September 12, 2008

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 1 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 87 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

12 Elul, 5768

September 12, 2008

Lieberman leads Jewish trio in praising McCain “I can tell

by JTA Staff you with a ST. PAUL (JTA) -- Joe Lieberman, another Jewish certain faith senator and a rabbi played that as presilead roles in praising John dent, you can McCain at the Republican count on National Convention here.

John McCain U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman to be what he (R-Minn.), a former mayor is naturally -of St. Paul and one of only a restless two Jewish Republicans in reformer who the Senate, welcomed delewill clean up gates to the first full day of Washington the convention at the Xcel and get our Energy Center. And Rabbi gover nment Ira Flax, now living in w o r k i n g Birmingham, AL, delivered again for all the benediction. Flax, who of the served at Offutt Air Force American Base (now Stratcom) from people.”

2000-2003, is a retired Air Lieberman, Force chaplain. the first But Lieberman’s was the Jewish candimost anticipated speech, Sen. Joe Lieberman, former Democrat and Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 presidential date on a given that just eight years campaign, praised John McCain as a “restless reformer” and for his straight talk at the national tickCredit: RNC et when Al ago he was the Democratic Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Sept. 2. be aimed specifically at Jews.

Party’s vice presidential candidate.

Gore picked him as a running mate in “You may not agree with John McCain 2000, became an independent in 2006 While politicians and pundits have been debating his ability to convince Jewish on every issue,” Lieberman said on Sept. after he lost in the Democratic primary in voters to back McCain, Lieberman’s 2, “but you can always count on him to Connecticut. He continues to caucus speech was aimed more generally at be straight with you about where he with Senate Democrats, providing them Democrats and independents. The same stands, and to stand for what he thinks is with their ruling majority, but last year could be said of Coleman and Flax, right for our country regardless of the endorsed McCain. whose comments in no way appeared to politics.

Coleman, welcoming the GOP conven-

Council Bluffs history found in cemetery

by JOAN K. MARCUS 180 families; now there may Maynard Telpner, former be just 10. There are more Council Bluffs resident and Jews in the cemetery than mayor, remembers when living in Council Bluffs!”

Abe Katelman asked him to In the 74 years he lived in reincorporate the Council Council Bluffs, Telpner Bluffs Cemetery in 1953. doesn’t remember any headTelpner, who now lives in stone that had ever been Ashland, Oregon, says he vandalized. He laughs, “We was just a young lawyer have also had a splendid when Katelman requested relationship with the nearby his help.

Catholic cemetery, but it is “Abe was a one man very difficult for dead people cemetery association. He to disagree!” handled the affairs by himThe Bikhor Cholim self because no one else Congregation began in wanted to help. It was 1881 with a small group of always very important to Jewish pioneers. Very early him that the cemetery have in the history of the Jewish proper supervision,” Telpner community there, the quessaid in a phone interview. tion of a cemetery came to “Many years later when we the forefront. About a year decided to hire a bank to later, an area known as Holy manage the money affairs, Acres was purchased and Betty Cohen Lee Studna, developed. Some of the early mother of Patty Nogg, perdevelopers had names familsonally went to the cemetery iar to Nebraskans as well as and wrote down all of the data Iowans, such as Ungar, from every headstone so that A view of the Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery in Council Rosenfeld, Sacks, Katelman, for the first time, we could Bluffs includes the gravesites of familiar names: Kushner, Meyerson, Mayer, Shyken, Cohen, Katelman, Lee, Sperling and Kubby, to name a few. Hoffman and Saltzman. have an accurate record.”

While there was still a viable Jewish community in Marty Ricks, executive director of the Jewish Council Bluffs, they staged a fundraising event which Federation of Omaha Foundation, says, “Ted Seldin and proved to be very successful. At that time, the future Maynard Telpner managed that cemetery as volunteers operation of the cemetery was assured. “We contacted for many years. I was recruited to help with manageevery Jew that we could think of who had ever lived in ment when the Telpners moved to Oregon and the Council Bluffs,” Telpner recalled.

Seldins began spending half the year in a warmer place.”

“In 1941, when I had my Bar Mitzvah, we had about Continued on page 4

Inside

This Week: Meet Israel’s new U.N. Ambassador: Page 16

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12

Biden/Palin take lead on campaign clash on Mideast: Page 2

tion to his home state, managed to get Jews, pigs and St. Paul into the first three sentences of his speech.

“Good evening and welcome to Pig’s Eye, Minnesota,” he said. “That’s right, we were called Pig’s Eye until a Catholic priest built a wooden chapel a few steps from here dedicated to St. Paul.”

He added, “Although I am a person of the Jewish faith, I often reference St. Paul. And as former mayor of this city that was named for him, I proudly welcome you to my city of St. Paul.”

Coleman said that McCain was the candidate for “people who demand government reform, to folks who need jobs, to families who deserve to keep more of their own money by keeping taxes low, and to those around the world who yearn for freedom.”

In his benediction, Flax quoted the Book of Proverbs, saluted the military and endorsed McCain. He began by noting that “the song ‘God Bless America’ was introduced to this country 70 years ago, and in those seven decades, Lord you have indeed blessed us in so many ways.”

Flax continued, “We are here in this hall this evening safe and secure because there are men and women willing to serve others, [and] they are standing guard against the enemies of freedom and ready Continued on page 3

Times columnist Tom Friedman returns to 92nd St. Y

by ALAN POTASH Executive Director, ADL/CRC As the presidential campaign steams forward the issues of energy, the economy and the environment are on both candidates’ agendas. Taking on these issues, three time Pulitzer Prize winner, New York Times Foreign Affairs columnist, Thomas Friedman, is releasing the book, Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution -- and Tom Friedman How It Can Renew America. Friedman is never afraid to tell it like it is, whether it is political, economic, cultural or environmental -- and his new book is no exception.

Coinciding with the book’s release, Friedman will be participating in a “Live from the 92nd Street Y” broadcast this Sunday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Theater. The Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee, which is cosponsoring this broadcast, invites the community to participate and hear first hand what Friedman calls the green revolution: “Geo-Greenism.”

One of America’s leaders on international affairs, Friedman’s message about globalization, the economy and the environment resonates with Democrats and Republicans alike and is essential to America maintaining its global leadership. To the Jewish community however, Friedman’s perspective is central to the commandment of tikun olam, repairing the world.

Although not typical of an ADL/CRC event, Continued on page 2

Coming This Month: New Year’s issue on Sept. 26 Read It and Eat highlights vegetarian fare for holidays: Page 6

Beth Israel welcomes new associate rabbi: Page 8

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Biden, Palin take the lead as campaigns clash on Mideast

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Open House Shabbat, 5 p.m.

Board Dinner with OU Pres. Steve Savitsky, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Reading the Rambam Class, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education Classes, 10 a.m. at Beth El C Mishacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Newcomer Brunch, 11 a.m.

L RBJH Grandparents Day Celebration, 1 p.m.

I “Live from the 92nd Street Y” Thomas Friedman, 6:30 p.m.

P MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 & Jewish Book Club Meeting, 2 p.m.

Federation Board Dinner & Meeting, 6 p.m.

S Federation Volunteer Recognition Reception, 7:30 p.m.

A TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 V E W.O.W Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO Chapter Elections, 6 p.m.

Jewish Writing Workshop, 6 p.m.

CJE Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El ADL 2008 Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 7 p.m.

Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

C L I P & S A V E

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon Rabbis & President’s Meeting, noon Omaha Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel WRJ Luncheon, noon at Temple Israel School Directors’ Meeting, noon 2009 Campaign Leadership Lunch Meeting, 12:15 p.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. & Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Clergy Holiday Visit Remington, 1:30 p.m.

S Parsha Club, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad A Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel V All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not E responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for quesC L I P

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by RON KAMPEAS In response, the Obama ST. PAUL (JTA) -- The campaign accused two vice-presidential canMcCain of lying. The last didates led the way two presidents made the Wednesday as the Obama same promise during their and McCain campaigns campaigns, but neither worked to draw clear batBush nor Bill Clinton over tle lines on Iran and the past 16 years ever even Israel. made an attempt to actualIn a highly anticipated ly carry out that promise. speech at the Republican On the wider question National Convention, of Jerusalem’s final status, Alaska Gov. and vice preshowever, it’s not clear idential nominee Sarah that the candidates disPalin mocked U.S. Sen. agree.

Barack Obama (D-IL) for Obama felt the need saying more than a year to clarify comments he ago that as president he made on the issue to would meet the leaders of Delegates to the Republican convention cheer Sept. 3, the night thousands of pro-Israel pariah states uncondition- that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin delivered her acceptance speech. activists in June, but both Credit: trevino/Creative Commons he and McCain have ally. “Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay -- he wants to expressed essentially the same views: They share Israel’s meet them without preconditions,”she said during her concerns and say ultimately the two sides must decide acceptance speech Sept. 3 at the Xcel Energy Center. the matter in negotiations.

Palin’s address followed a speech by former New York Though for years the Bush administration was relucMayor Rudolph Giuliani, the most popular candidate tant to dive into Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, McCain among Jewish GOPers in the primaries. Giuliani warmed has pledged to do so. Both he and Obama favor a twoup the crowd with swipes at Obama, including an asser- state solution, place most of the blame on the tion that the Democratic nominee had flip-flopped on Palestinians for the failure to reach one, and back efforts the issue of Jerusalem. to isolate Hamas and shore up Palestinian Authority “When speaking to a pro-Israeli group, Obama President Mahmoud Abbas. favored an undivided Jerusalem, like I favor and John On Iran, however, the disagreements appear more McCain favors it,” Giuliani said. “Well, he favored an pronounced -- between Obama and the Bush adminisundivided Jerusalem -- don’t get excited -- until one day tration and between the two presidential campaigns. later when he changed his mind.”

In mocking Obama’s stated willingness to meet with Earlier in the day, the Democrats launched their own the president of Iran, Palin was echoing a longstanding Middle East-related attack when Obama’s running mate, line of attack against Obama employed not only by Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), used a 20-minute conference Republicans but by Obama’s main rival in the Democratic call with members of the Jewish media to blast the Bush primaries, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). administration and McCain, the Republican presidential Since Obama first made the remark during a primary nominee and longtime Arizona senator. debate more than a year ago, he appears to have backBiden blamed the Bush administration’s sluggish tracked, saying he would require extensive preparations diplomatic efforts for slowing up Israeli-Palestinian talks before such a meeting. and paving the way for the ascendancy of Iran and its Still, Obama and Biden have stuck to the view that proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah. The Democratic vice hard-nosed talks between the United States and Iran presidential candidate argued that the administration has could ultimately lead Tehran to change its behavior -failed to respect Israel’s autonomy, citing reports that and, failing that, make it easier to build international the White House at one time directed Israel not to support for tougher sanctions and possible military engage in talks with Syria. And he appeared to reject the action against the Islamic regime. administration's reported efforts to block Israel from McCain, on the other hand, has scoffed at the notion taking military action against Iran. that talking with top Iranian leaders would do any good.

