October 1, 2010

Vol. 90 No. 5 Omaha, NE

Paris and the Ketubah by SOLOMON BLOOM, PH.D When Dr. Sol Bloom and his wife Helen left Israel in 1948 to continue Sol’s studies in agriculture, they traveled by ship to Marseille, and continued back home on the S.S. United States. While in Paris, they ran into some difficulties.

Dr. Sol Bloom with his journals. Helen and I had been married in the courtyard of cousin Katz’s home, and were given the Ketubah, which was standard procedure in what was then still called Palestine. On the French ship from Haifa, no questions were asked about our relationship. Thus, no problems arose as to our cabin quarters. However, when we went to book our cabin with the United States Line office in Paris, we ran into trouble. Helen’s passport was in her maiden name, Goldberg, and we were told traveling together, in the same cabin, was not going to happen. I promptly pulled out the Ketubah as evidence that we were properly married. This, of course, was no Continued on page 3

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

23 Tishrei 5770

October 1, 2010

Dorothy Spizman named Financial Aid Chair by MARY SUE GROSSMAN tions. Funding is available for undergraduate, graduate, Director of Operations & Programming professional and yeshiva studies, Jewish summer camp Toba Cohen-Dunning, Center for Jewish Education experiences, Israel programs, the Child Development President, is pleased to announce Dorothy Spizman has Center preschool, Friedel Jewish Academy, and youth been named as chair of the Financial group activities. The committee’s Aid Committee. She is replacing mission statement is “to administer retiring chair, Cheryl Cooper, who the allocation and distribution of has served for the past three years. scholarship funds entrusted to it for “Dorothy has many years of profesthe benefit of Omaha’s Jewish sional and volunteer experience in youth. This duty includes the guarthe Omaha Jewish Community”, antee of confidentiality to the applistates Cohen-Dunning. “The work cants and their families in conjuncof the Financial Aid Committee is tion with the diligent stewardship of critical, and Dorothy will do an community funds.” excellent job of leading this group of “This committee represents a unsung heroes.” group of incredibly dedicated volunCohen-Dunning continued: “On teers who receive no public acknowlbehalf of the agency board and the edgement for their work”, states Dr. entire community, I also want to Guy Matalon, Executive Director of express my sincere thanks to Cheryl the Center for Jewish Education. Cooper for serving as chair. Cheryl “With the exception of the chair not only worked tirelessly as the person, the names of the other comDorothy Spizman committee chair, she also spearheadmittee members remain confidential. ed a much needed and very successful drive to raise The commitment these individuals have in providing funds for the CornerStones Fund.” (The CornerStones financial assistance to those in need is remarkable.” Fund was established in 1995 to provide an avenue for Awards given by the Financial Aid Committee are members of the Omaha Jewish community to make need-based. By reviewing a family’s financial informadonations that are used to assist needy Jewish children tion, the committee first determines a need ranking. by funding attendance at Jewish preschool, Jewish sum- Other factors affecting a family’s financial resources are mer camps, the Jewish day school, and youth programs. then reviewed, followed by a look at the overall requests To make a donation or to send a tribute card, please call and the funds available. Funds often have other require334.6445.) ments the committee must also consider and determinThe Financial Aid Committee meets several times a ing awards is an intricate process. year to consider a wide variety of scholarship applica- Continued on page 2

Upcoming Beth El lecture series promises scholarly Sunday mornings by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Sunday mornings at Beth El will take on a scholarly tone this year, as the synagogue presents a new Sunday Morning Scholars Series featuring a variety of fascinating speakers and topics. The series came about, according to Program Director Margie Gutnik, because, “with the Rami Arav talented people in this community, we thought this series would offer a wonderful forum for some very thought-provoking presentations and conversations. We look forward to hosting both our speakers and the community members who plan to attend.” Kicking off the series on Oct. 10, at 11 a.m., will be Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Rabbi Mordechai Levin Director of the Jewish Federation’s Center for Jewish Education, and professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Matalon will speak about “Breaking the Torah to Keep the Torah: Torah vs. Tikkun Olam.” Explaining his topic, Matalon said that, “In the

Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 12

Dick Fellman

Kim Goldberg

Guy Matalon

David Peterson

Middle Ages, Jews were governed by their own courts and their own laws. When Jews broke communal laws, it was up to the community to deal with the violators. What happens if the violator in question broke a biblical law that required the death penalty or other capital pun-

This Week: Biking 3,100 miles for social change, page 9 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’

Caroline Juster receives Academic Excellence Scholarship Page 3

ishment (murder, rape, etc.)? “We will explore one or two texts that shed light on a very serious issue that could help us understand the flexibility of Jewish law. The idea of the session is to explore the tension that may exist between the manner in which the Torah sees the world and the way in which secular society sees Leonard Greenspoon the world.” On Nov. 14, Beth El will welcome Professor Leonard Greenspoon, Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor in Jewish Civilization and Professor of Classical & Near Eastern Studies and of Theology at Creighton University. Greenspoon will address, “Textually Speaking: How – and Why – Jews Translate the Bible.” Alan Potash During his presentation, Greenspoon will discuss Jewish Bible translations, “especially ‘how’ and ‘why’ Jews have translated the Bible, from as long ago as the third century BCE to versions that have been produced within the past few years,” he Continued on page 2

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

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Continued from page 1 said. “We will emphasize the religious, social, cultural, and historical circumstances in which the translators lived and worked, and notice the common features, as well as the distinctive elements, in a number of translations. On Dec. 12, Dr. Rami Arav, professor in the Philosophy and Religion Department and the Department of History at the University of NebraskaOmaha, will explore “Bethsaida, the Capital City: A Forgotten Biblical Neighboring Kingdom of Israel.” Illustrating his presentation with a power point display, he will examine the rise and fall of the city, the kingdom and its aftermath. Saying that “More than ever, we are interested in exploring our biblical roots,” Arav credited archaeology and its modern technological advances as the “major engine by which we can provide answers to this quest.” “The archaeology of Bethsaida presents the state of the art research of the material culture of the past,” he said. “The results from a large variety of disciplines allow us to reconstruct the biblical realities in great details. This fascinating news sheds light on our biblical roots and on the historical context of the biblical narratives. No longer do we need to imagine the environment of our forefathers; in many instances it is clear down to the minute details.” The Scholars Series will continue into the new year, beginning with a Jan. 16 program featuring Joan Latchaw, PhD, associate professor of Language Studies at UNO and David Peterson, PhD, assistant professor of American Literature at UNO. The colleagues will explore “Jewish Themes in Film,” and specifically, the Mel Brooks film To Be Or Not To Be. According to Peterson, the film has received little scholarly attention and has been misunderstood to be just a remake of the Ernst Lubitsch 1942 classic of the same name. However, he said, “Brooks’ film does more than simply rehash Lubitsch -- it substantially revises and redirects the original in terms of character, plot, form, style, themes, and, ultimately, purpose. Many of these revisions make salient what Lubitsch’s version did not— the Jewishness of the story. While Brooks’ version similarly focuses on a broadly construed, post-invasion Poland, Brooks knows that in remaking the film the Holocaust will be present in his audience’s mind.” On Feb. 13, Kim Goldberg, co-chair of the Arts Task Force for the Central Area Consortium of Partnership with Israel, will treat her audience to “Creative Ways to Connect with Israel.” A professional freelance designer, artist and art educator, Goldberg’s presentation will be based on her last six trips to Israel. She said she plans to “share information on hidden treasures, unique places,

and new ways to build relationships with people in Israel. From artist villages to apple factories and many sites in between, you will learn creative ways on how to approach your personal connection with Israel.” The series will turn to anti-Semitism during the March 13 program, as Alan Potash, Executive Director of the Plains States Region of the Anti-Defamation League, will address “Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism in South America.” “With so much anti-Semitic rhetoric coming from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad [http:// www.adl.org/main_International_Affairs/ahmadine jad_words.htm] , we often don’t take the time to look at other voices that spew similar rhetoric,” Potash remarked. “This session will explore the comments and positions by Venezuelan leaders, most notably Hugo Chavez. In the aftermath of the Gaza flotilla incident on May 31, 2010, President Chavez and his government apparatus have once again resorted to anti-Zionist allegations, including false conspiracy theories about Israel.” Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin will be the featured speaker during the April 10 program. In preparation for Passover, he will present a special program, “Involving Your Whole Family in the Pesach Seder.” According to the rabbi, “This class will offer attendees an opportunity to learn about a variety of ways to share the Seder experience with family members of all ages; participants will also explore the significance of the holiday’s rituals, and learn everything from A to Z about Passover.” Richard Fellman, retired attorney and adjunct professor in UNO’s political science department, will be the featured speaker during the series’ final program on May 8. During his presentation, “From Jeremiah to Obama: Jews and Politics,” Fellman says he will discuss Jews in American politics, “old and new, Republicans and Democrats, national and local.” He noted that, “Since the days of Jeremiah and the Babylonian Exile 2,600 years ago, Jews have been admonished to ‘seek the peace of the city (where they live) ... for in the peace thereof shall they have peace.’ Historically, Jews have served as advisors and even ministers to political rulers. In America, Jews have gone even further and served in the government itself; and every Shabbat we offer a prayer for our government. In the May class we’ll discuss Jews in American politics, old and new, Republicans and Democrats, national and local. The entire community is invited to attend the series, at no charge; a light nosh will be served. For planning purposes, RSVPs are requested prior to each program by contacting the synagogue office, 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org

Dorothy Spizman named as Financial Aid Chair

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Continued from page 1 “It is such an honor to work with the dedicated members of the Financial Aid Committee,” states Spizman. “I wish I could recognize each person but the critical need of confidentiality – both of the committee members and the applicants – is an absolute key to the integrity of the process and to the success of the committee. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of past chairmen Cheryl Cooper and Aveva Shukert.” Spizman added “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the generosity of the Jewish community. The dedication of those who have established scholarship funds over the years is amazing. Due to their foresight, educational opportunities have become a reality for so many families in need. Without the funding, the Financial Aid Committee would not exist.” Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, adds his thanks to

both the committee and to the donors. “I view the work of the Financial Aid Committee as an extension of the work of the Foundation. The committee takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously in assuring the guidelines established by the many generous donors are followed in providing the much-needed assistance to so many in our community,” states Ricks. “The committee has our sincere appreciation for the work that they do.” The Financial Assistance Guide is distributed each December as an insert in the Jewish Press. The guide provides descriptions of the various funds, application deadlines, and other information. The guide also provides information on the non-need based grant programs of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Applications can be obtained from the agency page on the Jewish Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org, by calling 334.6445, or emailing scholarships@jewishomaha.org.

Israel intercepts Jewish boat headed for Gaza by JTA NEWSSTAFF (JTA) -- Israeli commandos peacefully intercepted a boat carrying Jewish activists who hoped to breach Israel’s embargo of the Gaza Strip. Israeli Navy boats blocked the Irene, which was carrying 10 passengers and crew, at about midday Tuesday and diverted the boat to Israel’s Ashdod seaport. The boat is carrying a cargo of toys and medical equip-

ment for distribution inside Gaza. The inventory is intended for delivery to the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme. Israel has blockaded Gaza because it is under the control of a terrorist group, Hamas. Israel eased the blockade under international pressure following a deadly May 31 raid on a Turkish-flagged aid ship in a flotilla. Eight Turks and one Turkish-American were killed in the violence.

