearly takes courage and fortitude.

It is remarkable that Judaism builds in a whole period each year—the Aseret Yemei Teshuva (the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) to make it easier for us to put these aside. Selfexamination (cheshbon hanefesh) is the first step in self-improvement. It gives us an opportunity to affirm our positives, what we have achieved until now. And it also provides an opportunity to correct our errors, to see where we have failed, to learn from our mistakes, to take steps to repair what can be put right, and to repair our torn relationships.

We are reminded that any time is appropriate to strengthen ourselves to start a new year and a new life.

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Courage, Patience, Stamina and Reslience

by RABBI DEBBIE STIEL Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Our time for spiritual cleansing advances unceasingly as the Days of Awe approach.

Some of us shy away. The burdens feel too heavy or the deeds lurk too ugly and shameful in our minds to be faced or the task seems pointless since the faults stubbornly return each year. Others of us find little that needs repair. Our sins this year were small, and it is easiest to ignore them. Or we may find ourselves in the group who yearn for repair but know not how to effect the change or find the needed time for true cleansing.

If we are ignoring the call of this season, let us hearken to it. This season and its message are a great gift to us.

Judaism is an amazing religion – insisting as it does on our ability, our right, our responsibility to begin again. At this time of year, like a loving friend it counsels us that we can turn over a new leaf. Like a good counselor it urges us that we do have the ability to leave the past behind and to make tomorrow better than yesterday.

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approach. She writes: Teshuva demands honest self-scrutiny and reflection. It is the process between me and my own self.

Tefila embodies my relationship with God. Tsedaka regulates my relationship with my fellow human beings.

Together, these three elements--the individual, the divine, the societal--constitute our entire existence as believing beings. None of these activities can alone bring redemption and renewal. It is precisely the combination of all of them …confession of past sins with firm resolution to mend our behavior (that can effect change).

This year as the new year begins, let us have the courage, the patience, the stamina and the resilience to truly focus on this three pronged way of starting over: teshuva, tefilla and tsedaka.

Imagine how we would be better and our world would be better if each of us did an inner accounting, shared our transgressions and our need to change with God, and found concrete ways to right our wrongs through positive acts that benefit those who most need our help?

Let us embrace God’s gift of a new chance. My family, the B’nai Jeshurun congregational family and I wish everyone a year of health, happiness, peace and blessing.

LINCOLN BIRTHS Ethan Wunibald son of David and Julie Wunibald Oren Trainin son of Sarah and Guy Trainin Max Hershey Marti son of Stacy and Curtis Marti Orli Bena Malka Coren daughter of Nava Levine-Coren and Yehoshua Coren

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 69

Book of the Living Zombies, The Book of the Dead

by RABBI TUVIA HOFFMAN Director of the Torah Learning Center The Talmud states: “The angels once said to G-d, ‘Master of the Universe, why don’t the Jews sing songs before You on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur like they do on other holidays?’”

G-d replied, “Whilst the King is sitting on the throne of justice with the Sefer Chaim--Book of Life and Sefer Masim--Book of Death open before Him, should the Jews be singing songs?!”

(Source: Babylonian Talmud - Rosh Hashana - 32b) Many of you, including myself, remember the famous Book of Life and Book of Death being discussed as children on the High Holidays. It is interesting to note, however, that these words are translated imperfectly.

A closer look at the words Sefer Masim which is normally translated as Book of Death is more precisely translated as Book of the Dead. If so, then the other book, commonly translated as Book of Life should be uniformly and precisely translated as Book of the Living.

With the names of the books translated with precision, we’ll have to understand that every year G-d writes the deeds of the “living” in the Book of the Living. Similarly, He inscribes the deeds of the dead in the Book of the Dead. But who are these dead and why does He write down their deeds year after year? Does He write, “Jones, died in 1938, still dead. Smith, died in 1978, haven’t heard a word from him, still dead!”

The answer is that the “dead” and the “living” both refer to people who are actually alive.

The “living” refer to people who are attached to the true source of life--G-d. They create this connection by Continued on page 70

Page 70

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

The Soul of the Brushless Body Wash

The Book of the Dead Continued from page 69 filling their lives with Jewish spirituality, the learning of Torah, observance of mitzvot, character perfection, giving tzedakah, and the like.

The “dead” refer to people who are not connected to the true source of life-but rather something that appears to be the source of life--base physical pleasures. Everyone knows that a good ice cream cone, a nice car, a roller coaster-all these things make your blood rush, they make you feel good--they make you feel alive.

However, when you finish the ice cream cone you simply wipe your lips and it’s done. These pleasures merely scratch the surface, but they do not affect our souls; they do not change us for the better.

The Talmud recounts that when Alexander the Great visited Israel, he asked the Sages several questions.

Amongst them he asked, “What should a person do to stay alive?” They replied, “Kill himself.” Alexander asked, “What should a person do to kill himself?” They replied, “Live a lot.” (Source: Babylonian Talmud, Tamid 32a) The meaning of these enigmatic words is that if a person really wants to kill himself, he should “live a lot,” i.e. indulge in all of life’s pleasures, since overindulgence brings a person away

from spirituality into the base world of the physical. Such a person is considered dead, even though he is still alive.

On the other hand, if a person wants to stay alive, he should “kill himself,” i.e. he should kill himself over the words of Torah to understand them. (Obviously this is not meant to be taken literally, but rather “killing oneself” refers to exerting maximum effort into something, as we colloquially say).

A person who struggles to learn Torah and perform mitzvot has a rich life, in which even the physical pleasures are transformed into spiritual acts. This person can truly be said to be “alive” and is fitting to be inscribed in the Book of the Living. Conversely, a person who only indulges in the physical lacks the spiritual. He is considered dead, even in the vigor of his life.

As the High Holidays approach and the Book of the Living and the Book of the Dead are opened, take pause and ask yourself in which book will you be inscribed this year. Do you live a life that can truly be considered “alive,” or are you merely a walking, talking zombie.

Commit to explore Judaism this year by taking classes in Torah. Learn what it is to be considered alive in both the physical and spiritual worlds.

May you be inscribed in the Book of the Living for a long and good life.

CONGREGATION BEYT SHALOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Alice Weiss; Lay Leader: Marti Nerenstone; Religious School Director: Jenni Schlossman; Treasurer: Jean Goldfein; Directors: Helene

Lohman and Deana Liddy.

BAR MITZVAH Adam Simons son of Sam and Lorelei Simons

by RABBI MENDEL KATZMAN Chabad of Nebraska Most of us have been to a car wash at least once. The type that that our children prefer is the one where you can stay in your car, shift into neutral and be carried along on the conveyor belt.

First, there’s a spray of water from a few different sides. Then the soap hits the car from somewhere else.

Huge rubber things swish back and forth, loosening and then removing dirt and grime. For an extra two dollars your car can get a hot wax treatment. The last stage of this type of car wash is when big, squiggly pieces envelop the car and dry it without so much as a scratch.

Thirty seconds after the wash cycle has begun, you’re driving out in a car that looks like a million dollars. That is, until you realize that the inside of your car still has windows that are smudged, a few wrappers on the floor, an ashtray overflowing with gum wrappers, even some loose coins in the cracks of the seats.

The only way to get the inside of your car clean is to open the door and let some guys with Windex, rags and a vacuum jump in and do the rest of the job.