“This is not a question for us to tell the Israelis what At the same time, McCain has opposed several congresthey can and cannot do,” Biden said. “I have faith in the sional measures backed by Obama that supporters say democracy of Israel. They will arrive at the right decision would place increased economic pressure on Iran to that they view as being in their own interests.” abandon its nuclear pursuits.

That said, Biden added, the Bush administration could Biden argued during the conference call that the net have done much more on the diplomatic front to help result of McCain’s positions is that he’s offering a choice avert the potential need for military action. between “unacceptable status quo or war,” adding, Taken together, Biden’s press call and the GOP con- “There’s nothing in between with the McCain doctrine vention speeches underscored the ramped-up efforts by -- nothing,” Biden said. “That is no option. That is a both campaigns to paint the other side as promoting a Hobson’s choice.” reckless foreign policy that would endanger Israel and In her speech at the RNC, Palin expanded the Iran undermine U.S. interests. debate, arguing that the energy policies she favors -- in They come as polls suggest that Obama commands particular, expanding oil drilling in the United States, about 60 percent of the Jewish vote -- a solid majority, especially Alaska -- would help diminish the Iranian threat. but at least 15 points below the percentages recorded by “To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off recent Democratic presidential candidates. nearly a fifth of world energy supplies or that terrorists Even as both sides attempted to draw stark distinctions might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, it was unclear if any exist. or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries,” Palin The clearest gap appears to be on moving the U.S. said, “we Americans need to produce more of our own Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. oil and gas.”

JTA Editor Ami Eden in NY contributed to this report.

McCain has said he would do so when he enters office.

& S A V E

HIGH HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, for Rosh Hashanah; Thursday, Oct. 9 for Yom Kippur; and Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 14-15 for Sukkot and Oct. 21-22 for Shemini Azeret and Simchat Torah. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows: Issue Deadline Oct 3 Wednesday, Sept. 24 Oct 10 Thursday, Oct. 2 Oct. 17 Wednesday, Oct. 8 Oct. 24 Monday, Oct. 13 Questions? Call 402.334.6448

Friedman returns to 92nd St. Y

Continued from page 1 being in the forefront of this very important wave complements the Community Relations Committee’s agenda of advocating for causes on behalf of the Jewish community.

Other books by Friedman include From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, Longitudes and Attitudes, and The World is Flat. Check out his website for an audio preview of his new book, at: http://hb pub.vo.llnwd.net/o16/video/olmk/ hfc_preview.mp3.

This broadcast is open to the public but RSVPs are requested. Please contact the ADL/CRC office 333.1303 or Omaha@adl.org.

September 12, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

The Kadima vote: How the election could play out in Israel

by LESLIE SUSSER polls showed Shimon Peres beating his main JERUSALEM (JTA) -rival, Amir Peretz, by 20 points. But Peretz With the Kadima leaderpulled off a major upset, edging out his octoship primary just days genarian rival by 2%. What pollsters hadn't away, Foreign Minister considered was Peretz’s brilliant election-day Tzipi Livni looks like a machine for getting supporters to the polls. sure winner.

Mofaz, a former IDF chief of staff who has a strong body of activist Kadima supporters, The latest opinion poll will be hoping for something similar. shows her 20 percentage Kadima’s party leader is to be elected by the points ahead of her closest party’s membership – about 72,000 people. rival in the contest that Recruitment of new members with full votcould produce Israel’s ing rights was allowed until registration next prime minister.

The Sept. 17 Kadima Prime Minister Ehud Olmert received a tepid closed on July 31.

Party vote comes after response at the June 3 AIPAC conference in That opened up a recruitment race among Credit: AIPAC the candidates, with each trying to bring in as Prime Minister Ehud Washington, D.C. Olmert announced he would resign following a string of many potential supporters as possible. That, in turn, corruption scandals. Assuming the primary winner can spawned a system of so-called mega-recruiters and vote put together a coalition government, she -- or he -- will contractors: people with grassroots connections and influence who undertook wholesale recruitment for the automatically assume the premiership.

Livni’s closest competition, according to the polls, is various candidates, promising to deliver blocs of supTransportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, with the two other port.

Support for Mofaz is high among these party strongcandidates, Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, stuck in the single digits. men as well as with party mayors, who could influence For Mofaz to have even an outside chance at winning voters. But it doesn’t look like enough to turn the tide.

The key factor in the Kadima primary -- the party’s the primary, the pollsters would have to be significantly first since its founding by Ariel Sharon as a centrist alteroff. That is not beyond the bounds of possibility.

In the run-up to the 2005 Labor leadership primary, native to Likud -- has been the widespread perception

that Livni is the only candidate capable of winning a national election for Kadima.

The latest poll, conducted by the respected Dialog organization, shows Livni winning with 40% of the Kadima vote, followed by Mofaz with 20%, Dichter with 6% and Sheetrit with 5%; 28% are undecided.

If no candidate wins at least 40% in the Sept. 17 vote, there will be a runoff between the top two a week later.

In such a scenario with Mofaz and Livni the winners, the poll shows Livni defeating Mofaz by 51-31 percent.

The first task for the Kadima victor will be to try to form a governing coalition. Success will depend first and foremost on whether he or she can count on all 29 Kadima Knesset votes. If Mofaz wins, Livni has made it plain that she might well leave Kadima and form a breakaway faction; he might do the same if she wins.

The Labor Party, which is currently down in the polls, also faces an acute dilemma: If Livni wins, should Labor join the coalition and try to rebuild its electoral strength from inside the government, or clip Livni’s wings by bolting the coalition and thereby preventing her having enough seats to form a government?

If Labor goes in with Livni, it will help boost her standing as prime minister; if it stays out, it risks early elections in which polls show Labor would take an unprecedented beating.

One way or another, the scandal-ridden Olmert era is fast coming to a close.

Lieberman leads in praising McCain

Continued from page 1 to respond to the natural calamities that beset our lot from time to time. We ask you, God, to bless their efforts, bless their families, and bless us, too.”

Hurricane Gustav had effectively wiped out the first scheduled day of events at the convention on Monday. Republicans urged convention-goers to give blood and money to its victims.

Former Omahan Flax also paid tribute

to those suffering through Gustav. “As our fellow citizens on the Gulf Coast emerge from the dark night of storm clouds and rain, may the light of God’s face shine upon them and bless them with peace,” the rabbi said.

Finally, he quoted from Proverbs (29:18) in both Hebrew and English. “‘B’eyn chazon yipareh am,’ where there is no vision, the people perish,” he said. “In every age God, you have provid-

ed people of vision to act decisively in moments of great adversity. Bless this land with prosperity, bless our people with health and our leaders with vision, and God bless John McCain, the next president of the United States.”

President Bush addressed the convention by satellite from the White House, ostensibly because he had to manage hurricane response. The McCain campaign has tried to distance itself from the most

unpopular president in polling history, and Bush spoke for just eight minutes.

He included a veiled reassurance to the party’s base that McCain could be counted on when it comes to opposing abortion.

Speaking of the McCains’ adopted child, Bush said: “John is a leader who knows that human life is fragile, that human life is precious, that human life must be defended.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

History found in cemetery

Continued from page 1 In 2004, Oak Hills, a Reform cemetery, and Bikhor Cholim, the Orthodox section, were merged, now called Oak Hills/ Bikhor Cholim.

Bob Kully, whose mother was Carolyn Rosenfeld Kully Newman of the Bluffs, recalls that, “Leo Ungar managed the cemetery for many, many years as a volunteer. Probably 25 years ago, he asked Dr. John Goldner and me to follow in his footsteps and manage the Reform side.

When the cemeteries merged, Ted Seldin and I started the process because we thought that it would be much simpler than it was. Fortunately, we were able to identify all of the legal and religious issues.”

He added that, “it’s really only one cemetery with a path down the middle so that in bad weather, a hearse can drive down. Even though it was always two different entities with different leadership, we thought that it made more sense to merge the two.”

They did an extraordinary amount of work first and then hired a surveyor.

“John O’Connor manages the whole cemetery and his father did it before him,” Kully, who is president of the cemetery board, noted. “Some of the biggest issues that we had included protecting the rights of the Reform and of the Orthodox. For instance, if there was a mixed marriage, the non-Jewish partner, according to the Reform movement, would be buried with his or her Jewish spouse. The Orthodox burial rules prevail on one side of the road, but not on the other. Things like this became an issue for discussion and resolution.”

Dr. Goldner learned that the Orthodox part of the cemetery needs to be independ-

ent and free standing.

“The road that splits the property has been there for a very long time. In the late ’40s, it w a s n ’ t paved,” he explained.

“Somew h e r e along the way, it was paved,” he said, “and that made it more accessible Oak Hills (Reform) Cemetery and Bikhor Cholim (Orthodox) were separate when a cemeteries until 2004 when the two merged under one board. tion between the orthodox and the hearse needed to drive on it.”

Goldner’s parents, Dr. Julius Goldner Reform.”

Goldner credits Seldin for beginning and Frances Rosenfeld Goldner, are the talks about the merger. “Ted felt that buried at the Oak Hills Cemetery. “I was for the long term protection and care of a pall bearer for my Aunt Carolyn the two cemeteries, we needed to work Newman. It was a snowy day when we together.

It turned out that both cemetrudged from the outside of the cemetery teries had been endowed with approxiwith the casket. Ten days later, my father mately the same amount of money. We died and we went out and did it again,” really came together for financial reasons, he added, noting that he learned a lot because there are so few people being about the differences between Reform buried there now,” Goldner explained. and Orthodox burial practices during the “The merger has gone very, very smoothmerger. ly because of Ted and Bob.” “My grandfather, Harry Rosenfeld, ran Most of the original families have the Reform part for many years. He and moved away, but they made sure the his brother, Julius Rosenfeld (Bob Kully’s graves of their loved ones would be taken grandfather) died in the 1970s and Mr. care of.

Goldner remembers going to Ungar, their nephew, took over,” Oak Hills when he was a boy. His grandGoldner said. “ Back in those ‘olden’ father took him and showed him a bench days, there was literally no communica-

Made possible by JNF.

The oldest grave in the cemetery is dated 1881 and belonged to the Mayer family.

that he had built so that people could see the beautiful view.

“My grandfather said it was the prettiest view in town,” Goldner recalled.

“When I was little, my father would lie down on the bench and say, ‘all I can see is the sky. Are they going to bury me sitting up so that I can see Omaha?’”