To order a gift subscription to the Press... Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for this year and for 2011, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.

October 1, 2010

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Caroline Juster receives Academic Excellence Scholarship by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Operations & Programming, The Center for Jewish Education The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Education is pleased to announce Caroline Juster is the 2010 recipient of the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund for Academic Excellence Scholarship. This is the only merit based scholarship granted by the committee and is based strictly on scholarship, with high school grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores used as the primary measure to determine the recipient. Caroline, the daughter of Sara Juster and Sorin Juster, a 2010 graduate of Westside High School, was class valedictorian. She was also a National Merit Scholar, a National AP Scholar, a member of the Omaha World Herald's AllAcademic Second Team, and a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.

band, show choir band, top jazz band, jazz combo and playing first-chair trombone. She was selected three years in a row as principal trombone for the Nebraska All State Orchestra. She also played with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and the Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra, among other groups. Caroline received a 2010 Emerson Scholarship to Interlochen Arts Camp and was twice awarded the Maddy Summer Artist Award at Interlochen Arts Camp. And one of Caroline’s more unique resumé additions was her participation in the 2010 Caroline Juster receives Academic Excellence award from Grammy Jazz Band in Cheryl Cooper, out-going Financial Aid Committee Chair. January of this year. Lillian Keiser Stoms and her brother with the trombone has led her to a long list of performance credits. Her experiences David Stoms were native Omahans and include Westside’s concert band, marching this fund was established in their memory

by their niece, Sally Clayman. In addition to the Academic Excellence award, there are two other scholarships that were also established in memory of David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms. The Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund was established to benefit and assist in the education of Jewish youth living in a single parent family or Jewish single parents who have custody of their children. The David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund was created to provide funding for university scholarships to Jewish youth who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Both funds are awarded based on financial need. For information on any scholarship program, please call the Center for Jewish Education office at 334.6445. Those interested in contributing to or endowing scholarship funds should contact Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, at 334.6440.

went back to Iowa to add a Ph.D. We lived in the barracks for veterans in the back of campus, and became friendly with the handful of Jewish students who studied agriculture for their return to Israel. One night, Helen had made some fabulous cinnamon rolls, and we decided to have our friends over. Among them was Mark Angel. He and his French wife Michelle, who was doing graduate work in animal breeding, were planning a return to Israel after their studies. Michelle, as a woman studying in a field that was still dominated by men, was a rarity. Especially on field trips, measuring genetic traits of cattle with all the male

staff around her, she stood out. Our conversations that night revolved around studies, our goals related to Israel, our minimal budgets, our children, and, of course, our travel experiences. Helen and I recalled our evening in Paris, chasing the Ketubah translation, back in 1948. Since Michelle was from Paris, we went into great detail telling her all about our adventure. “I know Paris is a large metropolis, but did you ever hear of a Mr. Lipsky? He worked with the Tribunal de la Seine,” I asked her. Michelle smiled, and said: “Of course, Shlomo. I know Mr. Lipsky very well. He is my father!”

Equally as talented musically as she is academically, Caroline is now attending Northwestern University in Chicago, majoring in music performance. Her talent

Paris and the Ketubah Continued from page 1 help with the clerk, who could not read the Hebrew, and wasn’t about to let us have our cabin. In order to travel together, as man and wife, we would need proof, legal certification that we were indeed bound together by this Ketubah. How were we to do this as strangers in Paris? Naturally we turned to other Jews for help. We needed someone who was not only versed in Hebrew, but also legally empowered to notarize the translation. Amazingly enough, we managed to find just such a person. There was a Mr. Lipsky in Paris, who had lived through the Nazi occupation;

his profession had been that of official interpreter for the Tribunal de la Seine, of the Parisian courts. An official at the Joint Distribution Committee gave us directions, and after several Metro rides, we arrived at Mr. Lipsky’s apartment building. He listened to our plea, he spoke English, and he translated our Ketubah for us. Then, he made it kosher with the French legal seal of his office. The incident entered our memory store, and that’s where it stayed until 1954. In the meantime, I completed my B.S. in Dairy Husbandry at Iowa State. Then, I finished my Master’s in Dairy Nutrition at Penn State, after which I

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

Barely months into talks, will the freeze freeze a peace deal? by RON KAMPEAS On the other hand, in a conference call Monday with WASHINGTON (JTA) -- When the fat lady sings on the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Sept. 26, it may only be an intermission. Organizations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin That’s the word from an array of Mideast experts Netanyahu did not mention the possibility of a comproacross the political spectrum. They are predicting that the mise. And his top aide, Ron Dermer, made it sound as if seeming intractability between Israel and the Palestinians Israeli officials were bracing for a period of tensions over over whether Israel extends a settlement moratorium the settlement issue. beyond its end date will not scuttle the peace talks. “We might have to agree to disagree for the next few Instead, the observers say, the sides are likely employ- months,” Dermer said on the issue of settlements. The ing the brinksmanship that has come to characterize carrot for the Palestinians, he said, was a final-status agreeMiddle East peacemaking. ment that would put both sides past the settlement issue. “Is this is a last-minute minuet before a compromise The question is how to get past the looming Sept. 26 on both sides?” asked Steve Rosen, the former director date -- or at least Sept. 30, when Israel’s Sukkot holidays of foreign policy at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. “I don’t see the kind of anxiety you would associate with a collapse. They seem to be acting with something up their sleeve.” Hussein Ibish, a senior fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine, also saw compromise in the offing. “Neither party can afford to be seen as scuttling the talks,” he said. Israelis and Palestinians both are speaking -- off the record, at least -- in terms of an imminent threat of rupture, just weeks after direct negotiations restarted. Such talk begs the question of why the Obama administration relaunched the talks with much fanfare if the sides were not ready to go. “It’s almost inconceivable that the administration Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is flanked by would have gone down this road with all the hype withPalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. out push and pull for both sides” on the settlement Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Jerusalem. issue, said Aaron David Miller, a longtime negotiator in Credit: JTA Democratic and Republican administrations, and now a fellow at The Woodrow Wilson Center. end and the construction industry returns to work. Miller noted the praise lavished by Obama on the Ibish predicted that Abbas and his negotiators could negotiators and the inclusion of the Egyptian and live with Israel moving ahead with the building starts Jordanian leaders in the launch of the talks. that have been put on hold for 10 months, when If the deadline scuttles the talks, he said, “it will go Netanyahu imposed the moratorium -- as many as down as being one of the more boneheaded plays in the 2,000, according to an Americans for Peace Now analyhistory of negotiations.” sis -- but only if the Netanyahu government did not Miller said he believes that the sides were bluffing launch major new projects. when they hinted -- or outright said -- no compromise “Whatever the Israelis say, no one is going to believe it was possible. because of the grandfathering built in” to the moratoriEach side has sent out mixed signals. Palestinian um, Ibish said. “What’s important is that the Israelis Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said last week that don’t do anything further to radically alter the landthere was “no choice” but to go ahead with talks, before scape.” meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham That would include holding back on major starts outClinton. At the same time, his aides were leaking to the side the “consensus areas,” settlement blocks adjacent to media that continuing the talks depended on an exten- Israel that are likely to be incorporated in a final deal in sion of the moratorium on Israeli construction in the exchange for land swaps. According to this view, it settlements. would also mean no building in a corridor between Israeli officials have suggested that they are preparing Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Maaleh some kind of extension by telling American Jewish Adumim that would choke off the main north-south groups that they will need their backing when the Israeli route; no land appropriations; and no building in eastsettlement movement reacts adversely to a building ern Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods. freeze beyond Sept. 26. Rosen, who now directs the Middle East Forum’s

Washington project, said an out may be Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the Labor Party leader who is now in Washington and New York to meet with U.S. and United Nations officials. As defense minister, Barak has veto over new initiatives: He could nix them while the Palestinians look the other way regarding settlement projects already in the pipeline. At the same time, Barak’s reputation as a go-italone dove could give Netanyahu cover with settlers. The prime minister could tell hawks that Barak is slightly out of control. Meantime, each side is trying to extract as much as it can or concede as little as possible before talks continue, said Scott Lasensky, an analyst with the congressionally funded U.S. Institute of Peace who tracks the region. “Brinksmanship is a hallmark of Arab-Israeli negotiation. There’s no doubt the question will go to the last minute with uncertainty,” he said. “There’s been some good will, there’s been a warming of ties, everyone has an interest in making sure that this is renewed.” Brinksmanship, on the other hand, often develops a momentum of its own, and there’s a chance it could scuttle the talks by the deadline, said David Makovsky, a senior analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a pro-Israel think tank. The risk now, Makovsky said, was that with the talks still in their early stages, the sides were more beholden to hard-line constituencies than they were to a breakthrough. “They don’t know if a deal is reachable, so why alienate your constituencies if a deal isn’t reachable yet,” he said. Stephen P. Cohen, another longtime Middle East watcher and backer of an Israeli-Palestinian deal who has consulted with members of the Obama foreign policy team, said the administration’s leverage was the imminence of a permanent-status deal. “I think Bibi [Netanyahu] wants to make a substantive agreement that would convince Abu Mazen [Abbas] that it’s worth staying even though he hasn’t renewed the settlement freeze because the substantive agreement allows Abu Mazen to stay,” said Cohen, the president of the Institute for Middle East Peace and Development.

IN THE NEWS On Sunday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m., Thomsen Dental Group is hosting a Fun Walk/Run to raise money for the American Diabetes Association, in order to promote dental health and diabetes awareness. It will start at the Cancer Survivors Park located at 105th and Pacific, and go for 3.1 miles along Papio Trail. For more information and/or to register, please contact Thomsen Dental Group at 1.402.393.1992, or visit the website: www. thomsendental.com.

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NFVIC 50th anniversary celebration to honor Bernice Wolfson and Ruth and Phil Sokolof by NORMA JOHNSON Pat Hazell, humorist, writer, performer and producer will perform in Omaha on Friday, Oct. 15, to celebrate the Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children’s (NFVIC) 50 years of service. Pat Hazell graduated from Burke High School in 1979. He got his first break with comedy and magic in the Old Market. The event, titled “Celebrate the Vision”, will take place at Kutak Rock, 1650 Farnam St. Cocktails begin the evening at 6 p.m. with Pat Hazell’s performance at 7 p.m.; followed by a hor d’oeuvre supper. Bernice Wolfson Tickets are $100 per person and can be reserved by calling 402.218.7022. The event will honor the memory of Bernice Wolfson and Ruth and Phil Sokolof. In 1958, Ruth Sokolof and Bernice Wolfson helped establish the Children’s Sight Center Pre-school for Children with Visual Impairments at Beth El Synagogue. It later moved to the J.P. Lord School. In 1960, Ruth & Bernice were instrumental in incorporating the NFVIC, and until their deaths, they served as active board members and strong advocates for the visually impaired children. Ruth Sokolof, a compassionate teacher of blind preschoolers, began sponsoring Christmas shopping parties to give her students an opportunity to enjoy the gift of giving. After her death in 1982, her husband Phil con-

tinued to fund the Ruth Sokolof Christmas Party. The mission of NFVIC is to provide talking, large print and Braille technology for children with visual impairments to give them equal opportunity for academic and personal development. NFVIC also provides

Page 5

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Phil and Ruth Sokolof networking for these families to connect and experience hands-on cultural events in the community. NFVIC is the only organization of its kind in the Midwest. “Celebrating the Vision with one of the top five comedians named by Showtime is an honor for NFVIC,” says Teresa Gregg, Executive Director. “It will be a great way to celebrate the organization’s rich history of accomplishments for visually impaired children.” Humorist Pat Hazell is best known for being a writer for the NBC sitcom Seinfeld and was a guest on the Tonight Show. He also co-wrote Bunk Bed Brothers with Matt Goldman, which later was turned into American Pie for NBC. The Wonder Bread Years is one of Hazell’s most creative endeavors.