On Rosh Hashanah, it is possible to go to the synagogue, sit down, position ourselves in neutral and wait for the conveyor belt to begin moving. The rabbi zaps you from this side, the cantor and choir gets you from the other side. Then comes the shofar blowing ceremony, the sermon, and the Torah reading. Before your know it, the service is over.

We might walk out of synagogue on Rosh Hashanah feeling like a million dollars--squeaky clean. But eventually it hits us. We aren’t any cleaner on the inside than when we walked in. All those faults and bad habits we had promised ourselves we’d really change this year, are still unchanged. And no amount of sitting in the synagogue, no matter how much the seats cost, is going to change us.

How can we change?

Unfortunately, it isn’t a matter of letting someone in with rags and cleaning solution. It’s much more difficult than that because we're the only ones who can really make sure that we're squeaky clean inside and out.

Change does not have to be a solitary experience. It certainly is easier when we have help and support from the people around us.

Like a car wash, however, cleaning the interior is intrinsically tied in with “opening up.” Once we’re open to change, we’re halfway there. This season of the High Holidays is the time when we contemplate our past behavior, our involvement in Judaism, our goals and values. It is a most appropriate time to begin making the necessary changes in our lives.

Let’s open up to our Judaism. Try something new. Attend a Torah study class. Read a Jewish book. Experience Shabbat. Try to buy only kosher food.

Clean up the interior. Then our souls-our interior will also feel great. And that should make us happy.

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by RABBI CRAIG MARANTZ Temple Israel In rabbinic school, there were numerous students beginning second careers. I remember one student had practiced as a lawyer. Another had worked raising money for Emory University in Atlanta. A third had written country music songs for a living. There were several others who had very interesting jobs, as well, each determined to make a major change in life.

Many left behind lucrative careers to pursue a sacred calling. In our materialistic world that can be a huge and risky step. What I admired most in each was his or her deep appreciation for the opportunities to learn and to live in Israel (We spent our first year of school in Jerusalem.) For some of them it was hard to go back to school.

I remember one student struggling mightily with Hebrew grammar, but his trials never seemed to get him down. He always spoke with a sense of awe about his opportunity to study. While many younger students just out of college consumed themselves with what was going to be on the dikduk (grammar) test, my friend simply and respectfully embraced the chance to engage in the study of our sacred language. For him, the experience transcended basic language acquisition. His studies seemed to connect him with something beyond.

Jewish learning can do that.

In these seasoned individuals, I sensed a certain wisdom. I witnessed souls who had learned a great deal about life. They had been humbled by challenges in the working world and every day existence. Each had come to the conclusion that making a major change, namely turning toward such a significant spiritual path, would have powerful redemptive qualities.

And each carried him- or herself on this special journey with a great sense of reverence for it and the guides, our teachers, who showed the way.

As I now reflect on this substantial change in my colleagues’ lives, I wonder if human beings need such major life changes to gear up that heightened sense of appreciation for the spiritual possibilities in our lives.

Do we need amazingly wonderful and transformative things to happen to us to evoke a sense of awe? Or, can we find inspiration and reverence in the ordinary, uneventful moments, too? The answer is “yes” to both of these important questions. During these days of Elul, as we prepare for the Yamim Nora’im (the Days of Awe), I suggest we all take stock of that for which we feel an abiding sense of awe and reverence. Are there areas in our lives in which we improve this sensibility?

The Yamim Nora’im inspire a special kind of awe and reverence called yirat Shamayim, the fear of God. I know this phrase for many us is somewhat off-put-

ting. We find it difficult to relate to a God who makes us afraid. After all, fear is an uncomfortable emotion. But this is not really what yirat Shamayim is all about.

Yirat Shamayim often finds shape in our sense of amazement in the world. I remember visiting Yosemite as a teenager, feeling overwhelmed by its majesty and thinking “Wow, God, your creation is incredible and wonderful. Thank you for such an enduring gift.” As I looked around, I felt amazed by God’s mysterious power. I felt humbled. I felt appreciation. I felt small, like part of something much greater than I. This is more like what the Sages mean when they speak of yirat Shamayim.

Yirat Shamayim is not limited to a particular place or time of awesome proportions. It can envelop us in very ordinary moments, too. That is because yirat Shamayim is more like a pair of glasses through which we see the world and ourselves. Yirat Shamayim infuses us with the humility to know that we do not know everything, leaving us more appreciative of and moved by the mysteries of life, not to mention motivated to keep learning about life. Yirat Shamayim is that still small voice within that demands us to be a little kinder and admonishes us when we are not. Yirat Shamayim holds us accountable for our morality by causing us to fear the consequences of straying from the path of goodness.

I am not suggesting the fear is of being zapped by God for misbehaving. The fear here is of the spiritual emptiness and isolation that comes from acting unethically.

As we take inventory of our lives during this High Holiday season, we will likely find that there were moments when we were less humble than we could have been, less kind than we could have been, and more defiant about our wrongdoings than we should have been.

In other words, we did not act with as strong a sense of yirat Shamayim as we could have. The Yamim Nora’im give us the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to a life filled with awe and reverence for God. May this sense of yirat Shamayim forge a greater and more enduring respect for that which is beyond us.

May it evoke God’s compassion for us and our compassion for others. And may it remind us that we are all created betzelem Elohim, in God’s image, and therefore worthy of dignity and the responsibility that comes with it. Shana tovah!

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May You Find Happiness and Fulfillment in this Joyous Celebration

Happy New Year

THE BELGRADE FAMILY

The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center Wishes the Omaha Jewish Community a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year

TEMPLE ISRAEL BOARD OF TRUSTEES President: Gary Kaplan; President-elect: Dennis DePorte; Vice-presidents: Wendy Goldberg and Andi Willensky; Secretary: Rick Fox; Treasurer: Jon Meyers; Assistant Treasurer: John Lehr; Past-president: Michael Walts; Board Members: Jacob Bleicher, Kathy Beauchaine, David Gilinsky, Cindy Goldberg, Sally Kaplan, Edward Malashock, Lois (Ducky) Milder, Maria Neesman, Nancy Nogg, Vicki Perlmeter, Barbara Rips, Jane Rips, Kimberly Robinson, Stacey Rockman, Jeffrey Schweid, Jeffrey Smedlund, John Waldbaum, Amee Zetzman, and Judy Zweiback.

OMAHA TEMPLE YOUTH GROUP President: Jacob Bleicher; Program Vice-presidents: Eliza Cowan and Jacquelyn Neesman; Social Action

Vice-president: Aaron Parsow; Religious & Cultural Vice-president: Josh Bleicher; Membership Vice-president: Brandon Thomas; Secretary: Caroline Terry; Treasurer: Nathaniel Joseph; Junior Youth Group Liaisons: Jaclyn Adelson and Sarah Bleicher; Memberin-Service: Anne Rips.

WOMEN OF REFORM JUDAISM-OMAHA President: Nancy Nogg; President-elect: Cindy Goldberg; Vice-presidents: Michelle Bucher, Karli Newman, Cindy Goldberg, Danielle Gordman, Rosie Zweiback, Betsy Marantz, Linda Saltzman; Lynne Jensen, Deb Marburg; Andie Gordman; Allyson BradinWilczewski and Marta Fox; Recording Secretary: Jill Baron.