During the summer months, Sissy (Harriet) Katelman Silber goes regularly to Bikhor Cholim to plant flowers on her parents’ graves. “I go again after we have a freeze to remove the plants,” she says, “and enjoy the beautiful view.” Her parents, Rose and Lou Katelman and her brother, Abrum (Bud) Katelman were all active in the Council Bluffs Jewish community.

Continued on page 5

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History found in cemetery

“I did a little bit of legal work during the merger.

We’re really an example for other cemeteries because we are running ours properly and I’m very proud of what we’ve done. Ted is an incredible individual and he has trained me well. He is classy and special in every Sunday, Oct. 5 way.” At age 58, Gallner is Beth El Cemetery, 84th and ‘L’ Sts., 10:30 a.m. one of the younger members Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim, Council Bluffs, 11 a.m. of the board of directors.

Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No. 42 St., 1 p.m.

Lloyd Krasne, 90, says some of his family members Mount Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln, 3 p.m. are buried there. He continues to be on the board of the combined cemeteries. “There are graves there from the 1800s and it has much of the history of Council Bluffs. I was in charge of memorial services for many years but there aren’t enough of us to do it anymore. Until four or five years ago, we held services. The last time, we had five people,” he said.

Services have been reinstated, this year on Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.

“It has been a nice experience for me to be involved. We generally have about one burial a year but we’re still selling plots and we’re very conscious of the grounds. All the records are kept in my office and everything is now on computer,” Marty Ricks Ted Seldin, left, Bob Kully and Marty Ricks have been responsible for the care of added. “Many cemeteries aren’t this the Council Bluffs cemeteries, now merged. On the left are gravesites for more well organized and I’m glad to be involved.” familiar names: Nogg and Gilinsky.

Continued from page 4 Bluffs attorney Sheldon Gallner says that much of the foundation of Omaha comes from Council Bluffs. “When you go to the cemetery now, you see that everyone buried there had a business and the whole history of the town is right there. My grandfather, Sam Sacks, and my uncle, Ken Sacks, ran the Orthodox side of the cemetery for years. A few years ago, Ted Seldin asked me to get involved,” he explained.

MEMORIAL SERVICES Sunday, Sept. 21 Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, 11 a.m.

Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 No. 42 St., 11 a.m., Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai, 78th & Crown Point, noon, BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 So. 42 St., 1 p.m.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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The tradition continues

by JOAN K. MARCUS As caretaker of the Council Bluffs Cemetery today, John O’Connor says his father, Denis, began its management 74 years ago. Born in 1940, O’Connor remembers working there since he was about 10-years-old.

The O’Connor family came from Ireland and lived in the Bluffs. John took over from his father nearly 40 years ago, continuing a tradition that began in 1934.

O’Connor began digging graves along with his father for 75¢ an hour. He also had been a bricklayer and a locomotive fireman for the Union Pacific Railroad until he was laid off in 1958, along with 5000 other employees.

In 1969, he took over the cemetery’s management.

According to Marty Ricks, O’Connor “is a walking book of history of the Jews of Council Bluffs. Thanks to John and his crew, the cemeteries always look beautiful!”

O’Connor recalls many of the Jewish families from Council Bluffs because he went to Abraham Lincoln High School with them. “I went to school with Linda Passer and Myra Cohen,” O’Connor added. “I also knew many Katelmans, Seldins, Eveloffs and Ungars.

The cemetery caretaker does plan to continue to work for another two or three years before he retires. He is also part owner of the J.F. Bloom Monument Company.

O’Connor has three sons.

John Jr., 39, is a vice president of Kansas City-based American Century. Brian, 36, lives in Charlottesville, VA, and is the head coach for the University of Virginia baseball team. Kelly, 33, is recently married and living in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is national sales manager of a company that makes medical scanning equipment. All three graduated from St. Albert John O’Connor High School in the Bluffs..

However, none of his sons are candidates to take over the Jewish or Catholic cemeteries under his care.

O’Connor’s nephew, Tommy O’Connor, works with him though and John hopes he will be able to pass this responsibility on to a third generation someday.

“My wife, Barbara and I have four granddaughters and a grandson,” he said with a smile. “I would love to be able to travel and see them more often!”

Cantor to open hearts and minds on S’lichot at Temple

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Just as we warm up our legs before a race, pray that we are ready to pray, so, too, should we prepare our hearts for the yamim noraim,” the days of awe, according to Cantor Karen Webber Gilat, who will return to Temple Israel for S'lichot on Saturday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m.

Temple’s former cantor, who now lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania, will shape a S’lichot experience with words and melodies on themes of forgiveness, soul searching, repairing relationships, and memory. As she weaves contemporary Israeli songs, holy day liturgy, and piyutim (poetic text), both modern and ancient, she promises to create “an evening meant to open the heart and mind as we open the gates” to High Holiday worship “From the Heart to the Heart,” shirim for S’lichot, is “not simply a concert,” she added. “It’s not simply a service but a unique fusion and mingling of holy day themes linked by sacred and secular melodies” as we ask God to pardon our sins and end suffering. Describing the service as “Cat Stevens forming a bridge to liturgy,” Cantor Gilat explained that it will be “an evening of opening the heart.

A time of individual and communal awakening.”

On Sunday morning, Cantor Gilat will explore the power of ritual and share her stories, poems, and the beginning of a play she is writing at an informal discus-

sion-style workshop of self-discovery at 10 a.m. meant for all members of the congregation. At “‘Kahal Kodesh, Creating a Community of Holiness,’ participants will explore artistic expression as outreach to prayer, (further their) understanding of the philosophy of inclusion and its possible impact in all Temple settings, and plant seeds for a weekend of workshops in the future dedicated to opening the doors to those in the Jewish community with disabilities and inviting them in,” Cantor Gilat added.

“We will examine how ritual can function to bring disparate pieces into a whole. In considering holy community, or in Hebrew, a ‘Kehilla K’dushah’, we need to consider its most marginal, most fragile members and try to include them or adapt the experience to include them.”

As the mother of two children who have autism, Canton Gilat is familiar with this type of isolation. In a recently published article, “After the Diagnosis” in Lilith Magazine, she wrote: “People often resist reaching out to families with autism -- and there are a lot.” She proposes a ritual: “recasting havdalah, to welcome autistic children into the Jewish community.”

“We are each formed in the image of God -- b’tzelem Elokim -- sparks from the same fire,” said Cantor Gilat.

“In direct opposition to Pharaoh saying, ‘I will harden your heart,’ I am coming to Omaha to soften hearts, to get us ready and prepared for the days of awe.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Veganomicon by Isa Moskowitz & Terry Romero (Marlowe, $27.50)

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

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Following over three dozen pages of stocking the pantry, equipment and other cooking how-to’s are the recipes listed in: Snacks, Appetizers, Little Meals, Dips & Spreads, Brunch, Salads & Dressings, Sammiches, Mix & Match (Vegetables, Grains, Beans, Tofu, Tempeh & Seitan), Soups, Casseroles, OnePot Meals & Stove-top Specialties, Pasta, Noodles & Risotto, Sauces & Fillings, Bread, Muffins & Scones, Cookies & Bars, and Desserts, described as “fun-to-say”, “mushy-soggy-sloppy” and “lovingly delivers abundant calories directly to your thighs.”

The tips are well thought, helpful and may include “don’t sweat it” and other user-friendly suggestions like ... “The quickest way to clean the towel of hazelnut skins is to shake it outside.” “Smooshed” means “smash them yourself” and shows up in the clear directions that cover the procedures. Icons for Soy-free, Low fat/reduced fat,

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Ameristar Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us every Thursday, 1-3 p.m., in the social hall of the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

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VISIONS Visions and 39 Forever Summer Picnic is Sunday, Sept. 21, 1-3:30 p.m., at Chalco Hill’s Recreation Area (Nature Center). Cost is $6 per person. Entertainment

by Rockin' Johnny Ray Gomez. Send reservations by Sept. 15 to Judy Katskee, 10356 Browne St., Omaha, NE 68134. If you need a ride, contact Florence Hauss at 571.4583.

Capture the excitement with the Capitol Steps at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Cost is $40 per person. Send reservation form to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western Ave. #127, Omaha, NE 68114.

Make checks payable to Visions.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS If a Democrat wins the White House, the healthcare system will definitely change. Dr. Bill Shiffermiller, VP of Methodist Health Systems, will discuss the “singlepayer” system and what the future of medicine might look like under “Universal Healthcare,” according to Gary Javitch, chairman for the Wednesday, Sept 17, noon, program at Regency Lodge (previously scheduled for July 30). All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA The JFO is hosting a brunch for newcomers to the Jewish community this Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. For more information or to RSVP, contact Janie Murow, Community Development Director, at jmurow@jewishomaha.org or 334.6456.

Gluten free, Under 45 minutes and Supermarket Friendly also are included.

You’ll find a bunch of chickpea recipes ... Hummus (“to vegans what air is to the rest of humanity”), a couple of pilafs, cutlets and more. Whether you pronounce it lat-kuh or lat-key, there is Potato Latke and Autumn Latke, a combination of shredded beets, carrots and sweet potatoes.

From Adzuki beans to Panko breadcrumbs to Shepherdess/Shepherds Pie and several Jewish dishes: Kasha Phyllo Pie (like a great big mushroom and kasha knish), Cholent, Gazborscht, Spinach-Noodle Kugel and this recipe “sure to please the whole meshpuchah.”

SWEET POTATO-PEAR TZIMMES WITH PECANS AND RAISINS 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks 3 firm Bartlett pears, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch chunks 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, plus spray on a little more if it needs it 2 tbsps. mirin or any sweet cooking wine 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup pecan halves 3/4 cup golden raisins Preheat the oven to 350º.

Place the sweet potatoes and pears on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with the oil and mirin, and mix it all up to make sure everything is coated. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pecans and toss to coat.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and add the raisins. Using a thin, flexible spatula, carefully toss and mix, being careful not to break up the sweet potatoes. But tzimmes is a forgiving dish, so if some get mushed up that’s perfectly acceptable.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 30 more minutes, tossing every now and again. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves six.

Lois Friedman can be reached at: ReadItAndEat@ yahoo.com.

Tastes from around the world

by ESTIE KATZMAN for Chabad of Nebraska Kugels, latkes and fancy apple swans are just some of the recipes that Omaha’s cooks, bakers and ladies have crafted in the past at the Spice and Spirit Cooking Club at the Chabad House.

Thanks to the efforts of Patti Adler, this year’s club will offer an ethnic twist to cooking. Each month the women will offer menus from different parts of the world, making this year’s cooking club series known as “Tastes from Around the World.” The theme for the Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m., cooking club, first of the season, will feature a Mediterranean menu.