JOLT: a new kind of leadership by BOB GOLDBERG Federation Communications and Young Leadership Director JOLT is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. It offers a platform for those young Jewish Omahans who want to grow in their understanding of the Jewish community, expand their leadership skills, and use their voices to influence the direction of the community. This week, get to know Shayna Ray Lt. Shayna Ray of the Omaha Police Department. If you could change one thing about our Omaha Jewish Community, what would it be, and how would you affect the change? I would want all Jews to feel like they were more a part of our special community. Sometimes we are too cliquish because we are small; there are people who feel left out. I would like people involved to reach out to the un-involved, and try to get them active in a way that

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

interests them. What inspires you? Positive progress; people doing good things to help others. Who is your Jewish hero and why? Rabbi Azriel – he has the warmth and personality to mend and build bridges, both inside and outside of our Jewish community. How would you like to be remembered? As someone who was a good person in all areas of life. What is the proudest moment in your career? My proudest moment was my last promotion at work. My kids were old enough to understand what was going on and they were enamored to see me with the Mayor and the Police Chief. Please complete the following sentences: No one knows that I was the fifth grade Scrabble Champion at Dundee Elementary. For me, Jewish community means Jews working together to preserve their identity and sense of belonging.

They met, they ate, they studied by MIRIAM GROSS, Community High School Director and to the various tables, with each teacher presenting a fiveMARY SUE GROSSMAN, Director of Operations & minute holiday themed discussion, related to the course Programming, Center for Jewish Education they will be teaching in the school. Over 60 teens and teachThe first night of classes ers feasted on delicious will be Wednesday, Oct. 6. BBQ ribs at a kick-off event Classes are open to all for the new Omaha Jewish Jewish teens in the Omaha community high school. metropolitan area and regisThe first order of business trations are still being was to select a school name. accepted! For registration The name – suggested by forms and class listings, just Ezra Potash – was Omaha click on the “Omaha Jewish Jewish Chai School – OJC. Chai School” banner at Following dinner, the www.jewishomaha.org. teens and the high school For more information, confaculty engaged in a fasttact Miriam Gross, School paced session entitled Director, at mgross@jew “Where’s the ‘I’ in Yom ishomaha.org or call Kippur”, in preparation for Alyssa Kirshenbaum and Andy Greenberg at the Omaha 590.2147. the holiday. Teens rotated Jewish Chai school’s kick-off event

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

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Where's the Revenue? Deception. Dave Heineman keeps saying that Nebraska is in good shape because of Mike Meister our 4.8% unemployment rate. Economist Robert Inman has shown that state budget gaps are primarily linked with high unemployment. There should be no reason for a budget gap to exist with low unemployment. So why do we have a $750 Million budget gap? The answer is underemployment. Dave Heineman has not created good jobs in Nebraska. Low paying jobs don't add very much to the economy. He is deceiving all of us. And not just on unemployment. He says he would have voted against the stimulus, yet he took the money and asked for more. If we didn't need it, we should have been able to use it to create jobs. Instead, it was used to plug holes in the budget. He had a "low" unemployment rate and $1.7 Billion to create jobs. What has he done with that opportunity? From 2005-2009, Nebraska had a net loss of 3,650 jobs. It doesn't make sense to me, and it shouldn't make sense to you either. Vote Mike Meister for Governor and I will create good jobs for Nebraska. Paid for by Meister for Governor Kevin Sylvester, Treasurer 614 E. 27th St. St. C, Scottsbluff, NE

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The circle that is Simchat Torah STAYING IN TOUCH by OZZIE NOGG Every Simchat Torah, we march with scrolls and flags around the synagogue. We read of Moses’ death, finish the Book of Deuteronomy, and then -- without a pause -- start the Torah cycle over again with Bereshit and the Creation story. This seamless segue can effect me in various ways, depending on my mood. If my world seems balanced, then the simple, rhythmic movement from ending to beginning feels logical and even comforting. If I’m hurting, this life-goes-on-inspite-of-everything stuff can strike me as the Ultimate Cosmic Cliché. And if I’m bone weary, the unbroken circularity makes me yearn for a time out. Obviously, the world, as the Broadway show says, won’t stop and let me get off. But when I look closely at the text we read on Simchat Torah, I find a way to put things on hold. Come with me. • • • • It is said that God created man in His image, yet none of us is exactly the same as any other. Furthermore, in one of the many midrashim based on the Creation story read on Simchat Torah, we are told that while God was creating this world, He simultaneously created countless smaller worlds -- a metaphor (perhaps) for Mankind. Imagine it! Zillions of people -- zillions of small worlds -- each spinning in its own orbit. Sometimes we spin out of control and collide. Often we spin so far away we lose sight of one another, of God and the wonders He created for us. Nachman of Bratslav understood this when he said, “Just as your hand, held before your eyes, can hide the tallest mountains -- so this earthly life can keep you from seeing the vast radiance that fills the universe.” But even as our individual, small worlds keep busily spinning, we can find a way -- and the time -- to see the radiance of the universe. All we need do is take our hands from our eyes and read the opening verses of Bereshit. From the text we learn -- as we learn every Simchat Torah -- that after God spent six days creating the heav-

ens and earth and all they contained, He brought into being His crowning achievement -- the Shabbat. The day that He blessed and called holy, and on which He rested from all the work He had made. Shabbat, says our tradition, is a gift from God. It is a day of sweetness, peace and delight -- when the cares and troubles of the past week are forgotten and we can rest, rejoice and be happy. The prophet, Jeremiah, said, “Take heed of the Sabbath, for the sake of your souls.” If, during the year, we forget this teaching, we can thank Simchat Torah for reminding us that Shabbat is a taste of the world to come -- a quiet haven when this world is too much with us. • • • • Another Simchat Torah lesson. According to the Psalms, in the Beginning, before He created any thing or any body, God created Wisdom. And this Wisdom, said the rabbis, was Torah. And, reasoned the rabbis, if God created the Torah before all else, He must have done so for a purpose. That purpose, they said, was so God could have a blueprint upon which to build the world. A midrash teaches that the Torah itself declared, “A human king builds a palace not according to his own ideas but according to the ideas of an architect. And the architect depends on parchment and tablets on which are drawn the plans for the rooms and entrances. I am God’s architect,” said the Torah, “and so did God look into me and, accordingly, create the world.” Now, if God looked into the Torah and followed its wisdom in the act of Creation, it seems logical that we - cast in His image -- should do the same. And what better time to follow Torah than on Simchat Torah! So. Let’s all march and dance and follow Torah around the synagogue in the holiday hakafot. Then, when the festival has ended, may we continue to follow its wisdom as the blueprint for building our personal worlds. Through the year, let us increase our study of Torah - to learn from it and rejoice in it -- as we help complete the work of Creation that God began for us -- Bereshit! Ozzie Nogg’s features take a slightly offbeat look at the history and observance of Jewish holidays, festivals and life-cycle events. For a peek inside her book -- Joseph’s Bones: A Collection of Stories -- visit her website -http://www.rabbisdaughter.com.

Temple Clergy to cover England, Hollywood, and Psalms with Adult Learners by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator All three of Temple Israel’s clergy, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet, will present an orientation at Adult Study with the Clergy on Thursday, Oct. 7, in the Milder Center at Temple. The popular study session has been a perennial adult education favorite for years. From 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays through June 2, the weekly teaching and discussion group offers an opportunity to get to know the clergy on a personal basis while learning more about Judaism. Beth Brodkey has attended Adult Study regularly for ten years. “There’s so much to learn,” she explained. “I love the people who are teaching it. Even when you go in thinking that you don’t really care about this (topic), it turns out to be wonderful. That’s because of the way it’s taught.” Cantor Shermet will introduce “The History of Judaism in England” on Oct. 14. Beginning with the first known community of Jews invited by William the Conqueror to England in the eleventh century, Cantor Shermet will explore the history and culture of Judaism in England, Ireland, and Scotland with the study participants. Many of us are aware of our Eastern European roots. This is an opportunity to learn about Judaism in the countries whose language we inherited. On Jan. 20, Rabbi Linder will begin an eye-opening two-month seminar on “Pop Theology.” With the Adult Study group, he’ll screen segments of well known movies and television programs, discussing Jewish themes and concepts the shows imply. Fun and educational, these sessions might prove that there’s more to Hollywood than you realize! Bring popcorn! Rabbi Azriel will conclude this year’s Adult Study curriculum beginning March 31 when he portrays the inner spiritual struggles of ordinary people as they grapple with adversity, bare their souls, display their anxieties, admit their doubts, rail against injustice, revel in

joy, and proclaim their thankfulness in the Book of Psalms. A revealing document of faith that opens a window allowing us to peer into the soul-life of ancient Israel, this book’s penetrating insights into the human condition imbue Psalms with eternal relevance. “I wouldn’t miss the class for anything!” emphasized Ann Kaiman. She has been going to Adult Study since the mid-1990s when Rabbi Debbie Stiel started it. “I’ve enjoyed going,” added Kaiman. “I get so much out of it, and I’ve made good friends there as well as being intellectually stimulated. The clergy are wonderful. The topics are interesting. The discussion among us is fascinating!” To register for Adult Study with the Clergy, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg at wgoldberg@ templeisraelomaha.com or at 556.6536. The fee is $45 for Temple members and $55 for other community members. Adult Study with the Clergy is among dozens of opportunities for meaningful learning offered by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.

BIRTH Sara and Lance Polikov of Atlanta, GA, announce the Sept. 19 birth of their son, Sawyer Alexander. He is named for his great-grandfathers, Saul Friedkin, Seymour Goldston, Albert Wagner and Abe Polikov. He has a sister, Hayden. Grandparents are Carol and Alan Friedkin of Youngstown, OH, and Sheila and Marvin Polikov. Grand-grandparents are the late Helen and Albert Wagner, Laura and Saul Friedkin, the late Ethel and Seymour Goldston, and Bernice and Abe Polikov.