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by RABBI ARYEH AZRIEL Temple Israel The words of greeting, “L’shana Tova Tikatevu“, remind us annually of the image central to the experience of the High Holy Days, that of the Book of Life.

The traditional image suggests, of course, that our fate for the year ahead is inscribed and sealed in that Book by the hand of God at this sacred season.

But, I wonder how many of us really experience this season in that way. I have even greater doubts as to how many of us believe in the links between these days, our behavior, and our physical destinies, as described in the Un’taneh Tokef prayer. I do believe, as I am sure do many of you, that at this time, as at all times, processes are already in motion in our bodies and our lives, which go a long way toward determining our destinies for the coming year.

To that extent, the image of the Book of Life continues to be powerful. But prayer based on that understanding would be problematic, at least according to rabbinic tradition. In the Talmud there is a dictum prohibiting one who has heard the announcement of a fire on one street from praying, “Please, don’t let it be my house!” Were the rabbis unsympathetic to our fears and desires?

Of course not. The rabbis’ concern is that we should take prayer and its power as seriously as did they. In the rabbinic point of view, to ask God to change something that is already happening is to render prayer meaningless. Yet, if we take the concept of cause and effect seriously, everything that will happen in our lives is already in the process of occur-

ring. So why offer prayer regarding the Book of Life?

In truth, our most purposeful prayers of this season are not really about physical, but rather spiritual, destiny. Our most valuable prayers will not be about what is beyond our control or shaping - those things that might be described as being written by the “Hand of God.” Our best prayers will be about what we are writing, for it is we who write our spiritual destiny, every day of our lives.

The deeper among our prayers will be those regarding how we will handle what life throws at us--the blessings and the curses. Gilda Radner understood this when she wrote the following poem: I wanted a perfect ending, so I sat down to write the book with the ending in place before there even was an ending.

Now I’ve learned the hard way that some poems don’t rhyme and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end.

Like my life, this book has ambiguity.

Like my life, this book is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next.

The meaning of this season, therefore, is not so much an appeal to God to write a benign destiny, but rather a turning to God to inspire our own efforts to make into a blessing whatever destiny delivers.

May we strengthen one another’s hands and souls in this New Year, to write a collective Book of Life filled with purpose, blessing and love.

May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life.

TEMPLE ISRAEL B’NAI MITZVAH BAR MITZVAH Aaron Bleicher son of Dr. and Mrs. Joel Bleicher Adam Goldberg son of Bruce and Cindy Goldberg Jory Goldstrom son of Larry and Carol Goldstrom Maxwell Halsted son of Dr. Michael and Mendy Halsted Zachary Harris son of James and Marti Harris Charles Parsow son of Margo Parsow and the late Dr. Jay Parsow Dylan Saferstein son of Stephanie Siedschlag and Mark and Lynda Saferstein Samuel Salzinger son of Fred and Lynn Salzinger Maxwell Sherman son of Dan and Usha Sherman Zachary Spooner son of Jim and Gail Spooner Andrew Taylon son of Susan Bernard and Dr. Alain Taylon Nathan Wolf son of Philip and Nancy Wolf

BAT MIZVAH Amanda Bucher daughter of Ronald and Michelle Bucher Lauren Davis daughter of Mary Kay Davis and Henry Davis Hannah Ferer daughter of Whitney and Mary Ferer Susan Freeman daughter of Robert and Robyn Freeman Rebecca Frishman daughter of Seth and Martha Frishman Andrea Holmberg daughter of Helene Cohen and Mark Holmberg Avery Lehr daughter of John and Sandy Lehr Amy Levinger daughter of Steve and Bonnie Levinger Rachel Martin daughter of Mark and Julie Martin Rebecca Noddle daughter of Jay and Kim Noddle Molly Noodell daughter of David and Ann Noodell Julianna Scheet daughter of Lisa Scheet and Gordon Scheet

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Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office during the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah on Thursday/Friday, Sept. 16-17, Yom Kippur (office closes early on Friday, Sept. 24), Sukkot and Simchat Torah (Thursday/Friday, Sept. 30 and Oct 1, and Oct. 7-8), the deadlines will be as follows: Issue Deadline Sept. 24 Tuesday, Sept. 14 Oct. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 22 Oct. 8 Tuesday, Sept. 28 Oct. 15 Tuesday, Oct. 5 Questions? Call 334.6448.

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OMAHA BIRTHS, 5764 SONS Zachary Evan Atlas Stacey and Brett Atlas Ethan Josef Bargas Sharon and Bo Bargas Yisrael Shaanan Bennett Beth and Toby Bennett Bradley Edward Berman Harry Berman and Beth Cohen Hudson Ian Bloom Lauryn and Jason Bloom Charles Michael Blum Rachel Blum and Mike Blum Gabriel David Cohn Jennifer and Travis Cohn Michael Jacob Denenberg Tiffany and Steven Denenberg Eli Garrison Finkel Cristi and Kevin Finkel Logan Archer Golbitz Luann and Bill Golbitz Zev Dan Gordman Danielle and Jeff Gordman Forest Bernard Jacobs Barb and Tom Jacobs Joseph Charles Katz Monica and Gary Katz Lawson Andrew Kirke Jana and Mark Kirke Phoenix Ariel Klingherg Karen Mavropoulos-Klingberg and Dimitrios Mavropoulos Leo Joseph Kohll David and Janet Kohll Alexander Michael Kugler Trace and Lance Kugler Benjamin Nathan Kutler Pamela and Bruce Kutler Ethan Mitchell Lesser Ruth and Paul Lesser Jared Micah Marantz Betsy and Rabbi Craig Marantz

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by TEDDY WEINBERGER Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish holiday that occurs on the first day of a Hebrew month. Because of this, Rosh Hashanah is also the only holiday that was assigned an extra day in Israel.

This second day mitigated the uncertainty that was built into the traditional Jewish way for declaring new moons (instituting a second day for the observance of holidays ensured that whether the new moon was declared on the 29th or 30th day of the “old month,” the people would not violate the sanctity of the holy day).

In the case of Judaism’s other major holidays, it could be assumed that all Jews living in Israel would learn of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin’s proclamation for the new moon (through messengers and a system of hilltop bonfires) well in advance of the holiday. But this could not be assumed for Rosh Hashanah.

Already back in Talmudic times (some 1700 years ago) the rabbis had available to them a system for calculating new moons, and the question arose as to whether or not to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Israel for only one day. It was decided, however, to keep to the tradition of our ancestors, and in an innovative theological move, the two days of Rosh Hashanah were declared to be one long day.

This year for traditional Jews in Israel, the one long day of Rosh Hashanah will feel especially long, since the holiday occurs on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 1617, followed immediately by the Sabbath and its own specific laws for sanctification. By Saturday Sept.18, religious Jewish immigrants throughout Israel will all be thinking the same thing: thank God I don’t have to go through this whole thing two more times.

Yes, the basic conservatism displayed in the decision to keep Rosh Hashanah at two days in Israel also mandated that the “second holy day for the Exile” be kept outside of Israel--despite the fact that excellent calendars are available to predict not just this year’s new moons, but the new moons for the rest of this millenium.

And so, the second and ninth day of the Succot holiday (the latter known as Simchat Torah) are holy outside of Israel, whereas in Israel on the second day of Succot, many weekday activities are permitted, and the holiday ends after eight days. It’s no wonder that many religious Jews who make aliyah will mention the absence of the “second day” as a clear and distinct bonus of aliyah.