“Tastes from Around the World” will feature a glimpse into Jewish life and history in various regions of the world and some of the flavors and dishes enjoyed by their local residents. The group will meet monthly at the Ed Rosen Chabad Kitchen and will offer menus and recipes, camaraderie, delectable food and ideas of when and how to implement at home.

“We are really excited to be offering this program again,” said Shani Katzman, education director at Chabad House. “Due to popular demand and some very enthusiastic women, we will be taking the cooking club to a new level.”

Cooks and hostesses for the Mediterranean menu will be Patti Adler, Kelly Kirk, Jori Kravitz and Sherry Taxman. This program is open to all women in the community and costs $10 per session. Future classes will take place on Wednesdays, Oct. 29, Nov. 12 and Dec. 17.

The fee includes all supplies and early lunch which consists of the food that will be prepared. Childcare will be available by reservations only.

“Our hope is for other women to step forward and select a month that they would like to be the host,” said Adler, “and cook from the country of their choice for our delightful group.”

The cooking and eating will be followed by trivia questions and “Stump Shani” sessions. Women are asked to submit questions anonymously regarding any topic they’ve wondered about and never felt comfortable to ask. “Topics can be spiritual and esoteric, or physical and raw. Bring your questions in and we’ll tackle them as best as we can,” says Katzman.

Questions can even be emailed ahead of time to: info@ochabad.com. Reserve by calling 330.1800 or emailing office@ochabad.com.

September 12, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Temple outing draws 90 for golf, food, and prizes

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “The weather was perfect and we had another successful golf outing,” reported Jeff Smedlund, who co-chaired Temple

Israel’s annual golf event with Dan Marburg, left photo. The Aug. 25 event at Ironwood Country Club attracted more than 90 golfers “for a day of golf, food, and fantastic raffle prizes,” added Smedlund. Prizes included a BMW motorcycle, an all-

expense paid trip for two for a week of golf in Scotland, a 2008 Acura, and a Movado watch donated by Brodkey’s Jewelers for the winner of the putting contest. Getting set to take their golf carts on the course are Jeff Skog, center, and Bob Reiss, right.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

IN THE NEWS

Former Omahan Yoni Freund was just 12 when he appeared during Kids Week on “Jeopardy!”, a show created by another Omahan, Harry Friedman. He’ll reprise his role as a contestant with other “children” in a reunion show airing next week, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 4:30 p.m., on NBC affiliate, WOWT-Channel 6.

Freund graduated from high school at 16-years-old, earned two degrees from the University of Connecticut, and is pursuing a doctorate at Columbia University.

However, he says he really wants to be a folk singer.

Freund, who graduated from Friedel Jewish Academy, is the son of Eliana and Rabbi Dr. Richard Freund, who was a professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and developed the Bethsaida Excavations Project. The fami-

ly moved to West Hartford, CT, in 1999 when Rabbi Freund took over as head of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford.

Brianna Sadofsky, daughter of Rod and Linda Sadofsky, was one of 74 participants in BIMA at Brandeis University this summer. A residential summer program for teens, it provides an intensive art experience in a Jewish setting. The arts courses used to be a part of Brandeis’ Genesis program but separted in 2004.

BIMA students live on campus for the four-week program, spending time in their arts major. Brianna, a senior at Papillion-LaVista High School, participated in the Instrumental Music major.

For more information or to apply, call 1.718.736.8417 or e-mail bima@brandeis.edu.

Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis wanted to do something to help raise funds for the Boy Scout Camp, destroyed by a tornado this summer. It’s All About the Music! will be performed at the Scottish Rite Theater, 20th and Douglas Sts. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20, 8 p.m., as a fundraiser for the Little Sioux Scout Camp and the Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children.

Jabenis has won every acting award from the Omaha Community Playhouse, twice receiving the prestigious FondaMcGuire Award. She has written, produced and directed more than 1500 fashion shows and authored two fashion

books used in colleges and merchandising schools in the U.S. and Canada.

Ruth Sokolof taught visually impaired children for many years; her daughter Karen is on the board of the NFVIC. She named her music company -- JMR Productions -- for her three children, Jennifer, Mark and Rachel.

Musical director is Chuck Penington of Mannheim Steamroller fame; choreographer is Patrick Roddy and Michal Simpson is director and emcee. Besides a cast of 20 plus, dancers from Cherrie Anderson School of Music and Dance, the Country Kickers and Studio D will perform.

To make reservations, call 393.3893.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Beth Israel welcomes new associate rabbi After spending several

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue years studying the Talmud Beth Israel invites the and Jewish law in yeshiva, community to welcome Mizrahi joined the Israel Rabbi Yitzchak and Talia Defense Force (IDF) and served for two years. During Mizrahi at a special his time in the IDF, he Shabbat lunch on served in a religious infantry Saturday, Sept. 27, combat unit and was trained Parshat Nitzavim. Rabbi as a sniper.

Mizrahi is the syna“I met folks who were gogue’s new Associate from all aspects of Jewish Rabbi. and non-Jewish life,” noted Rabbi Mizrahi was born in Cleveland and made Mizrahi. “It helped me to Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi aliya with his family when see how, working together, he was 12 years old. His large family we formed a bond, being part of the same moved to Jerusalem. Mizrahi has nine unit.”

Once he completed his military service, brothers and sisters. He found the transition from the United States to Israel to be Mizrahi worked toward the goal of pursuing a career in the rabbinate, having been an easy one.

Mizrahi has a close connection to inspired to follow in the footsteps of his Omaha. He is the grandson of Rebbitzen grandfather. He studied for three years at Jeanette Nadoff and the late Rabbi Isaac Ohr Somayach. “It was something I Nadoff. Rabbi Nadoff was Beth Israel’s enjoyed and felt it was important,” said Mizrahi of his studies. “I was building rabbi for more than 20 years.

myself as a person and as a Jew.” As a child, Mizrahi didn’t aspire to become a rabbi. The desire came later, during his first visit back to the U.S. when he was in Omaha. “The seed was planted when I came to visit my grandma, while still in the IDF,” he explained. “Seeing this community, the dynamic of the rabbinate, very much appealed to me. The society at large was friendly and welcoming. I thought I could fill a role causing mutual growth for myself and the community.” When the opportunity presented itself to become the Associate Rabbi at Beth Israel, Mizrahi knew, “this was a place I would really like to be a part of.”

Mizrahi’s duties began last month. “In my short duration, I find my interaction with people to be most rewarding,” he said. “People are so warm and accepting.

It feeds my will to give more.” Mizrahi also credited Rabbi Jonathan Gross for his insights, noting that “he has been very helpful in feeling out where my strengths are.”

As for what the coming year will bring, Mizrahi said, “I look forward to working with everybody, the congregation and the community at large, helping to build the education programs that Beth Israel offers and forming relationships with the people here.”

Rabbi Mizrahi married his wife, Talia, in November 2007. She grew up in Boston, attended Oberlin College to study sociology and Jewish studies, and went to Israel to study in a seminary. After a year in Israel, she completed a master’s in Early Childhood Development at Chicago’s Erikson Institute. She worked as a developmental therapist, and then moved to Israel in 2006. It was there that she met her husband. Mizrahi currently is an Educare Center developmental therapist, specializing in infant development.

The Shabbat lunch welcoming Rabbi and Mrs. Mizrahi will follow morning services; there is no charge for the lunch, but reservations are requested by calling 556.6288.

Temple Youth Group takes freshmen on a ride

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Nine high school freshmen were dragged out of their beds early on August 24 by about 15 upperclassmen. “It was really fun!” admitted Jordan Jensen, a freshman at Westside High School. “They came and woke us up and even though I knew about it, it was still a surprise!”

Jordan and the other freshmen were whisked away on a large tour bus by members of Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) after being greeted by the youth group’s mascot, a cow (AKA Sam Burrell). “We got into this big bus that

looked like a limo inside,” said Ben Noodell, a Millard North freshman. The teens were treated to a view of the sunrise as they feasted on breakfast on the remodeled bus. They stopped at a Starbucks Coffee shop where they sipped beverages and engaged in mixer games.

After that, they motorcoached downtown to the Gene Leahy Mall where they slipped down the slides. Before heading to Temple Israel, they cleaned up trash in the area in keeping with OTYG’s “going green” theme this year.

Jordan added that the older kids “were really nice.”

At Temple where the bus ride came to end, OTYG Board members introduced themselves to the freshmen parents by explaining the youth group’s role and focus. They also discussed the connection between OTYG and NFTY, the North American Federation of Temple Youth.

Amy Katz, OTYG advisor, reported that all the fresh- OTYG members, surrounding their masot cow, stopped at the men are now new members Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha on their luxury bus ride rush in August. of the youth group.

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Reflection, renewal and celebration mark High Holidays at Beth El

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Each year, the High Holy Days serve as a welcome reprieve from everyday life for Jews around the world, offering a quiet time of spiritual inventory and forgiveness. And every year, Beth El offers meaningful avenues for Jewish community members of all ages to observe this sacred time and welcome the new year.

A special Selichot program and service on Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 p.m., will mark the beginning of the holy season, as well as the conregation’s formal welcome to Beth El’s new cantor, Beth Schlossberg.

Beginning with Havdalah, the evening will feature a short concert with Cantor Schlossberg and a small choir of congregants, who will raise their voices in song and praise to usher in the season of redemption and renewal.

A dessert reception will take place after the program, followed by the official installation of Cantor Schlossberg, who joined the Beth El family last month. Selichot will begin immediately after installation.

The synagogue’s celebration of Rosh Hashanah will begin on Monday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. with ma’ariv services; the next day, services will be held at 9 a.m. (alternative service, 9:45 a.m. in the social hall), tashlich at 4:45 p.m. and minha/ma’ariv at 6 p.m.; and on Wednesday, Oct. 1, services will be at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Traditional services will be held in the sanctuary, led by Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg.

Once again, the Beth El family is honored to welcome renowned scholar and liturgist Rabbi Jules Harlow, who will lead the alternative service for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the social hall. Rabbi Harlow will also present a D’var Torah in the sanctuary during the second morning of Rosh Hashanah.

A member of the Rabbinical Assembly’s executive staff for over three decades, Rabbi Harlow served as editor of the first edition of Siddur Sim Shalom, the Conservative movement’s prayer book for Shabbat, festivals and weekdays; he also edited the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Mahzor.

Kol Nidre services will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.; the following morning, traditional services will be held in the sanctuary at 9 a.m., with the alternative service at 9:45 a.m. As a special treat, Rabbi Harlow will lead a thought-provoking study session on at 4:40 p.m., entitled “The Reluctant Prophet: A Tale Swallowed by a Whale,” about the book of Jonah (the haftarah reading at the Yom Kippur minha service).