October 1, 2010

A Cook’s Journey to Japan by Sarah Marx Feldner (Tuttle, $27.95)

READ IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Painfully bored when she was 28 author Sarah Marx Feldner quit her magazine job, sold her bungalow and moved to Japan. Previously, she lived and taught English as a second language in that same country. Her adventures and travels are the journeys in this cookbook...the stories, celebrations and recipes of mothers, grandmothers, cooks, fishermen, hostel owners and artists “who use these recipes to feed their families.” Following the descriptions of tools, utensils, techniques, essential ingredients and basic recipes are eight chapters - from Snacks & Salads to Vegetables & Tofu to Desserts & Drinks. The 100 recipes are listed on the “Contents” pages. Add one dish to your dinner or combine with others via the menu suggestions. Join Feldner on her journey with delightful personal anecdotes, sidebars, chapter and headnotes. The instructions are detailed and include cooking tips and fabulous color photographs. You don’t have to go to Japan for the ingredients. Try Aki Oriental Food on 84th Street, other oriental markets or the Asian section of your local grocery store to make Broiled Salmon (Shiojake),

Crispy Rice Snacks (Okoge), Ginger Rice (Shoga Gohan), the Japanese Get-Well-Soon Udon Soup (Kenchin Udon) or this basic recipe to add to many dishes. MARINATED MUSHROOMS 1 1/2 oz dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1 1/2 cups) 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon instant dashi powder 1. Place the mushrooms in a heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water over the mushrooms, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the mushrooms soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Remove the stems and discard. Reserve the soaking liquid. 2. Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, sugar and instant dashi powder in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 3. Place the hydrated mushrooms in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved mushroom water. Stir in the soy sauce mixture-the total liquid should only come halfway up the mushrooms, not cover them entirely. Add more mushroom water, if necessary. Simmer over medium-low heat until most of the liquid has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. (While simmering, skim off the bitter, white aku, or foam that rises to the top as the mushrooms cook.) 4. Enjoy the mushrooms cold or at room temperature. Makes about 1 1/2 cups Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Questions? Call 334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Yachad’s 2nd Annual Art Show and dessert reception by KAREN GUSTAFSON achieved over the year and some of the Jewish Family Sevice Director art work has already been for sale at the At this time last year Yachad members RBJH gift shop. were working hard on paintings, with the This year’s reception is not yet sponhelp of Carole Greenberg, and other art sored but JFS made the decision to move work for their very first community Art forward with this program due to the Show. Even with the snow on that January day, Yachad members had a successful day of showing and selling their art. As the pictures indicate, creating the art is one accomplishment but being able to show your art and to take pride in your own creation is quite another accomplishment. Our First Annual Jeff Steinberg explaining his art to Claudia Sherman in the JCC Art Show was sponGallery. sored by The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s personal satisfaction gained from each Special Donor Advised-Fund with the person who participated. There is no dessert reception co-sponsored by greater satisfaction than seeing the smiles Hadassah and The National Council of on each artists’ face and watching them Jewish Women (NCJW). With the help of blossom while they present their personal these generous donors, the Yachad pro- art work to friends and family. gram was able to keep all proceeds from We invite the entire community to visit their show to apply directly to the funds the JCC gallery during the month of necessary to provide monthly program- October to view the art work and maybe ming for all Yachad members. Some of even to put in a bid for your favorite the monthly programs include: bowling, piece. You are also invited to attend our art classes, self-defense classes, personal dessert reception on Oct. 31 from 11 training classes at the JCC, sporting a.m.-12:30 p.m. where you can meet events, Super Bowl and Hanukkah Party, the artists, our very own Yachad memetc. Our goal after last year was to create bers, and share in their joy. some glass mezuzahs. That goal has been

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

Seinfeld, Midler to headline Philly museum’s opening bash by JACOB BERKMAN and Michael and Susan Dell, two of the country’s most NEW YORK (JTA) -- Two of the country’s most generous families who are not known for giving prodifamous Jewish performers will highlight the opening of giously to explicitly Jewish causes. one of the most ambitious Jewish museum projects in “We like to say that the story we tell is their story,” years. Rosenzweig said. Jerry Seinfeld will emcee and Bette Midler will headQuite literally, the museum will tell the story of its visline a Nov. 13 gala to celebrate the official unveiling of itors -- one feature in its main exhibit will allow visitors the renovated National to videotape an interMuseum of American view about their own Jewish History in Jewish history. The Philadelphia, a $150 video will be e-mailed million project to place to the participants and the museum on the become a part of the city’s Independence museum’s archives. Mall and expand it The 25,000-squarefrom about 10,000 foot main exhibit is square feet to more entirely new and than 100,000. includes 30 films, all of The museum, which which were created will trace the history of especially for the museAmerican Jews from um and a number of the 1654 arrival in New never-exhibited artiAmsterdam of 20 Jews facts. A rendering of the renovated National Museum of American Jewish from Brazil until today, History in Philadelphia. Credit: NMAJH The museum has been will aim to attract some given a boost by the 250,000 visitors per year -- 10 times what it has tradi- fact that it has become a Smithsonian Institute affiliate tionally attracted since it opened in the mid-1970s. museum. Still, Rosenzweig feels that many of his donors “The opening is a celebration of an institution that is became involved because the museum is the story of focused most of all on connecting American Jews more their own successes. closely with their heritage and inspiring in all Americans “For certain donors, what was very attractive was the a greater diversity of the American experience and the story we tell. At its core it is a story of freedom, and of contribution they have made to this country,” the muse- what one ethnic group -- the Jews -- can achieve when um’s president and CEO, Michael Rosenzweig, told they are given the freedoms we enjoy under the JTA. “It was important for us to keep these purposes Constitution of this country,” he said. front of mind. And these two individuals” -- Seinfeld “Many took to heart that this was their story about and Midler -- “are highly successful and both very proud what they have achieved by virtue of those freedoms. of their Jewish heritage.”’ There are certain donors for whom philanthropy in the The museum, which received a lead $25 million gift organized Jewish community has not been a priority, but from Jones Apparel owner Sidney Kimmel, has attracted they have found this a compelling project.” some big names in Jewish philanthropy, including The museum has raised about $141 million, which Steven Spielberg, the Tisch family, Raymond and Ruth covers the $137 million cost of construction. By the Perelman, and Howard Millstein. opening Rosenzweig hopes to have pledges in hand covIt also has attracted billionaires Eli and Edythe Broad ering another $9 million for the start of a $13 million

endowment. That will have to grow to cover the museum’s $9 million annual operating budget. Ticket prices for the gala have not yet been announced, but proceeds will go toward the museum’s operating budget. Having Midler and Seinfeld, who are being paid to perform, will likely give the event a boost, Rosenzweig said. “They were at the very top of our list,” he said. “There were other individuals we were interested in, but they were both our first choices. We hit a home run in all respects.”

Just another day

On Monday, Oct. 4, the Jewish Federation of Omaha 2011 Women’s Campaign is hosting “Just Another Day” at the JCC Theater. “Just Another Day” is a multi media dance performance, catering to women of all ages (school age and older) in our community. It celebrates life by combining Israeli folk, modern, and belly dancing, and is performed by Israeli dancers from our Partnership with Israel against a backdrop of artwork by Kim Goldberg. In 2009, it was performed in Akko, Israel; local artist Kim Goldberg has been instrumental in bringing this event to Omaha. The performance will be followed by a dessert reception. The event will begin at 6:45 p.m., last for about 45 minutes; admission is free. For more information and to RSVP, contact Janie Murow at 334.6566 or jmurow@ jewish omaha.org

The gift you get back.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign

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October 1, 2010

Biking 3,100 miles for social change by PAUL ENTIS On Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 a.m., three friends from AVODAH, The Jewish Service Corps embarked on AVODAHcycle, a fundraising and awareness bike tour. The trio, led by AVODAH Corps member Emma Epstein, will bike more than 3,100 miles to raise $18,000 or more for AVODAH, an organization that strengthens the Jewish community’s fight against the causes and effects of poverty. Epstein, age 23, was joined by Alli Van Beek, 23 and JP Sauerlender, 24. Epstein, who served for the last 12 months at the CAIR Coalition, an organization that provides legal assistance to detained immigrants and asylum seekers, explained what drove her to take on this challenging endeavor. “As someone who worked on the front lines with immigrants who were imprisoned in more ways than one, I was constantly struck by the amount of freedom I had. It made me realize that I could take action beyond the work I was doing on a daily basis and hopefully inspire others to do the same,” said Epstein, who served her AVODAH year in Washington DC. To achieve their goal, the friends will bike an average of 60 miles each day from Washington DC to Seattle, Washington, stopping at synagogues and other Jewish communities along the way to speak about AVODAH and share how the program has impacted Epstein’s values and life direction. The itinerary includes stops in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Fairfield, IA, Omaha, Denver, San Francisco and her hometown, Seattle. AVODAH is a volunteer service corps that places participants in non-profit agencies that serve low-income communities. Epstein and seventeen other young adults have spent their time living in the nation’s capital, committed to pluralistic Jewish living, and learning about Jewish values through engaging in social justice. In addition to DC, AVODAH places Corps members in New York City, Chicago and New Orleans. Paul Entis, AVODAH’s DC Site Director, is excited about AVODAHcycle because it supports AVODAH at a time when foundations have cut back on their grant

making. In addition, Entis reflected that “Emma’s cross country trek is an outstanding platform to increase AVODAH’s visibility. We are anxious to make sure more people in the Jewish community know about and understand the critical work of our 65 Corps members.” The community organizations where AVODAH serves benefit from reduced staffing costs and having an educated, enthusiastic Corps member. Weekly programs provide on-going training and discussions so that Corps members can succeed in their work with children affected by HIV/AIDS, with ex-convicts studying to be chefs, with 40 year-olds who are working towards their GEDs. At times, Epstein found it difficult to manage the emotional reaction and grief that results from working in direct service. It is important to find ways to cope with new experiences; according to Epstein, “This year has been about embracing the kavanah, or the intention of Shabbat as a time to reflect on the week and devote time to self-healing and meditation.” AVODAH emphasizes the importance of rejuvenation and self-care. Through AVODAHcycle, Emma will chart 3,100 miles, stopping in cities and towns each Friday to speak at Jewish congregations about the impact of AVODAH in the Jewish and broader communities and raise funds for its programming costs. To Emma, each mile funds a Community Shabbat that gives corps members space to reflect on their work together. Each mile helps subsidize corps members' housing so that they may live on small stipends and save their placement organization thousands of dollars each year. Each mile feeds one more mouth, issues another HIV test, and saves someone’s social security insurance. Each mile progresses towards a more just society. To learn more about AVODAHcycle and support Emma's journey, visit avodahcycle.wordpress.com. Emma Epstein is the daughter of Mark and Ruth Epstein, of Seattle WA. She is the granddaughter of Ira Epstein, formerly of Omaha, and the niece of Tuffy and Helen Epstein, and Gloria Hyman, all of Omaha.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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From Rush to thrifting, OTYG learns about leadership in Jewish community by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Emily Katz who made a Temple Israel Communications presentation about her expeCoordinator riences at Camp Rainbow, a Omaha Temple Youth camp in Missouri for chilGroup kidnapped nine dren dealing with life threatfreshmen from their beds in ening illnesses; Haley Burns, mid-August, but their parand Grace Hack. ents were all in on the ruse. More than 20 OTYGers The upper classmen stole participated in the alternaaway the younger teens to tive Yom Kippur morning the Pancake House for service with Rabbi Eric breakfast and then to Linder. “I thought they Starbucks. The highlight of Above: OTYG members who attended the Leadership were excellent,” remarked the trip was via bus to Training Institute in Kansas City included, top row, Morissa Fran Coren who attended Mahoney State Park for fun Miller, left: Sophia Miller, Emily Katz, Grace Hack, Rachel the service. “They were very at the water slides, minia- Scheet, Jordan Jensen; middle row: Sophie Goldberg, Amy poised and seemed to be ture golf, and paddle boats. Katz, advisor; Hannah Budwig, Hannah Perry; on the floor: very involved in what was Rachel Scheet, member- Zane Fletcher and Haley Burns. Below: OTYG treated going on in the service.” ship co-vice president and a rushees to a day at Mahoney State Park. Now the teens are focussenior, said rush “has been ing their attention on Backgoing good. Membership is to-School Thrifting, a projgreat!” She added that ect to address consumption, Mahoney State Park was “a the unequal use of conlot of fun. There’s a whole sumer goods. Thrifting lot to do there.” refers to the act of shopping In September, seven at a thrift shop, flea market, OTYG Board members plus garage sale, or a shop of a three Regional Board memcharitable organization with bers who are from Omaha, the intent of finding interattended the annual Leadership Training Institute (LTI) in esting items -- in this case, school clothes -- at cheap Kansas City. Morissa Miller, a tenth grader, said she “had a prices. Youth group members will be talking about the lot of fun -- even more than I had last year,” when she was clothing industry, encouraging thrifting, and recycling a first-timer. I learned a lot about my position on the hand-me-downs. Each participant will be asked to bring board” (membership co-vice president). She also described gently-worn clothes to be delivered to the Stephen LTI as “a good bonding experience for our board.” Center, a homeless shelter. The youth groupers will then Others who attended were Jordan Jensen, president of visit some area thrift shops where they’ll each use OTYG; Zane Fletcher; Rachel Scheet; Sophia Miller; coupons to purchase a couple items of apparel to wear Sophie Goldberg; and Hannah Budwig. OTYG members to school themselves. Zane Fletcher and Sam Burrell are who sit on the Regional Board and also attended were co-chairing this project.