Continued on page 75

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Page 75

L’SHANA TOVA TIKATEVU

JEWISH FEDERATION BOARD President: Zoë Riekes; Vice President & Strategic Planning Committee Chairman: Norm Sheldon; Vice-president & Secretary: Bob Lepp; Treasurer: Mike Abramson; Past President: Steve Pitlor; Budget and Allocations Committee Chairman: Jay Gordman; Board members: Joel Alperson, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Joanie Bernstein, Steve Bloch, Toba Cohen, Justin Cooper, Gary D. Epstein, Katherine Finnegan, Jim Glazer, Jeff Gordman, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Joanie Jacobson, Keith Josephson, Sara Juster, Myron Kaplan, Joe Kirshenbaum, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Todd Manvitz, Michael Miller, Jan Schneiderman, Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller, and Judy Zweiback; Executive Director: Jan Goldstein.

COMMITTEES OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION Berman, Jennifer Glazer, THE JEWISH PRESS Chairman: Joanie Jacobson, Vice Chairman: Howard K. Marcus; Secretary: Bobbi Leibowitz; Finance Chairman: Scott Meyerson; Treasurer: Steve Simon; Immediate Past-chairman: Fred Tichauer; Committee Members: Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein; Editor: Carol Katzman.

JELS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman: Katherine Finnegan, Harry

Wendy Goldberg, Todd Hutton, Gloria Kaslow, Steve Riekes, Jane Rips, and Yaffa Schuller; Executive Director: Guy Matalon.

KRIPKE JEWISH FEDERATION LIBRARY Co-chairmen: Susan Rothholz and Suzanne Singer; Committee Members: Aviva Siegal, Diane Graul, Eunie Dennenberg, Silvia Rothman, Lena Bogomolni, Nancy Rips, Shirley Goldstein, Marsha Greenhill, Helen Epstein, and Jeff Ferber; Library Administrator: Gary Katz.

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE President: Gary D. Epstein, Vice-presidents: Bob Belgrade, John Glazer, Michael Miller, Susie Norton, and Kimberly Robinson; Immediate Pastpresident: Jeff Kirshenbaum; Board members: Harry Alloy, Jamie Friedland, Debbie Friedman, Tom Friedman, Maggie Gerber, Bob Goldberg, Cindy Goldberg, Jeff Hansen, Marti Harris, Judy Itkin, Judy Josephson, Larry Kelberg, Don Klein, Jody Malashock, Todd Manvitz, Bruce Muskin, Marcia Pitlor, Jeff Platt, Natalie Rubin, Fred Tichauer, Eitan Tsabari, Paul Cohen, Richard Jacobson, Steve Pitlor, Marv Polikov, Mark Sanford, and Norm Sheldon; Executive Director: Jeffrey Aizenberg.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES President: Joanie Bernstein; Vice-presidents: Bob Belgrade, Harold Mann, and Larry Roffman; Secretary: Jim Farber; Treasurer: Mike Abramson; Past-president: Sylvia Roffman; Board members: Carol Bloch, Paul Epstein, Angie Krieger, Jeff Itkin, Steve Nogg, Joe Kirshenbaum, Mike Platt, Norm Veitzer, Norm Smeerin, Jerry Dann, Sam Fried, Marcel Kahn, Nancy Noddle, Suzanne Singer, Joan Kaiman, Maxine Kirshenbaum and Stan Silverman; Executive Director: Michael Silverman.

President: Justin Cooper; Vice-president: Lisa Lewis; Secretary: David Goldberg; Treasurer: Todd Simon; Board members: Elyce Azriel, Jill Belmont, Helen Epstein, Ruth Erman, Barry Grossman, Mike Hoberman, Susi Levin, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Carol Parsow, Bunny Rothenberg, Anne Shackman, and Jake Slosburg; Executive Director: Becki Brenner.

Executive Board President: Sara Juster; Vice-presidents: David Gilinsky and Keri Workman; Past-president: Mimi Waldbaum; Member at Large: Irv Yaffe; Board Members: Jill Belmont, Carol Bloch, Bill Cunningham, Steve Denenberg, Joe Erman, Richard Evnen, Katherine Finnegan, Jim Fried, Herb Friedman, Bruce Goldberg, Ann Goldstein, Danielle Gordman, Yale Gotsdiner, Bucky Greenberg, Jim Harris, Gary Javitch, Rich Juro, Maury Katzman, Bob Kully, Chuck Lontor, Jan Lund, Allan Murow, Gary Nachman, Bob Nefsky, Bob Newman, Sharee Newman, Alan Parsow, Magda Peck, Kevin Saltzman, Jan Schneiderman Sylvia Wagner and Rich Weiner; Exceutive Director: I. Robert Wolfson.

Harley D. Schrager, Ted M. Seldin, Stephen H. Simon, Suzanne Singer, Norman Veitzer; Ex-Officio: Jay Gordman, Zoë Riekes, and Blaine Y. Roffman; Executive Director: Marty Ricks.

Two Days of Rosh Hashanah Continued from page 74 While I don’t particularly relish the prospect of two days of Rosh Hashanah followed immediately by a Shabbat, I like the idea that Jews all over the world are starting the year in a similar way. Perhaps in fact this was a side-reason for keeping the tradition of two days in Israel. For make no mistake, the “second holy day for the Exile” is designed so that Diaspora Jews feel estranged from Jews living in Israel. Yet Rosh Hashanah observance allows us all, in Israel and in the Diaspora, to ritually begin a New Year together.

This coming year will be a decisive

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one for Israel as we attempt to disengage ourselves from the Palestinians both through evacuating (possibly by force) the settlers in Gaza, and through the building of the separation wall. Our two-day Rosh Hashanah here reminds Israelis that the way we act has powerful reverberations throughout the world.

We know this on an intuitive level, and Rosh Hashanah ritualizes the experience. May God give the leaders of the Jewish people--both in Israel and in the Diaspora--much wisdom in facing the challenges of the year ahead.

Shana Tova.

Change of Speaker The Sixth Annual Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights Featuring

Dr. David Chandler Senior Lecturer

Centre for the Study of Democracy University of Westminster, London

Thursday, October 21, 2004 7:00 p.m.

W.H. Thompson Alumni Center 67th & Dodge Street

The University of Nebraska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. For special accommodations, please call 554-2628.

Page 76

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

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Not The Same Old Names OUR MAN IN ISRAEL

by CARL ALPERT Haifa--Politics keeps the same names in the news, day after day, week after week.

Fortunately there are other events, some good, some bad, which propel new names into the headlines. This is the time of year when we look back over the past 12 months and review the personalities who provided some variety to the news. Once listed here, they can no longer qualify as â&#x20AC;&#x153;newâ&#x20AC;?.

Here is this year's list, in alphabetical order. If you follow the news from Israel, how many do you remember?

David Appel, a real estate developer, had a plan to promote a vacation resort on a Greek island in the late 1990s. He was charged with seeking to bribe Ariel Sharon, then foreign minister, to obtain his political intercession in advancing the project. The case made headlines for many months and menaced Sharon's continuance, later, as Prime Minister. This year the Attorney General ruled that the evidence involving Sharon was unsubstantial, but other charges against Appel remained.