Minha-ne’ilah, which marks the end of Yom Kippur,

will begin at 5:40 p.m. The congregation’s children (ages 12 and younger) are invited to participate in a joyous processional and Havdalah service at the end of the service, around 7:10 p.m.; all participants are asked to meet in the chapel at 7 p.m.

In addition, members experienced in blowing the shofar are invited to take part in a group sounding of rams’ horns at the conclusion of ne’ilah (around 7:20 p.m.)

Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Cantor Schlossberg at 492.8550, or cantor@bethel-omaha.org.

Beth El’s children and teens will welcome the new year with special youth programming. Through age-appropriate games, activities and discussions, young people from preschool (three- and four-year-olds) through seventh grade will learn about the significance of the High Holidays and their importance. Activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. both days of Rosh Hashanah, and 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Yom Kippur.

A light snack will be served on all days. For children from three months old to pre-K, babysitting will be available during all High Holidays services.

Cost is $18 per child (this one-time fee covers all High Holidays youth programming), or one hour of volunteer service for each child registered. All children attending must be pre-registered.

Reservations are due by Friday, Sept. 19, and may be made by contacting Program Director Margie Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Beth El’s high school students (eighth to 12th grades) are invited to join together and lead services for younger students. These innovative, one-hour services will be held at 10 a.m. on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, and teens will receive volunteer service hours for the time they spend in preparation. For more information, contact Youth Director Robert Mosenkis in the office or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org by Sept.

21.

Students in grades eight-12 may also volunteer as classroom assistants for the younger children and will be eligible to receive volunteer credit hours, but only if they have pre-registered. For more information, contact Gutnik, Mosenkis or Judy Rubin in the office.

Every fall, the Jewish High Holidays offer families throughout the community a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate together. Beth El’s doors are always open to newcomers and to every member of the Jewish community -- join us in welcoming a sweet new year with the entire Beth El family.

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing returns for teens and pre-teens

by SHERRIE SAAG Administrative Assistant Center for Jewish Education A new school year, a new Jewish year, a new Rosh Chodesh class!

September often marks the beginning of new things. Rosh Chodesh literally means “New Moon” and so it is fitting that the Center for Jewish Education begins a new “It’s a Girl Thing” class this month. And, the program is expanding this Ilana Weiss year to eighth and ninth grade girls. More than 20 sixth and seventh graders have participated since 2007.

A nationally recognized program, “It’s a Girl Thing” works to strengthen the self-esteem and Jewish identity of teen girls. A trained facilitator guides the monthly meetings where Jewish values are an integral part of all activities. The group’s success is due in part, to the fun and celebratory atmosphere that is created. The girls enjoy lively social discussions, making crafts, singing, dancing, eating and, most importantly, making critical social connections to other Jewish girls in the Omaha area.

Julia Edelstein, a member of last year’s Rosh Chodesh class, plans to sign up again this year. “I had a lot of fun and always looked forward to attending. My favorite part was the monthly themed stories,” she said.

She encourages all teen girls to join, adding, “I

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September 12, 2008

learned a lot of life skills that I used every week in social situations at school. I know they will be equally important when I get to high school.”

Also new to the program this year is facilitator Ilana Weiss. New to Omaha, she most recently taught at Beth Israel in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Weiss holds a bachelor’s degree from the Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University in New York and was a Presidential Graduate Fellow at Yeshiva University. Her experience working with Jewish youth includes positions as madricha for birthright israel and as an advisor for the National Council of Synagogue Youth.

“I am very excited about facilitating Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing,” Weiss said. “This program enables girls to develop their strengths and individualities within a social and Jewish framework. It will give them the tools they need to navigate the ups and downs of early adulthood and all throughout their lives.”

She adds, “I believe that the curriculum guides the participants to ultimately add their names to the list of great Jewish women who have made meaningful contributions to the world.”

The program is non-denominational and supported

by Beth El, Beth Israel, Beyt Shalom, Temple Israel, and Friedel Jewish Academy. Monthly meetings will be held in the Teen Lounge of the JCC on Sundays, 1-3 p.m., starting Sept. 21 for sixth graders, and for seventh and eighth graders on Sept. 28.

Cost is $18 per year. To register, please call 682.1166 or email itsagirlthing@jewishomaha.org. “It’s a Girl Thing” is presented by the Center for Jewish Education and is funded by a grant from the Herbert H. Goldsten Trust and the Morton A. Richards Youth Program Fund.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Facing worst drought in history, Israel relies on innovations, cuts

by DINA KRAFT GILAT, Israel (JTA) -- In the sands of the Negev Desert here, small groves of eucalyptus, olive and pomegranate trees grow in shallow depressions dug out to catch floodwater, a method used by the Nabateans thousands of years ago.

The ancient technique is one way Israelis are trying to harness every drop of water, an effort that has become critical as the country reels from its fourth straight year of drought.

Experts say Israel is in the worst water crisis it has ever seen.

“We don’t have any water to waste,” says Elisha Mizrahi, the director of the Jewish National Fund’s Southern Region, which initiated the project. Mizrahi looks out onto the groves, the only hint of green for miles.

As Israel’s population swells, increasing water demands have exacerbated the effects of below-average rainfall rates and less consistent rainfall, which some scien-

tists suggest are a consequence of global warming.

The country’s three main reservoirs, including Lake Kinneret, have passed their “red,” or emergency, lines. If the water levels continue to drop, Israel may have to limit water use from the Kinneret in the wintertime.

The government has cut back on water allocations for farmers and industry, and the Israeli public is being urged to reduce usage in an aggressive TV campaign featuring a woman whose face cracks up like a parched piece of earth as an ominous voice-over intones, “We don’t have any water to waste.”

Israel has made great strides in using recycled sewage water for irrigating farmland. About 75 percent of sewage water is treated and then used for agriculture, easily making Israel the world’s leading nation in the field. The runner-up country, Spain, recycles only 12 percent of its wastewater.

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Trees grow in the Negev Desert in shallow depressions dug out to catch floodwater, a watersaving method first used by the Nabateans thousands of years ago.

Credit: Dina Kraft “We are creating a source for irrigation that otherwise would not be used,” Avi Gafni, a JNF hydrologist and research coordinator, says while standing in front of one of the 200 reservoirs the JNF has built in Israel to store treated sewage water. “Every drop of water can make the land here potentially into agricultural land.”

The reservoirs comprise about 16 percent of the total volume of Israel’s water reserves. About 30 percent of Israeli water used every year is recycled wastewater or desalinated water.

But the water savings aren’t enough in this parched land.

Compounding the crisis is the country’s reliance on ground water, which provides about two-thirds of Israel’s drinking water.

“With the depletion of the water table from the ground, there are opportunities for saltier water to seep in and contaminate the fresh water,” said Avner Adin, the founder of the Israel Water Association and a professor at Hebrew University’s Department of Soil and Water Sciences.

“These are very difficult processes to reverse,” Adin says, warning that the water shortage may become “a catastrophic situation if not handled properly.”

Some water experts say the current crisis could have been averted had Israel followed through on its plans after the last water crisis, several years ago, to build a series of new desalinization plants.

The Israeli government approved their construction as far back as 2002, but the rate of building slowed when Israel experienced several years of above-average rainfall and investors, including the government, delayed construction of the plants.

Israel has two desalinization plants, and a third one is about a year away from completion. But the country’s desalinization capacity is just one-third of what it was supposed to be according to the government’s plans.

Last month, the Knesset established a state commission of inquiry to determine why the government’s desalinization recommendations were not implemented.

“This is not a water crisis; it’s a political crisis,” says Arnon Soffer, a geography professor at Haifa University.

Uri Schor, a spokesman for Israel’s Water Authority, the government agency responsible for water issues, says expanding desalinization capacity “is a process.”

The desalinization plant in Ashkelon is the largest of its kind in the world, he notes, and by 2020 Israel will have built enough plants to desalinate 750 million cubic meters of sea water per year.

“This will stabilize the water situation in the medium- and long-term,” Schor

told JTA. In Israel, about 1.1 billion cubic meters of water per year go to agriculture -including recycled sewage water. About 766 million goes to domestic use and some 120 million goes to industrial use.

Along with the desalinization plants, Schor says Israel’s strategy to tackle the water problem is to continue its pioneering work in recycling sewage water for agriculture.

In the short term, however, the plan is to reduce usage by cutting agricultural and industrial allocations, raising household consumer water prices and running public awareness campaigns. The higher water prices also will help pay for the desalinization plants and the extensive new pipeline networks they will require.

Booky Oren, the president and CEO of Miya -- the Arison Water Initiative, a $100 million company that invests in water technology, says Israel -- the country that first brought the world drip irrigation techniques -- must harness its talents in water management.

“The difference about today is that there are the technological tools to cope with this crisis,” says Oren, a former director of Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, who touts Israel as the Silicon Valley of water technology.

“When people take responsibility and don’t wait for rainfall alone, we can assist nature and help find solutions.”

Among Israel’s water-related innovations are electromagnetic sensors that check for water contamination and hitech water purifying filters used everywhere from industrial plants to fish farms worldwide. One Israeli company, Watersheer, has developed a small filter for personal drinking water use that is being marketed to hikers, armies and developing countries.

Waterfronts -- The Israel Water Alliance -- is working to encourage investors, private companies, and Israeli universities and research centers to develop new water technologies so that Israel can be a leader in the field.

As the sun begins to set, Arie Schreiber, a farmer from Kibbutz Nerim in the western Negev, near Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, visits the orchards his kibbutz tends. Part of a larger plot of orange, lemon, tangerine and date trees farmed together with other local kibbutzim, the 1,000 acres or so of groves are fed by recycled wastewater.

The situation could not be any more different than when he first arrived at the kibbutz in 1949. The surrounding land then was virtually impossible to farm.

“It’s become a good business,” Schreiber says, gesturing to the rows of trees planted in the sand. “A little bit of water and a lot of technology.”

September 12, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Temple Israel has a speaker, a class, a concert, a discussion: an event for every adult learner

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator We all know people who read, study, and are compelled to learn more, because they love to do it. They don’t need a reason to engage in learning more.

However, if your life is a hectic routine of getting through life’s daily tasks, you’re probably not one of those people.

Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning has something for you.

As Paul Rabinovitz wrote in his introduction to the Zweiback adult education brochure, recently mailed to Temple congregants, he’s “excited” about the speakers, classes, and special events in the brochure that “outlines the opportunities we all have to continue to enrich our lives and strengthen our community.” There’s something for everyone whether you prefer a one-time class in the morning, a short series of classes in the evening, or a weekend scholar-in-residence.