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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 9-29-09. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 50. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $36 US, $72 foreign. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 681542198, 402-334-6448; Contact Person: Lori Kooper-Schwarz, 402-334-6558. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher--Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Editor--Annette van de Kamp-Wright, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Creative Director--Richard Busse, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 10. Owner: Jewish Federation of Omaha, Inc., 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt for federal income tax purpose: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 9--30-10. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 955. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2047. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other NonUSPS Paid Distribution--150 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3157. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form--3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--110. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--120. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3277. h. Copies Not Distributed- 323. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) - 903. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2047. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--150. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--9 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3109. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--5 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--125. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--130. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3239. h. Copies Not Distributed--361 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct. 1, 2010, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner. Annette van de Kamp, Editor, 9-30-2010. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties).

Here’s a riddle: What’s fun to talk to, but hard to see, easily missed but familiar as your own name? Give up? An old friend, of course! Ok, I admit that a made up riddle is a cheap shot at the topic of old friends, but I never claimed to be an expert at such things Talking about old friends however, is another story altogether. While I may not be a world class expert, I’ll bet I rank up there in the top ten. If there’s anything I love to talk about, it’s people I’ve known since way back forever. Like a person I heard from recently, after quite a long time. To say we were little girls together would probably leave room for some smart alec cracks about the stone age, so let’s just leave it at “a very long time ago.” Actually, all I have to hear is her name, and it recalls my childhood in our old neighborhood, where we lived within a few blocks of each other. The grammar school we both attended was situated between her house and mine. Today, like I am, she’s all grown up and is a wife, mother and grandmother, and with her husband lives in Texas. They have close family ties here in Omaha, so are accustomed to visiting the old home town. Some years are busier than others, some provide special reasons for making an effort to see this old friend or that. This was my year, and I was so pleased to answer the phone to my old friend’s dear voice. We talked about everything under the sun, and a few topics that aren’t. We exchanged views on how difficult life can sometimes be, we traded stories about kids.....you know, we talked. After we settled all the world’s problems, she innocently asked if I was busy on the following Thursday, and it was at that moment I realized she wasn’t calling from Dallas, but from right here in the big O. We made a date, and I couldn’t wait to see her. The fateful Thursday finally came, and we got together. We sat down and the talking began, with nobody pausing to think up a topic. We knew and recalled so many of the

same stories, nobody was at a loss for words. And how great was that, you might ask? Well, super great would be my answer. Because, in addition to the pleasure of just hearing a story, whoever was telling it could (and often did) sprinkle the tale with a few Yiddish words here and there. True, my friends’s husband was more proficient at Yiddish than she was, but we all enjoyed the touch of mama loschen. And we laughed and laughed at things that others might not have found hilarious, but we surely did. That’s one of the riches of an old friendship....the shared memories of this or that....the “do you remembers?” The showing of current pictures of somebody from a person’s past - the exclamation such as “I’d never have known him!” All those things were so good, there’s hardly a word for the feeling. Unless maybe the word comfortable. - that would surely apply. You see, we knew each other’s parents and the inside of each other’s houses. We could have challenged each other to remember teachers’ names from never mind how many years ago. We didn’t, but we could have. After all, we had so many other things to talk about. Now, being Jewish as long as I have, I feel it’s also necessary to look at the subject of “new” friends. I’m not here to tell you they aren’t as good as old friends. Oh lord no! For one thing, my current friends are here and many of my old friends have taken their leave. Not only that, my current friends don’t know every last little stupid detail about me that I don’t think they need to know. They likely haven’t heard this embarrassing story my oldest friends could tell, and hooray for that. I mean, how important is it anyway? Your old friends knew you when you were guilty of the dumb stunt and it didn’t matter. Why open an old can of worms? Who needs to know? But our new friends fit our lifestyle today, so to speak. They know us as we are, not as we were. And today is really what counts, or at least I think so. Well, choose up sides and pick your favorite. As for me I’m so grateful to have both my oldest and current friends, I can hardly stand it. Young. Old. Recent. Ancient. Who cares? As the old timers from the generation before mine often said, ah bie gezunt. Who could argue with that? Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

Bible quiz honors memory of late Edward Zorinsky by TOBYE SWICHKOW for the Henry Monsky Lodge-B’nai B’rith The Twenty-Fifth Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz will be held Tuesday evening, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center, announced Gary Javitch, President of Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 B’nai B’rith. According to Javitch, the purpose of the Quiz is to encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with their heritage, the Bible. It is also to honor the memory of the late Senator Edward Zorinsky, who had a special concern for Jewish young people. While the Lodge is the sponsor of the Quiz, the program has been developed in conjunction with Omaha’s synagogues and Jewish youth groups. “It adds a bit of fun to Jewish education,” Javitch said. First prize is $600.00, second prize is $350.00, third place is $250.00 and fourth place is $125.00. The prize monies can be applied toward college tuition, a trip to Israel or an approved Jewish camp or educational program sponsored by a local or national Jewish organization. In addition to these prizes, any contestant who answers 3 questions correctly during the preliminary round will be given $20.00 cash at the end of the evening. The contest winner will receive $50.00 cash. The contest is open to all Jewish teenagers in the Omaha area who are in grades nine through twelve. The subject for the 25th Annual contest is based on

the Books of Genesis and Jonah. Prior to the contest, the contestants will be asked to read the assigned books. “Any teenager, regardless of previous Jewish education, who thoroughly reads the required material, can compete,” said Steven Riekes, a Trustee of the Lodge who originated the Quiz concept. “The quiz is not hard,” he added. “Sample questions will be given to contestants in advance and practice sessions will be held.” He also said that “Every teenager who enters the contest becomes a winner, because every educated person should be familiar with the Bible.” Javitch said that the Lodge is extremely pleased with the cooperation it has received in putting on this event. The Quiz is held in conjunction with our new Omaha Jewish Community High School. Also, as they have done for the past twenty-four years, each of the synagogues, their youth groups and their schools, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization are all assisting in the contest. Those interested in entering the contest may do so by submitting their name along with their parents’ names, address and zip code, email address, telephone number, high school and grade to the B’nai B’rith Office, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154, or by calling Tobye at 334.6443 or sending an email to bnaibrith@jewish omaha.org. by Nov. 2. Additional information may be obtained by calling Steve Riekes at 333.8498 or 492.9800.

Lincoln Jewish Federation upcoming events The Jewish Federation of Lincoln invites you to a performance at the Lied Center of Fiddler on the Roof, on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a reception sponsored by the Federation at the Lied's Steinhardt Room. Dessert, coffee, and soda will be served. The Federation has secured a block of tickets with the special price of $37.50 for adults and $22.00 for children. To purchase tickets and for more information, please contact the Jewish Federation of Lincoln at 402.472.6761. Payment must be received by Friday, Oct. 1, to allow time to process the tickets. Tickets can be picked up at the Lied box office on the night of the event.

Nebraska-Texas Football Tickets - Silent Auction to benefit the Jewish Federation of Lincoln. Support the Federation and your Nebraska Cornhuskers at the same time! The Federation is auctioning a pair of tickets to the Nebraska-Texas football game on Oct. 16 as a fundraiser for this year’s campaign. The seats are in the East Balcony of Memorial Stadium (Section 102). Please submit bids (minimum $200) to kenbloom@unl.edu. The person submitting the highest bid by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10, will receive the tickets as thanks for their donation to the Federation.