Shari Arison, said to be the wealthiest person in Israel, and certainly not seeking publicity, announced that she was leaving Israel because of press reports critical of her husband. She left for Miami, but perhaps because of the negative public reaction, returned to Israel some months later, and all became quiet again.

Pini Gershon, basketball coach, led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a magnificent win of the European Cup. In the last two games of the final four the team beat the strong champions of Russia and Italy with unprecedented 30 and 40 points differences. He won fame also for his colorful personality and rather frequent controversial utterances. The Israel Organization of PR and Advertising People named him â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? for his constant ability constantly to capture headlines.

Yosef Paritzky, a member of the Cabinet and a leader of the Shinui party, came under fire when a private investigator released a taped recording in which

Paritzky was heard seeking to frame one of his Shinui colleagues by fabricating evidence against him.

Paritzky was fired from his ministerial post in disgrace.

Zeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ev Rosenstein, said by the police to be the head of one of Israel's major criminal gangs, was the subject of an assassination attempt said to have been perpetrated by a rival underground gang. His narrow escape focused press attention on him, and it was revealed that this was the seventh attempt to kill him in as many years.

Elyakim Rubinstein. Upon his retirement as Attorney General he blasted the Israel press for what he charged was systematic partisanship in political affairs. He named specific papers and individual journalists who, he said, withheld facts from their readers and violated the journalistic code of objectivity.

Elhanan Tannenbaum was in headlines for much of the year when he was kidnapped by the Hezbollah, returned to Israel as part of a prisoner exchange, and then underwent exhaustive investigation to ascertain if he had revealed any Israeli security information while in Arab hands. His business activity was also subjected to scrutiny on suspicion of illegality.

Larissa Trembovler. A university teacher with a doctorate in medieval Jewish and Arab philosophy, she divorced her husband and followed up an acquaintanceship with Yigal Amir, the imprisoned assassin of Yitzhak Rabin. Their persistent request that they be permitted to marry made headlines.

Yigal Tumarkin. Announcement that the distinguished but controversial sculptor was to receive the Israel Prize resulted in a wave of objections. The decision was reconsidered but reconfirmed, and the award was made.

Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, wheel-chair bound spiritual leader of the terrorist organization Hamas, was killed in an Israeli missile attack in Gaza City. A wave of terrorist vengeance attacks against Israel was threatened, but few materialized.

The following are the ten names listed last year.

How many do you remember? Esther Alon, Effie Eitan, Dalia Itzik, Ephraim Kishon, David Klein, Michael Melchior, Sari Nusseibeh, Silvan Shalom, Anna Smashnova, Tatiana Soponova.

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September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 77

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH/ HENRY MONSKY LODGE Gary Javitch, President; trustees: Al Abramson, Gil Cohen, Richard Diamond, Adam Jacobs, Rich Juro, Gerald Meyer, Marty Ricks, Steve Riekes, Aaron Weiner; Director: Lois Epstein.

BBYO COUNCIL BOARDS AZA Godol: Alex Raksin; S’Gan: Corey Green; Moreh: Nathan Fineman; Maz/Giz: Jason Rich; Shaliach: Jon Gates.

BBG N’Siah: Gal Tsabari; S’Ganit: Abby Ginsburg; Mit-Mom: Aly Friedman; Maz/Giz: Meagan Katelman; Sh’licha: Naomi Fox. CHAPTER BOARDS EDIAR BBG N’Siah: Amy Saylan; S’Ganit: Shiri Tene; Mit-Mom: Becky Kahn; Sh’licha: Carolyn Barenbaum-Meyers; Mazkirah: Sarah Spooner; Gizbarit: Alison Lercher; Sunshine Girl: Alyssa Morris.

AZA #1 Godol: Andy Siref; S’gan: Jeff Malashock; Moreh: Alex Krutik; Shaliach: Trevor Tully; Mazkir: Danny Raznick; Gizbor: David Sukiennik.

MZ Yoshanah BBG N’siah: Shayna Kurland; S’ganit: Sam Long; Aym Ha’Chaverot: Leslie Graul; Sh’licha: Lindsay Belmont; Mazkirah: Chelsea Taxman; Gizbarit: Anna Turetsky.

Weizmann AZA Godol: Jon Gates; S’Gan: Lev Ginsburg; Moreh: Ari Levin; Shaliach: David Trubnikov; Mazkir: Marty Nachman; Gizbor: Josh Sweet and Phil Hirshman.

ADVISORY BOARD Chairman: Lonnie Graul; Treasurer: Caryn Rifkin; MZ Yoshanah Advisor: Orly Gilat; Ediar Advisor: Roxanne Kahn, Ediar Advisor; AZA #1 Advisor: Gary Katz; Weizmann Advisor: Scott Tatelman; Lisa Epstein, Judi Finkle, Debbie Friedman, Beth Ginsburg, Gary Javitch, Cheryl Levine, Bonnie Levinger, and Gayle Spooner; BBYO Director: Rachel Blum.

VISIONS Executive Chairman: Jim Wax; Advisor/Luncheon Co-Chairman: Harry Alloy; Luncheon Co-Chairman: Tootie and Mickey Simon; Cultural: Sandy and Fred Bromley; Historian: Peggy Chasen; Recording Secretary: Joan Marcus; Mitzvah: Doris Parker; Publicity: Howard and Sissy Silber; Membership: Gilda Pieck; Social Programming CoChairmen: Ethel Goldston and Jean Elkon; Trips and Travel: Anne Skolkin; Treasurer: Jack Noodell; Staff: Maggie Conti.

HADASSAH President: Georgia Ann Steinberg; Membership: Sandra Kohll; Secretary: Phyllis Fried; Treasurer: Esther Wax; Cabinet members: Beth Ginsberg, Madeline Katzman, Charlotte Kaplan, Beth Kozlen, Harriet Klopper, Maxine Noodell, Ann Skolkin, Faye Ruback, Lesli Shrago, Doris Shukert, Julie Stein.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN-OMAHA SECTION President: Kate Kirshenbaum; Executive Vice-president: Deb Marburg; Vice-Presidents of Community Services: Karin Levine, and Harriet Epstein; Fundraising: Tina Meyers, and Shelly Pichik; Membership: Heidi Schneiderman, and Jenny Meyerson; Public Affairs/Education: Keri Workman, and Kim Schwartz; Public Relations: Linda Saltzman, and Sharon Brodkey; Treasurer: Susan Lehr; Financial Secretary: Stacie Brodkey; Corresponding Secretary: Leslie Eades; Recording Secretary: Pam Friedlander; Parliamentarian & Commissioner: Cindy Goldberg; Directors: Andee Scioli, Mimi Silverman, Roxanne Kahn, Andie Gordman, Nanci Kavich, Susan Rothholz; Immediate Past-president: Kim Noddle; Nominating Chairman: Iris Ricks; Awards Committee Chairman and Commissioner: Beth Friedman; Benchmark: Susie Norton and Wendy Goldberg; Finance Chairman: Roxanne Kahn; Planning & Evaluation Chairman: Deb Marburg; Past National President: Jan Schneiderman.

JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL President: Frieda Krizelman; Fund Raising: Rosalie Greenspan & Beth Friedman; Membership and Rainbow House: Lila Jacoby; Treasurer and Direct

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Solicitation: Esther Wax; Financial Secretary: Dora Goldstrom; Recording Secretary: Shirley Brody; Corresponding Secretary: Corinne Levin; Historian: Maxine Noodell; Donor Luncheon: Rosalie Greenspan & Esther Wax; Telephone Committee: Anne Skolkin; Bulletin Editor: Corinne Levin; Courtesy Cards: Elaine Tepperman; Children’s Home: Esther Wax; Dolls for Democracy: Allison Latenser Pachman; Donor: Rosalie Greenspan & Esther Wax; Blumkin Home Sweetheart Day: Sylvia Davis & Rose Rosenberg; Mah Jongg Tournament: Rosalie Greenspan, Esther Wax & Corinne Levin; Publicity: Betty Goldstrom.

FRIEDEL JEWISH ACADEMY Board of Directors: Margie Alperson, Bonnie Bloch, Stacie Brodkey, Debbie Denenberg, Bob Eisenberg, Maggie Gerber, Jerry Gordman, Rhonda Hayward, Ian Jacobs, Joe Kirshenbaum, Jordana Kurtzman, Ruti Margalit, Kim Novak, Eric Phillips, Yaffa PodbilewiczSchuller, Jim Polack, Margo Riekes, Lloyd Roitstein, Ben Shapiro, Kathy Weiner; Ex Officio: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, and Rabbi Mordechai Levin; Principal: Cookie Katskee.

TORAH LEARNING CENTER President: Allan Gonsher; Vice-president: Leon Shrago; Treasurer: Michael Katzman; Director: Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman.

NEBRASKA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY President: Helen Rifkin Chorney; Vicepresident: Helen Epstein; Secretary:

Rocky Stern; Treasurer: Bob Belgrade; Membership Chairman: Kevee Kirshenbaum; Past-president: Louise Abrahamson. Board members: Harold Abrahamson, Harold Bernstein, Joanie Bernstein, Midge Bowers, Ron Brodkey, Tuffy (Arnold) Epstein, Lois Friedman, Caryl Greenberg, Gary Javitch, Janie Kulakofsky, Sheldon Kushner, Scott Meyerson, Ben Nachman, Max Neiden, Vicki Perlmeter, Caryn Rifkin, Larry Roffman, Executive Director: Renee Ratner Corcoran.

LOVE AUXILIARY BOARD Co-presidents: Miles and Eileen Remer; Fundraising Vice-president: Judy Brookstein; Membership Vice-president: Pam DePorte; Recording Secretary: Kathy Weiner; Corresponding Secretary: Wendy Manvitz; Treasurer: Esther Wax; Gift Shop: Merrilee Rimmerman; Holiday Events: Ellen Platt; Historian: Carole Greenberg; Volunteer Recognition: Gloria Goodman; By-Laws: Anthony Scioli; Members-at-large: Doris and Harry Alloy, Jane Doman, Bev Fellman, Dora Goldstrom, Ilse Kahn, Renee Kazor, Marsha Kleinberg, Harriet Marcus, Judi Moore, Carol Parsow, Iris Ricks, Sheila Rosen, Sherry Shapiro, and Lorrie Stein; Staff: Lois Wine.

KALAH FRANKLIN HATIKVAH CHAPTER OF AMIT President: Charlotte Kaplan; Vice Presidents, Program: Annette Fettman; Mother/Father-in-Israel: Sarah Landsman; Contributions: Ruth Babendure; Luncheons: Georgia Steinberg; Treasurer: Jean Epstein; Advisor: Jeanette Nadoff.

Page 78

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

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

MEMORIAL SERVICE Mount Sinai Cemetery Sunday, Sept. 10, noon Rabbi Jonathan Gross will officiate

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September 10, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., Bob Wolfson to speak.

THURDAY, Sept. 16, services, 10:30 a.m., Zeph Telpner to speak.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m.

All services led by Jeffrey Taxman.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, Sept. 19: Service at Council Bluffs Cemetery, 11 a.m.

BREAK-THE-FAST Saturday, Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m., following Yom Kippur services, a Break-the-Fast Potluck will be held at the synagogue. If you are planning to attend, please call Sandra Kurland at 323.8885 to let her know what you will bring.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush.

Evening Services, 8:25 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Alternative Service, 9:45 a.m.; Tashlikh Service, 6 p.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 7:20 p.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Shabbat Shavah Minha-Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 18: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 7:20 p.m.

Note: Rosh Hashanah morning services will end at approximately 12:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, Sept. 19: Service at Beth El Cemetery, 11 a.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m..

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Soldiers with the Israeli Defense Force will be participating in the service; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 7:15 p.m., Havdalah, 8:21 p.m.; Selichot, 11 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 7 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICES Rabbi Jonathan Gross will lead Kever Avot services at the following cemeteries: Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 No. 42nd, at 11 a.m, Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai, 78th & Crown Point at noon, BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 So. 42 St. at 1 p.m Weekday Morning Service, 6:30 a.m. (note special time for this

week); Weekday Evening Service, 7 p.m..

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Mincha, 7:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Reading, 10 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Sermon, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 6:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Reading, 10 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Sermon, 10:30 a.m., followed by Shofar service; Mincha, 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, Sept. 18, Shabbat Shuvah: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:10 p.m.

SUNDAY, Sept. 19, Fast of Gedalia: Fast Begins, 6:04 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tashlich at Elmwood Park, 11 a.m.; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Fast Ends, 7:56 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Taschlich, 5 p.m. at Zorinsky Lake. All services at the synagogue, except Taschlich.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, Morning services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY: Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Mincha/ Maariv, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Children’s Program, 11-11:45 a.m.; Shofar Service, 11:45 a.m.; Annual Neighborhood Tashlich, 5 p.m. at the home of Shirley and Leonard Goldstein, 11217 Woolworth Plaza; Mincha/Maariv, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Shofar Sevice, 11:45 a.m.; Mincha, 7:20 p.m.

SHABBAT SHUVAH SATURDAY, Sept.

18: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service.

FAST OF GEDALIA SUNDAY, Sept. 19: Fast Begins, 6:04 a.m.; Shacharit, 6:30 a.m.; Teen Mincha, 2 p.m.; Fast Ends, 7:56 p.m.

In you are interested in Kapparot, please call Carol at Chabad House, 330.2024 L’Shana Ha’ba’ah B’Yerushalayim.

Candlelighting Friday, Sept. 10: 7:23 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15: 7:13 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 16 (no earlier than): 8:13 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month.

Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at rabstiel@aol.com to set up an appointment.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. Slichot Service, Marc Shkolnick, Service Leader SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Evening Service, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Tashlich Service at Wilderness Park, 3 p.m.; Children’s Service, 4 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, Sept. 19: Service at Wyuka Cemetery (Mt. Lebanon section), 12:30 p.m.

Babysitting will be available during all adult services.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg; Selichot Service, 8:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Evening service, 7 p.m., led by Andrew Greenberg.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Morning service, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Morning service, 9 a.m., led by Phyllis Hoffman.

Services will be held at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Herbert Goldsten Chapel All services are open to members of the community.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Join the Temple family in welcoming our newest members at this special service and Oneg celebration.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism, Omaha.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

S’LICHOT SATURDAY, SEPT. 11, 7 p.m.

S’lichot is a service of forgiveness that brings us into the Days of Awe. The evening will include a chocolate dessert reception and Havdalah service. This year, Cantor Shermet, Dr. Tamara Field and Jonathan Rathsam will perform music written by Michael Isaacson and Meir Finkelstein, among others, and will be accompanied by Nester Hirzbaum on flute and Julie Sandene on piano. Join us as Temple’s Family School members prepare our Sifrei Torah by changing the mantles to white.