Highlighting the upcoming year’s adult education curriculum at Temple are Cantor Karen Webber Gilat, formerly of Temple Israel; Dr. Ron Wolfson, of the American Jewish University in Los Angeles; and Rabbi Aaron Panken, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Cantor Gilat, now a resident of Pennsylvania, will lead the Temple congregation on S’lichot, Saturday evening, Sept. 20, and at a workshop the following morning.

On Rosh Hashanah, Dr. Wolfson will give the d’var Torah based on his book,

Lore.” On Sunday morning, he’ll talk about “True Lies: Truth, Gossip, and the Jewish American Way,” examining Jewish definitions of harmful speech.

In addition to these speakers, there will be a High Holiday Mini-University; a conversation on becoming a Jew; a d’var Torah on Remembering Kirstallnacht; an examination of the Passover-Easter Dilemma; and the movie, “The Tribe,” which juxtaposes the Barbie doll and the journey of the Jewish people from Biblical times to present day.

A number of course series are planned, starting with Brochures for the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Torah on Wheels, a lunchJewish Learning have been mailed to congregants; to request hour discussion group one, call Temple Israel at 556.6536. debating Jewish law and God’s To-Do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel teachings. Rabbi Eric Linder will faciliand Do God’s Work on Earth. Dr. Wolfson tate the first Torah on Wheels on will return on April 24, 2009, to evalu- Wednesday, Sept. 17, noon, at ate progress on congregants’ to-do lists Gordman’s, 12100 West Center Rd. and to present stories and strategies on Rabbi Linder will alternate with Cantor how families can use Jewish holidays and Wendy Shermet at additional sessions on rituals to create memories, share Jewish Thursdays, Nov. 20, Feb. 19, and values, and strengthen generational April 2, 2009. Lunch will be provided bonds. for $6 if you make a reservation by callOn Friday, March 20, Rabbi Panken ing Temple at 556.6536. will speak at Shabbat worship services on Other series include Four Bs: Behaving, “Science and Religion: Two Uneasy Belonging, Believing, and Bagels; Aleph Partners,” followed by a Saturday morn- Bet and Beyond; Prophecy, Prophets, ing discussion prior to worship services and Politics After the Exile; Theology on “The Stranger in Jewish Law and Cafe - Big Ideas in Jewish Thought; and

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Tough Jews: The Good, the Bad, and the Kosher. Instructors will be the Temple clergy; Na’ama Artzi, Sokolof Jewish Teacher of the Year; Center for Jewish Education executive director Guy Matalon; and Jeremy Wright, a family therapist.

Year-long explorations of Torah, rituals, and beliefs at Temple’s long running Sparks Beneath the Surface on Saturday mornings at 9:15 preceding worship services and perennial favorite, Adult Study with the Clergy, on Thursdays, beginning Oct. 23, 10 a.m., return for faithful fans and fresh new faces.

Sometimes learning can be staged such as the Omaha Conservatory of Music’s performance of the children’s opera, Brundibar on Wednesday evening, Oct. 1, at Temple. Debuting at a Jewish orphanage in Prague in 1942, it was presented again in the Theresienstadt concentration camp in occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. Among the speakers with messages to enrich Jewish family life are Wendy Shalit, the outspoken author of A Return to Modesty and Girls Gone Mild, and Sharon Duke Estroff, who will bring up the question: “Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah? The Essential Scoop on Raising Modern Jewish Kids.” Shalit is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29, followed by Estroff on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Rabinovitz encouraged everyone to expand self-understanding while building one’s “own sense of community” by participating in the programs made possible by the Zweiback family.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

It’s not just Americans who are upset with government In Israel, the police are getting ready to charge current Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with corruption. The case stems from alleged illegal donations made to Olmert’s political campaign by American businessman Morris Talansky over a 15-year period. In addition, Olmert is said to have double billed Rishon Tours and used the money (which was supposedly a “charitable donation”) to pay for family trips.

In all, there are six separate cases of fraud, corruption, money laundering or breach of trust; the police are said to be almost ready with the third of the six cases in which Olmert will be charged.

A spokesman from the Prime Minister’s office has called the charges “meaningless”, and until the charges are proven in a court of law, Olmert should be presumed innocent.

However, he is stepping down from this high office and new party elections will be held next week, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. At that time, his Kadima Party will elect a successor -- probably Tzipi Livni, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, though Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, a former IDF Chief of Staff, is in the running as well.

Should Livni secure enough votes, she will still have to form a coalition, probably with the Labor Party. If they support her, they could be seen as propping up a successor to the Olmert regime. If they decline the invitation to form a government, they might be opening the door for a comeback by Likud Party head, Benjamin

Netanyahu, a former Prime Minister.

Take it one step further and inject the American elections: should then Bibi become prime minister and John McCain the U.S. President, would negotiations with the Palestinians be totally off the table? Or would it be like Nixon going to China -- another unexpected move from McCain, like the selection of little known Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate?

On the other side of the coin, if Livni wins and Obama becomes the next President, will that translate into two doves convincing PA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas that if he doesn’t agree to peace now, he’ll never again get that kind of chance to actually create a nation for his people? Or will it be seen as backing Israel in giving away even more land to the PA? Perhaps the dictum -when a butterfly sneezes in Borneo, you’ll catch cold in Nebraska -- really is true.

It seems that events in the Middle East will play a part in this year’s American elections, but then again, so will the clash between Russia and Georgia, the nuclearization of Iran, the draw down of the troops in Iraq and increase of those same troops in

Afghanistan.

World events do a have a way of creeping into our lives whether we want them to or not.

Regardless of the outcome of Israeli party elections, it is doubtful that Olmert will be able to secure any kind of peace treaty with the Palestinian Authority in the week he has left.

On our side of the globe, there are less than eight weeks left until the U.S. elections on Nov. 4. Will the Israeli party elections influence those in the U.S.? It’s not likely -- but the combination of winners --and there are quite a few permutations here -- could have an affect on future negotiations with Israel’s neighbors.

So go ahead and cast your vote, but keep in mind, it’s a little bit like a butterfly sneezing.

Political realities may doom Olmert’s final push for peace

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- With his Kadima Party just weeks away from electing a new leader, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is making a concerted last-ditch effort to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians.

Olmert has drawn up a detailed peace offer and presented it to U.S. and Palestinian leaders. After being shown the plan last week, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described it as “very generous.”

Although the Palestinians say wide gaps remain, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Olmert reportedly agreed in talks Sunday to make every effort to wrap up a full-fledged peace agreement by the end of the year.

But both sides are skeptical.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and former P.A. Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who are involved in a parallel negotiation that is conducting line-by-line drafting of a final-status agreement, estimate that the process could go on well into 2009 and beyond. They say the effort must be given all the time it needs.

Warning against the danger of rushing things, Livni said artificial deadlines could lead to frustration on the Palestinian side and spark a third intifada. Alternatively, time pressure could lead Israel to compromise on vital interests.

Right-wing opposition to the Olmert-Abbas talks go even further. Opposition leaders have questioned the very legitimacy of Olmert’s conducting a vigorous peace drive so close to the end of his term. Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu described Olmert’s peace plan as “morally and substantially flawed” and warned that it would strengthen Hamas.

There are problems on the Palestinian side, too.

Abbas’ term could end early next year, leaving the Palestinians with a more radical leadership before an agreement is finally wrapped up.

What’s worse is that as long as Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, the chances of imple-

menting any the government if Jerusalem is so I s r a e l i much as discussed -- the prime minPalestinian ister does include a temporary solupeace deal are tion for the city in his proposal. virtually zero.

The final Israeli-Palestinian docOlmert’s ument would include reference to latest propos“a joint mechanism with a fixed al deals with timetable” for resolving the dispute four core over Jerusalem. Olmert aides issues: territorefuse to elaborate but say there ry, security, would be elements in the joint refugees and mechanism “attractive to the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, right, Palestinians.”

Jerusalem.

On territo- meets with Palestinian Authority President This apparently refers partly to an ry, he offers Mahmoud Abbas on Aug. 31 in Jerusalem. offer by Olmert to involve other Credit: Ben Gershom/ Arab and international parties -the PalestiniGovernment Press Office/BPH Images including Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, ans 93 percent of the West Bank, with Israel retaining the Vatican and the international Quartet large Jewish settlement blocs in the remaining grouping of the United States, Russia, the 7 percent. As compensation, the Palestinians European Union and the United Nations -- in would get an area equivalent to 5.5 percent of seeking a permanent solution for Jerusalem the West Bank in Israeli land close to the Gaza and its holy places.

Strip, and a land corridor connecting Gaza and The Palestinians, however, argue that the West Bank, linking the two in a single Olmert’s proposals do not go far enough, and Palestinian state. they insist that the gaps between the Israeli On security, Olmert proposes that the future and Palestinian positions remain wide.

Palestinian state would be demilitarized and Some analysts suggest that the only realistic barred from building military alliances. Israel way forward would be through American would have early warning stations on the bridging proposals. But the Americans are Samarian hills in the West Bank, a temporary unlikely to be forthcoming: During a visit in army presence in the Jordan Valley, a presence June, when Rice asked for a paper highlighting at border crossings, control of airspace over key points of agreement and disagreement, Gaza and the West Bank, and access to the both sides refused on the grounds that that main east-west corridors in the West Bank. kind of hands-on American intervention On refugees, Olmert categorically rejects the would not be helpful at this stage. so-called Palestinian right of return: “We and the Israelis told Dr. Rice that the Palestinian refugees would be entitled to decisions are required from Palestinians and return to the Palestinian state in unlimited Israelis,” senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb numbers, but not to Israel proper. Still, there Erakat told JTA. “I am sure the Americans, is a small concessionary loophole in the the Arabs and the Europeans will stand shoulOlmert proposal: 1,500 to 2,000 Palestinians der to shoulder with us in order to implement would be allowed to “return” to Israel proper whatever we agree. But the decisions are for every year for 10 years for “humanitarian rea- Palestinians and Israelis.” sons.” In other words Israel could, at its disOfficials close to Olmert argue that even if it cretion, allow the immigration over 10 years of can’t immediately be implemented, a joint 15,000 to 20,000 Palestinians.

Israeli-Palestinian document on permanentAlthough Olmert insists that Jerusalem has status issues would constitute a historic breaknot been on the negotiating agenda -- the through.

Orthodox Shas party has threatened to topple Continued on page 13

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September 12, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Do “Jewish ties� really matter?

What we need from candidates are action, not testimonials from Jewish friends

Democratic counterpart, Sen. Joe Biden, can offer.

Like Palin’s running mate, John McCain, Biden has a paper trail a mile long on Jewish issues which, ironically enough, has allowed some critics to mine from it comments criticizing specific Israeli policies, in trying to tarby JONATHAN S. TOBIN nish the Democrats’ spin.