October 1, 2010

Kripke Library adds evening hours by GARY KATZ Library Administrator, Center for Jewish Education The Kripke Jewish Federation is pleased to announce new library hours starting Oct. 4. The library will now be open on Wednesday evenings until 6 p.m. In addition, the library will change its weekday hours, staying open until 5 p.m. on Mondays. During the rest of the week, the library will retain the same hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, staying open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. New Library Hours Beginning October 4: Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, please contact me at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Terry D. Clark Editor, Journal of Baltic Studies, Professor of Political Science at Creighton University will discuss “Ehr Kumt (He's coming!) The Rosh Hashanah Sermon of the Century: a warning from an ACLU Rabbi on Wednesday, Oct. 6, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Blue Pomegranate Art Gallery will show Balance, an exhibit featuring seven women who comment on life with art. Opening reception: Friday Oct. 1, from 5 – 8 p.m. 6570 Maple St. The show continues through October during regular gallery hours: Tuesday Friday, Noon-5pm • Saturdays 10 am - 3 pm. For more information, contact the gallery or Anne Nye 402.763.4659 or visit the website at www.blue pom.com. The PBS television series God in America explores the tumultuous 400-year history of the intersection of religion and public life in America, from the first European settlements to the 2008 presidential election. The sixhour series airs Monday, Oct. 11 - Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. CT on NET1 and in high definition on NET-HD. The series interweaves documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians. For more information, visit www.netNebraska. org/television.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Beth El’s Shabbat celebrations for children sure to delight community’s families by JILL BELMONT am trying to create an interactive, physically participatoBeth El Publicity Coordinator ry service where the children -- and the parents, if they There may not be many guarantees in life, but it’s a would like to participate -- have the opportunity to not sure bet that Beth El’s upcoming Shabbat celebrations only learn the words to the Friday night service and the for youngsters will delight families throughout the melodies, but to actually live the service by singing, Jewish community. moving, and praying through a hands-on experience.” After a summertime hiatus, the synagogue’s monthly Linda Saltzman said she and her husband, Kevin, will Tot Shabbat service, geared to children from infancy be returning to Say Shalom with their children, Ari and through age six, will return on Friday, Oct. 8, at 6 Dina. Linda explained that during last year’s programs, p.m., led once again by early-childhood specialist “Miss she appreciated “how the kids could express concepts that Patty” Nogg. This lively, interactive service has attracted reflect the thoughts of elementary-school children. The families from throughout the entire Jewish community, kids could participate in the service by reading, answering and is a wonderful way for more complex questions grandparents, parents and and enjoying a quieter, more little ones to enjoy welcomage-appropriate experience ing Shabbat in a casual, kidwith their peers.” friendly atmosphere. Songs, Melissa Schop’s family will storytelling and rituals also be back for both Tot learned through hands-on Shabbat and Say Shalom! to activities keep the children Shabbat. engaged and connect them “I like it because it is a to Jewish traditions. great way to keep both my “We attend Tot Shabbat kids engaged and enthusiasevery chance we get,” said tic about Shabbat services, Erika Lucoff, a regular even with the age and attendee with her husband, developmental disparity,” Patty Nogg, left, will once again lead Beth El’s fun-filled, Phil, and their sons Jake and Schop said. “Sarah used to monthly Tot Shabbat programs, which feature singing, creOliver. “Jake and Ollie complain about coming to ative movement and story-telling. always look forward to the Tot Shabbat with us opportunity to go and have dinner with their friends at because she was bored with all the little kids. Now she ‘the brick building’ -- that is what my kids call Beth El. looks forward to coming on Friday nights. It is a perBeing fairly new to Omaha, I know for Phil and me it has fect way to spend Shabbat together as a family.” been a great opportunity to meet people and has really Dinners are held for all Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom made us feel part of a community. Because of Tot Shabbat, families after each program; for planning purposes, reserour family feels extremely comfortable coming to the syn- vations are required. For the upcoming program, dinner agogue for other events, holidays and occasions.” cost is $5 for Beth El members, and $7.50 for nonMeeting other young, Jewish families at these pro- members, for reservations made by Wednesday, Oct. 6; grams has been a plus for Caryn Scheer; the mother of after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No three also enjoys watching her daughter, Cadee, make charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact her own Jewish connection during the service. Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik in the office, “I really enjoy taking my family to Tot Shabbat each 492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. month,” she said. “Because the service is directed to Upcoming Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom! to Shabbat young children, Cadee is able to participate and get programs are scheduled on the following days: Nov. 12 involved. I love watching her develop a Jewish identity. and Dec. 3; programs in 2011 are scheduled for Jan. 7, She has recently begun doing the Hamotzi at meal times Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6. and she joins in during many of the Shabbat songs. It’s Also making a return appearance this fall (date to be absolutely wonderful to see.” announced) is the synagogue’s popular Saturday mornScheer and her husband, Mark, also take their nine- ing “Shabbat Tunes & Tales,” a spirited sing-along for month-old twin sons to the service, and although children from infancy through age five and their favorite they’re quite young, Caryn says, “I am certain that they adult(s), also led by Patty Nogg. Future Tunes & Tales already recognize several of the Shabbat tunes.” programs are scheduled for Jan. 29, and April 16. For children who have graduated from Tot Shabbat Finally, a special “PJ Havdalah: BESTT Bash Ever” is age, the synagogue offers “Say Shalom! to Shabbat,” a scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 15, from 5:45 p.m. to celebration returning for its second year, for children 7:30 p.m. During this special event, toddlers to sixth ages six to 10. This fun-filled program, this year led by graders (divided into age-appropriate groups) and their Cantor Beth Schlossberg, is held in a relaxed setting (in families will enjoy activities, games, art projects, dinner a little nook outside of the social hall), and takes place at and a special Havdalah service. the same time as Tot Shabbat – a convenience for famiAll family Shabbat activities are open to all families in lies with children in both age groups. the Jewish community. For more information about any Cantor Schlossberg said that through Say Shalom, “I of these programs, contact Margie Gutnik in the office.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Questions? Call 334.6448.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

Poor by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press While I was growing up in Holland, money was never an issue. There was a thriving business, a nice house, plenty of good dinners, foreign vacations, and mega-shopping for new wardrobes twice a year. We didn’t talk about money; it was simply always there. Money for tennis lessons, expensive birthday presents, and – like clockwork – a shiny new family car every four years. In college, although my friends and I were perpetually broke, there was a sort of bohemian romanticism to it. ‘Broke’ doesn’t mean a thing when you can visit your family on the weekend to replenish and enjoy the good life. And by the way, that second-hand furniture came from well-to-do family members, rather than the Salvation Army. We were all, without exception, terribly spoiled. We took things for granted; we never doubted we would end up just like our parents. Even now, when we have all grown up a little, and we know all about scrimping and saving, about the difficulty of making ends meet, keeping our bills under control and our kids happy, poverty seems an alien concept. Poverty happens in Charles Dickens novels; it means sleeping in a cardboard box, having holes in your shoes and being on your way to nowhere. It means begging from strangers and never having clean hands. But in this day and age, poverty has more than one face. “Money doesn’t make me happy”, my father used to say, “but it’s sure hard when you don’t have it.” We are all finding out exactly how hard; the economy has tanked, and everybody is scared of what will happen next. At the same time, I think many people (me included) are so tired of talking about the recession, tired of discussing how our investments dwindled, how we simply can’t give our children everything they want. Instead, we smile and tell each other we’re fine, and surely next year will be better. The new kind of poverty, the one that affects

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the middle and sometimes even the upper class means saying ‘no’ much more often. It means a household with two working parents, where after all the bills are paid, there is no money left for extras. No vacations, no extra curricular activities, no new car. No indulgent visits to Whole Foods or the salon, no clothes without a sale sticker, no saving for college or anything else. It’s a kind of poverty that is easy to hide, because those that experience it often don’t show any outward signs of distress. They have a roof over their heads, they have a car (even if it’s not a shiny new Mercedes) and the kids go to a good school. They have the basics, but not much more; they live in perpetual fear. One unexpected disaster, and everything comes crumbling down. When I take a close look at what makes my family happy and fulfilled, it’s those extras that come after the basics. It’s knowing that my kids attend a fantastic school, that they have a wonderful summer camp to go to, that they can visit the library any time they want. They can swim in the JCC pool, and we have programming and after school care that is safe and won’t show up on the evening news, accompanied by a horror story. Many of the things that my family considers ‘extras’ are funded at least in part by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. I know, that is a really, really shameless plug. But as a vibrant community we have to ask ourselves: how long will we stay that way if we don’t all face the facts and make this campaign a success? Sure, it is September, and we are already tired of all the fundraising letters in our mailbox. It’s true, we can’t

give to every cause, and we can’t do it all. However, when we think about how many people depend on the Federation to help out when needed, we can’t deny that we all have a responsibility to make this happen. It’s not just a food pantry, it’s not just about scholarships; it’s about the entire building. It’s the pool, Jewish Family Services, Friedel and Kidz Inn, JCC Summer camp and the Kripke Library with its wonderful film festival. It’s the CDC, the Center for Jewish Education, the Anti Defamation League and the Institute for Holocaust Education. It’s the art gallery and the dance studio and the Historical Society, and yes, even the Press. The list goes on and on. None of these things would exist without the Jewish Federation. A Jewish community without all these programs? Now that would be real poverty. So let’s all dig deep and give until it hurts. Because no matter how tough things get, not giving would be a whole lot tougher. And whatever you give, you get back with interest. Admit it: we don’t want to end up living in a Charles Dickens novel. The accent alone would be too hard to master.

BEHIND THE HEADLINES by DANNY DANON JERUSALEM (JTA) – On Sunday, Sept. 26, we will celebrate the end of the ill-advised building moratorium in the Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Ten months ago, Israel unilaterally declared this unprecedented step as a supposed incentive to encourage the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. We now find ourselves in an extremely weakened strategic position as we begin peace talks under threats from all sides that all will be lost unless we extend and increase this freeze on people's lives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told me repeatedly in private, as he has told the Israeli people, that all citizens of Israel will be allowed to build again beginning next week. This is the right policy for Israel, and the Likud Party together with a majority of Israeli citizens will provide full backing to the prime minister on this important decision. There are numerous reasons why the building moratorium policy was the wrong decision at the wrong time for Israel. Leaving aside the extreme unjust implications on the lives of our citizens, the longterm strategic damage of the freeze is something that must be rectified immediately. Israel has never before declared a building freeze -- even when negotiations with the Palestinians were at their most intense under

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Ill-advised settlement freeze weakened Israel strategically the left-wing governments of Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak. There was sound strategic thinking behind this policy: Why should we declare at the outset that our historic and legal claims to these lands are less legitimate than those of the Palestinians? Why should we put our peoples' lives on hold while our Palestinian neighbors continued to build unabated, putting facts on the ground in this disputed territory as they expand their existing cities -- even building a brand-new metropolis with full financial and logistic support from the Americans and the Europeans? We now enter these negotiations with an extremely dangerous fait accompli: that it is illegitimate to build anywhere in Judea and Samaria, and doing so somehow is more dangerous to the prospects for peace than the thousands of rockets aimed at Israeli population centers by the Hamas regime in Gaza. This is not the ideology of the Likud Party and its coalition partners, who triumphed in the 2009 elections. Rather it’s the viewpoint of extreme left-wing groups that have been discredited at the ballot box. From a pure humanitarian standpoint, the freeze has been highly unfair to the Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria. It is important to remember that these Israeli citizens have broken no laws. On the contrary, a vast majority of them were encouraged by successive Israeli governments and all the leading political parties -- Labor, Likud and Kadima -- to settle in these historic areas. These "settlers" are the

Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

cream of the crop of the Israeli population, serving in our most elite army units and active in all parts of Israeli cultural, business and social life. Last November, the Israeli government decided out of the blue to essentially freeze their lives. Since then, young couples have been unable to build new homes for which they already had begun paying mortgages. Families have been prohibited from expanding their houses for their growing families. Our government basically has designated the residents of Judea and Samaria as secondclass citizens, enacting draconian rules that don't apply to anyone else in our country. Some Netanyahu supporters have claimed that the objective of the freeze was to call Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' bluff and unmask his real intentions about his unwillingness to reach a negotiated settlement to this century-old conflict. This, too, is a dangerous strategy that has been tried before. Barak publicly made that argument with reference to Yasser Arafat following the failed Camp David talks in the summer of 2000. We all know the results of that experiment: almost a decade of Palestinian-instigated bloodshed that claimed the lives of more than a thousand innocent Israeli citizens. We cannot risk repeating this mistake. It is clear now that our government policy regarding a building moratorium in Judea and Samaria was mistaken from both a moral and strategic standpoint. Continued on page 13

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Netanyahu’s choice FOCUS ON ISSUES by JEREMY BEN-AMI WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The State of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are fast approaching a fork in the road. Down one path lies a future of settlement expansion, continued control over the entire West Bank and a population under Israeli rule in which non-Jews outnumber Jews. Some Israelis to the prime minister’s right see no problem on this path. They are consciously supporting a “one-state solution” in which Israel keeps all the land without addressing how non-Jews maintain the rights necessary to maintain Israel’s democratic character. Others, like Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, believe this is Israel’s path by default, since there is no way to achieve peace in this generation. The cost to Israel of going down this path, however, is further international isolation and a place as a pariah among the nations. Down this path lies never-ending conflict and little promise of long-term security, or even survival, for the nation-state of the Jewish people. The other choice is compromise, some of it painful to many Israelis. On this path, Israel establishes an eastern border based on the pre-1967 borders (with equal land swaps) and builds only within that border, relinquishing dreams of Greater Israel. It removes far-flung settlements and relocates their Jewish residents within the country’s borders. It acknowledges Arab East Jerusalem as the capital of a new Palestinian state and agrees to compensate Palestinian refugees. In return, Israel will get solid international commitment to its security and legitimacy, recognition of its borders and acceptance in the region by its neighbors. Stark choices also face those in the United States who care deeply about Israel’s future and about peace and stability in the Middle East. On the left, some criticized the new direct Israeli-