SITTER SERVICE Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Evening Service, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept. 16: Young Children’s Service, 9 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:15 a.m.; Family Youth Service, 10:15 a.m.; SHABBAT SHUVA FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Marantz and Cantor Shermet will officiate.

The renewal of family emerges from the traditions and creative liturgy of this most sacred Shabbat. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism, Omaha.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Sunday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No.42nd St.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7 p.m., .

SATURDAY: Shabbat services, followed by a festive kiddush, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m., followed by Havdalah.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Mincha, 7:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Service, 10 a.m.; D’var Torah, 10:40 a.m.; Mincha, 6:45 p.m..

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Service, 10 a.m.; D’var Torah, 10:40 a.m.; Shofar Service, 11 a.m.; Tashlich (meet at TLC; we’ll walk to Elmwood Park as a group), 5 p.m.; Mincha, 7:15 p.m.

SHABBAT SHUVAH SATURDAY, Sept.

18: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 6:30 p.m., followed by Havdalah.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY AND THURSDAY, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m., Selichot Program, 9:15 pm.; Services, 10:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. If you do not receive a call, contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY: Evening service, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, Sept.

16: Morning service, 9 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Minch/Ma’ariv, 7:25 p.m.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17: Morning service, 9 a.m; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.

September 10, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 79

Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page AAA Rents ........................................................................ 20 Abraham Catering ........................................................... 68 Abrahams, Kaslow & Cassmann LLP .............................. 34 Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company ................................. 13 Acura of Omaha .............................................................. 35 Advantage Mortgage Service, Inc. ................................... 58 Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC ............................ 2 Ak Sar Ben Beef ............................................................... 61 Alkar Billiards ................................................................... 18 All Makes Office Equipment Co. ....................................... 53 All Seasons Home Improvement Co. ............................... 58 Allens ............................................................................... 17 American Tile and Marble Co. .......................................... 42 AMIT Women ................................................................... 48 AmSan Nogg Paper & Chemical ........................................ 9 Arnold Weitz & Co. ........................................................... 72 Associated Couseling Professionals .................................. 76 At the Loft ........................................................................ 74 Badger Body & Truck Equipment Co. ............................... 45 Bag ‘N Save ............................................................... 61, 80 Bagel Bin ......................................................................... 57 Bakers ............................................................................. 49 Bebos American Grill ....................................................... 56 Belgrade Company .......................................................... 71 Belleza Boutique .............................................................. 54 Bergman Incentives/Bergman Jewelers .......................... 69 Bernina Sewing Centers ................................................... 22 Bernstein, Tom ................................................................. 74 Beth El Synagogue ........................................................... 48 Beth Israel Sisterhood ...................................................... 48 Beth Israel Synagogue ..................................................... 48 Beyt Shalom .................................................................... 75 BILU USY ......................................................................... 24 Bistro 121 ........................................................................ 36 Bloomfield Forum ............................................................ 23 Blooms ............................................................................ 59 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska ................................. 20 Blumenthall Cady & Associates ........................................ 16 B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge .................................... 48 B’nai B’rith Youth Organization ................................... 24, 48 B’nai Israel Synagogue .................................................... 48 B’nai Jeshurun Synagogue .............................................. 53 Body Basics ..................................................................... 59 Bookworm ....................................................................... 19 Borsheim’s ........................................................................ 7 Brandeis Catering ............................................................ 45 Bresel Family ................................................................... 26 Brighton Gardens Assisted Living ....................................... 4 Broadmoor Development Company ................................... 5 Broadmoor Market ........................................................... 19 Brodkey’s ......................................................................... 29 Brownell Talbot ................................................................ 66 Builders Supply .................................................................. 9 Canfield’s Sporting Goods ............................................... 33 Caps Etc. T-shirts & More ................................................. 46 Care Consultants for the Aging ......................................... 62 Caregiver-Virginia LoParco ................................................ 66 CB Richard Ellis/MEGA .................................................... 41 CBS/Home-Gary Kuklin .................................................. 53 CBS/Home-Toni Rosen .................................................... 71 CBS/Home-Fred Tichauer .............................................. 76 Centris ............................................................................. 69 China Road ...................................................................... 13 Christel’s .......................................................................... 53 City Glass Co. ................................................................... 15 Cohen Family .................................................................. 23 Cohn, Marisa ................................................................... 61 Commercial Printing Co. .................................................. 26 Complete Family Dentistry ............................................... 29 Country Inn & Suites .......................................................... 6 Countryside Village .......................................................... 19

Advertiser Page Creighton University ......................................................... 52 Crown Pointe Retirement Community .............................. 14 Crowne Plaza ................................................................... 31 Dance Shoppe ................................................................. 19 David Morton Food Marketing .......................................... 33 Davidsons .......................................................................... 5 Direct Digital .................................................................... 66 E Street Auctions .............................................................. 68 El Alamo .......................................................................... 12 Elliott Equipment, Co. ...................................................... 79 Elliott Moore Enterprises ................................................... 74 Enterprise Bank ............................................................... 76 Expressions ..................................................................... 55 Eye Essentials .................................................................. 76 Factory Eyeglass Outlet .................................................... 28 Fahey, Mayor Mike ............................................................. 6 Family Enrichment, Inc. ................................................... 47 First National Bank .......................................................... 27 First Westroads Bank ....................................................... 22 Fitzgerald, Schorr, Barmettler & Brennan, P.C., L.L.O. ...... 41 Flatiron Cafe .................................................................... 36 Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha ............... 63 Frankel, Zacharia, Arnold, Nissen, Stamp & Reinsch, LLC ..... 54 Fraser Stryker Law Firm ................................................... 29 French Cafe ..................................................................... 57 Friedel Jewish Academy ................................................... 50 Gallner & Pattermann ...................................................... 18 Garbo’s Salons & Spa ...................................................... 30 Genzyme ......................................................................... 44 Girl Scouts ....................................................................... 39 Girls & Boys Town ............................................................ 50 Goldberg & Shrier ............................................................ 50 Gordmans ....................................................................... 65 Grace/Mayer Insurance ................................................... 67 Great Western Bank ......................................................... 40 Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty ............................................... 7 Hadassah ........................................................................ 48 Hadassah Upper Midwest Region .................................... 76 Hagel, Senator Chuck and Lilibet ..................................... 45 Hair Color Xperts .............................................................. 41 Hampton Inn ................................................................... 44 Harman Appliance Sales, Inc. .......................................... 77 Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL ........................... 16 Hiro Sushi/Imperial Palace .............................................. 56 Hoberman Family ............................................................ 68 Hockenbergs .................................................................... 11 Horizon Dental Center ..................................................... 62 Hy-Vee ............................................................................. 25 I-Go Van & Storage ........................................................... 46 Ideal Water ....................................................................... 58 Indian Oven ..................................................................... 12 Industrial Label ................................................................ 72 Industrial Packaging Corporation ..................................... 32 Jacobson Fish Co., Inc. .................................................... 15 Jams ................................................................................ 13 Jewish Community Center ................................................. 9 JCC Child Development Center ........................................ 71 Jewish Educational & Library Services ............................. 76 Jewish Family Service ...................................................... 45 Jewish Federation of Omaha .............................................. 3 Jewish National Fund ....................................................... 64 Jewish Press .................................................................... 24 Jewish Senior Services .............................................. 48, 60 Jewish War Veterans ........................................................ 48 Jewish Women International ............................................ 48 Jim’s Dodge Country ....................................................... 66 John A. Gentleman Mortuaries ........................................ 72 Julio’s .............................................................................. 37 Katelman Company Antiques .......................................... 42 Kids-Go-Round ................................................................. 47 King Fong Cafe ................................................................ 12