Like McCain’s stands, Biden’s history of engagement For those who thought that the diswith Jews and the pro-Israel community is a reasonable covery several years ago of the fact that Hillary Clinton argument to be made by those who advocate his elechad a step-grandfather who was Jewish (yes, her grand- tion. But the fact that the top of the Democratic ticket mother’s second husband) was the low point in the his- couldn’t match Biden’s record on Israel won’t stop tory of attempts to influence the Jewish vote, there is Jewish Democrats from voting for Obama. good news. The Republicans have gone their Instead, they have chosen to judge the candidate on Democratic rivals one better while introducing vice- the positions that he has articulated during the course of presidential pick Sarah Palin to the public. the campaign. Since Obama has, more or less, jumped Palin does not have a long history of stands on Jewish through every rhetorical hoop the pro-Israel communiissues. Why should she? Neither the town of Wasilla, ty has asked him to jump through, they have every right Alaska, nor the 49th state where she has served as gov- to now claim that their candidate is every bit as entitled ernor for the last two years have large Jewish populations to the label “pro-Israel� as anyone else. or much of a foreign policy.

All of which ought to serve as A Little Flag The partisan impulse to pretend that a reminder to those partisans But Gov. Palin does have a little all candidates are longtime bosom whose job it is to spin the canIsraeli flag in her office. Or at least buddies with the Jewish community is didates to the Jewish public that did last winter. what we need is substance, not getting a little silly.

I know that because in an e-mail nonsense. Whether or not some forwarded around the world, Jewish Republicans were of McCain’s or Obama’s or Biden’s or Palin’s “best quick to point to the flag as a sign of her interest in the friends were or are Jewish isn’t really material.

Jewish state.

This is not 1948 when, as the story goes, intervention For those of you who want to check this out yourself, by President Harry Truman’s former business partner the evidence can be found at alaskapodshow.com/ and army buddy, Eddie Jacobsen, helped influence index.php/2008/02/20/my-visit-to-juneau-alaska. White House policy on the creation of a Jewish state.

It is the Web site of an Alaskan HDTV hiking show, Nowadays, the people most likely to effectively lobby which featured an interview with the athletic veep hope- wavering presidents to stand up for Zionism are evangelful in February. The tiny flag can be seen on the far right ical Christians. Whether Palin -- the evangelical that the of the picture at the edge of the window.

Republicans are nominating for vice president -- will It isn’t much, but in politics you go with what you’ve help further that cause remains to be seen (though her got. statements regarding her strong belief in support for Palin is obviously a sharp and articulate woman with a Israel to members of AIPAC attending the Republican thin political rÊsumÊ that has been offset by a winning convention earlier this month were every bit as convincstyle and a record as a reformer that skyrocketed her into ing as those of Obama), but the outcome probably a spot on a national ticket. But her introduction to the big won’t depend on whether or not she has attended as leagues has illustrated two points -- one Jewish and one many Bar Mitzvahs as Biden. general -- about our current political culture these days.

What really matters is whether these people will adhere First, Sarah Palin’s little flag and the subsequent oblig- to the nonpartisan and nondenominational tradition of atory kind comments about her from Alaskan rabbis, sympathy for Zionism that has deep roots in the history whose events she has graced with her official presence, of American religion, culture and politics dating back to illustrate what should have become obvious a long time the earliest years of our republic. What we need from ago: The partisan impulse to pretend that all candidates them are credible pledges to avoid pressuring Israel and are longtime bosom buddies with the Jewish communi- to support its right of self defense, as well as tough action ty is getting a little silly. on Iranian nukes, not testimonials from Jewish friends.

Unlike 2004, when just about everyone running for In other words, the entire genre of “Jewish ties� discuspresident except George W. Bush was producing a sions of the candidates is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Jewish relative of some sort, the two nominees, John The Flow of Slander McCain and Barack Obama, aren’t pretending to be Secondly, the reaction to the Palin nomination by the Nebraska Press Advertising Service members of the tribe. bloggers and the Internet fruitcakes, much like the Not every pol running for office who wants Jewish Internet whispering campaign against Barack Obama, votes or money grew up in a Jewish neighborhood like demonstrates just how low the political debate in this 1Cuomo of 1 who used to like country is getting. former New York Gov.Page Mario____ to boast Statewide to Jewish2x2 audiences The same site on the Southeast Internet that the Republican Jews Northeast Networkthat he served as theCentral Western “shabbesSpecial goy� forOrder a synagogue in the South Jamaica sec- were so proud of because it showed the flag in Palin’s tion of Queens, N.Y., where he was raised. office was deluged with postings alleging that the interNor can a politician who is not from the Northeast -- view “proved� that Palin had faked her pregnancy, which These ads areon to foreign-policy run ONE TIME,issues -- match a resulted in the birth this spring of her fifth child, who and has not worked This from ad should be included with the other 2008 theIsrael Week such of Sept. record ofbeginning stands on as 8, the one that Palin’s suffers Down syndrome. It was in reaction to this

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sort of vile stuff posted -- not just on the Alaska HDTV page, but on influential leftist political sites such as the DailyKos -- that Palin was forced to reveal that her 17year-old daughter was pregnant.

To his credit, Obama, who has been stung himself by the radical right-wing Internet onslaught putting forward the fantasy that he is an Islamist â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manchurian Candidate,â&#x20AC;? asked his followers to back off. But the nature of political jabbering in our current universe of 24/7 cable news and Internet postings in which every nitwit can self-publish lies about anyone and anything means that nothing can stem the ugly flow of slander.

Mudslinging is hardly new in American politics but the Internet has given it a place in the mainstream that it has never gotten before. Some partisan Democrats feel that they can say and do anything in the cause of halting what they falsely claim is a Republican effort to destroy democracy and institute fundamentalist tyranny. In turn, some Republicans think anything goes in the cause of keeping what they worry is a man who will deliberately lose the war on Islamist terror out of the White House.

In such an atmosphere of hate and screaming talking heads, rational debate seems to be harder to find than a minyan in Wasilla, Alaska.

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Jewish Exponent. He can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@jewishexponent.com.

Political realities may doom Olmert

Continued from page 12 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe it would become a galvanizing point for all the moderates and offer an alternative to the HamasHezbollah-Tehran paradigm,â&#x20AC;? Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said. He believes that not only would the deal win wide international support and boost the moderates in the Arab world, it also would help resolve the problem of Israeli settlement in the West Bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we are successful in delineating to a great degree of specificity where the final borders will be, then obviously we will continue to build in the settlements on our side and not in those on the Palestinian side,â&#x20AC;? he told JTA. In other words, immediately upon signing the deal, Israel would regard settlements on its side of the border as part of Israel proper, with no extrinsic restrictions on development and growth. Those on the Palestinian side, by contrast, would be seen as living on borrowed time and slated for evacuation.

For any agreement to stand a chance of implementation, its advocates would have to find a way around Palestinian rejectionists -- including Hamas in Gaza -and around Israeli opponents. In both cases, opponents may press for new elections, which would serve as a referendum on the peace deal.

That does not bode well for a peace deal. Hamas is unlikely to allow elections in Gaza unless it is sure of winning. On the Israeli side, polls suggest the right-wing opposition will win the next general election.

Should either of these likely scenarios occur, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;shelf agreementâ&#x20AC;? the Olmert administration is working on probably would be shelved indefinitely. That would leave Olmertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eleventh-hour effort to set a new peace agenda, like many others before it, dead in the water of Middle Eastern realities.

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, September 12, 7:18 p.m

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

There will be no services on Friday, Sept. 19.

Beth El Synagogue

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Newcomers to the Omaha Jewish community are invited to a special Open House Shabbat, co-sponsored by Beth El and the Jewish Federation. The evening will begin with a 5 p.m. reception, followed by Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Hebrew Crash Course, 10 a.m. with Susi Frydman-Levin.

I AM A JEW: Year-long adult education course led by Andy Greenberg, Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. Cost is $36.

THURSDAY: Women’s Book Club, 1:15 p.m.

SISTERHOOD HONEY PACKAGING: Volunteers are needed to help Sisterhood package honey on Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Wendy Berenson at munch765@ aol.com or 253.2028 or Marcie Spivack at marcie.spivack@cox. net or 501.8521 to volunteer.

REMINGTON HEIGHTS VISIT: Thursday, Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m., Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg will present a Rosh Hashanah program for Jewish residents at Remington.

Residents’ family are invited.

SELICHOT PROGRAM/ SERVICE: Musical program features Cantor Schlossberg and congregants on Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 p.m. (See full article on page 9.)

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

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Aaron is an eighth-grade honor roll student at Peter Kiewit M i d d l e School.

His interests include playing

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559

free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; President of the Orthodox Union, Steve Savitsky, will speak during services on “The OU: Our Mission.” Kiddush, sponsored by Sisterhood, features a “Kugel Cook-Off.” Shabbat lunch follows Kiddush. Savitsky will discuss: “Our Voices, Our Votes: Perspectives on Israel, Jerusalem and Election ’08” after lunch. Babysitting is available through the afternoon lecture; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” are one hour before Mincha; Mincha, 6:45 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit sponsored by Cynthia and Joshua Follick in memory of Dorothy Shoham; Havdalah, 8:18 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class, 10 a.m.; Senior NCSY Pizza Dinner & Chapter Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, where the Mini-Mensch title will be awarded, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Heading Somewhere, studying the book of Numbers, 9:30 a.m.; Parsha study, 10 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; MU Exploring Jewish Identity through writing, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: W.O.W. Cooking from Around the World, 10 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Susan Poser.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at the Olive Garden, 6100 “O” St. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (LJCS grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Jews and the News, 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Discussion; Choir Rehersal, 7:30 p.m.

Back-to-School Supplies Drive: Bring school supplies to the social hall to donate to Saratoga Elementary School.

Clean-Up Day: Help get the Temple cleaned up for the High Holy Days. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 21, 9 am-noon. Contact Rick Kohn at 489.6719.

ADULT EDUCATION Path to Repentance, Tuesday, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.

SUNDAY: Grandparents’ Day Event, 1:45 p.m. in the JCC auditorium.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: New Member Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Emma Workman, daughter of Keri and Tom Workman, will celebrate her Bar Mitzvah.

FIRST DAY OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL, Sunday:

Teacher meeting, 9 a.m.; Classes K-6, 10 a.m.; Kindergarten Orientation for parents, 10:15 a.m.; Family Prayer Assembly and great concert with Jon Simon, 11:15 a.m.; All School BBQ, noon, sponsored by the Golf Committee.

TUESDAY: Executive Board, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Torah on Wheels, noon at Gordman’s.

Contact the Temple office or rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com for reservations; Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Madrichim Orientation and Dinner, 6 p.m.