Palestinian peace talks as fruitless before they even began and are now preparing to badmouth any compromises made to keep alive the chances of negotiated resolution to the conflict. Their aversion to Netanyahu makes it hard for them to accept that he may be the one best positioned to lead them to the promised land of peace. Their answers -increasing international pressure on Israel, holding out for other leadership or banking on a solution imposed by a U.S. president or the United Nations -- are far more likely dead ends than paths to conflict resolution. On the right, some already are laying the groundwork for blaming the eventual collapse of the talks on the Palestinians. They highlight a “settlement freeze” during which thousands of units of new housing were built over the pre-1967 Green Line and then ask why Palestinians won’t acknowledge Israel as a “Jewish state” at the start of talks they say should have “no preconditions.” Theirs, too, is a dead-end path filled with zerosum politics and blame games. So here we all are at the fork in the road, in search of the path that brings stability to the Middle East, peace to all its people and long-term security for Israel as the democratic, national home of the Jewish people. For the prime minister, the first step on the road should be to suspend settlement construction just a bit longer -- not even a full freeze, simply the compromise that he himself shaped last fall -- so that negotiations can continue. Down the road it will mean far tougher concessions and sacrifices -- on both sides. But defining a border ends the debate over settlements forever, and whatever building is delayed in the short term can be quickly and legitimately undertaken in communities that through negotiation are recognized as within the State of Israel. For the American Jewish community, it is time to move past recriminations and finger pointing, to stop worshiping the ideal and to accept the possible. It is time to pledge support to any Israeli prime minister who chooses to make the tough decisions needed to end the conflict though a negotiated two-state solution.

Israel, a fall guy unto the nations?

FOCUS ON ISSUES by SHAI FRANKLINI NEW YORK (JTA) -- Let’s not be fooled. The opening weeks of the United Nations General Assembly feature numerous side meetings between Jewish organizations and dozens of visiting dignitaries. Many of the Europeans, and possibly some Arab delegates as well, will be expressing sympathy if not encouragement for Israel’s potential need to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. One prominent Western leader has looked me in the face and said that if the rest of the world does not succeed in halting Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, we must all accept that Israel will act on its own. The United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to the United States recently said publicly that an Israeli strike would be preferable to a nuclear Iran. Wow. As governments increasingly support international sanctions to punish Iran or prevent it from developing a deliverable nuclear weapon, they also believe that a direct military strike may ultimately be the only way to stop a resolute, and resourceful, rogue regime. And they are all praying that Israel will avoid involving them in any strike it may carry out -- entirely on its own initiative, of course. Last April, President Obama said that “The message we’re sending here ... is that for you to assist a terrorist organization to obtain nuclear material or nuclear weapons, or for you as a state to actively pursue a proliferation agenda is one that will leave you outside of our negative assurances” that the United States will not launch a nuclear attack. In July, acknowledging Israel’s absence from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty -- and with Prime Minister Netanyahu at his side -- Obama stressed “that Israel has unique security requirements. It’s got to be able to respond to threats or any combination of threats in the region. And that’s why we remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security. And the United States will never ask Israel to take any steps that would undermine their security interests.” But even if the United States stands by Israel following an attack on Iran, will any other countries follow suit, or will they revert to the usual anti-Israel pile-on?

As Israel’s attack on Iraq’s Osirak reactor three decades ago should remind us, the private relief in many world capitals was masked by public condemnation of Israeli aggression. And Iraq at the time posed little retaliatory threat to anyone outside its mortal struggle with the Islamic Republic of Iran, nor was there any significant terrorist network to bother anyone. Iran today has the means to harass shipping along the Gulf, to mount terror campaigns across the Middle East, and to sow unrest across Europe and Latin America. Restive Muslim populations will see an Israeli attack as a Western plot under any circumstances, and nations will rush to condemn Israel and call for sanctions or worse. On which side of the bed will the moderate Arabs and robust Europeans wake up the morning after an Israeli attack? Will they line up to thank Israel for ridding the entire world of a serious and substantive threat? Will they claim credit for providing Israel with overflight rights or in-air refueling technology? Or will they demand a blanket ban on all flights to and from Israel? That’s just for starters. Let’s hope to be pleasantly surprised if the worst-case scenario compels Israel to attack and the European Union and NATO cheer it on. More likely, Israel will become the new pariah and many Europeans will happily shed the vestiges of Holocaust guilt. As Jewish leaders meet with the assorted foreign ministers and occasional heads of state during these hectic weeks and beyond, they should encourage the VIPs to go on record with their assurances and sympathies for the military contingency. Few if any will do so, but it is important for the Jewish community to be on record with these governments, to put them on the spot now. Anything that might mitigate the negative reactions following an Israeli strike -- should such a costly attack become unavoidable -- could make these ritualistic courtesy calls that much more useful today. At the very least, then, these leaders will know that we put little stock in the promises of princes. We are not fooled, and we will hold the international community responsible for letting the clock run out because they know Israel will do the dirty work and become the global fall guy -- no Israeli leader could do otherwise. We should make no mistake, and neither should they. Shai Franklin is a senior fellow for United Nations Affairs with the Institute on Religion and Public Policy.

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, said last week that he anticipates opposition from some parts of the American Jewish community as Israel makes further moves for peace, and he appealed for support from American Jews as Israel prepares to take risks for peace. It’s not the first time an Israeli official has lamented the lack of vocal support for efforts to reach peace from Jewish Americans. Support from Jewish Americans is never short when Israel is at war, under attack or simply under pressure. But when it makes moves for peace, support can be much harder to come by. The fork in the road is clear for the prime minister and for American Jews. The time for decision is now. Jeremy Ben-Ami is the president and founder of J Street.

Ill-advised settlement freeze Continued from page 12 The good news is that this mistake can be rectified. If the prime minister and his Cabinet stay true to their word and end the freeze, then we will make clear to our own citizens, the Palestinians and the world our true intentions and goals. We all want peace and an end to this conflict, but we are not ready to enact ill-advised, unjust and dangerous policies that only serve extreme elements on all sides while moving us further away from the peaceful and prosperous existence for which we so desperately strive. Danny Danon is the deputy speaker of Israel’s Knesset and chairman of World Likud.

What’s on Eighth? An Israeli Simchat Torah Primer “On the eighth day you shall hold a solemn gathering” Numbers 29.35.

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER Growing up in America, I always knew about the concept of “yom tov sheni shel galuyot.” According to this tradition, for each holy day of a festival, two are celebrated by those Jews living outside of Israel. I always wondered, however, about the Simchat Torah holiday. On the other festival holy days (the first day of Succot, the first and last days of Passover, and the Shavuot holiday) it was clear to me that the second day outside of Israel was basically a duplication of the first. But after the seven-day holiday of Succot (one holy day plus 6 days of festival in Israel, 2 holy days plus 5 days of festival outside of Israel), we Jews in the Diaspora celebrated Shmini Atzeret (“the eighth day of assembly”) and Simchat Torah (on the eighth and ninth days, respectively). Unlike the other “second days,” here seemed to be an example not of mere duplication but of a separate “second day” holiday--Simchat Torah. What then I wondered: what went on in Israel? If Israelis did not have two holy days at the end of Succot, when did they celebrate both Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah? Since I will be celebrating my fourteenth Simchat Torah in Israel this year, I think I have finally grasped what goes on here during this holiday (believe it or not, the process took me a few years). For the ritually curious, all of the rites that are celebrated in the Diaspora over two days are packed into one day: the special prayer for rain, the Yizkor memorial prayer and the hakafot (“circuits”) with the Torahs, etc. all occur on the one day of Simchat Torah in Israel. Yes, for all intents and purposes there is no Shmini Atzeret in Israel, there is only Simchat Torah. It’s true that the liturgy speaks not of “Simchat Torah” but of the “holiday of the eighth day of assembly,” but the central rite of the holiday, the completion of the Torah cycle with the reading of the end of Deuteronomy and the renewal of the cycle with the reading of the beginning of Genesis, carries the spirit of the day. An interesting aspect of Simchat Torah is that it provides the only case where Israel alone repeats a major holiday rite. I am talking here about “hakafot shniyot,” a second night of dancing with the Torah, that has come into vogue throughout Israel. Hakafot shniyot takes Continued on page 15

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

Candlelighting Friday, October 1, 6:48 p.m.

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

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

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

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 Prayer Group 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

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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 8: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Bucky Greenberg, former Olympic Swimmer, will speak on Exercise and Health. The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Morning service with Hakafot, 9:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:10 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.; The Mystique of Judaism, 10 a.m. with Andy Greenberg; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Frydman-Levin. BESTT: Seventh Grade Family Education Program, Belonging (to the Jewish community), Sunday, 10 a.m.–noon. Parents and students will explore the implications of coming of age as a Jewish adult. Judy Rubin, Education Director, will lead the program. TOT SHABBAT & SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: On Friday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m. Service is followed by dinner. For reservations made by Wednesday, Sept. 29, dinner cost is $5 for Beth El members, $7.50 for non-members; after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@beth el-omaha.org. LEARNER’S SERVICE: Saturday, Oct. 9, 10:15-11:15 a.m., geared to those wishing to learn the basic structure and prayers of the Shabbat service.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 3:30 p.m. will discuss A Sonata for Miriam by Linda Olsson. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

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: Simchat Torah Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 6:48 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Guard Your Tongue,” “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up), one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 6:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel. blog spot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Hakafot, 11 a.m.; Kiddush, 12:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.; Shabbat dinner, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be

awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Oneg, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. 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; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; Memorial service for Mary Hale, 2 p.m. led by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

She has a sister, Anna. Grandparents are Alla and Mark Rubezhin, and Esta and Grigoriy Dubov. Sarah Elizabeth Warren, daughter of Alice Kriz and Mitchell Warren, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Chavurah B e t h Shalom. Sarah is a eighth-grade student at N y a c k Middle School in Nyack, NY. She

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet. Let’s gather to celebrate Evie Zysman’s 100th Birthday and greet her as she receives a blessing in honor of this special milestone. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: WRJ Race for the Cure, 8 a.m.; Teachers Meeting, 8:45 a.m.; Grades Pre-K-6, 10 a.m. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. Join them by contacting Program Director Wendy Goldberg, 556.6536 or wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha. com. An Adult B’nai Mitzvah ceremony is scheduled for May 13. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Grade 7 B’nai Tzedek meeting with Janie Murow, 6:30 p.m.; Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m. with Mor Sheinbein; Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy” Orientation, 10 a.m.; Leadership Development, 79 p.m.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP There will be no services until after Simchat Torah. Services will resume Oct. 9.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.