May your New Year be filled with peace and happiness

Advertiser Page Kirshenbaum Family ........................................................ 68 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare ........................................ 38 KPMG LLP ....................................................................... 71 KPTM/KXVO ................................................................... 35 Krieger & Krieger ................................................................ 5 Kutak Rock ...................................................................... 75 Lakeside Dentistry ............................................................ 16 Le Cafe de Paris ............................................................... 57 League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly ........................ 48 Lerner Company .............................................................. 14 Li’l Prince & Princess ....................................................... 19 Lion’s Automotive Upholstery ........................................... 10 Louis Liquor Grill & Bar .................................................... 12 Louie M’s Burger Lust ...................................................... 36 Lynn Roberts International ............................................... 32 Malashock Jewelry ........................................................... 34 Malbar Vision Centers ...................................................... 55 Maplecrest Care Center ................................................... 58 Marathon Realty Corporation ........................................... 75 Mark Sanford Group ........................................................ 31 Marks Clare & Richards ................................................... 46 Marriott Regency Hotel ..................................................... 13 McDermott & Miller ......................................................... 32 McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, P.C., L.L.O. .............. 2 McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO .......................... 45 MDK & Associates ........................................................... 71 Mediterranean Bistro ....................................................... 37 Meehan Drywall ................................................................. 5 Metropolitan Community College ....................................... 2 Mid City Bank .................................................................. 71 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan ................................................... 30 Mid Con Systems Inc. ...................................................... 54 Midwest Benefit Advisors, Inc. ......................................... 69 Midwest Box Co. .............................................................. 44 Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat, P.C. .................................... 67 Midwest Woodworkers ..................................................... 26 Montemarano Landscapes, Inc. ...................................... 10 Mulhall’s .......................................................................... 45 Mutual Protective Insurance ............................................. 11 N. Pitlor & Son, Inc. ......................................................... 38 Nan C. ............................................................................. 62 National Council of Jewish Women .................................. 48 NCSY of Beth Israel Synagogue ........................................ 24 Nebraska Childrens Home Society ................................... 74 Nebraska Democratic Party ............................................. 61 Nebraska Furniture Mart .................................................. 47 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society .................................. 48 Nebraska Warehouse & Cannonball Express ................... 61 Nebraska Wine & Spirits, Inc. ........................................... 50 NETV/Jels .................................................................. Insert Nelson, Senator Ben and Diane ....................................... 30 No Frills ..................................................................... 28, 73 Nobbies ........................................................................... 60 Noddle Companies .......................................................... 18 Noel Family ...................................................................... 54 Norm’s Door Service ........................................................ 53 Northwestern Mutual-Robert Randels .............................. 73 Nu Trend Dry Cleaners ..................................................... 61 Odyssey Health Care ........................................................ 76 Omaha Compound Company ........................................... 6 Omaha Paper Stock Co. .................................................. 39 Omaha Steaks ................................................................. 46 Omaha Surgical Center ................................................... 34 Omaha Temple Youth Group ............................................ 24 Omaha Temporary Services ............................................ 40 Omaha Trans Video ......................................................... 15 One Drake Place .............................................................. 50 Park Inn Regency ............................................................. 79 Parsow’s .......................................................................... 10 Pasta Amore .................................................................... 59 Peterson Brothers Realty Co. ............................................ 58

Advertiser Page Pharmacy Express ........................................................... 76 Planned Parenthood ........................................................ 10 Pollak & Hicks, P.C. ............................................................ 9 Pred, Norman .................................................................. 54 Prudential Insurance-Joseph John ................................... 26 Pulverente Monument Co. ............................................... 74 Randy’s Pharmacy ........................................................... 42 RDG ................................................................................. 72 Realty Executives-Ben Feldman ....................................... 68 Recroom .......................................................................... 33 Remington Heights ............................................................ 8 Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. .................................... 2 Restaurants Inc. ............................................................... 56 Ricks, Iris and Marty ......................................................... 41 River City Star ................................................................... 17 Roberts Dairy ................................................................... 70 Rockbrook Floors ............................................................. 11 Rockbrook Village ............................................................. 59 Rossi ................................................................................ 59 Rotella’s Italian Bakery ..................................................... 23 Ryco Packaging Corp. ...................................................... 41 Salon Aura ....................................................................... 20 Sarah’s ............................................................................ 19 Savannah Pines ............................................................... 34 Schrier Ford ..................................................................... 74 Schwalb Realty ............................................................... 40 Security Equipment, Inc. .................................................. 66 Security National Bank ..................................................... 51 Select Realty-Jenne Vandeveer ......................................... 61 Senor Matias ................................................................... 57 Shield Crest Irrigation ....................................................... 68 Sir Speedy ....................................................................... 58 Siref Family ...................................................................... 23 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan .......................................................... 9 Sonny Gerber Auto Sales ................................................. 34 Soul Desires ....................................................................... 2 Source One Mobility ......................................................... 77 Sparks Computerized Car Care ........................................ 76 Spirit World ...................................................................... 36 Sprigs .............................................................................. 57 St. Joseph Villa ................................................................ 42 State Farm Insurance-Gary Kudym .................................. 61 Steamatic ........................................................................ 15 Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP ........................................... 51 Suburban Newspapers Inc. ............................................. 29 Sunridge Village ............................................................... 68 Superior Pools, Spas, Etc. ................................................ 23 Swartzbaugh Farber ......................................................... 62 Sweet & Associates .......................................................... 16 Temple Israel ................................................................... 48 Terry, Congressman Lee .................................................. 22 Thompson, State Senator Nancy ..................................... 70 Tilly .................................................................................. 67 Toglias Salon .................................................................... 54 Topp’s .............................................................................. 38 Torah Learning Center ...................................................... 11 United Distillers Products Co. ........................................... 15 University of Nebraska-Omaha ......................................... 75 University of Nebraska Medical Center ............................. 43 V. Mertz ............................................................................ 37 Valentino’s ....................................................................... 57 Vann Realty ..................................................................... 20 Visions ............................................................................. 48 Wells Blue Bunny ............................................................. 21 Wells Fargo ........................................................................ 4 Wiesman Development .................................................... 33 Winery ............................................................................. 37 Wolf Bros. Western Store .................................................. 58 Wolfson Used Cars .......................................................... 29 Zio’s Pizzeria .................................................................... 12

there’s nothing like it in Omaha!

R E G E N C Y LO D G E

NO Wishing Room Rental and FREE Dessert for the Jewish Community Holiday or Business a Happy and Healthy Lunches until New Year!

Jan. 2004

www.elliottequip.com

dine

full service restaurant, relaxing lounge and exquisite catering.

I-680 at Pacific • www.parkhtls.com • 402-397-8000

Page 80

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10, 2004

Rubashkin Bone-In 6-10 lb.