For information, contact Elyce Azriel at Temple or eazriel@templeisraelomaha.co; Grade 7 Orientation, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: WRJ Luncheon, noon. Contact Rosie Zweiback, 556.6536 or rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com, to RSVP. (See full article on page 15.)

S’lichot Service, Saturday, Sept.

20, 7 p.m. with Cantor Karen Webber Gilat. (See full article on page 5.)

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE Thursday, Sept. 25, 3–7 p.m.

Please call the office to make an appointment.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study.

TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch, noon at the Olive Garden, 6100 ‘O’ St. Contact Marcia Kushner to arrange for a ride.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner, 423.7066; Hebrew classes (LJCS grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gam Simcha-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel.

JFS prepares for Project Tzedakah the violin and piano, studying birds and rocks, reading, attending science camp. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered at the JCC’s Child Development Center.

He has two brothers, Joshua and Isaac.

Grandparents are the late Eleanor and Stanley Kurtzman.

Great-grandparents are the late Fay and Nathan Kurtzman, and the late Helen and Frank Pinckney.

by SANDY NOGG Jewish Family Service is dedicated to helping families facing financial hardship through Project Tzedakah. Rosh Hashanah is fast approaching and JFS and a corps of volunteers will once again purchase, pack and deliver holiday foods to approximately 60 Jewish families in need.

Non-perishable kosher food items, such as canned goods and candies, and Shabbat candles can be dropped off at the JFS office until Friday, Sept. 19. Packing

and delivery will occur on Sept.

22-23.

Cash donations are also greatly appreciated and can be sent directly to JFS at 333 So. 132 St, Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on receiving a holiday food basket from Project Tzedakah or to volunteer call Tammy Johnson at 330.2024.

“We thank the community for its continued support of this important mitzvah program,” added JFS director Karen Gustafson.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

September 12, 2008

Ethical warfare?

Ain’t no such thing

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat KiTetze Our Sidra tries desperately to do what cannot be done: to provide rules for “ethical warfare.”

In ancient times, it was considered natural for prisoners to be executed in cruel manners or, at best, to be made slaves. It was common for women to be raped and to become perpetual “comfort women” as the Japanese did during World War II. Our Sidra attempts to erase the worst of these practices in handling prisoners. Even the League of Nations and in our day, the United Nations, have tried to maintain rules to restrict the behavior of conquerors in individual battles and in completed wars.

But human nature cannot be trusted. A conquering nation remembering the losses they have suffered will not regularly treat prisoners and subjegated peoples civilly. Conquering nations must be restriced by laws and practices developed by calm minds in peace time.

We long for the day when a gentle peace will envelop the world and make warfare a memory, rather than a useful tool.

Our ancient ancestors were faced with real problems as they came into the land which later was to be called Israel. For the land was not empty; its indigenous peoples had to be dealt with. More importantly, the conquerors had to be dealt with -- that is, to be restrained.

The United Nations does its best, but the instincts of the human animal cannot be fully held back. We strive for peace, but usually on our own terms if we are the winner. -- if not full peace, at least for the all-but-impossible “ethical warfare.”

Ancient Israelies had thorny problems that could not be easily solved. The U.N. today is faced with unruly nations that will have their own way first and then, only then, see what “civilized society” tries to require of them. Every nation sees other nations as only “possibly” ethical, and they must be brought under the bar of the U.N. Mankind has lived on this little earth for many years.

We have made some progress, but the road is long and filled with bumps and detours.

Keep trying!

Jewish Omahans at the RNC Yossi Abrahamson, a page at last week’s Republican National Convention in St. Paul, is shown here being interviewed by a reporter from National Public Radio. His mother Dinah Abrahamson is a member of the Nebraska delegation; his sister, Sarah, served as a page four years ago. Yossi is a student at Darchai Menachem Yeshiva in New York. Credit: Rod Krogh

Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the High Holiday Machzor in large print and in Braille free of charge for those who need them. A doctor’s note stating necessity is required. To receive a complimentary Machzor, contact our office at 718.338.4999; or fax 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.

To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return).

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

DEATH BEATRICE SCHNEIDER Beatrice (Krause) Schneider died Sept. 8, at the age of 86. Services were held Sept. 10 at Beth El Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ben Schneider, who died just one month ago.

Beatrice and Ben were partners in the Bargain Spot, a retail business in downtown Council Bluffs founded by her parents, Herman and Dorothy Krause. The Schneiders operated the Bargain Spot from 1948 until the store’s closing in 1978.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Blake Lund, Lynn and Mark Bernstien of Dallas, Hermene “Mimi” Schneider and Doug Boyd of Lincoln; grandchildren, Alex Lund, Aaron Bernstien, Joel and Megan Bernstien; sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Edward Cherniss of Fresno, CA, and Joan and Alfred Lipsey of Tucson, AZ. Memorials to the Ralston Community Theater, the Cathedral Arts Project, N.E.T. Foundation (Nebraska Educational Television) or Tuesday Musical Concert Series.

Women of Reform Judaism host speaker on ‘natural’ foods Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Nancy Bertolino, a dietician who has been with Hy Vee Foods since April 2007, is interested in helping people “improve their nutrition and health,” she indicated.

That’s exactly what she’ll do when she speaks at a luncheon, hosted by the Women of Reform Judaism, on Thursday, Sept. 18, noon, at Temple Israel.

Bertolino’s topic, “Organic and Natural Foods: What Are They and Are They Worth the Price?” will be a discussion of what “natural” foods really are, who benefits from consuming them, and the nutritional benefits.

After earning an associate’s degree in culinary technology, Bertolino was awarded a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Hilton College in Houston, Texas. She then added a master’s in human nutrition from the University of Southern Mississippi where later, she was an instructor in nutrition and food service management.

Her professional background includes hospital-based nutrition care in diabetes, cardiac rehab, weight management, food allergies, and infant and pediatric nutrition. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Nebraska Dietetic Association, and the Omaha District Dietetic Association and continually participates in educational opportunities to enhance her knowledge and expertise.

Cost is $10 to attend the luncheon open to the community. To make a reservation, please call Temple at 556.6536. Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and laundry detergent will be accepted and donated to the Jewish Family Service

PERSONAL Ida Herzoff will celebrate her 90th birthday on Sept. 20, 2 p.m., at a party in her honor at Remington Heights.

Hosted by her daughter, Nancy Herzoff, daughter-in-law Cheri Stone, daughter and son-in-law Denise and Ron Ipock, and grandaughters, Marissa and Amanda Ipock.

Sponsors sought to finance news investigations of the nascent Palestinian Authority, to examine allegations of Palestinian Authority involvement in...

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ANTIQUE AUCTION featuring fabulous walnut furniture and Mason and Hamlin Grand Piano. Saturday, September 20 at 11:30am, Lyons, NE. Photos and information at www.McCallAuctions.com or 712-423-1901.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 12, 2008

Israel’s new U.N. ambassador: political outsider, renowned legal mind

by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- An exceptional intellect paired with an unflappable exterior are traits Gabriela Shalev’s high-powered colleagues and friends say will serve her well when she leaves for New York to become Israel’s next ambassador to the United Nations.

Shalev, an internationally renowned law professor, will be the first woman to serve in the post. She was appointed to replace Dan Gillerman.

“She has a strong will and she knows what she is talking about,” said Meir Shamgar, a former chief justice of Israel’s Supreme Court.

Shamgar first encountered Shalev when she was a student in a course he taught at Hebrew University. A few years later Shalev joined Shamgar as a colleague on the university’s law faculty, Gabriela Shalev, Israel’s incoming U.N. ambassador, earns praise for her skills as an orator and a where she worked until 2002.

Credit: Ono Academic College More recently, the two served togeth- team player.

“Livni was justified in wanting a woman er on a panel outlining ethics guidelines for the post for reasons beyond gender for Cabinet ministers.

Shalev, 67, is an expert in contract law advancement: Polls show that given and a political outsider not associated Israel’s militaristic image abroad, women with any party who has been serving as make the best general impression as our the rector of Ono Academic College near advocates in the international media,” Ben-David wrote.

Tel Aviv.

Despite some grumbling from the In appointing Shalev, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni indicated that she was deter- diplomatic corps that one of their own mined to put a highly qualified woman in again was passed over for the important position in New York – Gillerman also the role.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert reported- had been a political outsider until his ly had favored Alon Pinkas, a former selection – Shalev’s supporters say she is a Israeli consul general in New York and a quick study who will compensate for any foreign policy inexperience with her talLabor Party member.

Some Israeli commentators criticized ents as an orator and a team player.

Shalev declined a request by JTA to be Livni for picking a political outsider, but Jerusalem Post columnist Calev Ben- interviewed for this story. Her office said David said Livni’s choice may work well she will not be giving interviews until she for the audience that perhaps matters assumes her post in New York ahead of the U.N. General Assembly, which begins most: international public opinion.

in September.

The daughter of German Jewish refugees in what was then British Mandate Palestine, Shalev grew up with a strong work ethic. She helped support her family while a student at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, from where she earned a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in law.

She also did post-doctorate work at Harvard after her husband, an Israeli army officer, was killed in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Shalev raised two young children alone.

“The experiences of Israel are part of her, and she’s also paid a price,” said Orna Lin, a former student of Shalev’s and a good friend.

Lin described Shalev as a relentless worker who also knows how to find time for students and friends, and who can talk as easily about her passions for opera, classical music and art as she can about legal disputes.

This was not the first attempt to draw Shalev into government work. Shalev declined several high-profile posts, including judgeships and the office of attorney general. Nevertheless, she is no stranger to public positions.

Shalev has been a member of the Jewish Agency board of governors and was chairwoman of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

Shalev has spent time in the United States as a visiting professor at such schools as Tulane, Temple and Boston College.

Alan Hoffman, the director-general of the Jewish Agency’s education department, called Shalev’s selection “an inspired choice.”

“She has all of the tools to be able to interpret Israel to the nations of the world,” Hoffman said. “I think she is unusual in the academic world in that she has not only been a professor but very active publicly.”

Lin says Shalev is always calm and in control.

“She can deal with any situation and never seems to be baffled by anything,” Lin said. “I think her intelligence will help prevent her from falling into the landmines that await in a place like the U.N.” Her predecessor, Gillerman, was a former businessman who upon leaving his post this summer was lauded as a seasoned diplomat with excellent rhetorical skills. Observers said Gillerman succeeded in raising Israel’s profile at the United Nations and bolstering its image around the world.

At a farewell party last month for Gillerman, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered deep praise for the Israeli envoy’s tenure at the world body, noting the “special challenges” of representing Israel.

Shalev will have plenty of challenges awaiting in New York. Most notably, she must navigate the notoriously anti-Israel atmosphere at the United Nations and help push for diplomatic support for Israel’s efforts to halt Iran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.

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