BAR MITZVAH Veronica Dubov, daughter of Tanya and Ilya Dubov, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Beth El. Veronica is a eighthgrade Honor Roll student at Kiewit Middle School. She has received awards for leadership academy, clarinet band, figure skating medals, and for completing basketball camps Her interests include dancing, playing Clarinet, and cooking.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

is a member of National Junior Honor Society and Nyack Middle School Ambassadors. Her interests include acting, singing, fencing, cooking, reading and travel. For his mitzvah project, Sarah volunteers at the Soup Angels soup kitchen. She has a brother, Luke. Grandparents are former Omahans Marilyn and Marty Warren of Chesterfield, MO, John and Diana Kriz, and Oriel Eaton. Great-grandparents are Dave and the late Jeanne Dvorkin, and the late Bejamin and the late Lillian Warren.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office is closed on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah; Questions? Call 334.6448.

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Shacharit, 8:30 a.m.; Shabbat service, 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Yahrzheit minyan for Julius Misle, 7 p.m.

Evie Zysman to be honored at Temple Shabbat Service by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Evie Zysman will be honored and share a few words on Friday, Oct. 1 at the 6 p.m. Shabbat worship service at Temple Israel. Zysman, who turns 100 this year, was last year’s Jewish Federation of Omaha Humanitarian of the Year which was one of dozens of titles and awards bestowed on her for her devotion to children’s education and numerous other social justice issues. Her mantra has always been, “I believed, and I still believe, that to take responsibility as a citizen, you must give. You must be active.”

October 1, 2010

The Harvest Festival

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Sukkot Reading The writer of the passages in Torah about Sukkot has misunderstood what every Boy Scout knows, i.e. that when you set up a camp in the open country, you do not build a Sukkah, a structure with walls of wood or plywood and a cover of canvas. The Boy Scout knows that the best you can do is to set up a lean-to, where you can sleep or live, away from the sun by day and the winds by night. The writer of those passages about Sukkot assumes that the children of Israel carried away from Egypt the necessary wood or plywood and tarpaulin to provide shelter in the open country. The farmer who has gone to harvest his fields, and does not want to return to his home every night, does know how to build a lean-to for the night with the most modest materials. He has no intention of schlepping wood or plywood to make a sizable hut or Sukkah. He wants only to have a serviceable lean-to, so that he does not have to return home each night, until he has finished his harvest. Nonetheless, we are accustomed to following the instructions of the Torah, to build Sukkot on this harvest festival. An amusing story: a landowner in our time was annoyed by the building of a clumsy little structure on his land by a Jewish family that rented that plot of ground. He ordered it taken down. When the family refused, he hauled them to court. The judge, a Jew, ordered the family to take down the structure within ten days. The owner of the land was satisfied; the family smiled and agreed that the Sukkah would be taken down within the ten days, for Sukkot would be over by that time.

What’s on Eighth? An Israeli Simchat Torah Primer Continued from page 14 place this year on Thursday September 30, the evening after Simchat Torah in Israel, a time that is technically a weekday here. Because of this, the hakafot are accompanied by live music. The custom is helped by the fact that children do not have school the next day (and thus many people take off from work). In Givat Ze’ev, the music is provided by a local professional key-board player accompanied by a number of other musicians (a number that is dependent both on the financial situation of the municipality and whether or not a mayoral election is approaching). I have no idea exactly what percentage of Israeli Jews celebrate Simchat Torah. I do know that as a religious person, it’s nice to live in a country where my local town government sponsors hakafot shniyot. Yet, as usual, I will be bothered by the fact that practically all of the people who will be celebrating hakafot shniyot in Givat Ze’ev will be religious. After all, there are both religious and cultural reasons to dance with a Torah. It pains me that almost no secular residents of Givat Ze’ev find reason to celebrate at hakafot shniyot. The national religious camp in Israel is currently undergoing a great deal of soul searching about how to bridge the religious-secular divide that was so much in evidence this past summer. Judging from my experience in Givat Ze’ev, there is plenty of work to do on issues of Jewish culture before one gets to issues of Jewish theology. Plus, as hakafot shniyot demonstrate, it’s a whole lot more fun. Happy Holiday. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest two, Nathan and Rebecca, recently completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces; their daughter Ruthie is still serving in the IDF. Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvi sion.net.il.

DEATHS SHIRLEY BITTNER Shirley Bittner passed away on Sept. 22 at the age of 81. Services were held Sept 26 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Sam Bittner. She is survived by daughters and son-in-laws, Debbie and John Breeden, Marty and Mark Gorcos, and Maureen and Eric Burch; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Linda McSharry; daughter, Miriam Henggeler; 10 grandchildren; sister, Connie Elston; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to your charity of choice.

Freeze over, U.S. trying to push talks by JTA NEWSSTAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The Obama administration says it is seeking ways to advance the Israeli-Palestinian talks in light of the end of Israel’s partial moratorium on settlement building. We recognize that given the decision yesterday, we’ve still got a dilemma that we have to resolve and there are no direct negotiations scheduled at this point, but we will be in touch with the parties to see how we move ahead,” P.J. Crowley, the State Department spokesman, said Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to extend the moratorium beyond its Sept. 26 expiration date, despite pleas from the Obama administration and demands from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas backed down from earlier threats to leave direct talks if the moratorium was not extended, but said at a joint news conference Monday in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy that he will seek advice from the Arab League next week before making a decision. The Arab League’s 22 member countries gave Abbas the green light to relaunch negotiations with Israel in late July. We are not rushing to respond and we will study the consequences and their effect on the negotiations,” the PA leader said. “After meetings and consultations we will formulate a stance and provide the Palestinian response to the cessation of the freeze.” Crowley suggested that the United States would urge Arab nations to encourage Abbas to stay in the talks. “We will have further conversations with key countries in the coming days, and we hope that the Arab League meeting will continue to affirm its support for the process,” he said. Crowley joined the United Nations and the British government in expressing “disappointment” that Netanyahu had not extended the partial freeze on building in parts of the West Bank. At the news conference, Sarkozy said that “Israel must stop building in the settlements.” The French leader said he would invite Abbas, Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to hold peace talks in Paris next month. Abbas met Sunday in Paris with Jewish writers and intellectuals.

Soup’s on. Sandwiches, too. For several Fridays in a row, because of the Jewish holidays, the CLOSED sign has hung outside the Star Deli on Main Street at the Blumkin Home. But as of Friday, October 8, the nosherie will again be open for business, catering to denizens of the Big-O who relish huge corned beef or pastrami sandwiches, kreplach or matzah ball soup and other traditional Lower East Side fare. So come dig in at the Deli, Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s family-style dining, plentiful and delicious. What’s not to like?

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Be a role model; the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there?

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 1, 2010

With wineries and tourism, settlers try to rebrand settlements for Israeli public by DINA KRAFT PSAGOT, West Bank (JTA) – Inside the cool of a cavernous wine cellar stacked high with oak barrels of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the tensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seem to fade away even at this Jewish settlement in the heart of the West Bank. This is precisely the message a stop at the Psagot Boutique Winery is meant to convey. It’s part of a new strategy by settler leaders to “rebrand” settlements, offering tours of settlement communities in a bid to win over an Israeli public they fear may have abandoned them either through apathy or outright hostility. “We have been feeling that enough is enough. Stop making us look like monsters,” said Yigal Dilmoni, who directs the newly created information office for the Yesha Council, the settlers’ umbrella organization, which is organizing the tours. “Most people don’t realize how regular our lives here are. People wake up in the morning, go to work and are not engaged in the world of politics,” Dilmoni said. The tours are meant to strike a stark contrast to what Dilmoni described as the common media image of settlers as violent radicals on the prowl for brawls with neighboring Palestinians. For the Yesha Council, the significance of not having the Israeli public behind the settlement project hit home in wake of the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, when some 8,000 Jewish settlers were evacuated, some forcibly. It was a traumatic episode for the settler movement -- not only because of the evacuation, but also because there was no broad Israeli uproar against it. It was a lesson, too, in the important role played by opinion makers -- journalists, media personalities and business leaders -- in shaping Israeli society’s views, settler leaders said. This is why the

Yesha Council has decided to start bring- and a threat to the country’s long-term ing such opinion makers to settlements as survival by critics inside Israel, have the first phase of their attempt to improve become one of the major issues of contheir public standing. Avri Gilad, a wellknown Israel media personality, told listeners on a radio show the day after he returned from such a tour that it dramatically changed his view of the settlements. “I went on a tour that revolutionized my awareness of settlements in Samaria,” he said on the show. “I visited places I was The winery in the Jewish settlement of Psagot, in the West Bank. raised to detest. I Credit: Abir Sultan/Flash90/JTA returned in a state of confusion: confusion about the injustice tention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. done to citizens who were called on by They also threaten to derail the recentthe state to settle, given building permits ly relaunched direct peace talks between and then frozen out. I was surprised to the two sides. Palestinian Authority meet people with whom I had a lot to President Mahmoud Abbas has declared talk about, with great warmth and inti- that he’d pull out of the talks if Israel did macy.” not extend a 10-month freeze on conAn earlier public relations strategy, an struction in settlements that is set to ambitious project of billboards and adver- expire Sept. 26. tisements briefly launched in 2008 under The message of the tours, Dilmoni said the slogan “Judea and Samaria, The Story while driving visitors along a stretch of of Every Jew,” proved successful but too highway that cut through a valley surexpensive to maintain over the long term, rounded by ancient terraced hilltops, is Dilmoni said. “Come here and see what has been built Dilmoni, 40, an earnest and energetic here and then decide what to think.” geographer and urban planner by trainThe settlement tours constitute a ing, believes that no one comes away packed day. They begin early in the unmoved from seeing the settler enter- morning, end at sunset, and include stops prise up close, even if their political opin- and conversations at a range of settleions remain unchanged. ments -- large and more urban ones like About 320,000 Israeli Jews live in the Ariel, and smaller ones like Kida, which West Bank. They believe the land is their have sweeping views of the desert unfoldbiblical birthright, and successive Israeli ing into Jordan. They end with a return governments have supported that notion. to the Israeli side of the Green Line -- the But the land also is territory that pre-1967 border between Israel and Palestinians claim as their future state. Jordan that demarcates the West Bank. The settlements, viewed as illegal by In the past, when settlers gave tours of much of the international community Judea and Samaria -- the biblical name for

the West Bank -- the focus was on security and the role of their homes as strategic buffers because they sit on the mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean coastal strip to the west and Jordan to the east. Now a “softer,” more human-interest spotlight has been purposefully chosen, one in which visitors can do a wine tasting at the winery in Psagot, part of a new multimillion-dollar visitors’ center for the Binyamin region that is set to open over the Sukkot holiday. During a visit there last week, workers were rushing to finish building a room that will house more than a dozen touchscreen computer terminals offering information about the area. The center is a sleek new complex that also boasts event space and a small movie theater with plush orange seats that will show a short feature film about a young man who, on the verge of leaving the country for a job in London, “returns to his roots” to tend land on a settlement. The itinerary for the settlement tours also includes home visits. At the edge of the settlement of Eli, home to 700 families, a woman named Eliana Passentin, 36, stands in her backyard overlooking an expanse of sloping terraced hillsides and speaks of her passion for living alongside the history of the Bible. Explaining the view, she points out an Arab village whose name in mentioned in the Bible for producing especially fine wine. She also points to the ancient site of Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was once housed, providing the central site for Israelite worship for 400 years. Passentin describes how her home, located in a neighborhood the Israeli Supreme Court recently ruled was built illegally and has ordered to be razed, was built with the area’s history in mind. “The dining room windows look out onto Shiloh,” she said, “and from the living room we can see the site of Judah Macabee’s first and then final battle.”

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